Under Water

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The thought of his taste buds changing didn't sound very logical.
He ate fish, shrimp, crabs, and sometimes, when he couldn't catch anything, seagrass.
With a small smile he quickly nodded to the food option.
Free food? Always!
Human food was always so interesting to taste, even if he didn't like it he'd still eat it.
Unlike the drinks, the food was important to a creature that hunted for his life.
He could filter water through his gills to drink through his skin if needed.
Fin also excreted salt if he got too much in his body, obviously just like how humans excrete liquids.
It's a big ocean!
That was one thing he had to work on with the humans though...not peeing just randomly.
It wasn't exactly smiled upon when he was walking around the first time.

When he got the food item Fin tore into it, not hesitating to eat like a pig.
He'd never been taught human manners so he ate how he saw fit...and since he was hungry, he ate fast!
Just in case, you know, sharks were in the area and followed the trail of his...right, sharks don't walk on sand.
With a faint blush Fin slowed down a bit, chewing his bites instead of swallowing them whole.
He was so used to just downing as much food as possible before other predators showed up...
Of course the seagulls were lurking just out of reach, but this was his food, not theirs!
 
Alexander watched the other shove the food down his throat, scarfing as much as he could before pausing and chewing - he seemed hungry and acted almost like a feral animal afraid that something or someone would pluck it from his grasp and allow him to starve. Alex only gave the other a warm smile and pushed the cooler over to Fin, he didn't need to eat all to much, he was already full from a late lunch and the other seemed like he would need it more than he did - just by his actions. "You can have as much as you like, it seems that you haven't been able to eat for a few days, am I correct or am I wrong?" And by eat, he meant had more than a mere morsel that wouldn't provide a filled stomach. He sipped from his brown glass until it was drained completely, he set it down on the towel where he wouldn't forget about it, he then grabbed the one that Fin had rejected, it wouldn't matter if he took a sip from it, the worst that could happen might be that he would catch a cold from a germ that was deposited by the other's lips if he were ill. But he seemed to be in fine health, nothing seemed physically wrong with him that would keep Alex from placing his lips on the glass - which he did. "How often do you eat?" He asked, keeping his hands to himself so he didn't cause the other to stuff his throat once more, and potentially cause a chocking hazard.
 
Fin nodded as he finished off the item he was snacking, then reached into the cooler for another.
He found a sandwich and a candy bar and quickly pulled them out with a grin.
There was no reason for him to worry about too many fatty food or things of that sort since he used his energy extremely quickly in the water.
Poor kid was so into eating that he didn't even notice the answer he gave until afterwards.
"Eight days..."
He was evidently his own choking hazard as he tried to swallow the food that got caught in his throat.
After pounding his chest for a few seconds he coughed, then swallowed with a gasp.
Fin knew right away that he'd made a huge mistake.
Of course the next thing he did was instinct...he bolted.
Running wasn't his best skill but he managed to get to the water decently well.
The second he was deep enough he ducked under and shifted, splashing with his tail before vanishing beneath the tide.
It was too late to move out of the bay since the sharks would begin circling the outer waters in an hour or two, so he hoped the man would just leave so he could go about his normal life.

After staying down for about twenty minutes Fin finally surfaced by his sandbar, eyes looking back towards the beach as he looked for Alexander.
 
Alexander gave a glower when he was told how many days it had been since the other ate, it was a shame he'd gone so long... Hopefully he wouldn't have to suffer on an empty stomach for too long, he must have had a home where he had parents that would help feed him... Right? If he were human, at least - then he wouldn't go hungry for so long. He watched the other eat, though nearly choked - he watched him beat his chest until he was fine, redeeming himself, if it had gotten to the point where he couldn't breathe, he'd jump up and assist. But he was fine... And not soon after had he bolted away and made his way out of sight, he heard distant splashing and glanced at the water where he saw it fling in the air. He sighed softly and watched as it was gone - was he right? Was Fin this mysterious mer? He'd have to come by again with food tomorrow, that way he could eat again, he didn't see the head peek out from the water near the sang bank, he merely began to pack up the cooler, standing up and brushing his pants before he folded his towel. Tucking it under his arm before he began to leave the beach, his reason for coming was fulfilled, no need to linger.
 
