Before Lir left for School, his dads already woke up and spent some time looking for him. Eventually, they confirmed that he went to school, but Kylen was worried about him sneaking off while they slept.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551940085_b46985fdd4_h.jpgAaron: "I have a crazy idea. Why don't we go on a date."
Kylen: "You must be joking. Our son snuck off and you want to go on a date."
Aaron: "Sure, why not? Lir isn't the same merboy we found lost at sea. Besides, you look like you could use a distraction."
Kylen: "I could use a break."
Aaron: "Then let's go."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551940045_b67598d87d_h.jpgAt Wayfarer's Atoll, the two young mermen kissed before sitting to chat.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551745234_c54a7a8621_h.jpgKylen grabbed Aaron's hand and looked into his eyes. "This is exactly what I needed."
Aaron: "I know. We haven't spent much time alone together in a while."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551263788_ea5bf2b4a9_h.jpgAaron proceeded to mercilessly tickle Kylen: "And I know your weakness when you're upset."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551939710_ea483b15a7_h.jpgKylen: "Okay, Okay. I give. I give."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551262358_5b54dc17d1_h.jpgKylen whispered in Aaron's ear: "I know a special waterfall waiting for us. Are you up for a little escapade."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551745184_f6cd7db209_h.jpgBoth had the whim and took the plunge in the cascading water.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551744924_134defc2ad_h.jpgAaron was taken by surprise when Kylen took the lead.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551029501_a34fbcc63b_h.jpgWhen their waterfall adventure ended, both of them felt refreshed.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550229997_f9228319ea_h.jpgWhen Lir got home from Kanaloha High, it was a rare time when both his dads were at work, and he was free to do whatever he wanted to do. He invited his friend, Juniper, to Wayfarer's Atoll.
Lir: "So Juniper, I heard about an awesome dive spot in the deep blue from the other merboys. Want to take a dive?"
Juniper: "Doesn't that spot have sharks circling it."
Lir: "Are you scared? I can always go on my own."
Juniper: "No, Uh... well, Maybe... I'll go. You shouldn't be alone in open water."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551029211_c83475828c_h.jpgJuniper: "I'm having some doubts. The other merboys get in all kinds of trouble with their parents, and I prefer the safety of the shallows."
Lir: "You can't be serious. I know you're an elemental. I can't believe a little deep water scares you so much."
Juniper: "I'm an earth elemental that ate mermadic kelp!"
Juniper muttered under his breath: "I really need to stop eating strange plants."
Juniper: "Anyways, my older brothers like the ocean more than me! I'm fine looking after plants."
Lir: "It looks like Father came home and saw that I wasn't there. You should probably get going."
Juniper: "Right. This really wasn't the best idea."
Juniper swam off, and Lir prepared for another lecture.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551263213_605057e3c0_h.jpgKylen: "How many times! How many tides and cycles! How many times have I told you not to go into the deep water!"
Lir stared his father down: "I was just having a bit of fun."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551743624_b64f4a8d78_h.jpgKylen: "You know that Juniper is one of the Regent's Nephews. How could you put one of the Princes in danger in the name of fun?!"
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551029126_e38686188f_h.jpgLir: "I've heard the stories. He's not one of the Lost Princes of the Royal Council. There aren't any princes, or royals, left."
Kylen: "And that makes it better?!"
Kylen took a deep breath. "Young man, we are going home right now."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551029096_c412bb90e0_h.jpgKylen personally escorted Lir home.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551028131_d4e728f9ea_h.jpgWhen they got home, Aaron sat next to his son: "Might I offer a suggestion?"
Lir: "Sure. I know you'll say it anyways."
Aaron: "Before you get into trouble with your Father, finish your homework first."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551939025_45665be025_h.jpgLir: "Dad, I was honestly just trying to have a bit of fun. I can handle myself out there. I lived on my own for so long in the deep."
Aaron: "Well, look at it this way, you aren't on your own anymore. You have friends and family that care about you. Can you imagine how we might feel if something happened to you?"
Lir: "I guess, but I know how to avoid danger."
Aaron: "I know, but it's smart to not put yourself in unnecessary danger."
Lir started to speak, but Aaron stopped him. "You should think about apologizing to your father. You made him worried sick when he didn't find you at home. I've never seen him rush out to sea so quickly."
Lir chuckled. "I see what you mean. He does move like a sea turtle."
Aaron: "He's slower than a sea turtle, but you know what, he takes time to think before he swims."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551938065_22fe13730f_h.jpgThe next morning, Lir swam up to his father. "I'm sorry I worried you."
Kylen smiled. "What's most important is that you're safe. I was worried sick."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551744494_bd088b15f5_h.jpg
