“No excuses.”

He huffed, glaring grumpily at the towel he brought. His bag was nearby; it had flip-flops and a bottle of water, to rinse any sand later.

Today he had no silly excuses. And deep inside he was glad he did not have them. He found himself surrendering under her firm command.

“…Fine.”

Matthew took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. He then exhaled and looked down at his feet, his stance tense.

After a few seconds, he moved his head up again. Iara was there, looking at him with an eyebrow up, sitting by the water. Alon was waiting a little deeper, watching carefully.

Just… touch the water. With my feet.

Iara waited patiently for Matthew to resign; a few minutes went by until he pulled up his black jeans, only slightly. His face showed pure nervousness and tiredness, mainly doubt. But she knew he would not be doing this if he did not really want to.

Matthew grinned nervously, standing again, speaking between his teeth with a loud huff.

“H-here goes nothing…!”

Alon frowned. Matthew had tensed the second he arrived on the beach, but now it was worse; his shoulders shook slightly as he took one step forward. He chuckled, but not happily. He pondered how close his feet were to the water, only one more step needed to brush it.

Iara frowned, seeing him freeze there. Not moving, just staring down. Not advancing for minutes.

“Come on.”

Her tone was not demanding but supporting. He knew.

I… can do it. It’s only water. It’s not that hard. Just step forward, be done with it. Fucking move!

The two merfolk waited a few more minutes. But Matthew was literally a statue.

“Aaaand…” She sighed, tail dropping. “He won’t move.”

“Nope.” Alon floated calmly, leaning his head in thought. “He does not even seem to be listening.”

Matthew’s teeth were clenched, his expression a grimace now. His breathing was slightly fast, eyes never leaving the ground.

“Should I wake him up?”

“Iara, no.”

“But-“

Silver, azure and hazel eyes blinked when a bark echoed. All watched baffled while Shamira padded close, seemingly having tired of watching them stand there. Neither the human nor the merfolk had a clue as she sat on the waves, huffing. She seemed to glare at them with a stern scowl, scolding almost. Her snout was raised up in a prideful stance, nodding ahead into the ocean.

Alon was the first to break the silence.

“…Is it me, or is she taunting us?”

Iara nodded, not doubting about it. She was surprised to hear a growl, which did not come from the dog. Her eyes widened when a small splash echoed, one of Matthew’s feet slamming into the water. His other foot followed fast, with a shudder and a silent grumble.

Alon moved a little closer, eyes narrowing. He watched carefully while Matthew stood there, arm close to his side, hand clenched, shoulders and frame rising like if it would help him feel less the water. There was a nervous scowl on his face, eyes shut, and he almost was biting his lip.

“He did it!”

Alon nodded thoughtfully, taking the matter seriously. For with every second that Matthew kept himself there, his body trembled more; in a matter of seconds, his legs looked like they would sway. His skin was paling. He was surely thinking silently, about things that could make him bleed.

Iara blinked when Alon commanded, suddenly.

“Get out.”

“Why-“

“I said out.”

She frowned, watching as Alon pushed himself forward. Matthew winced and seemed to get out of his thoughts when he felt his hand grasp his, the tall merman not needing to lean up to reach it.

Alon was not offended by the fact that Matthew cowered slightly at first, because he relaxed soon after, realizing it was him. He pulled gently, silently motioning him to step back.

“Enough for today…”

Even if reluctant, Matthew nodded slowly, agreeing wordlessly.

Shamira seemed to growl in exasperation as he sighed and stepped away fearfully.

———–

 

He did it. It took a whole day, multiple tries. There were many failed attempts. But he now stood at the water, taking deep breaths. His mouth hanged slightly as he pondered the fact that it reached his ankles.

And he certainly was not fainting. He definitely did not do so before; he just got lightheaded, really. It was just a small lapse.

Iara was beaming, her tail swaying happily while he smiled nervously at them.

“W-well…” He laid his hand on his waist, chest puffing out. It would have been a proud stance, were not for the fact that his body and expression shook from time to time, with each wave that hit his legs. “W-what do you think?!”

Iara tapped her chin, giving him a playful look.

“I think that someone has finally stopped being a chicken.”

Alon winced, seeing Matthew glare down at her and subtly lean one foot. He tried to warn her, but he had no time to do so. Iara sat unimpressed after he splashed water onto her face, both glaring at each other gruffly.

Alon facepalmed, because her eyes narrowed. Matthew’s eyes slowly widened, realizing her own subtle lean.

