Everyday for a year I come here not only for the aquatic life but for her. She is so radiant and the way she studies them is mesmerizing. My favorite part of watching her do what she loves is the way she lights up every time she discovers something new it is completely magical. Her favorite group to study is Koi fish they are fascinating looking fish and after looking into them I found out they are the symbol of love, which is interesting on why she is so fascinated with them. If I ever had the guts to talk to her I would love to find out but I am to nervous to even approach her and its been a year since I first noticed her. A year ago I came here because I love the aquatic life and it was a great place to get away when I was having a bad day and feeling stressed out. After a few weeks of coming I had noticed her and realized that she came daily as well, I was curious on why she came every day but the more I studied her movements trying to figure it out the more that I noticed her and my feelings began to grow. One day I will have the courage to talk to her, I just hope it is one day soon.

None of my family had been to Innsmouth since my great-grandfather disappeared there so long ago.

So I was shocked to see the DM in my mail. A woman named Claudia. She had seen me post about my interest in the fishier things of the world and she invited me to visit the Innsmouth Aquarium.

“It’s been in my family for generations,” she explained in our chats. “Kind of word of mouth. We specialize in … the oddities of the sea.”

“There is no such place!” I thought to myself, summoning Google.

But she assured me it was there, and gave detailed instructions as to the location; and the next day, there I was, standing in front of the ruins of an old aquarium.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Claudia called, and my jaw dropped in amazement.

• to be continued

The Aquarium was bustling with activity as visitors strolled through the exhibits, marveling at the colorful fish swimming in the tanks. Among them was a young woman named Emma, who had always been fascinated by the ocean and its inhabitants. She had come to the Aquarium to escape the stresses of her everyday life, and to immerse herself in the tranquility of the marine world.

As she walked through the galleries, she stopped in front of a large tank that housed a school of exotic fish. She was immediately drawn to one fish in particular, a bright orange and blue fish with a long, flowing tail. She couldn't take her eyes off of him, and she found herself spending hours in front of the tank, watching him swim and play.

The orange and blue fish was named Jack and he was a unique and beautiful fish, unlike any other in the tank. He had always been the center of attention and had always been admired by the visitors but never had he felt like this before, the moment he saw Emma his world stopped. Jack couldn't help but notice the way Emma looked at him, with such wonder and admiration in her eyes. He felt a connection with her and he knew that he had to meet her.

As Emma continued to visit the Aquarium, she and Jack grew closer. They would swim together in the tank, and Emma would tell him about her life outside of the Aquarium. She would tell him about her job as a nurse and the struggles she faced, and Jack would listen attentively, offering words of encouragement and support.

Despite their different worlds, Emma and Jack felt a deep connection to each other. They knew that they could never be together in the way that humans and fish normally would, but that didn't stop them from falling in love.

Emma would come to the aquarium every day and watch Jack swim, she would talk to him and he would listen, they shared their secrets, their fears and their hopes. Jack would tell Emma about how he wanted to explore the ocean, to see the world beyond the tank. Emma would tell him how she wanted to help people, to make a difference in the world.

As their love grew stronger, Emma began to notice changes in Jack. He became more confident, more adventurous, and more determined to see the world beyond the tank. Emma encouraged him, telling him that he could do anything he set his mind to.

One day, Emma came to the Aquarium and saw that Jack was missing from the tank. She panicked, thinking that something had happened to him. But then, she saw a commotion in the next tank over and hurried over to see what was happening.

There, she saw Jack swimming in a tank filled with sharks and other large fish. He was swimming fearlessly, exploring the tank and showing no fear of the larger fish. Emma was amazed and couldn't help but cry tears of joy. She realized that Jack had taken her words to heart and had decided to leave the safety of the tank, to explore the ocean and fulfill his dreams.

Emma knew that she would never see Jack again, but she also knew that he was doing what he had always wanted and she was happy for him. She knew that their love was strong enough to last even though they were apart. Emma would always remember the orange and blue fish that had changed her life and taught her to follow her own dreams.

Jack swam out of the tank, into the ocean and into the unknown. He knew it would be a dangerous journey but he was ready, he had Emma's love and support and that was all he needed. He swam into the horizon, ready to explore the world and make a difference, just like Emma had always wanted to.

