***Warnings: None

***Rating: PG

***Disclaimer: I don't own the show or the characters. No money is being made from this fic.

***Notes: This story is now posted on Archive of Our Own. Throughout the story on this site, I will keep it edited and let the reader know when/if they want to switch over to Archive of Our Own during steamy parts. Edited with the purchased program 'Grammarly'.


Chapter 7

The carriage ride back to the castle was silent. The day's events had them all feeling awkward. Makoto healed a few of Rei's bruises and soothed the ache in Sousuke's shoulder.

The moment the group exited the carriage, a servant came up to Sousuke, saying that a strange young man was here to see him. Sousuke quickly did a rundown of all the young men he knew who could be here but came up blank. The servant said the man is waiting in the stables. Sousuke told the group to go on in and stay in his chambers until he returns, and he left Rei in charge. When he entered the stables, he saw the 'strange young man' petting one of the horses. Sousuke didn't know anyone with pink hair. The stranger must have sensed his presence because he turned and smiled at him.

"You're Sousuke, right?"

Sousuke raised a brow. "I am. What business do you have with me?"

The young man looked around, then whispered, "Are we alone?"

Now Sousuke was curious. He stepped out of the stables and looked around the area, seeing only one of the stable hands taking a break on a haystack. The stable boy looked at Sousuke, and Sousuke shouted over to him to continue with his break. Sousuke then turned back to the pink haired man.

"We're alone now. What's this all about?"

"I came to tell you, Makoto, and the others that Rin has returned early! Rin's been looking for them, and I covered your rumps by saying that they were out exploring the forest. Rin sent me to fetch them. Makoto, Haru, and Nagisa have to get back to the forest pool right away!"

"Wait, slow down. First off, just who are you? And how do I know you're telling the truth? Are you an undine too?"

The man laughed. "No, I'm not an undine, I'm a fairy! My name's Kisumi, and I'm friends with Rin and the others! They know me. If you take me to them, they'll be thrilled to see me! Well, maybe not Haru, he won't care, but Makoto and Nagisa will!"

"Before I bring you to them, how did you know about them being here? I find that a little suspicious." Sousuke said and crossed his arms.

Kisumi rolled his purple eyes. "I came back early from my trip as well. I was coming to visit with them, and I saw them leaving with you. I followed and saw that they came here. I didn't rat them out to Rin because I know Rin will be furious. I'm saving your rumps, you know. You should be thanking me."

Sousuke told Kisumi that he believed him, but that he will feel better if he confirms the friendship between Makoto and the others. Kisumi agreed, and Sousuke brought him through the castle and to his chambers. Upon entering, and before Sousuke could announce Kisumi's presence, the fairy pushed passed him to run to the others. Makoto and Nagisa were surprised to see Kisumi, but the greeted him fondly. So, Kisumi was telling the truth.

"What are you doing here, Kisumi?" Makoto asked.

"I came to warn all of you to get back to the forest pool. Rin has returned early and is looking for you!"

"Already?" Nagisa asked. "But, he said he would be away for a while!"

"How do you know this?" Haru asked.

"I've just returned as well. I saw you guys leaving with Sousuke and told Rin that you three were just exploring the woods. He wasn't too happy about that, but it's better than him knowing the truth. I said I would find you and bring you back, so here I am!"

Makoto thanked Kisumi for his help and turned to Haru. "We should leave right away,"

Haru nodded.

"Aww, but I don't want to go back yet!" Nagisa whined.

Sousuke didn't want Makoto to leave. He wouldn't know how long it will be until he can see Makoto again. While the four mystical creatures were talking amongst themselves, Sousuke contemplated confronting Rin. Going into the fight prepared, Sousuke was sure he could take Rin on the second time around, but only if they were away from the water. If he could lure Rin out of the water, then they will be on equal ground. All Sousuke had to do is find a way to keep Rin from using those shark teeth and strong jaws, which seem to be Rin's only source of defense when not in the water. Of course, Sousuke will try to settle on terms first before challenging Rin to a fight. He will be going up against a river guardian after all.