“I-ia…!” Her tail moved, all ever slowly; his hand outstretched in a panic. “Okay, no! Don’t do it! N-no-!”

There was a louder splash than the one he made.

She snorted when Matthew literally thrashed away, letting out nervous sounds as he felt the water soaking him. His feet moved wildly while he fled back onto shore.

Her face did not show a trace of remorse when Alon gave her a scolding glare, batting her eyelashes and holding her hands together innocently.

The merman let out a tired sob… because a towel was hauled onto her face, squarely.

—————–

 

A laugh escaped her. And a deep blush crossed Matthew’s face. And all the while, Alon could only wonder why he was more nervous about only wearing trunks than for being in the water.

Matthew stood frozen, keeping his gaze on the water, which reached over his waist. His hand was curled around his stump while his arm rested against his chest. His heart was beating too fast. He could not wear a shirt or his trusty old jacket, which was what he used to hide his scars at all times. He really felt weird without them.

However, there was one good thing about leaving those things behind. He barely trembled anymore. Multiple days were spent advancing more and more, step by step. Today, after some hours, he had managed to finally go deeper than he ever had.

It was enough for her to be able to swim in circles around him, only her fin breaking the surface. Alon was amused, because she tried to speak in the water, Matthew raising an eyebrow when he only heard bubbles.

Alon translated gladly before Matthew could think she was taunting him.

“She says you should move a little to the left.”

Matthew blinked, questioning with a confused frown.

“What? Why should I-?“

She rolled her eyes, the crab she had spotted finally moved close enough to brush Matthew’s leg. The reaction was instantaneous.

“Ahh!”

Matthew’s jolt almost took him out of the water, Alon’s eyes widened as he saw him fall backwards.

The merman dashed forward in worry while Iara’s head popped out.

“I told you!”

Alon reached for Matthew, fearful; because he was now sitting wide-eyed, his hand clutching the sand below while the water brushed his neck.

“You ok?!”

The merman was fast to attempt to help him to his feet, deeming this too much. But he was surprised to see Matthew raise his hand up to stop him, huffing multiple times as tried to shake the scare off.

“Y-yeah! I-I’m alright…!” His hazel eyes slowly looked down, gulping slightly. “I think.”

He was breathing fast, but he was not panicking. Alon could only stare, because Matthew was not making any moves to stand. He kept sitting there poker-faced.

Both merfolk looked at him curiously, for he suddenly let out a huffed breath, almost snorting.

“So…” He shrugged, calm, even if still apprehensive. “I- I guess we can speak like this; now I’m the one sitting while you can, like, not have to plop awkwardly out of water. And maybe you can even swim a little?”

Their tails had enough space to sway freely, even if they still had to lean. Iara could swim around if she sunk fully. Alon not so much, bigger, he would still brush the sand below.

But at least the three were at the same level now.

It was not that bad.

—————

 

A deep breath, contemplative… after it, a smile, as he moved forward.

Alon floated worriedly, Iara was hopeful. Both watched while Matthew huffed and walked forward with a determined expression. The water rose with every step he took, going from below his chest, to his shoulders.

Matthew sighed, halting there. He only stood, looking down calmly at the water all around him. Only his head did not touch it. He could feel the slow current, the cool feel of it all on his skin; he could see its clear cobalt flow, right there.

Hazel eyes slowly moved, meeting azure and silver ones. His voice came out less amazed than how he had imagined it would be when this happened.

“This is it…”

He was not shaking. He was not pale. And he was definitely not thinking about dark waters. The waves were so small that he barely swayed while they brushed his shoulders. He thought he would crumble down, yet there he was, staring at himself, standing as if nothing.

Granted, he had failed multiple times. He had to take his time. But he finally was in the sea, he was not breaking down.

Still, he would not be this calm if the two were not around. It was ironic that a merfolk caused all this, only for other two to help him through it.

Matthew blinked, for his words made Iara hum in thought. He leaned away shyly when she circled him once more, her hand on her chin while she eyed him closely.

“What do you mean this is it?” She outstretched her arm and leaned at his side, pointing forward at the sea. “There’s still a lot to do! You could swim, not just walk and stand!”

Matthew frowned, and Alon could not avoid following his gaze. Both their eyes fixed onto the space where his missing limb should be.

“Ia.” Matthew whispered to her, shaking his head. “I have not tried to swim since… that. And to be honest, I don’t know if I should.”

“Why?”

