ROLEPLAY HQ - aquadic-love

for the first day of work. He was excited but also scared, wondering what this new life would bring him.

03:06

Hayden stood in the doorway of his new home, located on the a beach, just outside of the Florida keys. A cute little 3 bedroom beach house, that over looked the beautiful ocean. A big kitchen, that connected to the living room and dinning room, a screened in back porch big enough for multiple hammocks, and still room to move around. The house was perfect for Hayden, tho he couldn't help but feel nervous. This will be the first time Hayden has ever lived alone, not only that he had moved more them 17 hours away from his brothers. He already missed them, the way Damien would nag him to finish his college work, before he was even allowed to do anything else. the way Jayden would hide his wallet, so he wouldn't buy aquarium tickets every weekend. Or how they sneak into the living room, just so they could be together. But it was time for them to grow up, and start their new lives. The reason Hayden had moved all the way from Texas to Florida, was for his job. He was given the opportunity to be the head director of a local aquarium, the youngest director in thr history of the aquarium. He had originally turned it down, not wanting to live his brothers. But after alot of convincing, Hayden had accepted the job. Now at the age of 24 he practically owned an aquarium. Hayden took a deep breath as he walked into the house, going to set the last box down in his bedroom, he looked around the room and smiled. This was actually his place, his own place he can make the rules, host parties if he'd like. He walked over to his cat carrier, getting his spenx cat Neptune out. He smiled softly holding him close. "Well Neptune, time to get the room set up. But first the living room. We have a guest coming soon." He smiled giving his cat a kiss on the top of his head. Before he set him down, walking towards the livingroom. He began to unpack some boxes, waiting for his new coworker, who was coming to give him the keys to the aquarium and tell him about what he should know for the first day of work. He was excited but also scared, wondering what this new life would bring him.

(I might be interested! @🍂Ken🍂 Let me know if you want to talk :3)

((Sure! You can dm me! Sorry I just got out of church))

Lucy hauled her backpack into her shoulder as she stepped of the bus and stated to make her way towards the adres that she had written down on a piece of paper. It was the place she would meet the new director of the aquarium and even now she was unsure how to feel about it. The aquarium had started to lose money about five years ago. It had gone from a place that was thriving to a place that could barely keep it’s head above water. The enclosures had taken a beating and so had the health of the animals that lived there. Something had needed to change and finally the old director had gotten sacked. She had fought to be in on the decision for the new director, yet the board had decided it was not her call. So here she was.. to meet a guy who had come from Texas to be their new director. She couldn’t think of a worse match. He came from a place that did not even have a beach. Sure they would have aquariums there, but even then.. This new guy knew nothing about the culture of Florida or how to actually run a business. She had wanted the revival of the aquarium.. not another downfall. Sure.. she should give him the benefit of a doubt, but that was not always her style. As she found her way to the adres that was written down on the paper she looked it over and then went to the front door to knock, a hand coming up to brush her ginger hair behind her ear. She wondered what kind of person would open the door. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden carefully placed a box down on the floor, carefully grabbing a hairball from hid pocket to put his hair up and out of his face. As to make sure he was able to work more efficiently. He gave a small smile when his hair was no longer in his face, and he was able to see alot better. He gave a small sigh of relief, about to go back to organizing his books, before someone had knocked on his front door. Couriously he walked to the front door, and opened it. Without looking to see who it was, he peeked his head out the door , and offered the other a smile when he saw who was standing on his porch. He smiled opening the door wider. "Hey, you must be my guest I'm waiting for. I'm Hayden, please come on in." He smiled moving to the side to let her in. "Sorry for the mess, I kinda woke up a but layer then I expected too, so I got to the house later. Please make yourself comfortable!" He smiled waiting for her to come in. He closed the door behind them and walked towards the kitchen. "The old director told me you'd like for me to have some plans ready for when you came, that way you could see the vision and give the okay, before I did anything. Which I dont mind, I rather have someone there to pull me back to reality then think too big." He laughed grabbing a huge box walking to the table setting it down. "Here's some of the idea I had when I first got the call a month or so ago."

She couldn’t say she wasn’t surprise by who opened the door for her. She had somehow expected.. someone older. She had heard that the was the youngest director the aquarium would have had, but to think he was this young. Yet she smiled at him and as she was invited in she stepped inside. “Nice to meet you. My name is Luciana. I am your head of animal care at the aquarium.” She introduced herself. She folded her arms in front of her, looking around the place. He was still in the middle of unpacking, that much was clear. But the place he had rented was beautiful and she couldn’t help be envious of the beach view that he had from the backside. Her eyes stayed on it for quite a while. It had been so long since she been to the ocean.. how she missed it. Yet once he started talking she quickly shook her head and concentrated back on him. “Don’t worry about it. Moving is a whole thing.” She assured him before he directed her to the ‘plans’ that he had for the aquarium. She couldn’t help rise her eyebrows as he planted the whole box down. Sure she had wanted him to have some kind of idea for what he wanted, but she had expected a powerpoint presentation. Not a huge box full of papers. She blew up her cheeks and let the air escape before she turned to him. “So I will help you out of this dream right now. The aquarium is broke.” She dropped the bomb on him. “Your first priority should be money and how to get it. The last director really let things slip the closer he got to his retirement.” She leaned down on the kitchen table with her arms. She was decently tall, had a slim body and long legs. Dressed in distressed jeans and a yellow tank top. “I don’t know much about business, so I might not be much help in that department. But maybe you could run an adoption program for the animals.. that people pay to be responsible for their favorite one at the aquarium. Or do a promotion on year passes to try and sell more fast. I don’t know. Just anything..” <@!52386559887

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@🍂Ken🍂

Hayden listened to everything Luciana was telling him, he felt bad. He understood the aquarium was failing, and they needed to do something fast. He gave her a serious nod, carefully reaching into the box grabbing a notebook. "Of course. Those are great ideas." He agreed writing them down. "Before we do anything for the public, I'd like to make sure the animals get everything they need. " He carefully got a bright blue binder from the box Turing back to her. "The public is important yes, but the animals are my top priority at the moment. Just let me know what the animals need and I will have them ordered in that moment or night." He promised. He offered her a smile, noticing she was looking at the ocean. "We can take the meeting we are having to the back porch if you'd like. Give us some fresh air. Um we don't have to look through the box, these are just ideas I've had. Like trying to figure out how we can make a sensory friendly day, for those who need low lights, quiet atmosphere and such. And an area for parents to bring their kids to help them no feel so overwhelmed by crowds and stuff." He admitted, sounding as if he had some experience in that department. "Oh! You don't have to worry about the business side. I learned to look at everything as a business aspect since I was born. My father was a business mam and made sure me and my brothers knew how to run a business. I just need help in knowing what you and out coworkers need for the aquarium."

She couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face as he seemed to prioritize the animals in that moment. Most directors had simply started to focus on the look of the tanks, not caring if they were actually healthy for the animals or not. But his question had been about what the animals needed, not the aquarium. She took his offer to move their talk to the porch and listened to the idea he had. “That is actually a pretty good idea.” She admitted. “Perhaps you could expand those things to also be for other groups that might need a bit extra to enjoy a day to the aquarium.” She said before she sat down in one of the chairs on his porch. “So.. for the animals. Most tanks need a thorough cleaning, especially the windows need to be cleaned. They are growing alge and some of the workers have been slacking a bit now that customers stay away. Some of the food that is being brought in to feed with is not the quality I would like. Preferably I would like to have our own breeding tanks so we can assure the freshness of the fish that we feed, but I know that might be a long way off.” She started to list off. “The dolphin tank need more space, or we need to rehome one or two of them to a new aquarium. It’s to crowded right now. Same goes for some of the other tanks. The old director thought that he would just stuff them as much as he could, because if people see more they pay more. Yeah.. didn’t work out that way and now most of them are overcrowded with fish.” She started to explain.

Hayden followed her to the back porch sitting in one of the chairs. He nodded listening to everything she was telling him. He couldn't understand why the old director was that negligent to the aquarium it broke his heart. He wrote down the list of things she had told him, before smiling. "Actually all of this is due able, if you need an extra diver I am more then willing to get my hands dirty. Cleaning the tanks is important, maybe we can start getting those breeding tanks ready for you ans contact local aquariums to see if we can find the dolphins a new home. One where they arnt crowded. But yes we need to make sure the fish are not ovwr crowded, so cleaning, and getting them not crowded, is also a top priority as well" He replied writing those as top priority. "Where do you recommend we go to Get top quality of food for them. I don't want them to not have a well balanced diet that wouldn't be right of us to allow them to continue not getting the best of the best." He replied, also writing down new equipment they might need. "Until I make the correct equipment for your breeding tanks what can I do for you in the mean time. It may take me a day or so to get the things. Oh I will also come in tomorrow around 6 to look around and see first hand what the old director has done, that way I can learn from his mistakes ." He replied with a kind smile, being completely serious. He was taking her advisement and taking them to heart.

“Another diver?” She broke him off in the middle of that sentence. “I am sorry, but I don’t dive.” She said with a bit of an awkward smile on her face. “You must have missed that part in my contract.” She took a deep breath, looking away a second before finding his eyes again. “I have a skin condition that makes it that I can’t be in contract with the water.” She said. Yeah skin condition.. one where her skin would be covered in scales. “So I do most things with gloves on and I don’t enter the water.” She finished explaining, trying to keep it sounded as casual as she possibly could. “For the food. I think our best bet is to try and find a fisher who is willing to sell to us directly. The more fresh the fish are, the better the quality. By the time a fisher sells it to a cleaning facility and then to us they are already growing stale.” She explained him. “And the balanced diet would not be a problem either. We will give them a list of fish that we can feed and they give us whatever they can. The sea will give us plenty of variety.” She smiled at him. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden looked a bit confused. Before he relized he said his sentence wrong. "Oh! I didn't mean you personally. I just meant the aquarium. If the aquarium didn't have enough divers I can join in on the cleaning of the tanks ." He replied feeling embaressed by his lack of common sense. "Yes i read that, I apologize I will make sure to read up on everyone's contacts and such. He nodded writing down what she said. He was going to start that as soon as he could he offered her a smile. "Great! I will call around in the morning and find us a fisher. Make sure we get a good deal, but the best fish we can find." He smiled. "Okay our team, is there anything I need to know, anyone you recommend to stay or go, I don't want to keep people if they don't want to work, or don't have the animals best interest in mind. But I won't make any decisions eithout speaking to you first."

“Well.. then you are free to join them. We can always use more divers.” She said, bringing a charming smile to her face. “Especially since I can’t, it would be nice to show some of the workers the right way to clean the tanks. I take it you have experience with it? This can’t be your first job at an aquarium right?” She asked him. She listened to the rest of what he had to say before she looked down to the side to the sea. She had not been this close to it for a long time. She could hear the crashing of the waves, see the beautiful foam as it rolled into the sandy floor. “I will get you a list of everyone that works at the aquarium, including if I like them or not. Most of the people are good, they just need some extra guidance. Some I can do without.” She let him know then as she turned her gaze back to him. She looked down at her hands then. “Why did you move all this way for this aquarium? Was it the money they offered? Did you want to bring it back to its glory? Why did you take the job?” She asked him, curious what he really was like and what was driving them. “I have seen director after director come in here. Not one of them ever cared about those animals behind that glass. They just cared about money or fame that it would bring. They might say they cared at the start, but their actions never showed.” She explained to him. “I just want to know if you are different.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled thanking her for agreeing to give him a list. He was thankful that she was willing to help him, he chuckled softly. "Working no, actually getting a paycheck for working at an aquarium yes." He said softly. "Since I was always with babysitter, they allowed me and my brothers to pick one big activity a month to do, I always picked the aquarium." "When my brothers and I got adopted by our dads now, they learned the hard way, my love for the aquarium. But I'm thankful for them, because if them the director of the aquarium I was at made a volunteer program, to give kids and adults a chance to spends their weekends volunteering. They offered to pay me for my working, but I declined, mainly because it was helping give me credits for college. And on hand experience for my classes. But little did I know my parents where taking the money and putting it in an account for me." He laughed softly. "Thank you for the list, I do appreciate it. I will also offer weekend hands on training to help eith guidance, if you'd like you can be head of your department. That way your team is trained to your expectations." He offered softly. Hoping she was okay with that. He was caught off guard by her sudden questions. He understood why she was asking the questions, but it was still sudden. He thought if gus words carefully before he replied. "If I'm being honest, and a little selfish. It's a dream of mine. Ever since I was younger I had always wanted to run an aquarium, to give others the same experience I got to experience when I was younger. The joy of learning about the animals we see. The joy when a keeper comes up and awnsers the questions we have, and to prove no matter what happens there Is always safe place for kids and adults to go and feel important." He explained. "I dont care about the money, yes the pay is nice, but my goal isn't to be rich, it's to make the aquarium a place where everyone feels rich, with knowledge and wonder." He gave a small chuckle. "

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Trust me, the aquarium is just a building, what makes it magical is the people and creatures in it. And that's my goal for the aquarium. Bring it back to its original glory, but pushing it past that, and making it just as magical as i know it can be." He smiled he was 100% serious, he didn't mind the hard work, he was so excited to bring it glory. "Im not a director, I'm just Hayden. I don't want others to see me as the boss, and everything. I just want to be seen as a person, if I am doing something you don't approve of, please tell me. Then I can stop reevaluate what I'm doing and do it the correct way." @Nakachu

She couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face as he talked about it. She could already tell that he was a good guy, someone wonderful. He had a big heart and she believed him when he said he wanted this for other things then money and fame. He was different. “Okay.. I believe you.” She said with a chuckle. “Which is good, because it means we want the same thing here.” She laughed at him as she folded her hands together. “I have been with this aquarium for probably five years now. I came in as a simple weekend worker and made my way to the top pretty quickly. I care about the animals that are in those tanks more then anything. I want them to thrive and be safe. But more then anything I want people to see them. To see how beautiful they are and how fragile they are. So that next time they see an ad about recycling plastic or helping against overfishing they will consider doing their part.” She explained to him. “In the aquarium we can show the beauty that they should be protecting over there.” She said, pointing to the sea. “I bet if you walk down that beach right now, you are going to find at least five bottles and probably just as many cans.” She paused then, knowing that she was rambling. She just hated it. It was one of the reasons she didn’t go back, why she couldn’t go back. There was nothing she could do out there, but here.. here are least she could. She could try to make a chance. Try to make the ocean a better place for the creatures that lived there even if it meant she was no longer a part of it. “That is why I do this and I need you take it serious. Because I can’t be under another person who doesn’t care.” Her voice wasn’t saying she thought he was, she was mostly just making her point clear. “Anyway.. I will get everything ready for you to see the aquarium tomorrow, give you a nice tour of the place. I take it you have not actually seen it in person since you just arrived.” She chuckled before reaching into her bag and placing some thi

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ngs on the table. “These are your keys. Front door, back door and a button to open the gate for your car. I have your pass as well so you can clock in, not that you probably need to do that since you are the boss. Anything else you might need I can get you tomorrow.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden listened to the passion Luciana had for the aquarium ans the ocean, he couldn't help but smile, admiring the passion she had. He chuckled softly. "Im glad we are on the same wave link. I had an idea of an exhibit, where people could see the seriousness of keeping our beaches, parks and world clean and safe. With your permission if like to make that your project if you'd like. Not right now, but in the future when we are remodeling each exhibit." Hw explained . He looked at the keys nodding. He smiled "Thank you." He replied carefully picking them up as he stood up with her. Going inside to his car keys. His cat Neptune watched them from the couch meowing loudly. "Ah, sorry Neptune one second ." He promised abandoning the keys on the counter as he got into the fridge getting Neptune his wet food. "But yes. I will be there first thing in the morning, and I will bring the box of plans we can go over as well as the list of things to do, you had given me. "If I forget something please tell me that way I don't forget in the future." He smiled looking up at her, as he set the phone down on the ground. His cat happily rushed over and began to eat, moving to he was pushing Hayden away. Hayden chuckled going back to putting the aquarium keys on his jeep keys. "Okay perfect I can't wait to see the place tomorrow! This is all exciting ." He replied acting like a kid who was told they were going to the toy store. @Nakachu

“That would actually be good. I would like that.” She said with a smile as he talked about the exhibit. She had always wanted to do more to make sure the ocean stayed clean. She had so often thought about making a program where once week people could volunteer to clean up the beach.. but since she herself could not get close to it she had never dared to set it up. Who would go and clean up if the person they asked to do it didn’t even do the same. She watched him get up and walk with the cat. The thing happily swirled between his legs like it knew exactly what was going to happen. A soft meow leaving it’s mouth as his owner seemed to get him the thing he wanted, food. She couldn’t help but laugh at the display. Even though she herself had never felt connected to the land dwelling animals she knew that they were well loved. Both cats and dogs the same. “Neptune?” She chuckled at his name. “He is beautiful.” She smiled as she looked the cat over and how it dove into the food that was before him. “He seems to love you a lot.” She then got up from her seat at the porch, gave the sea one last look and walked back inside. “Well.. I guess that is it for me for now. I am going to head back to the aquarium and make sure everything is sorted for tomorrow.” She said picking up her bag. “My phone number should be on your list, but just in case.” She bend down over a piece of paper and picked up a pen writing down the string of numbers for him. “Call or text me anytime. I am happy to help when it comes to the aquarium. God only knows how many hours I spend there.” She laughed again. “Soo.. anything else before I go? Or you good?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden chuckled softly. "Neptune? Oh yeah, he Is very spoiled. I raised him since he was born. His mom had left him alone, so I have hand fed him , and got him nursed back to health. I have spent many nights trying to make sure he ate every hour, and thankfully he did. So now he's a big strong boy." He smiled softly carefully kneeling down next to Neptune. "Althought I have to say, I'm so glad he stopped wanting to eat only if i spoon fed him. Now it has to be tuna or salmon. Or my food sadly" He smiled softly, gently petting the hairless cat, making sure to give him some attention. He looked up at her watching her write down her phone number. He smiled as he stood up. "Thank you, I will make sure to put that in my phone, I can't wait to get to the aquarium. I have a good feeling about our progress, and the future of the aquarium!" He smiled widely. He tried to think of something else to ask her. He remembered something the old director had told him, that he needed to be careful working there at night. He looked at Luciana couriously. "Well, the old director had mentioned strange things, happening at night in the aquarium." He said softly. "Im not sure what he means by that, but he's said he's noticed strange things swimming around the tanks when he walks past at night. Do you know what he meant? The way you described him I figure he is just pulling my leg, but I guessed I should ask you." He admitted softly.

“Strangely enough.. I have a good feeling about it too.” She smiled at him. h was dedicated, she could tell that much. And he wanted not just the money to roll in but the aquarium to thrive. She surely had judged him wrong when she thought that him being a young Texan meant that he would make a wrong fit. “Strange things in the water?” She said. She could feel her body tensing up, but tried her best to hide her nervousness behind her smile. She knew what he was talking about. About four months ago the old director had caught her in the water. It had been to dark with the lights off for him to see her properly and she had hit away in one of the little caves before he had truly been able to figure out what he had seen. But he had figured out one thing, it had been something that was not meant to be there. He had camped it out for two hours to try and catch a glimpse at her and all that time she was stuck at the bottom of the tank. Eventually he had left.. After that she had tried to be a lot more careful about it.. making sure to ask the director if he was planning to be around. “I just know one night he walked by and claimed to have seen something. The old director was old, I wouldn’t pay it much mind. It is easy to see the shadow of a bunch of fish huddled together and think it is one big fish. I have never seen anything and I have been around plenty after the dark.” She said, trying to sound casual about it even if she was fussing with her own fingers in that moment. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded listening to everything she had said. He hummed softly, what she said made sense, so he wasn't going to ask her too much more about the situation. "Ah, I understand, that makes sense. I tend to just see things when I am overly tired. But don't worry, I will try my best not to be there Over night. I'm not too keen on the dark, so if I happen to be there over night I'll message you and let you know. Mainly too let you know I'm there, so when you come in you won't be freaked out ." He admitted with a kind smile. Hayden hated the dark, the dark was the thing he didn't like the most, mainly because he couldn't see in the dark and the shadows he would see , caused him to become very anxious whenever he was stuck in the dark. So he didn't plan on staying over night at the aquarium. He gave her a small smile. "Thats all my questions for tonight, I will finish unpacking some of my things. But I will meet you at the aquarium in the morning. Thank you so much for stopping by and giving me a chance. I'll start on thr list in the morning ." He promised @Nakachu

“I would appreciate that a lot. I have definitely walked in on the old director before and that is a jump scare I am not fond of.” She chuckled. Slowly that nervousness ebbed away from her, especially as he said he wouldn’t visit out of the blue. It gave her some more freedom to do her thing. Sometimes she just needed to be who she really was for a small bit and the aquarium had become the safest place to do so. The beach was too open and once she got in the water it wasn’t that easy to get out again. But even there if someone was ever to see her.. It would be trouble. “Awesome. In that case I will leave you to unpacking and you can leave the aquarium up to me for another day.” She said, finding putting her handbag over her shoulder again. “It was very nice to meet you Hayden. I will see you early tomorrow.” She smiled at him. “I usually start at the penguin enclosure, so if you don’t find me that might be the first place to look.” She waved him goodbye and left for the door. Once she was outside she let out a deep breath. It was good that he was here, but the fact that he had already heard stories from the old director might come to bite her in the ass, she had to be careful. He couldn’t find out.. that would be bad. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden laughed softly when she mentioned getting spooked by the old director. He was going go try and keep her updated whenever he enters the aquarium. "True, but we got things to do, so I'll get the list started. You'll still be in charge ." He chuckled opening the door for her as he gave her a small wave. "Perfect ! I'll meet you there tomorrow, thank you again for all the hard work you do." Once Luciana left, he let out a deep breath, walking towards the kitchen sitting on the floor with Neptune, he felt exhausted. He has never had to be a host without his brothers before, or speak for that long. But he supposed it was a good thing, getting him out of hid shell. He hummed giving Neptune a quick kiss and cuddle, before he got up, locking all the doors before he walked towards his bedroom, unpacking as much as he could, making sure he set up his alarm, when he got his alarm clock out and on the night stand. He couldn't help but feel nervous, he hoped that everything would go good in the morning. But he couldn't help but worry. He went to the bathroom, brushing his teeth and changing into his pajamas. Deciding he should probally go to bed, that way he was able to wake up on time , and get to the aquarium. But as soon as he got to bed and laid down, he began to already check off the list, leaving messages for local fishermen, to see if they coukd start doing business together. Ordering the breeding tanks that Luciana had asked for, he hadn't bought them yet, but saved the tab to show her in the morning. He began to Google the nest ways to Clean the tanks that wouldn't involve draining the tanks and putting the fish out of the tanks. He ended up falling asleep around 2 in the morning, his YouTube videos still playing in the background. Neptune curled up against his stomach, the both of them sleeping the night away, tired from their first day in Florida, preparing for their first full day they woukd face when they wake up. @Nakachu

After Luciana left Haydens place she had gone back to the aquarium and finished her shift. She went through all the tanks and enclosures and started making mental notes of all the things she thought needed to improve no that she had someone who was on her side of things. And honestly.. the list grew big pretty quickly. Even if most of them were small things. She ordered some of the staff around and once close time came around she was as usual the last one to go out of those doors. The next morning was not much different and by 5 am Luciana already found herself at the compound again. She opened the doors with her keys and turned of the alarms so she could safely go inside and clock in through the system. She did her usual routine where she went around and turned on all the lights in all the area’s of the place. She then went by all the animals to check if they were doing okay. With as many fish in their tanks as they had it was not strange to find one belly up at the top of the water. That was simply nature. She always told them all good morning as well, just a strange habit. Once her round was done and she made sure everyone was still alive she would start on the breakfast for the biggest animals like the penguins and the dolphins and such and this would take quite a little bit of her time. By the time Hayden showed up he would find her at the penguins, the little black and white creatures dancing around her feet as they all wanted the best fish she had to offer. In her arm was a big bucket with the fish in question and she was laughing at the little things at her feet. “You act like I never feed you at all!” She teased the things. “Ouch! Hey! No biting..” she warning one that was nipping at her jeans. She was wearing the standard employee outfit. A blue jeans with a t-shirt with the aquariums name and logo on it as well as waterproof boots. The only thing that she had that nobody else did were a pair of thick leather gloves around her hands. Even the

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saltiness from the sea fish could trigger her skin and she was not taking any chances. “Oooh hi.” She said when she noticed Hayden. “Good morning.” She smiled at him. “You don’t look very rested..” @🍂Ken🍂

When Hayden woke up, it was because Neptune was meowing at him, demanding attention, and food. To say Hayden was confused, was an understatement. He had slowly sat up and looked at Neptune with an annoyed look, annoyed he was being woken up. "Your lucky your cute ." He grumbled carefully getting up to go get Neptune his breakfast. That is until he noticed the time. It was 5:30, he was supose to be at the aquarium 30 minutes ago. "Ah! I'm late!" He yelped rushing around the house, getting Neptune's breakfast ready, before he ran back to his room grabbing a pair of jeans, and a long sleeve shirt, trying to make himself look as presentable as he could. He grabbed his laptop and phone putting them in the cardboard box, before getting his shoes on. "I'll try not to be out late Neptune, I will be back for lunch so you can be fed as well, you know what your allowed to do, please behave ." He begged, as he carefully got his shoes on. Grabbing his keys and the box as he rushed out of the house "love you bye !" Hayden got through security and finally found a place to park at the aquarium, around 6:15. So he rushed into the aquarium, trying his best not to be overly excited for all the new things he was seeing , as well as the potential he saw instantly. He set his main focus on trying to find Luciana. Upon arriving at the penguins exhibit he couldn't help but smile, holding the box close, he could already see the ideas forming as he looked around. He was excited and was having a hard time hiding it. He looked over to the voice who spoke to him, he was happy to see it was Luciana. "Good morning! Eh, it's okay I was up last night doing some research. I have some great news ! I got two fishermen who has offered for us to be their first delivery. They were very excited ti hear the old director was gone and had offered to work together to give us the best price for the fish. And a zoo in Miami eoukd like to buy 2 of our dolphins. I told them I would ask you first to m

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ake sure they are good and healthy enough to travel and if you believe it's a good idea!" He exclaimed the excitment no longer being hidden, it was his first day of work and he was so excited. "And I might of found the breeding tanks you asked for but I wanted to show you, first that way I get the correct ones."