Then another idea came to him, but he would have to talk it over with Makoto first.

"Makoto," Sousuke called to him and jutted his thumb towards the servant chamber. "A word?"

Makoto excused himself and followed Sousuke into the room. Sousuke closed the door behind them, a little too harshly, and it made Makoto jump. He can sense that Sousuke is troubled, and he knew it has to do with him and the others leaving. He smiled at Sousuke, but Sousuke didn't smile back.

"I need to speak to you about something," Sousuke said.

"Okay."

"I want you to tell Rin about us."

Makoto gasped. "W-what? No! I can't tell him!"

Sousuke crossed his arms. "Well, we have to tell him eventually,"

"But...I'm just not ready yet," Makoto said. "Rin will be-"

"I know; mad. But I'm capable of dealing with him on your behalf," Makoto tried to speak, but Sousuke stopped him. "I'll attempt to speak to him first, and if he doesn't listen, then I plan to fight him."

"F-fight him?" Makoto stuttered. "No...I don't want you two fighting!"

"Then it's best that you tell Rin about us, about how you feel, and then let him approach me."

Makoto felt tears start to sting the back of his eyes. "He...he won't listen,"

"Then let me handle it. If you're too scared to talk to Rin about something YOU want, then I will speak on your behalf. And speaking of all this, why do you let Rin control your life? He shouldn't be in charge of making your decisions for you!"

Makoto clenched his fists. "It's different in our world, Sousuke! It's not like the human world! You just don't understand! If you fight Rin, he'll kill you! I can't bear to see that happen,"

"What makes you think I will lose? Don't you have any faith in me?"

"Rin's a guardian spirit…he has powers. You don't."

Sousuke looked away from Makoto. "So, you won't stand up for yourself or us,"

"Sousuke,"

"It's time for you to go. You should all leave before it gets dark." Sousuke opened the door for him. "Leave your clothes at the mouth of the forest."

Makoto didn't want Sousuke to be mad, so he took the human's hand, hoping to soothe Sousuke's anger. Sousuke snatched it away, and wouldn't look at him.

"Get going."

"But, Sousuke-"

"Go!"

Makoto rushed passed him, keeping his head down as he joined the others, telling them that they had to leave. Nagisa asked him what's wrong, but Makoto said they would talk about it later.

"Sousuke," Nagisa called over to him. "We can come back and visit, right?"

Sousuke just nodded and caught Haru's gaze. Haru's stare was like a cold winter wind biting his cheeks. Sousuke looked away from them.

"I'll escort you all to the forest," Rei offered. "Let's go before it gets too dark." Even he sensed the tension in the room.

Makoto held on to the back of Haru's shirt, seeking his comfort before chancing a glance at Sousuke. The man still was not looking at him. He'd made Sousuke angry, and he hoped the anger would pass in time. Makoto's heart couldn't take it if Sousuke chose never to see him again. He just wished Sousuke would understand it from his side.

They left the room. Makoto kept looking back, hoping Sousuke will come running to catch him and say that everything will be okay and that he is sorry, but Sousuke never came. Makoto walked behind the others, lost in a daze, to the mouth of the forest. He removed the clothes and paused to sniff the tunic, smelling Sousuke's faint scent upon it. Seawater and pine trees. Makoto had to hand his clothes to Rei, and he bid the other human goodbye, for now, and then had to pry Nagisa off of Rei. Makoto kept looking back as he followed close behind Haru, watching as Seabriar castle slowly disappeared from view.

When they returned to the pool, only Haru changed back to his fin. Makoto and Nagisa stood side-by-side. Haru looked at Makoto and said, "If you want to go back, then go back."

Makoto smiled sadly and shook his head. "No. I can't go back right now. I don't want Rin finding out and hurting Sousuke." He looked at Nagisa's pouting face. "You understand that as well with Rei, don't you, Nagisa?"