Fin watched as Alexander started packing up.
So he had come just to watch him!
He noticed him picking up the snickers and frowned.
Boo! He wanted that!
Of course he'd just had a fried one, but he loved those things!
Oh well, it was better that he didn't bother with that human, he knew what he was...
With a quiet sigh Fin dipped beneath the waves.

The next morning was rainy so there was no one on the beach, wahoo!!
He was jumping around with a small group of dolphins for half the day.
It felt so good to be able to play without worry!
The dolphins were called spinners because they jumped in the air and spun until they landed.
Thus, Fin was beginning to learn how to spin in the air, and it was awesome!!

By the time night came his dolphin friends had gone, but he was still spinning about in the air as the sun began to go down.
For once he didn't look cautious or hesitant, but instead was playing and swimming around with vigor.
He'd even caught a fish to make up for the one he'd fallen asleep near and had stolen by the darn gulls.
 
Due to the rain, Alexander had stayed home the following day, he didn't dare go outside with it was gross out, for several reasons. He hated the rain, it was cold and gloomy and it always made him tired, the wind was annoying too and the umbrella never seemed to be able to stand a chance. Never. He merely stayed inside his house in his pajamas, watching Netflix in the living room with a cup of instant Ramen noodles and a blanket on his lap. He had no interests in visiting Fin in such weather, either - he'd see him any other time besides now, it just caused his mood to plummet for some reason and he always became a grouch. He sighed and looked at the empty cup of Ramen, a hand on his stomach and his feet kicked up on the table as he watched the rain slowly stop pouring from the sky roughly around seven in the after noon, it was too late to even think of possibly seeing Fin. Though he was proud of his findings the other day, it was confirmed of the other's species, he was a merman, and a dolphin breed at that. He wondered if there were any other kinds, what lower parts did they have? The questions were endless but he kept silent, he kept tucked away in his house. If the weather was better the next day then he'd gladly head out early in the morning to visit the other, seeing as he wouldn't have classes that day.
 
The day off from Alexander was nice, but for some reason Fin got bored after the sun went down.
The last two days he'd talked with the other male or at least had his attention.
Now that he was gone it felt just a bit off.
Oh well, nothing a nap won't take care of!
Fin went to bed early and rose around six, with the sun.

He was swimming about near the other side of the beach as the sun slowly rose.
His attention flicked from the beach to his surroundings...except that this one time that he looked back beneath the water showed a large mako shark speeding right at him.
With a yelp of bubbles he turned tail and started for the shallows, unfortunately the sharp pain that blossomed in his tail told him he was in trouble.
Blood was the first thing he sensed after the pain, then the need to escape surged through his system.
Fin whirled around with a snarl, clawed hands slashing at the shark's nose until it let go.
That's when Fin pumped his tail for all he was worth, finally sighing with relief when he came to a skidding halt in the moist sand of the beach.
He knew he had to change but his tail was injured and he was too panicked!
Darn mer knew he should have gone into deeper water in case he died, but to actually come on the beach?!
Fin groaned and thumped his tail on the sand a few times, then slowly passed out.
If he wasn't found within the hour his tail would dry and he'd be forced back to his naked human form.
 
Alexander was fully dressed and ready for the day, he packed his cooler full of treats and he grabbed a towel, this time he made sure he would take notes - not mental ones at least, those never retained in his memory for long. He left the house around six fifteen in the morning, the weather seemed much better, a bit more humid than usual and the area around him was rather moist, but it was still a nice, warm, sunny day. He gave a sight of content and went to his truck where he loaded up, he was dressed for the beach, maybe he would go swimming with Fin? Was he able to do that, or would he have to earn a sacred trust to swim with him and approach his territory? He was unsure, that would be something worth learning today, he started his car and began to drive towards the beach, where he'd parked yesterday. He looked rather content with himself, the man had packed sweets and healthy treats as well, some left overs that were still fresh and safe to eat. While he was at it, maybe he could help the other learn not to inhale his food but to take his time, no one would take it from him like savage beasts after all.
 
