Sêl Euraidd

by Winds of Water

Roy was only seeking a vacation when he purchased a little cottage on the Bay. What he found instead was a love that would forever turn his life upside down. Roy/Ed.

3. Chapter 3

Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.

- William Shakespeare

…The following day…

Roy had already had quite the busy start to his day, deciding it was best to have occupied himself with going off to the hardware store and purchasing the materials needed to build a secure shelf to set that seashell seal atop for safekeeping. And once he'd accomplished that, he immediately got to work on building the shelf and bracketing it firmly into the wall while tossing back mouthfuls of lukewarm beer.

Now he stood surveying his handiwork, hand gripping his beer, shirtless – which meant he was covered in a slight film of sawdust from nearly head to toe, and a pleased smile on his face.

The shelf was a decent piece of handiwork, if he did say so himself. And when he fetched the seashell seal to place it up on its new perch, it became far more than decent. He knew Edward would be pleased… especially for the fact that he'd built the shelf at a low level where the blond would be able to easily reach.

His gaze drifted to the floor as a faint smile appeared at the thought of the selkie. Tapping his forefinger against the glass of the beer bottle he shook his head with a gusty breath of wry amusement at his situation.

"The only one I've ever truly wanted for forever, and I can't have him." Roy suddenly took a deep drink of his beer, nearly emptying the bottle in one go. "Maybe it's what I deserve. All this searching for fire in others, and when I find the sun…" all that blond hair, those molten gold eyes, "I guess no one is ever meant to possess the sun."

Taking one last glance at the shelf and its singular occupant, Roy headed off into his bedroom, intent on having a shower to wash off all the sawdust before Edward arrived.

When he was finished, he merely pulled on a clean pair of swim trunks and a plain white t-shirt over it. He really wasn't sure what they'd decide to end up doing this afternoon, but he knew better than to discount it wouldn't involve the water at one point or another.

He was rubbing his damp towel through his hair as he exited his bedroom and found that his patio deck doors were thrown open. But instead of feeling suspicious about what tourist was trying to steal his beers, he merely smiled as he made his way towards them.

He didn't see anyone else inside, so he knew where Edward must be lurking.

Walking out as quietly as he could, he found Edward leaning against the railing to the left, watching the waves roll in. And with a smile he crept up, still as silently as he could, and when he was only mere feet away, tossed the towel he'd been drying his hair with over Edward's head.

Edward startled with a yelp as he whipped the towel off his head while whirling about to glare heatedly at the smirking human behind him. "Sure now you don't make any noise."

"Noise is overrated, wouldn't you say?" Roy grinned at him, the grin only growing when Edward lobbed the towel back in his face.

"It's a good thing that I know you're the only one who'd be up here." Edward pouted with crossed arms.

Roy slung the towel over one shoulder as he considered the effect of a pout on Edward's face… and decided that the blond looked quite delectable like that. The way that pout pursed his lips made him long to kiss Edward senseless. "Considering I haven't seen what few neighbors I have in quite a long time, yes, I'd say you'd be safe in that judgment."

"They must live a long way away." Edward mused as he looked back out over the railing towards the beach.

"An acceptably long distance." Roy agreed as he walked over to join Edward at the railing, resting his forearms down and leaning forward. "Which is just fine by me. I've not been tempted to visit them since I figured it out for myself who you are. The women of the bunch, they're big selkie fans as far as the sex factor goes. I'm pretty sure they've tried before to summon one, but there've just been none in range."

Edward's expression turned serious as his eyes darkened at this new knowledge. "None of us have been summoned since we've been here. Hopefully their previous failed attempt will keep them from trying again. A warm current does not always mean we will be around after all."

"As long as they don't touch you." Roy ground out adamantly. "I'm glad to hear though that your pod is being left alone."

Edward looked over at him, his expression clearing from its frown as he basked in the warmth Roy's words gave him. They were as possessive as they were protective, and he couldn't feel anything but gratitude for it… for he knew now that he didn't ever want to be with anyone but Roy ever again. "I think you'd notice if I'd been summoned by anyone. It…" he trailed off for a moment with a pained expression before shaking it away, "it makes me very quiet for a few days afterwards."

Roy's gaze hardened before he put one arm comfortingly around Edward's shoulders to draw him against his side. Edward didn't resist, only continued to look up at him with those fiery eyes. "Try not to think about it. You're safe with me. It's time you make some better memories of humans."

"I already have." Edward replied honestly as he smiled up at Roy. Though it was a shy smile to be sure, his insides were a mass of warm nerves, knowing what he was trying to get up the bravery to say to Roy… to admit to himself.

"Good." Roy moved his arm so that he could ruffle Edward's hair affectionately, earning himself a growl in return. Smirking, he moved his arm away entirely. "So what did you want to do today? Or is it my choice?"

Edward brightened at the questions, although he was still battling the urge to growl again, this time over the loss of contact. "Actually… there's someplace I want to take you, if you'll pack yourself some food and water."

Roy raised a questioning eyebrow even as he gave a short nod. "Boat trip then, I'm thinking?"

"Yeah." Edward grinned. "You'll finally have biceps after I'm done with you."

Roy snorted as he whacked Edward around the head good-naturedly. "Mine are bigger than yours, so I wouldn't taunt too much, sandy little angel."

"I'm smaller than you anyway." Edward pointed out grudgingly.

Roy smirked as he turned, making to go back inside and pack himself some food for the day. "Which I happen to like. Don't ever spend too long wishing you could change your height, Edward. You're perfect as you are."

Edward smiled after him brightly and padded after the human feeling rather cheerful.

"How did your late night last night go?" Roy asked as he made his way through his cottage over to the kitchen.

Edward was glad Roy's back was turned, lest the man see the bright red blush that took over his face. "It was helpful. I needed it." And before Roy could question him further, he fled to the man's bedroom and shortly thereafter, bathroom.

Roy looked after Edward with a flicker of amusement. The selkie had sure beat a quick retreat, he wondered just what the blond had gotten up to. Probably some aspect of Edward's existence that embarrassed him. No matter, he knew what Edward must be up to in there. So he got to work making himself some sandwiches and packing up other snacks that he knew Edward would be able to tolerate.

He was just finishing packing up the small cooler with ice, food, water, and the essential beer when Edward made an appearance again. This time freshly showered and looking extremely pleased.

"You gave me my own pile of clothes to choose from." Edward chirped happily.

Roy grinned as he hefted the loaded-down cooler onto the kitchen table. "Just a small part, temporary even, of giving you a better clothes situation. If you'll allow it, I'd like to take you shopping one day. Find some things that are meant to fit you. Because even when you leave… I hope you'll be back one day?"

Edward watched, unable to help from feeling something twist inside him at the uncertain, hopeful look that crossed Roy's face. And he knew that he had to alleviate Roy's fears about that. "If you'll be here waiting for me, I'll come back. I know I will." And he walked over to stand before the man before saying firmly. "Even if I have to go off by myself, away from the current and the pod, I will come back to you."

Roy felt a relieved smile cross his lips as he nodded once. "I'll always be waiting for you."

Edward smiled back, his eyes searching Roy's own and finding nothing but truth there. And he found himself wondering how he, of all selkies, would have found someone like Roy. "Come with me… there's someplace I really want you to see."

"How can I refuse?"

And so Edward helped Roy with the loading up of the dinghy and hauling it down to the water's edge. Once there Roy took possession of the shirt Edward would no longer need for some time, tossing it into the boat as he shoved it off into the waves. Edward meanwhile waded out on the pretense of helping shove the boat from behind to get it past the roughest of the incoming waves before ducking under the water.

Roy merely fished the now floating swim trunks that had been in the stack of clothes he'd set aside for Edward's use before beginning to row out towards open sea once more. He knew the selkie would give further directions as soon as he felt comfortable in surfacing.

That moment came about the time he finally made it past the markers of Seolh Bay and into true open ocean.

Edward surfaced with a huff of air that sprayed droplets every which way, and he slunk his way through the water to come up next to the dinghy.

"Just give me a general direction and I'm good." Roy said as Edward came up to the side of the dinghy, and on reflex, he was already readying himself for the chance that the selkie might try to broadside him and go for a capsizing.

Edward trilled lowly before giving an abrupt shake of his head and swimming up farther towards the bow of the dinghy. Raising one flipper up out of the water he began to tap on the side insistently.

"You're going to have to be a bit more specific." Roy informed him, already abandoning his oars in order to move towards the fore of the boat carefully.

Edward made a rather offended belching noise before suddenly shapeshifting. "Toss me the rope. And while we're at it, make sure your end is secure. We'll never get there in a decent hour if I let you row on your own."

Suddenly, Roy was staring back into a seal's face, and he merely rolled his eyes as he tossed down the required rope where it was instantly snatched up in Edward's vise-like mouth. "You're the one who wanted to sleep in." He felt he needed to point out, and was splashed for his opinion as Edward dove back under a bit more vigorously than was probably necessary.

Idly, Roy wondered as he made his way back to his seat, he couldn't help but be curious if Edward would actually be any help as a towing component. He didn't have too much time to dwell on it however, as the dinghy gave a sudden lurch forward, causing Roy to have to grip quickly to the sides to avoid being thrown backwards into the water.

"I guess that answers that." He grunted to himself as he took up the oars once more and began to row in the direction he was being pulled from under the surface of the water.

He just hoped that wherever Edward was intent on taking him would be relatively empty of people.

Roy got his answer an hour and a beer later.

It was barely a blip even up close, but even so, it was there. A tiny spit of white sandy beach shaded by scrawny palms. There appeared to be nothing remarkable about it at all, but Roy knew better than to think Edward had been so insistent to bring him to a place this far out that had nothing special about it. There were plenty of other, nearer places, they could have gone. Needless to say, he was very curious when he felt the rope go slack, and he took to rowing the rest of the way on his own.

He tossed the swim trunks into the water as he went, and paid no mind to the surging splash of water that soon followed the landing of them.

"Where exactly are we?" Roy asked after he'd hauled the dinghy up onto the shore and was working on securing it to one of the palms.

Edward had just recently slopped sopping wet out of the surf, and was wringing his hair out in one hand. "Few miles south." And he caught the towel Roy tossed to him and began to dry off his upper body and hair. "This is… well, you'll soon see."

"You definitely have my curiosity." Roy informed him, finishing with the rope with a satisfied grunt before turning to haul the cooler up out of the dinghy and wedge it firmly into the sand.

"I first came here when I was about eight." Edward mused with a somewhat tilted head as he gazed around. "Humans sailing by just write this place off as a meaningless bit of land. But selkies, we'll put up anywhere for the night, so we know better."

Roy snapped the lid of the cooler shut again, a beer in one hand, a bottle of water in the other. The latter he tossed to Edward, who caught it easily. "Well, you'll find this human willing to defer to your expert knowledge."

Edward smirked at him, twisting the cap off the bottle of water. "Such a smart human you are."

"Hey, I figured out what you were, not really believing in it before." Roy pointed out. "I could have written it all off as just a bunch of odd occurrences."

"You're more perceptive than that." Edward mumbled into the bottle before tipping it back for a quick drink. "Not that I mind, really. I did come back after all. I'd had every intention of swimming as far away as possible from that island."

"Why did you come back?" Roy asked at last, not ever having understood why the newly-discovered selkie hadn't fled, but at the time been far too happy that Edward hadn't to ask him about it.

Edward looked away with a small sigh, twisting the cap back onto the bottle of water. "Everything I trusted was telling me to stay, to go back to you. It's not any more complicated than that."

Roy chose not to remark that it sure sounded complicated to him, but then he wasn't somehow linked to an ocean current, not really having that sixth sense. Nor was his instinct bound to be anything like Edward's. "Has that magnetic pull to me, or whatever, let up yet?"

"No." Edward answered honestly, and to be frank with himself, he was puzzled by that. Shouldn't it be enough for all of what drew him to Roy that he was nearly certain that he was falling in love with the human? That was more than he ever thought he'd find with Roy. Days ago he'd have laughed himself silly at the idea that he would come to love this human. Any human!

"Well we still have time." Roy offered in comfort. "Now then, what do you propose we do?"

Edward walked over to Roy with a smile, plucking the beer out of his hand. "I wouldn't have brought you here if you weren't a good swimmer. So lose the shirt and follow me."

Roy was incredibly glad when Edward turned to wander over to the cooler, and was even more glad that he was about to get in the water which would help distract his body from the effects of Edward telling him to lose clothing.

Fuck he really was hopeless.

With a shake of his head, Roy lost the indicated shirt, tossing it into the dinghy along with the one Edward had abandoned previously. He then quickly headed into the water after Edward, who had set their drinks aside for the moment.

"You'll need to grab onto me, hold me around my neck, just don't choke me. I won't thank you for that."

Roy tried not to mentally list all the possible other things he'd enjoy grabbing onto, trying to focus as Edward continued to speak.

"The current is just a little rough underneath the surface, so I'll need to get you past it." Edward paused for a moment, still walking slowly back deeper, before asking. "How long can you hold your breath, about?"

