Arriving

[Terry]

"Just keep your voices low, and follow me." The merman called from over his shoulder, as he led the two Dragonis' quickly wading across the river and into the thick of the forest. Soon they came to village, quiet but large. As they walked through main street, lining with closed shops. Gabriel figured it was probably the warning of the territory on full alert nowadays, usually this city was always bustling.

Soon the three came to a small house resting next to a gigantic lake, the deepest in all of Parinenai as well as the rest of the planets. Holding the door, the merman ushered the Dragonis's inside. "Go and lay Terry down in the room at the end of the hall." He closed the door, and chuckled slightly, seeing the doubt of trust in him, crossing his arms. "I suggest you wipe the thought of me notifying the authorities about you. One, I see no reason to, at the current moment, and two," He moved to place his basket which he had carried, on the table, and shifted through the cabinets and drawers before him. "Why would I want to set a trap for my own nephew?"

[demoiselle]

Demoiselle looked at the older merman in surprise, but did as he was told and layed Terry down in one of the rooms.
"You know know that he told us that the man does kinda look like Terry," mused Feu playing idly with a strand of his blue hair, "and for now at least we're safe. Who would've thought the mermen had such tight security." Demoiselle looked at his friend flatly, but smiled despite his grave mood, Feu was just trying to lighten the mood.
"So merman, Terry is you nephew I apologize for my rudeness, but Terry will always come first if I have to die protecting him," stated Demoiselle looking at the man," if you need any help I offer whatever help I can and I believe this is Terry's if you know what to do with it. I thank you for your help." Demoiselle hesistantly pulled out Terry's gourd that he was now so use to having and carefully handed it over.

[Terry]

The merman quietly listened to the Dragonis' conversation, with his back turned and toward the countertop in the kitchen where he was quickly but with precision slicing a couple of herbs from his basket, while on the stove sat a pot of water, almost to boiling.

Gabriel couldn't help but smile, as he added some more herb leaves to the pot and stirred. "Don't worry about it. I too overreacted when I first saw you with Terry in the water. Our family especially don't really take kindly to Dragonis. It doesn't help also that Terry looks so much like his life-bearer, Maris." The merman had to pause for a moment.

Though he snapped back to reality, after sniffing the air realizing the concoction was ready. He poured some into a small cup. He then turned toward the Dragonis again. He almost smiled, as he saw the Dragonis holding the same gourd that he himself had given the boy on his fifth birthday. "It is truly amazing, the mate of his son is the one creature Koren's been trying to protect him from." He looked back up at Demoiselle, "If you would fill it with ice cold water, I'm sure Terry would like that when he wakes up." He then turned to walk down the hall, speaking quietly over his shoulder, not necessarily to the Dragonis's, "At least you're not fire-based."

Gabriel stopped but moment and reached to one of the hall cabinets and took a small orange candle and medium-sized white box. Just as he entered the room where Terry lay he called to the other two. "Oh I almost forgot would one of you bring me a hot wash cloth? By the way, call me Gabriel, I hate being formal sometimes. My name is Gabriel Umeria."

[demoiselle]

Demoiselle was a little amazed that the merman, Gabriel, had taken too him so quickly especially since the incident with Maris, Terry's life-bearer as he was called, but Demoiselle was happy nonetheless and quickly went to do as Gabriel asked. Feu followed behind him and said, "you go fill the gourd and I'll get the hot wash cloth."
Feu nodded in his agreement and the two split. Demoiselle quickly went outside to fill the gourd careful that no mermen guards or not were and returned in a second to Gabriel's side not wanting to waste time idly when Terry was in trouble.
"Thank you for being so understanding. I hope Terry's father will be as understanding if a meeting must occur," murmured Demoiselle, "I know about what happened to Terry's bearer and I thank you for your acceptance and hope we can talk more after Terry gets better, but right now I'm too worried about him to think much. Here's the gourd."
"And the wash cloth," stated Feu with a small smile and tried to comfort his friend with his presence and trying to help pull his friend to the side, "Gabriel looks like he knows what he's doing. Everything'll be alright. Just remember who you're here to protect and if we happen to run into your father or that merboy you're so attached to we'll take it when it comes. For now though just be their for your mate." Why does everyone keep calling us mates? Not that I mind, but I don't know how Terry feels and I don't wish to put him in an awkward position. Maybe I won't say anything and reason that they just assumed and I didn't want to offend anyone, mused Demoiselle immediately feeling ridiculus for even thinking what he just had and turned to watch what Gabriel would do next.

