Loud snores echoed. A parrot was pecking on a long plait, always curling on it when a man would fall asleep over a desk. Kalani was resting calmly, chirping softly as the first rays of sunlight broke into the store, the mornings peaceful and long.

That peace was disturbed, and his little black eyes opened, because a faint vibration echoed. Before the phone could begin its ringtone, he already hopped onto the desk. The music echoed from below the paperwork, and it sure made Ethan jolt awake with a loud growled gasp, as always.

The man glanced down, realizing that he was not sailing like in old days, but sleeping in his store. A parrot was chirping up at him, encouraging him to get out of his daze. Ethan let out a grumbled huff, rubbing his face with a hand to push his drowziness away, his other one patting the desk to try to find the phone between papers. He found it after a minute, the ring of a message having replaced a call. He yawned as he pressed his security number to unlock the screen, annoyed.

“Whoever this is, they are not getting shit anytime soon, their delivery will be the last thing I do in the day. I swear, waking up a man at these hours… Haven’t I put a sign on the door with the times when I’m available and-?!”

He blinked, seeing that it had not been any of his clients. His eyes widened, seeing a familiar number, which had not been contacted for a lot of time. The call came from a phone that had been on a desk near a computer; Matthew’s phone, his number.

Ethan let out a grumbled sound of confusion, disbelief, question and bafflement while glaring at the message.

“I’m back. It is obvious I have taken back my phone. Give me a call when you can?”

Ethan kept staring at the phone, part of his annoyance fading, because the uneasiness of the wait was going away. He was finally hearing from him. He would never admit that he was happy about it. It took him no time to call, almost slamming his phone onto his ear, his breaths fastening as his hand tapped nervously on his desk. There were many questions in his mind, and he needed them to be answered.

Kalani stuffed himself below papers, to muffle any possible growls that could come. Ethan rose an eyebrow, because the call was not being answered. Not right away at least. Eventually, a nervous voice echoed from the speaker, hesitantly.

“H-hello, Etha-?”

“Where are you?”

Even if he could not see it, he knew that the one at the other side winced for the stern demand. Ethan frowned, because he was not hearing any waves in the background, only a faint sound of water.

“I knew you would go directly to the point…” He waited patiently while Matthew let out a long awkward sigh. “Okay, so, you never found my keys between what I left. I have them. Remember how I told you I would come back, and that I could change and-?“

Ethan let out a confused gasp and Matthew yelped suddenly, because another voice echoed suddenly, loudly.

“Aargh! Hot, hot! It’s not warm anymore!”

There was a muffled gasp from another voice, someone almost tripping. At the same time, Matthew seemed to panic, trying to leave the phone hurriedly.

“Iara! What did you do?!”

“C-crap! Hold on a sec Ethan, I have to-!”

There was the sound of a phone being dropped onto a counter in a hurry, fast steps upstairs, towards the faint sound of water. He tried to ask, even if he knew there was no one to answer.

“Matthew?”

Ethan could only sit there deadpanned, holding the phone in his hand while three voices echoed from the speaker, faintly. There was the sound of insistent knocking.

“Ia?! What did I tell you about turning the shower handle all the way to the sides?!”

“Not to! But it was warmer the more I turned it to the left! So I just pushed it all the way!”

“Iara, to the right! I turned it to the right! It will get colder!”

“Agh-h! Too cold now, Al! Freezing!”

“For fucks sake, Alon! Don’t tell her what to do; she always works in extremes!”

“How could I know she would kick the handle all the way to the right?!”

“Because it’s IARA we’re talking about! Remember when we told her not to munch that pufferfish?!”

There was the sound of someone leaning angrily on a door, yelling more and rambling.

“Okay, Ia, stop panicking away from the water! Just reach for the handle carefully and turn it slightly towards the middle! It will set a moderate temperature again! I swear, your curiosity has no fucking-!”

Ethan hung up. He calmly let the phone down on the desk and put his elbows down, grasping his hands near his mouth, contemplating his existence. Eventually, he let out a long sigh and closed his eyes, understanding perfectly.

Matthew was home, and not alone.

————-

He slowly approached the door. He leaned his head and frowned, because he was not hearing yells or noise from inside. The two-story house was silent. He took a deep tired breath and petted Kalani gently, who ruffled himself against him, as if trying to encourage him. He slowly took his own keys, stepping closer to the door.

He was heard doing so, and because of it, someone neared the entrance. When the door opened fully, their eyes met, and they just stood there. Eventually, Ethan closed the door behind him, while Matthew struggled to bring himself to say something. He managed to in the end, pressured by an unreadable intense stern stare.

“H-hi, Ethan.”

Matthew blinked, because Ethan just nodded and walked past him into the kitchen. He was not looking at him, leaving him to fidget nervously while he went straight for the fridge. Once there, he took the only beer inside it, opening it slowly and taking a long gulp.

When he sighed and lowered the can, Matthew opened his mouth to try to speak. But he stopped him with a raise of a finger, not done drinking. The kitchen was silent until he finished the beer, not a word said, no matter how nervous one of them was.

Finally, Ethan crushed the empty can under his big hands, and then threw it over his shoulder into the trash. He crossed his arms and leaned against the fridge calmly, grumbling as he finally acknowledged Matthew.

“I’m going to need more beers for this.” Matthew took a deep breath when Ethan gave him a raise of eyebrow. “It’s weird to see you with legs again.”

Matthew laughed nervously, looking down at his pants and boots. Kalani was chirping on Ethan’s shoulder, full of confused wonder, seeing no tail.

“I find it a little strange too.”

Ethan stood off the counter and walked towards the living room, not giving him time to speak again.

“I heard those two on the phone. Where are they, and how did you manage to drag them all the way-“ Ethan halted, pokerfaced. He finally saw the living room, and who was in it. “There’s no way his tail is under that blanket.”

Ethan stared with resignation at Alon, who was sitting cross-legged on the sofa. There was a large blanket thrown over his broad shoulders, all over his body, which could not possibly hide his huge black and white tail. The merman was smiling nervously and shyly, clutching more tightly a half-empty juice box, barely managing to raise a hand to greet him.

“H-hello, sir.”

He could see clearly that they were human now. If the dorsal fin he saw before was there, that blanket would not be able to hang behind his back like that. That huge tail would be peeking too at the end of the blanket. There had to be legs, nothing else could curl on the sofa like that.  After a moment of contemplation, Ethan nodded slowly, not bothering to glare or show annoyance. He acknowledged his presence politely, plainly.

“Alon.” The merman sighed, relieved to not be yelled at. As well, there were no harpoons. Ethan just turned around, not surprised to see Matthew behind him, still meek under his questioning stares. “Do I even bother to ask how?”

Matthew bit his lip and looked nervously around, fidgeting with his only hand.

“Umm…” He smiled like an idiot, shrugging shamelessly while he rubbed the back of his neck. “No, don’t bother. You never believed in magic, and it’s weird to explain.”

“Right.” Ethan nodded over his shoulder, blankly. “Still, that does not change the fact that they are here. Where is that pesky mermaid? She is-“

She was still in the bathroom. Not for much longer, however. Matthew winced when he heard more rustling noises, a door pushed open, clumsy steps towards the stairs. By the time he turned around to look, she was already bouncing her way to the entrance, even if like a drunken woman, somehow never missing a step.