"This late in the day, and after more than one beer throughout it? Three minutes, about." Roy said thoughtfully.

"Not bad for a drunk human." Edward grinned, and before Roy could make a retort, he ducked under the water.

Roy merely sniffed haughtily as he plucked the swim trunks up out of the water as they floated to the surface, and lobbed them back over towards the dinghy where they caught on the side and began to drip-dry.

"I'd like to see you get drunk, selkie. See how long you can hold your breath then." Roy informed Edward as a slate grey seal surfaced sideways in front of him.

Edward bore golden eyes into the human, the mental smirk clearly evident in their gleam. And he stayed quite still, as best he could against the slight rolling current up on the surface, until Roy had firmly circled an arm about his neck.

"When you're ready." Roy spoke, and quickly took a breath as Edward faced forward, and shortly thereafter, down. The water rushed past him in a roaring surge, and he was almost positive he'd left his stomach back on the surface as Edward pelted downwards with ease, even with a passenger.

And he knew the moment it occurred what Edward had meant by a rough current. About five feet down he encountered the ocean's version of turbulence. Suddenly he became glad he'd left his stomach back on the surface, and fought not to tighten his grip around Edward further. He trusted the selkie to know what he was doing.

Then suddenly, everything was calm. And surprisingly clear.

Roy looked around in surprise, having thought that sand from the bottom would have made it cloudy after that carnival ride he'd just been through. But he'd actually never seen water clearer.

And that was no imposition to what was laid before his eyes.

Rising from the white sandy depths untouched by the currents, were multiple roman columns, carved stone archways with topaz tile inlays, crumbling structures that must have once been grand sights indeed, and they were all gathered up against what had once been a mountain, that due to the currents midway up, had been siphoned away into just the small spit of beach at the surface.

He hadn't seen anything like this since he'd vacationed in Greece one year as a teenager. And this… this was so much more.

This sunken city that at one time must have been a truly prosperous and wealthy place was now sunk beneath the surface. Eroded by the ocean, but slowly, for the violent current above had done its job in protecting the structures from the worst, and the coral reefs just beginning to grow around it would only further serve to help preserve it.

But Roy was jerked out of his awed sightseeing as Edward began to swim forward, taking him closer in under one of the sweeping archways. He was still fine for air, and knew that Edward would take a hint the moment he needed some.

So quite happily he allowed Edward to pull him along a bit, down nearer to the sandy bottom that as they slipped by it, he could see was also tiled in a blue and white pattern. And they weren't the only ones down there, he soon learned, as schools of fish that Edward restrained himself from chasing fled upon sighting the selkie, and several massive sea turtles bobbed through the water placidly.

But before long Edward was suddenly circling towards the surface again, and as they hit the more turbulent waters he paid close mind that Roy's hold wouldn't slip as he guided them up, and not long after, to the surface.

Roy immediately took several deep breaths as they bobbed there, his arms still draped around Edward like a flotation device. And in a way, Edward was. But as he got his breath back he slipped to only have an arm draped around the selkie's shoulders. "That's incredible, you know. How old are those ruins?"

Edward dipped down from under Roy's arm, surfacing not long later before the man as a man himself. And looking down thoughtfully as he treaded water he began to answer, his eyes gradually making their way back up to Roy. "When I first came here my mother told me that the ocean had risen up and taken that city, and several others, with it when she was only a little over a hundred years old. There were many great storms, apparently, during those times."

Roy quickly tried to count back the centuries before giving the drenched blond a flummoxed look. "They had civilizations that advanced in these parts that long ago?"

Edward snorted, "I don't know why you think yours is anything special. Maybe it's because of my limited exposure, but during the hundred years I did walk this earth as well as swim it, I saw civilizations develop technology in a matter of years that would probably astound you. Your generation isn't the only smart one that's come along."

Roy chuckled good-naturedly, knowing better than to take offense. Instead he offered his hand out to the blond. "Well I'm ready for another go if you are. You said you wanted to share my passions, the same goes for me."

Edward flashed him a brilliant grin before suddenly shapeshifting. His joy that he didn't need to explain it to Roy that he'd brought the man here because he liked it here, and that Roy wanted to spend time sharing what he enjoyed sent excitement racing through him. And with an eager trill he motored over so that he was in position for Roy to grab onto him again.

Roy had barely secured his grip and gotten a breath before Edward dived back under with a series of clicks that were far louder under the water, and echoed. And as he clung firmly, he smiled as Edward took them farther down. He could tell without a doubt that Edward was happy.

And that was no loss in his eyes.

This time Edward banked them down and around to one of the structures furthest out, near to where the coral was beginning to grow. And it was here that Edward stopped, clicking at Roy until the man got the hint and released him.

Roy hovered on his own in the water, watching as Edward flipped upside down before settling down on the bottom. And he watched with fascination as Edward began to rummage through the sand with his flippers – as if they were hands – until with a delighted cry that seemed to vibrate the water around them, Edward won.

Roy scrambled back in alarm through the water as out from the sand shot up a stingray that had to be at least three meters long. But even more alarming was what Edward was doing.

Thrilled cries spilled out of Edward as he continued to piggyback the stingray as it bobbed sharply up and down through the water trying to shake him off. It was stupid fun, but it was fun! With his flippers anchoring him at the front of the triangular fins, it was much like the underwater version of bull riding.

They'd gotten the idea in Spain, unsurprisingly.

But Edward knew he couldn't do this until the stingray managed to shake him off, and they always did. He had Roy to watch out for. So with some regret he freed his entertainment and swam back around to Roy while expressing his amusement in lilting trills.

Roy rolled his eyes at Edward's antics, glad the selkie appeared to have enjoyed himself, but just as glad that Edward wasn't harmed from the experience. And as Edward approached him he reached out a hand while glancing up towards the surface.

Edward quickly took the hint, and within several seconds he was carrying Roy back to the surface.

Roy surfaced with a gasp for air before turning to the selkie at his side who was now chirping cheerfully. "How did you know one was down there?"

Edward slipped out from under Roy's arm before he shapeshifted once again. "I live down there. After a while you learn to see the differences in how the sand lays. You can tell if something's been by, or is there."

"It really is fascinating down there." Roy marveled to himself.

"Of course it is." Edward laughed cheerfully. "There's a reason I can stay one hundred years in the ocean and not get bored." And then he tilted his head a bit as he continued to absently tread water. "If you were able to hold your breath long enough I'd take you down there to where there used to be an art gallery. Many of the pieces are still preserved perfectly, and inside the building itself is a work of art."

"I'll bet you could make me rich as a treasure hunter." Roy laughed, "maybe I'll see what I can do about getting at least some basic scuba gear." And he quickly explained, realizing that Edward wouldn't understand what he'd meant. "It's an air tank, with a breathing apparatus for underwater exploration. That way I can stay under for at least an hour with you."

Edward wasn't seeing a downside to that, and he grinned. "You should! I can show you so much."

"It's settled then. Give me time to investigate getting one, and I'll keep you informed." Roy was more than happy to spend more time with Edward beneath the water. "How long can you stay underneath yourself without needing air?"

"Depends on what I'm doing." Edward admitted. "If I'm chasing or being chased I use up my air faster. But I've slept an entire night below water more than once. I know it's not normal for seals, but I'm no seal."

"Definitely not."

After a time that included a few more dunks underneath the water, the two of them swam back up to the shore to slosh up to the sand. And as Roy emerged dripping wet he walked over to the dinghy to toss Edward's swim trunks to him before grabbing a towel and beginning to dry off as he looked around.

It seemed that the former mountain he now stood on had been eroded quite nicely over the centuries. He doubted that palm trees and sand had been up here before the ocean took control.

"Are you hungry?" Roy asked as he stooped to pluck his now warm beer from the sand.

Edward had just begun drying himself off with another towel, "a bit." He admitted as he padded over with the towel draped across his head. "Am I to assume by your question that you brought food for me?"

Roy looked up, snorted at the sight of Edward practically dwarfed by the towel over his head, and bent to ease the lid of the cooler up. "Of course I did. Unless you'd rather go hunt. I'd not want to spoil you."

Edward scowled as he fetched his water bottle from where it'd been wedged in the sand, and unscrewing the cap he took a long drink. "You're spoiling me by giving me this stuff." He said once he was done, shaking the half-empty bottle of water in front of Roy's face. "I'm accustomed to saltwater."

"Well if you'd like me to carry around the table salt for you, I can." Roy grinned at him as he pulled free a cold sandwich for himself, and a Tupperware container of sliced fruits for Edward.

"I'll pass, thanks." Edward mumbled as he took possession of the container. And with keen interest he suddenly beat a retreat to the shade of one of the scrawny palms where he sat and pried off the lid.

Roy closed the lid to the cooler, chuckling as he did so when he heard Edward's trill of happiness. It was strange how quickly he'd grown to find such sounds normal. Although anyone else he'd have thought was insane.

"So I guess that'll do for you?" Roy asked as he walked over to plop in the sand and join the blond.

Edward was nibbling delicately on a very juicy section of peach, and unable to really speak, he nodded while looking over at Roy with shining eyes.

"Yep, I'm spoiling you." Roy grinned, and slouched a bit with a sigh of relief. His muscles were just a bit sore after being buffeted so many times by that current midway down. "I have some raw calamari for you as well. Gross looking stuff, calamari, but I figured you might enjoy it."

Edward finally paused in his nibbling of the peach slice to grin at Roy. "Be glad you humans don't try to eat most of the entire squid. They're not very pretty animals any way you look at them."

Roy could agree there, and they ate in comfortable silence until Edward decided he wanted his calamari. Which left Roy to get the bag as Edward suddenly shapeshifted. Something that suited him just fine, actually, as he heard Edward rustle through the sand after him.

He allowed himself only a brief, wicked grin before he sobered.

Pulling free the plastic baggie and a plastic plate Roy knelt in the sand while placing the plate down as Edward flopped over to him. "You're rather less elegant in the sand." He remarked, his grin only flaring larger when he was growled at.

Edward sniffed haughtily, but as Roy poured the lovely little bits of calamari onto the plate, he was cheered significantly. And as soon as Roy was done he dove in as delicately as he dared, being sure to keep his whiskers clear at all times.

Roy grinned as he sat back, watching Edward valiantly try to keep himself clean. It really was endearing to watch. But he didn't let himself get too distracted, because at the point in time that Edward was nearly done, he reached into the cooler sneakily.

And he bided his time carefully until Edward had nibbled up the last piece, a wicked grin broke onto his face again. "Edward."

Edward looked up, and before he knew it, a medium-sized beach ball of orange and green was soaring at his head. And like a shot, he flung himself to the side to grab it out of the air with his flippers and a joyful squeal. Everything else flew from his mind as he rolled back and forth on his back, batting the ball up into the air only to catch it and snuggle it to his body, gnawing on it lightly a bit before tossing it back up again.

Roy was nearly beside himself with silent laughter, watching as Edward would bat it up higher with his tail before rolling around with it again, all the while gleeful noises leaving the selkie. He had one arm thrown around the cooler to anchor him as laughter wracked him so hard it almost hurt, and tears were gathering at the corners of his eyes.

Edward continued to squeal happily, rubbing his head affectionately along the beach ball before tossing it back up again. Nothing else registered in his mind, his full attention was enraptured by the round object.

And as Edward had said, he would be obsessed until he tired. After all the swimming he'd done with Roy, it didn't take too much longer. And Roy tried to stifle his laughter down as Edward suddenly let the beach ball bounce off away from him.

Edward blinked only once, sleepily, before he remembered where he was… and what had happened. An embarrassed shriek escaped him as he scrambled back onto his belly, golden eyes wide as they stared at Roy in shock and accusation.

A small chuckle escaped Roy as he braced himself against the look, but he was unable to help his grin. "You're absolutely adorable."

Edward squeaked in embarrassment, and feeling just a little huffy, he fled for the water – intent on pouting at the bottom on the fact that he had no self-control.

Roy just grinned after the selkie's retreat, not too worried. "But hell, way to make me jealous of a beach ball." He added as he stretched forward to reach across the sand and grab the ball back. Putting it back inside the cooler he sat back with a relaxed sigh and a grin. "He's never going to forgive me for that one."

But it had been entirely worth it.

Meanwhile at the bottom, Edward was grumbling to himself as he floated along the sand in circles, disturbing it with his flippers. He wasn't exactly mad at Roy. Mostly, he was mad that he hadn't been able to control himself.

It was embarrassing! Acting like that.

"These damn impulses." But a shiver that had nothing to do with embarrassment quivered through his body. "Why can I act on that one," he murmured to himself, "but I still can't seem to kiss him again? I've got to be braver than this."

Eventually he returned to the surface, feeling pensive instead of pouty.

Before long he was sitting down beside Roy, offering the man a shy look. "You're evil."

Roy smiled at him, and raising his arm up he put it around Edward's shoulders, stunned to silence for a moment when Edward leaned against him with a contented sounding breath. A stirring inside him caused him to clear his throat, and suddenly shift one knee a bit upwards before he said, in a strained sounding voice, "but I could tell you enjoyed it."