Only Alon seemed to get it. Matthew sighed, because Iara was looking through him, obliviously. So he leaned closer, trying to make her understand.

“My right arm is gone. It would be difficult to move. I don’t even know if I could at all. This is… enough for me.”

She puffed her cheeks in exasperation. Matthew shivered and squirmed, because Iara circled him again, brushing his side with her tail while she claimed her beliefs.

“You could still float!” The boys watched as she let her tail sway limp and pushed one of her arms out of water, keeping it still. Her upper body kept itself afloat, Iara barely needing to move. “You don’t need to truly swim! Just maneuver! Drift! Look, we would do the work for you! We would hold you! You would not even have to do anything! So-”

“T-that’s the last thing I need.”

Both were taken aback, because Matthew had snarled, his hand clenching like his teeth did. His eyes narrowed, full of hate. Even Iara shied slightly as Matthew cursed, holding his scars in anger.

But after a minute, his hazel eyes blinked, realizing he had lashed out; even if he had not meant to.

Matthew faltered, seeing their eyes fill with doubt; both had moved slightly away, giving him a hurt look, thinking they had gone too far today.

So he raised his hand slowly, his face showing regret.

“I don’t mean…!” Both leaned their heads, tails curling as Matthew looked away with a sad whisper. “I don’t mean I don’t want your help, guys. I’m… just… so tired of doing nothing.”

The last words were let out in a half growled huff. Alon and Iara exchanged glances, not understanding fully.

“Nothing?”

“What do you mean?”

Matthew relaxed a little, seeing them both lose their hesitant expressions. They neared again, swimming around him, as always with that wonder. He did not understand why they would want to listen. Why, to him. But they always did. And he always found himself speaking up.

Silver and blue eyes watched intently as Matthew opened his mouth faintly, lamenting while he looked up to the sky, not really looking at it. His words were exasperated and exhausted.

“Everyone keeps telling me to stand back. All think I should not even try to do anything. Not without an arm. All look at me like… Like I’m broken! A walking joke! Apart from my uncle, everyone in town still finds my story funny, how I thought rocks were sharp teeth! All deem I am to be helped because I’m not able to help myself. I hate their pity; they do not even try to hide it. I feel trapped, unable to do shit. They make me feel useless!” He grimaced, thinking. “Maybe… Maybe they are right. Maybe I’m broken and useless. After all, it’s true I break down all the time. It’s true I have a hard time like this. B-but I hate it… I’m sick of it! W-what will I be like this? There’s no way to get back my limb. A lot of paths are blocked in my future; you guys must know w-what a job is. I can’t depend on Ethan forever…”

Life was not easy. It was complex. Humans lived under rules, tied by norms and stupid laws. All full of stupid contradictions.

Matthew looked at them, having seen how they roamed every day around the cay’s waters. Nothing tied them; there were no duties, no one dictated where to go, where to stay, or what to do. They could really be, without qualms. Their tails and beautiful fins allowed them to go wherever they wished.

Alon frowned, because Matthew laughed sadly.

“You guys have it so nice. You are free, a simpler life. While I… I am stuck, forced to hear their mockery, unable to make them listen.”

“…Not understood.”

Iara frowned, for Alon spoke up; his eyes seemed to see something they could not. But it was something that she could imagine.

Matthew was the one to lean his head now while Alon floated at his side. His silver eyes were looking down at him with a thoughtful look, arms crossed. It looked more like a self-reassuring hold than anything else.

“All think they can see clearly through you. All assume what you are, while not bothering to find your worth. They judge what they can see, based on presumptions.”

Matthew stared at Alon, his words tangling with sorrow, so similar to his.

“You-“

“I understand.” Alon looked down at Matthew, for he was taller even in the water. His eyes showed real care. “It is not the same, but I understand your pain.”

Alon made his tail surface slightly, his eyes narrowing at his white stripes; his black fins were bigger than the ones of his family, so different from hers, even if similar. They easily caused fright in others.

The merman looked at the human intently, who shied a little under his sharp eyes. But there was no fear.

“I’m still surprised she did not flee from me like all others. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact you don’t fear me too, not anymore at least. Killer whales are known to kill dolphins… I was born a predator.”

Matthew shook his head with a small sad smile. His hand brushed the water, his eyes fixed on it while he commented wittily.

“We don’t fear you at all, man. Can’t think like that, not after seeing you really are a softie behind all that muscle. And hey, if you really were like that, you could have already torn me to pieces; as soon as I let your tail drop free.” He eyed him carefully, seriousness hidden behind his joking tone. “You could have. But you didn’t.”