When Alexander arrived the beach was still empty of people.
There was also no sign of Fin...unless he looked far down the beach.
A large flock of seagulls were swarming about something about something laying in the surf.
They were pecking at it and making a pretty loud ruckus.
Fin's body had reverted back to being completely human but his injury hadn't stopped bleeding yet.
Since his fluke was gone now, his lower left leg near his ankle now sported the shark's teeth marks.
As a rather large wave crashed down around Fin the gulls jumped and flew up into the air, landing back near the boy once it was safe.
They seemed to just be waiting for one of them to get a good bit more damage on that leg...
Fin was completely out cold but could thankfully breath since his gills hadn't completely closed and his mouth could take in oxygen too.
 
Alexander strolled on the beach and headed to the rocks where he normally sat to observe but noticed that his little companion wasn't there, he gazed over towards the sand banks but didn't see him there either, nor did he see a shadow of his body lurking in the water. He set his things down and climbed on top of the slick rocks to get a better view around, glancing over both sand and water before he saw a familiar silhouette in the distance with gulls flocking all around the dark shadowy figure. "Oh shit..." He grumbled and carefully maneuvered his way off the rocks and headed over towards the figure, jogging at a reasonable pace, seeing as he was one to drag his feet and if he did that in sand, he would collapse on the ground and make a fool of himself. As he got closer more and more distinct features were made out and it was clear who it was, Fin. He rushed over and noticed the striking color ebbing from his leg, the wound was deep, but not fatal - if saved in time. He shooed the birds away by waving his hands crazily in the air before bending down, scooping the cool body up into his grasp, bridal style so that he was closer to his chest and so that he wasn't disturbed. He would have to treat the leg wound as fast as he was able to, but had limited resources here. Holding Fin to his chest, he could see the gills that were still there - just barely - 'breathing' in the way most fish gills would if on bare land. "Fin, can you hear me?" He questioned the other, giving him a shake to see if there was any response, he began to make his way towards where his things were, he would have to take him home and submerge him in a bathtub while treating his wound, it would be for the best. As strange as it was to take this aquatic man home, he would have to do it if he wanted to keep him alive, just by the color on his face it wasn't long until he was chum.
 
While Alexander's voice didn't do much, the shaking definitely got Fin waking.
He took a few minutes to really respond though, as he was just blinking up at the sky in confusion for a bit.
When he finally started reacting he was already in the car, but his energy was too low to do much damage...don't worry, he tried!
Fin got the seatbelt bitten through before they stopped in front of Alexander's place.
His attention shifted to the man driving as he got out of the car and moved around to the back to get him.
Hmph!
When the door opened Fin growled, baring his teeth though he couldn't really get himself up to look threatening.
He was on high alert but there wasn't much fighting to be done.
Sure he took a few swipes at Alex and maybe landed a good scratch or two, but in the end he was carried upstairs.

The bathtub was another thing that had him confused.
That is, until the water was turned on.
He instantly dove under it, knocking the drain plug in as the gills along his ribs flared fully open to reveal the lines of muscles and combs that filtered the oxygen out of the water to allow him to breath.
Having been pushed out of his mer form while unconscious, he still relied partially on the oxygen from the gills.
Fin didn't hesitate to lay down in the water and allow his body to catch up on its breaths.
As the tub filled up you could see him taking in deep breaths beneath the water, gills and mouth open and hungry for air.
He wouldn't come up for a minute or so, needing to replenish his lost oxygen first.
 
Alexander stopped where his things were and bent down, gently setting the male on the ground - he was dry by now so sand wouldn't cling to him. He grasped the towel and squatted down, rapping it over his lap before he lifted Fin and set him down directly on the towel, warping his lower half so that it wasn't so blatantly out for all eyes to see. He then started towards the car where he stopped and set the cooler in the trunk, he opened the back door and set him on the back seat, that way he could just lay down and rest some. Alexander proceeded to get in the driver's seat and start the car, speeding towards his home - though he obeyed the law by stopping when he was required to. Within a matter of minutes they were at his home, he pulled Fin from the back seat, only to have a vicious response from the male. Was it in their nature to seclude themselves when harmed or in danger? He carried the other into his home, neglecting the scratches to his cheek and neck as the other soon gave up the struggle, but still snarled at him. Once he was in his own home, he carried him to the bathroom in his bedroom where he knelt down, the other on his lap as he started a bath of warm water. Alexander tugged the towel off of his frail frame and set him in the tub, watching as he submerged himself to breath in the warm, clean water. He let it run as he grabbed a hand towel and dipped it in the water, wetting the male's legs and being fast when he rubbed over the wounded area. Removing sand and dirt that may have clogged the teeth wounds. Alexander arose and went to the sink counter, below it was drawers and cabinets, he dug around and fished out the items he needed. With the wet cloth, he poured rubbing alcohol on it and scrubbed at the other's wounds, he worked quickly while he focused on breathing the water. He didn't want for Fin to lunge at him and sink his teeth in his throat. He then grabbed several different creams and gels that would help prevent infection and help heal his wounds faster. Once all was applied, he wrapped the wound with gauze and then he tapped it, that way it wouldn't fall off. He sighed and rest the wet hand towel on the other's legs to keep them moist, stepping back rather fast in case the other was ready to attack him in a fit of panic.
 