The aquarium staff were amazed at what they saw, they had never seen a fish like Jack before and they knew that he was special. They knew that Emma and Jack's love story was one of a kind, and they knew that it would be forever remembered by all who had witnessed it.

As Emma left the Aquarium that day, she felt at peace. She knew that Jack was out there somewhere, living his dream and making a difference. She smiled, knowing that their love would live on forever, even though they were worlds apart.

Scanning the aquarium room, I saw the schools of fish following each other. The coral could be described as a vibrant bright color swaying with the motion of the waves. The first place I was tempted to interact with was the touch pool. Touching the stingrays I associate with as a tradition on my every visit. Placing my hand in the tank I came into contact with the texture of the stingrays, they felt as soft as a blanket touching them. I label them as moving blankets that are living as a joke. As the touch pool began getting more crowded I decided to walk to the aquarium. What caught my eye when I reacted with a gasp was a merman waving to me on the other side of the tank. His smile was welcoming and kind motioning me to watch his performance as he explores. He swans toward the top and did a back flip to engage the viewers splashing his tail. Our hands aligned touching the glass comparing hand sizes. His hand size appeared to be larger than mine I noticed. I realized how much effort it takes to win normally holding a prosthetic cast molded of a tail weight on his legs. I admire him for that. He gestured to me the call me to sign urging me to call him later after his work shift. I accepted this offer in hopes to not be single and is accompanied by a partner to share everything with. He tapped my shoulder to my surprise I turned around and I recognized the face I just encountered."Its such a pleasure to meet you that was so impressive you performed this show and brave to participate in swimming in a tank." "I'm so glad you liked it, would you care to join me for dinner this evening after my work shift ends?, he insisted" "That sounds tempting deal I'll set a reminder to meet up this isn't too fast." "I', I replied. He leaned in for a hug and I could really tell this was going to be a memorable offer. I hugged him back." I'm unaware of your name, can you remind me?" questioned." "Josh, I volunteer to earn more credits for college depending on this career as my side job, " he replied. "My name is Jasmin it's a coincidence both our names start with J and that is so fascinating to learn, I exclaimed. "Text me when you're ready to be picked up I'll be waiting at your door Jasmin", he informed. "I'll keep you updated you're so thoughtful for inviting me, "I exclaimed, passing him a note in my pocket showing my number." I waved by to him smiling. I'm anticipating this invite to benihanna its my favorite to watch the cook perform a live show of heating up the ingredients I find so interesting. I booked our tickets in advance. As I was driving home I came into realization that the LA country fair was nearby sparked my interest to visit. I can discuss that on my planned dinner date I ensured to myself hopefully he wont mind I accompany friends to follow. I got ready and was stuck on planning out a dress. I picked out a blue dress from my drawer flaunting sequins to resemble the shine produced by the sunlight reflecting off of the ocean waves I met Joshua working at the aquarium to reconnect that memory. My phone buzzed as soon as I slid on my starfish sandals. It was coming from joshua, telling me hes arriving soon and to stay alert for the sound of his car pulling up. My starfish sandals was a reference to our bond to our aquarium interest. I was hoping he would comment a positive compliment on them. I heard the honk of his car and it was my cue to enter his car. “So glad I could keep you company Joshua!” I greeted him. “You look stunning I can’t wait to order food with you, i’m curious if we can connect to each other’s goals!” he exclaimed. “I relate, I’ve booked our reservations and I predict we’ll arrive when expected’” “Awesome, I’ll using my gps to assist