Edward let his eyes close as he relaxed against the human's firm, warm body. "You're still evil."

Roy smiled faintly, and angling his hand up he brushed it through Edward's wet, blond hair carefully so he'd not tug. "I enjoy watching you when you're happy." And he only smiled more as a yawn met his statement. "Want to sleep while I row us back? We should be getting back soon if you want to go exploring the island nightlife tonight."

Edward hummed as he opened his eyes to tilt his head back against Roy's shoulder and check the position of the sun. "No, I'll be fine. I'll help tow you back."

Roy didn't argue, and as Edward relaxed back against him he couldn't have argued even if he'd wanted to. Instead they sat there, reaching for drinks every so often until they decided mutually that they should start heading back now.

So between the two of them they got the dinghy loaded once more and on its way back to Seolh Bay.

They arrived perhaps an hour into nightfall, which suited both of them just fine, actually. By now the beach was empty. And so Edward was able to shapeshift with far fewer concerns and help Roy get the dinghy back up to the cottage.

Not long later they trooped inside, and Roy waved Edward off to the shower while he got things put away. Which was surprisingly quite a bit. But once he finally finished he let himself out onto the patio, crossing over to the railing where he leaned his forearms down against it, eyes gazing at the ocean as the gentle waves sparkled and foamed under the moonlight.

A sigh slipped past his lips as he bowed his head, raising one hand to run his fingers raggedly through his hair. "So hopeless…" he breathed, "I can't even stop him from touching me, just for my own sanity. What a joke I must be." Shaking his head he put his hand back down, looking out to the ocean beseechingly. As if the dark waters held all the answers.

He wasn't sure how long he stood out there before he felt a hand rest up on his shoulder.

Edward's head tilted quizzically as he regarded Roy. "Are you okay?"

Roy smiled at him, not wanting to worry the selkie. And certainly not about his unrequited feelings. He knew how Edward felt about falling in love with a human. "Yeah. Just enjoying the evening." Pulling away he started back inside. "I'll be ready shortly. Need to get the sand out of my ass."

Edward blushed through his grimace, and watching Roy's retreat, he tried not to stare the entire time at said ass. But once Roy was out of viewing range, he blushed even more through a smile. "Seems rather a nice ass so far." He muttered to himself as he turned around to watch the ocean as Roy had been, his heart already beginning to race in excitement.

Roy hadn't lied about the time it would take him, and venturing out onto the deck he paused. He had to admit, even if his clothes were a little big for Edward, the blond didn't look half bad at all. But casting it from his mind as best he could he ventured back to Edward's side. "Remind me to buy you lots of jeans. You look good in them."

Edward looked up at him happily. "Can you swim in them?"

Roy nearly groaned at the mental image. Wet denim clinging to every previously missed contour? The added weight tugging them lower than normal around those slender hips? "You can if you want, but they'll be heavy. And best make sure you're alone, because any sane human would want to jump you seeing that."

Edward filed this away for use on one sane human in particular. "Good to know."

"Well, let's get going then." Roy announced as he turned to lock up. "I brought my wallet, so if you want to go anywhere or buy anything we can."

"Wet jeans." Edward mumbled under his breath, hardly loud enough for Roy to hear. And quickly he followed the man down to the beach.

Together they made their way back to the marketplace area, which unsurprisingly to Roy, sounded a lot like Marti Gras right now. Clearly the tourists were out in force, as was the entertainment consisting of so many bands, that Roy was having a hard time distinguishing what the hell any one of them in particular was attempting to play.

Amidst the throngs of tourists in various stages of undress were vendors selling everything from food, to condoms. It was from one of these vendors that Roy purchased – at Edward's adamant instance – two frozen yogurts from a stand that churned on-site. He wasn't risking Edward getting sick from the vanilla cone he handed the blond.

He himself started licking on his chocolate one as he laughingly followed after Edward who was avidly bopping around through the crowd. For being so suspicious of humans, he could tell that the selkie did truly enjoy things like this, and he realized that Edward probably was enjoying it even more now. Now that he knew he was safe. Roy would skewer his frozen yogurt into the eye of anyone who dared touch Edward.

"There's so many people." Edward observed in awe as he was guided by Roy around the edge of a more bouncy group of women who seemed to be chanting something about Jell-O shots. And Roy, having been to college, wasn't about to stick around and let Edward be dragged into it.

"Big population boom." Roy explained a bit loudly to be heard over the cheers of 'on his nipple!'. "You see, people got a bit more creative about sex, and suddenly it was being done a lot more often."

Edward snorted, but found himself laughing. "More like you lot don't wait for marriage anymore for fear of it being a bastard child."

"Well, there is that." Roy laughed as well in agreement.

So they continued to mill through the crowd, remarking to each other in hushed voices about the people they were passing while licking on their frozen yogurts. Several times Edward was pushed into laughter so hard that Roy had to steady the blond, lest he tumble over. Which only served to make them laugh more… especially when they were given odd looks by the drunks.

"So you like to just wander around at stuff like this?" Roy asked during a slight lull in the normal festivities, the entertainment now being that of a parade that again, reminded him very much of Marti Gras with the floats, street performers, and general disarray of craziness that made everyone involved seem like they'd had one too many shots of absinthe.

They were now huddled together to watch the parade, up on a four foot high brick wall that encompassed a small garden in front of the bank. Roy had had to lift Edward up, but now they were ensconced together under the hibiscus that had been strung with softly glowing lights.

"I'm not much of a party person as some humans can be." Edward smiled as he chipped away at his cone with his fingers, knowing it'd make him sick to eat it. Plus he'd hate to ruin the smooth taste of vanilla still in his mouth. "But I do like watching. It's fun for me just to be around it. And it's been so long since I felt comfortable enough for it."

Roy allowed himself a quick glance down to Edward's pulled up legs, knowing the selkie was even now protecting his sealskin by not letting his legs dangle. "I'll agree that we can be amusing." And he looked back at the floats, now being preceded by percussion bands. "And I'm glad you can see stuff like this again."

Edward nodded absently with a small smile, feeling very much relaxed up here with Roy. Being apart from everyone else, looking down on at all, surrounded by the soft twinkling glow of the lights. "I'm just glad to be here with you." He replied softly.

Roy looked down, meeting the warm golden eyes as they were turned up to meet his. And raising his hand, he cupped Edward's cheek tenderly. "There's not anywhere else I'd rather be."

A slow breath slipped past his lips as Edward relaxed into Roy's touch. "No… right here is nice."

Neither of them could guess how long they stayed like that, transfixed in the other's gaze. But after a time the parade did end, and the abrupt absence in music jolted them back to everything else. And clearing his throat to try and sort himself back out, Roy hopped down from where they'd been sitting before holding up a hand in order to help Edward down.

Edward was smiling as he steadied himself with a hand on Roy's shoulder, but he made no move to let go as he stood there gazing up at the man, and Roy was making no move to release him. And for a moment all he could do was remember to breathe as Roy's other hand came up to tangle in his hair. It was all he could do not to stumble forward as his sense of balance fairly shattered, and he closed his eyes with a shaky breath. "Please… Roy…"

Roy closed his eyes as well, but with the flash of sadness he was trying to repress. And suddenly he opened his eyes again as he raised his head the traitorous inches it had fallen towards Edward's, trying to ignore the pain he knew was his fault. "We should be going. It's really late." He said with forced cheer, drawing away fully to turn around and begin to lead the way.

Edward's eyes flashed open wide at both Roy's words, and the sudden absence of the man. An emotion he couldn't recognize flashed through him, not quite unlike fear, but so different even so. "Roy, I – ! Wait!" And he dashed after the man to catch Roy's hand in his with a pounding heart. "Roy, please, wait."

Roy sighed, and shook his head. "I don't trust myself right now, Edward. Not to stand here with you right now and not... I need a hell of a long walk, so come along."

Edward actually found himself stopping, Roy's hand slipping from his as he watched the man continue to walk away, before suddenly he raced after him as his heart raced just as swiftly. Even if Roy didn't trust himself… he trusted Roy, and he knew now, he knew this was what he wanted.

Roy was everything he wanted.

So he raced after him down the beach, not knowing when they'd left the town so far behind.

"I don't care if you don't trust yourself!" He blurted out before he lost his courage as he came upon the man once more, stumbling slightly to a halt just behind Roy as the man abruptly turned to face him. "Not anymore." He continued ardently through little pants to catch his breath, his searching eyes never leaving Roy's. "Whatever it is you don't want to do to me…" he whispered now as he tentatively closed the space between them, "just wait." And placing his hands on Roy's chest, he leaned in with a quivering breath to brush his lips against Roy's. "Please, Roy."

Roy closed his eyes with an unsteady breath, his lips still tingling from that briefest touch, heat still coiling through him. And his breathing hitched as Edward began to brush those same kisses along his jaw. "Edward…" he whispered in a voice roughened in swiftly growing desire. "This is your last chance…"

Edward pulled away only enough to look up at Roy's still-closed eyes. "Good." And not awaiting a reply, dove in to claim Roy's lips in a true kiss.

It took not even a second for his restraint to snap, and all at once Roy seized Edward sharply to him. And when Edward parted his lips before his assault with a startled, sinful moan, it raised a possessiveness in him that he'd never encountered before.

This beautiful creature was his. Wanted him. Who was he to deny them any longer?

And with that thought in mind, the kiss deepened with a desperate roughness that made Edward whimper in shameless approval, and made Roy clutch him closer to leave no semblance of air between them as he plundered Edward's willing mouth.

Edward was the first to break away from the dizzying kiss with a gasp, though by Roy's answering gasp he needed proper amounts of air too. And he rested their foreheads together as he gasped in steadying air; only to be driven nearly delirious with pleasure when Roy's hands began a claiming path down his body, his body trembling with desire wherever those hands went. Yes, this was what he wanted. He wanted Roy to have him, and he groaned shakily before with a sudden need he began to kiss along Roy's neck, dropping little nips along the way that had Roy's breath catching.

Roy was more than happy to lose himself in the insanity inducing pleasure, the elated shock that this was real, and had nearly done so when a coy, teasing tug at the waistband of his pants brought him abruptly back down to earth with a feral growl that he was pleased to feel made Edward shiver, but not pause in his kissing. "Wanting something?" He purred, tipping his head down to lick at the outer ridge of Edward's ear.

Edward nipped Roy harder than before, pleased at the groan he received. Or perhaps it had been because of the way his hands had begun fiddling with untucking Roy's shirt and dancing over the clasp of Roy's jeans. Either way, his darkened eyes were glittering in mischief and desire as he looked up at his human. "Not just something, Roy," he corrected breathlessly. "I want all of you. Everything."

"So demanding." Roy accused agreeably as he caught Edward's hands in his, dark eyes boring into gold. "Come with me, this'll be less abrasive on a bed."

Edward groaned his approval, and caught the kiss Roy leaned down to give him with a hum of delight, licking at the man's lips when he withdrew before chasing after them to catch them in another kiss that quickly deepened until he pulled away for a gasp of breath as he gazed up at Roy. And for a moment, they stayed that way, panting softly for breath, until suddenly Roy was leading them to the cottage.

Neither could be sure exactly how they got there, much less got to the bedroom. The entire way had been spent with stumbling kisses and touches as they moved along, before at last Roy tumbled them both onto the bed.

X

It was late the next morning when at last the sated and entangled pair began to crawl out of the depths of sleep. And Roy awoke fully when he felt Edward arch and stretch against him with one of those little trills that he knew so well. Giving his own luxurious stretch he settled his arms a bit better around the body that immediately repositioned itself as being draped over his.

"How are you feeling?" Roy asked gently as he began to lightly stroke his fingers down the curve of Edward's back.

Edward relaxed under the touch, feeling almost like he was being given a massage after the vigorous activities of their night. And he smiled to himself with a faint blush as he recalled it. "Blissful." He admitted as he began to slowly run his fingers in patterns against Roy's chest. "It's never been like that for me."

Roy was more than a little pleased, and felt that protectiveness for his beautiful selkie flare up again. He'd do all he could to make sure it remained that way for Edward, keep him out of the clutches of any other humans. "Nor me." He admitted softly in return.

Edward slowly eased himself up on his elbow to look down at his chosen in still-sleepy puzzlement, "no?"

Roy did not still his attentions to the blond, only added to them as the arm that had remained to anchor Edward to him now shifted to bury itself in the locks of blond hair slipping over Edward's shoulders. "I've never been in love like this before."

Edward felt his breath stall at the words. His pulse quickening. They were the words he'd always known, somehow… deep down. He'd known it for truth in the times Roy had looked at him, the hidden words behind those spoken, and the tender touches.

A less-sure man might have been worried by the silence that met his declaration, but Roy knew Edward too well to mistake the look on that face as anything but stunned elation. And he smiled as he lifted his head to brush his lips against Edward's in a loving kiss. "I never planned to tell you…" he continued softly as he eased his head back down to the pillow, "but you changed everything last night."