Alexander was very lucky that Fin's injury was numb!
The alcohol had him lifting his head from the water though, since it was definitely not okay to breath in.
With a groan he grappled at the side of the tub until his gills were out of the water.
"Nnn, hurts..."
Seeing the bottle of bad-smelling peroxide on the edge he quickly slapped it off and away from him.
Luckily the lid was already on as it landed on the floor and rolled a few tiles before stopping.
Once that thing was away he looked around and realized he was in a bathroom.
Yes, he'd been in one a few times at the library, but it always made him feel claustrophobic.
Fidgeting slightly he tried to get up, but his injured leg had him quickly dropping back down.
Crap.

His eyes searched again until they met Alexander's and narrowed.
"Take me back."
He knew he couldn't survive in the ocean with a damaged leg, but being in a human's care?
Especially one that knew what he was?
Not okay!
If he could just survive for a few days on scavenging his leg should heal up enough for him to catch crabs at least.
The things weren't the best nutrition but they would definitely work.
Maybe he could even grab a fish if it wasn't fast enough when spooked out of hiding...
 
Alexander glanced over at Fin and scoffed slightly, "absolutely not, your wound would get infected abs I'd be a fool to leave you out there for the sharks to devour." Alexander's tone was firm as he stood his ground against the other's want to leave. Thankfully for Fin, the bathroom was quite large since it was the master bathroom, hid hands resided on his waist as he scanned the harmed other over. "You must be famished..." He muttered, if he left to get something for Fin to eat he might try to leave, and in the process he might hurt himself. That wouldn't be an option, he'd stay until the other was docile and maybe even asleep, then he'd leave for the kitchen, maybe.
 
Fin bristled at the others' tone.
He'd never thought he'd be arguing for his freedom, even if it just ended up with him being fish food.
It was better then giving away their existence to humans!
The idea of food was definitely a positive one, but still, Fin needed to get back to the ocean!
"Look, you can't just keep me here!
Obviously you figured something out but you need to forget it!
We aren't supposed to be known!"
Didn't this darn human even understand why a species might try to stay hidden?!
"You know if someone else finds out, I'll end up on some rich hunter's wall, or god forbid they want a pet..."
He shivered and made a face, baring his teeth.

"Get rid of the notes or pictures or whatever you have about me, then let me go!
It doesn't matter if I die as long as the data about us disappears!"
Yes, he'd just given away that there were more, but none were in this area besides himself.
With a grunt he started trying to get out of the tub but his leg wasn't having it.
When he tried to use his foot, it only sent a searing pain up his leg and left him shaky.
"Damn shark..."
 
Alexander gave a glower and walked over to the other - which was a mere three steps with his long legged strides, he placed his hands on the other's shoulders as he tried to stand up. Easing him back into the water while listening to all the vicious words spat out at him and rubbing his face in thought of what he might be able to possibly say to calm the other down. "Hush for just a second, alright?" His question was rhetorical but the message would get across, he pondered a moment, jaw set as he took in a deep breath and spoke in a calm voice. "Listen, all I have written are some basic facts about you, that you can swim in shallow waters, that your kind is ellsive to the human eye, that you're sleek and fast and have an amazing camouflage. Literally, that's all I have written - but I have no proof. And without proof, they'll think I'm just fibbing, so your secret is safe with me. Alright? Society will merely think I've lost my marbles, trust me - other humans see your kind and have actual evidence, but humans are afraid of what we don't know and understand and you know what we do? We attack each other and we neglect it, finding out ways to prove it's wrong even if it's solid evidence." He brushed back his hair, his hand was slick and wet, so his hair didn't fall back in front of his face but chilled back where he had brushed it. "I'm not going to do anything terrible to you either - all I'm going to do is house you, feed you, and keep you safe until that leg of your's heals. Once it does, I'll gladly release you into the ocean - and I'll add a bonus. I'll stay away. Alright? If you let me help you, if you allow me to take care of your injury, I won't come to the beach. And if I do for research on other things, then I'll ignore you, okay? That way we'll be out of each other's lives."
 