12:24

@Nakachu

She couldn’t help but smile at him as he instantly went all business again. “Calm down. It’s early, you look like shit.” She chuckled. “We have all day to talk about this and make changes.” She reached into the bucket again and fed some more of the fish to the penguin who eagerly gobbeled them up while making little noises. “So.. you are going to join me in feeding the animals. After that we are grabbing you a coffee because you goddamn need one.” She offered him a smile. “And then we can talk about all these plans you made.” The last bits of fish were offered to the penguins directly before she threw a few hand fulls into the water for them to search for. The penguins scattered from around her feet instantly and she walked over to their pool to wash out the last debris from her bucket. She made absolute sure that nothing but the leather gloves touched the salty water that they lived in. “Well come on then, dolphins are next.” She said as she beckoned him to follow her. Once he joined her to refill the buckets she talked a bit more to him. “Sounds like you got a lot done though! I am guessing the fishers should be back around.. 3? I will make sure I got some time to select the fish we want then. As for the Miami zoo.. I have heard good stories about them but I would like to speak to their trainer if you don’t mind. You can tell a lot about how they will be cared for if you know who is actually caring for them. So I will get that done today as well.” They reached the ‘kitchen’ and she opened a container that had the fresh fish in the and started to select the right fish for the dolphins. With the amount they had she needed four bucket loads, which usually meant to trips, but this time Hayden was here. “Here you go! Don’t get it on your clothes.” She said as she handed him the two. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded taking a deep breath, before letting it out. He smiled widely as he looked over at her. "Sorry, I'm just so excited, the ideas for the aquarium is flowing and I can't wait. Ah i guess i do, sorry i woke up a bit late. And researching" He admitted happily. As he carefully moved aside watching the penguins running around happily. "Okay! I can help feed them. But I must decline the coffee. It makes me anxious. But I will take a water." He smiled at her. Watching her feed the penguins go after the food she thre into the water. "Dolphins yes! Perfect !" He agreed , following her happily. "Yep, they said they will be here about 3 for the list of fish we need. And for you to pick out the fish you need. Then at this time we can set up a schedule, so they know when we need the fish." He smik3d listening to her talk. He frowned softlt when she mentioned hearing things about the Miami zoo. He nodded firmly. "If you don't think they are a good idea, then I will decline. We can call around and find someone you reust better. I rather know you trust someone instead of going in blindly." He replied softly. "Any sale we make of animals I'll make sure you meet their trainers. And that way the animals can meet them too, to see if they trust them." When he was handed a bucket, he smiled widely, gently taking them. "Oh these clothes ? Don't worry they are my work clothes. I don't mind." He smiled holding the buckets in his hand, ready to go help, and meet the dolphins. "So, Luciana. Tell me about yourself? What brings you to the aquarium to work?" He asked her couriously. Courious to get to know her better @Nakachu

“No, no! I am not shooting Miami down yet, just need to talk to them.” She assured him as she picked up her own buckets and led him through the maze of backdoor paths that led to the dolphins. It was strange to have someone who was this dedicated to the aquarium as well as someone who actually valued her opinion. The other director had always seemed to think she was nosey and had no clue what sh was saying. She had never cared for business or money, just the animals. She never stopped to think how much something cost, just how it would benefit them. Only that simple fact had already annoyed most of them, yet Hayden seemed fine with it. “About me?” She asked with a bit of a nervous chuckle. God.. half her life had been spend in the ocean, she couldn’t tell him about that. “The aquarium just makes me think of home.” She said honestly as she shrugged. “I have seen first hand what polution and over fishing can do and I just want to do anything I can to do my part in that.” She added to it as she opened the door to the dolphins. She whistled loudly between her teeth and instantly the sever dolphins rushed towards the platform they came into and started to make noises into the air. “Good morning my girls!” She shouted at them happily, happy to be able to distract him from his questions about her. “These are our dolphins. They are very sweet and you can honestly feed them from the hand if you want to.” She chuckled at Hayden as she showed him ho to hold a fish and hand it to one of them. “I would suggest to sell out Marie and Louisa.” She said, pointing to the ones in question. “They are best friends so they will do good anywhere, yet somehow they never really got along with the other five. Alway swimming in seperate groups. “And this girl.. is my favorite.” She said moving to one and moving her gloves hand over the dolphins skin who squeeked happily. “We have the same name, she is called Lucy.” She chuckled. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded following her towards the dolphins. "Oh, I'll call the zoo to see if they can send one of their trainers." He replied softly. He listened to her talk about what brought her to the aquarium. He smiled. "Im glad your here, a place like this need people who care. So I appreciate you being here." He smiled following her to the dolphins. He flinched when she whistled loudly. He wasn't one for loud noises. But he understood the dolphins needed to be able to hear her. He knelt down next to her and began to help feed the dolphins. Ignoring the slimy feeling the fish gave his hands. He made sure each dolphin had food. As he listened to her. "Marie and Louisa. Got it." He replied making a mental note. Wanting to make sure he got things right. @Nakachu sorry this is shorter then normal, I got busy

She kept feeding the dolphins with him till the two buckets she had carried were almost empty and then did the same thing she had done with the penguins. She threw the last bit far into the tank and rinsed them out using the water of the basin. “Yes, Marie and Louisa.” She confirmed to him as she got up from her knees again. As she got up her foot got caught on something slimy. Somehow one of the fish had been left behind partially and got caught right under the heel of her boot. “Shit!” She cried out as she fall backwards. She turned around just enough to not fully slip into the water but her right arm slipped into it. The change to her skin was almost instant. It was like flipped on one of those pink sunglasses and suddenly seeing the secret ink that was on the page. Her skin turned slightly translucent, taking on a more blueish tint instead the cream. As well as a few of her scales showing. As the water dripped into her gloves she could feel the webbing of her fingers pushing painfully against the leather. The change was subtle, but it was still something he could notice. She quickly turned her shoulder away from him, giving him perhaps only half a second to actually see what had been going on. “I just.. Sorry!” She quickly said as she dashed out of the enclosure and rushed herself to one of the bathrooms and locked it. She quickly peeled of her glove to free the webbing between her fingers. She took the paper towels that were there and started to dry herself off, dabbing at her skin to take away the salty sea water from her skin. Even when she was fully dry sh knew it would tak a good five minutes before it would be completely back to normal. @🍂Ken🍂 (No problem!)

Hayden smiled as he nodded. "Okay, perfect I'll let them know we are only excepting offers for the both of them. And no exceptions ." He replied copying her motions when the bucket was almost empty, he smiled softly watching the dolphins enjoy their meal. He yelped when he saw Luciana fall. "Are you okay? Oh my gosh I I so sorry I didn't even notice the floor was slick." He replied trying to help get up. He jumped when she quickly got up and ran away, he frowned feeling like it was his fault that she fell. He sighed softly, carefully picking up the buckets and going back to the kitchen. Putting the buckets in the sink he went to his office to make the necessary calls that needed to be done. He couldn't help but the guilt filling him. Even if it wasn't his fault he should of been quicker to catch her. And make sure nothing bad happened. He got his phone and sent a text to her saying. "Hey, I'm sorry for not being quick enough to catch you, I hadn't relized the floor was so slick. To make it up to you I'll buy lunch, whatever you want its on me. Come by my office then and we can go. Again I'm really sorry." He felt a bit better when the message was sent, he didn't want any hard feelings, if there was he woukd feel even more guilty. He looked towards his computer and sighed, booting it up and seeing the damage the old director had done in hops to fixing it. @Nakachu

She hid out in that bathroom stall for what seemed like forever. Waiting for her skin to turn back to that creme color that she had gotten so used to and the webbing between her fingers to disappear. Only then did she put back on her glove and got herself out of there. Great first day.. great first impression to Hayden. All she could hope was that he did not see it… She had just gotten back to the kitchen when she heard her phone go. She read it quickly and let out a sigh of relief. Good.. he had not seen it. If he had he wouldn’t have responded like that. Hey! Don’t worry about it! I should have watched where I stepped. My bad. Didn’t mean to scare you like that. Just needed to make it to the bathroom to wash off was all! She finished up the final bits of feeding without him, throwing fish food into the tanks and by 9 am the aquarium was ready to open to the public. She got all the day workers in and got them appointed to the right floors and tanks so that if they did get customers they would be well informed and could find someone to ask their questions to. At 10 am it was finally time for a well deserved break and she went to the office the old director had used to see if she could find Hayden. “Hey, sorry about before!” @🍂Ken🍂

When Luciana came into the office Hayden looked really mad. He was on the phone with someone pacing. "Look! I said they come as a pair. And if you do not have the simple human decency to listen to what I am saying then we are done. There will be no sale." He replied rolling his eyes at the other on the phone. He stopped pacing and looked physically shocked. "I- your kidding me right? You don't care if it emotnally empacks them? Well see here. They will not be going to Miami. If your response is to take one and not the other and , in your words "they are animals they won't know any better." Well listen up sir they do know better and they will be extremely hurt and not okay. I will be calling your supervisor about the way you have spoken to me and my buiness!" He snapped putting the phone down. He sank into his chair taking a moment. Hayden was shaking. Normally his brother Jayden would handle these kind of situations. He wasn't good with conflict and to do it alone, stressed him out to the max. He took a deep breath as he looked up yelping in suprise as he saw Luciana. "O-oh my. Sorry! I didn't see you there. Um, I apologize that you had to hear all of that!" He said with a smile, rubbing the back if his neck, if he was honest he wanted to cry, the hatefulness he had to hear about the animals made him sad. He was still shaking as he got up looking at her. "You don't have to apologize, it's okay really." He replied softly as he looked at her. "Its no big deal really."

09:50

@Nakachu

She leaned against the side of the door as she listened intently to his fight with whoever was on the other side of the line. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what it was about. The Miami aquarium would take only one of their dolphins and Hayden was not happy about that. And she agreed, these two should not be split, they were to attached to each other and would have a hard time being apart, especially when brought into a new environment. So she couldn’t help but smile as he turned them down and even got angry. “No problem at all.” She said as he hung up and focused back on her. She started to peel the gloves from her hands and put them in her pocket. Now that she wasn’t near salty seat water she didn’t need to wear them. “So they won’t go to Miami I take it?” She smiled at him. “I can call around a little bit if you want. I got some connection to the Atlanta aquarium. Heard their dolphin tanks are beautiful and they recently had one pass away. They might have space for both.” She walked over into the room and got a bit closer to his desk and could see that he was flustered from the conversation he had just had. He already looked tired and their day had hardly started. “You don’t have to do all this alone, you know that right? Just ask me if you need help.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly. "Yeah, I'd appreciate it if you could call them. I rather keep them together then separate them. And I don't appreciate how the miami trainer handeled the call, it was very unpleasant and not a good way to handle buiness." He replied softly looking at her couriously when she mentioned getting could always ask her for help. He gave her a small smile. "I know, I just wanted to call them back and give them the additional information." He admitted with a soft sigh. "Im sorry, I'm not use to handling tense situations. My brothers normally do it for me." He sighed softly, carefully getting a hair tie from his bag. Carefully pulling his hair up as he looked at her. "I know I can ask for your help, I just didn't want to bother you, I'm sorry." He felt guilty again, he wasn't good at realizing social cues and right now was a bad time. He just offered her a kind smile. "So what brings you to the office? Lunch? Is it that time already?" He asked couriously "huh, i hadnt relized im so sorry, we can go now if you'd like." @Nakachu

She couldn’t help but chuckle at him. “I actually think that is exactly what they were doing. Talking business.” She smiled, not caring if her laugh annoyed him. “What they weren’t doing was thinking about the animals.” She offered him instead. “You might believe that all aquariums should put their animals first, but that just isn’t the reality.” She shrugged. She tilted her head slightly as she looked him over. He seemed almost lost in this new role. She had thought him young to be a director and perhaps now she thought he was even more so. But he was trying and he was caring about the things she cared about it, so surely he deserved a chance. “Stop saying sorry.” She said shaking her head. “You have nothing to apologize for.” She smiled at him to add to her point. “Uhmm.. depends? I eat my lunch early usually, because I get here at 5 am and it is now.. 10:30. But if you would rather eat a bit later we can wait. Just came to let you know everyone is fed and the aquarium is open so if you want that tour of the grounds now is probably a good time.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hummed "if that was buiness talk, I fear how he speaks to his mother." He replied wrinkling his nose slightly. "Even more so their partner. 'Hey darling let's go to dinner.' Sorry! No I want pizza!" He mocked , but then laughed softly shaking his head. "Sorry, I shouldn't say that, he might of been having a bad day, and to hear the deal was off was probally not a good thing ." He admitted with a small smile as he looked at her. He opened his mouth to apologize again but stopped himself. He gave her a small pout. "Okay, I wont apologize....this time. I don't mind, I eat lunch whenever. I tend to get full quickly so I normally just snack during the day. Oh yes a tour would be great, that way I don't bother the others while they are working." He chuckled. He picked up his Phone, and wallet as he walked towards her. "We can wat after if you'd like. Remember you get to pick." He replied happily. He was trying to seem more mature then he was, he wanted the others to know that he will be there if they needed someone to catch them. He didn't want to be reminded he was young in a direction position. But today he was reminded of that alot. But for now he is holding his head up high ans smiling.

20:14

@Nakachu

“Well I certainly won’t turn down the offer for food first. We will do our tour after then.” She said to him as he got all this things and joined her. She happily walked with him down to the restaurant that was a part of the aquarium. Since it was early there were usually not a lot of guests yet so they got left alone even if her shirt had the logo of the aquarium on it. As they got in line she started to talk once more. “I will make sure to call my friends in Atlanta this afternoon. If they indeed have a good spot free for our two dolphins I will ask her to bring you in contact with their director.” She said with a smile on her face as she ordered a bagel with salmon and creme cheese on it from the clerk behind the counter. As he ordered whatever he would like she looked him over. Somehow he seemed so like her.. so far away from home, wanting to be in this place yet feeling like you were so far away from where you belonged. The aquarium was her life, her new life.. yet her old life never left her. “How are you doing?” She suddenly asked him. “Really doing?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden happily followed her. Food sounded great, and eating first gave him to relax and calm down. That way he didn't feel or continuously felt panicked. He looked to her and smiled. "Food is good! Just lead the way!" Hayden nodded when she mentioned her friends. "Okay! That would be perfect I appreciate it." He agreed with a kind smile. He was really glad she was able to help him out, he did appreciate everything she was doing, expecally on his first day. He looked at the menu, his smile flatterned a bit when he relized there wasn't any vegetarian options. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Um..I'll just have a plain bagel please ." He asked with a small smile. He paid for their lunch and drinks. Her sudden questions had caught him off guard. He wanted to lie, but she didn't deserve him lying. So he just sighed softly looking at her. "Im...a but sad." He admitted. "I've never lived alone before, and far away from my family it's a but scary." He sighed softly. "Im a triplet. I've never been alone , the day I was born was the first time, and that's only because I was the sickest one out if us three." He replied leading her to a table. "And I'm not good with being shouted at, my brother Jayden normally handles that sort of thing. " He said rubbing the back of his neck as he awkwardly looked away. "That and being on yhe spectrum, it makes it a bit harder if I'm being honest. So there may be some days I'm just sad and I apologize for that ahead of time.'

04:34

@Nakachu

She heard him out when he started to speak in earnest. So it was his first time even living alone.. must be rough. Starting a job with so many expectation, especially the ones he seemed to have on himself. All that while your family was so far away. No wonder she had felt he was like her. His home was not here, it was back in Texas. She offered him a smile and placed her hand on his arm to give him a small squeeze. “It isn’t strange to miss your home and your family. Going away from them is quite a big step you made there.” She offered him. “But it can also be a very freeing and humbling experience. To learn how to stand up for yourself and handle your own fights without needing the support of your brothers.” She once more smiled at him after that. “I came from… far from here. Quite a different place actually. So you can say my first few days here were a true culture shock. But look at me now. I fit right in! And you will too soon enough.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden listened to everything she said intensely. He gave her a small smile when she squeezed his hand. He appreciated the gesture. And was happy she was there to provide some comfort, expecally since she knew what he was going through. "Thanks Luciana. I appreciate your kindness. If I'm being honest, I don't really miss Texas. We lived on the country there. I miss Washington, it's were we lived when our dads adopted us. We lived in a small town house, and my dad would take me to the this one area that connected to the ocean where we watched the orcas. It was the best, then papa got a job in Texas and we moved when I got to freshmen year of highscool." He sighed softly. "Im thankful for getting the job and being here. One day you get to meet my brothers. And I have to warn you, Damien is extremely quiet so it may seem as if he doesn't like you, but I swear he does. He's just shy. Jayden on the other hand is a flirt so I apologize for him now and then ." He chuckled @Nakachu

“We all have places that we start calling our home. The best part about it though, is that you can have more then one home! So even if I am sure you miss Washington, I promise this place can become a home for you as well. And you got Neptune to keep you company!” She mused as she finally gathered her bagel and found them a spot to sit. “Well.. once they come they surely should come by the aquarium. I will gladly give them a nice backstage tour.” She chuckled. “Some of the animals might even ‘accidentely’ splash them in the face.” She said with air quotes as she laughed with him. “But really Hayden. Just take your time. Don’t rush all this stuff. I am glad you want to help the aquarium and make it beautiful again, but we got time. Not everything needs to be sorted straight away. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled. "That's true, Neptune is taking advantage of the move to get babies even more." He chuckled softly as he took a bite of his beagle. He hummed liking it . "Yeah, your right. It will just take me a bit to get use to the change." He admitted. He smiled. "If water gets on haydens face he may freak out ." He chuckled imagining hie his brother eoukd react. "Damien woukd just pout." He smiled listening to get talk about him taking it easy. "Yeah, your right I probslly should. But i can't help but want to hurry to get the animals happy and in comfort. I'm sorry for rushing I'm not meaning too." He admitted softly as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. @Nakachu

“Well.. that makes two of us.” She said chuckling as he mentioned his sibling would freak out if water hit their face. That surely was not a place she wanted to be, at least not in company. She thought about her dip into the water that she did sometimes. Multiple times she had sworn to herself she would not do it anymore, that it was to dangerous. Yet she was like an addict, drawn back into the water more often then not. It was why she avoided the beach like it was an illness, to afraid she might go in the water and not turn back. She quickly brushed the thoughts away from her mind and turned back towards Hayden. She took a bite from her bagel. She liked fish, it was her favorite. Her eyes went to the bagel he was nursing on his own, with nothing on it. “You want me to ask for some butter at least?” She asked, not wanting to question his dietary choices. @🍂Ken🍂

(I take it you aren’t finished with the post yet? @🍂Ken🍂 )

((No, one second I got busy

))

(Np! Just making sure :3)

((I can't delete that message lol so ignore it)

Hayden smiled softly. "Jayden would just try and rush to go get a shower. He isn't one to not stay clean. Damien is just not one for silliness." He admitted softly as he hummed softly, looking back to her with a kind smile. "I think you'd get along with them, expecally Jayden. If you like poetry I think you may like Damien, he is a huge poetry reader and writer. He writes about everything and anything. But he gets shy about others reading his works." He chuckled softly with a kind smile. "Oh? For my bagel? I guess I should of asked for some. But I'm okay, i noticed there isn't many vegetarian options here. Maybe we could add some, as well as vegan maybe. Im not sure if i could live off of bagels every day, but I'll pack a lunch for now on, to give my self some extra protein. If you want I can pack you something or anyone else that way you don't have to buy lunch everyday. " He hummed eating his plain bagel enjoying it. "Or we can cator, indont mind doing that, it will be fun! How do you like yours ?" He asked starting to get on a diffrent topic. He never really liked talking about food. He normally only ate a bagel and he was good till dinner. People normally told him it wasn't good to eat like that, but he didn't mind it really .

She liked hearing him talk about his family. They sounded loving and sweet. No wonder he missed them so much even if he had only been here for a day or so. She happily took small bites from her bagel and ate slowly as she listened to him, offering a smile when he turned to look at her. “Hmm.. I never thought about the options on the menu.” She said as she looked it over. He was right though. Most things were seafood, some beef or chicken options but not much else. “Yeah more options should be good.” She said with a smile. “Could have just gotten fries though.” She chuckled at him, still not understanding the plain dry bagel he had decided to go for. “I loooove seafood. Any seafood. Nothing makes me happier then salmon and tuna.” She smiled at him. “Especially sushi.” She shared with him and finished the last bite of her bagel with a satisfied sound from her lips. @🍂Ken🍂

"I mean, true i didn't think about that. Maybe I'll get a snack later." He smiled widely listening yo her talk about how she loved seafood. He happily listened to her as he hummed. "Oh I bet, it sounds good.' He said happily with a wide smile. "Maybe we coukd go get sushi some time. I'd love to find good sushi, my older brother Ryker loves sushi, so I may need some pointers to the best sushi in town." He smiled widely. Not realizing it sounded like he asked her on a date. "Maybe we could do that when you have a day off. I'll buy!" He smiled widely, he hoped she agree. He wanted to get to know her better. And he was excited to know more about her. "I mean only If you want too of course. I don't want to force you to at all."

She couldn’t help but smile as he suggested going for sushi. “Oooh yes, I ain’t turning down sushi. No way. I know just the place!” She said with a laugh. “They have plenty of vegetarian options too like cucumber, avocado and egg sushi’s if you don’t want to do the fish ones.” She said to him as she finally finished up her food and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a napkin. She peeked up at the time and it was already nearing 11 am. “We better get to that tour. I need to do another round of feeding for the guests around 12, so we got a good hour.” She smiled at him. They had set times for feeding the animals live, especially the one of the penguins and dolphins was loved by guests. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled widely trying to finish his bagel before he nodded. "Yeah, I can't wait. I'm ready for some vegetarian sushi. It bet it will be good. I mean I eat fish every so often. It just depends on how it'd cooked." He admitted as he got up from his seat, getting his phone and wallet back in his picker. He had a wide smile "lets he go. I don't want to get lost so I'm gald your able to show me around. And I appreciate your company. It makes me feel alot less lonely." He admitted with a kind smile. He liked her company, he was glad someone was there to show him around. And she understood his love of animals which helped him alot. "Lead the way, I'll follow." He said happily. "

“Okay! Let’s go.” She said eagerly as she took their plates and put them to the conveyer belt that would take them to the kitchen. She walked him back to the entrance of the aquarium, figuring she would just tour him through the main places first. As they got closer she took the leather gloves from her pocket again and placed them back around her hands. She couldn’t take any chances. She first part of the aquarium was pretty tame. There were many walls with smaller aquarium and tropical fish. Every tank had information next to it on the wall that told about what lived in it. She also added information about how they cared for it and if she believed they needed something added she would let him know. They were mostly small things, like specific plants she knew they liked or improved filters. And then they came to her favorite part of the aquarium and she instantly lid up. This place never failed to the take her breath away. It was the glass tunnel. The light in this area were low, casting you in the blue light of the water. The surface of the water reflecting on the floor. It made her feel home.. feel one with the ocean again. The tunnel was about 100 feet long and has a slight curve to it. “This is my favorite place..” she admitted to him as well as she realized she had gone silent on him. “It is our biggest tank and requires the most care. It is also the one that needs to be cleaned the most.” She said, pointing to alge spots that were sticking to the side. “Problem is… we would need to capture big old Rick there before anyone can go down here.” She chuckled, pointing to a big tiger shark that had just come around the corner. “Even if he is friendly, I wouldn’t take the risk.” She explained. “We also have loads of tropical fish in here, as well as turtles, starfish, catfish, shrimp.. It is a whole eco system that keeps itself running. We barely have to feed this tank at all. The only one we feed is big rick.” She moved towards the side of the tunnel a

19:54

nd it didn’t take long for fish to gather themselves around her. It was something they only did with her and nobody else. They knew what she was and felt connected to her, she had swam with them often. Even if Rick was dangerous for normal people, she knew he would never hurt her. The only reason the tank wasn’t already overgrown with alge was because she had gone and cleaned it up during the night, but there just wasn’t enough time for her to keep it good. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden was struggling the entire tour, ever since he was a kid, he had loved the aquarium. He would sneak off from his parents and get lost for hours at the aquarium, just looking at the fish swimming around their tank. The blue lights providing a calm comforting vibe as he let the overwhelming feelings melt away, causing him to feel as if it was just him and the fish. Those feelings began to come back as they toured the aquarium. He tried his hardest to listen to everything Luciana speak, but his brain was telling him to run and go to find the shark tunnel, to sit there and watch the sharks ans fish swim. But he couldn't. He was supose to be there listening to her talk about the tanks and where they were. But he really wanted to run and just watch the fish. He looked to get looking a bit confused. He hadn't relized where they were or who big Rick was. He just offered a smile nodding. "Of course. We don't want anyone taking any unnecessary risks !" He agreed with a kind smile. Tho his smile was sheepish as he had only caught the last bit of her talking. "Im sorry, im trying to pay attention I swear. It's just, a bit hard." He chuckled rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Hoping she wasn't mad at him. @Nakachu

She looked back at him curiously, wondering what the was thinking about that got him so distracted. He had been way more focused on her when they had been in the cafetaria or at his house. "It's okay." she said quickly as she just took him in. She followed his eyes to the fish and removed her hand from the glass so the fish that had gathered would once again he on their way around the tank. "Want to take a break here?" she suggested. "See if Big Rick wants to come and show himself." She sat herself down on one of the benches and padded the side of it to see if he would do the same. If he did sit down she would just smile at him before gazing up at the tunnel herself. She loved this place.. to be in the water yet be on two legs was something that she cherished. Of course it was not like the real thing, but it was close enough. And at least here she did not need to have the fear of being discovered by anyone. Maybe tonight she would go in the pool.. once everyone had gone home and the lights were out.. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded watched the fish as he nodded. "Yeah that would be nice. Let's see if yout bestie will come and grace up with his present " He teased finally taking his eyed off of the fish to look where he was walking. He didn't want to accidentally sit ontop of Luciana. He sat next to her and smiled as he looked back up at the fish swimming. "I apologize for accidentally tuning you out. Like i said yesterday, the aquarium is my favorite place. I could get lost for hours and just enjoy the tunnel." He smiled gently hugging himself, his left hand rested against his chest as he tapped a slight pattern over his heart, and rocked ever so slightly. he was enjoying her company. "Im very excited to get to work, and making sure the animals and people here have what they need. " He smiled. He watched the fish swim around, his eyes following them every so often. The blue light for some reason made the 24 year old look alot younger then he actually was. Maybe it was because he had a child like excitment to be where he was, no one knew. But Hayden was just happy to be there in the moment. @Nakachu

“Don’t worry about it. I am the same..” she said to him with a smile. “I tend to come here a lot.. just sit on this bench for hours after work is done. You would think I would like to leave after being here for that many hours, but nope, I would rather sit here with Big Old Rick.” She said to him, hoping it would make him feel better. It was kind of nice to have found someone who was as in love with the aquarium as she was. Though maybe it was more the ocean she loved then the aquarium. They sat in silence for a good bit until finally big Rick decided to show himself. The aquarium was set up quite bigger, not all parts were it were visible from the tunnel so the animals could take a break from being stared at. “There he is!” She said and pointed at him. He was a big one, about 12 feet in length with a beautiful smooth body and a nice set of teeth in his jaw. He had been bred in captivity and because of that he was very mellow and never really bothered many. “He is so beautiful..” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled. "I understand that completely. Sadly with Neptune I can't stay late , I have to make sure the prince himself is fed and taken care of." He chuckled softly with a smile, watching the water move. He hummed softly, "im excited to see big Rick. Hopefully he likes me as well." When she announced big Rick was finally there his jaw dropped. He really was amazed. "W-wow?" He whispered , standing up so he could see him better. He was fantastic! "This is big Rick? Oh my goodness, he is magnificent!" He smiled widely watching him swim above him. "I want to swim with him." He admitted with a wide smile he wanted to see him up close, but he didn't want to step over a boundary "but only when you Believe he knows me better. That way its safe for everyone !"

“Right?” She chuckled, seeing Haydens amazement at the shark. He really was one of the highlights of the aquarium and he seemed to enjoy the attention he got. “He came here when he was a lot smaller only a few months after I started working here. He has grown a lot since then, but I think he might be done growing now. Believe it or not, Big Rick used to be an ironic name he had. He sure grew into it.” She chuckled as she watched Hayden more then she watched Rick. “He is very gentle. I am sure if you don’t bother him he won’t bother you. But it might be better to get him used to you first before you try to dive this tank.” She chuckled. “I mean he has never hurt me..” She suddenly cut that off mid sentence, pressing her lips together. Dumb.. that was dumb. She didn’t dive, she had told him that much. She could just hope he didn’t catch it or make up the best excuse she could come up with in that moment. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden was excited and anyone watching could tell, the amazed and wonder in his eyes as he watched. He didn't notice her mix up, he was to busy watching big Rick. "He's fantastic! You are so lucky to have watched him grow up. I bet you both really are best friends ." He smiled. He sat down beside her again so he wouldn't fall ontop of her while looking up. He looked to Luciana with a wide smile. "I actually get to be here. I actually get to be here and learn more about these wonderful animals, and get to provide support so they can live a happy healthy life " He said with a wider smile. "Thank you for putting your trust in me, please help me understand what everyone here needs and please help me be true." He said with a kind smile. He was 100% serious, he happily looked back up and smiled.. @Nakachu

“Very lucky indeed.” She chuckled at him. His enthousiasme was catching and she both herself admiring the big shark in a completely new way now that his eyes seemed to dance over it’s massive body. As he continued to talk however her eyes went back towards him. “It is good to have someone here who cares as much as you do.. and in a director role even.” She said. “I don’t know how you convinced the board to give you the job, but I am glad they did.” She chuckled softly. “I already know you are going to change this aquarium for the better.” She let a short silence come between them before she spoke again. “You want to stare at him some more? Or shall we keep going? Feeding will start soon.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hummed softly. He chuckled as he looked back to her when she asked how he convinced the boared. "Actually you may not believe me. But I didn't. My old director did. He actually told them about me. And I came in to talk to them, under the impression they wanted a tour of the aquarium and they offered me this job." He smiled softly. "Sound lame but that's what happened." He chuckled softly. "Oh, we should probskly go start feeding I'm sorry I didn't mean to keep us here. I apologize ." He said with a sheepish smile as he stood up. Waiting for her so they could start walking again. @Nakachu

She couldn't help but just shrug her shoulder as he explained how it had happened. "Well.. that is one way to get the job." She laughed. She didn't care how he got it, she was just happy he did. For a small while there had been talk that she might be offered the job. She was practically here day and night, working outside of her hours all the time for no pay. She was the perfect pawn for the job that would not demand a high pay either. But she was glad they never had seemed to pull the trigger. She wouldn't have wanted it.. she wanted to work with the animals. Paperwork would just keep her away from the tanks. "That is just another way of saying sorry, so no. Apology not accepted." She told him as she got up from her seat and continued walking with him. She finished their tour even if she had to hurry a little bit more. They came by the bigger tanks now with bigger fish. As well as the dolphin tank and the penguin enclosure. "We might want to find someone who is willing to work with the dolphins more. Most of their tank is underwater view so feedings are not as appealing at they could be. If someone dives with them during feedings and makes them perform tricks for it that would be better. I would do it.. but yeah. I don't dive." She mumbled along as they past by the tank. "Anyway! That is the tour of the front. The last thing is the gift shop and then you leave. Any questions?" @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden looked a bit confused when he heard her say his apology wasn't excepted. He was worried he over stepped a boundry so he just nodded following close behind letting her give him the rest of the tour. He made sure, to listen this time, not wanting to be on her bad side. When they finished the tour he shook his head giving her a small smile. "Nope! Thank you again for taking me on the tour, I really do appreciate it ." He said softly rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I think I might head home that way I can finish up some last minute unpacking that way I am here, the rest of the week " He replied softly, figuring he should leave to get out of her hair. @Nakachu

"Alright then!" She said placing a hand on her hip with a smile. "You can always text me if you need any help on anything. I will call my friend in Atlanta after the feeding and hopefully they can contact you by the end of the day." She said to him. "Have a good day Hayden. See you later!" She waved with a smile as she went into one of the doors that was labelled staff. @🍂Ken🍂

(Sorry if its a shorty)

((Your fine ! No worried !)