(((sorry, this was crap, but I'm nervous and my hands shaking and I'm in a hurry. I promise it'll be better next time.)))

[Terry]

(((Lol. And I thought I was the nervous one...nevermind long story. Don't worry! I write crap all the time, but for some reason it always seems to turn out fine with my readers...)))

Without looking up, "Don't mistake my words," Gabriel murmured under his breath, "It's never that easy to forgive a species, especially when their kind nearly kill your first love." He glanced up but a moment and took the washcloth and then returned his attention to treating the wounds. After about a half an hour later, Gabriel sat back, breathing a sigh of relief. His work was done. He smirked, "As a healer, of course I know what I'm doing." Gabriel took pride in his reputation as the best healer in merman territory.

However, his brow furrowed. He checked the boy's vital signs and frowned. "Well, I've done all I can do. All we can do now is wait until his fever breaks." Gabriel then stood and fetched a light blue comfortor from a nearby closet and began wrapping it around Terry's body. "He needs to stay warm and get plenty rest."

His gaze sternly then turned to Demoiselle. "If you don't think you two are mates...Go home. It'll be better for both of you. Neither you or Terry would get hurt." Gabriel turned to the door, but stopped to briskly turn. "Now, who would like something to drink, tea or something?"

[demoiselle]

Demoiselle stiffened at Gabriel's harsh words and felt a little offended, but he knew that Gabriel was just trying to protect his nephew. I don't really know what love is I suppose,Mused Demoiselle looking thoughtfully at Terry and feeling a connection,but if this isn't it then I don't know if I want love...this is a nice feeling. Well, worrying so much is a little exhausting, but Terry's worth it. Demoiselle glanced at Gabriel not feeling the need to tell him aboout his current decision to stick by Terry's side.If I would give my life for the merboy and protect him, give him all that I could is that good enough? Demoiselle continued to mule other his thoughts forgetting about everyone else in the room as he looked at Terry, his body was so frail. Well, if you need to keep warm then the most I can do for you is give you my body heat., thought Demoiselle crawling into the bed next to Terry and carefully moving to cuddle up to him, Get better Terry. We need you and even if you're family can't forgive my race at least I have you. That's all that truly matters. Don't worry about what your uncle says. I'll never hurt you. Just get better.
"Excuse his rudeness," whispered Feu looking at Gabriel, "he doesn't know much when it comes to relationships. His life bearer was kill as well and Demoiselle's father kept him locked in the house most of the time. He's not trying to hurt anyone, he just doesn't understand his feelings and if they're enough to have Terry stay with him I suppose. He won't hurt your nephew. Even if Demoiselle doesn't fully realize it yet. His mate will be Terry or no one at all. Demoiselle's never been one who's big on people, but he's attached himself to terry like glue. You have no need to fear. If you wouldn't mind leaving the two alone though I would very much enjoy a cup of tea. Running away from dragonises then mermen can get a little tiring even for one with military experience."

[Terry]

Gabriel sighed for what seemed like the hundreth time as he poured hot tea into a few cups and set back the kettle on the warm stove. He just couldn't get the image of Demoiselle, who was curled up with Terry protectively in his arms.

On the one hand, Gabriel was happy. Happy that Terry had someone strong to protect him and cared and loved him. However, it also made him uneasy. He was afraid. It was as if history was repeating itself. Something he, Koren, and he was sure even Maris, did not want for their cute little Starfish.