Edward drew in an unsteady breath as a smile began to worm its way onto his lips. And feeling a burst of warm compassion for this man, he swooped down to return the kiss in kind. "I love you, Roy. I don't want to be without you anymore, not like we were." He whispered earnestly, burying his face down against one of Roy's shoulders. "Damn it, I don't want to be without you!"

Roy sensed the distress in Edward, and with a flash of compassion for his lover, he drew him tightly against his body once more. "You won't be. I'm yours, until the day I die. I always have been."

"Even my fear of losing you one day to death wasn't enough anymore." Edward replied quietly, voice fraught with emotion. "I'd rather love you now, then go through the rest of my life never knowing what it would have been like. Regretting."

"Don't regret." Roy whispered as he tipped his head to press a kiss to Edward's hair. "I'm scared too, you know. To one day not know if the future will bring me another day by your side. So at the very least, we can be scared together… so long as we use that fear to make the most of each day we do have."

A slow, long breath escaped him, and Edward shifted so that his head was nestled under Roy's chin. "I love you… even if you do make me feel as emotional as a vapid female."

Roy chuckled at that, closing his eyes peacefully. "You're no female. And as far as I'm concerned, so long as you share this side with only me, I'm happy."

Edward found himself smiling as he snuggled impossibly closer against Roy's warm body. "There could only ever be you. I'm two hundred and thirty-six, I should know there's only you."

"Which officially makes you the oldest…" Roy stumbled for the correct word, neither person nor selkie seeming appropriate, "individual," he settled on abruptly, "I've ever slept with."

"Oh," Edward tutted as he raised his head with a devious smile, "I think we did more than sleep last night. I think I recall you uttering a few choice phrases and noises that had nothing to do with sleep."

Roy smirked, "I don't know, I can have some fairly vivid wet dreams." And at Edward's glare, grinned. "Remind me otherwise?"

Edward knew an invitation when he heard one, and with a matching grin, pounced in acceptance.

It was creeping well into the afternoon before the pair finally convinced themselves to get out of bed, the pains of hunger and other needs no longer willing to be so spectacularly ignored. But that didn't stop them from stealing kisses and touches the entire way to the shower, where the water was not the only thing they heated up.

Once they were both dressed – unfortunately in their minds, but necessary for the remaining part of the day – Edward lounged against the bathroom counter as he watched Roy mess with a long, bristled stick of plastic, and a plastic tube that he was squirting something blue out of.

"What's that?" He finally couldn't help but ask as Roy made to lift the blue gel-like substance on the bristled stick up to his mouth. "That looks thicker than lube."

Roy cracked a grin and a short chuckle before shaking his head. "It's not lube. It's toothpaste."

"And what is toothpaste?" Edward asked him promptly, intent on this new item.

"It's…" Roy tilted his head, "I'd have you try it, but I think the flavor residue would upset your stomach. Basically it cleans teeth, and freshens breath."

Edward blinked, that was certainly an interesting idea, and then he frowned. "Do I need these things to take care of my human form?"

Roy smiled, leaning over to kiss Edward chastely. "I explored your mouth thoroughly last night, and this morning. I do not find anything amiss or disagreeable. Oddly enough, you taste like vanilla constantly. I'd thought it was just that ice cream at first. So no, my sandy little angel, you do not need these things. Not that I can tell."

Edward blinked owlishly, not exactly understanding… but it made Roy smile and laugh, so he was happy. And he watched with keen interest as Roy turned the blue gel into a white foamy lather. The things humans came up with…

But he hadn't noticed anything amiss with Roy either, but he stayed quiet about that, letting the human go about his routine.

"Do you realize this is the longest I've ever been out of water?" Edward asked when he was following Roy out towards the kitchen.

Roy looked over at him, a bit prideful in the way he looked at his sandy little angel. "We can go swimming some, there's still time. Unless you'd rather I set us up on a few blankets on the patio deck with cold water and food."

Edward smiled, "that… we can go down to the water here once the tourists have all gone."

Which was how they ended up an hour later in a nest of blankets that Roy had constructed for them in the shade of the slight awning over the deck; pillows against the wall for them to lean into, and an assortment of chilled water, beer, and various foodstuffs for them both.

Currently, Edward was gleefully munching on a long stick of pineapple, having already delighted that Roy had remembered.

Roy was just content to hold the blond to him as they relaxed and talked quietly, a beer in one hand, the other resting possessively against Edward's abdomen. "The others won't worry about you, right?"

Edward blushed mid-bite, and quickly finished it before he dared answer, no longer worried he'd choke. "It's not the first time I've stayed away from the pod through the night. And on the off chance they do wonder… my mom probably has already guessed what happened and will subdue their concerns."

"I'd like to meet your mother one day." Roy voiced as he continued to think about it, the idea seeming ever-better to him. "I have something to thank her for, and it's just plain nice to meet the family if they're lurking nearby."

Tipping his head back and around, Edward gazed at Roy searchingly. "Tomorrow, if you like, I'll go get her and bring her here. I think she'd like to meet you as well."

"I'll have clothes waiting for you both, then." Roy smiled, for once, not worried about meeting a parent of someone he was dating. Both for that he knew it was something far more serious than 'dating' between them, and that he suspected Edward's mother was probably the last parent who could ever be anything less than gracious.

"And no beach balls." Edward glowered at him.

Roy snickered, but found himself nodding in agreement. "Okay. Besides, I got rather jealous imagining you rubbing all over me instead of that beach ball… although preferably in a human form. No offense, but the other way just, I still can't quite get my mind around it not being bestiality."

Edward snorted, but was hardly offended at all. "It's not, but I understand." And then a coy smile began to creep onto his face as he gave an indulgent full-body stretch against Roy, pressing himself against the man; sliding, arching, giving a satisfied groan as he felt Roy tense, heard his breath catch. "Rubbing all over you feels better like this anyway."

Roy nearly swore as he tried to muster enough control not to say the hell with it, and pin Edward beneath him right here in front of possible tourist eyes. "Edward… I've not even finished one beer yet."

Edward grinned as he arched again, seductively reaching his hands out, one falling to rest on Roy's upper thigh. "You've eaten, right?"

Roy suddenly gave a feral growl as that teasing hand crept higher, and reaching out swiftly he caught the torturous hand in his own, his other now going to Edward's hips as his feet nudged the blankets higher. "Slide down a bit." He purred into Edward's ear, not bothering to try and withhold his groan as the minx of a selkie did so against his body.

Edward stopped when he felt Roy's hand on his hip squeeze, and when Roy suddenly released his hand, he grasped the blankets with a racing heart and a stifled gasp as that hand began to slowly, but confidently, unclasp his pants. "Roy, there are people –!"

"And we're on private property." Roy replied as Edward's breath became more hurried, anticipatory. "Mine."

And Edward knew in that instant, as he arched into Roy with a strangled groan, that Roy hadn't been talking just about the cottage and the sand around it.

He couldn't say he disagreed with the doubled claim.

Afterwards, as they lay there catching their breath, Roy was pleased to note to Edward that they'd not been discovered at all – earning himself a sharp elbow to his ribs, not that he minded as they both began to quietly laugh.

"You made a mess of our clothes." Edward scolded after they had succeeded in catching their breath and mostly dampening their laughter.

Roy chuckled again, but not for long as he placed a kiss against Edward's neck, before biting him playfully. "We'll go swimming soon… and then a shower will take care of the rest before I attempt to lure you to my bed again."

Edward smiled blissfully, "it won't take much effort. Fuck knows how I managed to stay away this long… I guess I'm damn stubborn when I'm scared."

"Doesn't matter now." Roy replied, running his fingers through Edward's hair. "We're together, that's what counts."

They continued to half-lay there in each other's arms, ensconced in the padded comfort of the blankets and pillows around them, watching the sea and those tourists still around it. Dusk was rapidly approaching by now, a day quickly gone in a testament to their long night. But neither of them could find it in themselves to mind, it had been worth it, every moment.

They waited a good five minutes after the last person had vanished from view, intent on taking their activities elsewhere once again for the night. Only then did they rouse themselves from their contented laziness to head down onto the sand, and shortly thereafter, the water.

"Is there any chance that any of the others will come here with you and your mother tomorrow?" Roy asked as he waded into the surf.

Edward splashed in with less grace, going in until it reached his chest and with a large grin. He loved the water, and he'd been away from it for far longer than was normal for him. "I don't plan to ask her to come with me to meet you in their presence. Some might want to if I did, but honestly," he rubbed at the back of his neck with an apologetic grin at Roy, "I'm feeling a bit possessive?"

"Well, you won't find me upset about that." Roy smiled at him reassuringly. "So long as I have you, and can meet your mother, that's more than I ever thought I'd have. All I could ever want."

Edward nodded slowly, happily. And with a smile beginning to tug on his mouth he crossed through the water to raise his hands to Roy's face with a thoughtful look. "Then remember this for me," he spoke firmly, but quietly under the gentle noise of the waves, "never shed tears where the ocean can find them. All a selkie needs is seven to be called to your side… and I am a possessive selkie."

Roy knew well that he'd remember… he knew how Edward viewed such acts, and that awareness changed the facts of the legend all too well. "I would never want to call anyone but you to my side, though never in such a manner."

Edward breathed out in relief, before raising up onto his feet to kiss the corner of Roy's mouth lovingly. "You have me willingly anyway."

Roy didn't reply but to lower his head to catch Edward's lips in a proper kiss. And gathering the blond to him as he felt Edward's hands begin to slide up his chest or into his hair, he could hardly object when Edward deepened their kiss with a needy whine.

So involved they were in their kiss, that neither of them was ready for the rogue wave that crashed at sudden around them, toppling them both into the water.

Yet they surfaced with gasps and laughter as they struggled to get back on their feet, helping each other as they went.

"How could you, out of anyone," Roy began laughingly as he pushed his sopping hair out of his face, "not sense that wave coming?"

Edward attempted a half-hearted scowl, but failed miserably. "I was a bit involved with your tongue down my throat." He pointed out helpfully through a fit of laughter. "You may recall."

"You didn't seem too put out by it." Roy grinned back wickedly.

Edward rolled his eyes, but with mischief entering his eyes, he decided quickly on retribution. And without even giving Roy time to register the fact that maybe he should run for it, he dove to tackle the man back into the water.

They tipped back with a splash and a startled curse from Roy's end.

And as soon as they surfaced for air, Roy made sure that Ed got at least one quick pant of air before he dunked the terror of a selkie back under. Edward resurfacing only to splash Roy thoroughly. And not that their following water fight did anything to help how soaked they'd gotten, it was still enjoyable.

The battle stopped only when they splashed out of the water too tired to continue, and their laughter too great to make it easy to run through the surf with much effectiveness anymore. And Edward couldn't help but trill happily when he felt Roy's arms come around him from behind to hold him close as they stood there watering the sand and catching their breath.

"I never did mind your little noises," Roy said, beginning to lick along the salty wet lines on Edward's neck, "but now they just make me want to give you even more to really purr about."

"I noticed last night." Edward grinned, relaxing into Roy's grip and tipping his head aside to allow Roy the room the man was nudging him for. "Every time I lapsed you'd really put your back into it."

Roy sniggered, continuing to lick his little trails. "That and when you'd scream my name and beg me for more… of various natures. Which was fairly often. You're a vocal one."

Edward was fairly sure he blushed down to his toes. "I noticed you didn't mind it." He grinned in response.

"I think that bears more investigation." Roy drawled thoughtfully as his hands began to move down towards Edward's hips.

Edward couldn't help but laugh in agreement, and twisting so that he could see the man, he grinned invitingly. "I think you just like to hear yourself talk." He taunted without fear.

Roy bit a little harder than normal on the impertinent blond's neck, "the ability to talk will be escaping you shortly." And without further pause, he grabbed Edward up into his arms as the selkie squeaked indignantly, to bear them off to his cottage.

X

The next morning Edward awoke to a drugging, pleasant sensation that nearly sent him spiraling back to sleep. Stretching languidly a contented sigh slipped from his lips as tipped his head so he was facing down on the bed, allowing Roy extra room.

Room that Roy took with a knowing chuckle as he moved the brush obligingly to begin carefully easing the knots from the blond tresses, before smoothing the hairs with more indulgent strokes that he could visibly see were causing Edward's entire body to relax without an ounce of tension. And reaching up to gently run his fingers through the other section, he cocked his head so that he could smile down at the small portion of Edward's face that remained visible out of the pillows. "I think I'm making you an addict."

Edward fairly purred with happiness as he tried to focus every bit of attention on that brush and those fingers stroking through his hair. But he still had enough to spare his lover as he smiled into the pillow, answering in a muffled, "don't care… feels nice."

Roy chuckled, unable to help but think it felt more than nice if the way Edward was melting into each brushstroke was any indication. But he said nothing to it, only continuing his attentions. He was fairly certain now, more than he had been before he'd begun this, that Edward had never had anyone actually brush his hair before. "Then I won't deny you," he replied back. And leaning down to place a kiss to the soft hair that smelled so sinfully of his own shampoo, he never once paused in his brushing, only whispered, "but you have only about half an hour before the beach will start to become busy as normal. It's still fairly quiet out there right now."