Matthew thanked everything above that she was wearing the pajamas he gave her. But even then, they were soaked, for she had refused to leave the warmth of the shower until now. She still did not understand that wet clothes were something troublesome. Ethan could only stare deadpanned as she stumbled her way to them, leaving a trail of water behind her. Only a parrot seemed unfazed by her loud enthusiastic greeting.

“Hey, Ethan! Long time no see!”

“Ia, couldn’t you at least grab a towel?!”

She pouted sideways at Matthew, who was giving her a disapproving glare.

“You told me to wear these pajamas!”

Matthew groaned, pointing at her with his hand, exasperated.

“Yes! But I did not mean it like this! Towels are for-!” He let his hand drop, knowing he would get nowhere. “Agh, forget it!”

Iara ignored Matthew as he approached a cabinet nearby, her azure eyes fixing on Ethan instead. The man sighed tiredly, accepting this fate. His nephew was happy; it was obvious below all that nervousness and grumpiness.

“So, you two really have taken good care of him.”

She grinned, seeing well that there was love below Ethan’s apparent sternness.

“We kept watch on his clumsiness, cluelessness and overall-“

Iara huffed, because a hand towel was flung at her head, cutting her off. She grabbed it and glared at Matthew, who was walking towards them with a scowl.

“One to speak, aren’t you?” He nodded at her and the towel, leaning his head at her soaked hair. “Do me a favour and at least dry your hair, dammit.”

She stuck her tongue out, waltzing her way proudly towards the couch. It would have been a dignified stride, were not for the fact that she tripped along the way, almost falling onto the blankets on the floor. Almost, were not for Alon, who yelped and leaned to catch her. By doing so he sacrificed his juice box, now out of his reach on the ground, staining the blankets slightly. While both merfolk leaned on the couch and tried to regain their balance, both humans exchanged looks. Matthew smiled apologetically, while Ethan sighed with resignation.

“So you three are staying for a while, huh?”

It was Iara who answered, yelling from the couch, laughing a little.

“That was the idea! He had to come back, and we wanted to see his home!”

Alon frowned with a nervous smile, raising his hands to try to reason.

“O-only if you allow us to! I mean-“

“I’m not kicking you two out.” Alon shut up, because Ethan waved them off, indifferent. “You can stay, I don’t have a say on it anyway. It’s Matthew’s place, not mine. Just don’t let anyone know what you are and don’t cause any trouble; I mean it.”

Matthew spoke up, assuring seriously with a faint smile, knowing that Ethan cared for the three even if he tried to hide it.

“We already discussed that. I won’t let anything bad happen.”

Ethan snorted tiredly, glancing at the merfolk. Matthew could not avoid feeling awkward, because Iara tried to retrieve the juice box for Alon. She really tried, but she only ended up falling onto the blankets on the ground, tripping with them. And Alon almost fell over too when he stood from the couch to help her up.

Both were like fishes out of water, no question. Knowing that, Ethan walked towards the nearby table and gave Matthew a sarcastic thumbs up.

“Well, good luck. You’ll need it.”

Ethan sighed and sat down, able to see the two merfolk from there. They had managed to crawl and plop themselves onto the couch again, having retrieved the drink. They were now silent, eyeing how Matthew sat at the table too, right in front of him.

Alon and Iara kept quiet, noting well the thoughtful expression on Matthew’s face, one that they knew to take seriously. He was staring at Ethan, who was just petting Kalani, curled between his hands on the table. Soon, those hazel eyes fixed as well on the cute parrot, who hopped away from those big hands. As he leaned to caress those feathers with a smile, he dared voice one important question in his mind.

“So, how have things been while I was gone?” He grinned faintly, speaking with a much more relaxed tone. “Is the store still running, or is it full of cobwebs?”

Ethan scoffed at Matthew’s taunt, mocking him back.

“You can bet I’ve been fine. The cay has always been, and will always be, the most boring of places. So I just kept on wondering if you were lost in the sea, or if a whale bit your tail off. You know, the usual things an uncle has to worry about.”

“Whales only eat krill.”

“What, are you a marine expert now? I know that whale eats fish.”

A shy mumble echoed from the couch.

“I’m more of a dolphin actua-“

His correction was ignored by both humans, which prompted Iara to pat Alon’s back sympathetically, silenced under their ramblings.

“I have actually seen a couple of whales. I’ve roamed around the ocean, and I can say I’ve learned a lot. I know things you don’t.”

“Well, aren’t you clever?” The time spent apart felt bitter, and that feeling was unintentionally hinted. “If you are so in touch with the sea, you did not really need to leave it.”

Matthew frowned, and Kalani let out a faint disappointed chirp, because he stopped petting his feathers. Ethan reflected when he heard him sigh tiredly.

“I told you I would come back.” Before Ethan could say anything else, he continued. “I wanted to, okay? Ethan, I wouldn’t leave you behind. It’s just…”

Ethan pondered, leaning back on his chair, looking over his shoulder. The two merfolk were tense, unable to leave them alone to argue. The next words were caring, thoughtful.

“You have more family to deal with now. I get it.” Matthew saw well through Ethan, who let yet another long exhale, shaking his head. “What I’m going to do with the three of you?”

There was a small laugh, followed by a nervous cough.

“Actually-” Ethan closed his eyes, expecting what Matthew would say. “W-we could use a little help. You didn’t leave much food in the fridge. There’s like, only a few things: cereal, canned soup and some drinks I left there before disappearing. I also only had pajamas and-“

“So you are saying you want me to fetch some things for you.”

Matthew grinned sheepishly, while Ethan crossed his arms. He knew he was asking a lot, but he couldn’t just get out and leave the two alone.

“Pretty much that, yes…”

Alon averted his gaze nervously, while Iara leaned onto the couch to stare at both humans curiously. Matthew was fidgeting on his chair, unfazed by how Kalani pecked at his fingers, demanding to be pet. All were tense, because Ethan’s expression was unreadable. When an answer was given, it was stern and firm.

“You know what I say?” Matthew winced a little, expecting to be scolded. He was surprised when there was only a calm demand. “I’m not doing shit until I get some damn coffee, Matthew.”

The brunet beamed, standing quickly off his chair, dashing towards the kitchen.

“Sure, just a sec!”

Ethan warned as rustling began to echo from the kitchen, not needing to raise his tone to be heard from there.

“I want it black. No milk. I don’t care if you put sugar; maybe I’ll need the energy to deal with this nonsense.” He huffed, already pondering what to bring later. “The things I do…”

Something moved nearby, which made him blink. He stared baffled, because two merfolk were looking at him, one more shyly than the other. Alon was outstretching his arm towards him nervously, offering the juice box meekly. He was not even daring to meet his eyes as he leaned on the couch to hand it, perhaps out of respect. Iara leaned her head, seeing Ethan’s gaze soften subtly, his next words still grumbled.

“I’ll have enough with coffee.” Alon shied away and held back the juice, his offer rejected. “You can keep it, boy.”

