Chapter 5 - Confrontation
As he slipped beneath the waves, Cody felt the familiar scales envelop his lower half, clothing and comforting him. He kicked his tail once, turning himself toward the deeper ocean. He didn't have very far to go. Within a few sweeps of his tail he was within sight of his target: a shadowy figure waiting in the darkening depths of the water.
I can't believe you did that, he thought by way of opening.
Kelhan crossed his arms defensively. What do you mean me? What about you? You were the one hanging all over that human boy! Was I supposed to just sit there and watch?
No, you- Cody sighed. Look, Kel. Humans are a lot more physical than sea people. A hug to them means a lot less than it does to us. And quite honestly, if I had known you were watching, I wouldn't have done it. I knew you would take it this way.
Well excuse me for being paranoid! Kelhan suddenly softened, and his mind-voice lowered to near a whisper. I just hate this sometimes. There's this huge part of you that I know nothing about.
Cody swam up to his lover, and placed a hand gently on his forearm. I know, and I wish I could change that. But you can't go doing things like that. Aside from blowing your cover, you could have seriously hurt Jess.
Kelhan blinked, confused. What? How? I just pulled him into the water.
Cody hid a smile. Kel, Jess can't swim.
WHAT?!
This time, Cody was incapable of conceiling his amusement. Telling Kel that Jess couldn't swim was like saying that he couldn't breathe. Kelhan could hardly wrap his mind around such a concept.
Some humans can't, he thought, shrugging. I know it sounds strange, but it's not necessary for them. They just have to learn to walk in order to get around.
Kelhan peered at him, gauging his sincerity. You're really not kidding, are you? That boy really and truly cannot swim?
Cody shook his head. No Kel, he can't. And I'd appreciate if you didn't do a second time something that could get a good friend of mine killed.
Kel pouted, seeming more and more like his old self. Well, he deserved it. I mean really Cody, he was all over you! I know you said that humans are more physical, but... that physical? It's kind of hard to believe.
Cody sighed deeply. Sometimes I wish you could become human like me. I want to show you everything about my old world. I know you'd love it. It would be a total adventure for you.
Kel was oddly silent for a moment, and Cody began to get worried. A few minutes passed, and he was about to prompt his lover when Kel said softly, Maybe there is a way.
What? thought Cody, eyes widening in surprise. Are you serious?
Kel nodded thoughtfully. I think I could manage it. I'll have to check up on a few things with one of the Elders, but... meet me here tomorrow evening at sundown, okay? If it works, I may be able to try my hand at humanity for a bit, and I'd rather you were here to help me. He paused and looked up at Cody, a mischeivious glint in his eyes. That is, of course, if you don't mind.
Of course not! said Cody enthusiastically. Don't worry, I'll be here.
Good. Kel nodded again and turned to swim away into deeper waters. As he was leaving though, he thought over his shoulder, I'm looking forward to learning how humans have sex!
Cody blushed, but Kel was too far out of thought-range for a reply. He sniffed. That was just like the Triton.
"Guess I better tell Mom and Dad to expect a guest for dinner then," he muttered under his breath. With a last glance in Kel's direction, he turned back to the beach to go dry off.
Please sir, I'd like some more.
or
Take a risk and feed the tiger.