Edward absorbed the information with a spark of disappointment, but gave a small nod as Roy's ministrations never ceased. "I'll leave soon then…" and he groaned as the brush passed over a particularly lovely spot, "but not yet."

Roy chuckled, and moved the brush over the same spot again, this time with a different pressure to watch as Edward fairly pressed up into it. "Like a cat." He murmured to himself with a smile, before saying louder, "okay. Let me at least finish brushing."

The disagreement he never expected never came, and with his smile still in place, Roy continued to brush through Edward's hair until it all lay smooth and shining gold. And then as well for some time afterwards until he believed he'd found every single spot that made Edward arch up into the touch before relaxing back down into an even more lifeless mass.

When the brush was finally laid aside, Edward was reluctant to have had Roy do so, but knew he needed to set out before the beach became too busy to get not one, but two selkies up onto it without raising suspicion. And turning, feeling a pleasant hum still in every inch of his body, he smiled at Roy. "Thank you."

Roy chuckled, leaning in to catch Edward's lips in a kiss. "You're welcome. And yes, I know what you want, I'll do that again sometime."

Edward grinned at him shyly, "I guess I was pretty obvious."

"Mmm…" Roy hummed as he considered his blond lover, "I was rather banking on that reaction."

Edward gave a short laugh, before sighing and working on disentangling himself from the covers. "I guess I'll be back shortly then."

Roy watched as Edward won out over the covers of the bed, and moved with the blond to get up out of it. "Will you be hungry when you get back? Or are you planning to do some hunting on your way?"

Edward smiled, and stepped over to Roy to quickly kiss him on his neck. "Not sure. But I'll let you know if I get hungry. I do more often since we've started being intimate."

Roy grinned rakishly at him, and as Edward made to turn to head out for the main room, swatted the blond's naked rump, smirking as the selkie squeaked in surprise. "Well if you don't want anyone else out there trying to be intimate with you, I'd get some pants on at least."

Edward glared at him through a smile as he rubbed at his arse. "You wouldn't save me?"

"Naturally." Roy assured him, and reached out to catch Edward's chin. "But that doesn't mean I want them looking, or thinking they can touch what's mine."

Edward's glare faded as he just smiled at his human. "I'll always be yours. Don't worry." And coming forward to wrap his arms around Roy in a quick embrace he angled his head so he could kiss Roy's neck again. "I love you, I'll be back soon."

Roy nodded, and watched as Edward found his swim trunks and danced into them before heading out to the main room. He followed, having already gotten dressed, and walked with Edward down to the beach still mostly empty of others.

"I'll go find one of my robes for your mother." Roy told Edward as they walked down to the surf, to a point where if Edward went in, he could shapeshift in relative concealment behind a rather large rock. "I don't really have women's clothing."

Edward snickered, grinning up in amusement at him. "You're not a fan of wearing dresses, my Roy?"

"Your Roy is not." Roy agreed solemnly, and as Edward splashed down into the water, called out. "Be safe out there."

Edward smiled back at him, "I will."

And Roy could only watch as Edward splashed in deeper, until he was able to be concealed by surf and that large rock, and suddenly the blond was gone. But he only stepped up to catch the swim trunks as they floated in on the waves. Figuring he had at least fifteen minutes until Edward would be back with his mother in tow, he turned to head up to the cottage to grab towels and a robe.

Meanwhile Edward swam swiftly out of the Bay. The thought of being gone too long from Roy's side wasn't one he particularly liked.

And so he darted through the water, easily making good time.

It was not long at all before he was rapidly approaching the clustering of rocks that the rest of the pod would be on or near, and as he reached them he clicked greetings to those who were in the water before surfacing with a great spray of water and puff of air.

"Good morning, Aur." His mother greeted as her son swam over to where she was sunning.

Aur had to wonder if it was entirely necessary that she sound so smug. But shaking it off, he came over to rest his front flippers on the rock she was laying on. "Morning, mother." He returned, not quite as smugly, and tilting his head in classic seal style, asked, "can we talk alone again?"

She chirped interestedly a moment, before giving a subtle nod. "Of course." And without further words to it, she gamboled around where her son had just slipped off fully into the water, and slid in herself. As soon as the water cleared around her she swam off to where Aur was slowly making his way back out towards open waters.

Aur didn't explain right away as his mother came to swim beside him, quietly, patiently. He waited until they were a goodly distance away from the others before slowing and spinning in the water to face her. "Roy would like to meet you. Will you come meet my human?"

Whiskers twitching in a seal-smile, she trilled her amusement. "Your human?"

Aur ducked his head in slight embarrassment, although he felt he was getting better. It was just… admitting to your mother that you had a lover wasn't exactly the least embarrassing situation one could throw themselves into. "I think you've already guessed as to where I've been. I love Roy… and now he knows it."

"I would very much like to meet your Roy." She reassured him with a flare of motherly pride that her son had found someone… and been brave enough to allow himself to find it with a human despite his fears. "If he can win you, I am sure he is a man worth meeting."

Aur brightened at that, only able to agree. Roy was very special to him, and a very rare sort of human, the kind of which he'd never met before. So without any more pause, he turned to begin swimming for the Bay again, his mother close on his tail.

It took them only about five minutes longer to reach it.

Roy was waiting in the shallows where Edward had disappeared, his arms laden down with towels, Edward's swim trunks, and a robe. He had a feeling that Edward would insist on a shower… together… before he dressed in anything clean of saltwater.

He was just beginning to wonder where the heck Edward was, when not one, but two seal heads popped up out of the water to blink at him. He didn't even have to wonder which one was which, and he tossed Edward's swim trunks down to the golden eyed selkie before looking at the other and meaningfully holding out a large towel and the robe. "For you." And he set them up on a small ledge of the rock before turning to give Edward's mother some privacy.

He'd at least seen Edward naked more than once.

And splashing up out of the water, he was soon joined by Edward to whom he gave the other towel with a smile. "Nice swim?"

"Brisk." Edward grinned at him as he began fluffing dry his hair with the towel. "You've really got to go swipe some scuba gear from somewhere so I can drag you along."

Roy chuckled indulgently as he leaned down to steal a kiss from willing lips. "Don't worry, I'll work on doing just that."

Edward smiled up at him happily, and whatever he was about to say in reply was forgotten as the sound of more splashing reached their ears.

"I was right, kissing him does make you happy."

Edward blushed scarlet as he turned to glare at his mother. "Mom!" He protested in true son-fashion.

Roy turned as well, eyes landing on who he could only assume was Edward's mother. She was as old as he had expected, eight centuries give or take a few years roughly translated into her looking about eighty as a human. And yet, she still looked full of life. Her hair hadn't even gone fully grey yet. Instead it was a rich chocolate brown with long sections of grey that didn't seem too out of place. And her eyes were a vibrant green that sparkled with amusement and life. She seemed weathered, but not old.

"It really is nice to finally meet you," he said, offering out a hand, "I'm Roy Mustang."

Looking down, she smiled and took the offered hand before looking back up at the human. "Trisha." She replied with an ever-growing smile. "I'm happy to finally meet the man my son has told me so much about."

Roy lifted an eyebrow as he glanced at Edward who was not only still an enticing shade of red, but smiling up at him shyly. "Has he now?" But he left that where it was as he turned back to Trisha. "I owe you thanks, by the way, for sending him back to me. He wasn't the only one going crazy not being able to see each other…"

Trisha nodded, looking between them with a warm smile. "I'm glad that I did."

Edward turned to wrap his arms around Roy, unashamed to be seen conning an embrace out of his lover in front of his mother. "Now I just go crazy when I can't see you for five minutes."

"Needy much?" Roy teased, laughing as Edward smacked him sideways across the head.

"Shut it." Edward growled, but didn't move from the cocoon of Roy's arms.

Trisha could only look between them and grin. The easy relationship they seemed to have only appeared to add more to the love she could see between them. It didn't take an observant individual to see that they were completely and fully enchanted with each other.

…so much like it had been with her own love.

"So Roy," she began with a wicked smile as she walked closer towards them, "you must tell me all about yourself."

Roy dropped a quick kiss on Edward's hair before smiling over at her. "Gladly. Let's go inside though so we're not overheard."

It was agreed upon as a good idea, and the three of them began to troop up the sandy beach up to the cottage. The patio deck doors were left thrown open to coax in a breeze, and Trisha took one of the armchairs while Edward ensconced himself on the couch as Roy went to get them drinks.

As soon as the man was sat though, on the couch next to Edward, Trisha wasted no more time.

"I assume, Roy, that you must know a great deal about our kind by now?"

Roy nodded with a partial smile. "I've been educated along the way, yes ma'am. I loved Edward long before I ever guessed he wasn't human, however."

"Just call me Trisha." She grinned at him, "does it make you think of him any different?"

"Mom." Edward sighed, giving her a reproachful look. "After everything you told me you're going to interrogate him?"

Roy had expected this, the grilling of her son's lover, so he wasn't caught off guard. In fact, he found himself quite amenable to the idea. And he reached out to take Edward's hand in his, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "I'd be a fool and a liar if I said it didn't." He answered her directly, before looking over to meet Edward's gaze. "I certainly gained a larger desire to protect you."

Edward smiled happily, knowing it was true. "Be fair, you did get me out of a tight spot before you had really put the pieces together."

"No one gets to harass you but me." Roy grumbled, a small smile tugging his mouth as Edward laughed.

Trisha was satisfied with the answer… and their little moment together. Before Roy, the mention of harassment by a human would have sent her son fleeing for the water. But it was easy to see that Edward didn't associate the same things with Roy. "Then tell me about yourself," she finally re-prompted, "I wish to know about the human my son has chosen as his own."

Roy looked between them both a minute before he settled a wicked, teasing gaze on Edward. "You think of me as yours? Your chosen human?"

Edward grinned up at him a bit bashfully, but nodded. "As I said, I'm a possessive selkie. I feel possessive about you."

Roy chuckled, disentangling their hands to brush his fingers against Edward's neck in a tender touch. "It's a good thing the sentiment is mutual, my sandy little angel. I'm glad that you chose me."

Edward blushed at the use of that endearment in front of his mother. "Roy!" He protested as the man grinned at him unabashedly.

"Please, son," Trisha smirked at him, "if you can go on about how possessive you are about the handsome man sitting next to you, then he can call you such sweet things."

"Mom!"

Roy laughed, and quickly, before his lover had a coronary, he stole a quick kiss from Edward's lips. And drawing away, he winked at the now silent and pleased looking blond. "The point is, love, is that I love you too."

"Anyway, do go on, Roy." Trisha prompted with an indulgent smile.

And so Roy began to recite to her his life story as he'd told it to Edward, elaborating when either of them wished it. Including in the edited versions of certain times he'd spent with Edward, although he didn't censor his reasons for calling Edward the endearment he did, mostly in order to see Edward turn that enticing shade of red again.

He did enjoy making Edward blush.

But he realized, as he went through this version of 'The Talk' with Trisha, that it really was just that: a version. He had come to realize that selkies didn't care about how much money you made, what your job was, or how well-connected your family might be. They cared about what really mattered; if he was happy, who he was as a person. Just him. Roy. And his love for the blond selkie currently leaning against him as naturally as if he were born to be there by Roy's side.

That was all Trisha wanted to know. That he was genuine, and loved her son. Things that yes, she already knew from Edward. But there was something about having it affirmed for herself since she had the chance.

'The Talk' was beginning to wind down when suddenly Edward popped up from his comfortable position against Roy. "Oh! I nearly forgot." And padding over to the newly built shelf he gingerly took hold of the seashell seal novelty that Roy had purchased for him, bringing it over with a glowing smile. "Roy bought this for me. My first gift."

Trisha smirked covertly at Roy who had flushed in a pleased manner, before turning her attention to it. "It's beautiful." She admired honestly as she carefully took it into her hands and began to examine the craftsmanship.

"You couldn't take your eyes off it." Roy smiled from the couch, watching them. "Seemed reason enough to buy it. Beside the fact that I wanted something to remind me of you."

Edward smiled over at him, and as his mother passed the seashell creation back to him, said, "now you don't have to worry about never seeing me again." And taking the fragile object back to the shelf he soon turned to make his way back to the couch, and subsequently the circle of Roy's arms as he pressed up against the man's side while turning his head into Roy's neck. "Remind me when she leaves to thank you properly for my gift." He whispered for Roy's ears alone.

Roy gave a slight grin and a laugh, unable to help himself as the brat of a selkie nuzzled him with a little kiss before withdrawing to look at him with mischievous golden eyes. "I will." He promised without hesitation.

Trisha didn't dare ask, as it was she was thrilled enough to see her son acting this way. He was completely smitten with the human at his side. Never before had she thought she'd ever see her son fall in love… much less take the risk of opening himself up like that to another.