Alon looked down at the drink, doubting, thinking that the sugar in it could truly help. But eventually, he nodded slowly and took another small sip, hiding back between blankets. Ethan stayed silent, only looking at Kalani. Those azure eyes were fixed on his neck, looking at him curiously all the while.

The following days would truly be eventful.

————-

His silver eyes watched intently. He hugged a pillow tightly, holding his breath. His eyes widened, seeing the screen of the television show him something bewildering. Iara and Matthew roamed the upper floor, unaware of his shock and wonder.

The human had finally surrendered to the mermaid’s demands and allowed her to enter his room. She asked to be let in as soon as Ethan left to get what they needed, not a second after. She was now bouncing on his bed, asking insistently while he leaned onto his desk wearily.

“And why do you use computers instead of big phones?”

He rolled his eyes, annoyed by the fact that he was forced to turn on the computer to explain every single detail.

“You see, phones didn’t have much screen years ago, they looked like the remote you snatched. Computers were more useful than them in the past, but now the two things are kind of merging, at least for the common user. There are some PCs with touchscreens now, but mine is not like that. So please, don’t try to jab the laptop with your fingers.”

He was not surprised to see her blink with a lean of head, trying to process his words. She complained, crossing her arms as she sat on the bed.

“But if you can’t touch it, how do you use it?”

Matthew held to fingers onto his forehead, trying to not lose his cool.

“With this, Ia. It’s a keyboard. But the most important thing is this; it’s called-“

Just as he was going to show her what a mouse was, a loud yell echoed.

“Noooooooooooo!”

Matthew gasped, recognizing Alon’s voice, which came from the living room. She sat there with another lean of head, watching as he rushed out the door, muttering something under his breath. She didn’t worry as much, because she could recognize when Alon overreacted. That was not a yell of pain or horror, but lament. Very much like the shout he would let out if he somehow stained his new human clothes. With that knowledge and serenity, she looked sideways slowly. There was no human guarding the computer.

As she crept off the bed… Matthew ran downstairs. He bolted into the living room, panting as he leaned against the door frame, calling worriedly.

“Alon, are you-?!”

Matthew stared pokerfaced, because Alon had left the couch. He was now sitting right in front of the TV, hugging it while he cried. The merman let out another small sob, turning his head to question him.

“It’s horrible! Matthew, why?!”

The brunet stood there at the door, not understanding.

“Why? What-?”

“Why does your TV show such horrible things?!” Alon let out a small growl, complaining as he looked again at the screen. Matthew saw that there was a soap opera playing. “Why would you humans show the misery of others for entertainment?! You told me the TV was for fun! I was watching this footage, and it was fine! But Maria Dolores de los Santos has suddenly pushed Manolo away, and she is going to leave to Spain, to never to come back, and now they are arguing about a necklace he gave her, but it should stay with him because it’s inherited?! And there’s a guy that just tries to cause more arguments between them, and the camera just keeps zooming on him as he peeks through the windows?! And they are still recording! How can they let the television crew film them so rudely?!”

Matthew stepped closer, staring while Alon admonished the silly soap opera with extremely bad acting. He had left him watching a cooking show, but it seemed that it had ended, and the channel switched to this. He had told him that the cooking show was meant for the audience to learn how to prepare food, whose host truly was there to teach. And now…

“Alon, this is not real.”

The merman looked up at him, frowning with worry.

“It is?!” He pointed at the screen, just as the camera kept on zooming with silly ominous music. “Look, there’s no… CGI? It’s people! There are no monsters or things put there! And-!”

“Alon, calm down for a moment and hear me out?” Alon stopped muttering, hugging the pillow near him very tightly as Matthew crouched at his side, speaking to him with an amused look. “Remember how your siblings like to roam with other young merfolk, and how they once arranged a small game about a brave giant squid hunter? All kids with a role in it?”

“Yes? What that has to do with-“

“It’s only an act.” Alon blinked, while Matthew snorted. “They are actors, memorizing silly lines to let out in front of the camera. Like a movie, but with episodes. This kind of thing is called soap opera, infamous for being very extravagant and too complicated to follow.”

Alon slowly looked back at the screen, seeing one of the characters let himself fall onto a divan overdramatically, reaching for a photo, on which the camera fixed for two minutes with ominous music.

“…Soap opera.” The merman seemed to slump a little, realization dawning. “Then, Maria Dolores de los Santos has not really left? And they won’t have to sell the house, nor go to Spain?”

“No one is going to Spain. And she is not really called Maria either.” Matthew smiled tiredly, slowly reaching for a button on the TV. “So, you can stop worrying. We’ll just change channels and-“

“No.” Matthew blinked, because his hand was swatted lightly, prevented from pressing the button. He did not know how to react as Alon mumbled onto the pillow, fixated on the show. “I want to know what will happen with that necklace, and what will she do. She can’t just leave?”

Matthew face palmed slowly, groaning under his breath, not understanding how Alon could fall for such a bad act. As well, he did not know if he would have time to see a season of that overly long thing.

“Fine…” Alon did not look up from the screen as he stood, leaving him to stare at the TV again. “I’ll be upstairs. Please don’t freak out again for whatever you see.”

“Hm.”

Matthew began to step up the stairs with a long sigh, rubbing his forehead tiredly. If he thought that the merfolk would stop causing disruption near technology, he was wrong. He blinked and halted in surprise, hearing a voice echo through the door above.

“Address, what address?”

His eyes widened, a small gasp escaping him as he heard the unmistakable sound of a Skype call, someone’s voice echoing through the speakers.

“Miss, please, we can only bring you the order if you tell us where to deliver it. As well, we need to determine the method of payment.”

“But I really want those pizzas you said you had!” Matthew heard the unmistakable sound of a mermaid slamming her hands on a desk, leaning closer to the computer, yelling. “I’ll have three fishes ready!”

“Did you say credit?”

“Fishes! Four fishes, not three! And some well-crafted things!”

“You want the pizza with tuna? And well done? Extra ingredients?”

“No! I will be the one to pay with-!”

The woman on the other side of the call gasped, because Matthew bolted into the room and quickly intervened. Iara growled when he slammed himself onto the desk, panting as he excused her.

“I’m sorry! We don’t want any pizzas!”

Iara gasped when Matthew tried to snatch the mouse out of her hand. Keyword tried, because she quickly moved it out of reach, angrily. It was a good thing that it was wireless.

“Matt! I want pizza!”

“Ia, let go of the damn mouse so I can hang up!”

“Wha-? Is this a prank? Hello?”

“What mouse?!”

“I mean-! Don’t jump on the damn bed!”

“Why can’t I have pizza?! You like them too!”

“I’m not ordering something with you two here!”

“Why not?!”

“Because if I leave you one second alone, you do exactly what you must not! Like touching my computer!”

“It said pizza on your screen, in that blue corner, and I thought it would be good for dinner! I pressed this small click thing and this lady suddenly spoke! You said phones tried to be like computers, so I assumed I could ask for pizza, as you said once!”

