ts to after workout??)))

----

Quinn firmly set her gaze on the invisible path in front of her. She was getting a hang of moving her tentacles in a way to get maximum impulsion, while also conserving energy. Her technique still has a ways to go, but it is a start. Working more will increase her speed and ability to swim.

Yus))

~~
Ripley had joined the workout as soon as they were done talking to the other Mer. Their sharp teeth grinded against each other and their anger was evident. As they kept up their fast paced laps, their expression slowly neutralized, much to Jack's relief, and soon they were giving Quinn and Jack advice on their posture, and how much easier it would be on Jack's back if he stopped trying to hide behind his shoulders like a clam.

By the end of the workout, Ripley was back in high spirits. Jack was exhausted, but surprisingly felt pretty good, he somehow felt lighter, and his tail wasn't as much of a burden as it had been before.

Quinn and Kiache stopped beside Jack and Ripley, and Kiache hip bumped Jack, "Great job! You did really well!" Quinn nodded in agreement, although she didn't say anything. Quinn was also tired, but had always enjoyed exercising. Now, she got to exercise and strengthen new muscles, and learn how this new body worked. Although at times it was frustrating, Quinn also found some form of happiness and relief from it.

The hip bump probably would've sent the exhausted Mer flying through the water, but Ripley reached out and steadied him with a small smirk. He gave them a thankful, small smile, and they merely nodded in return. "Thank you Kiache, I tried my best, but you did amazing! You've been working out more than you've let on huh?" Jack seemed genuinely curious, his eyes bright and inqusitive, just like how they'd been when the two had first met. It had seemed like such a long time ago, when he'd wanted nothing more than his own freedom.

Now he was here, with Kiache, his best friend, Quinn, who'd saved his life, and Ripley, who he was starting to warm up to. He didn't think he deserved this much, he was a bad kid, but he was grateful nontheless. He was with people wh cared about him, he was pretty sure Quinn cared about him, even if she tried to act all tough. Regardless, he felt more at home here than he had ever felt in the human world.

Kiache jokingly flexed her muscles, a movement that she had seen in the human world, "Why do you say that? Is it because I am, as the humans say, 'totally ripped'?" With all of her time spent observing on the surface, Kiache remembered a lot of the terminology. They sounded weird to say, but for some reason, the human's had a way to say a lot of odd things without actually saying it.

For the first time in front of Ripley, Jack laughed. Their eyes widened as the boy showed off his unnaturally white teeth and sharp canines. Obviously Ripley couldn't exactly hear his laughter, as it was muffled under the water, but it sounded pleasant, and...happy. Ripley had definitely noticed the way Jack always acted as if the happiness he felt would not last, the way he looked after he smiled, as if shocked he'd did it. Most of the time, his smiles hardly ever lasted and his brows would furrow in confusion after he'd done it. Yet for once, Jack looked carefree, and Ripley could feel it, how Kiache made the boy feel like he could be himself. It was definitely a pleasant change in his mostly cold and isolated attitude.

"Yes," Jack grinned at Kiache, "yes it is because you are totally ripped. Plus, you look healthier too, and happier." Jack realized that maybe he was talking a little to much and decided to shut up and not continue on telling Kiache that he thought that in her own home she radiated a beauty that her small confined tank had never given her.

Kiache reddened, her smile wide on her face, "Oh..." Even her mental voice was soft, "Why thank you, Jack. I think you seem a lot happier out here too. I am very glad you are here."

Quinn elbowed Ripley and rolled her eyes. The two were painfully oblivious and shy when it came to flirting with each other. "At least," Quinn said, only to Ripley, "They can still have a normal conversation as friends without turning into blushing worms."

Jack's pale cheeks flooded with warmth and he looked anywhere but at Kiache. "Well uh um, I'm very happy to be here and grateful of course. Without you I'd still be..well anyways. I am happier here, and I like that you are too." Jack's cheeks were burning by the time he was done and now he really wasn't looking at Kiache. He looked pretty embarrassed.

Ripley was rolling their eyes by the time Jack finally shut up. "Just barely, he always seems to be blushing whenever she's around. Kiache is collected, mostly, but she is still very oblivious to the obvious mutual attraction. These two are hopeless." Ripley grinned, watching as Jack turned a rather unhealthy shade of red. They weren't going to say anything though, they couldn't really care less.

ts?

Hm, to another like training thing? Oh and like Ripley has to leave half way because the other Mer be attacking? I dunno I don't have many ideas about where to ts.