Keith's eyes shot up again at the merman once he took his hands, relief washing over him when he realized he understood him. His heart felt a little lighter. He found himself longing for more of this comfort, this feeling of having someone accompanying him. It was a feeling he wasn't used to having, being so fiercely self-independent, but when he actually felt it for Shiro, it felt right. True. Like Shiro wasn't going to let him down. 

But speaking of that feeling, he soon felt a more urgent tug at his hands. More pained eyes, and the realization hit him. No. No, not so soon. The raven-haired man wasn't prepared for this sudden wave of fear, like he was scared a part of him would wither away with time. He wanted to hold the merman, try to convince him to stay, but they both know that was impossible. The stronger merman was calling for Shiro, and there would be consequences if he didn't go. Even worse consequences. 

Shiro's tail was irreparable, and the wound that Keith just recently took care of would be replaced by three more. Nothing would change, Shiro would just get hurt over and over again, and the human would be powerless to do anything. Just wait around and take care of the merman whenever he could come back to him. If he ever did come back to him. He had absolutely no way of knowing. Eyes glassy and wide, Keith slowly shaking his head like he was denying the reality of the situation, before he slowly wrapped his arms around the merman, pulling him into a hug. A silent goodbye. 

He was scared. For him. The intensity of his fear caused him to strongly tug at some of the merman's hair, a hug filled with pain and anguish. Once he pulled away, it was only to put a hand under Shiro's and bring it up to his lips, mirroring the gesture from the night before. Gently and fleetingly, he kissed his knuckles, hand shaking. [i]Please don't let me lose him[/i].