Hello! Here's chapter 4! I'm still thankful to those who're still reading! :) I'll probably post 5 just to be nice!
Chapter Four-Terence's First Kiss
Upon reappearing inside the castle for dinner, Adrian met his mates at his normal seat at Slytherin table. Tonight, he decided to indulge in the seafood provided near his end-shrimp, lobster and bluefin tuna.
"Welcome back. That was one hell of a walk you took. End up anywhere interesting?"
"Not really, Flint. It was the usual spots. The pitch, the broomshed, near the greenhouses, the lake, a safe distance from the Whomping Willow...you get the picture." He mentally congratulated himself for not elaborating further. The less detail, the better.
'I can't wait to see you again, Terence.'
The next few weeks carried on as scheduled-class, then visitation with Terence. There was a little alteration since he did have a few tests and Quidditch practice to attend. They learned much more about one another, but Adrian mostly cared about Terence and his life. The Snake discovered that the current Giant Squid in the Black Lake arrived when Terence did and Squidly was one of the hatchlings that belonged to the prior squid who ruled the lake. Terence introduced Adrian to Squidly, who reluctantly shook his enormous tentacle. Contrary to popular belief, Squidly never devoured any human being who wandered into the water. The squid was quite the classy cephalopod when he wanted to be.
Buster was from the west coast of America and Speckle was from the northeast coast, explaining their difference in accent and slang. Those two were hilarious when they would banter...of course, Buster was more laidback whilst Speckle was a smartass and hyperactive. On another topic, Terence did not migrate to warmer waters in the winter. Not too far off from his lair were some hotsprings. He was practically half-human in a sense, so he could survive wallowing around in there. He promised Adrian he'd take him there over this winter and the Slytherin wholeheartedly agreed.
Before this current visit, Adrian was sure to purchase freshly made treats from Honeydukes and brought them to Terence.
"Oh mah gawd...this...mmmph...is awesome.." the merman muffled with a mouthful of cauldron cake. There was green icing smeared around his mouth. Adrian smirked at the image in front of him. Terence reminded him of a delighted child who tasted the forbidden sweet right before dinner started. It was beyond adorable.
"Messy eater, aren't you?"
Terence stilled, chewing his cake. He referred to his reflection in the water's surface. ''You're right." he filled his palms with water and brought them to his face, scrubbing off the icing. "Personally, I think there was too much icing leaking out."
"You can never have too much icing."
Terence stuck out his tongue in reply.
"Enjoy yourself?"
"You can bet your two-legged arse I did. They should ship this shit to the lake. I could give them a fake address and everything. I'd have to score some galleons first."
"Don't you have some in your cave?"
"Oh yeah! I do!"
"Maybe next time, you should poke up at Hagrid and see if he'll do you a favor."
"It's almost time for another update on the Black Lake creature population, so I'm sure I can mention it." Terence grunted as he maneuvered himself onto his and Adrian's rock. Yes, it was their perch.
"Who're you facing up against at the next Quidditch game?"
"Eh, Gryffindor but I know we're gonna lose against them again like we have...for almost four years."
"Why so glum?"
"They got this new Seeker when he was only a firstie. Firsties aren't allowed on the teams but he got special permission from McGonagall and the Slytherins thought it was blatant favoritism. I have to be honest about something. The last seeker we had was booted out two years ago...Malfoy, the prick who launched my box into the lake, bought his spot onto the team. His equal-prick of a father, Lucius, provided all of us a new broom which was the fastest on the lot at the time."
"Couldn't your captain refuse?"
"He tried, but our seeker was being blackmailed so..it was either go quietly or spill the beans to his father about whom he was dating."
"I see. What an arsehole."
"Tell me about it."
"This Draco Malfoy character...I never met him and I hate him already. I'm not supposed to judge anyone before I meet them. Am I wrong to do so?"
"No, you're not. If you met him, you'd believe the same thing."