Tired green eyes opened at the warmth that surrounded his body. Someone was holding him. His vision blurred and all around him it was white, like the foam from waves as they crashed upon the shore. Bubbles floated around him. His hand reached out to grab one. His eyes widened as it popped just as his finger touched it. The boy giggled with delight.

"Are you having fun, little Starfish?" Terry's eyes widened again, this time in surprise. Only Papa and Uncle Gabriel had called him that when he was little. The boy followed the soothing voice. Green eyes looked up only to lock with the most beautiful, dazzling emerald eyes he had ever seen. The man was smiling down at him. He stroked the boy's head, nimble fingers threaded through thick green strands

Laying his head down on the merman's lap, Terry watched him. There was something familiar about him. He remembered Papa always kept a picture of him beside his bed and sometimes, the boy secretly caught his Papa holding the picture to his heart. Terry reached up and twirled a few strands of long silken green hair in his fingers, all the while he stared into those beautiful eyes again. Then he spoke as if he was in a daze. "Are you my...?" Maris nodded. Without warning, Terry launched himself, wrapping his arms around Maris's neck. Maris just smiled and returned the hug. Both hugged each other tighter as both knew the other was crying.

Meanwhile, as Terry continued to sleep in Demoiselle's warm embrace, tears had begun to stream down his cheeks. At the same time, he unconsciously launched himself against Demoiselle, throwing his arms around the dragonis' neck.

[demoiselle]

Demoiselle's golden eyes widened as Terry lauched himself at Demoiselle and wrapped his arms around his neck.
"Terry,"mumured Demoiselle looking at the tears rolling down his merboy's face,"are you awake?What's wrong?" Demoiselle waited patiently for an answer and tried to sooth Terry by rubbing his back while whispering nonsense into his ear.What happened to you Terry that causes you to have such nightmares,wondered Demoiselle was he continued to sooth Terry.Is it what happened to your bearer? Are you afraid of me Terry? Or are you just reliving whatever happened to you when you were gone? I'm sorry Terry, I failed to protect you already. I guess I shouldn't have left after all.
--------
Feu looked at Gabriel wondering what kept the merman continiously sighing.
"You know if your worried about us doing anything to put either you or Terry in danger you shouldn't have let us in here and if it eases you any if we had wanted to do something or kill you we would have already done it. We're just here running away from Demoiselle's father and Demoiselle found Terry on the way. We didn't know where to look for him so I guess luck was with us," stated Feu looking at Gabriel a little annoyed that the merman was still so distrustful,"we helped take care of Terry...well, sort of. We can't do anything more to prove that we mean you know harm. Demoiselle will protect Terry, like I said before you have nothing to worry about."

[Terry]

Maris smiled as he continued to hold his son, savouring the moment as long as he could since he missed his chance 15 years ago. Stroking the boy's thick green hair, emerald eyes perked up hearing a faint voice. Maris knew it, and he knew what it meant. Pulling reluctantly from their shared embrace, the Merman looked into his petite son's matching eyes as he stroked his cheek.

"Terry, you have to go back now. They're waiting for you." He whispered in a somewhat choked voice. He didn't want to let go of his son again, but this was the way reality was, as harsh as it was.

Terry looked stunned. He didn't want to leave his Mama, not now that he finally met him for the first time. He grabbed Maris' hands tightly as he could. "Then come back with me." He said, sounding very determined, but Maris just let out a chuckled sob. But Terry wouldn't have it. He just reached up his hand wiped away the tears. "I know Papa would want to see you and Uncle Gabriel too!"