me on directions its my first visit’” he answered “The food is delicious and the shows demonstrated are so impressive I promise “ I reminded him As we approached our destination I was flattered josh held the door open behaving such a gentleman. The waiter assigned to us instructed where to sit and to follow him to our table. Face to face with out table someone sitting down looked very familiar. To my surprised I was in contact with my best friend conan!! We drifted after college but still I remain close to him. We both grew up single and bonded over that similarity. He recognized me and gasped. “Conan long time no see!! I yelled “We reunite again this is a huge coincidence”he replied he reacted as shocked as me I would be so glad if we could stay in touch “Oh joshua i’m familar with conan he attended my college to introduce our connection “ I informed him “Pleasure to meet you!” he replied exchanging waves “I’m looking forward to this entertaining cooking show joining you” The onion that the chef was preparing was going to be incorporated into my chicken fried rice identified as the seasoning. It was surprising he showed it being stacked up in a volcano pile following tradition. As I was being served food I decided it was the perfect time to offer to drive my two guy friends to visit the nearby county fair to celebrate the building of strong friendships. “Guys you should join me visiting the nearby fair it’ll be fun being awarded prizes’” “That sounds exciting I vote yes, but did you purchase tickets?” replied Conan “She negotiated a deal with her friend who works at the fair to share tickets” reminded Joshua I agree to go” “I also will come along” replied Conan “Great I just have to receive the confirmation our tickets are verified to enter, we’ll drive there after dinner” I ensured them Conan and I talked the most of the dinner about how his singing career has launched new opportunities and if he’s prepared for the future. “Joshua lets fold our activity sheet chef hats to mimic a real chef hat to wear” I recommend him. We laughed at how cool we looked Once i was full eating the food We scooted out of our chairs and headed out. We hopped in the car and turned on our favorite upbeat pop station to uplift our moods. “You can count on me to not get lost I’m aware of where to drive without gps assistance” I expressed “Lets make sure to return back to our car before they close or else they’re going to confront us” Conan announced “Thats smart you’re right” Josh answered After the security check approval I entered the park was filled with bright lights visible in the dark produced by the ferris wheel “Conan lets get our face painted matching pumpkins”I suggested “Okay but only half of my face they’re allowed to paint” After we bonded over that Joshua and I played the water squirting game switching turns engaging in activities with them. I won the title of being the fastest aimer. “Good job we scored a tie I’m convinced” we both clapped at what skills we proved . I ran over to conan begging him to input coins because i really was hoping to keep one of the narwhals with its horn resembling an icecream cone. “I’ll attempt to earn it for you, Jassy” I was concentrating on if he had the chance of grabbing the correct one. When the narwhal dropped out I squealed expressing my excitement i was unable to contain. I hugged him as my response “You aimed perfectly navigating the joystick controller!!” I exclaimed He clapped my hand in relief. “That was a better outcome than I expected no problem!” Conan answered I admired my narwhal with delight. I scanned the room like i acquired the ability to spot far things using night vision to find Joshua. I detected he was standing at the cotton candy station waiting to receive it. “Joshua!! Look at this narwhal containing a horn also but representing icecream conan won me” He wasn’t paying attention so I leaned in for a kiss to spark his attention with my other friend. He witnessed it and didn’t mind because he intended us to just be friends and was hoping for conan and my relationship to grow stronger I assume. “Wow that was perfect timing you planned my first kiss underneath the fireworks being showed” he smiled.

