Chapter Ten- Living Arrangement

Shiro assisted the men with setting up the party. He saw a variety of dishes and looked forward to sampling some. He fell into easy conversation with Mr. McClain and Luis, Lance's brother who was married to Lisa. They asked about himself and Keith some more.

"Lance has found a special person," Luis commented. "Their marriage will be interesting as they live in different worlds."

"I'm sure they will make it work," Shiro said while wondering himself how it would work.

"We're back," called Mrs. McClain just as the last of the food and decorations were set out. "Come see Lance's ring." The family came over to see, but Keith steered Shiro away from the crowd.

"Shiro, Lance had an idea but I want to ask you before I do it. What would you think of me moving my stuff to your place and me spending most of my time here?"

Shiro was surprised. "Well, as you're eighteen, you are allowed to do what you want. I would like to have you stay with me when you visit land."

"So, you don't mind?"

"Of course I don't. It's clear that you're happy down here and your husband lives here. It's only natural for married couple to live together."

Keith hugged him. "Thanks, Shiro. I mean it."

"You're welcome, Keith. We'll stay here overnight and tomorrow we'll head home, tell your parents, and start prepping your stuff to pack it up."

Keith smiled as he broke the hug and swam over next to Lance who was now piling a plate with food with Shiro watching him. He felt Keith was meant to be a merman. He enjoyed seeing a part of the ocean he normally wouldn't see and his tail seemed so natural on him.

My tail also looks natural on me and as much as I love it, I can't stay in the sea. I have a job that I will resume after tomorrow as I had only requested a few days off. However, I can visit whenever I want. He thought about how different his life would be now that he was also a merman. He knew he would have to be careful to avoid getting his legs wet in public and that he would be taking baths instead of showers from now on. It would be hard to keep his tail a secret but considering what it allowed him to do, he was willing to do what he had to in order to keep it under wraps.

Keith laid in bed with Lance, re-living the party. He had had so many questions about living in the sea and the family had been more than happy to answer them, especially when told that he had decided to spend most of his time with them. Their replies served to confirm his decision to remain in the sea. He had been astounded at the size of Lance's bed until he was told that it was big to prepare for the day when or if one found his or her other half.

Lance rolled over and put his arms around Keith, smiling at him. "I'm so happy I met you and married you. I'm also happy that you and Shiro are staying overnight."

"Shiro more than me. I told him about your suggestion and he agreed to the idea of moving into his house and living in the sea most of the time."

Lance's eyes lit up at the remainder and a beaming smile appeared. "Yeah, that's great. We'll be together almost all the time."

Keith was about to reply when he heard a beautiful and haunting song. "What's that?" he asked.

"Whale song," Lance answered. "Lovely, isn't it?"

"It sounds like actual singing."

Lance laughed at the awed tone in his husband's voice. "Keith, you're a merman now. You can communicate with the sea life."

Keith chuckled. "Yes, of course." He sighed softly as the whale song lulled him to sleep. He had chosen to live as a merman and he was with his true love. His life now felt complete.

"You're moving out?" Thace repeated.

Keith nodded. "Please understand I still love you, but Lance and I are married now and it's natural for married couples to live together, right? So, Shiro offered to have Lance and me stay with him until we can get our own place."

"Lance is willing to live on land with you than with his family?" Krolia asked.

"He'll visit his family and they may visit us. I promise to visit, too. After all, I'll be a brother in several months."

"Of course, dear." Krolia stood and took her son in an embrace. Thace embraced both at once.

"I hate lying to them," Keith admitted to Shiro as he entered his room where the older man was already putting books in an already assembled cardboard box. Keith grabbed a box and stared putting it together.

"I know, but the truth would be a little hard to understand and take. Plus, they may feel that their refusal of a wedding is what motivated you to live in the sea."

"But you know it's not." Keith assembled another box.

"I do." Shiro sealed the box and wrote "books" on it. He took some bubble wrap and tissue paper before lining the box and wrapping Keith's knickknacks carefully. The two of them worked in silence, making boxes, filling them, sealing, and marking. When they stopped for the day to load Shiro's car and take it to his home, half of the room had been packed. They put the boxes in the room and Keith hugged Shiro.

"I need to get going. Lance is waiting."

"Of course. I'll meet you at your house tomorrow with a moving truck to bring the rest of your stuff here."

"Great." Keith snatched up a bag and headed for the shoreline. He watched the sea creatures as he stripped, listening to them talk. It was, naturally, still shocking to hear them talking in words he understood. I know I won't give it a second thought as time goes on, but right now it is simply amazing. Keith stowed his bag safely before running toward the water. Keith was in deeper water by the time his legs became a tail. He ducked down and relished being able to breathe underwater. He flicked his tail and started heading for his new home. He couldn't resist trying some acrobatic tricks on the way. He felt weightless in the water and also at home. I think I was meant to be a merman. This just feels right.

"Hey, Keith! Nice back flip," Lance commented as his husband executed said trick at the front door. "Come on in, dinner's ready."

Keith smiled as he and Lance swam inside, holding hands. He looked forward to another delicious meal and being surrounded by warm friendly in-laws. Oh, yes. I am definitely home.

The End