Maris smiled. "I miss both of them too, but they do see me everyday...within you." "But..." Maris put a finger to Terry's lips, silencing him. "Besides, they're not the only ones missing you." He pulled his son into a hug again, "Don't cry Starfish, your fate will never be like mine. You're mate loves you too much to let something like that happen." Terry this time, pulled away, confusion lit up in his eyes. "Mate?" Maris just smiled, "You know who I speak of." Terry blushed. "Y-you don't think Papa will be angry?" "It might take some adjusting but don't worry, everything will turn out all right in the end. Just always know this Terry, I'll always be there watching over you, and of course Papa and Gabriel."

Terry was sniffling back some more tears, trying to put on a brave face, as Maris kissed his forehead. Suddenly, his vision blurred. He reached out. He couldn't see his Mama anymore. He started to cry. Then everything went black.

---

Terry opened his eyes as though he had been in a deep slumber. As he took notice of his surrounding, he saw he was in his room at Uncle Gabriel's house, but what made a deep blush rise in his cheeks was that he was lying within Demoiselle arms. His body pressed against the Dragonis'. He moved a little closer wanting more of the other's warmth. It felt nice. He could feel his body whispering to him that he wanted more, but Terry just blushed. He didn't know if Demoiselle felt the same!! Terry remembered what his Mama said about his 'mate', and he blushed realizing, 'could he have meant Demoiselle?'

Looking up at Demoiselle face, eyes closed, Terry kissed his cheek, and leaned his head against the broad chest, murmuring quietly, "I love you Demoiselle...."

----

Gabriel took another sip from his cup and set it down. His eyes were closed. He was listening to Demoiselle's thoughts in the other room. When he looked back up, he couldn't help but smiled at Feu. "I suppose you're right...you can't change what is meant to happen. But I'm a little worried how they're going to handle either of their fathers. From what I've heard and know, both are very protective of their children."

[demoiselle]

Feu nodded his agreement.

"I think they will learn soon enough that you can't choose who you're in love with and that as long as their sons are happy race is not an issue. Things will work out for those two...I can feel it. I'm sure they'll be problems for them, but that'll only draw them closer," assured Feu sipping at his drink and giving Gabriel a small smile.

-----------------

Demoiselle felt Terry move and his heart jumped, Terry was okay. Then he felt the merboy snuggle up to him and remember what Gabriel had said.Mate?I like that. I'll have to talk to Terry about it when he wakes up, thought Demoiselle, but for now I'll just hold you so you can sleep and get better. Then something happened that Demoiselle hadn't expected, Terry kissed him...and told him that he loved him! Demoiselle had never felt so happy, but he knew Terry needed rest so he pulled the blanket tigher around them.

"I love you too, Terry,"murmured Demoiselle not opening his eyes, but gently kissed the top of Terry's head, "now got to sleep. You need your rest if you're going to get better."



((((sorry, but my internet is broke and I'm using someone's elses computer so if I don't get on for a week or two don't panick. I'm just getting my internet fixed and March 24-31 I'm going on a trip to the Bahamas so I'll be back promise! Don't find a new RPG partner!!!)))))

[Terry]

Terry's blush darkened in his entire face as he heard Demoiselle's reponse. Trying to hide his blush, the boy buried his green haired head into the Dragonis's chest. "No...I'm not tired..." Terry murmured, trying to put on a strong front in his voice, "I'm okay now. I'm feeling much better. I'm not tired, I felt I just woke up."

Suddenly, Terry's eyes widened. He roughly pushed himself away from Demoiselle and threw his body upward. His hands flew to cover his mouth, as he started coughing. His voice was very raspy due to his entire mouth and throat was completely dry.


(((Don't worry about it! Terry will be right here when you get back. I just have one request. TAKE ME WITH YOU! I want to go to the Bahamas too!!!)))

[demoiselle]

Demoiselle panicked for a moment. Terry shouldn't be coughing like that. Demoiselle looked around quickly and finding a cup of water quickly brought it to Terry's lips.

"Go on," urged Demoiselle keeping the cup to Terry's lips, "Drink it."

Demoiselle watched the merboy thoughtfully and grew more worried the more he looked at Terry's cuts and bruises.