This was a better than expected double date I commented in a whisper to myself under my foggy cold breath reflecting on this successful experience.

“Mama, do sharks fall in love?”

The little girl, Juliet, tugged on her mother’s skirt. She looked up with bright, clear blue eyes. The same shade as the water on the other side of the glass.

“Of course they do, sweetheart,” her mother said. She picked up her daughter in her arms. “Anyone can fall in love. Even a shark.”

The truth was, Allison Wilson had no idea if sharks could fall in love. But she supposed they could.

“Mama?”

“Yes, Julietta baby?”

“Are you ever going to fall in love?”

Allison stared at the sharks swimming around in the aquarium. They were those ones whose heads looked like T’s… what were they called again?

Allison blew out a breath. She’d always sort of thought she could fall in love. Everyone else seemed to be able to do it. And when she decided to go to a sperm bank and have a child at age 23, she didn’t think too much of it. She just assumed that if the right person ever came along, they’d be a second parent to her little girl. No big deal.

Except that it always had been a big deal. It had been a big deal ever since Juliet had walked into her kindergarten orientation and the teacher had asked, “if Juliet’s father would be joining them tonight?”

Yeah.

“I … don’t know,” Allison said finally.

“Mama,” Juliet said. “Can you hold me closer to the sharks? I want to pet them.”

Allison leaned closer towards the cold glass. Her daughter reached out with a small hand, pressing her fingers to it, and one of the sharks swam over and waggled its head at her.

Juliet giggled. “It’s dancing!”

“Do you want to dance with it?” Allison teased. She began bouncing her daughter up and down, side to side, up and down again in her arms, and Juliet started laughing. Allison laughed too; her daughter’s smile was contagious.

“I want to be in love someday,” Juliet said once her mother had paused the bouncing. “Like Cinderella. My friend Amy says she’s going to be poor when she grows up so she can find a Prince Charming and marry him.”

“Does she now?”

“Mhm.” Juliet nodded. “Are you going to look for a Prince Charming, Mama? I wouldn’t mind having a Prince Charming for a daddy.”

Allison sighed. The sharks they had been looking at a moment ago were gone now, the tank empty. An endless blue abyss.

“Julietta, the other kids at school don’t make fun of you for not having a daddy, do they?”

Her daughter shrugged. “Only sometimes. But when they do, Amy comes over and says she’s gonna kick them if they keep talking like that. Amy doesn’t have a daddy either. She has two mommies.”

Allison nodded. She’d met Amy’s mothers at the school Mother’s Day Breakfast this past year.

Sometimes Allison thought maybe the reason she couldn’t fall in love was because — as Juliet would say— she wanted a Princess Charming, not a Prince. But that didn’t seem right. Allison never seemed to have those feelings for anyone, regardless of gender.

Maybe she was just broken.

“Mama?”

Allison looked at her daughter, who she was still holding tightly in her arms. “Yes, baby?”

“I changed my mind. I don’t need to fall in love, because I already love someone.”

“You do?” Allison furrowed her brow. “Who?”

“You, Mama!” Juliet giggled, poking her mother in the chest. “I love you.”

Allison smiled. She held her daughter close, letting Juliet muzzle her head into her shoulder, appreciating the way her hazelnut-brown pigtails fell just below Allison’s collarbone, the rise and fall of Juliet’s chest. Her daughter’s body felt warm against her own.

Maybe Allison didn’t need to have romance. Maybe she didn’t need a great big Cinderella story. Juliet was everything to her, and as long as they loved each other, maybe everything was going to be okay.

“I love you too, baby.”

“Look, Mama!” Juliet cried suddenly. “The sharks are back!”

Allison looked. The sharks had indeed come back, swimming in circles like they were waltzing behind the glass. “Oh!”

“You know, I don’t think they’re in love anymore, actually,” Juliet told her. “I think they’re mama and baby. Like me and you.”

“Yeah,” she said, kissing her daughter on the top of her head. “Like me and you.”

"Oh, good, the sign's still here."

"Which sign?" Haley stepped around the small, cylindrical seahorse tank, just managing to keep up with her girlfriend, who for some reason had just darted off through The Seas with Nemo & Friends. "Ellie? What's going on?"

Ellie flashed a wide grin over her shoulder. "You know what sign." She stepped aside, pointing at the little rectangular sign attached to the anemone tank, the one where the little orange clownfish swam around with the blue tang, making visitors of all ages ooh and ahh over the "Nemo" and "Dory."

Haley stepped forward to read it. She squeezed her eyes shut. "Ah. Right."

"Four years ago, I was standing right over there, trying to figure out where one moray eel ended and another began..."

"Do you have to tell this story every time we come here?"

"Yes, I do."

Haley shook her head, opening her eyes just to roll them.

"So there I was," Ellie continued, "minding my own business, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this theme park aquarium, when suddenly that peace was shattered by a woman, shouting... do you know what she said?"

"Yes. I was there."

"She said -"

"Ellie! There are kids here!"

"There were kids here then, too, but that didn't stop you from shouting 'HOLY SHIT' at the top of your lungs!"

Haley turned, looking all around at the nearby families, but they were all too engrossed in their own aquarium activities to pay any attention to one incredibly embarrassed twenty-nine-year-old and her terrible, merciless girlfriend.

"So I run over to see what's wrong, because why would someone be totally freaking out in the Living Seas -"

"They haven't called it that in like ten years."