Matthew finally managed to get a hold on the mouse, but she still held it. Both rolled off the bed, each struggling to yank it away from the other. His hazel eyes narrowed, seeing that with her fall, a blanket had slid out of place, hanging off the edge of the bed at her side.

Iara gasped and let out a surprised growl, because Matthew kicked the side of the bed and made the blanket fall onto her head. It allowed him to pull more strongly, her hands letting go of the mouse as she cowered blindly under the cloth.

“Ha!”

He stood, grinning with triumph, turning to hang up before the mermaid could react. But he stared dumb faced instead, seeing that the woman had tired long ago of their stupid bickering and had hanged up. He sighed, slumping slightly as Iara peeked from below the blanket, pouting and complaining faintly.

“Now we won’t eat…”

Matthew glared down at her, trying to not lose it.

“We will eat. But not from an order.”

“But I could have paid!”

He let down the mouse on the desk, looking sideways at the clueless mermaid.

“With fishes?”

She huffed proudly, crawling again onto the bed.

“It was a great deal! I would have even given four! And some trinkets!”

“Ia, we humans don’t trade with resources like you do in the sea. One can’t just give things like pots, food and crafts like money around here.”

“Money? But that can’t be eaten or used as a tool!”

Matthew smiled slyly, spotting his wallet nearby. Iara blinked, hearing him whisper with an amused tone.

“Oh, fine. Guess you wouldn’t want to see it then. A shame, because I have some-“

“Show me!”

Her azure eyes had of course glinted, never tiring of seeing new things. The human relaxed slightly, his shoulders slumping as he took out money from his wallet. He sat calmly at her side on the bed, amused by how silent she was now, looking at it with pure wonder.

While asking, they were loud. But while they tried to understand, they grew quiet and attentive. He wondered if he would run out of things to show them and end their intense interjections.

———–

“This is what I got, from what you asked.”

A parrot pecked at the clothes being laid on the table. The three watched as Ethan explained, getting out each set from the bags he carried.

“First, some bigger clothes for him.” Alon blushed, hugging more closely the blanket over his shoulders. “It was not easy to find some of his size, he is taller than me. But I always find my way through the predicaments you bring.”

Matthew coughed and pouted, looking away grumpily. Meanwhile, Alon leaned his head at it all. The white sweater was made of wool, surely able to stretch a little and fit him. The black pants were longer than the ones Matthew had. And lastly, now he had shoes, high-tops.

Alon seemed to appreciate what they brought him, not only because of the gesture. Matthew had told Ethan to look for discreet and tasteful clothes, having known the merman for some time already. The mermaid, on the other hand, was not as excited to see what she would be given.

She glared with resignation and annoyance while Ethan opened another bag. She was sure she would hate whatever was in it, until he took it out. It did make her blink, her apprehension drowned by curiosity.

“You said no pants. No pants it is.”

Iara stepped closer to the table, looking down at the dress in a trance. It was a maxi, to allow for as much limb freedom as possible. It had an abstract but beautiful pattern, multiple streaks of gray hues on it. To top it all off, the shoes she got were bow sandals, which would make her feel less constricted.

Ethan sat on a chair, done. He opened a can of beer that he bought, letting the merfolk look at the clothes alone. There were more things in the bags, like underwear and plain attires, but it was unnecessary to show them now. The two were captivated by what they would wear if they really roamed outside. They were examining everything as if they were the strangest but loveliest things in the world, both of them.

Matthew smiled and leaned behind Ethan’s chair, looking down at him while the two merfolk exchanged curious comments. He made sure to express his gratitude, even if with a faint whisper.

“Thanks, Ethan.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Both looked sideways when they heard Alon exclaim nervously.

“Iara, I don’t think shoes go on like that.”

She growled, hating to be told how to wear clothes. Alon tensed, because she glared down furiously at her shoes, which were on the wrong foot. Those hazel eyes widened slowly, seeing her expression twist into one he knew well, one that hinted she was going to act impulsively.

“Don’t-!”

Alon yelped, Matthew paled, while Ethan just took another gulp of his beer uncaringly. One shoe literally flew out the window of the living room, kicked off. It rolled along the street, with nothing to do against it. She growled and kicked the other off less intensely, to put it on correctly. Once done, she raised her gaze, crossing her arms under their baffled stares.

“Better now?”

Matthew just nodded, defeated. He began to walk slowly towards the door.

“Sure, let me just… Go for the other one.”

Alon looked at the window, glad that it had been open. Ethan watched impassively how the youngsters dealt with the new clothes. Or more like how Matthew tried to make Iara understand the concept of each piece of attire.

Alon was fast to wear his, coming out of the bathroom with a warm satisfied smile, enjoying the fuzzy feeling of the wool. It took all day to make Iara surrender, however, and only after they offered food. Ethan had brought many ingredients with which to fill the fridge. She ended up having pizza in the end.

Ethan stayed a while, exchanging a few words with Matthew. He was fast to comment on their clumsy steps, both merfolk trying to learn to walk like normal people. Alon was still nervous about his height, each of his moves taking a long while.

They could walk, but Matthew had to agree with Ethan. It would not be wise to let them out yet. The plan was to stay here for a few days to try to help them move normally, even if not perfectly, as he did with his tail. Then maybe go outside for a few walks, which could help them.

They intended to roam the cay once they got used to their change. Ethan was not completely convinced about it, but he did not think it could cause much harm. No one would ever suspect they were sea creatures, perhaps only crazy sightseers. He just asked Matthew to be careful, and that he kept him informed.

They spent some hours talking about how things had been while he was gone. Shamira had gone back with Jason, and everyone still gossiped about his strange disappearance and past condition. Those fools would have to swallow their words soon, because they would see him happier than he had ever been, with two who had his back.

They would stay for as long as the tides were warm.

—————

Alon slowly sat up. His gaze softened, seeing the bundle of limbs around him. He stared at the other two, plopped on the heap of blankets, which resembled the nests they made underwater. Matthew was sprawled on one side, snoring loudly, with a leg out of the pile. He would have rolled away onto the cold ground, were not for the fact that his frame was heavily gripped by Iara, outstretched as well as if she owned the place.

They had slept like this for a couple of days, because Matthew’s bed was meant for one person. And as much as Iara liked its softness, she preferred to make a bundle, like always. It was really nice to feel the blankets, different from the cloths merfolk made.

Alon could see a slight trace of sunlight peeking from the window, lighting dimly the room. The day had begun. Even if the other two squished and left him little space, he had slept well. He was a morning person, however; he wouldn’t manage to sleep any longer. He sighed with a warm smile, lifting Iara’s leg off his, chuckling as he saw her try to get back that grip on him. When he moved off, she latched heavily onto what she could feel. Matthew let out an annoyed sleepy grumble when she plopped herself onto his side. And still, neither woke.

The tall young man shook his head, standing slowly to his feet. He took a deep breath, slowly making his way to the kitchen, glancing at the counters, fridge and cabinets. Matthew had explained to him how everything worked, he understood. He had watched attentively, too shy to ask to try himself. But perhaps he could cook today.

He looked back into the living room, doubting slightly. The two were sleeping like rocks, not looking like they were going to wake any time soon. Trying to make breakfast for when they woke couldn’t be that bad.

