Keith and his small dolphin had become inseparable over the course of the week. The merman had even come up with a name for the figurine. Daisy, after his favorite flower. Lance had shown the merman so many things of the world from the phone. Like the many different animals, and plants. The merman had taken a particular fascination to flowers, he wanted to know every little thing there was to know about them. To Keith, the small object was all knowing. In some cases, Keith was right.
Lance constantly teased the merman about it, but Keith always had some sort of sarcastic comeback. Considering that the merman had only been taking English lessons from Lance for a few months; he was extraordinarily good at it. Especially this last week. It seemed that the language had finally clicked. It was almost as if the merman had been speaking it his entire life. The pair talked about everything and nothing. Sometimes it seemed like they would never shut up. But then Lance broached a subject that Keith was not particularly happy to speak about.
"How did you survive that long?" Lance questioned. Keith knew exactly what he was talking about.
The merman stared into the man's eyes and answers with an unwavering gaze, "I had something to live for. Still do."
"Do you mind telling me what?" Lance questioned with caution.
Keith didn't even flinch, "My family."
Lance chose that moment to look anywhere but at Keith. He noticed Daisy bobbing with the small ripples just a small distance from the merman. He almost smirked; typical. The brown haired boy was silent for a few moments then asked, "Can you tell me about them?"
A sad smile graced Keith's features. His eyes glazed over, remembering everything beautiful memory of his family back home. "My mother, Krolia, she made the best meals. It was almost as if she was gifted by the gods to be able to create such delicious meals. She was so kind, but not soft." Keiths gaze went back to Lance's ocean blue eyes. He then continued, "She was strong. She spoke up, she stood up for what she believed in. Even if there were horrible odds. She was part of the royal guard, she was the Captain of the Guard. The leader. First mermaid to do it."
A small tear leaked from Keiths eye. And for some reason, Lance had no idea why, but the man leaned over from his position and wiped away the tear with his thumb. Surprise glinted in the merman's eyes. Lance just smiled and asked, "You had royalty?"
Keith let out a surprised laugh, "Your hooked on that?"
The man shrugged, "What can I say?" he paused to wriggle his eyebrows, "Is your princess hot?"
Keith laughed again and said, "I guess so. Allura is kind of a stuck up brat though." he then leaned in and whispered, "but don't tell her I said that."
A chuckle escaped Lance. "Would you like to continue?"
Keith nodded and began again. "Allura may be a brat, but her advisor Coran, is amazing. He is a little weird, but who cares? I also have my sister. I don't know where to begin with her. When I was just a guppy, she would sing me to sleep. Her voice was so beautiful, it was as if the ocean moved with her song. But she was so protective of me. We always played hide n' seek in the seaweed beds. Other than Coran and Esme, I don't really have that many friends; that are Merta. Most of my friends are sea creatures. My favorite are the dolphins." Keith smiled.
Lance couldn't help but smile with him, even though the merman's smile took his breath away. And the look in his eyes made him want to be lost in them forever. Suddenly, Keiths eyes turned remorseful, and tears again threatened to pool over.
Lance's heart broke at the sight.
"I want to go home." Keith croaked. Lance placed a hand on the merman's cheek.
"You can. But just a few more weeks." Lance felt a hole dig itself in his chest as he said those words, "Trust me, I will do everything in my power to get you home."
Hope soared through Keith. He felt like he was flying. "Really?"
"Yes."
Over the course of Keith's stay at the Voltron rehabilitation centre, he had gained back muscle mass, his ribs no longer protruded from his skin, and he gained back his speed and restlessness. It was short of a miracle that he was able to regain his physical health that quickly. But, Keiths physical health didn't reflect his mental health. There were still unseen scars trailing deep within the merman. However, everyday, Lance was able to see Keiths personality shine through.
The merman smiled at the land-dweller, whose hand was still perched on his cheek, and dove under the water. Surprised, Lance just sat there, watching the ripples extended throughout the tanks surface. It was only a few minutes when Keith emerged from the water, holding a small shell.
Lance cocked his head to the side. The merman, bashfully presented it to him. Confused, Lance took the shell. "Why are you giving this to me?"
A small blush spread across Keiths cheeks as he said, "Merta give it to another, it means a deep connection has been formed." He handed another shell to him. "This is yours to present to me. . . if you want."
"So it's a friendship thing? Like a friendship bracelet?"
Keith nodded his head.
Lance smirked and handed the shell right back to the merman. "I guess we have a deep connection."
Keith laughed.
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Chapter 5 is done! Sorry that it's really short. If you could give me suggestions that would be awesome! And another fluffy piece is added. If you're here for the angst, don't worry it's coming. It's gonna come and smack you in the face. ;) I'm just trying to set this up. On another note, I appreciate you guys reading my story, bad writing and all. Next time y'all! Stay Sweet!
Word Count: 1024