"- unless they're getting eaten by a manatee or something -"

"Manatees don't eat people."

"- and all you could do was just point at this sign..."

Ellie tapped the sign, drawing attention to the big block text on a field of blue bubbles: 'Did you know that clownfish stray no farther than one meter from their home during their entire lifetime?'

"...and you said, 'I'm sorry, I just, Marlin was WAY out of his comfort zone!'"

A man laughed on the other side of the tank. So someone was paying attention after all. Haley shook her head again, blushing. "Yeah, I did."

"And that's when I knew you were the perfect girl for me."

"Oh? Right then?" Haley crossed her arms and leaned against the clownfish tank, looking at Ellie, who was rummaging in her backpack pocket. "Is that why you continually torture me with this incredibly flattering memory?"

"Well, normally I'm just trying to get on your nerves. But, today, it's a lead-up to a question." Ellie found what she was looking for - a little black box - and set down her backpack. As she did so, she dropped to one knee, holding out the box. "Will you marry me?"

Haley gaped at her. "Holy shit."

"There are kids here, Haley," Ellie said, winking at the nearest guests. Now everyone was paying attention to them.

"Really? I hadn't noticed!" Tears filled Haley's vision, and she fell to her knees herself, hugging Ellie. "Yes, of course I'll marry you!"

Applause echoed through the aquarium as they kissed.