I can do this.

Alon smiled firmly, giving a small nod as he opened the fridge. He fidgeted, seeing a half-empty juice box inside. He controlled himself, focusing on making food. There were a few ingredients, both in the refrigerator and cabinets. Ethan had bought all they could need, even fish, commenting on their love for it. If Matthew had not assured they liked other things too, there would only be seafood.

He grabbed bacon and some eggs, having tasted both things already. He took out a pan from the cabinets, as well as some oil. His eyes narrowed as he recalled how the two humans cooked. He turned on the stove, which never failed to amaze him as it heated up. The oil sizzled as he poured it onto the pan, as carefully as possible. They told him that not much should be added, and he tried to follow that advice. The thought that he put too little crossed his mind, but he had already put away the bottle. Now he held an egg, which he looked all over, afraid to break it in his hand. After a deep breath, he leaned closer to the pan, ready to break the egg. He sweated slightly as he remembered how Matthew made a mess once, even if he was human and much more experienced.

His hands trembled, afraid of using too much or too little force. There came the crack, which made him flinch. He dared look down and then sneered nervously, seeing he had ended up shattering the shell in little pieces while trying to break it. Many had fallen into the pan. He quickly moved to the sink, washing the mess off his hands.

It was too late to take the bits of shell out of the pan. His eyes widened, seeing the yolk solidify, mixed with it all. He tried to nudge the thing with a fork, which only made it look more like an omelette. It was something he had not seen, only fried eggs. He began to panic slightly, confused, seeing food that he did not know what to do with. He tried to fix it by adding more eggs and bacon.

The omelette roasted while he debated what to do, his eyes showing pure determination. He really tried to fix and salvage it. A while passed, two sleepy ones not hearing the nervous mumbles from the kitchen. In the end, a plate was ready. It was slowly let down onto a kitchen table, a pan dropped shakily into the sink.

Alon stood tall, his eyes dark as he looked down at the food. If it could be called that. He contemplated his entire life. Smoke still came out from the hot bundle of meat and mashed eggs, covered in a layer of brown and black, left too much time in the pan. His chest began to puff out slowly. His eyes narrowed with pride and annoyance. He had shamed himself and all he had been taught.

The two who were asleep exchanged grumbles and small pushes as more rustling echoed from the kitchen. There was a prideful snarl, and the fridge was opened again.

—————-

A nose twitched. Matthew groaned when he felt the thing pressuring him move again, squishing him against the ground as it rose up. He opened his eyes slowly, annoyed to wake up. The mermaid at his side did not mind using him to push herself onto a sitting position, by letting all her weight fall on his shoulder.

“Iaaaaaaaaa…”

Matthew leaned his head slightly to glare up at her. But she ignored his reasonable complaint, looking towards the kitchen instead. She only let one word, standing to her feet clumsily.

“Food.”

She moved forward, no caring about what was in her way.

“Mmpf!”

Matthew’s eyebrows twitched, he almost screamed at her, but he contained himself. He decided to not get angry for the small kick her foot gave him as she jumped over him. She bounced into the kitchen, and that was when he realized he was alone in the nest, Alon no longer sleeping.  His hazel eyes widened slowly as he sniffed the air. He quickly sat up, noticing the smell of something roasted. Multiple things perhaps.

Iara leaned her head, staring curiously at all the mess in the kitchen. Matthew had scrambled to his feet, and as he halted by her side and saw too, he could not bring himself to say a word. Alon was sitting with his elbows on the table, his hands clutching his head. His eyes were empty, haunted, and unable to acknowledge them. His expression showed pure shock and shame. Around him on the table, was the mess that had been meant to be a meal.

Matthew stared pokerfaced at it all. There was a slightly burned pan in the sink, with a few remains of something still on it. The microwave was open, something red dripping out of it like blood, what he assumed to have been sauce. As well, there were remains of eggs all around, scattered. Even if nothing was broken, it looked like if a massacre had taken place over the counters.

There were plates in front of Alon, but what they contained could not be distinguished, strange and mushy. Yet there was something that was even weirder. Matthew ignored the fact that Iara was tasting everything out of curiosity. He got closer to a bowl that was right below Alon’s piercing stare. His mouth opened and closed, multiple times, deadpanned.

“H-how- How did you BURN milk and cereal?”

Alon raised his gaze slowly, showing no emotion other than pure regret, shaking his head. Matthew stared as he laid out his hands, exclaiming like if he committed the worst crime in history.

“My glow… It does not heat things well out of water.”

He had tried to do as they always did. They cooked underwater by manifesting their will. He had failed to cook with human tools, so he tried to heat the milk with his silver glow. Silence reigned while Matthew stared at Alon’s hands, outstretched like if they were bloody. Only one sound echoed, the one of Iara eating the toasted food as if nothing, even the red thing that was sauce once.

After a minute, Matthew whispered, coughing awkwardly.

“Let me just clean all this, and maybe we can try to see what you did wrong.”

“Everything!” Matthew sighed when Alon sobbed and hunched over again. “I can never look at my hands again! They have tainted the art of cuisine!”

“Well…” Matthew looked sideways, seeing a few plates empty already. “She seems to like it.”

“Hmm hm!”

Alon ignored her hum of approval and the clean plates, including the one with eggshells.

“Tainted!”

“Look, you did not learn to make seafood in one day, did you?”

“No! But I learnt from the best!”

Matthew got to work, already having grabbed a napkin to clean the microwave. He looked over his shoulder, laughing nervously.

“Well, I’m not the best, I kind of suck even if I’m human… But I can try to teach you.”

“It would not make a difference! I can never mend what I’ve done!”

“It’s not the end of the world, Alon. We maybe could make scrambled eggs with smoked salmon?”

Alon yelped a little, because Iara stood up from her chair suddenly, slamming her hands on the table with flaming eyes.

“Salmon?!”

The two pondered if to run for a second, her azure eyes sharp as knives, glinting. They exchanged looks, seeing her piercing them with her gaze, enthusiastic for the food. Matthew smiled, because Alon stood slowly with a solemn nod, walking towards the counters again. He whispered nervously, unsure, even if with the promise of guidance.

“Only because we need to have breakfast.”

“And to appease her gluttony.”

“Right.”

“Guys, I have many things that I can throw at you. And water won’t muffle the landing.”

They shut up. Iara sat happily, watching while they cleaned the mess. They soon began to cook, one explaining what to do, the other following all instructions carefully with renewed hope. It did not come out perfect, but Alon retrieved some of his pride when the other two ate it and remarked it was good. His skills improved each day, because Matthew let him take the lead each time they needed to make a meal.

The days flew by; each was spent talking of their wonders, their questions unending. They had not even left the house yet, still trying to learn to walk. Each day, Matthew saw their steps resemble his more.

Their curiosity had no end, and they would do anything to reach the answers they wanted.

————-

“Why do you humans always stay in one place?”

“Why merfolk feel the need to move from place to place so much?”

She looked up to the sky, pondering. The three were slowly walking through nearby streets, only a few minutes since they got out of his house. Alon was looking nervously all around, taking small steps, still unable to walk fast. They looked normal if they advanced slowly. The problem resided in her loud exclamations, which would come at every time they took a turn in the small neighbourhood.