"It's not fair! I want to tell Rin the truth,"

"Ah, that's not a good idea," Kisumi offered. "Remember how Rin feels about humans, and he cares a lot about you guys. If you want," Kisumi winked. "I can pass messages along to you and your humans!"

"Hey, yeah! That's a great idea!" Nagisa agreed. "Right, Makoto?"

Makoto looked back in the direction of the castle. "I don't think Sousuke wants to speak to me right now."

"Give him time to cool off," Kisumi said. "It's a common fact that humans, once in love with beings like us, can never stay away for long! Keep your chin up."

Makoto smiled at Kisumi. "Thank you, Kisumi. Whenever you think it's a good time, please tell Sousuke that I'm very sorry and that I miss him, and I will…think of something."

"And tell Rei not to give away any of the things he bought me!" Nagisa said.

"Alright, I'll take the messages to them. You'd better get going now and wash the human smell off of you," Kisumi suggested. "Rin might come looking for you soon."

Feeling a little better, Makoto transformed with Nagisa, and they swam back to the lair with Haru. There they met Rin, who at first scolded them for wandering, then embraced them. Rin introduced them to two undines who will be staying with them when they all move to the ocean and are visiting now. Makoto wasn't in a cheerful mood, but he hid it well and welcomed Aii and Momo to their lair. They turned out to be wonderful playmates for Nagisa.

Three days pass, and Makoto's thoughts are still on Sousuke. He hasn't gotten a chance to return to the forest pool to see if Kisumi delivered the message. The friendly catfish swam up to him, wriggling against his cheek, making Makoto giggle. He brought the catfish into an embrace, stroking its smooth skin. Makoto wondered how much more relaxed his life would be if he were a catfish or any fish. The catfish started to wiggle, so Makoto let it go. He let out a sigh and floated back onto the bed, watching a few small fish swimming along the ceiling.

He thought about Sousuke laying with him, their tails linked together, and watching the fish swim by. Makoto imagined what Sousuke would look like as one of them; his tail will be the same beautiful color as his eyes. The image made him blush. He longed to return to Sousuke, but there is still the issue of Rin finding out. Sousuke wants him to tell Rin about their relationship, but Makoto couldn't find the courage to do it. The very thought of Sousuke and Rin fighting over him left a sinking feeling in his stomach, like a heavy rock just sitting there. He mentioned it to Nagisa, who said the idea of two people fighting to win the love of another is very romantic, and that Makoto should be flattered.

He wasn't.

Makoto could never forgive Rin if he killed Sousuke, and it was the same the other way around. No one should get hurt on his account. But what can he do?

"Makoto?"

He sat up quickly at the sound of Rin's voice. Rin was floating by the entryway, a look of concern mixed with suspicion on his face. Makoto smiled at him.

"Yes, Rin?"

"Is something bothering you? You haven't been yourself since my return. Did something happen while I was away?"

"No, nothing happened. I just have a lot on my mind."

Rin raised a red brow. "Are you sure? Even Nagisa, I've noticed, tends to drift off in a daze. That's very unlike him. And you're preoccupied, too. I can't get a word out of Haru, but I'm beginning to suspect that something did happen while I was away." Rin swam over to him. "I can always trust you, to tell the truth, Makoto. Don't be afraid to talk to me."

Makoto was caught off-guard. He should have figured Rin would eventually notice that something was different with him. Makoto couldn't tell Rin about Sousuke, but maybe he could try another angle. He did have concerns about moving to the ocean and waiting there for Rin to find a male undine mate 'worthy of him.' A thought occurred, and he hated to lie to Rin, but it's the best he can do right now.

"I want to be honest with you, Rin. Please let me speak until I finish. You know I don't like the ocean, and I do not want to move there. I'm only going along with it because I don't want to leave Haru, yet it's preying on my mind a lot recently. Even more than before. And I feel like," he let out a sigh. "I feel like you have too much control over my life." He turned to Rin with a little smile. "You want to tell me where to live and find an undine worthy of me…but you're leaving my choice out of it. I know you're doing this because you're my friend and you love us, but I feel like you're pushing me too far, and I'm not ready. Okay, I'm done."