12:06

Hayden smiled giving her a wave. He went back to his office and gathered his things getting ready to go home. He sighed softly. He needed to call his brothers, to talk and see if he had done something wrong, because he wasn't sure. He left the aquarium and went home. Calling his brothers asking them what he had done, anything wrong for Luciana not to accept his apology, or if she was joking and he had just not understood the joke. Either way he called them to talk to them. @Nakachu

She continued her day in the aquarium, doing about three feeding shows and generally making sure that the animals were happy and healthy. She was not at all mad at Hayden she had just merely tried to teach him to stop apologizing for things he had nothing to apologize for. Once the evening came and they closed down the aquarium she was like usual the last to leave. She was not supposed to pull the almost 13 hours shifts that she did, but once she was on the compound she simply found it hard to leave. She could go home to the tiniest apartment that had ever existed, but what did she really have there? Her heart belonged here and her soul still existed in the ocean alone. As she closed up the door behind her she was about to turn on the alarm before she changed her mind. She went back inside and closed the door behind her as she ran back towards the backroom and the tanks. She stripped herself down till she only had a thin white t-shirt covering her and let herself fall into the water. The moment the water hit her body it would change into her real form, a mermaid. Her legs would fuse together in a beautiful tail that was covered in iridescent scales that shifted from purple to blue and pink depending on the light. Her skin would take on the slightest translucent look and have a hint of blue on the cream of her normal skin. Small scales were also on different places of her body and there was webbing between her fingers. Her eyes switched color into almost an golden amber and her pupils became slits like a cat. Her hair turning a darker more vibrant red. Once she was fully transformed she was hardly recognizable as the worker of the aquarium. If you looked close enough you could tell it was her, but a simple glance would not give her away that easily. @🍂Ken🍂

When Hayden arrived home, he had gotten his computer up and running video call, so he could talk to his brothers. He sat infront of his sofa , facing the camera. By the time his brothers picked up he was in tears. "Hey hay, what's wrong ?" His youngest brother Jayden asked, concern filled his voice. As he watched his brother. "Breath, and tell us what's wrong." Hayden wiped his tears as he took a deep breath. "I feel like I did something wrong but I can't tell if I did or not." He explained as he cried. He went on to explain his day, and hoe he had accidentally completely blocked out everything Luciana had said, and then she said she hadn't expected his apology, so he felt like he did hurt her. Not to mention how the Miami zoo trainer shouted at him. He was just feeling very overwhelmed. Damien hummed. "Hayden breath deep breath. What your saying is it sounded like she was joking around and teasing you." He said calmly. "Like when you use to stay with me or Jay at night we'd call you a baby." Jayden nodded . "Yeah, as for the zoning out , Den you couldn't help it, you got excited it happens when you get excited." He said softly looking at his brother. Hayden nodded sniffling. "I tried, but as soon as we got to the tunnel I didn't hear anything she said ." He admitted sadly, he felt like he messed up, he didn't want to do the wrong thing and he felt like he had done the wrong thing. He wiped his tears away again. "I wish you guys were here. I feel like I'd feel better if you were ." He whispered. Jayden and Damien smiled. "We are in 4 months Hay, remember. We have to find a place down there. And jobs it's going to take a bit. You got this hay, trust us." Hayden smiled feeling alot better after talking ti his brothers. After an hour he relized he forgot his wallet at the aquarium, so he had to bid his brothers goodbye. Before he went to his car and drove back to the aquarium, forgetting to call Luciana and give her a warning. <@11868911077582438

09:25

Once she got into the water she always found it hard to come out of it. She just felt at home in it, felt herself and free. Even if it was inside the tank and wasn’t truly the ocean she just felt alive for a moment again. She swam with Big Rick, she danced with the fishes and she played with the turtles. While she was down there she also tended to them, checking over any little wounds they might have and brushing the alge’s from from the turtles shells. In that short time she simply became one of the environment of the tank and never even thought about leaving. She was alone.. and nobody was going to come back to the aquarium at this hour. And because of this she didn’t even notice it when the door to the tunnel opened. With all the water around her it simply didn’t mak enough sound to penetrate through the glass. The lights were off except for a few that cast a blueish green light that was meant to help the plants in the tank grow. So when Hayden cast his eyes upon her, he would mostly see her silhouette and not much of the details on her face or body. It probably took a good minute before she suddenly noticed the pair of eyes that was staring towards her. She froze in place her heart beating fast in her chest before she moved her powerful tail and disappeared from his view. “Fuck fuck fuck..” she muttered to herself as she popped her head up from the water. It would take to long to dry up.. she couldn’t crawl her way over the floor either as he could come up here and find her any moment. All she could do was remain in the water and pray that Big Rick was enough to keep him out of the water. @🍂Ken🍂

When Hayden walked through the tunnel he hadn't expected anything, that is until something caught his eye. He stopped walking and looked around the tunnel to see what he could see. His eyes went wide as he saw the silhouette, he couldn't believe his eyes. He wondered if the stories the old director told him were real, he wondered if Luciana had known or if the creature had hid from her too. He took his glasses off, rubbing his eyes to see if it was still there, hoping his eyes wasn't playing a trick on him. He put his glasses back on, frowning when big Rick swam infront of him. "Oh, coke on big Rick , not now. Yes I know you are amazing! But I see something ." He pouted waiting paiently for him to swim away , when Rick finslly got out of his way, the shadow was done. He sighed heavily. "Thanks rick." He hummed softly beginning to walk towards his office wondering if he had seen a ghost he'd have to call and ask Luciana if the aquarium was haunted at any point. As he walked away from the tunnel he grabbed his phone and messages her about the strange thing he had or hadn't seen. He started with "Luciana ! I think I saw a ghost! Which is both terrifying and amazing! I wonder if my house has ghost as well. Maybe we can have ghost adventures for the aquarium! Think of the fun!" @Nakachu

She waited for a good time. Keeping her head just above water so she could dip down if the door to the tank would open at the left of her. She couldn’t believe she had been caught and by Hayden no less.. Did she miss his text? He had said he would text her if he came and she was almost sure he had not done that. When her phone vibrated she visually jumped from the sound, thiking it was the door that opened. She placed her hand against her heart and breathed out softly before she pulled herself up on the side of the tank and reached for her pocket. The shirt she had kept on was clinging tightly to her body. She read over the message he had send her and couldn’t help but chuckle. This kid was naive.. believing he saw a ghost. She had expected him to come check, yet the first thing he had thought to do was send her a text. There are no such things as ghosts Hayden! Are you at the aquarium? Don’t tell me you are already started to believe the old Directors stories. She text him back before she put the phone back into her pocket and let herself drop back into the water. She had to be sure he left before she went to dry up. She couldn’t be caught out of it now. She carefully swam back down and peeked around the rocky partitions to see if he was still in the tunnel, but he was nowhere to be found. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled widely looking at the text messages. He couldn't help but chuckle. That would be the same response he would get if he told his brothers what he had seen. He just sat at his desk so he could reply to her message 'I am , im so sorry I forgot to text you, I had left my phone and wallet here by accident. I'll make sure to not forget next time. But maybe, it looked like a ghost. What if it's a pirate ghost

and it's coming for big Rick. That would be horrifying ! When I come back tomorrow I'll ask big Rick if he's seen any pirate like ghost." He carefully placed his phone into his pocket as he got up, grabbing his wallet off the desk as well. He turned everything in the office off as he began to walk back to the tunnel, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ghost again. @Nakachu

She had not noticed her phone going off again as she had been under the water. She was in big trouble and she knew it. She needed to wait for Hayden to leave, but once he did he would likely engage the alarm and she would be stuck in here the whole night. She could only sneak out of the water once the alarm was off again and hope for the best she didn’t get caught and could claim she had come in after. So she stayed under the water, swimming back and forth to think about her options. She was in so much trouble. She only barely noticed the door to the tunnel opening again as Hayden once more appeared. He didn’t go home.. that must mean he was quite sure that he had actually seen something and came back to prove it. Yet she could not help herself as she peeked around the corner of the rocks, her tail still hidden behind it. But her hair was fanning out from behind her, making her a shadow that was clearly not meant to be there. A part of her wondered what he would do if he actually saw all of her. If it was just her shadow he would not be able to tell it was her… yet for now she stayed where she was. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden walked into the tunnel looking at the other side of the tank, he was supose to go Hine. But he wanted to look at the fish one last time. He smiled softly watching the fish swim around the sea turtle swimming. He just sighed with so much love and contentment he felt so blessed . He chuckled softly seeing big Rick swimming by. "Hey Rick, have you seen any pirate ghost around ?" He asked with a kind smile. Chuckling sofrlt when he kept swimming. "Yeah, you would probslly tell Luciana before you tell Me huh , that's fine. I don't mind at all. She is your person and I'm a stranger." He smiled not noticing anyone watching him. He got his phone out and took a photo of big Rick and smiled. "I'll send this to her. Just so she knows your okay. I think she's still here ." He admitted. He sent the photo and text message to luciana, telling her he was on her way out. And asked if she wanted to do the security code or him. He looked at big Rick and smiled. "See you Rick, I'll be back tomorrow." He promised. Before leaving the tunnel. @Nakachu

She simply watched him from a distance as she seemed to be talking to Big Rick who happily swam over the tunnel, making a small circle before going back around. Yet she could not help but look at him instead. The way he got his phone out and made a picture of it. In all her time here in the human world she had always felt like a stranger and an outcast. Sure they respected the work that she did, but she never had felt one of them.. Always felt like she would never be one of them. Only now that she was in her mermaid form did she realize that he had been the first.. This day with him had been fun and good. Even if a lot of it had been about the aquarium she felt a connection to him. If there was anyone in the world who would not judge her for who she was, one person who would accept the truth about her.. it would be Hayden. Before she knew it she had come out from behind the rock, her full silhouette showing in the background as she inched closer to him. She saw him take another picture and then he was gone… She wondered if he had texted her again and swam to the surface to reach for her phone again. She saw him ask if she wanted to do the security system. She bit her lip as he had figured out she was still here.. she didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. She quickly texted her back. I got a few more things to do before I leave. Let me lock up. Go get some sleep Hayden. She send him before she opened the picture he had taken of Big Rick. But it had not been the only thing he had taken a picture off… her eyes went big as she saw herself in the background.. her hair fanning around her in a slight red hue against the blue light that was behind her. Her female frame clearly showing and he tail curled underneath her, the scales softly gleaming in the light. Showing herself to him was one thing.. but knowing he had a picture.. She could only hope he did not see it and that tomorrow she could find a reason to take his phone and delete that p

00:56

icture. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden stuffed his phone back into hid pocket he walked back towards the employee parking, he hummed softly walking to his jeep. He got into the driverside, he put his phone down in the cup holder along with his wallet, he went to grab his keys and paused, realizing he didn't have his keys. "Great." He sighed heavily looking all around his jeep trying to find them. After a whole he relized they were not in the car anymore. He sighed heavily, grabbing his phone to call Luciana, to warn her like he had promised that he was coming back inside. He waited as the phone rang, he figured she was probally busy so he left her a voice mail eith his warning. "Hey Luciana, I'm coming back inside, I lost my keys somewhere, I think I left them in my office. If you need me I'm still here." He warned as he hung up the phone. He got out of the jeep and went back into the aquarium in search of his keys. He went to the tunnel first to see if he had left them there. His head stayed glued to the floor, as much as he walked to look at the fish he was on a mission. As he walked in he had just barely missed a glance of Lucianas mermaid form, if he would of looked up he would of seen her. @Nakachu

She didn’t even notice the phone ranging as she had already dipped back in the water. With the added stress of that picture she needed this more then ever. So when he once again came by that tunnel she couldn’t help but curse at herself. Of course he had come back. He didn’t even look into the tunnel this time, but she saw him clear as day. How long were they going to play this game of hide and seek? Of mouse and cat? She sighed out in the water and swam over that tunnel one last time. She wondered why he had come back. Had he checked his phone and seen her in the background? It didn’t make sense why he hadn’t looked up though if that was the purpose of it. She looked up at the camera in the corner of the tank. Had he gone to the security room? Did he even know it was there? She swam around the tank unsure what to do as she eyes that door. He had to come back through. She still was not sure what to do. She could not get out till he left for real. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden carefully got on his hands and knees, the tunnel wasn't very lit, so he had to get close to the floor to feel around to find his phone. "Oh, I bet whoever is watching the cameras is laughing their butts off. Oh look the new director on his hands and knees, wonder if he's scrubbing the floor." He sighed crawling along the floor feeling around. He felt as if someone was watching him, he had to admit it was really spooky alone. Expecally with the security cameras. He hummed moving along the floor moving quickly as he tried to find his keys. He sighed when he relized it wasn't in the tunnel. He got up and walked towards his office. Still keeping his head down. He wasn't sure where he put the keys @Nakachu

Eventually she gave up and figured she would better just get out while she could. If Hayden had not made his way up to her by now, it was unlikely he would. She dragged herself out of the water and into the landing spot near the tank. She had left a towel behind for herself and she quickly grabbed it to dry herself off. She tossed the shirt she had kept on herself off as well. The quicker she could dry the better it was. It took all but 10 minutes before the last of her scales had disappeared and she could use her legs again. She quickly got dressed and got up from the ground and out of the tanks. She ran down towards the tunnel and went to look for Hayden. She didn’t see him and kept going. “Hayden?” She said. She checked her phone. He lost his keys. He could be anywhere. “Hayden?!” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden jumped, accidentally slamming his head on the desk, he yelped holding his head as he stood up. "Im in here." He called out with a groan. He stood up with a sigh. "Sorry, I lost my keys when I cane to get my wallet. I didn't relize until I got to the jeep." He sighed, ignoring the headache that was forming. He looked up and smiled "Hiya Luciana, sorry to startle you. I did call you this time I promise....unless my phone didn't send it, then I apologize it didn't send." He said sheepishly. He looked at her confused noticing the panic in her eyes, he gulped thinking he did something bad again. "Im sorry, are you okay? Did I scare you with the ghost story. It was probally my imagination there's nothing to be scared about ?" He promised. @Nakachu

As he called out she finally found him in his office, looking at the way he rubbed his head. “You lost your keys? Well.. we better go find them then.” She said with a bit of a scuff in her voice. She was trying to act like she always did with him, easy going and teasing. To not let the pressure of what happened get to her. “It did send me I was just busy with something and couldn’t pick up.” She said, her brain not working quick enough to come up with a reason why she would have been busy. Taking a swim was, after all, no options here. “You also send a picture? It wouldn’t load at all on my phone.” She said then, looking for an excuse to get him to show his phone. Just maybe she could hit the delete button on it before she gave it back and he would never know. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden deflated slightly. Feeling as if he did bother her. He gulped. "Oh...I'm sorry right I didn't think of that, yeah I'll get out of your hair ." He replied going to turn off the office light so they could go wait. "Um, yeah it was a photo of big red." He said getting his phone out to show her. "He was in a perfect spot, for a photo I thought you'd like it, and i thought id send it to my brother so they could meet him." He said giving her the phone so she could look at the photo while he continued searching. "I really am sorry Luciana, I don't mean to be in the way,I'll find them quickly and go home ." He said softly , not even sure where his keys would be. @Nakachu

She took the phone from him and looked it over. It sure was an amazing picture of the shark, yet she was still in the background of it. She quickly hit the delete button and the next picture was one of some other fish. "Uhm.. this is not Big Rick?" She then said, hoping her voice eas convincing enough. "Did you already send it to your brother?" She asked. The softest hint of nervousness in her voice. If he had send it out she was screwed. "No Hayden.." she said ad he seemed to be apologizing. "It is fine. If you want to come to the aquarium late at night you should come." She said and honestly she meant it. "I just.. I am used to being here alone. It is going to take some getting used to that you might be here now too." She assured him. "Let's go find those keys." @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden loooked at the photo and deflated even more. He was sure ge had taken a photo of big Rick. "O-oh...I'm sorry i thought I,um N-no I hadn't sent it to them " He replied quietly as heblooked at the photo. In thay moment he felt stupid, embaressed as if he hadnt done anything right, in that moment he just wanted to hide under a rock. He gave a small nod as he looked down. "Right, um let's go find the keys ." He agreed and began to walk again. He didn't talk the rest of the time he was searching for his keys, it took him a good 20 minutes before he found them, outside of the gift shop. He picked them up and gave her a sheepish smile "s-sorry for the trouble, um I have to go now. I won't be in tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment and somethings to do tomorrow for the house. Um I'll see you around. Sorry again." He replied. Once he had his phone back he began to walk to his jeep, phone, wallet and keys in his hands tightly as he walked away. Yeah hiding was good. He was going to hide. @Nakachu

She felt bad for him. The way he scrambled over his phone, not understanding why the picture he had seen moments ago was no longer there. She felt guilt bite away at her. She was using him to keep her own secret guarded, a secret she should have been more careful with. And now he was left feeling like a bother and an idiot. He was so sensitive and she had been using that against him. She helped him look for the keys and eventually they found them, giving him the ability to finally go home. The air between them simply felt awkward then. She had never meant to make him feel like she didn’t want him here and she had royally screwed that up. “It’s fine Hayden.. really.” She tried again as he prepared himself to leave. “Good luck at the doctors. I will see you around okay?” She offered him and watched him go. Once he left she quickly gathered her own stuff and then put the alarm back on the aquarium before she left. As she found herself laying in bed she couldn’t stop thinking about how Hayden had looked when he left. Couldn’t stop thinking about the way she had used his good natured character to her advantage. But what else could she do? Come forward with what she was? Even if she believed he would be amazed at it, would he be able to keep it a secret. We still on for sushi somewhere this week? She eventually texted him, wanting him to know they were still okay. @🍂Ken🍂

Once Hayden had got home he went straight to the back porch and laid down in the hammock he was exhausted, and embaressed. He should of listened to his dad and never came. But he wanted to do this, he wanted to further his knowledge and career, but right now he wasn't sure if he could do it, it was the first day, you can judge by the first day but he sure as heck felt worried. He looked at his phone confused, as he had gotten a text from his older brother. He suddenly had a wide smile. The message read. 'Hey, think that house of yours has room for me? I got a job interview for a theater out there. Think you'd be able to let me crash for the weeked?' Hayden smiled widely agreeing for his older brother to come stay eith him, as Neptune jumped on his chest , he gently gave him snuggled saying "your uncle Ryry is coming to stay with us baby, we gotta pick him up at the airport tomorrow. Maybe after our appointments we can take him to the aquarium." He smiled kissing the top of his head. Knowing he would have someone familiar there with him as he tried not to get settled helped alot, and it also helped knowing less then 5 months all three of his brothers would be living there with him. He looked ag his phone noticing the text from Luciana he gulped looking worried, wondering if he did something wrong. He looked at the message sighing in relief as he relized he wasn't in trouble. He carefully awnsered the message telling her to just let him know when she'd like to go, but warned her his brother was coming to town. He held Neptune close, closing his eyes tiredly. @Nakachu

She finally made it home after all that time and peeked at the clock seeing 11 pm on it. She sighed deeply and sunk back down against the door. God today had been a day.. way to much of a day. She put her head in her hands and just breathed out a couple of times. She didn’t know how, but in just that single day so many things had seemed to change. In both good and bad ways. She had seemed to have made a friend.. someone who made her feel not so different, who made her laugh and who seemed to willing to accept her, perhaps even all of her. But at the same time he had almost discovered what she really was.. a mermaid hidden among the walking. Between almost falling into the water and him coming into the aquarium when she had chosen to go for a swim she had been extremely lucky that the damage was not worse. She looked back on her phone and saw his message. She couldn’t help the small chuckle on her lips. He was so innocent.. so pure.. so sweet. Really? That is great! Can’t wait to meet him. How about Sunday? She suggested for the sushi dinner. She then peeled herself from the floor and got ready to actually go to sleep. She would see Hayden again in two days once he came back in at the aquarium. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden was excited. His doctors appointments had gone amazingly, he doesn't have to see them again for another 5 months, which was great. He had picked his older brother up from the airport. His brother had went to the interview at the local theater and had gotten the job instantly, which meant he would be moving to Florida. Hayden was excited. It was now Saturday, and Hayden had brought his brother to the aquarium. He had paid for their admission not wanting to put the aquarium out. He smiled holding his brothers hand as they walked around, he walked to were he thought Luciana would be, he wanted her to meet his brother before they went to get sushi. He smiled widely finding her where the dolphins were. "Luciana !" He called out, holding his brothers hand tighter walking over to her. It was cute, he seemed so much more innocent holding his older brothers hand, leading him closer. "Hey! This is my oldest brother Ryker, we wanted to come and say hi and I wanted to lead him around the aquarium!" He smiled widely. "Hey! Nice to Meet you Luciana, Haydens told me so much about you, I apologize for his fast pace talking he gets it honest." He teased holding his hand out. Upon closer inspection, she could see painful scars over his eyes and nose his eyes were a hazy grey unfocused. But his smile kit his whole face ul and took away from the scaring. Hayden huffed. "I dont talk that much jerk." He replied rolling his eyes. @Nakachu

The next day was exactly what she needed to calm herself down. She got back in her rhythm and after not getting any more texts from Hayden she told herself that she was safe. She had spend some time staring at the picture he had send her until eventually she had deleted it off her phone as well. How he had not noticed her.. that was pure luck. She day after she was just about to finish up after the dolphin feeding show when Hayden showed up at the back entrance. “Ooh hey!” She said with a smile as she threw the last of the fishes out in to the tank for the dolphins to grab. She looked up as a second person walked in. She couldn’t help but smile. It was his brother without a doubt, a slightly taller more robust version of the small boy who looked so much younger then his age. She quickly wiped her hands down at the side of her jeans that were still gloved up in leather. She took his hand. “It is very nice to meet you. Sorry for the slimy hand.. that is just what you get when working here.” She said with a chuckle as she shook his. She did get a closer look of his face and couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to his face, but that was not a question to ask as they met the first time. “I mean.. you do.” She said looking back to Hayden, teasing him a little bit. “But I like it that he talks a lot. Been a long time since I had anybody here who cared as much about the animals and the aquarium as a whole. He is a good guy.” He assured his older brother. “Soo.. what do you think? Anything in particular you would like to see? Bringing the directors brother comes with some perks, I can show you almost anything.” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker laughed softly. "Hey, no worries. Trust me growing up you tend to find the slimmest things to touch. " He admitted before letting go of her hand. "Yeah our little HayHay, loves to talk, he will talk for days if er let him." He cooed hugging his baby brother so their cheeks touched. Hayden blushed softly as he hummed. "Where ever you think we should show him first, um do we have a touch pool? Where your able to pet some sea life?" He asked couriously letting ryker hold him, or treating him like a baby. "Wait I can pet things? Sweet. Just don't trick me like jayden did. 'Here ry, hold this it's a jump rope.' Next thing I knew the jump rope bit me and I'm in the hospital." Ryker whined holding onto Hayden tighter. Hayden winked at Luciana and grinned. He wiggled his tingers on his brothers on as he hummed. "Who knows maybe there will be some sea spiders to crawl on your arm." Ryker cringed and shivered. "You can stop tickling my arm! You know what Mr luciana would you do me the honors of guiding me around. I don't trust this jerk. Knowing him he would put a spider on me." @Nakachu

She couldn’t help laugh at the bicker that was happening between the two of them. It made her feel so good.. to see the love and joy that was between them. It also made her feel that aching longing in her chest, her desire to go home, to be with her own family in the ocean. She took a deep breath quickly botteling those emotions away and storing them somewhere deep, deep inside of her. “Yes, we do have a petting area! There are some ray’s in there as well as sturgeon’s. We can go grab you some food so you can feed them.” She said as she motioned for them to follow her. “And don’t worry, as far as I know we don’t have any spiders. The only one you have to be afraid of is Big Rick and even he is a bit puppy. At least to me.” She chuckled. She let them into the feeding kitchens and gathered some small pieces of feed that they could feed to the ray’s and sturgeon’s and then headed to the petting area. Since it was a Saturday the aquarium was a little more busy then the last time Hayden had seen it, but they soon made it to the area and there was plenty of space. “So if you want to feed them just place it flat on your hand and hold it under the water. When a Ray comes to swim over you, he will scoop it from your hand.” She showed them without going into the water, the handed him the food. “So.. What brings you all the way our here Ryker? Afraid Hayden was making trouble already?” She teased the both of them as she leaned to the side of the water. @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker smiled holding onto Hayden as thwy walked. "Yeah, Hayden is a troublemaker isn't he?" He chuckled softly. "I actually got hired at a local theater, I will be there as a understudy incase someone is sick, I stand in to sing their parts and such. But the main thing I'm here, I got hired on at a local school of the blind. I'm their activities director so I get to plan lots of outdoor parties and such. So me, my son and wife will be moving down here in august. But until then ill be back being a stay at home dad" He smiled Hayden smiled "sorry luicana , you became friends with a guy who has a huge family." He chuckled softly with a wide smile. Following her to the petting pool. "Okay so just put my hand in there? Nothings gonna steal a finger right?" Ryker asked cautiously. He gave a small whine. "Hay can you help?" Hayden smiled. "Of course ! I can hold your hand " he promised putting his hand other his brothers as he gently helped lower it in the water. "I'll warn you when some comes over ." He promised Ryker nodded. "Thanks, you know I'm at a disadvantage here. If I was in the water I would most likely die, by a clown fish." He snorted with a smile Turing his head towards toward where he thought luicana was. "Hoe many of those ray things are in here?" He asked couriously. @Nakachu

“Well congratulations on the job!” She said to him as he explained why he was there. “Sounds like you landed a great thing. I sure hope you will consider the aquarium as one of your activities. I am sure we arrange plenty of things even for the blind kids. Take them up to pet the dolphins. They can speak on command so that would be nice.” She explained, trying to get some more business for the aquarium, even if she was pretty sure Hayden might have already done some of that. She watched him lower his hand in to the water, unsure of everything. Had she been able to touch the water she might have joined them, showing him how to go. “We have eight rays and four sturgeon’s.” She smiled at him, their petting pool wasn’t that big. “Ooh ooh there one comes!” She said as one of them of the ray slid over. “Just keep still, you will be fine.” She assured him. @🍂Ken🍂

"Yeah, that would be gun for the kids." He smiled. "Im sure they all would love it. I met the kids yesterday, they are all really sweet. They are all between the ages of 5 and 12. I have maybe one kid who said he's scared of the water, he's about 6 so maybe we will stay back." He admitted with a smile. His smile disappeared when she said one was coming. "O-oh! Already un okay yeah stay still." He replied staying as still as he could. Hayden smiled. "You got this Ry, trust Luciana, she's the best of the best she knows what she's talking about." He smiled staying close to his brother just incase he needed him. He looked to Luciana and smiled he was greatful for her. Rykers eyes went wide as he felt the ray slide over his hand. "Holy crap its actually on My hand, I thought you were tricking me but holy wow!" He smiled widely , when the ray scooped up the snack. "Won't their tail sting me tho? Does it even have a tail?" @Nakachu

She couldn’t help but laugh out loud as he talked about their tail stinging them. “Do you really think we put venomous string rays in a petting pool?” She just couldn’t contain herself in that moment. “This one does have a tail, but it can’t sting you Ryker.” She assured him as she watched the little ray took the bit of fish from his hand. “You feel the underside of him? He is very soft on his belly. But if you feel his back he is a lot more rough so he can bled in with the bottom.” She explained. The need to touch the creature herself, the longing to put her hand in that water and reach for it… it was enough to make her fingers itch. She ended up rubbing her fingers together, just to make sure she didn’t just suddenly put her fingers into the water. Once the ray swam on there would soon follow more now that they knew there was food to be had. If he wanted he could feed more of them, including the sturgeons. “They are really gentle arn’t they?” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker nodded. "Yeah, I didn't expect them to be this soft." He admitted with a small smile. The feeling was strange he expected them to be slimy but actually they weren't that bad. He hummed softly. Hayden hummed looking confused when his phone buzzed. He carefully let go of rykers hand as he looked at who was calling. "Oh! It's your friend from the other aquarium ! Hey luciana can you help ry please ? I'll be right back I need to run to my office. So I can awnser their questions ." He smiled softly. He waited for her to awnser before he picked up the phone walking towards the office. Leaving ryker with Lucina. Ryker looked a bit panicked when he was suddenly left alone. "U-um, okay this is fine ." He replied he thought he was alone. "Just a blind guy near a body of water, not knowing how deep it is....this is totally fine ." He replied to himself "Alright rays, you be nice to me I'll be nice to you, don't eat my fingers." @Nakachu

"Yeah no problem at all!" She said to Hayden as he took the guy and walked off. It was only when Ryker started talking that she was caught off by surprise. "You are blind?" She said in complete shock. She thought back then. Thought about how his eyes had seemed to never look directly at hers, how he had been clinging into Hayden the whole time, how he taught blind kids.. "God, I am so sorry.." she apologized to him. She walked over to him and gently placed a hand on his arm and one of his shoulder. "It is not deep Ryker. Even if you fell in, which I doubt you would, it wouldn't reach up higher then your waist." She assured him. "Another ray is coming over to check you out, don't flinch." She said to him. She looked up again at his face and the scars that were there. "Do you mind if I ask if you have always been blind?" @🍂Ken🍂

"Oh thank the lord he didn't leave me completely alone. My dad forgot I was blind when I was adopted I was lost in my own house ." He laughed softly. "Oh, yeah, sorry I forgot not alot of people relize I am because I don't use a cane or have a seeing eye dog. I probally should apply to get me a pup, but I'm kinda lazy at remembering." He replied He frowned when he relized another was coming. "Alright I'll try not to flinch ' He replied thankful she came over to him and was holding onto his. He was also very glad the pool wasn't deep. "Hey no don't apologize it's fine really !" He hummed softly. "Sadly no, I wasn't always blind. Um my biological mother caused this, she was on drugs and was convinced I, at the age of three could see into the future. She poured all kinds of chemicals on my eyes, from draining fluid to bleach. " He shrugged as if it wasn't any big deal. "The scars still hurt alot, expecally when it's cold. But hey, being blind for 30 years isn't the worst thing to happen to me." @Nakachu