It was the fate of some of them, to become ruined by human hands. To be used. They had no choice when they were summoned, they were bound by a contract that had existed since the birth of the first selkie. And while some made the best of it, even enjoyed it, there were just as many who didn't, who'd been ruined by human hands. Her son was one such selkie… and she knew that although Edward had never mentioned abuse, her son had come back from such summons as little more than a shell. If he'd come back at all within a week following.

So the fact that Edward was now happily doing a masculine impression of cuddling with a human, was worth more than a great many things she'd been privileged to witness in her long life. "Roy…" she began, and was almost instantly graced with his attention, "you will take care of my son, won't you?"

Roy knew by the sudden change of tone in her voice that this was no throwaway version of that question. She sounded almost desperate, as if her very soul needed to be soothed that Edward would be safe with him. "I'd give my life for him."

Edward stilled in Roy's arms, his eyes falling to the floor as he choked down that statement. He didn't want to ever lose Roy. He didn't! But he knew that Roy hadn't just said that to sound impressive, Roy meant it. The man had promised to protect him, and Edward trusted that Roy would. But the thought of Roy dying because of him?

It was almost too painful a situation to bear in mind.

It was then and there, as Edward took Roy's hand firmly in his own, that he made his own promise. A silent one. And he promised himself that he'd do everything in his power to keep himself safe, so that Roy might not be put at risk.

Trisha seemed to sense the pure truth behind Roy's words as well, and a quick glance to her son only affirmed it for her. And slowly, she began to nod. "I think I'm not the only one who hopes it won't come to that."

But Roy was already looking down at Edward, and with a compassionate expression he used his free hand to tip Edward's chin up so their eyes met, keeping his voice lowered for the blond's ears alone. "I can't imagine it ever coming to that, but it's how I feel. It would destroy me if I lost you because I feared for myself."

"I won't let you die." Edward whispered in as just an impassioned voice. "Not until old age claims you. Because even when the time comes where you're too ancient to do anything but kiss me, I want that!" He whispered fiercely. "I want to be by your side as long as I can. Love you as long as I can, however I can. Try not to rob me of that."

"You'll not mind the wrinkles and grey hair and the old person smell?" Roy asked back quietly, gently, a smile playing on his face.

Edward shook his head minutely. "I just want to be with you."

Trisha watched as her son traced fingers down the side of Roy's face, the two of them clearly caught up in a tender moment just for them. And she tried to memorize in her mind the pure, unguarded love that crackled between them as if alive. Knowing as she did so that it was time for her to take her leave. She'd gotten what she'd come here for, and met Roy as her son had wanted. But now it was time to leave them alone together… for she personally knew how precious time alone was for a selkie and their lover. Especially when that lover was a human.

"Mom?" Edward questioned as he saw her rise from his peripheral vision.

Trisha smiled at them as the pair turned to her. "It's time I take my leave for now." And she looked at Roy with a meaningful smile. "It was wonderful meeting you."

Roy nodded, catching the words unsaid, and turned to Edward with a kiss to his forehead as he stood. "Wait here, love. She wants a word with me alone… all parents do this."

Edward nodded in understanding, smiling up at the man. "I'll just go use up more of your hot water for the shower. Hurry back?"

Roy chuckled, ruffling the blond hair affectionately as Edward glowered. "You know I will. I'll lock you in." And he did so, before escorting Trisha down the beach.

Trisha waited until they were about halfway to the wetter spit of sand before looking over at the man. "I imagine you've guessed by now that Edward hasn't had the best experiences with humans before?"

"He's told me as much." Roy answered, shoving his hands in his pockets as he blew out a heavy breath and looked up at the pale blue sky. "One of many reasons I didn't push him. I got the sense he's been deeply hurt by that summons crap before."

"You think of such a large part of our culture as crap?" Trisha asked, her facial expression leaving nothing to ascertain.

Roy turned to her with a flare of almost anger in his dark eyes. "Anything that forces someone to do something like that against their will is crap. All of you… Edward… he's not some outlet. I love your son, deeply. And I damn well am going to do my best to give him some memories that not all humans wanted to use him, or hurt him."

Trisha eased into a smile at the vehement declaration, and she nodded. "Edward's father thought as you did. It takes a very rare, strong soul to truly fall in love with one of our kind. I'm glad my son has found such a soul in you. Even if you think now that all it will be are a bunch of memories, my son has never opened himself up the way he has to you. You'll never be just a memory to him, Roy Mustang. I know from experience…" she smiled sadly at the thought of her human, long dead, "I know from experience that he'll always love you as much as he does now."

"And I'll always love him." Roy replied simply, a smile on his lips. "He knows that."

Trisha nodded, accepting the reply with her own warm smile. "You're a good man. Take care of him, as I get the feeling he won't be straying from your side very soon, for very long."

Roy knew he could do nothing but, and he nodded in silent agreement as she stepped into the surf. And he was still smiling after Trisha had vanished, and he fished the robe out of the water as it floated to the surface. And turning around he trudged back up to his cottage to let himself in, and make his way into his bedroom.

She was right… Edward showed little inclination to want to leave his side. Which was just where he wanted the blond. But on land, Edward was more vulnerable. So he knew that he'd do everything in his power to keep Edward safe, take care of him.

The door to the bathroom had been left open invitingly, and the sounds of the shower made him smile. But not one to make Edward wait very long, he quickly headed in to join his selkie and indulge in a very satisfying hot shower.

The rest of the day they spent wandering about the small town, pricing out scuba gear and comparing items. But once Roy had found a simple, working apparatus, he could only grin as Edward eagerly took possession of the tank and other gear. The blond's arms were wrapped around it as if he'd never let it go… at least not until Roy needed it.

"At least let me carry the tank." Roy implored, seeing as how the equipment made Edward seem even smaller.

Edward grumbled, but relinquished claim of it. "Where to now?"

"Back home to drop this stuff off of course." Roy shifted the tank in his arms. "And I for one need some lunch. Are you hungry at all?"

Edward shook his head at the question. "Not really." He answered, and then glanced at Roy briefly as his human began to lead them home. "What did you and my mother speak about?"

Roy knew that it wasn't anything he really had a reason to keep quiet from Edward about. He didn't see how it ever could be something like that. Yet he knew he needed to phrase it tactfully. "Mostly we talked about you. That I understood you hadn't always had the best experiences with humans, the fact that I believe that summons thing is crap, and that she believes you'll always love me even when I'm gone. That I won't be just a memory to you."

Edward smiled faintly at the last, and he gave a quiet sigh. Nothing he hadn't expected then. "You never could be just a memory. Being with you has been the greatest thing I have ever experienced. Ever. And I love you. I love you very much."

Roy never doubted it, not once. He could never doubt that Edward loved him. The selkie had been so genuinely guarded and scared to fall in love with a human, that he knew there was no mistaking that Edward had held out as long as he could. He wasn't sure what it was that had been the final straw between them, but he was glad it had fallen.

They carried the equipment back to the cottage, and piled it onto the deck for later. Roy at least needed some food before they did anything else for the day, and as his human tended to that, Edward found the Sherlock Holmes once again and curled up into a corner of the couch to resume where he'd left off.

Before long Roy's lunch was cooked, and he joined Edward on the couch. Shifting around so that he was comfortably leaning up against Edward's side he glanced at the pages with a smile. It was one of his favorites too, a rare first edition. He'd found it hidden in a secondhand book shop in Manhattan one year, paying only twelve dollars for a book that was worth thousands.

Roy finally could hold back no longer. "Can I ask where you learned to read? I just don't foresee selkies going to human schools."

"My mother taught me." Edward began, flipping a page. "It's rare for a selkie to know how to read. We aren't generally born into an environment where it's necessary, or ever will become so. But my father apparently taught my mother who was curious, and so she taught me. I have difficulty writing, I expect even more so now that I've really not tried in over a hundred years, but I can read."

Roy smiled at the realization that he wouldn't have anything Edward would be accustomed to writing with anyway. They had used feathered quills and inkwells back at the time of Edward's birth. "Are there such things as mermaids?" He asked at random.

"Why? Thinking of leaving me for one?" Edward asked with a wicked smirk.

"I would never!" Roy burst out indignantly, huffing as he took another large bite of his meal.

Edward smiled over at him, leaning in to kiss the corner of Roy's mouth. "I know you wouldn't. But yes, there are mermaids. They're not often very sociable towards selkies though, so I tend to avoid them. Something about us being able to appear in a full animal or human form one way or another. It's a jealousy thing."

Roy smiled, pacified, as Edward went back to reading. Turning his attention back to his meal, he continued to eat as he considered that the world was probably far larger than he could ever imagine. He'd probably never be able to ask Edward all of the potential questions of what else existed. What else wasn't myth or legend.

As it was, he was content with just knowing Edward existed.

Long after Roy had finished eating, they stayed curled up together on the couch, Edward reading as Roy browsed the book over the blond's shoulder in between letting his thoughts drift to other things. But they never strayed far from the selkie at his side.

About an hour later, Edward closed the book, having reached the end of his current chapter. "What sort of books do you edit? Are they books like this?" He asked, his fingers brushing over the cover.

Roy took the book in hand, turning it this way and that before setting it back in Edward's waiting hands. "Never anything of this quality. Each century has their great writers that can never be duplicated or matched again. Conan Doyle was one of them. As for this century… no, I've never edited for a book I thought was worthy of going down as a classic. Mostly they're mystery or thriller genre, some science fiction, and when my boss is feeling particularly evil, he'll have me edit erotica novels."

Edward wasn't sure what exactly that was, but he could tell by the look on Roy's face that this was in fact an evil deed. "What exactly are those?"

"Mostly for women, and mostly by women, containing detailed sexual acts within the story." Roy informed him, rolling his eyes.

"You do not like reading about detailed sexual acts?" Edward blinked at him curiously.

Roy chuckled, shifting to face his lover, running his thumb over Edward's lower lip. "I much prefer detailed sexual acts to be reality, not fiction."

Edward's tongue darted out to lick enticingly at Roy's thumb, "was any of it inspiring enough to linger?"

Roy laughed again, unable to help himself as he grinned wickedly at the blond who had bypassed the thumb and had now taken to sucking fingers one by one into his mouth while giving him a demure look from under half-lidded golden eyes. "Not particularly. But that doesn't mean I don't have a few ideas of my own."

"Care to share?" Edward asked upon releasing Roy's captive finger from his mouth, licking his lips while tilting his head in question.

"Not just yet." Roy smirked evilly at the look on Edward's face. "I don't have any of the books I edit with me now… I'm on vacation after all, and I'd been caught up. But trust me, they're nothing that won't end up on the clearance rack a year later."

Edward prided himself on having waited for Roy to finish speaking, but after that was an entirely different story as he shoved the man back down onto the couch to climb on top of him and stifle Roy's laughter with a grin and a kiss.

They had Roy's own ideas to explore, and the priceless copy of Sherlock Holmes thudded to the floor forgotten.

It was nearing dusk at the time that Edward padded cheerfully after Roy out onto the deck. He had a glass of cold tea in his hands, something that Roy had brewed from plain tea leaves and chilled for him.

"So tomorrow, early, do you want to head out?" Roy asked as he inspected the scuba gear. The tank would have enough air to give him at most two hours, provided he limited any speaking. It was more than they had before.

Edward nodded eagerly as he settled down on the deck, "just no beach ball." He admonished through narrowed eyes.

Roy snickered to himself, taking a hearty swig from the beer bottle in one hand. "You're welcome to inspect all things put into the dinghy before we head out." He promised. "We'll turn in early tonight then."

Edward nodded, knowing it would be worth it.

"How's your tea, by the way?" Roy asked with a smile, sitting down on the deck with his back up against one of the support poles of the railing, facing towards Edward.

"Really cold!" Edward smiled in happiness, running a finger down the condensation before taking another long sip. "I like it. I've never had tea cold before. It was always hot whenever I drank it before."

"I thought you'd prefer it to be cold." Roy explained needlessly. Yet that brought something to mind that he hadn't considered before, and he began to slowly frown. "How is it you can tolerate alcohol? Those frozen daiquiris aren't exactly non-alcoholic drinks. I would think alcohol would be too processed for you."

Edward shrugged as he met Roy's eyes. "I'm not sure, honestly. I've tried other alcohol before, it wasn't a pretty sight. Other selkies have had the same results. Something about how they're made must just sit well with us." And then his eyes lit up brightly. "But they're so cold! And so good. We just love frozen daiquiris!"

That settled it, Roy was getting the needed ingredients and a damn good blender.

Together they sat out on the deck, making sure the scuba gear was all prepared for tomorrow before they lugged it inside for safe keeping. Only then did Edward grab the beer out of Roy's hand and drag his willing human down the beach and shortly thereafter, the water.

It didn't matter to them that all the stragglers of other human life hadn't yet left, they still splashed in.

Even in a human form, Edward still had the playful desires of a seal, and by the time the two of them finally decided it was time to turn in and get some sleep before their early morning, they were both liberally soaked, panting for breath, and in need of a joint shower.

X

The next morning they headed out well before dawn. The dinghy was loaded down heavier than normal with the scuba equipment and a day's worth of food, water, and beer. And well before the morning tide would cease to come in so strongly, they set out.

