The Sea in our Veins
please carry me home

As they drove back into town, Virgil felt weird seeing all of the familiar sights after everything that had happened. Jack finally stopped the car at the boardwalk. The group piled out of the car with August helping Virgil out. The group sat on the beach and stared at the horizon.

“What do you plan on doing now?” Wesley asked Virgil.

“I just want to go home,” Virgil replied.

“Have you thought again about whether you want to come live with us?” Wesley asked, “You’ll be safe with us.”

Just then, a black car pulled up to the edge of the beach and two men got out of it. It took Wesley a moment to recognize the men as Callum and Misha. He could hardly recognize them without their tail or scales. Behind them, Michael exited the car. Wesley grinned when he saw them and he got up from the beach. He ran towards Callum and gave him a big hug before he dragged all three of them down into the beach.

Once Michael reached the rest of the group, he gave Virgil a big hug, “I’m glad you’re okay,” he whispered before he pulled away.

To Virgil’s surprise, Callum also gave him a hug, “I was so worried that I would lose you again,” he said, his voice shaking.

“I’m sorry,” Virgil replied softly.

“I’m just glad that you’re safe.” Callum replied.

The group sat down on the sand together and Virgil took the moment to just breath and relax. His chest throbbed but he ignored it as he finally let himself relax.

Safely, though, Wesley had to break up the moment, “So what do you think about coming to live with us?” Wesley asked.

Virgil glanced at Michael, unsure about what he should say. He didn’t want to leave being a human fully behind but at the same time, there was nothing else for him besides Michael.

Michael noticed Virgil’s hesitation, “I think you should live with them,” Michael said, “They’ve spent so long looking for you and they care about you. But in the end, it’s up to you.”

Virgil turned towards Wesley, “Can I still come up to the surface if I want to?”

“Of course,” Wesley replied, “You wouldn’t have to give up your friendship with Michael in order to live with us. You can see him whenever you want.”

“Then that’s what I want to do,” Virgil replied, “I want to live with you, if you’ll have me.”

Wesley tackled Virgil into a hug, causing Virgil to groan in pain from his wound and for Wesley to pull back in embarrassment, “Sorry,” he replied sheepishly, “I hoped you would say that.”

“Everyone is going to be so happy that you’re back,” Jack replied, “We should probably have a party for your return.”

“I’d better tell mom to start cooking,” Ivan said, “See you soon.” Then, Ivan and Jack got up from the beach and walked into the ocean before disappearing.

Virgil turned to Michael. He felt sad for some reason, even though he knew he would still be able to see Michael, he still felt like he was saying goodbye, “I’ll miss you,” he said as he slowly got up from where he was lying on the sand.

“This isn’t goodbye,” Michael replied, “See you in a week.”

“See you then,” Virgil said as he gave Michael another hug.

He glanced up to replace Misha and Callum waiting at the edge of the water. Together, he and Wesley walked to the edge of the water. Virgil glanced back one more time at Michael and he smiled before turning back and walking into the water together with his family.