"That is terrible.. I am so sorry you had to go through that.." she said to him and she mean that. It explained the scarring in his face as well. "I mean.. would have been cool if you could see into the future." She said with a small chuckle, trying to bring some jest back into their conversation. "The rays really seem to like you. They are coming up now even though you don't even have more food to offer. If another swims over you, you can curl your fingers underneath them. They like the be tickled." She explained to him. She watched the rays dance around his hands for a little bit before she spoke again. "Your brother is a really sweet person. He has a big heart." She said thenx perhaps out of nowhere. "I am glad he came here. And I am glad he has family who cares enough to follow him." She added, giving Ryker a soft sqeeuze in his shoulder. "If there is ever anything I can do for either of you, you have to let me know." @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker smiled "don't apologize, the harm I went through snapped me to be the man I am today, besides if it didn't happen I wouldn't of gotten the family I have today." He admitted with a smile. "Oh lord if I would of seen the future, all I would see if says I'd have to have my wife drive me home to pick up Hayden to bring him to college with Me " he laughed "when he was 12, he went through a phase where he'd make our dads life miserable until papa had to call me to get him " He shook his head fondly. He listened to get instructions nodding. "So all of them are coming over? Are you sure it isn't because of how tasty we are " He teased, gently curling his fingers slightly. "Ah okay, hopefully they don't mind if I move slightly. I think I should bring my wife and son when we move here. My wife Molly loves to learn new things, and my son he's a water bug, can't get him out of the water " he chuckled softly. He smiled listening to her talk. He chuckled softly. "Thank you for accepting him, we all were worried he would have a hard time adjusting, he's not the best with sarcasm or being alone. So we were all relived when we heard about you. I hope you remeber those words for us, if you ever need anything call us. Your now our family as well. You got three brothers and two sisters who are willing to help you out too." He promised gently bumping her hip against his. @Nakachu

“You don’t have to thank me for that.” She laughed softly. “Really, he is a good guy. Perhaps a little naive, but a good guy for sure.” She said as she looked at the rays gathering around them. When he would move his finger underneath they would linger for a bit before moving on. “They won’t eat you Ryker, they eat fish not human.” She assured him once more. She still had the urge to go in there and pet them to. Perhaps she even get away with it if it was just Ryker as he wouldn’t be able to see her hand change anyway, but they were not the only ones that were there. “Anything else you want to see in the aquarium?” She had only just spilled it when she realized what she said. “I don’t mean.. sorry.. Anything you want to do?” She corrected herself. Damn she felt like an idiot. “That was insensitive of me.” She just chuckled awkwardly. @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker laughed softly. "Luciana it's okay really. Don't even worry about to, I can see just in a diffrent way, it may take me a few months to figure out where everything is here. But it's okay. I do mapping, I use my fingers and hands to know what something is. So tenically I can still see. I just don't know what your like. When Hay gets back I'll shoe you what I mean." He smiled. "Yeah well that's what my dad said when he got us a cat. And the cat bit me." He replied with a hum "you know, these things feel weird, they remind me of a ziploc bag of slime .' He admitted with a small smile. "Oh trust me, we know, he is the most innocent and true person I've ever known. Heck it hurt alot to tell him Santa wasn't real, kid sobbed for hours thinking our parents only told him that because he had gotten into a fight at school. But he was the innocence we needed." He smiled. Hayden came running over, he had a wide excited smile. "They agreed! They agreed to our terms they are willing to adopted both of them!" He cheered accidentally bumping into ryker causing him to yelp and almost fall In @Nakachu

"A ziplock bag of slime? Surely have never heard that one before, but I can't say you are wrong." She chuckled. She looked at his face again. God it must have hury what they did to him. She admires for how easy he was about it, how accepting of his disability. She could tell he was strong willed. "I mean.. you can feel me if you want. To see me I mean." She offered, her hand still on his shoulder. "I don't mind if that is how you see." She smiled even if she knew he couldn't see it. She was about to let him do what she offered if he wanted when Hayden came running back. She saw him bumping into Ryker and she quickly reached for his arm to pull him back up, preventing him from falling in. "That's good Hayden. But not a reason to push your brother in the water!" She teased him. "Man.. I am glad Marie and Louisa get to go together. I am sure they will have a great time in Atlanta." She said happily. Putting her hand up to give Hayden a high five if he let her. @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker snorted 'I mean, that's how I would describe it,my son would compare it to his favorite stuff dog." He chuckled softly. "Oh sure. Let me wash my hands and I can show you what I mean." He replied. He had a sudden hold of luciana afraid he'd actually go face first into the water. "Hayden please !" Hayden smiled sheepishly. He happily gave luciana a high five. "Sorry ry! I'm just so excited. This is huge! I can't wait I hope they enjoy their now home ." He replied happily hugging his brother. "Besdies you needed a shower anyways." Ryker huffed "Oh? I need a shower? Okay sure." He replied with a huf.. "luciana is my new best friend so bleh " He teased trying to find hand sanitizer or something to get his hands not so wet. @Nakachu

She once again couldn't keep her laugh to herself as the two boys bickered among eachother. As she saw Ryker seemed to be wanting something for his hands she led him to the washbin that was against the wall near the petting pools and let him wash his hands off. "When will they be transferred? I will need to make sure they are ready to travel. Atlanta will probably want the vet to check them before they go, make sure they are clean and healthy for their own dolphins." She explained as Ryker washed his hands. "It will be good though! The others will love the space and with that extra space we can perhaps give them some more toys to play with." "You all good Ryker?" She asked, wanting to make sure he didn't need anything else. If he did wish to still feel her she would allow him to do it. @🍂Ken🍂

"Thank you." Ryker said washing his hands, he made sure to scrub his hands until he felt he was clean enough. He turned towards them. 'Let me know when your tone talking buiness. I promised miss Luciana to show her how I map." Hayden smiled widely. "They said to have you message them when you Believe they are ready for travel. So whenever you think they are ready they want you to call them " He said softly. Leading them somewhere were they could sit infrontbof each other, holding rykers hand. Helping him sit in a chair. "I must warn you luicana, you may get sleepy, trust me when he maps it will make you sleepy " Hayden teased @Nakachu

"Okay, first up I am no Miss." She chuckled at Ryker as they found a place in the aquarium to sit down. "Number two, I am sure I can stay awake." She assured them. She didn't know how this mapping thing worked, but she imagined he would just move his fingers over her face so he can imagine the shape of her head, face and hair. Maybe even her body, she didn't know how else. "But I will make sure to get them ready and then call atlanta." She said, finishing the talk about the business before she turned herself towards Ryker. She was sitting next to him, her body turned towards him. "I am ready Ryker." @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker grinned "Oh, my apologies, sea goddess of Florida " he teased with a hum, he smiled waiting for her to tell him she is ready. When she said she was ready. Ryker carefully placed his hands on her face very carefully using his index fingers to trace her features. His touch was almost like a feather, barely touching her but yet touching her at the same time. He hummed as he thought carefully at her features "I never touching anything but face, my wife got mad when we were dating because I wouldn't trace her arm." He chuckled softly. Hayden smiled watching them. "Take your time " Hayden promised. He smiled. "Whatcha thinking ry?" Ryker hummed "I feel like you have freckles luc, but I can't be too sure." He admitted softly

06:21

@Nakachu

As he called her a sea goddess she couldn't help but pause for a moment and study Rykers face. What had he meant with that? Had he felt something from her? Was she that obvious? Eventually she forced a nervous chuckle out and just went along with it, hoping it was a joke. As his fingers found her face she closed her eyes and just let them trace it. There was something strangely intimate about it. Not in a sexual way, but in a trust kind of way. She felt him trace her cheeks and nose and eyebrows. "Yes, you are correct. I do have freckles. I am a ginger." She chuckled to him softly. Finding it amazing he could tell that from just touching her. It was good that his hands had been washed properly as the salt that remained could have probably made him feel the slight texture change that was there. "What else?" She asked curiously. @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker laughed "that was my next guess." He smiled as he continued to map her face. he hummed softly. "You have a very semantical face, very perfect, " He said softly "you have a slightly pointed nose, but it's around like a button " Hayden smiled softly watching them. "Watch this ." He whispered to luciana "ry, what's her eye color?" He asked couriously. Ryker took a minute to trace her eyelids and eye shape. "If I had to guess, I'd have to say either sea blue or emerald green. And if I was going crazy her eyes may have hints of hazel." He replied wondering if he was right @Nakachu

The moment he mentioned the hint of hazel she couldn’t help but flinch away from him, disconnecting his hands from her face. The shock was clear on his face. Not only had he guessed the color correct of her human form which was sea blue, he had also guessed the color of her mermaid form.. which was a golden hazel. Who was this guy? How did he know these things? Between calling her a sea goddess and guessing that color that would be so unusual for a human.. “What did you say..?” She said in a way that even Ryker could tell that she was surprised. “I..” she stammered as she looked toward Hayden. She was scared to let him touch her more, afraid that he would soon be just revealing her secret for the world to know. She couldn’t put it past this mysterious guy to just blurt out he believed she was a mermaid. “I mean.. Don’t go spilling all my secrets now Ryker.” She eventually managed as she chuckled nervously, trying to turn it into a joke that only she seemed to understand. @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker suddnely flinched and looked very uncomfortable when she pulled away he gulped. "S-sorry, um I didn't mean to um...yeah sorry." He replied hugging himself as tightly as he could. "I mean I could be wrong, i...I shouldn't of asked to map you I'm so sorry, um...Hay can we go home please?" He asked carefully standing up. Hayden frowned confused about what had happened but relized. "Yeah, sure. Um I'll talk to you later tonight Luciana ." He promised standing up gently taking his brothers hand. "Ry breathe your okay." he said leading him away. Trying to comfort his brother but was worried for luciana he knew how Rykers guesses coukd be very scary at times. He would make sure he texted her when he got home making sure if she is okay. @Nakachu

The whole exchange suddenly got weighted. Her joke had obviously not helped and she put her arms around herself like that would protect her. She hadn’t wanted to shut him down like that.. but how could she just sit there as he seemed to looking right through her with eye that were not supposed to see. Like he could sense the very energy that was coming off her and see her for what she really was. As he asked Hayden if they could go home she opened her mouth, wanting to say something to make them stay, but she could not find the words to say. How could she even explain why she pulled away like that? “Yeah.. I.. I will talk to you later.” She said then and watched the two leave. God she felt stupid. Just that simple guess of him had suddenly made her feel like that outsider again. When she had finally felt like she could be one of them, she had been reminded of just how different she was. It was almost enough to make her just want to go to the beach and jump into the ocean.. but she knew she couldn’t. In the end she walked away from the public petting pool and went back to the back of the dolphins enclosure. She sat down against the wall and hugged her knees up to her, her head hidden in it, needing a moment to herself. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden took Ryker home, he had never seen his brother cry before and today he did. Ryker cried the entire ride back to haydens house, feeling like he had done something wrong, he knew his guessing scared people but he had never expected her to jerk away. He felt as if he had hurt her, or scared her so much it would make her not like hayden anymore. Once they got inside ryker hid in the guest room to call his wife, she coukd could help him calm down and to breath, while Hayden went to the back porch to call luciana to apologize. He sat in the hammock holding Neptune as he waited for her to awnser. He wanted to make sure she was okay first before he apologized. When she picked up he said softly. "Hey, Luciana. Are you okay? I'm so sorry for what happened, is there anything we can do to make you feel better?" @Nakachu

She almost jumped when her phone went. She was still with the dolphins, just trying to calm her mind down. She hated that look on Rykers face after she had pulled away.. but she couldn’t help but feel he had been about to uncover everything about her. She answered it and listened to the voice at the other side. “Hey..” she said back. “Yeah, I am fine.. Sorry. It was my bad, I shouldn’t have responded like that..” she said, trying to think of a reason why she would have jumped that way, but she couldn’t even find one. It hadn’t been a logical responds at all. “Can you please tell Ryker I am sorry? It was really sweet of him to want to get to know me like that. I shouldn’t have pulled away.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded listening to everything she was saying. "No don't apologize, really it's okay. If anything Ryker feels he went a bit to far and upsetted you, more then anything" he replied softly. He hummed softly laying back. "I mean, you reacted better then his wife did when he didn't it to her. He guessed her eye color , she slapped him and accused him of faking being blind ." He chuckled softly

09:11

@Nakachu

“No.. he was just guessing, it’s fine. I shouldn’t have been so sensitive about it.” She quickly said, trying to make sure Ryker didn’t think it was his fault. “He just.. hit a sensitive spot. That was all. When he said hazel it just hit.. and I can’t really explain to you why. No excuse to react that way though.” She had gotten up by now and was pacing back and forth near the edge of the water. When he told the story about Rykers wife she couldn’t help but laugh. “Well.. I don’t think he is faking being blind.” She chuckled, if anything he saw a bit too well for her. “Just tell him it is okay, tell him that I shouldn’t have flinched the way I did. I will apologize to him in person when we go for sushi. Or you must want to do that with just us two?” @🍂Ken🍂

"Luciana your okay, really it's okay you don't have to apologize he and I both understand. Really it's okay." He promised with a smile . "Really he isn't that upset he's more worried he made you uncomfortable or hurt " he said softly. "Yes sushi sounds good, ry does like his sushi. But I'm bring serious, you don't have to apologize he isn't upset he's just sad he might of hurt your feelings." He replied softly. "Besdies he is a little sensitive right now, he doesn't know what's a joke and what's serious." He replied softly. "The hazel thing was kinda a stretch he always says people have a little hazel in their eyes. If I didn't know any better I'd think he's psychic." He chuckled @Nakachu

“He looked pretty upset..” she said once again walking past that edge of the water at the dolphin enclosure. “Just tell him I am fine, I am not mad or angry or anything. The only thing I am upset about is that I made him upset. There you go. So if he is upset because I am upset then we should just all stop being upset.” She rattled out like it made sense what she was saying. “I uhmm… I am probably staying late again today. I want to go over the stuff I need to do for Marie and Louisa so I can get right on that on Monday. Tomorrow is my day off. Just let me know if I need to do anything for you as well here. You should enjoy your time with your brother.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hummed softly listening to her, he rocked in the hammock. "Okay, you know you deserve a break right ? Why don't you come over tonight, we can have a fire and not be upset together. I'm sure he'd feel better if you tell him face to face that your okay." He chuckled softly. He looked up as Ryker made his way outside trying to find him, Hayden gently took his brothers hand pulling him to thr hammock where they laid there together. "Oh, here he is. Would you like to talk to him? If not that is completely okay!" @Nakachu

As he invited her she bit down on her lip. She was upset.. she knew that much. But she was not upset about what Ryker had said. She was upset about feeling like she did not belong here. It was the reason why she wanted to stay late. She needed a swim, needed to be herself for a moment.. needed to be with the creatures of the sea. So was it really a smart idea to go so close to the ocean when she was this upset? Probably not.. But she wanted to make up with Haydens brother. Even in this short time she had started to care about the guy and Hayden cared for his family. She didn’t want beef there, especially not over something like this.. something she had caused. Before she had a chance to answer he offered to give the phone to Ryker. “Yes, yes please.” She said as she waited for it to be transferred. “Hey Ryker.” She greeted him. “I just wanted to say I am sorry for the way I responded. It was rude and inappropriate. You just hit a sensitive snare, that was all. No hard feelings at all.” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker held the phone up to his ear, listening to Luciana speak, he has a soft sigh as he nodded. "I shouldn't of done it, it's more of a wait until I've known you for a few years type thing, I apologize for scaring you I didn't mean too really." He promised hugging his little brother close to his chest. "I won't do it again, and I will be more respectful nect time I'm sorry again. I have to admit, your reaction was alot better then my wife's when she first named her features correctly. I had a bruise on my face for a week. Who knew a slap was more painful then my scars." He replied trying to make light out of the moment. Hayden held his older brother with a frown, he wanted to make sure both were okay, but now they weren't. H ewas very worried for what was going on and wished he was better at knowing how to help. He hummed softly as he thought for a moment trying to come up with a good idea. He smiled suddenly realizing he coukd make them dinner. He gently leaned into the phone. "No pressure, but if you want to come tonight, then I can make you salmon " Hayden offered, as Rykers stomach growled. @Nakachu

She once more smiles, especially since both of them had now said the exact same thing about her reaction. “Just remember. No hard feelings.” She said once more before the phone seemed to be given back to Hayden. He once more invited her over to their place and she took a deep breath. h might say no pressure, but she felt that pressure regardless. “Yeah.. I will come over!” She decided in the end. “Just give me some time to finish up here, 45 minutes?” She suggested. If he agreed she hung up. “It’s fine Lucy.. all you need to do is stay away from the water..” She reminded herself. About fourty minutes later she would show up at his door, knocking. She would have a bottle of wine under her arm, not wanting to show up with nothing. @🍂Ken🍂

When Hayden heard the knock on the door, he quickly opened it with a wide smile, quickly grabbing Neptune before ge coukd make his escape. "Luciana ! Welcome! Please come in." He smiled stepping aside to let her in. Ryker was sitting in the livingroom on the phone, he had a goofy love struck smile as he listened to whoever was on the phone. Hayden smiled leading Luciana towards the kitchen. "His wife called, all I know is he's getting chewed out for something or another." He chuckled. "Tho you can't tell by the smile he has." Hayden smiled looking at her. "This is the first time I've cooked salmon I hope it tastes good!" @Nakachu

She waved at him as she came in and gabe neptune a soft petting to the head. "Hey Hayden." She smiled at him. She put her backpack down near the hallway and took off her coat. Already she could hear the call of the ocean so close to her. Telling her to join it. To be there in it's embrace. She had to try and drown it out. She looked at Ryker and couldn't help the chuckle. "Hi Ryker." She said just to let him know she had arrived before coming in more. "I am sure it is fine Hayden. Don't worry about it." She smiled. "What are you eating? Since you are vegetarian." @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden had a wide smile. "I found cereal, the one that's full of Sugar. I wasn't allowed to have it back home, but I'm an adult and live alone ." He replied eith a wide grin grabbing a box of sugary cearal to show her. "And if it hurts my stomach I have some rice I can eat. But I'm glad you decided to come. I got the back porch set up and i tried to find wood for a fire, but aparently I'm not allowed to have one. At least that's what my crabby neighbor said, I'll probally have to do some research but for now I will respect his wishes." He rambled on Ryker gave a small wave, smiling at his wife. He really made her mad when he said "your cute when your angry?" Which caused her to shout at him more. @Nakachu

She instantly gave him that are you kidding me look. “Cereal..? You are eating sugary cereal for dinner?” She said out loud. “Ryker.. you letting this boy eat sugar cereal for dinner?” She said to the guy on the couch, but he was still to busy being yelled out by his wife to care. “You are not.” She said almost motherlike as she grabbed the box from his hands and put it back on his counter. She then almost went straight into his fridge and started to look around for any decent food that he might have. “You said you have rice..?” She asked him and if he confirmed she took out some vegetables she found. “I will make you some nice fried rice instead. Actual dinner. You have a cutting board?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden gave a heavy sigh. "But I want it." He whined watching her move about the kitchen. "Yes, it's in the cabinet by the stove, but I'm fine with cearal I want to try it ." He replied frowning when she took the box out of his hands. "Hayden listen to luciana , you arnt even supose to have it anyways, it makes you sick. Besides telling people you have it isn't the best way to sneak around ." Ryker called out smiling at the phone as his wife was now to flustered to talk to him. Hayden sighed. "You don't have to make me rice " He said watching her as he leaned on the door. "I also have the healthy cearal." He shrugged @Nakachu

“You can try it in the morning.” She told him as she started to open up cabinet after cabinet to look for the stuff she needed. In no time she had the cutting board out and started cutting veggies while putting on some water to boil the rice. It didn’t take her long to get something going. “That is still cereal for dinner Hayden.” She chuckled. “Your dad never taught you how to properly take care of yourself? If you only eat the stuff you want it is going to make you sick. But I promise you, healthy food can be delicious as well.” She said as she kept moving around that kitchen like she belonged there. @🍂Ken🍂

Haydens rugged watched her boil the rice. "Still not as fun as trying it now. But whatever you think is best I'll do " He promised as he sat up straight looking at her with a kind smile. "Oh? Which one? The one that's in jail? Or the one who raised me ?" He teased as he sat up . " He did teach me. He and my grandpa teamed up because dad has 6 kids. So normally I got left out. " He shrugged with a hum "buy the serious sounds better then healthy styff." He sighed giving her a small pout. "Plus I'm supose to be cooking for you"

07:53

@Nakachu

His comments made her pause a small bit. She shouldn’t run her mouth around them. She bet they had a lot of different shit happen to them when they were young. So far she had learned that they were all adopted, that they were close among sibling and that there were six of them. And if she got it right, all of them were adopted because they had nowhere else to go. She turned back to the cooking and continued doing what she was doing. As rice was now boiling she heated up a pan and started to grill the vegetables and flavor them with some salt, pepper, soy sauce and other things that would give it a nice flavor. She even added some honey in to give it that sweet hint that Hayden seemed to love so much. “I am just saying, take care of ourself Hayden. No sugary cereal for dinner. You need to do better then that.” She said, though she added a chuckle in. “Ryker, you want any of this as well? Or you eating salmon with me?” She asked. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden gave her a smile. "Alrighr, since you said that, I am going to buy the biggest chocolate cake I can find at the store and eat it Monday on my lunch break. And when you ask for a piece I'm going to say "sorry, luciana, your only allowed to have healthy food." He laughed softly thinking he was hilarious. Ryker laughed. "Oh, I bet she'd force you to eat some veggies." He teased making his way over to them. "Salmon for me please. I'm not as picky as this one." He chuckled. "Oh, dad called before my lovely wife Molly. He said he misses you and to call him later." He replied gently poking his shoulder. "Ans quit telling people to clarify which dadm you only have one, he's in Texas and his names zachary." Hayden hummed. "True. He is the only one." He shrugged sofrly :I bet you'd like him luc, he is even nicer then me and ryker combined " He teased with a wide smile. @Nakachu

“Hey! I did not say that.” She defended herself chuckling. “I said you can’t have sugary cereal for dinner. I didn’t say you can’t have a piece of cake sometimes.” She chuckled at him as she flipped the vegetables over. “Though if you are planning to eat that entire cake then I might need to step in.” She warned him. She tried out that rice and when she decided it was ready she put it through a strainer to get the liquid out. She added the sauce she had made to the vegetables and cooked that for about two more minutes before she plated everything for him. “There you go! Bon appetit.” She handed it to him and then started to rinse out the things she had used to clean them. “Is the salmon done already? Or do you want me to show you?” She asked with a smile. She couldn’t blame him for seeming as helpless as he was. Never lived on his own, always depended on his family. She was like that when she first came to the land of the walking. She had been clueless. “I am sure I would. I admire how close you all are.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden laughed "your right, I can't hold an entire cake on my own, I can't even way a slice ." He smiled looking at the fried rice infront of him he smiled "thanks luciana, it looks amazing!" He commented with a hum. "Oh, yes I finished it just as you came in, they are on plates in the oven ti stay warm." Ryker smiled "Hey, we all give you permission to do whatever, mother him, yell at him. Anything " he teased with a smile. "Oh dad? Well shoot, when you meet him you will automatically become family. That's just how we are. " He smiled softly. Hayden got up getting the plates out of the oven. "Want to sit in the dinning room? Or the back porch?" He offered wanting Luciana pick where to sit since she is the guest. @Nakachu

“You be happy I mother him a little Ryker, makes your job easier doesn’t it?” She teased the blind guy. “You must either not meet a lot of people or have a really big family.” She smiled. She watched as Hayden got the plates out and balanced the three on his arms. She went over to the table then to grab the wine that she had brought. “Let’s sit outside, the weather is still nice and warm.” She offered as she looked for those wine glasses she had seen before. “You drink Ryker? I brought a sweet white wine if you are up for it. How about you Hayden?” She asked and would bring as many glasses as she needed for that. The last thing she did was help Ryker outside and sit him down where he needed to be before she plopped herself down. The sound of the sea already surrounded them again. A subtle wind making the waves sound beautiful and fierce. “God.. your house is so close to the sea.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled. "Yeah, we have an older brother named Oliver. He's about 38? Yeah dad adopted him when he was 4. And dad was only 18." He smiled helping her bring things to the back porch "then my youngest sister, who's only 14 then it's us triplets ." Ryker hummed. "Yep, can't forget uncle Sammy and uncle Tyler. Sammy's only 16 and Tyler is 28." He smiled letting Hayden help lead him. "Wine? Oh definitely please pour me a glass." He smiled Hayden smiled. "No thank you, I don't like the taste of alcohol. Thank you though I'll pout you vith a glass. Just makes use ry doesn't jump into the water the poor thing can't swim." He teased. "Expecally when he drinks." Ryker huffed. "That maybe so, but I am a fun drunk so bleh . You do need a mother here, and I am thankful it is luciana, maybe she can smack some respect into you." He teased. No hate coming from his words. @Nakachu

"Big big family. Got it." She chuckled as she started to uncork the winebottle. It opened with a plop and then started to pour the glasses for her and Ryker. She gave his into his hand so he could place it somewhere he could remember before sitting down with the plate of salmon. "How about we both stay away from the water?" She chuckled. "That can be Haydens responsibility! Don't leg the drunks drown." She joked as she cut into the salmon. It was cooked beautifully, falling apart easily and a fresh bit of steam coming from the bit she cut up. "Hmmm.. looking good Hayden." She said. Not able to keept he surprise from her voice a bit. This was the boy wanting sugary cereal for his dinner after all. "So you guys have anything else fun planned for tomorrow?" @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden laughed coming back to the back porch "so in other words get the guest room and my bedroom ready to tuck you both in?" He smiled sitting with them. "Alright, I'll get a pair of pjs out. And move rykers things to my room " He teased with a smile. Of course if they had gotten a bit tipsy he wasn't going to allow luciana yo drive home, that woukd be very irresponsible of him. He smiled. "Thanks, my brother Ollie taught me to cook, his kids love to eat, so I watched how he cooks." He smiled happily eating his rice and vegetables. "Thank you for mt food, it's really good." He smiled. Ryker chuckled "well, we are picking my wife up from the airport and we are going our separate ways for the day. Me and her have some houses lined up to come see." He smiled. Hayden hummed. "I may just clean the house. What about luc? What are you up too?" He asked her couriously @Nakachu

“Your wife? You must be thrilled to see her after that phone call.” She teased Ryker as she popped some more salmon into her mouth. It was honestly really good and she liked the small bit of vegetables he was served with it. The boy surprised. As they asked about what she was going to do the day after she kind off just stopped for a bit. The truth was that she never knew what to do in her own time. The aquarium had become her life. She wanted to be there more then anything. Yet human laws prevented her from just working every single day. She wasn’t interested in walking around or seeing movies or even shopping. She bought the things she needed when she needed them. Shopping for fun was not in her book. She would go to the beach.. but being that close scared her. Didn’t know if she had the self control. “I am not sure.” She just said in the end giving him a smile. “Perhaps I will clean my house as well.” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker grinned. "Oh yeah, definitely. Now she can shout at me, and I get to kiss her after." He replied sipping on his wine as he hummed softly. "She's so cute when she's mad." Hayden laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck as he shook his head. He loved his brother but sometimes he and his wife was alot. Hayden wasn't sure how he was going to feel when they go back home, relieved ? Anxious? He wasn't sure. He smiled softly when luicana mentioned she was going to clean her house. "Maybe when your done we can hang out again, only I'd you want . I understand if you don't." He quickly said , ignoring the way Ryker grinned at them behind his cup. @Nakachu

She couldn’t help but smile at him. He was such a sweet guy. “Well.. we were hanging out tomorrow anyway. Sushi remember?” She chuckled. She brought a hand up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, even if the curls quickly bounced back once more. “But yeah. I will come by after I am done. You want me to call before I come over? Since you do me the same courtesy when you come to the aquarium?” She chuckled. She picked up her glass and brought it back to her lips, drinking a good bit of it. She loved this one so much. She didn’t buy it for herself often, but she liked it. She was a true lightweight when it came to alcohol. Perhaps because her body was different, or it was just because she rarely ever drank to start with. But bringing a bottle had been something she had read was just something you did and she needed to fit in. She finished the last bite of the salmon and set down her plate satisfied. “Hmm.. good piece of fish.” She said and sat down into the chair slumping down a little bit as she swirled her glass. Her eyes once more strayed towards the water. She had to resist. Coming Wednesday the aquarium would be closed for a bank holiday. She just needed to hold out till then. She could spend the entire day there. “So.. tell me more about your wife Ryker. Do you guys always communicate in yelling?” She teased. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden blushed heavily as he smiled. "Right! Yes sushi, I can't wait ! I forgot tomorrow is sunday, but yes we are still on for sushi if your okay with it." He agreed with a nod. "Oh, sure you don't have too, my home is opened to everyone, just come on in." He agree softly, trying not to make himself sound dumb, as he said she didn't have to text If she wanted to come. Hayden had never been good at talking to others, he remembered spending mornings with his dad, trying to learn social ques and how to tell when people are teasing. Even after all those mornings Hayden still got highly confused when talking to people. And right now, he was trying to follow along, expecally so because he had started to develop some feelings for luciana, he wasn't sure if it was a friendship, or a crush. He couldn't ask Ryker, his brother had already started to tease him and make fun of him for even telling him about luciana. He was afraid of what he would day when he admitted to those feelings. Ryker smiled. "Not always, we talk, laugh, whisper. You name it, we do it. But when she shouts at me in her native younger oh, I get chills." He smiled sipping his wine. The man was madly in love with his wife, and he wasnt afraid to show it. "Oh one day you kids will know the feeling of true love. She can yell at me all day, and she knows I love her and I know she loves me. A little noise won't change it. Even when we fight, we still say 'I love you.' And take a breather. We normally cool off after a minute and we talk about our feelings." Ryker had a teasing smile, already a bit tipsy from his wine. "Hmm, who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and you fall in love with one of my brothers. Then I get to witness you and the other become grossly in love ." He smiled "or my sisters dont care." He replied with a soft hum. Hayden blushed more "r-ry" @Nakachu

