Heeeeeey! I know it has been a very, VERY hot minute since I last uploaded anything for this story, buuuuut I think I have a vagueish clue where to go with it. I hope you all enjoy this next chapter, and to the Guest who recently left a review. This chapter is kinda to you. Thank you for your support ^^
Today was the day. The day that his best friend would finally ask the question. The day that they have been planning for months. And now, after a week more of planning, they were ready. Lance thankfully had the day off, so he was actually able to set everything up in the marine exhibit. Granted they knew they had only a limited amount of time. The show with the trainers typically started at 11 on the dot. Today though they were able to push it back until noon.
In the locker room, Allura was helping Lance with getting the costume they agreed with, on. It was pretty basic, and something the woman herself had worn a few times when requested for special events. The only real difference between when she wore it and Lance wearing it, was that he would be fully topless. Sitting on the chair nervously, Lance was playing on his phone, looking over different swimming styles that others used with a fake mermaid tail. It didn't look hard, but nearly every time this week when he practiced it, he failed. Granted he wasn't wearing the tail. Maybe that would help with his mobility?
Huffing a sigh, the tall platinum blonde looked the male over shaking her head. "Lonce, I swear on my father's grave, if you do not stop moving, I will shave your eyebrows the next time I stay over at your house." She threatened, causing Lance to instantly stop moving, fearful for his eyebrows.
"Sorry 'Lurra… It's just… I'm nervous I'm going to mess this up… and unlike you, I've never done a performance. So it's not like i'm going to exude confidence while out there…" He frowned looking back up to the woman. She just sighed, patting his head, smiling.
"Lonce, I know once you're in the water, you will take on the persona perfectly. It's your element, and you swim with the sharks often enough to know how they will react to you. Besides minus the sign being in the water with you, and possibly hundreds of people watching, it'll be like a normal midnight swim~" She chirped happily. If he wasn't nervous before, he was now.
He had to keep reminding himself that this was for his best friend. That would be the only way he wouldn't have stage fright. Finally after getting the waterproof makeup on as well as the small mermaid accessories he was ready. Well almost, he'd put the tail on just before the show, so he could actually walk around.
Pulling a jacket on, Lance made his way to the penguin exhibit to calm his nerves more. He needed to see Gwen and Blue. Walking into the employee only doors, he wandered around quietly, trying not to disrupt the other workers. Easily spotting the two chin straps he was looking for, he whistled out to Gwen, who instantly turned her entire body and ran towards him as fast as her little webbed feet would let her. Blue not far behind her, wondering where her mother was going. Smiling, Lance knelt down to pick up Gwen and scritch under her chin. Kneeling down he sat her back down and did the same to Blue.
It was times like these he was glad Coran had hired him six years ago. He was able to raise Gwen from an abandoned egg to the beautiful girl she was today, and hopefully could help raise her little chick. Sitting with the penguins for a few more minutes he took a deep breath, looking to his watch. It was almost time. Getting up he shooed the girls away back to the other penguin's, taking his leave to get ready for the show.
Sitting atop the shark tank, tail on, respirator in hand, it was time. Putting the small breathing device in his mouth, he took a few deep breaths through it before carefully slipping into the water once he was announced. The sharks, thankfully having already been fed, didn't swarm him instantly. Only one came over to him immediately. It was the same nurse shark that he usually spends time with in the tank.
Smiling slightly he gently stroked her dorsal fin, taking care to not agitate her. Remembering the routine Allura had taught him, Lance carefully flitted the tail he was wearing to propel him lower into the tank. Briefly looking out into the crowd he noticed Hunk and Shay thankfully there. He wouldn't have to bring the banner out for at least 15 minutes, so it gave him a chance to interact with the sharks, showing them off to the crowd as the announcer was explaining them.
Five more minutes left in the show, and that meant time for the surprise. Swimming towards the top of the tank, Lance listened carefully to the announcer who was going on about how today's show was extra special.
"Today, as you may have noticed, we have a wonderful merman joining us from the deep. Sadly our friend will have to go soon, but first, he has a small surprise for the crowd. As well as a story he wished for me to share with all you lovely land folk." This earned a few chuckles and cheers. The announcer smiled and walked off to the side grabbing what looked to possibly be something written on kelp coloured paper.
"Today, I wish to speak of a few dear friends I once met on the shores of Verado. These lovely land walkers who always have brilliant smiles on their faces, as well as the biggest hearts I have ever seen in the seven seas. These two walk a path carved out of friendship and happiness. A path of love. When I met these land walkers I knew Poseidon would watch over their happiness, and success.
I knew that their love for each other would grow stronger by the day, and even now I know that they are truly meant to be together. Their souls resonate with the oceans and the skies. With the land and the sea these two are meant to be. It is with a great honor that one of these friends has requested of me to hopefully convey a very special message." The announcer smiled looking up, catching Lance's eyes, nodding discreetly.
"Hunk Garrett, would you please step forward with Shay Balmera?" The announcer chimed happily. Hunk was trying to act surprised by the request, however anyone who knew him, knew he was failing. Shay just giggled following him, actually curious as to what it was Lance had come up with.
As they stepped forward, Lance swam back down, holding the banner still rolled up. Getting to the front of the tank he smiled waving to the two playfully. They just waved back to him, Shay still curious.
"Now, as I said, our dear merman friend here has something he'd like to share with you both, however due to not being able to speak above water he has brought with him a token from the deep. Lancelot, please show our lovely guests what you have brought with you." Doing a flip in the water, Lance beamed opening the banner. Shay was now very confused, the banner just said to look down. What could possibly be on the ground for them to see?
Turning to Hunk, she blinked, noticing him not standing next to her anymore, but rather, he was down on one knee, holding up a small box with a pearl ring inside. Lots of gasps were heard throughout the crowd, as well as a patron shouting 'Wooo! Get it man!'. Taking a step back Shay covered her mouth, looking between Hunk and Lance, blinking rapidly to prevent the tears welling up in her eyes from falling.
"Shay… You're my best friend, aside from Lance… and I knew from the first day I met you that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. You are my sun, my light, my joy... And," he had to take a deep breath to prevent himself from crying, "I would love if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
The crowd was quiet, watching and waiting for Shay's reaction. The woman in question kept looking between Hunk and Lance before finally tackling the larger man to the ground hugging him tightly.
"What even is that question… yes, yes, yes, yes. A million times yes… Hunk Garrett I will marry you..." Shay was now in tears as she held onto her now fiance. The crowd burst into cheers and congratulations for the happy couple. Lance in the water just smiling watching his friends as they hugged.