“I don’t know why! We just roam after every season! But still, we have places to call home for a while! We don’t make houses as you do!”

Matthew glared at her, trying to keep her quiet, not wanting to wake everybody while they had a stroll.

“Shh, Ia. Look, we make homes because we need them. We are more susceptible to the rain, cold and the weather. You are more resistant to it all; I felt it when I changed. In any case, we have our ship, don’t we? It’s like a big home.”

“Human-made, yep.”

“Give me a break. If you are going to keep criticizing my world we can turn around and stay home, or you can go back to the beach.”

“No, I want to see that park you mentioned.”

Matthew smiled, seeing her pout; Alon was still glancing at every tree that decorated the rural streets. Both felt pure wonder for everything they could see. He had to clarify they could not go into other houses, because the concept of property was something merfolk only applied to objects. He was taking them somewhere where they could run about, freely.

They chatted lightly while they made way. It took them a few minutes, but finally, they reached a more open street. Iara gasped, and Matthew was unable to say a word before she dashed. There was a small field ahead, the neighbourhood ending there, the forests of the cay seen in the distance. Even though small, there was a small playground, with a few swings and a slide.

Alon raised an eyebrow at Matthew, wondering why he was letting her run ahead. He looked up at him with a smile, nodding at the deserted park, explaining gladly.

“She can mess around all she wants with these things. It’s meant to be played with, mostly by kids. However, no children ever come to this field; this neighbourhood is full of old people. The docks are far, so she can’t bother any crowds.” He walked ahead, inviting the doubtful merman to join him. “Want to go to the swings?”

Iara had already climbed the slide a second time, and now she was standing tall on it, trying to peek over the forest ahead, seeing a few birds. Alon glanced around, seeing that there was really no one around, a calm place to admire the landscape. He was curious about the playthings as much as he was wary.

“Are these things like the cords of seaweed tied onto reefs for kids to push and sway on?”

“More or less. Instead of having to swim against it and then let go, you swing your legs to take drive in the air.”

Alon followed, watching as Matthew sat onto one swing, nudging with boredom the ground with his feet. He slowly sat as well, looking up at the metallic structure, finding amusing how humans used any material to improve their environments.

“You make a lot of things with what you have.”

Matthew began to sway lethargically, snorting.

“Yes, and we are destroying the world by doing so, consuming blindly. All this stuff is made in factories, which pollute whatever area they have near. I wish we were more in touch with the earth, like you. It is kind of ironic, given that we are the land roamers. If you saw all we do…”

“You are including yourself in those words. How do you contaminate? I haven’t seen you do anything wrong.”

“Indirectly, I do, on a small scale. Two years ago, I used to drive my Vespa. Electricity here is not green, and recycling is not very well established in this cay. I don’t want to show you with my computer how we humans deal with our rubbish.”

“I know you throw it into the sea.”

“Not only into the sea, everywhere. If we could, we would throw it into the skies. We are fucking shit up.”

“But the earth is still pretty!” Both looked up, because Iara exclaimed at the top of the slide. One of her hands was over her eyes to help her look at the distance, the landscape of the cay green and mountainous. “It’s still full of life, even with that bad stuff you said! You know, I love some of the things you humans create, so there could be a middle point. We both could learn some things from each other. You are kind of a link, Matt!”

Alon smiled, because Matthew blushed when they both spoke firmly.

“I would have never wielded magic if you hadn’t been there that day. And I would have not tasted human food.”

“I would have never touched a phone or worn a dress!” She sat with a bounce and then glided down the slide with a cackle. “Most certainly, I wouldn’t be in this park now!”

Iara jumped off at the end of the slide, skipping closer to them and the swings, leaning onto them with a laugh.

“Say, could we explore some of the cay’s forests? When we changed I couldn’t look much at them, too focused on walking. I want to see the trees, the plants, the animals, the flowers, the-“ They both blinked, because Iara suddenly halted, something catching her attention. “Butterfly!”

They stared pokerfaced as she hopped, throwing her hands up like a cat. She let out a small growl when she saw that the butterfly escaped her grasp. She ran along the field, trying to catch the strangely elusive insect, which was ignoring her fascination.

Alon swayed calmly on the swing, seeing her finally catch the butterfly, trapping it unharmed between her hands after an impressive jump. With said leap, she had fallen onto the grass of the field. She stayed there, inspecting the creature with a glint in her eyes. Matthew sighed, wondering what she would chase if they walked into the woods that surrounded the field. Or what she would do in more habited areas, where small crowds roamed.

He really wondered as much as them.

—————–

Matthew truly felt like his life had turned around for the better. Even if it was chaotic.

He stood awkwardly in front of his house, fidgeting. Two nervous merfolk were hiding behind him; one was peeking over his shoulder with narrowed eyes, while the other was trying to be as small as possible even if huge. Ethan was fast to notice their dislike for the rumble of his car. He had come to pick them up for a ride, having talked with Matthew about showing them the town. There was only one condition: they would not cause any trouble. And so, he turned off the motor and jumped out, crossing his arms at the three.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Even though the motor was off, Alon was still glancing at the car as if it were a dragon. Meanwhile, Iara was daring to approach it, now that it made no sound. Matthew took a deep breath and nodded slowly.

“They have been fine in the streets around my house; we’ve had a few walks.”

Ethan snorted, seeing Iara poke the car, looking it all over with a pout.

“Right, because there’s so much to see around those streets.”

Matthew bit his lip, fidgeting nervously.

“How bad can it be for them to check out the docks and the town?”

“They are looking at the car like it’s a thing out of this world, and you want to take them to the main neighbourhood and market, where there is slight traffic. No, this can’t possibly go wrong.”

If sarcasm could be seen, it would be as thick as smog right now.

“Come on…” Matthew smiled a little, trying to get through Ethan’s apprehension. “Just a little walk; I can’t take them every day to the same field, forest and empty streets.”

Ethan huffed and looked away, which made Matthew grin in triumph, hearing his surrender.

“Fine, I’ll take you. But you better keep an eye on them. I’ll go back to the store and wait for you there. You better not be out for too long. Just show them some things and that’s that.”

Alon spoke from behind Matthew, shyly.

“We won’t cause trouble, sir.”

Ethan shook his head, turning to the car. He was not surprised to see Iara inside already, examining the back seats, a parrot chirping on her head.

“You say that. I know better.”

Matthew and Alon saw Iara lean over the front seats, trying to reach for the radio. They slowly exchanged glances, promising without words to never look away from her, having already seen what she could do on her own.

It took some time for Alon to get into the car. Matthew asked Ethan to not turn the motor on yet, to ease his apprehension. Both merfolk had seen the car multiple times, in the days Matthew had a broken ankle. They were not unfamiliar with its sound, and yet they still jolted when it finally rumbled. Iara managed to stay calm, while Alon cowered slightly on his seat, Matthew having to look back to try to calm him down.

Ethan drove with a blank expression, leaving Matthew to answer the questions about the car and any doubts regarding its safety. Kalani curled on her lap, unbothered by the sways and turns of the roads.