Terence nodded, stretching out. His hand gently bumped against Adrian's. The brunette's breath hitched. He turned his head to gaze at the merman. Terence was currently staring skyward, his tanned chest was heaving with every breath, the sun lighting up the highlights in his sandy blonde hair...that tail was still shimmering. Terence was absolutely beautiful.
Not a day passed that Adrian did not think about this merman. He seemed so perfect. He was nice, funny, a great conversationalist...nobody had ever captured his entire interest like Terence did. It was wonderful. Adrian found someone worth pursuing but there was a problem-He lived on land and Terence lived in the Black Lake. He was fully human, Terence was not. He couldn't totally survive underwater and Terence couldn't on land. What's a Slytherin to do? Nothing. He couldn't do anything about it and this depressed him.
Meanwhile, Terence was pondering the exact thing. 'Adrian's fucking gorgeous. I won't lie, I'm attracted to him...have been since the first day I saw him? Can ya blame me? Look at him. That light brown hair, those honey amber-brown eyes, his body...fucking hell. How could I possibly deny him? He's down to earth but not overbearingly so and doesn't mind my quirks. I can talk about anything with Adrian and he listens to me, even gives me advice. Hell, merfolk like counsel too! He brightens my day every time he comes to the lake. I just wish somehow, Adrian and I could have a more permanent arrangement. He graduates in two years and I dunno if I'll ever see him again. At times like these, it sucks to be a merman.'
Terence turned to see Adrian staring directly at him. He held a solemn expression upon his face. He moved onto his side, so they were eye to eye. Something inside told the merman he'd been thinking the same.
'I need to do something, say anything...to let Adrian know I like him. Maybe then, we'll have a chance to figure something out. In the meantime, we can try to make each other happy.' Mustering up some merman courage, Terence brought his hand over and placed it on top of Adrian's, interlocking their fingers. Adrian's eyes widened slightly at the sudden gesture, but softened when Terence moved his own hand and caressed his cheek.
"Terence..."
"Adrian, I...I like you. And, I really want to try."
"I do too, but it's not that simple. You live here and me, well..."
"I know we live in two definitely different worlds and we can't solely survive in both but I want us to have a chance. I'd like to say we did at least for a little while. It'll give us something to look forward to while we're here."
Terence slid a little closer, resting his forehead onto the Slytherin's. "Besides, I always look forward to seeing your gorgeous face."
Adrian found his heart melting at Terence's words, his lips stretching into a grin. 'Maybe he's right. There's nothing wrong with taking a chance. If I don't, who knows what could have been? Merlin, I sound like a total Gryffindor.'
"You know what? I think you're right. It couldn't hurt to give it a shot. I always anticipate our next visit." Adrian leaned in and grazed his lips across the merman's.
Terence glanced down shyly. "I-I've never kissed anyone before. I mean, I've seen it here and there onshore but..."
"It's ok, I got you. You just lay there and allow me." Adrian maneuvered Terence onto his back and carefully straddled him.
He placed his hands on each side of the merman's head and leaned down, claiming his lips. Terence moaned softly as Adrian's lips massaged his own. They were warm, soft and a tad moist. He tasted a slight fruity flavor on them and he liked it.
'So this is what kissing feels like? It's nice...very, very nice. Man, I've been missing out.'
Adrian ran his fingers through Terence's sandy hair as he kissed him for a few moments more, then pulled up for air. "What you think?"
Terence responded breathlessly. "Wow. I didn't think kissing would make me feel so...so...damn it, I feel like I'm full of bubbles and tickling anemones."
Adrian laughed. "Is that a good thing?"
"A very good thing." Terence returned, laughing as the snake got back on his side. Thankfully, they were surrounded by tall, wide rocks so no one could see them.
"Can we do it again tomorrow?"
"Of course, Ter...can I call you that?"
"Sure, Speckle does all the time."
"Great." Adrian playfully mussed Terence's spiked up bangs, making him return the favor.
"Think you could stay a little longer? I'm kinda itching to get in some practice."
Adrian chuckled. "Impatient, are we? Well, I guess I can oblige you for a few more minutes.''
Awww...how cute! XD Yep, I'm gonna post number 5 to move things along! :P