“Sorry,” Aurin said, but he was already undoing his pants as soon as they could see the stream. He let them fall down his legs and then stepped out of them as he walked straight into the water.
It was cold against Aurin’s hot skin, and it took all his will power to not morph on contact and melt into the shallows. The water was clear enough to show every stone, each one flattened by water and time and slick with algae, shifting slightly under his weight.
He waded in until the water met his knees, and even this contact made him feel better. He could feel it rehydrating him, slowly seeping into his body.
He turned to watch Salem follow him in. He stepped in with a hiss, breath catching halfway to a curse, then stood there ankle-deep, pale and unsteady, like the shock had momentarily erased his hangover misery.
Aurin laughed just as the sun broke through a gap in the misty cloud, its rays hitting Salem right in the face.
“Oww,” he muttered, eyes squeezed shut. “More punishment.”
Aurin laughed again and held out his hand. “Come on. Feeling ready to morph?”
It had been far too long for Salem, though his injuries were healed well enough by now, surely.
“It will make you feel better,” Aurin said. “Clear your head and stretch out those muscles.”
“Did I not stretch my muscles enough to your liking earlier this morning?” Salem asked, his eyes sparkling.
Aurin made a thoughtful face, as if he couldn’t remember. “I think I recall something about you and me in bed. I might need a refresher, though.” Then he thought about that, his mouth pulling downward. “When I’m feeling better.”
Salem laughed this time. “Yes, please have some mercy on me.”
They now stood side by side. “Did you want to morph?” Aurin asked, more seriously this time. “If you’re not up for it...”
He inhaled deeply. “I think I need to. Like you said, it will make me feel better. My body is healed enough, if the rigorous test we put it through this morning was any indication.”
Aurin nudged him as he laughed. “I’ll be close by, okay?” he said. “If it doesn’t feel right, don’t push it.”
Salem gave him a grateful smile. “Okay.”
They walked in further, until the water met their hips and Aurin couldn’t deny himself any longer. He sank under the surface, morphing as he did. The relief was immediate, even in this fresh water. For a few seconds, his body filled out, arms curling and stretching over the smooth river rocks, the cool water was... enough.
For now.
A quick, half fix. A substitute for the real thing.
But still, it was unbelievably good, and Aurin was grateful. He turned in time to see Salem sink down under the surface. His form was dark and shadowy, and it took a moment for his shape to fully form. But his eyes were the same, wide and yellow, looking right at Aurin.
Aurin wound an arm around one of Salem’s.Do you feel okay? Any pain?
I’m okay. A little pain, like a muscle pulled too tight.He let his arms splay out, stretching and rolling, shaking out his tentacles.
Aurin slid his arms along Salem’s, coiling around and pulling him close. He held their bodies close, his eyes closed, and for a long moment, they stayed like that, an embrace, of sorts, in this natural form.
It was a relief Aurin couldn’t explain.
To have Salem in one piece, alive and well, was something he’d never take for granted.
You are not okay, Salem said. Even his mental voice was quiet.
Hungover, Aurin replied.
And missing home.
Aurin opened his eyes and gently caressed the side of Salem’s face.I miss my brothers, and I miss the water in the cove. But my home is wherever you are.
His yellow eyes went soft.My little golden one. Such sweet words.
