OH MY GOD IM SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! Forgive me all there is absolutely no excuse to make you all wait this long. Chappy is short but it should be good =D
ooo
As Malik watched the human hesitate, his mind drifted back to the meeting with his father during the cold season.
The King had demanded to know what had made Malik so distracted that he barely spoke to anyone or pay attention long enough to see where he was even going or what he was doing. Malik had told him that he was merely feeling anxious but could not put his finger on to what had caused it….so as not rouse any more suspicion. He had promised to deal with the matter himself and in his own way.
The king was not entirely satisfied with his sons reply and thus had declared that if the distraction would not cease to exist, the Queen would get the details straight from Malik's mind.
Invading others mind without their consent was strictly forbidden and like everybody else, Malik knew this. And if the King would give such an order to his own mate….Malik knew he would be in trouble.
His father was deadly serious.
Malik snapped back to the reality as he felt human hands lightly touch either side of his face. Altair seemed to have got over his fear and come to terms with what he was about to do as he slowly brought his face closer to Malik's.
Malik found his heart racing ever faster, practically hammering off his ribcage as Altair came closer. He couldn't understand his own reaction, couldn't explain it….why was he so nervous….wrought with anticipation.
The touch of their lips was soft, gentle. Malik felt how the humans lips moved against his.
For a stunned moment that somehow seemed to last forever, Malik stared at Altair's closed eyes. The merman found himself closing his own eyes and trying to mimic the movement of Altair's lips.
He felt awkward….weird….and yet strangely good. More than good in fact. He had an overwhelming urge to wrap his arms around Altair and pull the man ever closer, wrap himself around him to not let go in these few seconds but, he dared not act on it.
Surely it wasn't allowed. Or was it? Malik didn't know. He only knew that he wanted more of this….kissing.
As Altair's lips left his, Malik felt a strange pressure upon his chest. An insane need to gasp for air, as if he needed to breath as humans did.
He looked at the human and discovered a strange mixture of anxiety and something, which could only be described as wonder, playing on his features.
"Well." Altair cleared his throat before continuing. "That was… interesting to say the least."
Malik could only nod and stare at Altair.
He had a terrible need to kiss the human again but….
"I should take you back now." Malik turned his gaze towards some coral and tried to lose himself in the brilliant colours of it. They seemed very vivid, more so then usual as if a veil had been lifted and he was gazing upon them for the first time.
Or maybe he was just going insane.
"I'd… I'd like to see some more of your world." Altair's answer made Malik feel pleased, proud almost.
It wasn't just the human world that was interesting to Malik and his brother. Their world was just as fascinating to the human it seemed. But, even so their time was up for now.
"I am sorry" Malik finally uttered as he swam around the human for a moment and then took Altair's hand, gently pulling him along.
"I told you before why you cannot stay long." Malik looked back at the human over his shoulder and saw him smile a little.
"Oh yes, small area, am I right?"
"That is correct. I do not think my kind would accept you with open arms."
Ooo
Altair stood on the shore and watched as Malik waved his goodbye before diving back to his world. He was a little sad to see the merman go so soon while his head was still reeling over their kiss.
Malik's lips were intoxicating, tasting like a mix of sweet and salty spices. Nothing like what Altair had experienced or expected. He had had a hard time pulling away, had wanted to continue for eternity, to never stop, to hold Malik in his arms and not let go.
Altair didn't know how long he stood there but finally, as the early spring sky started to turn deep blue, he returned to reality with a small shiver. He shook his head to banish his daydreams all the while cursing colourfully.
He made his way back to his horse and realized that his cloak was at the bottom of the sea. Sighing heavily he took the horse's reins and started towards the town and….home.
It wasn't as cold as it could have still been this time of year. It was only a shame to lose the damn thing because it was the best cloak he had.
Altair was too preoccupied with his thoughts and worries to notice the dark shadow that melted away from the cliffs nearby and headed off in a different direction.