Iara watched with curious eyes, as with each street left behind, their surroundings grew more crowded. The buildings were taller, more compact. It looked different from Matthew’s neighbourhood, even if it still did not look like a city.

They headed north towards the main town square, close to the docks. Alon watched nervously through the windows, shying as they got into the core of the town. His eyes showed doubt, because there were a few humans walking through the streets. They passed a few cars from time to time.

Matthew sighed when Ethan turned into a familiar street and pulled over. Iara rolled down her window and stuck out her head to look at the building in front of them.

“Is this Ethan’s place?”

Matthew smiled and went to help her get down from the car, nodding to the small store. Apart from the main door, there was a big sliding one at a side, to let clients bring in their boats. Ethan’s home was on the upper floor, smaller and secluded.

“It’s not amazing, but it is the main shop of its kind in town. So business is always smooth.”

Alon inched out from the car, peeking to see if there was any passerby around. When he knew there wasn’t, he got down and stood at their side.

“This is where you learnt how vessels work, no?”

Ethan walked past them, mumbling something under his breath.

“And look where that got him.”

Matthew ignored that bitter grumble, coughing. Ethan halted after opening the door, looking back at them with a warning.

“I want you three here before lunch. Come into the store when you are done seeing this boring town.” Matthew glared at Ethan, because Alon flinched when he reminded them of their origin. “Don’t make anyone suspicious, I don’t want to have to unlatch any hooks off you.”

He closed the door, leaving them to do as they wanted outside. Matthew smiled nervously, patting Alon’s shoulder, frowning.

“There won’t be any hooks.”

“B-but-“

Iara looked up to Alon as well, with a sly grin.

“Al, remember how humans don’t think we exist?” Alon slowly nodded. “They would rather believe we’re crazy than from the sea.”

Matthew and Iara nodded, each taking one of Alon’s hands, beginning to pull gently so he would follow.

“She is right about humans for once. No one believed me, some laughed on my face. They would rather imagine you’re reckless tourists interested in the northern beach than merfolk. Not that they like tourists either, but…”

“If any human looks at us funny, I’ll kick them!”

“Ia, no kicking. There’s something called police.”

“Police? What is that?”

Alon did remember that word. He spoke up quietly as they walked out the street they parked in, fidgeting between them.

“They are like… agents of authority that can put you in some kind of arrest. Maybe in area 51.”

Matthew rolled his eyes, remembering how paranoid and worried he was after his first change.

“Alon, I don’t really think that area exists.”

“But you said they could take you there if they saw you as a-“

“I was panicking!” He pointed down at his legs, snorting. “We don’t have tails now, do we?! No one will think we are fishes out of water!”

Just at that moment, they had turned around a corner. The three blinked as an old woman gave Matthew a weird look for his loud exclamation, his hand still pointing at himself. The brunet coughed and blushed in embarrassment, while the woman walked away towards the plaza ahead with one last shake of head.

Alon stared at the few humans walking around. There were stands set out, a few small stores; the plaza was squared and big, multiple streets connected to it, as well full of commerce. Even if there were many stalls with fishes and the tools needed to catch them, he could not see any harpoons or dangerous weapons. The faces he could see hinted no ill-intentions, they looked much like the ones of merfolk he knew.

Matthew finally got out of his embarrassment and pointed at the market. He whispered, wary of the people around them.

“Anyway, no words of… that. We don’t need to worry if nothing slips out of our mouths.” He smiled a little, seeing them staring at everything. “Well, here we are, at the core of the cay’s town. This market is always up. Not that different from the ones you know, is it?”

Merfolk did gather from time to time in certain areas, to trade their belongings or crafts. But it was much simpler than this. In the sea, there were no cars, no parking spots, nor buildings. It was really a small town, a coastal one, nothing much of interest for a regular guy. And yet, the two were amazed by it, staring at the stands and stores while he led them through. Iara stared at the plants of a flower store, while Alon sniffed the air near a bakery.

Only Iara asked questions, because Alon was keeping to himself, munching onto a small pastry Matthew bought him. And still, even if she did ask, she did less loudly than usual, almost whispering. There were people around, and even she knew to keep it down this time.

With how quietly they walked ahead, they did not bring much attention to themselves, other than a few curious glances. A few recognized Matthew and wished to comment on his presence, but no one had seen his companions before, which caused folks to be apprehensive of nearing them. Outsiders were not that common in the cay; the island was isolated, its people quite apprehensive of newcomers.

Matthew explained human life-style more or less: why they worked, their nonsensical laws, and why there were so many things for sale. He hated the way they depended on money or property, unable to make a living as easily as merfolk. Even fishing needed a license. They found it fascinating for some reason, while he found it tiring. They were like kids that weren’t aware of the horrors of the world. This cay was peaceful, nothing like some large cities in other countries, chaotic and blood stained.

This island was pleasant to most folks. For him, however, it was nothing compared to the sea. His life made a turn he had not expected, but he was glad for it.

They had entered a clothing store out of curiosity, where Ethan bought their clothes. When they got out, Iara spotted something from the corner of her eye, the other two busy discussing a nearby convenience store. Her azure eyes glinted with joy, seeing a familiar animal of brown fur walking down a street.

“Ah!”

Alon and Matthew stopped talking about buying some drinks, gasping as Iara let go of their hands, suddenly dashing away into a run.

“Ia?!”

“Iara?!”

She ignored their surprised yells. She laughed instead, calling the dog across the street.

“Shamira!”

The dog let out a huff, her ears perking up as she heard her name. She was surprised, recognizing a voice she had not heard in a very long time. She turned sharply, only to see a slightly changed mermaid running towards her, from the opposite side of the street. A small worried bark escaped her, seeing the traffic light between them turn red, and her steps not slowing near the crossing. Matthew let go of Alon, screaming as he saw that Iara intended to cross while a car came from the road.

“Ia, stop!”

Shamira was ready to jump forward, letting out a small growl, while Matthew and Alon began to run too. She had already set a foot down onto the road. The car would surely have halted right in time, honked at her angrily, no one driving at a fast speed here. But no one needed to jump in or brake. A huff escaped her as an arm latched around her waist, keeping her from stepping ahead.  A voice echoed, calm but commanding.

“Wait.”

She stared baffled, seeing that car drive past the spot where she would have been in two seconds. Her eyes filled with recognition, Matthew having warned how roads worked. She just had forgotten, because these market streets were more commonly roamed by pedestrians, which crossed with little regard for the law.

She had been glad to see Shamira again, and had dashed in an impulse. Now she slowly looked over her shoulder, at the one that had stopped her. Jason was frowning calmly at her, with a look of surprise, much like her. She leaned her head when he let out a thoughtful whisper, both as perplexed.

“You are…”

Matthew and Alon panted, finally standing at Iara’s side. Jason soon glanced at the brunet, who grew nervous for the sudden meeting, much like that one time on a dark path.

Both merfolk stood back, letting Matthew face the other human, who was obviously pondering deeply their presence. Jason spoke slowly, crossing his arms behind his back.