She couldn’t help but like Ryker. He was down to earth and loyal. One of those sweet guys who showed love in almost everything that he did. Wether it was to his little brother or to his wife. She could only imagine he would make a true father. She also admired him for how he did not let his blindness hold him back. He seemed to take everything head on, not backing down for it. Even if the rays had scared him just a little. It wasn’t till he mentioned her falling for one of his brothers before she turned back to Hayden and noticed that slight blush on his cheeks. It made her pause. What did that blush mean? She decided to ignore it. Focusing back on something else. “Your sisters huh?” She chuckled deciding to concentrate on that last part of what he had said. “You think me to be that type? Was it the mapping that gave it away?” She chuckled. The truth was.. she couldn’t fall in love. Not with a human. It was not fair for them. She would live her entire in fear of being discovered.. of touching anything that would make her change. And coming out to that person, telling them what she truly was? She didn’t know if that was the right way to go about it either. @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker hummed laying his head back. "Nah, just added that, I don't know who you like. Don't want to discriminate." He said softly taking another sip of his wine before he relized it was empty. He hummed slightly. "Got anymore? This stuff is great. Oh um please and thank you " Hayden snorted shaking his head. "Awe so polite, how many glasses does molly let you have." he teased, he looked towards luciana "I can clean up, would you like anything while I'm in the kitchen?" He asked needing a moment to collect himself and not let his emotions get the best of him. Ryker huffed. "One." He pouted laying his head back against the seat. "I am a happy drunk, I have you know. It's the morning after that I hate, makes my scar tingle and hurt." He admitted Turing his head to the two. "But she's not here, so one more please." @Nakachu

She didn’t waste much time as he asked for more and poured him more, probably more then she should and topped herself off as well. That bottle was going quick and she for one did not care much that it did. Even she was allowed to have a fun night out right? With friends? Was that what they were? Friends? She hoped so.. “Naah, I am all good. Thanks though Hayden.” She chimed as she put the bottle back down and brought that glass to her lips and took a big swallow. She watched as Hayden left them both alone to go to the kitchen and turned back towards Ryker, a bit more of a serious look on her face. “Hey uhmm Ryker..” she said, not even sure if she should be asking him the question, but she needed to know. “When you were mapping me.. did you see anything else? Anything strange?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden went inside to do the dishes. He took the time to try and calm his heating face, why was he flustered? He couldn't figure out why, he had just met Luciana a few days ago, why had he suddnely developed this huge of a crush. He sighed wondering if he could call his dad and talk to him about it. His dad knew how to explain emotion and such. Until then he would have to act natural and cool around luciana. Ryker hummed softly when she spoke. "Did i see anything when i was mapping?" He asked softly, he take a sip of his wine shrugging. "Well, I didn't finish, but the hair Color was a huge guess, I wanted to stay realistic i was going to say maybe you had purple hair with blue highlights. But that would of been strange ." He teased softly. "But your skin is very soft, like you moisturizer it often. Like a few times a day, and your skin is cold, like you swim alot and arnt use to the Florida air. But that's just a guess I mean, my wife's skin is always warm, but she's freezing all the time ." He shrugged @Nakachu

God he was good.. Who knew her secrets were written on her face, literally. She couldn’t help but chuckle at that softly. The alcohol starting to hit her system and making her just a bit more loose then she normally would be. “Well..” she said in a chuckle. “Can’t say you are wrong often.” And she left it at that, not willing to give him the details about what he had been wrong about or not. She took a deep breath and sat her head back against the chair. “Do you ever feel like you don’t fit in Ryker?” She asked him. “That because you are different, because you can’t see.. that you don’t belong here?” She asked him, her eyes looking over to him to see his reaction to her questions. “I feel like that sometimes..” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker was quiet for a moment, as if trying to think of her questions. After a long moment he heaved a heavy sigh. "Actually. More then you may think, I've spent years and lots of thearpy to come to terms with my blindness. It wasn't easy." He admitted softly. He carefully placed his wine glass down on the table next to the hammock as he sighed softly. "The first time I remember feeling dread that I was blind, was a month after my dad adopted me, when i was about six, three years after my mom blinded me. My dad had me and my older brother Oliver in bed with him, we all had a pretty bad daythe day before, so dad wanted to make sure we got to start our day with love." He replied smiling softly at the memory. "Dad had me between both, he and Ollie that way I wouldn't of rolled off the bed, hurt myself. Ollie was teasing me, telling me that when I got to highschool, I would totally be a ladies man like he was, and all the pretty girls would swoon for me. I was only six, I told him he was wrong and refused to believe otherwise. I mean, I was never told I was handsome or cute. I was only called horrific things, and I believed I was ugly, no one wanted a defected kid. " He said with a sad smile, he couldn't help but place a few finger tips on his scar and smile. "Dad had suddenly sat up and had me facing him, and with the sternezt of voice I have ever hears he said "Ryker Issac Martian, I never want to hear you say that again, do you understand. You are not ugly, you are so handsome. Your scars do not make you ugly they make you stronger." He smiled as he looked a bit chocked up. "And he made sure I never forgot, when I got into school, I didn't have friends, all the kids made fun of me, I even had a kid push me down the stairs a few times. There I felt alone, like I dont belong , but when I was home, I was Ryry, the blind annoying little brother who mapped out the house quickly and won every game of hide and seek ." He chuckled with a smile, he gently moved slight

19:25

ly waving Luciana over to sit with him. "You seem like you need a hug hon, I know it isn't fun to feel like an outcast, but when you have family, or close friends to make you feel safe, that's all tha tmatters, they are your people. And you belong there, they will never want you to change and not want you to feel as if you have too " He said wanting to make sure she knew she didn't have to worry she didn't belong. "And if that doesn't help make you feel better, we can make a Circus. I can be the guy who sees into the future, Hayden can spill every ocean fact he knows, and you can be the animal whisper. Oh, yes can spill fish gossip." He teased trying to lighten the mood. @Nakachu

His words almost had her heart breaking apart. What a beautiful family.. a family where broken children were given a second chance. Where they were picked up from despair and given love until they finally were able to feel whole again. How she longed for that.. As he waved her over she sat down next to him and let herself fall against his shoulder. She did need that hug, perhaps more then anything. She was like them in some ways. Abandoned, cast out. She didn’t belong in the ocean no more. She had been to curious about the humans that lived in the boats. There had only been one rule, stay away from them and don’t be seen. She had broken it more times then she could count out loud and eventually she had gotten caught. As a punishment they put this spell on her, a curse that made her able to be with them, but the moment anything related to the sea touched her she changed right back. She had only later found out that her obsession with the humans might not have had anything to do with the humans themselves. It had been because she had never felt at home with the merfolk to begin with. Ever since she was a child she had felt lost and cast out.. The ocean was in her very being and she longed to be in it again, but she did not long for her family. And perhaps it was that exact thing that made her feel even more lost. Because even here she did not seem to belong. “I just..” she tried, not sure what to say. “I am different Ry..” she said as she leaned into him, feeling tears sting in her eyes. “Different in a way that goes beyond a goddamn circus.” She chuckled, not even sure why she was admitting this to the blind guy. It wasn’t like she was ready to spill the beans. “I just want to belong somewhere..” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker gently ran a hand through her hair, holding her close to his chest. He listened to what she was saying. dang, if thay didn't break your heart. He hummed softly, gently rocking the hammock in a soothing motion to help her feel safe. "Well, you became friends with the right family. Let me tell you about my dad, I think you may feel a bit relieved. " He smiled softly. "My dad, is a Saint. As soon as he meets you, your instantly family. He becomes your cook, maid, doctor, and personal therapist. But more importantly he because a parent figure in your life. Dad will always be there for you, even if you don't like us anymore and don't want to be our friend, dad won't abandon you, once your family, that's it your always family ." He explained softly, gently moving her hair out of her face. "And I know what your thinking. But Ryker , I just met you, how can your dad like me like this." He said making his voice high pitched trying to mimic hers. He was very tipsy, but that didn't stop him from making sure she is okay. "Well, he does this because he grew up alone, he had no friends, his dad was in and our of jail, and his mom left him alone to go gamble. So dad wants to make sure he is always there for everyone. So it doesn't matter If your a stranger. Once you meet him your family. So if it helps, you can belong with us." He smiled resting his head on hers. "Plus, my dad's kinda strange anyways, he's fifty-six years old and had blue hair like a teen. He's great " He laughed softly just holding her @Nakachu

His words both comforted her and scared her even more. She laughed at his little jokes during what he said, but ultimately she stayed quiet even after he stopped talking. How could he accept her if she was lying to everyone? Lying about who she was, where she came from, about why she was obsessed with the aquarium. If their family seemed to be build up on anything, it seemed to be trust and love. And how could you trust a liar. Yet she righted herself up. “Thanks Ryker..” she said to him and she meant it. “You are a good person. I can’t wait to meet all of you.” She said and she meant it. All of them sounded amazing and fun. Even if she didn’t know either of them very well, she already felt close with Hayden and Ryker, perhaps even to close. She picked up both their glasses again and placed Ryker’s in his hand before clinging the glasses together. “To friendship.” She said with a soft chuckle before lifting it to her mouth and emptying the glass in one go. @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker smiled "don't worry, we won't force you to meet everyone at once, that would be craziness. We will take it slow. I think you should meet dad next, all through he is alot ." He chuckled smiling when they cheers "to friendship." He agreed drinking his wine. "If you every need someone to talk too, just let me know. I'm always here to listen. Plus haydens a good listener as well " He smiled. He finished his wine and placed the glass back down. He turned his head in her direction giving her a serious look. "Hey Luciana , seriously. Thank you for being my brothers friend. He's not had the best luck with friends. With his autism, he doesn't understand the social cues, or emotions. He's always had 'friends' who would force him to do their homework, or steal for them. So it's nice knowing he has someone here to look our for him, I really appreciate your kindness towards him." He said softly making sure Hayden didn't hear them, he truly was greatful for Luciana. He coukd tell something was wrong , like she was hiding something. But he wasn't going to let her know that, if she wanted to talk she would. Who was he to force someone. @Nakachu

“Yeah well maybe.. he sure does not pay a lot of attention to his surroundings.” She chuckled softly as a joke. Of course she was referring to how he had not spotted her in that tank the night before. She was too tipsy at that point to watch her words for the hints, even if Ryker wouldn’t understand it. “It is no big deal. It is not like it is hard to be his friend.” She said to Ryker as she looked up into his eyes. It was almost like he was looking straight into her, straight into her very being. Even if his eyes did not see, there were parts of him that saw more then she was maybe comfortable with. “It is nice to finally have someone who cares about the aquarium like I do.” She meant it. “Thank you though.. I will keep that in mind.” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker laughed. "That's true, he really doesn't pay attention to his surroundings " he laughed, as he shook his head softly he liked Luciana , she was nice and he thought she was great. "If he isn't listening to you, your more then welcome to shout his middle name. It's Michael. Just shout , Hayden Michael Morgan. He will litterly rush to you." He snorted softly as he leaned back in the Hayden finally finished the dishes and joined them back on the back porch, he smiled softly. "Hey, are you two being nice ?" He teased sitting in one of the chairs watching them. "What are we talking about ?" He asked them couriously. Ryker just giggled, being the happy drunk he is, he just shrugged. "About stuff. " @Nakachu

She couldn’t help but chuckle at the fact that she was told that little intimate detail about Hayden. She would be sure to remember that. As Hayden came back into the room she straightened herself since she had still been resting her head against Ryker’s shoulder. She was glad that she had no tears to wipe away or this would have been even more awkward. She just smiled quickly. “Yeah, just stuff. Stuff and things.” She said in her own happy chuckle. She reached down to the bottle and poured the last of it into the wine glasses. “That’s the last of it Ry. You better make it last… or not.” She said. The alcohol was getting to her, especially after downing that glass a few minutes ago. “Ry says I should meet your dad and his blue hair.” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker hummed. "Thank you, this stuff is amazing " He replied nursing on the glass he was given, trying to make it last. "Dont worry about what we are talking about Hay, just smile and nod." Hayden rolled his eyes, gently taking the glass from his brother who didn't fight at all, just pout. "Yeah, dad does have blue hair." He laughed. "He let Molly practice in him. She is a cosmetologist. If you need your hair done just ask her she's got you " He smiled "Hey luciana, can I see your keys?" He asked going to hide them with the rest of the keys that way she can't drive herself home. "You to ry." Ryker hummed getting his keys out of his pocket. "Seiming sounds nice let's go swim.'

06:24

@Nakachu

She gave her keys over without even thinking about it. She didn’t even really question why he would want to see them. It was only when he put them away that she understand why he had done that. “Hey..” she complained, but soon after like Ry she gave in to it. She just slumped back down against the hammock and let her feet dangle of the hammock. “Nooo.. we can’t go swim! You said you can’t swim.” She reminded Ryker with a chuckle. Even though she could not go against him. God she wanted to feel the water on her skin.. feel the tide over her fins and she sand between her webbed fingers. She would give anything to go there now, the longing almost impossible. “It’s so loud..” she said as the wind had picked up and waves were crashing into the sand more. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled softly, cleaning up the back porch. "Well wr can head inside if you'd like, it's a bit quieter in there." He offered keeping a close eye on ryker. Who tended to run . "Ryker I swear if you run I'm calling your wife and dad." He threatened. Ryker huffed. "Call them, I like it when my wife shouts at me anyways its hot.' He smiled widely. Hayden rolled his eyes. "Yea, no she will say she's disappointed." He replied, holding a hand out to luciana offering her a hand just incase she wants to go inside. @Nakachu

She took her hand, figuring it might actually be a good thing to get away from the sound of the ocean before she might not be able to hold herself back. She let him get her to her feet and she half stumbled forward, needing to hold into him. “Oops.. sorry..” she chuckled before grabbing her glass and going inside. If Hayden tempted to take it from her she would do her best to keep it in her hands. Once they were inside she let herself fall down into the couch, sinking into the pillows as she drank another sip of the wine. She suddenly remembered all those movies she saw of teens sitting around a room and drinking for the first time. She had never done that. She had been fresh out of the ocean and didn’t have friends really. “We should play truth or dare.” She chuckled. “Ry goes first!” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled catching her. "Your okay, let's just walk slowly. " He offered, grabbing ryker and dragging him along. Neptune happily follwo2d, he waited until Luciana was sat down before he jumped on her lap laying on her lap enjoying the warmth. Ryker flopped on the couch humming. "Oh, yes that sounds fun I choose dare!" He replied laying comfortably on the couch staying in the corner. "I ain't no whimp!" Hayden smiled. "Yeah, let's play " He agreed getting some pretzels and waters for them to have, to hopefully soak up the alcohol. @Nakachu

“Hmmm…” she said as she thought deep about what she wanted to give Ry for that dare. She couldn’t help the chuckle as so many things went through her mind. She remembered all the things that had been in Hayden’s fridge, including a pickle jar. She instantly had a smirk on her face. “Okay, open your mouth and you have to eat whatever I put in there.” She chuckled. If he agreed she would walk to that fridge slightly unsteady and get a pickle out. Once the went over to pressed it right against his tongue. The flavor should be intense and sudden enough to make him at least jump a little bit before realizing what he was tasting. She would chuckle at him before sitting down again and taking a sip from the glass of water. “I choose dare as well!” @🍂Ken🍂

Ryker hummed, "Alright, hopefully it's good and not like toothpaste !" He replied opening his mouth waiting for her to place whatever it was in his mouth. As soon as the sour taste of pickles hit his youngest, his face went from calm to disgusted. "Is that a pickle?" He asked sitting up ad he swallowed. "Oh, that was awful, how dare you." He shook his head, taking a drink of water that Hayden gave me. "You must be in cahoots with my wife. She's done that before !" He whined. "I dare you to call your boss and take Monday off. Then show up Monday and act like they are crazy." Hayden laughed gently patting Rykers back gently. "I think you may need a nap ." He teased at his pouting brother @Nakachu

She raised an eyebrow at that dare and looked at Hayden. She couldn’t keep the genuine laugh from her mouth. It even turned into quite a loud chuckle. “Hayden. I am taking Monday off.” She said, not able to keep a straight face. He was her boss after all. Perhaps a nap would be what Ry needed. If she believed herself to a light weight the surely Ryker was even more. Even if she was already quite far herself. At the same time she didn’t want this to end. She was having way to much fun. “Haaaaayden. Truth or dare!” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden gave luciana a smile. "Okay! Just make sure if you actually don't come in, go and have a relaxing day ." He teased with a kind smile. He made an oof, sound when ryker fell onto his chest. He smiled holding his brother. He looked at her. "Um...truth?" Ryker groaned "that's lame Hayden pick dare, maybe we can make you jump in the ocean." He grinned patting his brothers face gently. Hayden rolled his eyes "truth please." @Nakachu

She once more could not hold her chuckle as she saw the state Ry was in. There was just something very amusing about it. They had gone from mothering over Hayden to being mothered by Hayden. She leaned forward to grab a handful of pretzels and almost fall forward, needing to grab into the table to not fall on the floor. “Oops..” she said chuckling. When Hayden picked truth she groaned along with Ryker though he was the first to say anything about it. But sure if he wanted to do truth then he could. She once again thought for a moment. In her drunken state she was shifting on that couch, somehow decided that letting her head hang of the side felt nice in that moment. Her long ginger curls fall out from underneath her like a firey waterfall before she came up with the question. “Have you ever had a crush on someone.” She chuckled. She wasn’t particulairly aware that it might be her, she just remember how they had talked about love. @🍂Ken🍂

Haydens face instantly went bright red. He rubbed the back of his neck watching her. "I ,um....yes?" He replied jumping when Ryker shot up to turn his face towards him, Hayden wanted to hide. He looked at his brother gulping. "Oh? My little baby brother has a crush? Who is it? Do I know them?" He asked inching closer to his brother. "Come on you can tell us, expecally me I probally won't remember in the morning." He replied wiggling his eyebrows at Hayden. Haydens face went even redder with embarrassment, as Ryker inched closer. "I, um....y-yes." He replied nervously. "U-um, truth or dare." He said quickly. "Nope not getting away, who is it? I know them so that can't be to hard. " Ryker replied humming, not realizing Hayden had started to become uncomfortable. "U-um I think you I should put you both to bed, it's kinda late." That was a lie, it was only 10 o'clock. But he really didn't want to day anymore. "Um, l-uciana i- " Ryker gasped "is it Luciana ? Or that one girl back home, what was her name Aurora? No both if them are way out of your league." He hummed still trying to think. Mean while the visible hurt flashed across Haydens face. "Bed time ." He whispered getting up and walking towards his room getting a pair of pj pants and a hoodie . He walked to luciana , with a sad hurt smile. "Here, you can use these um you can have my room, it's the last room on the right. Feel free to use the TV, or laptop. I'll drag ryker to bed." He smiled Turing to his older brother helping him up, and dragging him off . @Nakachu

“Ooooh!” She couldn’t help the excitement in her voice as he admitted he did have a crush. “Is she cute?” Luciana chimed in when Ryker had started to throw him question. It was only when Hayden started to be visually uncomfortable that Luciana’s smile fall. She tried to chime in and make Ryker stop when he asked if it was her. Her and Hayden eyes met just briefly and that look might have just sobered her up completely. She let her eyes fall away as he got up and went to grab a hoodie and pj pants for her. She let her head fall into her hands. This was bad.. she was going to hurt him and she didn’t want to. When he came back she was no longer in the mood to joke around with him and just accepted the clothes and got up. Once more she swirled just softly on her feet before finding her balance. “Well. I better go there then! See ya in the morning. Don’t puke Ry!” She said as she used the wall to keep her upright and went into the room. It was clear it was his room. It smelled like him somehow. Not that it was a bad smell, not at all. She sat herself down on the edge and just let herself fall backwards on the bed. “Please let it be Aurora..” she just sighed to herself before she eventually got herself dressed in his clothes. @🍂Ken🍂

Haydens heart was shattered, he already knew luciana was put of his league, he already knew she probally didn't like him like that either. They had just met and he was more of a bother to her. He sighed closing the door behind him, as he tried to help Ryker get dressed. Ryker was to far gone to stop, he just kept teasing his little brother, he thought he was hilarious. "Awe come on hay, you can trust me seriously. It's nice knowing you have a crush, for a while we were afraid you'd never have one." He replied laying on the bed. "I get it, I'm a robot who doesn't feel things. All of you have reminded me that multiple times already." He said tucking him in. "Your drunk right now, just please go to sleep ry, I'll tell you about it later." He said making sure he was comfortable. Ryker hummed closing his eyes. "We love you Hay, we just don't want you to feel alone, you know that right?" He asked as he yawned. "Your a great kid, we just want everyone to know ." He said softly, as he fell asleep. Hayden sighed walking out of the room, ans went back to the back porch, he closed the door and just laid in one of the hammocks. He didn't know what to do, he just felt guilt, luciana didn't ask for this it was his fault. He closed his eyes letting a single tear fall, he needed to figure out these emotions. Until then, he would try his best to hide them, she didn't deserve a lost puppy following her around. And he really couldn't fall in love with her, he was her boss...that would get messy quick, but he couldn't help it. Hayden laid in the hammock confused, he wasn't sure what to do. @Nakachu

She had fallen asleep quickly, the alcohol clouding her mind enough to a point where she had just found sleep. Yet she did not sleep through the night. Only four hours later in the middle of the night she woke up. She was between that weird stage of drunk and hungover. A place where her mind was not yet clear enough to think, yet her body in complete discomfort. She got up from the bed in discomfort. In the silence of the house she could hear the ocean again. She closed her eyes concentrating on it. The instant yearning returned to her and in that half drunk state she found it hard to ignore. She got up from that bed and opened the door. She was in the hoodie and PJ pants that Hayden had given her. The house was entirely quiet and she walked to his back porch. She did not stop there, neither did she see Hayden laying in the hammock outside. She just kept walking. Her feet soon dug into the sand as she walked closer and closer to the waves. The wind stung her eyes, but she did not care. Soon the tears were falling down her face though she knew she could not blame it entirely on the wind. She stopped just far enough so the water could not touch her though her feet were soon covered in scales from the salty water that had sunk into the sand. “Why couldn’t you just make me one of them..” she whispered into the air. She wanted to shout it, but she could not get the words out of her throat loud enough. “Why did you curse me in this way where you knew I would belong nowhere..” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden woke up slightly as the sound of the back door opening, be rubbed his eyes sleepily watching as Luciana walked towards rhe water. He didn't think much of it, until he remembered her water allergy. He got up quickly, following her towards the ocean. He stayed back slightly so he coukd intervine if needed, not sure if she had sobered up or not. He watched her from where he stood. He was worried when be heard her sniffles, it broke his heart. He walked over to her, gently holding her in his arms , he didn't care if she got angry at him , in this moment he felt she needed some comfort, and be would be there so she didn't feel alone. He didn't know why she was upset, he just wanted to make sure she was okay. Gently petting her hair, he swayed side from side providing comfort. "I got you." He whispered softly. "Let your emotions out, shout if you need. Your not alone anymore luciana. You belong here ." He whispered @Nakachu

She jumped as he was suddenly behind her. She had not heard him coming. Her head turned quickly towards him. When she saw it was Hayden she relaxed somewhat. He wrapped those arms around her and she leaned into them as he started to sway her back and forth. Her eyes went back to the ocean. To the black waves that were rolling in, looking like they would consume her whole if she let them. “I got you.” She heard him say and it made her grid down her teeth in emotions. “Let your emotions out, shout if you need. You’re not alone anymore Luciana. You belong here.” She didn’t know why but those words broke her completely. It took less then a second after that for her to just completely break down. The small sobs she had allowed herself turned into loud and ugly ones. The type that made you gasp for air and tears fall down your face fasten than you could wipe them away. Her legs buckled away from underneath her and he was all that kept her standing as she cried loud enough for probably even Ry to hear her at the house had he been awake. She said nothing, never turned her gaze away from those black waves. Just let her pain exist for a moment, exist in that space between his arms where he allowed her to be. It took almost ten full minutes before she had exhausted herself enough to need to stop. Slowly the loud sobs became softer until they were mere whimpers leaving her lips and her tears had run dry. She turned her face away from the ocean and instead buried it into Hayden’s chest until the shaking stopped and her breath turned normal again. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden held her close. He didn't say anything else. He just held her, allowing her to get her feelings our. He did however, gently move them away from the incoming waves. He didn't want her to have an allergic reaction, that was the last thing she needed. When her knees buckled he tightened his hold making sure she didn't fall to the ground. He understood the cries, being in a family of out casts he has hears the painful cries of heartbreak. He gently moved her hair put of her face, allowing her to feel her feelings, not wanting to discourage her from these feelings they were natural, they were real. When she buried her face into his chest he gave a soft hum, humming a lullaby to help her focus on something, to help her breath. He continued to rock her, petting her hair making sure she knew he was there, and he wasn't leaving. He didn't want her to feel as if she was alone, he wanted her to know she had someone in her corner, who will always support her no matter what. @Nakachu

It wasn't till she completely calmed down that the feeling of guilt softly poked at her gut. It was the middle of the night and she had been crying her lungs out for a reason he did not and she could not share with someone she barely even met. "I.. I'm sorry.." she said softly. Her voice was hoarse and filled with exhaustion. "I am okay now, I promise.. I am okay." She said, though she was not sure if she was convincing him or herself. She put her feet back underneath him, getting some weight away from him. "We should head back to the house.." she suggested then. She felt embarassed for that. Even if she had needed that, had needed it for probably weeks now to let it out she had not meant to do it in front of Hayden. If he agreed she would walk with him towards the house. The darkness hiding the scales on her feet and the dryer sand closer to his house helping to dry them off quicker then they would naturally. By the time they reached the back porch only small spots remained. @🍂Ken🍂

"Luciana, please don't apologize for having feelings. I understand, something you just gotta let it out ." He said softly helping her walk back to the house. "The house is a safe place. You are always welcomed here, if you need a place to cry, yell scream, I'll be happy to be that safe place." He said kindly. "I may not be big Rick, but I can try my best. To provide comfort." He teased, opening the back door letting her up. He felt bad that she felt like she had to apologize he didn't want her to feel as if she wasn't allowed to express herself, he would be a hypocrite if he told her not to express herself. Once they were inside he closed the back door. He offered her a kind smile, leading her back inside towards the room. He wanted to make sure she was safe and didn't fall, he had noticed how exhausted she had looked. He didn't want her to worry, about falling. @Nakachu

He could say that but she still didn’t feel good about it. But at least she had gotten it out. She had let out all those emotions that had been building and she felt lighter because of it. Like for just a small bit she could handle the world again. “Thank you..” she said and forced herself to smile. She let him support her towards the bedroom. The small walk had left her tired and her body still didn’t feel great to start with with that hangover looming over her. She would sit down at the side on the bed and if he made a move to go back out she would grab his arm to prevent him from leaving. Her mouth would open yet it took a bit before the words she wanted to say actually come out. “Stay.. please?” She asked with a small strain in her voice. She didn’t want to feel alone even if she knew that request was strange. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden blushed heavily when she asked him to stay, he wasn't sure if he should or not. but in this moment, he didn't care about his crush, she needed him, she needed someone. And he was going to keep his promise. He carefully took his shoes off , placing them under the bed beside he sat next to her. "I'll stay as long as you want " He promised, was there to do anything she wanted, he wouldn't touch her without her permission. He felt like she may need another hug, but again he wouldn't touch her unless asked. "May I hug you Luciana? You seem like you need another hug, and I'm here if you need one." He whispered, not wanting to scare her. He just wanted to make sure she felt safe. @Nakachu

As he sat down on the bed she scooted back and laid herself down on top of the blankets with her head on the pillow. She was grateful that he had not left and perhaps even more when he offered to hug her. She nodded. She was to exhausted to care, to raw in her emotions to think of the fact that perhaps she shouldn’t. If he really had a crush on her she was being unfair to him and mean. “Just until I fall asleep..” she said to him. If he laid down next to her she would crawl up against him, accepting his embrace and resting her head against his shoulder. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly, laying down next to her holding her close. "Of course, until you fall asleep." He agreed gently petting her hair softly. He ignored the feelings of butterflies in his stomach, he ignored the way his heart fluttered when she laid her head on his shoulder, he just held her, providing as much comfort as he could. True to his word , as soon as luciana fell asleep, he very carefully, without moving her to much, he laid her head back down on the pillow. Afraid she still didn't want him to leave, he just, laid on the floor, respecting her by letting her have the bed, and staying a respectable distance away. He closed his eyes and let himself give way to sleep. @Nakachu

