He knew he didn’t have to check in, but he thought it was a nice thing to do, a gentle thing to do, so that Talon didn’t worry.
Excellent, I’ll be down there in about an hour, and we can play. I don’t think we’ve ever swam together.
This will be our first time. I haven’t been in the water like this in many, many decades.But Elowyn seems as if he needs some company and some care.He thought that, from what he’d overheard at least, that Elowyn was very used to Cerran being at the house with him and the children while Triton worked in the training areas more often. Now that Cerran was a diplomat of sorts, Elowyn had to feel as if all his support had just disappeared in a rush.
Mercury finished dressing and headed back into the main room, finding the children watching the big TV. “I’m ready.”
“Excellent, I really appreciate this. I know I could have just gone by myself, but?—”
He interrupted because he didn’t feel as if Elowyn needed to apologize.
“But we’re family, and besides, it sounds like fun to swim with the children.” Mercury offered Elowyn a smile. “You should feel as if you can come here and ask for assistance. If I’m here and I can, I will happily give it.”
“Oh, you are dear.” Elowyn grabbed him and hugged him all of a sudden, and his eyes went wide.
It was such an innocent and honest thing, and after a moment of panic, it was easy to hug his brother-in-law back, to share comfort with his fellow omega.
It had been so long. So long since casual touching had been a thing in his life. Maybe never, in fact.
He wanted to be the kind of dragon who gave it, though. So he hugged and smiled. “All right. Swimming ahoy, my wee friends.”
“Yay! I want water!” Leilani came right to him and grabbed his hand and a rush of power slammed into him. The world shivered and his eyes went wide.
Suddenly they were at a pool. Oh dear.
He looked around and saw dragons and the cafe that made milkshakes, so he was okay. He knew where he was.
Even if he couldn’t breathe very well.
Talon, I need help.
His braaken was immediately there, whole in his mind.Where are you? What’s the matter?
Oh, I took the little girl’s hand, and she did something, and I slid. And now I’m here, and I don’t know how to tell Elowyn where I am.
Okay, okay, you’re all right, you’re all right.Talon’s voice was like a gentle, soothing.Where are you?
The swimming pool.
Excellent. Good job. Leilani can talk to her father. I have Triton right here, and we’re coming to you. Everything’s all right.
Right, and it was his job to protect this little one.
Mercury smiled at the little girl who was looking a little panicked around the edges. “Well, that was quick, wasn’t it?”
“Uh-huh. Love you?”
“Oh, I love you too. Daddy’s on his way up with your sisters.” He hoped.
Goddess, he hoped he wasn’t in trouble. He didn’t want to be in trouble. He liked Elowyn, and he wanted to be friendly.
Also, he never just slid. Not like this.
Leilani is special, sweetheart. Don’t stress it. We are on our way. Elowyn knows, and he’s coming too.
They’re never going to let me babysit or even hold her hand ever again.
Nonsense. Leilani wanted to go, and you are a goer.
