Do you always have those scales? Because he'd called attention to them, and she was curious. Really, she couldn't be blamed.

"Most of the time," Kato replied. "I can get rid of them if I have to go topside, but elsewise they're there."

I'm guessing from that statement that you don't go topside, as you say, very often. Which she found curious.

"Occasionally," Kato said. "The need doesn't arise often." He grinned at her. "Although if I had someone waiting for me, I would surface more often."

It wasn't capable for Elea to blush as a seal, but she partially felt the sensation anyway.

I don't know, I think I'd rather just spend more time here.

Kato shrugged.

"I suppose that makes sense," he said. "Selkies live topside, right?"

I do, most of the time. I go for swims, but I don't come out here as often as I'd like. Elea shook herself a little. I'm sorry. I don't mean to trouble you.

"It's no trouble," Kato replied. He grinned a bit. "It's not often I get to talk to anyone from above the surface."

Really, there's nothing special about up there. Different, yes, but not spectacular. Elea turned to look at Lotus, trying to keep track of her, before she looked at Kato again.

I seem to have been monopolizing your time.

"No big deal," Kato said. "I snuck away from home anyways, so my time is there to be wasted tonight."

Well then, I suppose I don't mind so much. Elea paused. Wait. You snuck out?

"Eheheh..." Kato looked a bit embarrassed. "Yeah. Leto and I sneak out at night sometimes. No big deal, really..."

Elea looked at him for a moment before she mentally shrugged. It wasn't her business. Alright, fair enough. Not my place to ask.

Kato relaxed a little at that. Good, he wouldn't have to deal with the reaction if he was forced to tell her exactly why he had to sneak out.

Elsewhere, Lotus was just sprawed out on the sandy bottom, relaxing and watching the wavering moon through the water.

Leto had managed to get out separately, and so he started wandering around, half-hoping to catch a glimpse of that mermaid again. He paused when he noticed something glinting along the bottom and went to go investigate.

Lotus jumped slightly when she heard something, and sat up to look around. The waters were dark, and the moonlight that filtered down made the shadows move and shift as she watched, so she couldn't make out anything more than ten feet away.

Leto grinned slowly when he realized it was the mermaid again. He could tell only because it was the right area, and his brother's scales weren't that color. He had to admit, he was very pleased.

After a few moments, he swam closer to go introduce himself, approaching slowly with his hands up in an "I'm harmless" way.

Lotus curled up slightly, defensively, when she saw him moving closer.

"Who are you?" she asked cautiously.

"My name is Leto," he said, smiling a little at her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just haven't seen anyone else in this area before, and I was curious."

"I'm Lotus." She uncurled just a bit, although not much. "I live nearby, so I come here often."

"Ah. I guess that's why I haven't seen you before. I don't always get out here." He smiled at her. "Although it's odd to see just one. Where's the rest of your group?"

"There's a colony out in the deeper water," Lotus replied evasively, giving a vague gesture with one hand.

Leto raised his eyebrows at that but didn't push, instead treading water. "Alright, fair enough. You seem pretty comfortable here. Been living here long?"

"A while," Lotus replied. "I live with a friend of mine." She glanced around. "Not sure where she's gotten to, but she can take care of herself."

Leto nodded. "I'm sure she can, if she's anything like us." He smiled. "I'm sorry to have disturbed your rest."