Edward had to do a great deal of the work, hauling the dinghy and Roy, who was rowing as much as he could, out past where the current was the strongest. But he didn't mind, he had enough strength for it. He had two hundred and thirty-six years worth of time spent developing sleek seal muscle tone, and he was not above putting it to use. Not when he knew that Roy was rowing just as hard.

They reached the small spit of land that barely even qualified to be called land, just as the sun was rising. And Roy rowed the rest of the way in on his own, having left Edward's swim trunks in the water for him when he felt the line go slack.

He was just hauling the dinghy up fully out of the water when the selkie splashed out looking a bit weary, but cheerful all the same.

"Breakfast?" Edward asked hopefully with a little laugh as he stooped to grab the mooring line out of the water and begin bringing it in so that they could secure the tiny boat.

Roy grinned, and gave another last heave to wedge the dinghy firmly in the sand. "I think we earned some breakfast." He agreed, and as Edward went to tie off the boat, he went in search of the cooler.

Not long later they were sprawled out together on one of the large blankets that Roy had brought along and placed under one of the scrawny trees, plates of food in their laps and water and beer respectively plunged into the sand.

"So we've got about an hour of breathing time for me." Roy began as he poked another hard-boiled egg onto his fork. "I'm guessing you know the best time to go down and use it up?"

Edward nodded, quickly chewing his bite of apple before answering. "A few more hours yet. I want it to be bright enough for you to be able to see properly. The sun will be in the right position around then."

"Speaking of positions…" Roy laughed, unable to help himself.

Edward blushed, reflexively smacking his human's shoulder. "Incorrigible."

"As if you mind." Roy grinned, tilting his head to consider his lover with a softening smile. "Blushing really does look good on you."

Edward peered over at him suspiciously before he couldn't help but smile happily back. "Fortunately for me, you seem to enjoy making me blush." He observed as Roy chuckled. "Something I thought a human could never affect me into doing."

"But I'm not just any human, sandy little angel." Roy argued lightly as he reached over to tug his fingers lightly into damp blond hair as he gazed affectionately at his lover. "As you so aptly put it yesterday, I'm your human. That gives me certain seductive qualities."

Edward rolled his eyes, turning his head so that he could kiss Roy's forearm. "You seduce me just fine on your own."

Somehow they managed to at least finish their breakfast before Roy decided to see just how well he was able to seduce Edward. It turned out that it didn't take long at all, much to Edward's amusement, and they made good use of the protective covering of the blanket over the sand as they began to make fine use of the time they had left before they went for a swim.

After several hours had passed, Edward splashed into the water as he waited for Roy to deal with the scuba equipment. It took the man a few minutes, but he was just happy that he'd get to swim underwater with Roy for an hour. So he waited patiently in the surf.

Roy could only smile as when he finally entered the surf, and Edward suddenly switched to having flippers. "Just make sure you don't ditch me down there the moment you see a nice juicy fish."

Edward sneezed in answer, a seal-smile twitching at his mouth as he slapped his front flippers in his customary motions to try and get Roy to hurry. Giving a few eager barks as he drifted back into the surf to make room for Roy as the man waded in.

When Roy was finally deep in enough that the scuba gear was supporting itself in the water just fine, he reached out to wrap his arms around Edward's damp grey neck as the selkie swam around up beside him. "Just give me one second, and then a few more once we dive before you take us the entire way. I want to be sure everything's secure and working right."

Edward blinked his understanding, and waited until Roy had the mouthpiece that would provide him with oxygen securely fastened before he swam them out a bit further and then dove. It was a slower dive than he was accustomed to making, but if Roy's safety was in question, he'd dive slowly.

Roy took only a few seconds to be sure that everything still seemed fine before he tightened his arms around Edward's neck just slightly in something of an embrace before loosening back again so that he wouldn't put too much pressure on the selkie's throat.

Edward trilled in affection at his human before quickly diving down the rest of the way, already knowing that Roy would hang on, and knowing that even if he didn't, that they both knew that he wouldn't let Roy just float off. And so he took them both down; down underneath the more violent current, and down towards the sunken city that now he could share more fully with Roy.

It was a rather fascinating place for him.

For the first ten minutes, Roy was carried along on an impromptu tour of what appeared to be Edward's more favored locations that he could now share. Now that Roy no longer needed to be brought back up for air every few minutes. And Edward was clearly enjoying himself being able to show Roy things that humans hadn't seen for hundreds of years. It only served to make Roy enjoy himself more, knowing how happy his lover was.

Then it was clear that Edward had a more concise destination in mind, and with the selkie's help, Roy was able to squeeze through a partially caved in doorway of one of the larger still-standing structures. Light still managed to filter in through cracks or still intact glass windows, but not well enough for Roy to see much of anything in the murkier water that seemed to exist in this place. Yet it appeared that Edward had no problem at all in seeing, as the selkie swam back up under his arm before taking him upwards.

To Roy's surprise, suddenly the water broke away, and he was back in open air. Well, not quite so open, as a leaky domed ceiling was above them keeping the weight of the ocean out, but even so, there was air.

"Just how deep is this place that it hasn't filled all the way up already?" Roy asked after he'd removed his breathing piece.

Edward slipped from under Roy's arm in order to shapeshift into his human form. "Umm…" he frowned, looking around with a growing faint smile, "deep enough?"

Roy echoed Edward's laughter, and began stroking his way through the water after the blond who'd begun to ease off towards one side. "I assume you know where you're going and won't get us lost?"

Turning slightly in the water so he could splash the man following him, Edward rolled his eyes. "You may assume as much. I never get lost when I'm in the ocean."

"Never?" Roy chuckled, swimming up next to the blond who was treading water there with a smirk. "The ocean is a big place."

"So is your ego." Edward retorted, smirk growing. "Yet I know my way around that fairly well by now I'd say."

Roy could only swallow his indignation before he stroked after the blond who had taken off towards whatever destination he had in mind once more. And he realized soon enough what Edward was up to when the blond suddenly was getting to his feet.

He had never been more thankful than he was now that Edward switched into his human form naked.

Edward was wringing his hair out and brushing it back away from his face as he waited for Roy to haul himself up onto the ancient stone walkway as well. This entire structure had had a massive walkway wrapping around the upper level, and even after so long, most of it was still intact. The water was still always rising though, when last Edward had been here, the water, he remembered, had been a good few inches less.

"So where to, sandy little angel?" Roy asked as he got to his feet next to the dripping wet blond, more than happy to spare him a few appreciative looks as he waited for an answer.

"Over this way." Edward informed him, and catching the look he was being given, smirked before quickly dancing out of Roy's reach, the water splashing up around him. "You do realize that selkies are commonly naked?"

Roy followed after the tempting tease with a groan. "I'm trying not to remember. Just the thought of it makes me jealous that I'm not always the only one who gets to see all of you."

Edward looked back over his shoulder with a placating smile. "You're still the only one I want touching me though. You know that."

Oddly, it did help, and Roy caught up to the blond in order to catch Edward's hand in his own. "I do." And he did. He knew far too well how much Edward meant it, how long-lasting he meant it.

Roy wasn't exactly sure where exactly they were going, or how long they'd been walking for, but he trusted Edward entirely not to get them lost. Just as he knew Edward had trusted him not to get them lost on that walk through the national park that they'd taken. He only knew they'd reached their destination when Edward pranced them quickly to one doorway.

"There will be more light in here, promise."

And Roy was grateful to hear that, for the last few minutes it seemed, he had been relying on Edward's hand around his to guide him. Not that he had a problem with that, but he did want to be able to see again on his own.

True to Edward's word, soon Roy could see again on his own. A gift of still-standing windows that illuminated the grand room they found themselves in. A place with only a few inches of water, and a place filled entirely with paintings, stone sculptures, wooden carvings on raised platforms, and cast figureheads. And to Roy's further amazement, beyond the sheer expert craftsmanship of the items that bedecked this room, was the fact that it all still remained in perfect preservation.

"Just how is it possible that this place, not even this building, but this entire city can still be so well-preserved after centuries?" Roy marveled as he walked over to one of the sculptures. A magnificent marble creation of a dolphin, the lines so exactly perfect that it nearly looked alive if the light reflected off the water below hit it just right.

Edward had wandered off to peer at one of the paintings, the colors a bit faded, but otherwise it was in as good a shape as it had been before this floor had started being covered in water. He expected that in a few more hundred centuries all these works of art would begin to be ruined by the ocean water. But he was determined to enjoy it until then. "Because although there were violent storms that caused the ocean to rise up, the ocean doesn't always rise with that same violence."

Roy tilted his head to listen to the voice clearly echoed around him, moving on to another sculpture as he did so. "I suppose you've a point… and I'm guessing that the people who once lived here were just that good at architecture?"

"Something like that." Edward smiled, running a hand down along the carved ash frame of the painting, and after a moment, added. "This may not make much sense to you, but water is as soft as it is hard."

"Probably not the same sense it makes to you." Roy conceded, and taking another lengthy look around him, suddenly did a double take on one of the wooden carvings. He never remembered deciding to go over to it, he was just there before it even registered to him that he'd moved, and his head was tilted wonderingly to one side as he raised a hand up to brush fingers over the glass-like smooth surface of the mahogany carving.

It was taller than he was, some of that coming from the platform it was set upon. The same platform having kept it safe from the water thus far. Why wood rot, or swelling of the wood, hadn't set in from the moisture in this room was beyond him, but Roy wasn't about to argue facts. Not when his lover was a selkie.

Speaking of selkies, the carving was a perfect likeness of a seal. Graceful curves looking as real as what he was familiar with, the body arched in a playful pose, and large eyes that mirrored the playfulness of the posture with perfection. The bottom of the carving was the only section that strayed from the perfectly sanded and smooth surface of the rest. The carved seal was leaping from the water, and that water had been left as a rough hewn rendition, giving a perfect contrast to the sleekness of the seal, and the fracturing of the water as it broke the surface.

"Have more of an affinity for my other form than you let on?" Edward teased as he snuck up behind Roy to wrap his arms around the man as best he could, considering the scuba tank was involved in the embrace also.

Roy's hand drifted away as he smiled. "I love you no matter how you appear, you know that. But even if I could get my mind past it not being bestiality, I seriously don't know how that would work."

Edward burst out laughing at that point, and drawing away he stepped around to lean in and draw Roy down for a loving kiss. "Don't worry about it. I've never had sex the other way before, so I'm partial to this form. And you."

"I should hope me." Roy grumbled just to tease, grinning into Edward's reproachful but happy look. And looking back at the carving he considered it thoughtfully. "It's really quite exquisite though."

"You've never called me exquisite." Edward grumbled, though he had to agree. It was a fine piece of art.

Roy laughed, but quickly attempted to soothe his lover's ruffled feathers. "You are. Had I not known your age better, I'd have said this was carved with you as the model. Even though it's not quite to scale, you are a bit smaller – OW!"

Edward was smirking as he watched Roy rub at his head where he'd smacked his idiot of a lover. "You were doing fine without that last part."

Roy rubbed at his head with an affronted glower, "but I like how small you are. Haven't we been over this already, you crazy selkie?"

"Doubtless. It's not the first time you've called me small." Edward agreed.

Eventually they turned away in order to tour the rest of the room, although Roy knew his attention to these lost artifacts was mainly centered around that carving. He couldn't explain it, but he felt it had something to do with his new appreciation for things that reminded him of Edward.

So it came as no surprise to him, and as an amusement to Edward, that at the end of their tour when they were about to leave to go explore a coral reef that was supposedly nearby, that they ended back up in front of that mahogany seal carving.

Edward thought about it a moment, only to quickly step up onto the raised platform with the carving as he made his decision. "Help me." Was all he said before he began pushing the carving towards Roy.

Roy startled, but quickly raised his hands up so that the weight fell into his hands, instead of on his head. "What are you doing?" He asked as he shifted his hands around to grip the large carving better.

"It should recover just fine out in the sun." Edward was smiling as he picked it up at the other end. "You bought me a gift, and while I can't buy you one… I've no money, you like this as much as I like that seashell seal. So we're taking it home with us."

Roy's mind stumbled away from everything else to do with it, except that one last comment. "You consider it home?"

Edward paused, looking across the length of the carving with a fond expression for his human. "I've never had a home before, not like you think of a home. But with you… you are my home. In every sense of the word. As long as you are in that cottage, it is my home."

Roy was suddenly tempted to just drop the carving and lay Edward down on that raised platform and show him exactly how that confession made him feel, but as it was, he settled for making plans to show him when they got home. "You have siren characteristics yourself."

Edward only laughed, and shooting the human a teasing look, he helped Roy carry the carving away. He knew he'd be paying for it later, for flustering Roy like that. Not that he would at all mind paying the price Roy would demand.

It took mostly Edward manhandling – rather, selkiehandling – the carving down into and underneath the water as they prepared to leave. And he was burdened with most of the effort of pushing the wood down against its natural tendency to float. He left the guiding of it up to Roy, knowing that his human understood that he had his flippers full at the moment trying to outwit and outmuscle a piece of wood much bigger than him that wanted nothing more than to surface.