"Makoto, your feelings about this are not new to me. You expose your feelings in subtle little ways, and I know you well enough to pick up on them." He wrapped his arm around Makoto's shoulders. "I just want the best for my team. There's still a lot of training I have to do, so no decisions have to be made yet. Try not to let it worry you. We'll discuss this more when the time comes. But thanks for being open and honest with me." He kissed Makoto's temple. "Go take a long swim and clear your head," Rin suggested. "It'll make you feel better."

"Okay, I will. Thanks, Rin." Makoto knew exactly where he would go; to the forest pool.


"Knock, knock, knock! Day three, Sousuke!"

Sousuke grumbled from his spot in the high-back chair he was currently slumped in. Kisumi's floating form came through his window yet again, relaying Makoto's message. He already has forgiven Makoto, but Sousuke could not get over his frustration with Makoto's emotions. The damned undine listens only to Haru and Rin and not himself. How can he get Makoto to stand up for himself and their relationship? Being away from Makoto made Sousuke yearn to be with him all the more. He gave up on his knight training for the week, lying to his step-mother saying that he wants to focus on running the castle, though he hasn't done much outside this room. His mind was filled with thoughts and images of Makoto by his side.

"Sousuke! Pay attention to me!"

Kisumi's face was inches from his own.

"Have you seen or heard from Makoto since that day?" Sousuke asked him.

"No, though I keep hanging around the forest pool waiting for him to show." Kisumi answered. "It's possible I've missed him."

"Do you think Makoto has forgotten about me?" Sousuke asked the fairy.

"What?" Kisumi looked shocked. "Makoto? Oh, no, not at all! I was with him that when you two parted. He was heartbroken, and I could tell he deeply cares for you. Makoto is just too shy and polite to act on it. He wants everyone holding hands and being at peace and being happy with one another." Kisumi sat on the arm of Sousuke's chair. "However," He giggled. "I might have a tactic and a few ideas that will help you build up Makoto's courage, but it's not free. I know he's worried about Rin's feelings, but maybe I- GAH! OW OW OW OW!" Sousuke had tugged on his wings.

"Spit it out, Kisumi," Sousuke warned. "I've no patience for your games." He let the fairy go and ignored Kisumi's whining while the fairy perched atop the fireplace. "Tell me what you want in return for your information."

Now Kisumi was smiling. "Milk and honey and sugar! All mixed together in a cup!"

"That's all? Milk, honey, and sugar?"

"Fairies love all three, though cow's milk is so hard to come by in the forest," he said. "Bring me a big cup of that, and then I'll tell you what I know, what you can do, and what you're doing wrong."

Sousuke did as told, ordering a servant to go to the kitchen and make Kisumi's order. The servant looked confused, but a glare from Sousuke had the servant silencing any questions they had. Sousuke threw another log onto the fire and returned to the chair, staring at Kisumi above the fire mantel. The fairy kicked his feet gleefully. Sousuke had to wonder if the fairy really did know something, or if this is all just a joke. Kisumi bubbled on about something or another, yet Sousuke wasn't really listening.

The servant brought the drink for them, and Sousuke took it from the servant at the door. He didn't need someone seeing Kisumi's massive shimmering fairy wings sitting atop his mantel. Sousuke gave the large cup to Kisumi, who thanked him and glugged it. Sousuke crossed his legs and waited. Kisumi wiped the milk mustache from his lips.

"Ah! That's the good stuff!" Kisumi said, licking his lips.

"Well? Are you going to tell me?" Sousuke asked.

"Right! My little trick on how to win Makoto," Kisumi fluttered over to Sousuke and plopped himself in the human's lap. "Makoto is not very forward with his wants and desires," Kisumi started. "He's both embarrassed and ashamed of feeling lust. Someone like Makoto needs to be pushed to build up the courage to act on his own. If you want Makoto to stand up to Rin, then you have to start awakening desires within him."

Sousuke wanted to push the fairy off of his lap; then he feared Kisumi wouldn't finish telling him. "I know he's a 'virtuous virgin,'" Sousuke said.