"What happened to you," murmured Demoiselle playing with Terry's pretty green hair, "tell me so I can take care of it. Feu and I are here so tell me who did it." Demoiselle was worried about the merboy, but he couldn't allow anyone to get away with doing this to Terry, he wouldn't allow it. He had to make those people pay.

((((Sorry, but it was a school trip so there was no way, but I guess I could've tried to hide you in my suitcase, but the trip wasn't that good anyway and sorry, but my internet is still down so I'm still not able to do this too frequently, but I'll do my best.))))))

[Terry]

Terry gulped the drink greedily. He was just so thirsty, his throat felt like a desert. He looked down at the gourde to discover it was almost all gone now. Terry was more thirsty than even he thought. The boy found himself almost purring as Demoiselle stroked his hair. Suddenly, his eyes went wide with realization. His hands trembled and went limp, dropping the gourde at his feet. The sudden clatter however turned into a loud whiplash in Terry's mind. Covering his ear with his hands, Terry clenched shut his eyes, trying to block out all the horrible memories that kept replaying over and over in his head. Each time his mind's eye felt the whip come down across his already burning skin, the hand slapping across the face, or the hard foot kicking him in the stomach, Terry couldn't help but let out a strangled cry. "Stop it! Get away from me." He cried to his captors. His arms thrashed out pushing away blindly at everything including the air.


(((Don't worry! I hope you had fun all the same.)))

[demoiselle]

Demoiselle looked at Terry in a panic. What do I do? He was fine just a minute going then he freaks out. Demoiselle was careful to avoid Terry's flailing limbs and murmur soothing word, but then...

"Stop it! Get away from me," Terry cried and Demoiselle immediately froze. He was happy..., but now he's upset, Demoiselle thought in confusion, but his heart was broken, Terry didn't want him near him.

"Gabriel," called Demoiselle trying to ignore the urge to try and comfort Terry, "Gabriel, can you please get in here! I don't know what to do." Demoiselle stayed a distance away for a short time, but something just told him that Terry needed him even though he said he didn't. So going on instinct Demoiselle slowly and careful approached Terry. When Demoiselle was close enough he wrapped his arms around Terry so he couldn't move his arms and ignored the occasional kick in order to help Terry.

"Calm down," soothed Demoiselle giving Terry's cheek a small kiss, "you're okay. No one's going to hurt you. It didn't mean to bring up any bad memories, but tell me where they took you and what they look like." Demoiselle then realized it wasn't him Terry was afraid of, it was the men who hurt him and that made him even more determined to find the monsters who hurt Terry. No one could hurt his mate...Terry!!!!

((((LOL. Glad you're not made and yeah it was okay. shrugs nothing that amazing though.))))

[Terry]

Hearing his name Gabriel nearly ran into the room, and stopped just at the entrance. His gaze found Terry thrashing his arms, trying to get out of the Demoiselle's protective, tender embrace. Gabriel chuckled at such a scene, but then worried as he saw the tears pouring from Terry's closed eyes. His nephew hardly ever cried. He rushed toward the two boys and gently took Terry's face in his hands, "Terry open your eyes! You're having a bad dream that's all! Wake up!" Knowing the boy since his youth, Gabriel knew pretty much all of Terry's signs. Reaching a hand underneath his thick hair, he rubbed the back of the boy's neck. Eventually, the thrashing and tears stopped, and green eyes reluctantly opened. "Uncle Gabriel?" Gabriel smiled and nodded than stood and Terry realized that it wasn't his papa's embrace he was in. It was Demoiselle! Terry knew in his mind he should have been embarrassed, but his first reaction was he threw his arms around the other in a hug. "Demoiselle I missed you!" Terry cried out enthusiatically.

Gabriel made his way to the door, you two relax and then eat. We'll talk about everything later. After I make a few errands. Terry this please this time do eat something, you look even more paler than usual. You father would kill me if he saw you now."