Chapter Five- Matchmaking

Lance roamed around the store, checking the clothes, even the women's clothes much to Shiro and Keith's embarrassment. Lance examined the men's clothes more closely. He found he liked the blue clothes, especially a pair of fluffy bedroom slippers. He purchased them after Shiro assured him that he would store them at his place as fluffy and water don't mix. He even purchased a pair of blue pajamas to go with them.

"Gosh. Thanks for the offer, Shiro," Lance said as they left the store.

"It's no problem," Shiro replied with a smile. He found himself warming up to Lance. His open attitude convinced Shiro that Lance truly loved Keith and would treat him right. Keith found a very special merman. I do hope Keith accepts the ring, making them married according to merpeople society. His sister knows about Lance's love for Keith and would be happy to make it official.

"So, where next, Lance?" Keith asked.

"Somewhere further in the city. I usually stay in the section close to the water."

"I understand that. How about an electronics store? I know one you've probably never been to."

"Sounds great and maybe dinner somewhere after that?"

Shiro checked his watch. "Yeah, dinner afterwards."

Perfect, both Keith and Lance thought. I'll be able to ask more about him.

Lance once again roamed, looking at anything that caught his fancy. The electric gadgets he looked at, he was familiar with even thought he had never used or owned them as he didn't have the money to buy them and they wouldn't work underwater anyway. He knew there were cameras that worked underwater but only to certain depths. Lance shook his head in amazement as they left. "It's impressive what come up with. A shame most don't work underwater."

"Right now," Shiro pointed out. "But technology evolves quickly these days. They may end up inventing technology that does work underwater."

Lance perked up at that. "I look forward to that time."

"Me too," Keith put in. "Now, how about dinner?"

The trio settled in a sandwich place Lance had never been to and he looked around. It was different from the ones he frequented on his other visits, so cozy and friendly. He took a bit of his sandwich and once he swallowed, said, "This is delicious."

"I figured you would like a sandwich shop as there isn't one near the edge of the city," Shiro said. "Tell you what: I'll drive us to the far side one day and we'll spend a day there."

"Sounds like fun," Lance said.

"That's the idea. I know there's a dance club for teens and adults over there and perhaps we could go there too."

"Dance club? They have a group for dancing?" Lance asked, confused.

Keith and Shiro laughed gently. "No, no," Shiro said. "Dance club is a term to describe a place where people go to dance, relax, and enjoy being somewhere with other people who like to dance.'

"Oh. Well, I would like to see that place."

"And we will. So, Lance. Tell us more about yourself," Shiro requested.

"I'll start at the beginning. I'm seventeen and have a large family. One of my older sisters is an apprentice shaman who assists the current one who will be retiring in a couple of days and my sister, Veronica, will take a test to prove she's ready to take over in performing marriages and other duties.

"Keith, I told her about meeting you. She wasn't happy until I told her about your love of the sea. She said you're a special guy."

Keith blushed. "Tell her I say thanks. So, if she passes the test, she becomes the shaman."

"Yup and the entire kingdom is made aware in a big announcement and changing of responsibility ceremony though the passing of the shaman scepter is a private moment."

"Keith told me you collect human things. I believe that considering the bag, clothes, and wallet I've seen."

Lance nodded. "Yeah I do and it's not illegal so I don't have to hide it. We don't hate humans, but we are unsure about them. As far as I know, I'm the only one who mingles. I'm not sure why I'm fascinate by humans, I just am." Lance shrugged.

"Nothing wrong with that," Keith said. "I have the same thing about the sea. I don't know why I love it, but I do. Although, I suppose the beauty of it could be the reason."

"Sure could be. I love watching people go about their day and that I can walk among them and no one gives me a second look."

"Well, with cities, no one's familiar with everybody and some move out of the city while others move in. It's easy to blend in with an ever-changing population."

Lance nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense and something that's different from the sea. The populace doesn't really change and the shaman knows everyone in the kingdom."

"Makes it hard for someone to blend in," Keith remarked.

"It does, but hardly anyone leaves the place where they grew up." Lance wiped his mouth and said, "Keith, tell me more about yourself. I know your age, family size, and your love of the sea, but that's it."

Keith smiled shyly. "I like to dance and study a variety of marital arts. I own a sword and a knife and are well-versed in using them."

"I sometimes train Keith with his weapons and fighting skills. He is very diligent in his training, sometimes too diligent as he would either forget to eat or insist on training even though he's ill," Shiro put in.

"Wow, that's what I call dedicated," Lance said.

"Yes. He's very good at fighting but he usually feels he could improve."

"I could get better," Keith insisted, proving Shiro's point. "But I can be friendly and caring on occasion."

Oh, wow, Lance thought. He seems even better to me than before. That settles it. I'll ask him out, tell him how I feel, and wait for his response. If he loves me back, I'll show the ring, explain its significance, and ask if he'll be my husband. I so hope he says yes.

Keith occasionally glanced at Lance as dinner progressed. The merman had such a curiosity about humans that was attractive to him and listening to him describe his life under the sea made him love the sea even more. It must be wonderful to live in the sea; to be able to swim to various depths without worrying about pressure or running out of air. I've learned even more about Lance ad I find I love him more than before. That's it. I'm going to ask him to dinner the day we go to the city's far side and tell him how I feel.

Shiro snuck looks with Lance or Keith through dinner and give a wink. Both boys had confided to him their love for each other but weren't aware of that. They love one another and Lance would like for them to be married. Hmm, I know there's a romantic restaurant near the dance club. I think I'll announce that we'll be going to the far side of the city tomorrow and hopefully one of them will ask the other out.

"Boys," he said as dinner ended. "I've decided that we'll go to the other side of town tomorrow. I'll pick you up at one, Keith."

Keith nodded as they headed out and then stopped Lance for a moment. "I'd like to talk to you alone. I know a nice restaurant near the dance club. What do you say to having dinner with me?"

Lance grinned. "I'd like that, Keith. I'll look forward to it." Lance turned and his grin grew. Keith had asked him out an in about twenty-four hours he'll confess his feelings, wait for Keith's response, and hopefully be married.