She wouldn’t say anything anymore, just cuddle up against him. His breathing calmed her down and so did his heartbeat that was beating softly against her ear. It might have been a bit faster then it would normally be, but she didn’t pay it much mind. Eventually she drifted off, falling into a peaceful sleep of her own. Once she woke again the first thing she could feel was the headache that was pounding in her head. She was now truly no longer drunk and just in a state of hung over. She groaned softly against the light that was already coming in through the curtains before she climbed out of the bed. The moment she tried to step out her foot brushed up agains something and she peeked over the side of the bed to see Hayden curled up on the floor. It took her a second to understand why he was there. Fuck.. she had asked him to had she not? “Hayden?” She asked softly. @🍂Ken🍂

By the time Luciana had woken up, Hayden was still asleep, he was curled up on the floor, sleeping soundly as Neptune slept by his head. When her foot brushed up against him, he stirred slightly, carefully rolling over on his other side. Almost in a child like motion, he carefully rubbed his eyes as he got comfortable again. The way Hayden slept, made him look alot younger then he was. His face was relaxed, showing no signs of distress, anxiety. No sign of the mask he puts forth every day to try and prove his intelligence. He stirred a bit more at the sound of his name, he hummed opening his eyes to try and focus on who was calling his name, trying to keep his heavy eyes opened as he turned his head to were he heard the voice. "Y-yeah?" He asked sleepily, letting his eyes close again. "I graduated, it's not time for school." He mumbled sleepily, not too aware he wasn't dreaming. @Nakachu

She couldn’t help the soft giggle escaping her mouth as she was leaned over that side of the bed looking at him. “True.. but I need the bathroom and you are in the way.” She said gently. If he got out of her way she would step out and go to the bathroom. If he stayed where he was she would careful step over him and still go to relief herself. She found the bathroom easily, just looking for the door that had a lock on it and used it quickly before she came back. She stood in the doorframe looking at him. His hoodie was slightly big on her and the PJ’s were strung up tightly as if they would be in danger of falling away from her if she had not done that. “You didn’t have to sleep on the floor you know..” she said carefully, aware that she was the reason he had slept there. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden carefully moved out of the way, letting her go to the bathroom. He sat up rubbing his eyes sleepily. He hummed softly. "It's alright, I don't mind sleeping on the floor. You said I could hold you, until you fell asleep. I tend to hug something when I'm asleep, and as to respect your wishes I slept on the floor. " He admitted stretching He offered her a kind smile as he carefully stood up, he grabbed his glasses putting them back on his face as he yawned. "What would you like for breakfast? And no I won't eat the sugary cearal ." He promised, he figured he'd probally nap later, but today he was going to get sushi with luciana and he was excited. "How are you feeling? Need any medicine?" He asked her softly. Wanting to make sure she was taken care of. @Nakachu

She wanted to go against that, that he could have slept in the bed if he had wanted to, that she didn’t mind the hugging. But when that small conversation they had had before dawned on her she realized that he was right. It would have been a bad idea. As he mentioned the sugary cereal however she couldn’t help but chuckle. “You know what… let’s have that cereal. I could use some unhealthy sugars.” She teased him. She brushed her hands through her hair, the waves in it dancing through her fingers as she tried to get the worst of the tangle out of them. Her head was still pounding, a soft beating against her temples that wasn’t all that pleasant. “Maybe some asperin would be good.” She said to him with a soft smile. If he made motions to go to the living room she would follow him. Neptune would come sit with her on the couch and meow eagerly. “Hi kitty..” she said with a soft smile as she ran her tail gently over his fur. The cat purred before turning it’s head to smell her hand and not long after sank it’s teeth into her hand. “Hey!” She said quickly pulling it back. “No.” She said to it sternly. This is why she didn’t like land dwelling animals, they all seemed to know what she was. Especially cats just saw her as a fish. She quickly shoo’d him away. @🍂Ken🍂

Haydens eyes lit up "really? You want some ." He smiled widely as he stood up, he was still in his clothes from the night before, his wild curly hair, looked wilder when he stood up. He just smiled getting a hairball from his nightstand. "Comeing right up, I'll get you the aspirin you go ahead and get comfortable." He agreed , helping her to the livingroom. Once he made sure she was settled and resting on the sofa, he carefully went over to the kitchen and got their breakfast set up. He got their bowls out as well as the milk, he grabbed rhe sugary cearal and began to look at the ingredients, making sure it didn't contain any nit products. His head soft up when he heard Luciana say no, he rushed over . "What happened?" He asked worriedly. When she told him Neptune bit her , he had a stern look as he picked up the cat having him look him in the eyes. "You are very bad, we do not bite people. " He scowled gently Turing him around knelting down to Lucianas hand. Hayden scowled Neptune and made him apologize , which Neptune did with a small meow. Hayden sighed getting the asprine bottle from his pocket giving it to her. "Im so so sorry! I have bo idea what had gotten into him. " He said taking Neptune to the back porch where his cat catching post was letting him go and be alone for a bit. @Nakachu

"It's fine! Don't worry." She said as he started to scold the cat. It was not hit fault. He was just tasting her more then he bit her. He didn't even draw blood. Just a few small marks from the pressure of the felines teeth. "Cats just don't like me. We are all good." She said to him with a chuckle. "I am not mad and you should not be either." She assured him. She accepted the asperin and swallowed two of them down with some water. She hated the taste of the pills and would frown her face to show as much. At least they went down easy. She drank the rest of the water down just to try and get rid of the taste in her mouth. She then grabbed her bowl and helped herself to a generous serving of the sugary cereal before handing him the box. She poured the milk in and started to munch it down before it lost it's crispiness. She couldn't help the soft moan that left her as she took that first bite. "Hmm.. its been so long since I had anything like this. It is so good.." she said as she took another bite, thouroughly enjoying the breakfast. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hummed. "Maybe so, but he still need to be polite, I may spoil him but I didn't raise him to bite people." He replied, sitting on the floor infront of the coffee table, trying to ignore Neptune's meows. He wasn't hurt, he was just meowing for the attention. Hayden sighed getting up to get him, as soon as he picked Neptune up, his cries stopped and he just snuggled into Hayden. He sighed heavily as he walked over to her, and sat back down. "Oh it is good?" He asked eating his cearal dry. He hummed thinking about the taste. He took another bite and nodded. "This is good." He agreed with a smile. "Not something I'll eat everyday, but it's still good." @Nakachu

She looked down at his bowl and up to him. She couldn’t help the soft chuckle. This guy never failed to surprise her in his strange ways. Eating his cereal dry.. of course he did. Every single time he ate food there seemed to be something that made him stand out and if she was honest, she thought it was adorable. “I told you!” She mused. “Maybe I will do this on Sunday.. just have sugary cereal as a treat.” She mused as she licked the milk of her spoon. She wouldn’t say this wasn’t strange in some ways. Waking up in a room with someone else in it, instantly getting to sit down and eat breakfast with someone else as well. It was so much better then doing everything alone. She bet once she got back her tiny apartment would feel just like that.. tiny. If Hayden had done anything it was bring color and cheer into her life. “Should we wake up Ryker? Or you think he needs more hours to feel alright again?” She chuckled. “I don’t know when his wife is landing.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hummed sofrly, he gave a small shrug as he sat up. "Maybe a once a month thing, but yeah you were right ." He smiled taking another bite of the cereal, as he hummed listening to her. "Oh, she's already here. I had to pick her up about 4. " He admitted as if he already told her. "I fell asleep for a few minutes after you went back to bed, she called me and said she landed, so I picked her up." He replied with a soft hum looking at luciana. "If we are lucky ry will sleep another few hours, but when he wakes up, be prepared for him to whine and cry." He teased with a kind smile. Hayden liked having his house busy, he loved having people go back and forth, he loved hosting people. He hated to be alone, and when he was he just felt helpless. So he was thankful when Luciana stayed Over. Even if he did have a crush he wasn't going to let that ruin their friendship, he hopped she didn't remeber that conversation at all. @Nakachu

She looked up surprised. “She is already here? In the house?” She said before she looked near the door and he was right. There was another jacket right there. “Damn.. I must have slept deep..” she said rubbing her face. Not that she was entirely surprised. She remembered being at the beach.. she remembered crying and shouting. She remember Hayden holding her.. and sadly for Hayden she remember him admitting he had a crush. But they didn’t need to talk about that, not right now. She sat back down, folding her legs underneath her and eating the last few bites of the cereal and then put the bowl to her lips and drank the last bit of milk before she popped the bowl back down. “Hmm.. that was good.” She said. The pounding in her head was already starting to go down slowly from the aspirin she had taken and considering everything she was feeling quite alright. She knew she should probably pop by her home, but right now she did not really want to. She could clean some other time. Or not.. she didn’t care that much. She rarely spend anytime there either way. She was at the aquarium to much. “Soo..” she said, trying to break that silence. “What are we going to do in the meantime?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden laughed softly. "Its okay, she was going to come in and yell at ry for drinking, but in her words 'how can I yell at someone so cute.' I for one could find it easy, but he's my brother I'm allowed to say that." He smiled finishing his breakfast, he cautiously put Neptune down as he cleaned up their mess. "Up to you! I'm okay with doing whatever! I don't think we should do work that's not fun on a day off." He smiled washing the bowls before putting them away. He soon came back, sitting on the sofa again, getting Neptune. "But I'm down with whatever, um I've not really done fun thing without my family planning them, so I apologize." He smiled sheepishly @Nakachu

She laughed at his explanation. She could only imagine those two laying next to eachother now, fast asleep in eachothers embrace. It was the goal for anyone to find love like that and she was glad that Ryker had found it. She stretched herself out, groaning softly as she did. The hoodie came up just enough to show off her stomach which was thin yet slightly toned from working at the aquarium. "Honestly.. I rarely have free time. I am always at the aquarium." She admitted, not really having any clue what the both of them could do. "So I am not full of ideas either." @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly. "Hm, seems we are in a pickle ." He admitted with a small laugh. "Well, we could always go to the aquarium and act like tourists." He teased with a kind smile. "No, knowing the boss he's probally tell us to get to work." He winked giving Neptune cuddles as he hummed softly. "We could take a walk, or go on a bike ride. Or we could hang out here." He offered softly.He looked up as a tall woman with long black hair and beautiful Carmel skin came into the living room. She was wearing one of rykers shirt, and a pair of shorts. She offered the two a wide smile. "Goodmorning, um Hayden can I have an ice pack, the big baby is hung over so he's hurting alot." She spoke smoothly with an Italian accent. Hayden nodded getting up and going to get an ice pack. "Oh, Molly this is Luciana. Luc this is Molly my sister in law." Molly smiled widely "hi luciana it's nice to meet you don't worry we are staying out of your hair today " she teased @Nakachu

She pushed her off the couch to get to her feet as she was introduced. "It is nice to meet you Molly." She said as she shook the womans hand. Her handshake was gentle and sweet, her skin soft and her nails just slightly long. Their eyes met and Molly returned her smile before pulling back. "It is nice to meet you to, Luciana." She said, her voice a perfect sweet tone. "I am afraid that is my fault a little bit. I brought the wine last night." She admitted to Molly. "I didn't know we would finish that bottle so fast." She scratched the back of her head. "Ooh no. He is the one who shouldn't drink more then one glass and he knows it. This is all on him." Molly assured her. She looked back to Hayden, they had still not decided what they should do this day. Who knew two people could have such trouble just finding entertainment. "A walk sounds nice." She eventually said. It was as good as any. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden came back into the living room with the water, asprine and ice pack. "Here Molly, I hope his scar isn't hurting to bad." He said feeling guilty, he shouldn't of let ryker drink. Molly smilrd. "Thank you, you twi go have fun. When you get back I'm sure we can make sure he doesn't do it again." She teased winking at then before she went back to the guest bedroom to go take care of her husband. Hayden looked to luciana and nodded. "Okay, yes a walk let's do it." He agreed going to get his shoes and jacket on. "Do you need a jacket? You can use this one. He offered @Nakachu

“I am sure we will.” She said to Molly who made her way back to Ryker. Poor guy.. she didn’t know it would be that bad when he drank. Maybe she shouldn’t next time, neither of them should. After all she had ended up way to close to the ocean, screaming in tears. “Uhmm.. no. I came with a jacket. I will just wash and get dressed real quick.” She said to him as she got up from the couch and walked back to Hayden’s room. She went into the bathroom and got undressed, wetting a washcloth to wash herself quickly. Regular water was fine, she could wash with that. It was the ocean water that made her change. The salt in it that seemed to cause it. Actually, she was not even sure what caused it. It just seemed to be anything that was related to the sea that did it and that was what made it so tricky. Once she was washed she used one of Hayden deodorants before getting dressed in the clothes she came with the day before and headed back to the living room. “Ready when you are.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softlt he put his jacket and shoes on, going to sit on the sofa as he waited for her to come back. He held Neptune, reading some text messages the family group chat had. Alot of the messages was teasing Ryker. He smiled softly as he looked up at Luciana when she came back, he smiled nodding as he stood up. "Yep! I'm ready let's go!" He agreed walking to the door , opening it for her. "Im not sure we're we will go but we're ever it is I hope we have fun getting there !" @Nakachu

She grabbed her coat as well and before they knew it they were out the door. They simply turned left from his house, not even really knowing where they were going, but at least they were doing something right? “Who knows, perhaps we will find the most magical place possible.” She joked with him as they walked. She kept her hands in her pocket and her face mostly string ahead. She thought about the night before. She had so many feelings about it. She had enjoyed her time with the two of them, too much even. But at the same time it had made her feel more out of place then ever. It had been what caused her to go to the ocean and cry till she was exhausted. Cry while being held by him.. “Hey.. I just..” she started. “One last time wanted to say sorry. I don’t know what came over me. It is just that you all are so tight and.. I never had that.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled and laughed softly at her joke about finding a magical place. "My friend Maverick has a blog about the magical things he's found. I should send it to you, his next few blogs he promised he would look into sea life, he won't for a while because he can't swim." He chuckled rubbing the back of his neck. "So I wouldn't be too hopeful." He smiled. He looked to her as she apologized. His smile softened as he shook his head. "Hey, don't worry about it. If it helps we weren't always this close." He admitted with a small smile. "When dad first adopted us, ry hated me, and I didn't like him. I hope you do know that I'd you want you can be that close with us ." He offered softly. "I...I'm sorry for how weird last night was, that's my fault I didn't mean for it to get awkward." @Nakachu

“No please Hayden. It was great. I havn’t had that much fun in a long time. I love it. Really.” She said as she stopped dead in the middle of the street and took her hands in hers. “It was lovely to meet Ryker and to just spend a night having fun with others instead of roaming in the aquarium every single free hour of my day.” She assured him as she gave him a gentle smile. “It just.. made he realize how lonely I am sometimes.” She admitted. She then let go of his hands and started to walk ahead again like nothing had ever happened. Like she had not just admitted to feeling alone in this world of land dwellers. “And we don’t know what we stumble upon! Our treasure could be someone else’s junk right? We will find something that is nice and awesome and if not we had a nice walk in the cool morning air.” @🍂Ken🍂

Haydens face went bright red as she took his hand into hers. He looked at her blinking as he listened to her talk. He nodded quickly as he replied "g-great I'm glad you had fun, like I said the house is opened for everyone." He replied watching her. He tried to ignore the way his heart fluttered, as he watched her, when she touched him. Oh how he wished the crush would go away but it seemed to be getting stronger. He nodded holding his hand close as they walked "treasure? Yeah maybe I think my neighbor mentioned that there is one around here somewhere I'm not sure where." He replied as they walked @Nakachu

It had been impossible not to notice the blush that had invaded Hayden’s cheek. But at the same time she had to ignore it. She didn’t want the poor boy to feel like he had to explain himself, but she couldn’t actually favor him either. She still believed that was not an option for her, never. You could not be that close to someone with a secret like hers. It would be constant lying and holding back. She didn’t want that for anyone, let alone Hayden. So even if she knew that he had this crush on her, she couldn’t act on it. And the easiest way to do that was to ignore that it existed to start with. So she just went back on her way, continuing their conversation like Hayden had never had the blush on his cheeks. She chuckled as he mentioned the neighbor. “Treasure? Or trash?” She teased him gently. As they kept walking they mostly passed by more houses that were like Hayden. Walking at the sidewalk that would change into lose beach sand if you took only a few steps to your left. The sea in their ears and the wind in their hair. Not even the aquarium was far from here. “The vet is coming to check out Mary and Louisa on Tuesday by the way. Didn’t know if I told you.” Decided to circle back to work. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded as he followed her. "Yeah that makes sense. I'll be in the office all day Monday and Tuesday, just let me know when the vet gets to the aquarium." He replied as they walked putting his hands in his pocket. "Ryker and Molly's leaving tomorrow morning, so I'll yet started on getting the breeding tanks and such." He replied looking to her. He felt like he over stepped some boundaries, he felt super guilty for it and tried his hardest to stop the feelings. He looked forward as they walked "I will also start working on some of the tanks remodeling. To make sure it is more close to their actual habitat and that it is clean." He replied. He had a slight frown while they talked about buiness. He didn't like talking business but he was a boss now and had too. There was so much on his mind that he had to get done. He felt like he was already behind. "I'll work on everyone's schedules and getting training set up for the next few weeks as well." @Nakachu

And just like that they were back to how they had been before. Before feelings had gotten hold of them. Talking about work and the aquarium and how they were going to save it from going under. It was so easy to just pretend that was all. "Yes, of course. I will let you know." She told him about the vet. "Just remember Wednesday we are closed for the bank holiday. I will go in to do the feeding of all the animals, but everyone else is off. That includes you." She let him know, a small bit of a stern sound in her voice. Wednesday was her day. It wasn't often they were closed and she was going to enjoy it. She was going to swim with all of them. For just one day, she was going to be her old self. She needed it more then anything. "And if you need help with schedules just let me know. I know exactly what everyone can and can't do." @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden frowned. "Oh...um yeah okay supose I can do work from home ." He admitted as they walked, he looked forward towards the road they were walking down. He woukd follow the conversation, as long as she was happy and comfortable that's all that matters. "Um, yeah I'll just bring all the papers home and just work there. If your sure you can handle all the feeding and such ." He replied softly @Nakachu

09:12

He just felt off, he felt official work should stay at work, but he also didn't want to make her comfortable so he just followed her lead. "If you need help you can always call me." He replied softly

She couldn't help the deep sigh that left her. This wasn't working. She wrapped an arm around herself. Rubbing her own elbow. It just wasn't the same between them. For neither of them. Hayden had feelings for her and she didn't even know what she felt as she did not allow herself such things. "Hayden.." she said softly as she just stopped walking. If he stopped along with her she would search for his eyes with a soft sadness on her face. "I am not the one you want.." she suddenly said to him, a type of deep seriousness in her voice. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden stopped walking and looked at her. He stayed silent, a look of hurt flashed across his face "I know....you made it clear " he replied looking at her, he didn't like the serious tone she had taken. He wanted to go back to that morning when they were laughing and enjoying their breakfast, now he just felt stupid. "I want to walk can er just walk?" He asked looking away from her. Trying to get out of the uncomfortable conversation, he hugged himself as tightly as he could gently scratching his arm to relieve some stress. He looked back to her. "Im sorry, you made it clean, i-i shouldn't of asked you on the walk, or dinner I'm sorry." He said slightly panicked. "I won't ask you to do anything you don't want too, I will not go in late again, I will make sure I stay on time and you don't have to see me that way I don't make anything awkward again." He rambled. @Nakachu

Her face fall again. This was only making it worse. "Hayden that is not what I.." she tried. But she understood where he was coming from. How could she explain to him that she just was not right. That she couldn't be there for him like that even if she wanted to? That he was a sweet kid and that he deserved someone who could give him everything he needed and more. She sighed again letting her head hang for a second. "I still want to work with you, this is not about that. I like you just.. I want to be friends. I can't be more then that. Not with anyone." She tried to explain. But of course that didn't change all this tension in the air. "Maybe I should go home.." she suggested. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden just hugged himself a bit tighter. "Im sorry I ruined our day, I will pay you back for the win, and I apologize again for causing awkwardness between us ." He replied, looking to the ground. He didn't want to upset her again, he just walked her home. "You don't have to leave, your allowed to stay." He whispered Hayden was just confused, he didn't understand why this hurt so bad. He didn't understand why her saying she wasn't the one hurt like someone ripping his heart out of his chest. He just wanted to go home and hide in his embaressment. He should of relized it wouldn't work, he was too young, he was her boss and he was diffrent. "Im sorry, we will keep a work friendship only, no...mixed signals on my end then" He apologized one last time , trying to get his house keys out of his pocket, he relized he didn't have them, or his phone. With face went redder with embarrassment. He sighed knocking on the door waiting for Molly to open the door and let then in. @Nakachu

"No, no.. Hayden it's fine.." she tried, wanting those dumb feelings to go away between them. This tension, this strain. This feeling inside her that kept shouting at her to keep him at an arms length away. She never had wanted to hurt him and now he did seem hurt. Once they were at the door and he knocked it just became too much. She needed to get out of here. Didn't know if she wanted to see Ryker who had been so excited for his little brother to have a crush on someone. Why did it need to be her? She suddenly grabbed Hayden's arm and pulled him in a hug, a tight one that pushed his head over her shoulder. "Not work friends.. friends. We can be friends. I had a good time, this does not change that." She said quickly before she let him go again. "I will see you at work Hay.." she then quickly said before trying to hurry off to her car. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden tensed up when she grabbed him and hugged him, he was just confused. He stayed silent watching her hurry off to the car. He gulped, he wasn't sure if he could go into work the next day, he just felt....stuck. as he watched her leave Molly finally opened the door letting him inside. He just grabbed his phone and car keys and went to his jeep, he got in and began to drive to the aquarium so he coukd grab any paper work he coukd so he coukd work at home. He ignored all calls from his siblings and dad just Turing his phone completely off and just stayed aline. He needed time to think, he had gotten all his papers, and some notes from the director before he drove to a cliff that over looked the ocean. He parked his jeep and just watched the water. He found it calming to be someone he felt comfortable, away from the city just him and the ocean. He stayed there thinking. Wondering why he had to be diffrent and turn things. He sighed putting his head down on the stiring wheel closing his eyes, he had to think of a way to make things better. But he didn't know how. @Nakachu

The next two days she did not see him at the aquarium and after everything that had happened she thought it might be better to leave him alone for a bit. If it helped him to make those feelings go down that was all worth it, even if she missed the one friend she had been able to make. But today was Wednesday and she was going to not let it bother her. Today was her day! She had gone to the aquarium early and done her rounds of feeding in no time at all. By 9 pm all the animals were happy and fed and perfect. As there was nobody there today and wouldn't be she undressed in the locker room. Deciding it better then to leave her clothes near the tanks. She did put a towel out for herself to help her dry once she came out. First stop.. dolphin tank. She had not been with them for so long and with Mary and Louisa soon going somewhere else she wanted this swim with them. The moment she dove into the water her form changed like her human shape had been made of cotton candy and just melted away. Her hair darkened to a deep bright red, her eyes changing to thay golden amber with slits as pupils and her scales becoming that iridescent blue and purple. This time she had no shirt on and the shape of her body would be quite clear. Her modesty only preserved by the scales that became denser around her breasts, acting almost like a bra. The dolphins came to her instantly and before she knew it she was lost in the games that they liked to play with her. Not paying attention to the world around her. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden stayed away from the aquarium for a few days, he didn't trust himself to mot accidentally make things awkward. He really didn't mean to think that way, he was thankful luciana gave him a chance for them to be friends, but the hurt was still there. Ryker and his wife had left late that Sunday night leaving him all alone, with his thoughts. On Monday he stayed home, ordering things and making arrangements to fix the dolphin pool to give them more space to swim around. On Tuesday he called the vet apologizing for not being there, he had gotten very sick the day before and decided he needed to stay home for the day. He entrusted the vet to Luciana knowing she knew more about Mary and Louisa. On wensday, he stayed away like luciana had asked, he even got to take a much needed nap. But by 10pm that night he was anxiously pacing back and forth, he had some missing paper work and couldn't stop worrying that they were important. So he had gotten his bag and went to the aquarium. In his sweat pants and a thick hoodie and a pair on converse. Some hoe he had gotten to the open tanks were big Rick was. He placed his things down and walks to the side of the tank offering the old guy a smile. "Hello friend I'm sorry for bothering you so late I forgot some paper work, I won't be to long ." He promised with a kind smile. He turned to leave but a rope toy got caught around his ankle. And when Rick bit it to drag it to the bottom Hayden went down too, the weight of the water in his clothes caused him panic and the fact he couldn't swim, he began to struggle trying to get to the surface. But in the back of his head he knew this was it. @Nakachu

The sudden splash of the water caught her attention. She had spend the entire day at the aquarium and at 10 pm she had not yet been ready to leave. She spun around in the water, her eyes searching for where that splash had come from before she saw him. Hayden.. His arms were moving from side to side fast, his legs kicking from the side. Her heart caught in her chest as she watched him. For moments she was stuck between going to help him and scared to show herself. That was until the trashing started to slow down. “Shit.. shit!” She mumble through the water and she kicked her powerful tail to get to him in no time. With her tail fin she cut through that rope that was holding him down almost as if it was a knife and she started to bring him back to the surface. As soon as they broke it she was relieved to hear his reflex to take a breath kick in. She quickly pushed him back over the side into the dry. She gave him a few pushes with her webbed fingers. If he seemed to be coming around she would quickly swim a small bit away and watch him from there, needing to make sure he was alright. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden had for sure though that was the end. He had used all the fight he had, to try a different get to the surface. He felt like this was big Rick's was of revenge for hurting Luciana, which he didn't blame him. He was slowly starting to lose consciousness when he was suddenly freed. He was to out of it to relize someone was helping him to the surface, it he was able to breath. His vision was now spotty and he was trembling awfully. Once he was on the dry part of the tank he began to cough, trying to get the water out of his lungs, he held his stomach, her he shakenly looked up and made eye contact with Luciana. "T-thank you." He whispered, trying not to make a big deal as to what he had seen, a mermaid, a living breathing mermaid. "Im sorry fo suddenly....drowning. and b-bothering you." He shakenly tried to stand but ended up falling onto his knees again, he nearly drowned he shouldn't be walking so quick, but he didn't want to scare the mermaid. He didn't relize he was crying, he had tears pouring down his face, he needed to run away, but his head hurt alot. "I- you can swim and hide now, I'm sorry." He said putting a hand on his chest feeling the uncomfortable tightness. "I think I need a doctor." He replied as he suddnely passed out. The stress of the few days he had mixed with the sudden almost drowning and shock of seeing a living breathing mermaid seemed to be a lot on him. @Nakachu

She was at a complete loss of what to do as he was fumbling to get to his feet and failing. His clothes were drenched, his hair sticking to his face. She wanted to shout at him, to tell him to stay calm and sit down but she knew that once she used her voice that was it.. he would know exactly who she was. Even if her appearance changed a lot, her voice stayed exactly the same. So she stayed completely silent, watching him with knitted eyebrows. Then suddenly he seemed to faint. She bit down on her lip before she swam to the edge of the tank and pulled herself out with her arms. She sat down on the edge, her tail still partially in the water as she reached out to him. She laid him down on his back and brushed his hair out of his face before moving her hands down his cheek in a gentle motion. Almost like a mother would do to their sleeping child. He was breathing and his heart was pumping. She was going to give him five minutes to wake up.. if he didn’t wake up by then she would get her things and call an ambulance. If he did wake up she would stay near him, keeping just the smallest bit of a distance, but not hiding away. Her worry was winning from the fear of her discovery. @🍂Ken🍂

As she placed her hand on his cheek, his head slolwy turned into her hand, his cheek resting hers as his body worked on trying ro recover from the sudden shock. Hayden was out for a while, after almost long minutes Hayden's eyes slowly opened his eyes. He struggled to keep them open but they were unfocused and just staring off to the ceiling. He mumbled a few words in Italian ad he looked at the sky, so quiet even he couldn't make out the words he was saying. He ever so slolwy wrapped his arms around himself as he trembled, he was slolwy realizing what had happened, becoming more aware of his surroundings. The tears began to fall again as he slowly allowed his head to turn, he didn't have his glasses, they had gotten lost somewhere in the tank, so he was next to blind without them, but he could make out the shadowy figure. He gulped as he whispered "sto sognando ? non c'è nessun fantasma, luciana mi ha detto che non c'è." am i dreaming ? there is no ghost, luciana told me there wasnt one. He shook slightly thinning he was dreaming, he tried to sit up so he coukd try and walk away again, he couldn't drive home so he tried to walk to his office very wobbly and off balanced. He was going to hid in his office to try and get the overwhelming sensory to go away. @Nakachu

Again she tried to calm him down, but the more she seemed to press into him the more he seemed to be pulling away. That together with the sudden italian that he was mumbling just had her backing off, thinking perhaps it was better to keep her distance for now. As he got himself to his feet and stumbled towards the door she knew that she could not follow him. She sunk down into the water, wrapping an arm around herself. She couldn’t say she was surprised by his responds, but she would lie if she didn’t feel a bit hurt by it. Of all the people she had thought would be amazed by who she was she had thought it would be Hayden. But it seemed that she had made a mistake.. even if it was worth making it to safe his life. She then remembered that his glasses had been gone and went to the bottom to go and find them. It would bring her close to the tunnel, searching in the sand for them as best as she could. Hayden would need to go through there to get to his office. The moment she saw him she would stop and look at him. She would float in the water, her bright red hair dancing around her and her scales gleaming in the dim blue lighting. She placed her hands against the glass either meeting his eyes or watching him simply pass by her. @🍂Ken🍂

As Hayden entered the tunnel he made a split decision to just stop and lay on the floor to watch the water, he was trying to stop himself from having a panic attack, the way his clothes stuck to his skin, the way his sweats rubbed against his legs, the way the light hurt his eyes. He just wanted to cry and get rid of the clothes, hut he couldn't he was in public, what if luciana saw him, he didn't wsnt her to be scared of him. So he decided to lay there for a moment to try and collect himself. That is until be saw her. The mermaid was watching him, and all he could do was hug himself "Please she said your not real, why am I the only one who can see you?" He asked as he slowly walked to the glass, gently placing a hand on the glass looking at her. "Your so beautiful and amazing, I want to ask you so so many questions but your not real, luciana told me your not, a-am I just dreaming ?" He asked feeling as if he was crazy. "People already think I'm dumb, I embaressed myself enough I dont know what else to do." He admitted with tears. He tried to wipe them away but they kept falling. "It was a mistake believing I could do this alone, I should of stayed in texas." He suddenly said "maybe then luciana woukd of been made the director, maybe if you are real you coukd show yourself to her...not me. Im sorry for giving everyone false hope, i want to help, i want to make the aquarium amazing, but i cant stop making things worse" He said hanging his head. His hand left the glass as he walked to his office. Where he closed the door behind him. He grabbed his spare pair of clothes and changed into them. He hidunder his desk, after Turing the lights off. He stayed there where he silently cried, he felt Overwhelmed and fist know how to make this feeling go away.

