Chapter 6 - New Experiences
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Author's Notes: This was originally going to be a Cody/Jess story, but I'm finding that I like Kelhan more and more. What do you guys think? Should I stick with the mer-boy?
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Cody was trying his very hardest not to laugh at the image of his lover sprawled dejectedly in the sand. Kel was pouting, looking seriously put-upon. Finally he sighed, threw up his hands, and rolled his eyes. Unable to bear it any longer, Cody burst out laughing.
What? Kelhan thought at him in a rather peeved mind-voice. It's not easy! Stop laughing!
With much effort, Cody managed to get himself under control. He crouched down in front of Kelhan and offered his hand. "Come on. It's just standing. We haven't even tried walking yet. Don't worry. Your legs will support you, and there's an instinctual balance that won't let you fall if you're careful. Now take my hand."
Kel nodded, putting on an exaggeratedly determined face, and took the hand. Cody hauled him to his feet, putting a hand on each of Kelhan's arms to balance him. Kel wobbled for a moment, but stayed upright.
"Now," said Cody, "let's try getting you to walk. Move one leg forward, then the other."
Kel actually managed to get five steps in before tripping over himself and falling back into the sand. Owwww! Man, being human hurts! No wonder your race is supposed to be so barbaric! They must hurt so much all the time that they're always lashing out at others!
Cody ignored the comment. He knew Kel well enough by now to know when he was being serious and when he was pouting in order to get sympathy. "You're also going to have to start talking in words. Humans won't be able to hear you when you speak telepathically. Try it. It's kind of like humming." The Sea People could do that much at least. They had all the vocal equipment of humans. In fact, they had an eerie but beautiful chant-like singing that mostly involved humming.
Kel tried it out, humming first, then opening his mouth. "Mmmmmy. Eye. Eye. My. Name. Aaaaaaaaay." He giggled. I like that sound. "Name. Muh. My name is. Zzzzzzz. My name is Kelhan. I am a ay ay ay Triton. Nn. Talking inging is fun." He giggled again. The concept of speech in sounds was new to him, and apparently he was thoroughly enjoying it.
Cody watched him fondly. He had known Kel would enjoy this. He always loved new experiences. He sat down next to the Triton, smiling at him. "There are a couple of things that we have to discuss. First of all, I think we need to change your name. Kelhan is a very unusual name for Overworlders, but we do have a similar one. We'll call you Calvin, Cal for short. Sounds similar enough that you won't get confused, right?" Kel nodded, and Cody continued. "Second, don't play with sounds like that. I know you're enjoying it, but it's going to make you stand out, and we don't want anything to blow your cover. You have my permission to play with sound any time we're together privately, just not in company. And third..." Cody took a deep breath. This was going to be hard to explain to Kelhan. "Third... we have to pretend that we're not together. I mean, you know, romantically speaking."
Kelhan's eyes widened. What? But why?
"Because, well, when romance occurs between Overworlders of the same gender, it's... well, most people don't like it. I mean, it's okay around Jess, because he already knows, and we'll have to tell my parents eventually, but other than that, I'd rather people didn't know. It will cause us both a whole lot of grief that we don't need."
Oh. Kelhan looked dejected, and Cody could tell that it was real sadness this time, not his fake pouting. He leaned over to his lover and kissed him softly.
"I promise I'll make it up to you," he whispered.
Kel smiled his cute half-smile that Cody had come to love and held out his hand. "Pull me up, and let's try this walking thing again, 'kay ay?"
Cody too smiled, then stood up, grabbing Kelhan's hand and hauling him to his feet.
Please sir, I'd like some more.
or
Take a risk and feed the tiger.