Alon and Matthew smiled faintly when Iara surfaced again in front of them, grinning playfully.

“I don’t fear either of you! Never have!” She laughed, the other two blushing as she nudged them both. “You are a gentle giant, Al; you are too easy-going to hurt anyone! Matt, you are a nosy human; but you did not run off to gather people to trap us! You two are open-minded, like me. So I’m glad I met you both!”

Matthew closed his eyes, the noose in his throat fading slightly. He felt a strange sense of familiarity, not as alone.

“I guess…” The three stood or floated there, smiling with understanding. “We are curious, huh?”

Small nods in agreement. The three understood

There was silence for a minute. Until there was a loud splash, which made Matthew jolt slightly in surprise, his eyes opening again. Iara had slammed her tail with a determined huff, which made Alon pout when water fell again onto his hair.

“Now, we should not be moping here!” She bounced slightly in the water, the other two staring poker-faced. “We have to teach you to swim! It’s easy!”

There she goes again.

“Ia, I can’t-“

“I have an idea!”

Alon gasped, because she bolted for the shore, her figure making a small leap out of water.

“Where are you going?!”

Matthew sighed and smiled nervously while he turned to face the beach, sharing Alon’s dread for her energy.

“Something tells me I should get out of the water before we find out.”

As the two boys exchanged glances… Iara popped out of the water near the sand, raising a hand over her mouth.

“Shamira?!”

The dog always roamed around, preferring to nap or have a walk while they messed around. But she always had an ear for any call, and for her.

The mermaid beamed when she padded back from the road, nearing her eagerly. She ruffled her fur with a laugh, Shamira always nuzzling against her face.

“Ok!” She grasped her snout gently, laid her own nose against hers, and looked into her eyes like if she could hypnotize her. “I need your help!”

The dog leaned her head, eyes narrowing, like if she was questioning her.

Matthew and Alon had been chatting calmly. The merman was fumbling with his fins while he asked how badly the people of the cay treated him, the human only answering vaguely, not wanting to worry him. Alon grew shy when Matthew averted the matter by commenting on his cool looking stripes, and how they did not warrant such apprehension from others.

Alon stopped hiding his tail timidly when they both heard an annoyed bark. Silver and hazel eyes stared baffled, seeing Iara drag along Shamira in her hold, the dog pawing the water with a look that hinted she was not amused.

Matthew raised his hand, mouth opening; only to close again. He shook his head, not having a clue why she was pulling Shamira into the water.

“Ia, what the hell are you doing…? “

She finally let go of Shamira, close enough to the boys.

“Setting an example!”

The three watched as the dog let out an exasperated growl. She was pawing to keep herself afloat. As annoyed as she looked, she was not swimming back to shore. Even if she was not swimming perfectly, she could.

Iara pointed excitedly at Shamira, her tail moving in fast sways below her.

“See?! She is not made for water! Look how her long fur is only dragging along, soaked and heavy! But she floats! She just paws, with might! She knows how to! Almost everything that is born in this world has the instinct to swim! You can do it too!”

Matthew stared at her for a minute. To then pout at her.

“Ia… I’m not swimming like a dog.”

“Why not? It would be kind of cute.”

Alon sighed, shaking his head with a small smile, expecting the usual. Matthew had grumbled and stuttered red because of her words, while she was cackling.

“I-I’m NOT cute! I-In any case, dolphins are!”

“Well! I find humans cute! The mermaid has spoken! Now, do as Shamira does! If you manage to swim without touching the bottom I will give you some shrimp!”

“N-no! Stop treating me like a pet you are training! Is this some twisted revenge for zoos?!”

“Lift your legs and try to move your arm! Look at me!”

“ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING?!”

She did manage to make Matthew move. He chased her clumsily, always keeping his feet touching the bottom. Her figure avoided him easily while he tried to swat at her or splash some water onto her face. The only thing he managed to do was lose his focus on where he was stepping. His loud yelps and curses as he sunk into deeper waters could have been heard in the entire cay.

Luckily… Alon held him up and prevented him of thrashing around. The only aftermath of him sinking his head was more curses and shouts at her; the brunet just kept shaking his fist blindly, his hair now onto his face.

The merman rolled his eyes, because the mermaid stuck her tongue out at the human while she swam around, tail moving in mocking motions.

At this rate, maybe she would really make him swim. Albeit angrily.