Shode and Vigil seemed to love that, as well; almost immediately, Shode became interested in what had come in his tank and the two were already kissing almost violently, rubbing and swimming in vast circles from the bottom to the top, floating like cooking macaroni.

The men outside whooped and pressed more against the glass to watch; it was always entertaining with the two fishmen.

Aric watched them cheerily, attempting to steady his legs. Any sort of pain made his legs shake like there was a constant earthquake beneath his toes. He didn't seem to be the jealous type, so their antics didn't bother him--he was more interested in laughing at the poor, unfortunate men outside the tank.

Vigil was, and always would be, a big part of Shode's life. Something he hadn't mentioned was that he would definitely be shared between the two, but he only hoped Aric didn't mind that, now. Ever since the two had meant, they had wrapped themselves in the comfort of the other's presence like a fancy, nice blanket of safety. And, it was also fun to watch the men outside the tank go nuts.

Aric had suspected this as soon as he'd seen Vigil's change in the bathroom--he'd thought they would seek comfort in each other, due to not liking being cooped up in here, of course.

After a while, Aric carefully calmed his legs down, and he heaved a great sigh, standing there awkwardly.

Vigil moved to the back of the tank and brought Shode with him, both of them communicating silently before Vigil spoke to Aric.

Do you need help?

Aric looked up at him, seeming to feel better, now--he was slowly getting back to normal--his grin reappeared.

He attempted speaking through his mind, this time...seeing as he didn't like the idea that the men on the other side of the tank could possibly hear him.

If you're offering help, then sure...after all, you don't want me falling off the ladder and faceplanting on the floor, do you? He sounded playful once more.

Of course I'm offering help. Shode can help once you get into the water... A pause, and then, You're both my mates, now. I hope that doesn't bother you.

He slid out of the tank and offered a hand, then another to help the other up with.

(( brb ))

Nah, that doesn't bother me. I'm not the jealous type...probably why I kept my ex around for so long...

Aric took the offered hands, allowing him to pull him up and in. However, despite changing right away, he clung to the side of the tank inexpertly, not knowing what to do, precisely.

Aww...well, we'll include you as often as you want.

Another voice appeared in his head, softer and much calmer. Hello, there...are you Aric?

Both males swam up to him and attempted to pry him from the wall of the tank.

Aric seemed overwhelmed and nervous, but he allowed himself to be pried from the wall.

...Yeah, I'm Aric... He now clung to both of them, tense, not knowing how to swim like this.

Start slow...careful, gentle movements of your tail. Think of it as feet, kicking, but in unison. Shode told him gently, showing him that he had something akin to knees that bent. The two males held him bridal style in the water, one on each side.

Be careful not to move too much too quickly...and remember to breathe. Just breathe like you would out there. The smaller male told him, paling in comparison to the two larger fishmen. It was obvious he was meant to be mated with.

Aric floundered a bit, looking and feeling like an idiot, until he was able to at least balance himself, though he kept rolling over and couldn't stop himself.

I feel stupid, he admitted quite plainly, rolling over again. This seemed to amuse him, though.

You aren't meant to be rolling like that. Come here. Just up and down movements. He sighed, shaking his head a little and chewing at his lip. He hoped he hadn't made a bad choice.

Shode seemed to have the same thought, and they shared it a moment before he sighed into Aric's brain. Do as he's saying...and you can swim how we do.

Lopsidely--though, thankfully, he wasn't rolling around anymore--he swam over towards Vigil, almost bumping into the side of the tank. He clung to him.

Urrrgh...I'm not good at this...I told you I was clumsy...how do I move straight? He seemed to be having issues staying straight and floating, veering off to the side.

Here, do it like this. He placed the other face downward beside him and aided him in swimming forward, Just focus.

Aric tried to obey, and he finally, for the most part, got it down. He veered off every once in a while and bumped into the sides of the tank a few times, but he was able to complete two circles around the tank by himself.

I told you I was just that clumsy, didn't I? He half-joked, finally able to float along beside him without tipping over too much.

Clumsy or not, you have it down, now. I'm so proud of you. Vigil purred, slipping up against him and tonguing his gills a moment.

Aric was still half-clinging to him, but he did seem to have it down...while he was focusing, anyway--if he started daydreaming, that would be a problem.

He shifted a bit, resting his head on his shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist.

Are you okay, now, Aric? Would you like me to leave the two of you be? The younger fishman questioned, head tilting a little as he smiled slightly.

We can't leave for a while...but we can go to separate sides of the tank? Offered the elder, kissing his lips gently and nuzzling his face.

Aric closed his eyes, looking tired.

I'm fine...I'm just tired, he admitted wearily, words a dim mumble. I'd like to just rest for a while, if that's a possibility...but don't forget. He poked Vigil in the stomach, still somewhat playful. I have to explain my situation with Wyatt to the twins, yet. Preferably tonight, so I can get it all out of the way and give them an ample amount of time to think it over...

Vigil purred softly, floating them down to the bottom of the tank and sitting with his fins tucked under him. He then laid Aric down in his lap and smiled a little. "Mm...there. You can sleep." He whispered, "I'll wake you up before the night is over."

Aric shifted a bit to get comfortable, contently curled up in the other's lap. He was quite tired, so he was out in a matter of minutes.

He slept peacefully. As the last few customers were starting to leave, though, he seemed to be slipping into a bad dream. He tensed, and there was an odd look on his face--a mixture of pain, anger, and sadness.

Vigil had slipped into an odd form of sleep, just sitting there with his eyes closed and breathing soft. He remained so for a while, before he felt something come closer. His eyes opened as he noticed Shode kissing Aric awake.

Aric? Aric, are you alright? Wake up...come on, wake up... He whispered into his head, slowly getting a little louder. "Come on, Eric." His voice was a bit deeper and more commanding when he actually spoke.

After a moment, he woke up, resisting the immediate urge to either thrash around in panic or curl up into the fetal position. He just laid there, slowly calming down.

Ugh...thanks, home life... He hadn't meant for either of them to hear that.

He looked around wearily, sitting up after a few minutes. "Sorry for making you worry..." he mumbled, rubbing at his eyes. He didn't sound fully awake yet.

(( I have to go for a bit, be back later. ))