"Oh, he is! Not like Haru or Nagisa at all! Rin and Haru like to protect Makoto's innocence, and that means they usually hold him back from attaining his desires. You should start meeting Makoto secretly, and when you're together, keep him wanting more." Kisumi winked. "Know what I mean?"

Sousuke did know what Kisumi meant, and it did make sense. He has to build up Makoto's desire to be with him, and it's the growing need inside of Makoto that will push him to confront Rin.

"I like your thoughts," Sousuke said. "Perhaps you can help me a little further? Where can I meet Makoto that won't make Rin suspicious of where he's going? Do you know of any...secret caves or grottos? I can't be in the open."

"Yup! I'm already way ahead of you! It's a secret spot that I found a long time ago where I used to take my- um, friends. You might know of it. It's a small waterfall at the opposite end of that lake leading to one of the rivers."

Sousuke nodded. He does know that place.

"Well, behind the waterfall, if you crawl through the rocks, which is what you'd have to do, it opens up to a small cavern. The sound of the waterfall will help drown out noise, and there's so much water that it will be easier to mask your human scent."

"Does anyone else know of this spot?"

Kisumi winked. "That's the best part! Only myself and Rin's group. The few I've brought there, they have no reason to go back. It's actually Haru's private spot, and is known as 'Haru's Spot,' but I'm sure he'll let you and Makoto borrow it. And the best, the BEST part is Rin won't come looking there because Haru won't be there. It's a safe place, and Rin doesn't have to worry about where Makoto is going."

It's foolproof, Sousuke thought. However, he did have some doubts about Kisumi; mainly if the fairy is trustworthy. Sousuke did ask Kisumi if he can trust him, and Kisumi answered with, "Would Makoto and the others be friends with me if I weren't trustworthy? And after all I've done so far, you still doubt me?"

Sousuke agreed. "Alright. Then give Makoto a message for me. Tell him to meet me at that waterfall tomorrow, at sunrise."

Kisumi smiled. "Can do! If by some chance I don't see him today, I'll come back later and let you know."

"Thank you. And I do have one more question," Sousuke said. "Why are you so eager to help us?"

"Makoto's my friend! I want to see him happy, that's all. Also, try not to hate Rin too much. Rin cares deeply about his team, his friends, and they are all a family. You're not an undine, you're a human, and our kind does not favor humans. Most of them anyway."

"I understand," Sousuke gently shoved at Kisumi, silently telling the fairy to get off his lap. "You can go now. I have some things to put into place."

"I'll give Makoto your message right away," he said and headed towards the window then paused. "Oh! What about the other human? Rei, right?" Sousuke nodded. "Should I visit him? I can't seem to find Rei in that bit building! I'm sure Nagisa wants to see him again."

"Stay away from the monastery," Sousuke warned him. "Rumors are already circulating about Rei and Nagisa, and we don't need to add to it by having you going there to ask for Rei. I'll send a message to Rei about Nagisa. If you see Nagisa, you can tell him that."

"Sounds good! See you later, Sousuke!"

Sousuke watched Kisumi fly out the window then went over to close it when his eyes caught sight of his father returning. Just his luck. His father comes home now when Sousuke wants to see Makoto. No doubt his father will want to speak to him about acting as Seabriar's regent, which Sousuke isn't looking forward to. Not to mention his step-mother will have a whirlwind of negative things to tell his father also. She will bring up Makoto and the others, and his father will question him about it, though the man never likes to approach the issue of his son's choice in partners. He doesn't give Sousuke a hard time about it, but Sousuke believes it's a simple fact that his father just doesn't know what to say, so he chooses to ignore it.

Sousuke remained in his chambers all day until he heard a knock at the door and the sound of his father's voice. He frowned but told his father to enter. Sousuke remained sitting on his bed, rubbing the growing ache in his shoulder and wishing he had Makoto's kisses to heal him. His father greeted him first.