Living with a human?
Fin had never even contemplated such a ridiculous thing!
There was never a reason to consider interacting with humans, except for the librarian that sometimes spoke with him about books.
Oooooo!
With a slight ounce of hesitation Fin questioned;
"Do you have any books??"
His eyes had lit up, a faint smile sneaking onto his lips at the possibilities.
If he could have books it might actually be worth staying with this human!
However, he needed to make a few things clear.
With a slight tilt to his head, Fin pursed his lips and asked quietly.
"So you won't do weird things to me?
No poking?
Pictures?
Tests?"

After a moment he tried to climb out again, not wanting to be stuck in the water for too long.
It would force his shift back to his mer form and with that bandage on his leg?
Yeah, that would be painful.
"Gotta get out and dry off."
 
Alexander grabbed a dry towel and moved over to the other as he stepped out, placing it around him and supporting him so that his wounded leg didn't have pressure applied to it, then the clots in his wounds might break and he may bleed out once again. "No, I won't do any touching unless nessisary, and I won't do much of any contact with you unless I have to." He stated simply and moved out of the bathroom with the other - keeping a firm grip so he didn't fall or stumble around. He made his way to the bed - it was king sized. He moved Fin to sit on the comfy mattress and left his side, digging through his dresser until he came across something the other could wear until he had to leave. "Books?" He questioned and gave a nod, "Sure, just give me a moment..." He murmured, setting the articles of clothing on the bed before he left the other's side, heading up the stairs and into his study where he nosed around until he found a mass of books - they weren't based on any of his studies so he figured that would be best to let him read. They were all fiction, that way they were a source of entertainment for the other. He managed down the stairs and into the bedroom, setting the books on the desk next to his bedside, "They're all fiction, so they should keep you entertained...I'm going to get you something to eat and drink." He uttered out as he left once more.
 
The bed was something foreign to Fin.
As he sat down his eyes widened, the softness of the mattress and blankets was incredible!
After sleeping in kelp beds and sand his entire life, sitting on a human bed was amazing!
He hardly looked up as the books were brought in, his attention fully focused on the bed he was now climbing about on.
Of course his bad leg was hindering the movement, but that didn't stop his excitement in the least.
Fin rolled around on the bed for another ten minutes after Alexander left, then found himself a comfy spot near the pillows and began digging through the books.
He wasn't too familiar with any of them, but then again, he'd only read a good twenty or so.
It took him awhile since he could only go to the library once in awhile.
Rainy days were always out and if he stayed dry for too long he started feeling sick.
Thus, his visits were an hour, max.

When Alexander returned Fin was looking decently comfortable, several books scattered about his torso and to his sides.
He'd only put on the pair of boxers out of the things given to him, since he didn't usually wear anything but swim trunks anyways.
The food instantly caught his attention though, making him sit up and sniff.
If it was one thing that could get Fin's attention, it was human food!
 
Alexander had stepped in with a trey of goods, it was one of those treys you would set down on one's torso if they were hurt or ill in bed. On it was steaming hot Velveeta macaroni and cheese, a toasted sandwich, two different drinks, candy as a treat, some pretzels, and sliced fruit. He had a fork on the side as well, the man set the trey on his table before he moved the books around, that way he could set the stable trey down, once he did that, he gathered the clothing on the bed that was unused and put it away. Once he confirmed that the other was comfortable, safe, and well fed, he grabbed a mere pillow and blanket and began to leave the room. "Call if you need anything, I'll be in the living room." Seeing as he allowed the other rest in his bed, he would allow him there until it was time to put him in the bathroom or send him on his way, until then, he'd sleep on the couch. Keeping up the promise he made to keep out of his hair and back away.
 
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