If either of them had thought that getting it back down to where they'd come in from had been a struggle it was nothing compared to the muscling both of them had to do to get it out the broken doorway. It was a strange sight to be sure, yet eventually they managed to get it out far enough that it was stable so much as to let Edward release his end in order to help make more room for the base to fit through by slamming himself into part of the still-standing doorway, causing that door to open just enough to fit the rest through as sand floated up, disturbed.

After that, Roy let the entire thing go, and the carving shot up towards the surface.

Almost instantly Edward was at Roy's side again, and he wrapped his arms firmly around the slick grey neck. And just as swiftly as the wooden seal carving had risen, Edward brought them up as well, surfacing them nearby where the carving was now beginning to float in towards the sandy inlet thanks to the current on the surface.

"You didn't hurt yourself doing that, right?" Roy asked as he slipped his arms from around Edward's neck and slipped fully into the water on his own.

Edward whuffled, golden eyes sparkling in amusement as he bumped Roy's shoulder lightly with his head.

"Should have known." Roy smiled, reaching a hand out of the water to caress the top of the selkie's grey head. "Come on, you. Let's get that up on the sand to dry, and then you can show me your restraint among hundreds of tasty tropical fish."

Edward splashed his way up to the sand thinking that he'd much rather have a tasty Roy, but he could have that later. He knew that he needed to take Roy to the reef before the lighting became too poor.

Between the two of them, muscling the mahogany carving up onto the sand was a simple affair. It was dripping wet, but the strong sunlight would take care of that. After making sure the carving was stable, they both grabbed quick drinks from the bottles they'd opened earlier, and Roy stuffed down a quick snack before following Edward back out into the surf.

Moments later he was hanging on closely as the selkie swept them around through the water, heading to a more private coral reef than Roy expected anyone on the island frequented. He was beginning to believe that the world Edward experienced was more often than not, one that was not normally seen by humans.

For the next half an hour or so Roy explored the reef, laughed as Edward chased fish for both of their amusement, and generally attempted to play with the selkie… it just was unfair that Edward was so much quicker in the water than he was.

Only when Roy knew the oxygen tank was starting to run low did he signal to Edward that they would need to return to the surface soon. And they did so shortly after, Edward towing Roy back to the small spit of land they'd moored the dinghy at.

"Don't take this the wrong way," Roy began as he readjusted the arm he had resting over the powerful back, "but it's kind of nice that you have this form to tow my ass around with. I'm tired." He admitted gustily and with a brief laugh. He'd been in the water a while now, swimming energetically at that last, after that ordeal getting the wooden carving to the surface.

Edward glanced back briefly with a fond look, a low trill escaping him in answer. He could never take it the wrong way, and honestly, he was enjoying being able to take care of his human for once. Roy already did so much for him.

When they reached their destination at last, though it was a relatively short distance to travel, they both ended up curled up together on the blanket enjoying freshly cold drinks and some more of the snacks that Roy had packed for them as they quietly talked and laughed together, even if they couldn't be overheard.

It was already turning dusk when Roy, with Edward's assistance, loaded the carved mahogany seal into the small dinghy. The tiny boat groaned under the weight, but held. Hand-carved mahogany was no light substance. So it was with reasonable care that Roy pushed the dinghy back out into the water, carefully climbing into it and arranging his belongings evenly along the bottom as Edward handed them in.

"You could stand to lose some weight." Edward grinned as he handed in the last, sticking his hands on his hips. "I don't want to date a fat human, I'm not that big as you've pointed out. I'd be crushed!"

"Oh, shut up." Roy groused.

Edward laughed gaily and trotted into the water to grab the mooring line and help drag the dinghy forward as Roy picked up the oars. He could practically feel the eye roll the man had given him. But he declined to harass him any further as he dove underneath the water with the line, shapeshifting instantly to grab the line carefully in sharp teeth and put himself into helping Roy get the boat back to the Bay.

Meanwhile Roy comforted himself by mentally replaying on a loop the sight of Edward diving naked into the water.

It took them well past nightfall to finally make it back into the Bay. With the heavier load, even Edward's raw strength of two hundred and thirty-six years had trouble making the journey speedy. But it at least did go faster with the two of them both putting all their effort into it.

Only when Edward deemed that the beach was indeed empty in all directions did he keep helping Roy into the Bay. Had he not felt safe, he would have swam off to make a stealthier appearance. But as it was he helped tow Roy in until his tail was beginning to slap onto soft sand.

It took both of them to drag the dinghy up onto the sand, but once they had they both carried in the easy stuff into the cottage before going back down to the small boat in order to grab up the wooden seal carving and begin carrying that inside as well. It was a task that had them both exhausted by its end, considering they'd been tired to begin with. But it was exhaustion well earned.

They only returned to the beach in order to bring the dinghy back up to the side of the cottage before they entered through the side door. Roy only paused to go close and lock the two front patio deck doors before he wearily, but happily followed Edward into the second room and subsequently the bathroom where they indulged in a long hot shower before falling into bed with twin groans.

Roy only remembered wrapping possessive arms around Edward as the blond molded against him before he blacked out in sleep.

It was late the next morning when they finally managed to drag themselves out of the warm comfort of tangled sheets and missing pillows, they headed in for a long soak in the tub together. Whereupon much water was ejected out of the bathtub at one point. Neither could find it in themselves to mind though, and Roy merely laid down towels to soak up the mess afterwards.

"So where did you want to put it?" Edward asked as he stood before the wooden seal carving. It had handled its journey well, and looked as flawless as it had back in that gallery underneath the weight of the ocean.

Roy wandered out from the bedroom, finishing buckling his belt as he walked over to his lover's side. "I was thinking over by that wall there." He motioned toward the wall where the only other décor was a floor lamp.

And so it was that the ancient larger-than-scale carving found its new home.

X

As time is want to do, it began to pass by day by day. Each one of those days finding Edward increasingly more often at Roy's side, such that the only times he began to go back in the water were to hunt or to be with his human. As they had agreed, they shared their life passions with each other as much as they could.

Hiking, swimming and scuba diving, going out for a simple relaxing row, reading, wandering the town nightlife, horseback riding, and even an attempt at parasailing, among others.

The horseback riding had been particularly interesting. At first Edward had been leery about it, having met one kelpie too many, but the knowledge that this was not a kelpie helped him in getting astride and enjoying himself.

It was nearing two months that they had been together, and the crowds were finally beginning to thin as the main summer vacation season at the island began drawing to an end. But they didn't notice other than the observation that now, more often than not, they had the beach of Seolh Bay to themselves. Even Roy's neighbors hadn't shown up. Not that he was sad about that. They both were enjoying each other too much to care about the rest of the outside world so long as they were able to maintain Edward's anonymity as a selkie from it.

But it was around this time of near summer's end when they were made more acutely aware just what part of the season they would soon enter. Made acutely aware of just how long they'd been together.

Edward had checked for any other humans before he came out of the surf, dragging with him by the mouth a rather impressive black sea bass. They were always in ready supply, and just not quick enough to escape him.

Roy looked up as he spotted Edward at the top of his line of vision, the letter he'd been reading falling limply in his grip as he smiled. "That's a nice one."

Edward smirked smugly as he raised the fish up by its mouth to give it a wiggle. "Hey, you said one big enough for the both of us. I can usually eat a more medium sized one on my own." And he trotted up the few steps to join Roy on the deck, turning to sit on the top step with the man as he laid the fish aside for now. "What's that?" He asked curiously, nodding towards the letter in Roy's hand. "You rarely get mail."

Roy glanced back down at it, "it's from my realtor. Suggesting I try to potentially rent this place out during the seasons I'm not here." He folded the letter though with a minute shake of his head. "But she's just hoping to get more business for herself by suggesting it. The place is mine though. I don't want anyone else but you living in it."

However, Edward was not thinking about that last part. His attention was more for the former as he turned searching eyes on Roy. "Are you leaving soon? When were you going to tell me?" He asked quietly, uncertainty nagging at him.

Now that it was brought up, he realized it was approaching that time that he and Roy would have to part ways for a year at the least, three years at the most. And it was knowledge that made something inside him sink like a rock to weigh heavily in his stomach.

Roy let the letter fall from his hand, not caring where it might come to rest as he turned Edward's chin so the selkie was looking at him. Looking at him with those troubled golden eyes. And he quickly shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere without you. That's why I've not brought it up."

Edward blinked at him, not understanding. "But, Roy – "

"This isn't quite how I'd pictured asking you this," Roy interrupted with a somewhat apologetic look, "but… do you remember you once asked me why I couldn't stay on this island? Why I would one day leave?"

"Yes." Edward frowned, "pointless human concerns."

"Would you still think it pointless, if the reason I would leave was to stay with you?" Roy's tone was entirely serious as he held the startled gaze of his lover.

How and when Edward had gotten to his feet, or how he'd ended up pacing the sand in front of the deck steps, he didn't know. "But, you can't, it's impossible, I mean, you just… how?" He ended, whirling to face his human still on the deck.

Roy stood, going down to the sand to take Edward's hands in his. "Just answer me one thing, if I could stay with you for the rest of my life, would you want that?" He already knew the answer, how could he not? But he still needed to hear it, in a way that made his heart pound in anticipation and that stupid slight amount of worry that Edward wouldn't want what he was offering.

Edward stared up wide-eyed, feeling fainter than he ever had. It was all he ever wanted, to stay with Roy day after day just as they had been. "Of course!" And then he lowered his gaze as he said quietly, "I love you."

Roy's smile showed some relief as he pulled Edward to him to embrace the one he loved. "They build some fairly fast sailboats, sandy little angel." He whispered over blond hair. "I'm the one who wanted something new for his life because I wasn't happy. And then I found you." He continued softly, "and the life I want is a life with you."

Edward eased himself away only enough that he could look up at Roy in stunned amazement. Still not really sure he could believe what he was hearing. "You're sure? I mean, that the sailboat could keep up?"

Roy chuckled, placing a kiss to Edward's forehead. "As if you'd abandon me out there. But yes, I'm fairly sure. I know selkies like to be free, to travel the oceans. Anything else seems like imprisonment to me, and I could never do that to you. But I do want to stay with you."

Edward was still a moment, before suddenly he leapt up to embrace Roy tightly even as he kissed the man, hard.

When the kiss finally broke, Roy panted for breath through his laughter, grinning broadly at the elated blond in his arms. "I take it you're okay with the idea?" He teased, and was suddenly under the pleasurable assault of eager kisses as Edward dragged him down to the sand.

And over the next few days, Roy spent much of his time on the telephone arranging for the selling of all his worldly possessions. In the meantime Edward had been picking out sailboats he thought would be the best to handle constant voyages and still have enough room for the both of them. After all, he had over two centuries of experience out in the true ocean. He knew what awaited out there, and he knew how much room he required in a bedroom with Roy.

Nothing was due to be finalized soon, as they needed to wait for Roy's possessions back in Alabama to sell before he could purchase the sailboat. He knew that negotiations were taking place, and he suspected that was the only thing that kept Edward settled.

Roy knew that the selkie was eager to take to the oceans again, this time with each other.

"Would you even have been able to leave me?" Roy asked one morning as he had his coffee while Edward drew lines in the condensation of a chilled glass of plainly brewed tea.

Edward blinked up at his human, before tilting his head in question.

"The thing that kept you coming back to me. Your impulses and the current. Did that ever go away? Would you not have been driven insane if we'd tried to separate?" Roy provided in curiosity, surprised a bit that he hadn't thought of it sooner. What with Edward being by his side closely anyway it hadn't really mattered.

Whatever answer Roy had expected, it was not for Edward to blush a brilliant shade of red.

Edward felt himself only turn redder as he said, "it vanished the night we made love."

"Oh." Roy stumbled, and then grinned as Edward only turned redder. "Why, Edward, are you embarrassed that apparently you needed me to – " he broke off in order to duck an ice cube pelted his way.

Edward shifted primly in his seat as Roy began to laugh, and sent him a sly smile across the couch. "Your ego just doesn't need any stroking."

Roy arched an eyebrow invitingly. "Perhaps not… but if you wanted to stroke – " he ducked another ice cube with a broad grin. "Sorry." He laughed as Edward shook his head amusedly at him. "So it seems I was the one you were meant to find after all."

"So it seems." Edward echoed in half-trilled content agreement. "For whatever reason." And his eyes on his human were filled with fondness as he smiled, "you were wrong though."

Roy grunted in question.

"You're not, "nothing special", Roy Mustang." Edward told him happily. "You're the only human to ever win my heart."

Roy could only smile for a moment, and then he was laying aside his coffee in order to accept a suddenly moving Edward into the circle of his arms. "My beautiful angel…" he was able to murmur before Edward had stolen his lips in a tempting kiss. A temptation he quickly took as he brought his hands up to tangle in silken blond hair while slowly deepening the kiss. And he drank in the soft noises of Edward's approval as he was pushed firmly down into the cushions.

He could finish his coffee later.