The way the light refracted off the pool water reminded me of Sapphires in the sun. Leaks of light dancing in shades of cerulean blue against the dim and dreary laboratory. Dr. Schafer had his own personal aquarium where we studied the rarer or unidentifiable species we’d find on our expeditions. The whereabouts and knowledge of its very existence was secure with a select group of marine biologists including myself. Many of our test subjects where considered to be highly classified. His existence, was highly classified. I pressed my palm against the cool exterior of the glass wall. The water was deep and in some areas very dark, specifically designed to replicate his natural habitat. The tank itself was phenomenal, a work of art and the best in the entire aquarium— possibly even the world—but it wasn’t enough. On the most recent exhibition far off the coast of A few uninhabitable islands, I had found him. I had shot him. Dr. Schafer had reprimanded me for my negligence as soon as we arrived back to the lab. I would have been fired had I not brought back the most valuable test subject yet. My roll in the lab was stripped down to night duty, watching over every marine animal and especially catering to him. Suddenly the window reverberated in a loud, thunk! The creature appearing from the darkness of his pool, threw his body weight against the glass, sending vibrations through my palm. He had been angry with me, and I couldn’t blame him. I’d shot him after all. However, unlike when I had shot him, I wasn’t scared. I pressed closer into the glass. “Hi there, it’s nice to see you again,” I said making my voice small and gentle, slowly stroking the barrier between our worlds. I needed him to know I wasn’t a threat. The creature circled back and stared at me, tawny large irises blinked through translucent vertical slits for eyelids. “I didn’t want to hurt you,” I continued, still as gingerly as I could muster, “you had frightened me, and had I known . . . I would have never—“ I stopped short as he pressed his hand on the other side of the stratum. He had hundreds of small suction cups lining his palms, retracting every so frequently like individual living, breathing things. My cheeks warmed as I stared at his palm beneath mine. “We are so alike but so different,” I whispered examining his every feature. His long waxy, scaled legs that ended in two large fin-like appendages instead of feet. Large frightening gills on either side of of his jugular, and fish-like lips. As he’d breathe his gills would expand and flutter. And I am infatuated with him. “What a frightening beast.” Dr. Schafer had said earlier that week. I shook my head in anger at the memory, as if to cleanse myself of it, “you’re no beast, he is.” His eyes flashed quickly over to a bucket in the corner of the laboratory. “You’re hungry?” Those yellow eyes just blinked again. I nodded, as if a simple blink was as clear as a yes, and grabbed the large pale and began to fill it with feeder fish for him. His yes burrowed into my back, following my every step up the rounded staircase. I couldn’t tell if it was from malice, or curiosity. My stomach formed knots when I’d feed him, or whenever I was near him for that matter. There was no denying how frightening he was, the brut strength, those odd spell-binding eyes. In an odd way I felt close to him. He was stripped from his home and freedom, he was lonely, and that was a feeling that I was all too familiar with. Majority of my days were nights, cooped up in a giant aquarium all alone. His sentient company was all I truly had to look forward to. I wonder if he could sense how alone I am too. His head broke through the top of the water, staying a safe distance from the edge of the pool, and I did the same. Our gazes held a together like a line of electricity. In some strange way it felt intimate, causing goose flesh to prick a the skin on my neck. “Hi again,” I smiled warmly and took a seat on the wet ground to get closer to eye level with him. The cool saltwater immediately soaked into my jeans and I pulled off my boots and socks. This was highly frowned upon, and If anyone had seen me it could have been grounds for removal. The creature held my eyes for a moment longer before slowly inching closer to the side of the pool. My eyes widened and I scooted an inch closer to the edge as well in attempt to show mutual trust. He froze. Afraid that i had frightened him I stopped as well. A moment passed without either of us moving. I dragged in a breath through clenched teeth before mustering up any morsel of courage I had left and passing the red caution line. We didn’t break the eye contact as I made it less than a foot before the brim. The salty air was thick with a palpable tension. “You’re not a beast,” I repeated for the second time that night, pulling out a single fish, “you’re beautiful.” It’s clear he doesn’t understand, but I continue anyways, “I wonder what you’re thinking, what you think of me.” The second I finished speaking he lurched forward. An estranged gasp broke through my lips and I fell back, losing the fish in my hand. His greenish body was above the water hovering over my knees, closely examining me as I did him. My heart beat so loudly in my own ears I wondered if he got any closer he could hear it. A warm nervous blush bit my ears to my fingertips and I held my breath to keep still. His gills flickered before quickly grabbing the pale and jumping back into the water. The pounding in my chest thumped on as I scrambled to try and get to my feet, but my bare feet kept slipping against the slick terrain. By the time I managed to get into an upright standing position I was falling again, one leg submerging under the water Suction cups circled around my ankle. My eyes widened, and I forced back a scream to take in a deep breath before the creature dragged me under. The chill of ice cold water dug into my bones. I tried to remember my scuba diving lessons but all I could think was I’m going to die. He dragged me further and further under water until we met with the glass that separated us from the lab. With a firm force, he put his hand over mine and held it against the glass, like we had been doing earlier. I don’t want to die. With each precious second that drew by I continued to beg in my head with my hand pressed against the glass. Trapped. Through my water distorted vision I turned my head to him and understood. For the first time I was seeing what it was like to be on the other side of the glass. It wasn’t curiosity he had been looking at me with, it was malice. He has been trapped here for months, and it was my fault. I had done this to him. It wasn’t long before the last bit of air escaped my lips, sending my lungs on fire. Then there was darkness.

He made my mind wonder and had my heart locked to his.

Especially when I heard his voice. His words were charming and his emotions were so affectionate. I always wanted to swim by his side I didn’t want to let him go

There were some bubbly motions where hey, I didn’t mind if he lost his breath or Fin … i am JOKING but overall he made me feel seaspecial.

We swam through rough banks and heard each other desires

Went on adventures. that took us feeling higher,

We even shared talks through long walks. Stuff most wouldn’t discuss about.

Oh yah those adventures! Pssh some seastructures were even abandoned

Saying “No entry” but we’d enter!

Swimming in circles like we accomplished something huge!

Oh the thrill. Our LOVE was alive

But..

After time and months my love slowly started going away, He wasn’t the same His words towards me changed. He didn’t look at me the same, He shared his pain!

His interest in me got lost in tidal waves His love too then went away

Everything we had shared just got lost in waves. The Bubbles formed as a reminder that the love, there is now gone.

The sand below us is warm, it holds our memories lost with the pain we shared.Now our swimming bodies drift

All our feelings fade..

Gone & lost With the lifeless decay.