05:58

@Nakachu

She swam even closer as he came to her. She could see the confusion in his eyes, the small fight that was going on inside of him. And even though there was glass and water between them, she could just make out what he was saying. It was breaking her heard for him even more. Turned out she was the reason he would not believe that she was real. That he believed her so much when she had said nothing as in the tanks that he thought he was losing his mind. She moved a hand from the glass towards her heart, trying to tell him that she was real and she was there for him. She could see his emotions welling, spinning out of control. Those tears falling down his cheeks. She wanted to reach out to him, hug him against her like he had done for her when she had span out of control on the beach. But the glass was between them and drying up would take a lot of time. And then he ran off. She swam after him, but she was trapped in that tank, unable to follow him into that office. She could hit herself in that moment. She hated this. It was over between them wasn’t it? Both of her forms were just not good for him. Her human side because he had fallen for her and her mermaid one because he believed she was not real. She went back to looking for his glasses, eventually finding them in the sand and then laid out across the bottom, not sure what else she should be doing. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden stayed in his office all night, he didn't move from under his desk, he just stayed there in the dark to think, and cry. He wasn't sure what he was supose to do, he though he was going crazy. He ended up falling asleep there, under the desk, dreaming about the mermaid he had seen, he wanted so badly to believe she was real but then again, if Luciana said it wasn't, who was he to agree they are. By the time he woke up it was noon, his body and mind felt heavy, his back and lungs hurt, his mind felt foggy as he crawled out from behind the desk. He groaned holding his head as he looked in the mirror, he looked like he was hit by a bus, he felt like it too. He sighed Turing on his computer and they to get some work done. He sighed realizing he didn't have his glasses, thats when the memories of the night came flooding back into his mind. The almost drowning, the mermaid, his break down, He felt so embaressed but tries to push it back to a dream. He got up, Turing his office lights on as he walked out of the office going to find luciana to give her the good news. Her breeding tanks were due to arrive the next day. As he walked past the tank he couldn't help but stay close to the wall, looking at big Rick as he swam, he couldn't help the sudden fear bubble into his chest, maybe he should leave a snacks for the mermaid and big Rick before he left, maybe he needed to learn some Latin, maybe the mermaid spoke Latin, that way they could communicate. He mentally stopped himself 'no, they arnt real, if they were luciana would of told him.' He shook his head as he picked up his pace staying away from the tanks to go find luciana. @Nakachu

She had waited for a long time, just looking at that office door, but it had never opened. Eventually she had given up and taken his glasses up to the surface and dried herself off till she had returned to her human form. She had gathered her clothes and since it had already been late she had spend the night in the aquarium, huddled up in one of the corners, using a jacket as a pillow. Her alarm went at the usual time and she forced herself to get to her normal routine and starting to feed all the animals. She wondered where Hayden had gone and how he was doing. But she needed to do her job first. By the time Hayden came to find her noon had gone by and she had just finished the dolphin show. She was back in her usual attire. A blue jeans with pocket at the side, a shirt with the aquariums logo on it and her leather gloves. She looked up in surprise when she saw him, his glasses were still missing. He looked like crap, all dark circles and red eyes. Her heart instantly sank in her chest. “Hey..” she said carefully. She quickly forced a smile on her face, she was supposed to be happy go lucky, not sad. “I knew I recognized those glasses!” She said then as she held up a hand and moved to a table near the wall. “Found these at the tunnel tank. Didn’t know you had come by. Should have said hi.” She said as she handed them to him, trying to get a smile on his face. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden squinted slightly hearing the voice in front of him, he offered a very small smile, but the kindness was still there, when he relized who it was. "Hey luciana ! Thank you yeah it was a busy hectic night ." He admitted thanking her when she gave him the glasses. He carefully put them on thankful he wad finally able to see. "Thank you, oh the tanks you asked for are coming in tomorrow, just let me know where you want me to put them, and I'll make sure they go there." He replied, staying away from the water again, he looked at her and sighed "I have to apologize ." He said sadly. "I dont mean to deserve you, I um...if we don't have divers we have to hire someone, i...I can't swim." He admitted, he was just embaressed he felt awful thay he had to say it out loud, he felt sick all over again. He couldn't even look at her, he felt like he was failing, and didn't know how to fix it. He felt like he was figuratively drowning. He sighed "just let me know and I'll start the application process in search for divers, and what ever tank you want worked on first just let me know and I'll fix it." He said rubbing the back of his neck as he took a deep breath trying to calm himself. "And I want to apologize for Sunday, that was inappropriate of me, I shouldn't of put you in an uncomfortable position. If there's anything you want me to do to make it up to you I will...if you want my position I'll give it to you, If you want a raise you got it." He just wanted to make things righ, so they could stay friends without the awkward feelings. "And I'm sorry for not believing you when you said the aquarium isn't haunted....I was dumb and stupid for believing in a false reality. Your right, i was just letting the old directors words get to me. I'll try my hardest to not believe it. " He rambled, making sure he covered everything he needed to apologize for. He tended to do this alot, just apologize over anything he didn't need to apologize for, be did this alot in college,

07:15

when the professor called him into his office because he found out people were forcing Hayden to do their homework, he had broke down and cried for not doing better in clas and said if the professor wanted he'd drop out. He had a tendency to try and over think, and try to make everything okay. He didn't relize he was doing it. @Nakachu

She let him ramble on for a good bit before she would eventually open her mouth to say something back to him. She almost reached out for his hand, but judging by the deep blush that that grown on his face just a few days before. “Hey, we are cool Hayden, all cool.” She assured him and gave him the smallest of shoulder pats before she moved back towards the tables to gather the empty buckets. She wanted to give them both some space. Then she paused for a moment. He still believed what he had seen was not real. That she wasn’t real. And even if she knew she should be happy about that but she was not, she was sad. Somehow it just.. didn’t feel great. “You know.. I actually am not that sure about that anymore.” She suddenly said, without turning to him. “I can’t be sure, but I saw something in Big Rick’s tank last night at it wasn’t Big Rick.” She didn’t even know why she said it, but she did. Wanting to him to have just the tiniest bit of hope that what he had seen was real. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden paused. He looked at her shakenly "w-what?" He asked looking at her kinda scared like. He wasn't sure what to believe , she had told him that there wasn't anything in the tank, but now she said she might if seem something, it caused Hayden to suddenly have doubt in himself. He looked at her for a long moment, praying she wasn't making fun of him. "B-but you said..." He gulped hugging himself as tightly as he could. "I-i saw something last night too, i-i fell into the tank, and something saved me from drowning....I thought it was a dream." He admitted running a hand through his hair looking at her , watching her move things around. "Luciana, please I am begging you, please don't be joking . My brothers and Molly do this all the time, where they try and convince me they believe they see what I've seen then days later they just laugh and say they never had." @Nakachu

"I know I know!" She said throwing her hands up. "I don't know Hayden. All I know is that I saw something strange." She said to him before turning around and seeing the deep confusion on his face. She knew what she was doing was mean and dangerous, but it felt right. "Look whatever it is. It is part of our tanks and that means we are taking care of it one way or another." She said as she got ready to leave the dolphin enclosure and motioned for him to follow her. Even though she was trying to act casual, her heart was beating so intensely fast in her chest in that moment. "So we owe it to this creature to just let it be. Perhaps eventually we will find out what it is." @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden followed her , he listened to everything she was saying as they walked out of the exhibit. He gave a small whimper as he held his head. This was alot and very confusing. He wasn't sure what to think. "I....i wasn't talking about it to capture it and studying it. When I told you I wanted you to be mindful and maybe try and add a little more food incase it needs to eat." He just looked at her when she said they needed to let it be. He just looked a bit upset, but he stayed silent letting her talk and tell him what the creature wanted. He looked down as they walked, the strange feeling bubbling in his chest again, he couldn't explain it, he wondered if she was patanising him, or if he was just being too sensitive. "Right....leave it alone ." He replied quietly listening to her speak. He was afraid he was coming off sounding rude, he just didn't understand her. Heck he didn't understand himself in that moment. @Nakachu

She couldn't help the relief she felt as he said he wasn't going to capture it or study it. It seemed that at least she wouldn't need to be scared of suddenly finding a full tunnel full of scientist. "Yeah, I don't mind adding a bit more food to the tanks." She smiled at him feeling a bit more relaxed now. She wondered what he would do. Would he come back and try and find her again? Would he actually stay away and let her be when she wanted to swim? She even wondered if she wanted him to see her again. Not if he got as upset as he had been the day before, but if he actually admired her... she didn't know why she cared so much. She just felt like she didn't want to hide anymore, especially not for Hayden. She eventually led him into a space that was just off the side from the kitchen she prepared the food in. It was an open space that held some of the filter systems for the tanks but was mostly open. "This is where I would like the breeding tanks to go." @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded, "Okay, I'll make a order to add a few more fish to our normal orders." He replied watching her, he nodded again, using a note pad he had in his pocket to write down where she wanted the breeding tanks. He nodded "Okay, I'll get the order to the moves in the morning ." He agreed staying silent. He couldn't help but wonder if he should start acting more mature, he knew he needed to find a better way of getting to his office then the tunnel, if Luciana wanted him to leave the creature alone, he would avoide it as much as possible. "I'll, also get a order out for new kitchen appliances that way out kitchen is up to date " He replied staying by the door, incase he needed to leave quickly. He was giving her as much space as she needed him to give her. Even if he felt awkward he didn't want her to know that. He still felt a small hint if her when thinning about how they talked about the mermaid, he wasn't a heartless person who would make it a spectacular, or hunt it. He may be annoying and asking to many questions, but he wasn't there to hurt it. "Do you need me for anything else?" He siddnely asked "if you need anything else. You can email it to me and I'll get to it as fast as I can." @Nakachu

It seemed that the moment their conversations turned to talk about work, their friendship ended. It simply put a wall between them that shouldn’t be crossed. This was going to be a hard one for either of them to get over and she had been the one who caused it. If she had felt alone before, she felt it now more then ever. Perhaps it was why she wanted him to believe in the other side of him. Wanted to be on his mind in some way or another. It was cruel.. “Uhmm, no. I think that is it.” She said shrugging and putting her hands on her hips. “Actually no, the vet should call you today with the results from Mary and Louisa. If they are healthy I would like to know so I can start to arrange their transfer. It always takes a bit of prep work to move such big creatures.” She then said. And that was all she had to say. He would soon walk off again and then she was going to be all alone once more. And he would probably hide away in his office for the next few days again. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly writing down her request. He just felt empty in that moment, and when that was all she said, he gave a small nod. He bid her a good day, and went back to his office, he closed the door behind him and sighed going to his desk. He looked at his phone noticing his brothers and dad had sent him a wall of text messages sending encouraging words, and reminding him, it is only the second week things would get better. He gave a small smile , looking at his phone seeing Lucianas number, he felt it was his fault that their friendship seemed to be dying, he needed to learn how to make things right and not brother her, he needed to learn when to stop talking. All of this was new and hard, he felt exhausted. He took a deep breath, and began working on the schedule for the next week, dealing with customer complaints and working on a life size model of big Rick, so people could get to know him better. He had sent the sketch he made to luciana asking 'do you like this idea?' If she didn't he would scratch it and work on something else. Big Rick was hers, he wanted her to know she had control of what happens. @Nakachu

As he left she took a moment to just sit down. She felt aweful.. if she had wanted to cry her lungs out at that beach on sunday, she sure as hell wanted to do it now. Why did he have to fall for her..? It made things so difficult. It was so hard to want to be close to him yet knowing she could never answer to that part of his feelings. It was unfair to him.. Eventually she brought her hand up and gave herself some pats on her cheeks to get out of those emotions and got back up to finish her work. She had things to do, many things to do. Eventually her phone pinged and she took it out to look at the text. She couldn't help the smile on her face as she saw the sketch of her friend Big Rick. That is amazing! Such a great idea! she send back to him and she meant it. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden looked at his phone and gave a small smile, he was gald she likes it. He messaged back saying "great! If you want I can put you in charge of telling his story, we need facts about him and his history, I'm thinking we make him the main focus what do you think?" He leaned back in his chair he couldn't help but keep thinking about the mermaid who saved him she was burned into his memory. For once in his life he wasn't going to listen to someone. He decides he was going to try and talk to her tonight, and if that ment drowning again he would do it. He made himself busy, talking to the vet who called giving the girls a clean bill of health, which he passed the message off to luciana when he wad told, but he stayed cooped up in his office doing some research about mermaids he scowled about the rude comments people made about them, calling them monsters. He didn't think so. But other seem to have. When he checked the clock again, it read 8 o'clock, he grinned it was time. He figured luciana would be gone by now, so he quietly went to thr kitchen to get some fish for the mermaid @Nakachu

The rest of the day just went like any other day. Almost like there had never been a change of directors. She didn’t know if that was alright or if she hated it, but whatever. She spend most of the day getting things figured out for the transport of the dolphins after Hayden said they were ready to go. By the time evening rolled around she was still stressed out. The aquarium had closed and everything had calmed down, yet something was gnawing at her. And even though she hated to admit it, the last thing she wanted was to go home and be alone in her apartment. So instead she broke her rule, she was going swimming two nights in a row. She once more stripped herself down and placed her clothes in her locker before going to the tank of Big Rick. The moment she slipped in that water it was like some of that worried feeling was washed away from her and she swam with Big Rick through the tunnel. Following him wherever he went with a hand on his big massive body, stroking it like he was as tame as a small puppy. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden had gotten a few diffrent types of fish, he wasn't sure what she would eat, but he would figure it out in time. He got them in a bucket, before he walked towards the main pool. He took a deep breath, he was nervous. This would be the first time he actually went against a rule, in his life. Even if luciana didn't exactly say it was a rule, it still felt strange to do something, in the aquarium that she didn't know of. He carefully walked to the edge of the pool, the memories of him almost drawing filled his mind ad be felt a sort of panic in his heart. He quickly shook his head as he took a deep breath, he looked around the pool spotting big Rick, and with big Rick he spotted the red hair. With his glasses he could sew her alot better. And woah, she was magnificent. "E-,excuse me." He called out hoping to get her attention. He was afraid he's have to get into the water again, he rubbed the back of his neck wondering how to get her attention. @Nakachu

His voice reached. It penetrated through the water and got to her even if by then it sounded distorted. She let her hand fall away from Big Rick, letting him swim along on his own as she turned her gaze to the edge of the tank. He was standing there.. his curly hair all messy around his head and staring into the water, directly at her. He had come back? Why? And judging by how he had called for her, he had come for her. She swam to the surface, breaking out of the water a good bit away from where he was standing. She just popped out her head, only out of the water till her collarbone. Her hair sticking around her face and flowing out underneath the waters surface. The last thing she wanted was to scare him again or make him upset. She looked into those eyes that were filled with wonder and curiosity. She almost wanted to say hello before she remembered that her voice would give her away. So instead she reached her webbed fingers out of the water and waved at him in a slow way. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden was amazed, he was shocked and amazed that she was actually there. He gave her a shy smile and a small wave. He smiled carefullt sitting by the edge of the tank. "I brought you some fish, I wasn't sure what you liked so I brought you one of each." He explained carefully holding out the bucket for her. "If you don't like any of them, I'm sure Rick would like them...wait no, he has a schedule. Maybe don't feel it to him." He replied with a small frown. "Um, I'm Hayden. I'm the new director of the aquarium. If I may ask, how did you end up here? Were you born here? Like were you an egg, and you were mixed up with the sea turtles ?" He asked couriously as he looked at the other. "Im not supose to be here, but don't tell Luciana. She's great, I just don't want her to get upset that I didn't listen to her suggestion. " He admitted rubbing the back of hid neck with an emaressed smile @Nakachu

She couldn’t help the softest of chuckles at his array of questions, quickly hiding it behind her hand as she carefully swam closer to him to look at the bucket. As he asked some of his questions she would shake her head. She wasn’t born here, she wasn’t mixed up with the sea turtles. Again a soft chuckle as he mentioned that she shouldn’t tell herself and she nodded to him at that, letting him know she would not. She looked though the bucket and ended up taking a herring first. She would take it in both of her hands and take a bite from the raw fish, thankful that most of the fish that came in already had their scales removed. This was how she ate in this form, after all, there were no fires under water to cook them. She could only hope he didn’t find it gross and if he did seem to she would put the fish away. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled widely when she ate a herring. He hummed softly as he thought of some more questions. "If I may do you speak English? Or can you speak at all? Wait no important one first are you mute ?" He asked, if she was he would reframe from asking harder questions to nod or shake her head too. The curiosity and excitment was taking over, he had to physically stop moving and take a deep breath to calm himself. "Sorry, I'm getting way to excited asking you questions. Um, are you a siren? One of those mermaids that capture men?" He asked with a soft sheepish smile, he couldn't help the curiosity. he was worried luciana would find him here and tell him off. But on the other side, he really didn't care, he was just excited to about meeting a create who could he could ask questions about. "Oh, um thank you for saving me last night, I apologize for running off and rambling. I proballt shouldn't of came last night, I was one step away from a meltdown, which happens when I get too stressed out, or overestimated. Which explains why I didn't notice my foot getting trapped by Rick's toy. But thank you for saving me. I am in your debt." He teased with a small smile. @Nakachu

She answered his questions as best she could without speaking to him and when he asked if she was mute she quickly nodded, almost glad he had asked that question. At least then he would know she understood him, but could not answer the way she wamted. Yet even then his questions kept coming. She shook her head as he asked if she was siren. She moved her lips without moving them, mouthing the word 'mermaid' for him. Hoping he would see it. As he apologized for his meltdown she reached forward and took his hand gently and gave it a soft squeeze. The webbing between her fingers would feel soft but wet from the water. She suddenly dove back down, giving him a good look at her tail. She swam to the bottom and started looking through the shells that were there. She eventually found one that looked complete. The outside a beautiful creme and the inside the mother of pearl that glamed white blue, green and purple. She came up again after just a minute or two and offered it to him. In her culture gifts were a way of showing affection and trust. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly , watching her mouth the word mermaid. "Intresting that's amazing !" He replied with a kind smile, he watched her as she gently held his hand, giving it a squeeze. He gave a small smile amazed by her features. He thought she was beautiful and absolutely stunning. He smiled softly. "Thank you." He chuckled. He frowned when she suddenly dove down, when he saw her tail he was shocked. Amazed by her beauty. He leaned over the edge to watch what she was doing. He almost fell in a few times, but he couldn't watch. He moved back as she surfaced again, causing him to smile. He looked at the shells couriouly "are these for me?" He asked as he held his hands out for her to give them to him. He had a wide smile. "Thank you, I will bring you something tomorrow night ." He promised. He didn't have anything on him at the moment. Besides his necklace his mom gave him. "Thank you." He said again @Nakachu

She once more nodded at him quickly, loving the smiles that he was giving her. She didn’t believe she had seen him this excited, not even when she had first showed him around the aquarium. It was such a child like innocence that he carried over himself and she couldn’t help but love and admire him for that. Even now as he was conversing with a creature that was supposed to not exist he was simply asking his questions. It made her feel all warm inside, even if it shouldn’t. Once he had taken the shell she had figured he was comfortable enough with her to come closer. She went to the edge of the tank where he was and used her arms to pull her up. It would be a good five minutes before she would need to dip down again or spray herself if she wanted to stay in this form and she could work with that. She would sit on the edge, her tail still in the water from her knees down. Yet the rest of her would be out in the open. Including her chest, that despite the many scales that covered her breasts, still showed the shapes of her body quite well. She motioned for him to hand the shell back over to her and if he did she would bring it to her mouth. She blew on it gently with her breath and motioned for him to bring it to his ear. If he did he would hear the gentle waves of the sea inside of the shell. She would just look at him with curiosity to see his reaction. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden watched her for a moment, he looked away, trying his hardest not to observe her body, he was cautious about her scales but didn't want to seem like a creep. When he looked at her again, she motioned for the shells. He nodded slolwh giving them back to her, afraid she'd take them back. But then she motioned for him to lean in, he did. He couldn't help but smile listening to the waves go back and forth in the shell. He always wondered how they do that, but for right now he was content just listening. He hadn't relized he was just sitting there, or how long he had been, the sounds was relaxing, he normally slept on his back porch as to listen to the waves, they helped him sleep so the shell was very relaxing. He sat up looking back to her as he gave her a sheepish smile. "Sorry." He gave a small laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck. "My home, I live infront of the ocean, the sounds of the waves help me sleep." He chuckled softly as he looked at her. "Did you live in the ocean?" He asked

06:38

@Nakachu

She just smiled at him as she once more blew on the shell and gave it back to him, trying to show him all he needes to do was blow in them to make the sound stronger. She then handed it back before his mouth started to run once more. She nodded as he talked about the ocean, looking down to her hands once more. She had lived there once, but she was not likely going back at any point. It was hard to communicate with him without her voice and she found herself increasingly wanted to break that silence. So the went for his bucket again and picked out a sardine this time to slowly nibble on. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden watched her struggle with something internal he felt bad, he wanted to help her the best he could."I'll bring you something tomorrow, to help us communicate. When I was younger, I didn't know how to talk, my bio dad and mom never taught me. When my dad adopted me he got my this binder so I can communicate while he was teaching me to speak. " He smiled He got his phone out of his pocket and went to an app. "Sometimes I still have to use it, because I don't know how to explain or express myself...I wish I remembered it when me and luciana was talking. Maybe things wouldn't be so awkward now ." He admitted showing her how to use the app. @Nakachu

She looked up at him in a curious manner as he talked about the binder. She quickly nodded, that would make it so much easier! She wanted to talk to him. And if she couldn't on the dry. She would do it in the water. She couldn't help but like the attention he gave her. She reached for his hand and patted it before she lowered back into the water, starting to fele her skin tighten like it did before she started to change again. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden looked at her with a smile. "Okay! I'll bring it tomorrow. I'll just make sure to hide it in my office so no one sees it." He teased with a kind smile. He looked at his watch and sighed. "I have to get going. My cat Neptune's been alone for a bit. But I promise I will come back." He said giving her the bucket. He smiled as be carefully stood up. "Thank you for the shells, and teaching me how to make the ocean sound. I'll bring you something tomorrow as well." He promised with a wide smile. @Nakachu

She once more lifted her hand from the water and waved a goodbye at him. She couldn't help but like this. It was strange.. but to be accepted by him even in this shape, it meant a lot to her. She liked being able to be a bit more childlike along with him, to feel like her old self just the smallest bit instead of the human she was pretending to be. After her little wave she dove down once more and showed him her tail one last time before disappearing into the vast decorations of the tank. She needed him to believe she could hide somewhere and that was why she was here. It did mean that she would need to be careful about visiting the other tanks. Because how would a fishlike creature be able to go over land? @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden went home, he was buzzing with excitment. He spent the night giving Neptune attention and looking for his communication binder. He was honored she trusted him enough to come to the surface, expecally after their first encounter. When he found his old binder he went to his room to make sure all the letters and such was there. Hayden grabbed his computer and spent the rest of the night researching mermaids reading up about them, and calling up his friend who can actually see supernatural things. He asked him questions about mermaids which his really couldn't awnser. Saying "I don't know anything about mermaids, I stay away from the water after the loch essay monster incident." Which Hayden understood that had been a traumatic even for his friend. He laid back against his bed wondering if he should tell luciana he saw the mermaid. Or if he should keep it a secret. He hummed softly looking at her number debating. @Nakachu

She couldn’t help but be excited and happy. They had gone from what she had believed was a ruined friendship to a completely different friendship over night. She knew she was still being unfair towards him, but how else could she do it? Tell him it was her? It would change everything.. and she was not ready for that. For now she wanted him to be excited about her and about seeing her. So once he had gone home she went out of that tank and dried herself off as best she could, waiting for her legs to return to her. She gotten dressed and basicly ran the whole way home with a big smile on her face. When she got in her house she got herself undressed and cleaned and went straight to bed. She got one of the best sleeps in a long time. The next morning she felt energized and happy. Getting back to the aquarium in a good mood as she got the morning feedings out of the way. She took the bucket that Hayden had left and cleaned it out, he didn’t need to know she didn’t eat much more after he had left. She liked that he thought she was still in there.. hiding, somewhere. @🍂Ken🍂

The name morning Hayden got up and changed into a pair of jeans, and a hoodie, he was ready and prepared for his day. He ate home half of a bagel, before he grabbed his backpack, stuffing the binder inside, getting Neptune fed before he was off to work. He enjoyed his drive to work, listening to the radio to make the silent car ride a bit more enjoyable. He had spent a few extra minutes in the jeep before he finally parked the car in the employee parking lot and went inside. Hayden couldn't help but walk through the tunnel, looking around the tank eith curiosity in his eyes wondering if he could see her. And if luciana caught him, he would of gasped and made up some lame excuse of why he was in here. Then just smile sheepishly and say. "I was looking at big Rick, to see if he was still there. yep he's still here." @Nakachu

She had indeed just been making her way to the next tanks when Hayden showed in the tunnel. He was looking from left to right and of course she knew exactly what he was looking for. If only he knew she was right in front of him. “Hey! Hayden.” She called out to him then and he instantly started to ramble of his excuses as if she had caught him doing something he was not supposed to be. “Yeah.. He is a big shark. He does not really have anywhere else to go.” She chuckled, cocking one eyebrow at him. “Talking about Big Rick.” She said then. “I will work this afternoon on some facts about the big guy for the exhibition you want to do on him. Some general facts about tiger sharks as well as some stuff about him personally. Like how he liked to rub his nose all over the sandy floor for some reason.” She chuckled. “Where were you planning to put the statue? Here in the tunnel or at the entrance?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden gave her a wide smile as he laughed awkwardly "that's true, great! Take your time I don't wsnt you to stress yourself. I was thinking of putting it in the entrance of the tunnel, like along the wall that connects to the entrance. That way people can be excited about seeing him." He replied with a smile, moving his bag closer to his shoulder. "I hope Rick likes it. I would be pretty sad if he didn't. Will you make sure and tell him about him being the spot light shark, he's going to be famous even more so then the winter the dolphin." He smiled happily he seemed alot better then he had been the last few days a bit more peppy and happy. @Nakachu

“I will be sure to tell him next time I talk to him.” She chuckled at him. “Also the entrance is a perfect spot. There is plenty of space there and people can learn about them before they see him. He is the star of the show after all.” She said as she looked up and saw him just swimming over the tunnel. His massive body never failed to amaze her, wether she was in the water with him or saw him swimming behind the glass. And he was such a gentle soul. She liked the shark and she liked that he was getting his own little show. “Anyway. I think I have to get back to my job. Got to get ready for the dolphin show and after that I got some calls to make. it seems we might be able to get Maria and Louisa send out on Monday.” She said as she gathered her stuff and started to make way to the staff entrance that would lead to the back. “Just let me know if you need my help~ I will see you in your office then.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled widely "sure ! No problem. You got this luciana ! " He praised with a kind smile, showing that he trusted her. He had a soft of glow to him something he hasn't had since he first arrived at the aquarium. "And you let me know if you need any help as well." he offered a kind smile. He gave her a wave before he rushed off to his office making sure he put the binder in a hiding place before he began to work on getting the permits they needed to start construction one the tanks . @Nakachu