“Matthew, it’s… a surprise to see you here, with them.” Only Alon was daring to meet his gaze, tense and ready to act defensively. Iara and Matthew were quieter, because Jason knew more than what he hinted. “Ethan told me you moved away from the cay.”

“He did say that.” Matthew’s expression twitched faintly, and it did not go unnoticed by the other three. “I’m back just for a small while. It’s nice to see you too, but if you excuse us-“

He stopped, because a sudden weight slammed onto him. He huffed when two paws plopped onto him, a dog finally having crossed after waiting for a green light. Shamira was standing on her hind legs, barking up at him, her tail swaying.

Matthew blinked down at Shamira, who made puppy eyes, begging for attention. Iara was fast to crouch and pet her, which prompted her to lean against her hand, without lifting her paws off Matthew.

“Aww, she missed you, Matt!”

His hazel eyes softened slightly, seeing her give him one of those familiar questioning looks. He had grown used to her intense watch last year, and he had honestly missed it. Jason smiled faintly, because Matthew sighed and joined Iara in petting Shamira, who was as happy as possible.

“I missed you too, chum.”

“She has been dejected since you left.” The three looked up from Shamira when Jason commented tiredly. “No one has needed her help, so she has been in a bad mood. Strangely, she has been quite demanding regarding walks. She always leads me to the coasts. In fact, now I was following her towards the docks. But someone decided that traffic lights don’t matter.”

Iara pouted, while Alon and Matthew worried about what Jason could say next. They did not need to, because he only sighed and turned slightly to leave.

“I ask you to be more careful.” His eyes fixed on Alon’s feet, something that made the merman fidget nervously. “As well, be mindful of not stumbling if you run; you seem to have some trouble with it. Anyway, It’s been nice to see you three faring well. I’ll leave you be. Come, Shamira.”

The dog looked up, hearing his call. The four watched as she whined, because Jason wanted to leave, knowing well he would get no answers from them. Her eyes filled with doubt and sadness, only managing to curl more against Matthew after a few fidgets, her whines and troubled barks directed at the three. They all stood there for a minute, watching how she refused to follow her owner.

Jason slowly looked at them again, intently. After another minute, he spoke, sighing.

“Matthew, would you do me a favour?”

The brunet jolted slightly, because Jason looked at him firmly.

“M-me?”

“Yes, you.” Shamira’s ears raised, her tail moving in excitement as Jason asked calmly. “You said you were staying for a while. Would you let Shamira stay with you, as she did before? She is of no help if she can’t focus; I guess she got too attached. She would be better off with you, to be honest.“

Matthew opened his mouth, only to close it again, not knowing where to look. Both Shamira and Iara were making puppy eyes at him, like when they wanted food. Alon was giving him a look that said not to ask him, and Jason wore the same old unreadable expression he would never understand. So he only stuttered, not knowing what to take from the situation.

“S-sure?”

Jason smiled and nodded, seeing Shamira bark happily and Iara smile joyfully.

“Thank you, Matthew.” He turned around and began to walk away, raising one finger as he let out one last comment. “By the way, there’s a walker in my clinic, for anyone in need. It would surely help build confidence in each step, perhaps ease anxiety upon haste. Only if needed of course. Take care.”

Alon and Matthew exchanged a look, not knowing what to think of Jason, or of his faked obliviousness regarding their nature. He knew well what they were, and what issues they were facing.

The trio stood there, taking in what just happened, Jason having walked away as if nothing. He did not demand answers, nor ask why they were on land. He simply was glad to see them, a simple glance telling him enough.

Alon and Matthew looked down slowly, watching as Iara laughed and petted Shamira, who kept licking her cheek.

“Who’s going to plop at my side for a nap?! You are!”

Matthew frowned faintly, remembering what would always happen when he let the dog sleep on his bed.

“She is not sleeping with us on the blankets.”

Iara and Shamira glared up at him, while Alon coughed and took one step away.

“Why not?”

Matthew huffed and grinned tiredly, crossing his arm.

“There is already something that takes all the space on the nest. I’m not dealing with two plopping on me and pushing me off!”

“Ah, then sleep on the couch!”

“It’s my house, Ia! You sleep on the couch!”

“No way! It’s less comfy and warm, and smells of popcorn!”

“Ah! Then you would like it!”

“I would wake hungry! Do you want that?!”

Alon yelped, because Iara, Matthew and even Shamira looked up at him, questioning.

“We are going to get fur all over ourselves! Tell her, Alon!”

“Al, you don’t want us to sleep on the couch, do you?!”

The tall merman raised his hands in front of himself, laughing nervously.

“Why don’t we- We could discuss this while we go ahead, try to talk it out and-“

“We’re talking now!”

Alon could never pick up a side in their verbal wars. It took him some minutes to make the two stop bickering. He grew shy, because some people began to give them looks. Iara and Matthew were rambling about a nest in the middle of the market. In the end, he was grateful for the dog’s presence. Shamira helped him lead the two away through the streets, nudging their legs. By the time their bickering ended, with a very clear victory for Iara, they were close to a place that always made Matthew wary.

The brunet was eerily silent when they reached the docks. The pavement was older now, like the few buildings nearby, all dedicated to fishing. Iara swayed slightly, peeking over the stony railing to look at the wooden platforms ahead, which composed the harbour. There were a lot of boats there, many people handling nets and hauls of fish.

There was a small headland near the docks, past a small bridge, a lighthouse there. They headed to it slowly, not a word said while they left the harbour behind them. A man who sold fish was baffled when Iara delayed her steps and grabbed a small sardine from his stall, stuffing it into her mouth in one bite. The seller was too taken aback to say anything, while Alon and Matthew did not even notice. She walked back to their side as if nothing.

Hazel and silver eyes were too focused on the distance to pay mind to anything. Shamira was fixated on Matthew, sharing Alon’s worry for him. He was tense, looking at the bridge and waves in a trance.

They reached said bridge soon enough, and the three sat on its edge silently, no one but them there. The lighthouse loomed nearby, shadowing their figures. Alon was the one to whisper, staring at the docks as Matthew did.

“Is that the one?”

Matthew nodded slowly, solemnly. Alon and Iara edged closer to him at his sides, the three fixing their gazes on the biggest ship in the docks. The one in which he had worked, with the most advanced netting system.

“That’s the one, yes.”

They did not miss how he slowly clenched his hand around the empty sleeve of his jacket. All the while, his eyes never left the water. Alon and Iara were quiet, listening as Matthew pondered with a faint tone, no emotion in his expression.

“It is strange; I always hated to come here after that night. I felt apprehension, anger… and something I can’t describe. But now? I feel nothing. There is no trace of the dread I felt.”

Iara spoke slowly, whispering while looking sideways at him. She was serious, for once not smiling.

“You don’t fear the water anymore.”

Alon smiled warmly, seeing those hazel eyes look at them both, silently. Matthew only answered with a single glance, a single shake of head. He said everything and nothing at the same time. He could only gaze into their azure and silver eyes.

It was not about the waters, the sea was not what eased his plight. It was them.

A dog sat at their side, watching as they held hands, the three looking at the tides ahead. Shamira’s eyes never left them, seeing clearly the wounds they had. They were healing together.