"Good evening, Sousuke. I noticed you declined your mother and I's invitation to dinner."

"Step-mother." Sousuke corrected.

"She also said that you were cold to her, and avoided her. She tries very hard to be a good step-mother to you, Sousuke. I would appreciate it if you showed her more respect."

"We don't get along," Sousuke said. "What else did she tell you?"

"She mentioned that you had three men visiting you here, that they created quite a stir at this feast and in town. You kept them in your room, were secretive, and even gave them a high seat at the dais table as your guests. No one knows who they are or where they come from, and yet they take a seat at your table. I know you like to keep company with other young men…but please don't make it so public."

Sousuke looked at the bearded face of his father with a frown. They looked nothing alike, and Sousuke sometimes wondered if this man is indeed his father. His father is blonde with brown eyes, and not as tall. Sousuke stood higher than his father by three inches or so, the same with his grandfather. His step-mother said that he mirrored his birth mother if she were born a male.

"There's another issue that has come up, pertaining to one your…guests."

Sousuke raised a brow at him. "What's that?"

"A man in town, whose drinking water was dirtied by your guest sitting in it, said he thought he saw scales on the shoulders of the young man you defended." His father's calm face turned serious. "This is very dangerous if you're messing around with the water sprites."

Sousuke hid his surprise when his father mentioned water sprites. Haru's stupid, selfish act has caused them all trouble now. His father is a superstitious man, and Sousuke, up until a few weeks ago, wasn't. He decided to downplay his father's superstitions.

"That man had rum on his breath and threated to beat one of my guests with a club," Sousuke said. "I'm surprised he didn't see pink horses flying through the sky." It was a lie, but one he hoped his father would buy. "Besides, I told step-mother where I found them. They were living in the woods, so I was kind and invited them under our roof. They may not have titles to their names, but I don't see why a few hungry men couldn't indulge in some finery for a night or two."

"That's very noble of you," His father said. "A sign of a true and honorable knight. Speaking of which, I also received a letter from your master knight. He says you haven't been to training." Sousuke explained about his injured shoulder in the hunt and that he is waiting for it to heal. "Either way, a knight's training is not all swords and shields. Your master knight would focus on politics and manners instead. Remember, your grandfather, and I hold high expectations of you. You are the heir of Seabriar, and as a lord and knight, you must prepare for what your responsibilities will entail."

"Yes, father. I'm well aware," Sousuke flopped onto the bed and rolled onto his side, his back facing his father. "It will be done, just on my time. I have some things of my own to sort out, too, and a man cannot become a true knight of the realm if he can't defeat his inner battles." When his father didn't answer, Sousuke said, "I'm going out riding tomorrow at dawn. I won't be back until the evening."

His father sighed. "Sousuke?"

Sousuke looked over his shoulder at his father.

"You'll think me an old, silly man for this, but do be careful around the undines. They have magic and powers beyond our understanding. They can manipulate you without even knowing they're doing it. Don't let them into your thoughts, for they will consume your very soul until they hold your heart in their webbed hands."

Sousuke sat upright, curious about his father's knowledge of undines.

"You see, Sousuke-" His father cleared his throat. "Never mind. It's nothing. I'm just a crazy old man who has had a long trip and I'm ready to retire for the night. Enjoy your ride out tomorrow. Clear your head of all thoughts plaguing you. We'll discuss things further at a different time."

"Wait, father-"

"Sousuke, I'm tired. I've spoken enough for the night. Sleep well, son."

Sousuke sat on his bed, dumbfounded, watching his father leave his chambers. It was strange, but it sounded as if his father spoke from personal experience. But that was impossible. His father is a knight of virtue, piety, and is devoted to God. Most of what he said must have stemmed from monks and priests ranting about the evils of everything that are not connected directly to God.

He tried to fall asleep, but his father's words kept running amuck in his head. Also, Kisumi never returned, which meant that he had passed the message onto Makoto. Thinking about Makoto and knowing they will see each other again tomorrow brought a small smile to Sousuke's face, and it helped him to fall asleep.

TBC