“Yeah,” Carter nodded in agreement and swam towards the door, but not before a thanking Ker one last time. He was happy to be getting back to Arria now, but something still nagged at him. He shoved the thought back in his mind, wanted to just enjoy this moment for now.
Janie led them back to the city and towards Arria. The younger merman had been knocked out cold the entire time, fast asleep. It was clear that he had been more exhausted then he had originally been letting on.
Carter was eager to get back to Arria, and when he finally saw his love he let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. Arria looked so tired. “We should let him sleep. Do you think I could stay her for the night?”
Janie nodded, “Of course. There’s a room upstairs you could take and you might be able to move Arria there, too.”
Carter gently picked Arria, his full tail making quite the difference -it was so much easier- as he carried his love to the stairs to go to the room. “Thank you, Janie.” He added before he disappeared to go in the room so he could make sure Arria had a comfortable place to sleep.
Janie nodded and said a quiet ‘you’re welcome’ before going about her duties. Arria curled into Carter, more relaxed in his loves arms.
Carter found the room and swam to the bed, sitting and lying down on it with Arria in his arms. He snuggled closer, careful not to hurt Arria’s injuries, and closed his eyes, just for moment. At least that’s what’s Carter intended it to be, but sleep caught him before him knew it.
A couple hours later, Arria woke up, even though he really didn’t want to. He was happy to be back in Carter’s arms and didn’t even notice the others tail, yet.
(Can we just say Carter took the necessary potions to be able to stay underwater? I kinda forgot about that lol)
Carter nuzzled closer to Arria in his sleep, murmuring indiscernible words from his dream. He was sleeping peacefully, happy to enjoy this moment even while resting.
(Oof yea lol that’s fine)
Arria blushed and giggled softly, turning around in Carter’s arms and pressing a light kiss to his jawline. Stars he loved him so much.
Carter slowly woke, smiling as his eyes cracked open. “Mmm, hello love… How are you feeling?” He murmured softly, happily snuggling even closer to Arria.
“Better… thank you.” Arria replied quietly, hiding his face in Carter’s chest, “H-How are you doing?”
Carter smiled softly, running his hand in Arria’s hair, and instead of answering Arria’s question he asked softly, “Have you seen my tail yet?”
“Why would…” Arria lofted his head and looked down at Carter's tail, gasping softly when he saw it wasn’t missing half a fin, “H-How did? Wh-what…?” He looked up at Carter wide eyed.
“Janie introduced me to Ker, who knew how to grow limbs back. So I went out while you were resting,” Carter smiled, eyes twinkling as he added jokingly, “I won’t be much of an anchor anymore.”
"Oh Carter you were never an anchor in the first place," Arria attacked him in a huge hug even though he knew he should be more careful because of his injuries, "I'm so happy for you."
Carter smiled, joy lighting up in his heart. He tucked his head in Arria’s shoulder, smiling onto his love’s skin. “I love you. So much.” Arria was… perfect. Absolutely perfect. Something still nagged at him though. “Arria…” Carter couldn’t bring himself to say it. Not while they were so happy.
"Yes?" Arria pulled back a little to look at Carter's face, tilting his head to the side. He didn't like that tone, something about it made him worry.
“It’s nothing, really.” Carter said softly, forcing a smile. I’ll tell Arria later, when he recovers, Carter told himself silently. “You should be resting anyways.”
Arria frowned, though it was more of a pout then anything, “Carter what’s wrong?” He asked, worry clouding his features.
Carter’s heart melted a little bit. “Gah why do you have to be so darn cute?” Carter shook his head, silently wishing he could just change the topic. He tried to come up with a half baked lie, hating every word as he said it, “I’m just worried, is all. I’m ready to go back home, you know?” Carter couldn’t bear to tell Arria the full truth yet. He didn’t even know how to tell him. And how it broke every bit of his heart.
Arria blinked once, looking away, “Right… yeah… that makes sense…” He mumbled. Something was wrong and he knew it, what made it worse was that Carter wasn’t even telling him. But he didn’t ask, even though he wanted to.
Carter bit his lip, a huge part of him wanting to just tell Arria what was bothering him so much right now. But the other small part of him knew what would happen, and how much harder it would be for Carter. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before softly whispering, “I really really really love you, Arria.”
Arria still didn’t look back to Carter, shaking his head just a little, “Then why lie to me about the real reason about what’s bothering you?” He couldn’t help it, he had to know.
Carter turned red. Of course Arria could see right through him. “I…” He bit his lip, before making himself continue, “Because I know what you’ll say, and then I’ll listen to you and-“ Tears began forming in Carter’s eyes, which he quickly tried to wipe away. He opened his mouth to finish the sentence, but no words came out.