A wall of glass before her, Cerulean at the water with longing and pity. Longing for the feel of the cold water rippling down her spine, and pity for the animals inside, knowing it was a far cry from the waves of a real ocean. She understood though, why they were in their. Most of the sea live in this aquarium were rescues, animals that fated to die had they not had human intervention. Granted, some may have fared well enough by adulthood to go back to the wild, but they lived good lives, even if it was in a kingdom of glass. They were well fed and cared for, with a decent amount a space, and safe from the less upstanding sort of humanity that would uncaringly feed them trash or kill them for convenience. As the tiger shark swam past a second time, Cerulean turned away, walking down the dark, blue lit tunnel to leave. There was only one other visitor this late to closing, a man, leaning one should against the glass and closely watching the underbelly of a sand shark swimming up by the surface. He glanced down as she walked by, his features soft and eyes dark and impossible wide. She nodded politely as she passed, but a hand around her wrist stopped her before she was out of reach. Hesitant but not hostile yet, she paused and looked back at him. “May I help you?” She asked, in her clear, concise voice. He didn’t speak, just raised his chin and flared his nostrils, taking a deep breath. If she had hair on her neck, it would have raised. His hand was still around her wrist. His palm felt smooth but think like polished leather, and his nails were ever so slightly digging into her pale, nearly translucent skin. Glancing down, she blinked. A long black claw curled from his middle finger, the tip just barely pressing aging the prominent blue vein in her wrist. She could see her own pulse beginning to pick up. Looking back to his face, she saw curiosity and uncertainty in his wide, sad eyes, and his heavy brows furrowed as he gazed at her. A strand of thick, short hair fell forward, brown black and with a bright shine. Something about this man was odd. He wasn’t necessarily familiar, but he reminded her strongly of…something. Something she had seen in the water. Abruptly holding very still, Cerulean held her breath and looked hard at the man, just as he was staring at her. Before she could speak, he beat her to it. “What are you?” Unmoving in both face and body, Cerulean didn’t react to the question outwardly. Inside, her stomach twisted. She gotten peculiar glances before, but nothing like this. But clearly this man was similar to her, normal people didn’t have inch and half long claws protruding from their fingers, so she raised her chin and stepped forward, looking him directly in the eye. “Mermaid. What are you?” Without any hesitation, he replied, dropping her hand, “Selkie.” Frowning, Cerulean leaned away a little, wary. “Seal” Human and seal cross, both things that killed things like her. He nodded, the blue lights dancing on his cheeks and throat. He sniffed the air, narrowing his big puppy eyes that made sense now. “Fish.” It wasn’t a question, just a statement. “Yes, fish,” she replied, but she grinned an unkind smile that was more about baring her pointed teeth. “The kind that bites.” He raised an eyebrow.
“I heard maids were deadly, that they dragged sailors to their death with their lovely voices and beauty.” Cerulean cocked her head to the side, her hair falling to form a yellow curtain tinted blue. “Find me beautiful do you seal?” She asked her most sweet and lilting tone. She wasn’t yet certain if she needed to kill him of if she wanted to drag him to her boat and ride him. He grinned, a show of far more impressive teeth then hers. “Yes.” He answered honestly. Decided harm wasn’t necessary, yet, she tipped her head toward the exit and started to walk, her body half turned towards him. “This place is ready to close, and I have a boat on the dock. Care to join me?” She asked it with a more genuine smile, holding her hand out in invitation. He took, claws still out and his own smile lining his eyes. “Yes, yes I do.”

A gold fish looks on as new member is lower down from clear protective force field and let out to the tank the new fish swims around getting to know the area first then made friends quickly the goldfish never looked more a sec to see his Beautiful silver scales before other fish crowd around him she was fine with this the goldfish thought she can now be left mostly alone to eat all the food.

However The giant hairy hand that usually feeds us suddenly disappeared and only a skinny hand that somehow took over and that hand only fed us very little food every day. Due to this sometime later the casualties began one fish started flowing up out came the green net of death then another, then two more, then three more the more times we saw the green net of death only spurred the rest of the fish to eat and race for the food that was given what was left was the gold fish and the silver scaled fish alone in this aquarium.

Maybe it was the fear of death maybe it was the the water getting warmer but they stayed close and got to know each other better 2 months went by since then and the giant hairy hand came back to give food again good thing too cause they are both expecting lots of goldfish with lots of different colors too.