The Ocean's Song (pt. 1) (Going through edits)

~48~

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Mako had brought the two of them out to, without telling the other's per Naida's request so she didn't draw attention to which Mako wholeheartedly obliged to, a secluded kelp bed. The long, thick leaves blocked them from any peering eyes and muffled their voices from any eavesdropping ears.

"Ray, Shark, and Lionfish didn't tell me much of what happened when we met up, mostly since we were rushing to get you home before dark." Mako looked up to the ends of the strands of kelp, where the water appeared inky green against the night sky. There was one huge white spot, most likely a full moon, that was visible even from down where they were. "They said you had a hard time parting from your friends and to give you some time to yourself; but from the waves of hopeless despair washing off of you, I'm willing to bet that's the last thing you want." He gave her a knowing look that made Naida's heart pound.

He opened his arms, silently asking if she would like a hug, and his eyes held a strange glimmer as if the ink in his eyes were just barely hiding the moon under it. Naida fell into his arms and a sensation fell over her as if her heart had opened and every emotion she was and wasn't feeling was spilling out. She just sobbed into the crook of his neck, clinging to him desperately, for who knows how long, until the sadness began to fade.

Where the sadness had stung like cold water, a small and slow, but growing bead of warmth spawned. It felt strange and uncomfortable at first, but that feeling faded and was overcome by calm, thankfulness, and desire.

"Do you feel better?" Mako asked, looking down at her with a small smirk. Was Naida just imagining it, or did his voice sound deeper? Was his body warmer? And had he always looked so... irresistible?

"I will soon." Naida murmured into his chest and thought over whether she wanted to give in to the urge to kiss him. She looked up at him, leaning her face close into his, and for a few moments, just enjoyed the feeling of his breaths of water fluttering across her cheeks.

She didn't move away as he closed in, and pressed his lips to hers. Just an hour earlier, this would've been the last thing on earth she wanted to do, but after talking to Mako, after learning how much he understood her, there isn't anything she would rather be doing. If only he could make her feel this way all the time. Understood and accepted.