"Yes I do! Been doing it longer then you have." She said with a chuckle to make sure he knew she was making a joke. "See you around Boss." She waved with her hand and off she went. The rest of the day was hectic. One of the staff called in sick so she was juggling between being out of the floor and taking care of what needed to be done in the back of the aqaurium. At some point she even had to oversee the petting pools, but at least nothing happened so she was good. Once the evening came and she was supposed to be going home, she stayed back once more. Third night in a row.. Big Rick must thing she was crazy. He had hardly ever seen her that often at all. At least the big guy seemed to enjoy it. As she got to the tank she jumped in without hesitation, taking a big shower of bubbles with her that scared some of the fish away. She hung around near the tunnel in full view. Wondering if she would see Hayden come out of his office bubble. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hadn't ment too, but after lunch he had fallen asleep at his desk . He had gotten a full lunch, a big salad and a grilled cheese , making belly full which put him asleep. He only woke up when the vet called to verify his appointment for Neptune. Around 8 that night he finally left his office. Going towards the big tank, he held his binder close, he was buzzing with exciement. He hoped she found these helpful. He carefullt walked towards the the tank, sitting by the ladder. "Um, hello? Miss mermaid. It's me Hayden. Are you there?" He called into the water looking around couriously. He watched as big Rick swam by, he couldn't help but smile. "Hi rick." He chuckled softly. "I see you too." @Nakachu

She had been swimming around for a good half hour when she heard his voice above the tank. She looked up and once more saw that familiar bush of hair. She couldn’t help but smile as she went towards the surface. Breaking free of it she wiped her face so she could open her eyes and once more swam to the side of the tank. She put her arms over it and put her body parallel with the water, her scaled tail dancing just a small bit under the surface and in Hayden full view. Her fin sometimes poked out of the water as she moved it up and down in a simple motion. She once more put up her hand to wave at him. Even Rick came to say hi for a second before diving back under again. She couldn’t help but look at his hands to see if he had brought the binder he had talked about. Eager to communicate with him. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled widely. "I'll get you some fish later, but before I do that I wanted to show you the binder." He smiled carefully moving so he could lay on his stomach. Carefullt perching himself on his elbows as he opened the big binder. Showing her all the peel and stick velcro pictures. He showed her how everything worked, and with every example his smile grew and the excitment was shown, the memories of his dad doing the exact same thing he was doing with her. He carefully turned the page to the letters carefully getting the letters for his name. "See this is my name. Hayden Morgan, now you try?" He offered carefully turing the binder towards her so she could try @Nakachu

She paid close attention to what he was showing her, looking at all the little pieces and pictures that made up the pages. It seemed like a fun way to communicate. Even if it would take her a small bit to get the hang of it, she could work with this. As he spelled out his name she smiled at him. She mouthed the name without making a sound from her lips. She then concentrated back on the letters. She couldn’t spell out her own name so she quickly thought of another. Her hands would go from the S to the I, then an R and finally another I was added to it, spelling the name Siri. It was short and easy and sounded like siren so she believed it was a good fit for now. Even if her little web of lies to him was growing, she still couldn’t bear to reveal herself. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled watching her, his eyes were wide with amazement. "Woah. Well it's nice to meet you Siri." He said happily, as he carefully he turned to a page he couldn't help but smile seeing younger photos of his family members. He chuckled sofrly. "This is my family. My dad, Zachary. My eldest brother Oliver, my other other brother Ryker, my oldest triplet Damien, me, my younger triplet brother Jayden, and my sister Katie." He smiled happily pointing to each photo. "We probally need to update this, my brother Ollie married, a single mom and she has two kids. And of course Ryker got married as well." He smiled "Do you have a huge family in the ocean?" He asked her couriously. @Nakachu

She couldn’t help the smile on her face as she leaned in to watch him point to all the pictures. Everyone looked so incredibly young on those pictures. She ran her fingers over the pictures as he talked about it as well. She then moved her hand up, brushing the wet hair out of her face and behind her ear. Those golden eyes moving up to his face briefly before back down. As he asked her about her family she shrugged her shoulder and then held up three fingers. She had two sister and one brother. Though she had never really gotten along with either of them. She hadn’t been in a tight family like he had. Her tail swept up again, the scales gleaming against the light before she dipped it back down. She urged him to keep moving the page, wanting to see what else the binder could do. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled. "I bet you miss them, maybe one day I can help reunite you all if you'd like " He offered gently moving the binder closer to her so she could see it alot better. "If you want , maybe you can meet Ryker, he's blind so he cannot see you so he'd probally think your a fish." He laughed softly. He smiled and went to the next page that showed diffrent, that showed emotions. Sad, angry, confused scared, ect. All the emotions were there, Hayden couldn't help but smile. "This was my favorite to express my displeasement with my brothers. My dad couldn't understand why I always put Jaydens photo with angry, until he heard him shouting ." He smiled at the memories. @Nakachu

She once more focussed on the book that he had put before her and listened to him explaining it. Her fingers once more went over the different emotions that were placed on the page. Once he let her have the binder a little bit more she would flip back to the pictures and take Hayden picture and put that with the happy face on the page. She looked up at him and smiled. After that she flipped through it a little bit more and finally found a picture of the ocean. She took that as well and went back to the page that they were on before and put it down on the sadness emotion before sitting back down a little bit again and let that sink in for him. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled watching her go through the binder. He happily hummed softly watching her take his photo and the happy face. He smiled wider. "Yeah, I'm happy. I hope your happy. I can make you a photo if you'd like. I won't use your photo, but I can make it represent you." He offered softly watching her. He watched her put the ocean next to a sad face, he nodded with a small frown. "You miss your home? I can help you get there, some how?" He asked couriously @Nakachu

She smiled at him in a sweet way as he suggested making her a picture and she nodded at him. She wouldn't mind being part of his binder. In a way it kind of felt like an honor to be part of it. But when he asked if she missed her home she quickly shook her head. She meant that her home was a sad place for her and she looked back to the binder to try and make that more clear. In the end she took both the ocean and a house and placed them on the word no. She pointed with her finger. First ocean, then no and last the house. @🍂Ken🍂

He nodded softly watching her carefully. He made a small "oh.' Sound as he relized what she was saying. He gave her a small sheepish smile "Okay I think I know what you mean. Your home wasn't the best and made you sad?" He asked He hummed "im sorry that happened, your safe here, I hope we will be able to make you feel safe and happy." He said softly gently playing her hand in his to show comfort. "And if there is anything I can do please let me know, I want to make sure we do everything we can to make sure your safe." @Nakachu

She nodded as he seemed to understand what she was trying to say. Her home did make her sad as she was no longer welcome there. She had no home anymore. She had been banished to live with the humans and even there she never seemed to fit in. She had not even truly liked her natural form till now.. but here with Hayden. He was making her feel good even just for a little bit.

20:11

When he offered to do anything to make her more comfortable she reached forward and placed her hand on his arm again. She pointed to herself and then to the happy emotion face, trying to let him know that she was alright and happy. She then let him go and dipped into the water, rushed around the tank and jumped out like a dolphin would before coming back to him with a smile on her face. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled cheering for her when she jumped put of the water like a dolphin, he smiled widely. "Sweet! That's so cool! I wish I knew how to do that, but I believe that woukd require me to learn how to swim." He smiled watching big Rick swim around, before he looked back to her with a wide smile. "Im glad I found the binder. I'm excited to get to know you alot better. And maybe if luciana ever meets you, you'll be able to communicate with her." He chuckled watching bug ruck come closer to them and nudge Siri. "I wonder what Rick thinks all day." He suddenly said . "Wonder if he misses luciana when she's busy." @Nakachu okay, now imma go crash lol

She could not help but chuckle softly at his suggestion that he would need to learn how to swim. She would have offered to teach him, but without being able to speak that would be quite hard. Besides, in this form she had no legs and it would be hard to explain without them. She nodded excitedly as he talked about his binder. She liked the idea, it was great to be able to communicate with him in such a way without giving herself away. Even if it was a bit hard for her to do. She liked it. As the shark came over to nudge her she playfully pushed him away. She showed no fear for the big creature with it’s sharp teeth. He had always been super kind to her after all. When Hayden wondered what he thought about all day she moved back to the book and quickly found the page that showed a fish and pointed at it giggling. She wondered how she might ask questions using the binder. She once more went back to the binder and looked around the pages. She picked up his picture and just held it in her hand. She planned to start with something easy, hoping he would get what she was trying to do. In the end she went Hayden, then a heart, then food and finally a question mark. Trying to ask him what his favorite food was. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden laughed when she used the binder to show what big Rick was thinking about. He couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah that's true, I'll get him a treat before I leave, hopefully that will provide some sort of token of friendship." He smiled. He watched her form a question, he hummed softly as he thought. "Well, that's hard. I don't each much mainly ramon." He chuckled pointing to the Ramon photo in the binder. "But I like salads and stuff. What's your favorite?" He asked showing her he had 4 whole pages dedicated to sea life in the binder. @Nakachu

She was glad that he seemed to understand the question and as he showed her the ramen she felt like she had finally learned something about him. He would turn the page to all the sea life creatures and she couldn’t help the surprise on her face. Even if the binder had been pretty accomedating so far, she had not expected to find that many different fish and plants and everything in there. She scanned the pages with her eyes, taking in everything that was there. In the end she pointed to two types of fishes. One was salmon which was her favorite. Wether it was in her human form or as a mermaid she loved it. It was also one of the few types of fish she could eat raw as Luciana. The second one she pointed to was octopus. One of her favorites by far. She then tried to get his attention again and gave him the heart piece and pointed to the page. Wanting to know which ones were his favorite. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled sheepishly. "When I was little I was obsessed with the ocea , well I still am. But back then dad use to ask he a fact and I would show him which fish or sea animal matched the description. My nephew Edward is as well, he asked if he can stay the summer with me, so he can work. But I'm not sure if his mama will let him. " he chuckled with a smile. "Mainly because he's only 9." He hummed couriously as she pointed to the salmon and octopus. He suddenly looked up with a hum. "I wonder if we are have room for a few salmon and a octopus. "He hummed before he looked back to her. "Maybe give them their own enclosure. That way no one gets annoyed or anxious " He chuckled. As he looked at the question she asked him, he hummed softly as he looked though the sea life. He finally pointed to a photo of a sea turtle. "I love turtles. They are just so...fantastic and magnificent. When I was little our local aquarium had sleep with the sharks ,sleepovers. I remeber falling asleep while one swam over." He smiled with a chuckle. "I'd like to have that here....but I don't want you to feel unsafe , and uncomfortable?" He replied softly @Nakachu

She liked his choice. She liked the turtles too. There was one in the tank they were in. A big female who was very docile. She just liked to swim and snooze. As he talked about it she looked back and dipped her head down trying to find her and when she did she came when up and pointed to it. As he talked about the sleepovers she thought it was a wonderful idea. She would just not be here when the kids slept over, but he did not know that. She tried to find something in the book to help her explain. In the end she found a picture of a cave and pointed to herself and then it. Letting him know she would hide. Putting a thumb up to let him know it was okay. If she was able to would let him know she was good at it. He had never found her afterall. Chuckling softly after she made ir clear. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden looked at her, watching her point to the cave. "Yeah, I know you can hide. But this is your home too. If you don't have to hide, I don't want you too. Plus you'd be hiding all day, and you'd only get to swim at night, I'd feel plenty guilty knowing you had to hide longer." He replied looking at her sadly. "Maybe , we can have them sleeping with the penguins? Maybe, I'm not the neat with penguins, im sure that's okay."He smiled rubbing the back of his neck. "Only need to be bitten once to know where they want me to, and not to step."He joked. He looked at his watch seeing a text message. He sighed heavily. "I'll be back about 4 , I just got 5 texts that people arnt coming in. Maybe I should sleep here tonight." He chuckled as he looked at her. "If I sleep here , don't let Rick snatch my hand, he may be playful but if like to be dry." He teased. @Nakachu

She thought about it more. Maybe this could be good for them both. If he could help her move tanks then she could be with the dolphins as well without him finding out she can walk. She turned the pages again and found his attention. She pointed to herself and them the dolphins before pointing towards the direction of the dolphin tank and looked at him hopeful that he agreed. He soon got distracted though and looked at his watch. Damn five call ins..? Flu had been going around lately but that was bad. They would need to close the gift shop for the day and maybe even the cafeteria to habe enough people on the floor and at the entrance. She would need to be everywhere and nowhere. As he suggested he slept here she couldn't help but chuckle. She pointed down to the tunnel and them put her hands on her cheeks on one side to indicate sleeping. He could sleep in the tunnel. Try it out and see if it was okay for the kids. @🍂Ken🍂

"Carey you to the dolphin tank? I'm not sure if that's safe, what if you can't breath out of water? What if I drop you? Or worse what is luciana sees you? I mean she's great! I just don't want her to be so shocked your here she faints." He replied before watched her. He laughed softly. "Me sleep in the tunnels? Yeah maybe. With my luck Luc will walk in and trip over me. I've already embaressed myself infront of her enough this week " He said with a tiny giggle. "I should probally send her a message saying I'm here. I don't want to betray her trust, she asked me to message if I came or stayed late at the aquarium. It's the least I can do." He chuckled. @Nakachu

She wanted to against him. Say that she trusted him to not drop her and surely she couldn’t see herself, but of course she didn’t really have much of a way to prove that to him. So instead she let the topic go even though her face did say she felt a bit sad about that. It was already stating to get late and if he did want some shut eye he would need to leave soon. Hell, she needed to sleep as well. But if he was staying in the aquarium she was nog going to get much at all. She would need to make sure he was fast asleep before she could even attempt to sneak out of here. It was going to be tricky, yet she wouldn’t have traded it for being here with him. So she once more pointed to that tunnel. At least if he slept there she would have a good view of him and know when to sneak away. And once he woke up.. he would just think she had gone back to hiding herself. @🍂Ken🍂

"I mean, I can if you'd like. Just give me a week to try and figure out how I can keep you out of view of the cameras." Hayden promised with a kind smile. He yawned softly as he watched her point to the tunnel. "I mean I can sleep there if you'd like me too, but I might just hide out in my office." He chuckled rubbing the back of his neck. "I tend to sleep through my alarm, ans not wake up on time. Amd I'd Hate ti give Luciana a fright." He laughed softly as he smiled. "Im going to hide the binder in my office. I'll bring it back to you tomorrow night ." He promised with a hum as he very carefully gor up. "Goodnight siri, thank you for the chat, I hope we can chat again soon." He said softly gently taking her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before he went back to his office. So he could hide out and get some sleep. @Nakachu

She nodded at that, his office was a good place too. She let him take her hand and once more chuckled at his softly as she sprayed just the tiniest bit of water into him playfully. As he turned to leave she waved him goodbye and then dove back under. As he appeared in the tunnel she would wave at him again and swim around that tunnel, going along with him. He would get the full view of her. How her scales glowed in the blueish light and her read hair danced around her. She was quick and could be even quicker if she had more space. Only once he had left completely did she hide herself away again. She played with Rick a small bit more before she dragged herself out of that pool and dried off as best she could. She walked to bit to the dressing room and got herself dressed once more before she settled down in one of the corners to sleep. She could not go home now, it was way to late. She set her alarm way early, not risking having Hayden find her here even if he said he tended to sleep in. She was exhausted when she woke up with big dark rings underneath her eyes. But she pushed through it and soon was back in the kitchen to prepare all the fish. @🍂Ken🍂

He laughed as he walked along the tunnel, watching as siri swam around him, he was glad he was able to provide a safe and comfortable place for her. He woukd do anything to keep it a safe and comfortable place for her. When Hayden had entered the office , he laid on the floor, trying his hardest to get in a comfortable position to sleep, which wasn't coming easily to him. He sighed heavily deciding to just do some work. By the time his alarm went off, Hayden had completed a 3d model of some ideas he had for the main tank, filled with hiding whiles for the fish and little sharks, a idea of a sensory room, that would give people with sensory issues a place to stop and take a breath, a nursing area, where parents who needed space for their families could play or watch live videos of the fish while they nursed, As well as a new logo idea for the whole aquarium. He hummed softly emailing the ideas to Luciana , to get her opinions on all the ideas he had. He wanted to make sure she felt included in the ideas and changes they were to be making. @Nakachu

The morning went as it usually did. She simply concentrated on feeding everything that needed to be fed as well as sneak in some bits and pieces for herself as breakfast. The new contract with the fishers was starting to pay off and the fish they got delivered was beautiful, fresh and nutricious. It had gotten even better after she had offered the fished a family card so he could visit the aquarium with his family anytime he would want to. Overall the aquarium was already starting to turn into a different place and once feeding rounds were done she picked up her phone and looked at the 3d models that he send through. “Wow..” she said, being impressed by his work. She would go to his office, knowing he was likely still typing away after his computer. She knocked and if he told her to come in she would enter. “Hey you.” She said softly as if she didn’t want to scare him. “Those idea’s look wonderful. I think it would bring our tanks to the next level for sure. You are doing a wonderful job Hayden.” She complimented him, knowing that sometimes he needed a bit extra. She showed him a few changed that she would make and the best way to introduce new animals to the thanks. “I need you on the floor today with everyone calling in sick. And we can’t open the cafeteria today because we are too low staffed, I need those girls on the floor as well. You can choose to either cover the tunnel, the dolphins or the gift shop. I am sure Andy can show you how the register works in no time at all. So take your pick.” She offered him. “Ooh and I am staying late today. They are coming to pick up Marie and Louisa after closing hours today. So if you want to say goodbye to them you might want to join for the last feeding.” She brieved him on that with a smile. “Anything you need from me?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden looked up as luciana entered the office, he was on his 4th redbull of the day. "Hey! Thanks I'm glad you like them. I wanted to make sure I got your option and some ideas before I start trying to budget!" He smiled as he stood up getting his name tag off the desk putting it on. "Yep! I'm on my way, can't believe how many people are out today, um starting to think it's because there a beach party in Miami today." He hummed giving her a wink. He grabbed a ear piece and a walkie talkie. "I'll be anywhere , figured I'd float around. Yeah I'll come say goodbye with you, make sure they are safe and happy." He agreed taking one last drink of the red bull before he threw it away. "Alrighty! Let's go, um I think you have everything covered. Do you wanna take a break before we get too crazy? That way you can have a few to yourself and breathe?" He offered as he turned off the lights in the office and closed the door behind him. @Nakachu

“You serious..?” She said as he spoke about the beach party in Miami. “These girls are getting an ear full from me when they come in next. They should have just asked the time off! At least we could have gotten them a replacement.” She said, obviously annoyed about it. “Actually that might not be a bad plan. I might not be able to take a break later on. Good thinking!” She said to him. “How about you meet Andy first, he can show you how the till works and after that you just go wherever you feel you can help. I will be in touch on the walkie talkie if stuff comes up.” She suggested to him. It felt a bit strange to boss him around, but where he was the boss when it came to cleaning up this place and getting new designs in, she had always been the one keeping it running when it came to the floor. She knew their worker’s strength and weaknesses. “Thanks for the help Hay!” She then said before she was off. Like she had promised she went on break first and then spend the rest of the day keeping everything running. With Hayden’s help she managed to keep all the feedings and shows going despite how low staffed they were and at the end of the day she could honestly say she was impressed by their work. “Okay, we closed!” She said then as she had gathered everyone around and gotten the last guests out of the gift shop. “Good job everyone! Thank you being here. Have a good trip home!“ she said as she motioned for them to clock out and be on their way. Most people didn’t need to stay after closing so it was just Hayden and Luciana left at that point. “The movers should be here soon. Let’s get Marie and Louisa ready.” She then said. She walked with him to the dolphin enclosure. Marie and Louisa had already been separated from the group and placed in separate tanks from the others. This way they could be moved more easily. Those tanks were close to one of the giant backdoors and a tank would come to pick them up. She kneeled next to the water and the two girls came

23:19

swimming up to the surface right away. “Hey sweeties..” se said to them gently as she placed her gloves hands on their skin. “I am sorry I didn’t get to swim with you one last time..” she whispered to them. She had meant to have her goodbye before, but with Hayden being in the aquarium and knowing about her she couldn’t have. She could already feel the tears forming in the corners of her eyes. She loved these two.. and even if she knew they were going to a good home where they could do better, she would miss them dearly. @🍂Ken🍂

He chuckled. "Yes, you better get your break in, I don't want you to be burnt out, today is a new day and we are going to make it amazing!" He said with a cheery smile. "You never know who is watching. And who knows, maybe we will make a kids dream come true." He smiled, giving her a wave as they went their separate ways. Hayden worked as hard as he could. He tries his best to keep up with everyone, he tried to keep the guest happy, he even had a few shout at him, for how under staffed they were, and how young he was. All he could do was just smile, and continue to keep the patrons happy. By the time Luciana gathered everyone, telling them how amazing they did, he was overestimated. He just smiled agreeing with what ever Luciana said, he was proud of everyone, they all made a pretry great team, ans after today it showed who was actually serious about staying there. He looked up at luciana as he nodded following her to the dolphins. "Yes, tonight may be hard for everyone." He replied eith a soft hum as he followed. "Im sorry you have to say goodbye, maybe you can go visit them soon." He offered watching her. He watched the way she cared for Marie and Louisa, he was thankful for the opportunity to have met them. He sat away from them, giving Luciana time to say her goodbyes, this was a moment she needed and he wasn't going to push his away and force her away. @Nakachu

“It is okay.. they need more space to be happy and healthy and at least they are going together.” She said through the small cloud of tears. She sniffled her nose as she rubbed over the skin on the dolphins, wishing she could feel their bare skin one last time underneath her fingers. But with Hayden this close by that was not going to happen. “I am just going to miss them you know.” She said with a gentle smile on her face. “You two need to be real good at this new place okay? The aquarium is beautiful and big. Don’t fight the other dolphins! Just stick together and I am sure that eventually they will start to love the both of you. And be good for your new trainer.” She talked to them as she could hear the truck backing up outside already. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly, watching her. "Of course. Amd whenever you want I can take you there to see them." He said softly as he carefullt got up watching the dolphins stay close to Luciana, he gently knelt down beside her, it took him a few long moments before he placed a co forting hand on her shoulder, giving her a soft gently squeeze on the shoulder. He looked up when he heard the truck, he gently patted her back going over to speak eith the delivery drivers, asking them to give luciana another 15 minutes, which the men agreed. Hayden went Overy to her. "Im going to sign the paper work, they are giving you 15 minutes alone with the girls, a proper goodbye is in placed." He whispered before going to get the paper work signed, leaving Luciana alone @Nakachu

“Thank you.” She whispered back to him and took that fifteen minutes. In the end she decided to take one glove off and actually let her hand glide over both their skins. Hayden was far enough out of view to not notice the webbing between her fingers and he wasn’t paying that much attention in that moment anyway. After that she wiped it against her jeans as much as he could and eventually it returned back and she could pop her glove back on. Thank god for leather gloves.. Once she was properly done she wiped her eyes and went down to the truck as well to finish up with them. Luciana would lead them to the more shallow part of the pool and then they would lower a hammock looking cloth down that the dolphins could be placed on and placed into the tank that was on the truck. She nodded to them. “Wait.. who is going to get the dolphins in the hammock?” She suddenly asked the driver. “That is your task Ma’m, you are the trainer.” He said and she could barely keep herself from cursing under her breath. “Okay.. uhmm yeah just give me a moment. We should still have one of those high rise rubber pants somewhere..” she said then, thinking where the hell they could be. They had been used for the petting pools before so the trainer could stand in the middle without getting wet, but it had been to stressful for the animals inside it. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden watched her, he rubbed the back of his neck as he shook his head. "I'll do it ." He said carefully taking his shoes and socks off. "Just...drive me home tonight ?" He said with a teasing smile as he carefully walked into the water. The cold water actually felt extremely nice on his skin, giving himself something to focus on, but the way his wet jeans felt almost made him want to gag. He thankfully was okay, as he stood in the water "just tell me what to do Luc, I'm not risking you a allergic reaction. Just boss me around, should be easy huh?" He teased looking up at her. "And um....make sure I don't drown?" He said softly trying to make light of the situation. @Nakachu

Him offering to do it took her by surprise. At least with it being the shallow part it didn’t risk Hayden not being able to swim. “Okay okay.. uhmm. We lower the hammock first.” She said to the truck driver who went in his truck and started to lower it. Once it was inside the water and lay slack and wide enough. “Don’t worry. The water is shallow for quite a bit. An it goes down gradually, you will know when it gets to deep.” She assured him. She then put her fingers in her mouth and made a whistling noise which make Louisa and Marie come over. She then pointed with her fingers to Louisa and made a motion to the back. Louisa broke off as she was instructed and Marie stayed. “Just motion for her to come over with your hand. She might be nervous, she knows something is happening. Just tell her it is alright, anything soothing.” She instructed Hayden. “Don’t start hoisting up till I tell you to.” She said to the truck driver and he nodded. “Her full body needs to be in the hammock and the holes are for her fins.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded trying to focus on what she was saying, but in his oberstimulated mind it was starting to get hard to focused because of how his wet jeans felt. He suddnely got frustrated and flustered ad he looked at luciana . "Cover your eyes please, I am begging you." He said in a pleasing voice. To do his job he was going to have to embaress himself....again. If she did cover her eyes, he quickly took his jeans off leaving him in a pair of black boxers. He carefully put his jeans on the side of the pool breathing a sigh of relief as he began to feel calm again. He went back to the girls and smiled "that's better! Alright let's do this ." He said and carefully helped get them into the hammocks safely and comfortably. @Nakachu

She would listen to what he said even if she was not sure why he needed her too. She put her hands in front of her eyes. She heard some splashing of the water before Hayden said she was ready. “I won’t be able to tell when you are ready so you need to tell me when she is in.” She said to him. “You can stroke her forehead to calm her down if she starts to get fussy.” She cleared up to him. When eventually he let her know that she was in the hammock safely she would signal to the truck driver to start hoisting her up. “Just go slow. And Hayden, make sure her flippers are in the holes. You say stop if anything seems strange.” She instructed them both even as she was still not looking at where Hayden was. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded, he appreciated luciana not looking towards him. "Olay, I'm ready." He replied gently stroking their foreheads helping keep them calm as they were. Soon they were up and in the the truck safely. He breathed a sigh of relied "they are in Luc." He told her with a small smile. "They are safe ." @Nakachu

07:04

He hummed trying to figure if he wanted to get out of the water or wait a minute before he got out of the water. He looked at her couriously

The move went decently smooth. Only once they were in the air and out of the line of sight of Hayden in the pool. She would hold her breath both time that they got lowered into the tank, but once they were in they seemed to be doing alright. She let out a sigh of relief once it was all over. “Yes.. they are safe.” She said with a smile on her face. She still had her eyes away from Hayden, respecting the fact that he didn’t want her to look at him. “You need me to grab you a towel? Or help you out of the water?” She offered to him then. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled, he was glad they were safe and on their way to their new home. "Good, like I said you can go visit them whenever you'd like, just let me know and I can put you down as a off site work." He smiled. He relized he still didn't have his pants. His gage went bright red as he looked up to Luciana. "Um, a towel would be best, I don't want you to have an allergic reaction." He replied softly, as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I appreciate your help, you can look if you'd like, um my jeans were....not the best thing to wear today." He admitted. @Nakachu

He was such a sweet guy wasn’t he? She really thought that he was amazing in his own little ways. As she did look his way she couldn’t help but be a small bit surprised at the loss of his pants, but ultimately she didn’t look at it to much. She went off to the side and produced a towel for him and handed it placed it at the side of the pool. “Let me just go talk to the truck driver real quick.” She offered him then, giving him the space to get out on his own. She would go to the truck driver and get the papers finalized. He then closed off the top and the truck would start to back out so it could make the night trip to Atlanta. Her eyes stayed on the truck till it fully went out of view and she closed the big garage door behind them. The whole time convincing herself that this was for the best for the two dolphins and she was sure it was. She would be in contact with the Atlanta trainer to make sure they were okay. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled when she gave him the towel "Thank you I appreciate it." He replied. He watched her go and get the paperwork finalized. He couldn't believe it, every chance he tried to not embaress himself infront of Luciana he was thankful this time, she was distracted. He carefully stepped out of the pool, wrapping the towel around hid waist, before he carefully picked up his jeans and shoes, carefully making his way to stand next to luciana , watching the truck drive away. "You did good with them, they will never forget you and keep you in their hearts." He told her as he hummed softly. "Are you going to be okay?" He asked looking at her worried. @Nakachu

“Yeah no.. Don’t worry about it. I will be fine.” She said to him and forcing a smile on her face to try and convince him. The truth was she would be fine. She would get over this but for now it hurt to see them go. It was like letting her children leave the next, or giving away a pet you have held so dear in your heart for a long time. “I know it will be better for them over there. And it is better for the dolphins that are left behind. It just… is hard to watch them go.” She admitted. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly. "I understand, it's going to be hard for a while. The most important thing to remember, is the happy moments you have with them, ans never say goodbye. This isn't a goodbye, it's a I'll see you soon." He explained wishing he was dry so he could give her a hug. "When I change if you'd like I can give you a huge. A friend hug ." He added quickly so she didn't think he was making a move, or flirting. @Nakachu

She nodded to him, trying to hold on to his words for dear life. “Yeah.. you are right.” She said as she forced herself to smile again. She had her hands wrapped around her and only looked towards him then. He was wet from his waist down. His shirt clinging to his hips and the flaring out at the dry parts. The towel was wrapped around him to obscure the rest from view. “No.. It’s fine..” She said. “You should go home, really.” She said to him. “It has been a long day and you already looked tired this morning.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden blushed as he nodded holding the towel closer. "I will....try my best to get home" He replied looking up at the sky. "I should probally go now, 5 energy drinks, no sleep and being over stimulated isn't fun." He admitted looking at her with a small smile. "Im one phone call away luciana, please call me if you need anything and I mean anything. " He said seriously. He gave her a kind smile. Tightening his hold on the towel around his waist, he picked his shoes and jeans up again. "You did amazing today Luciana , you truly are spectacular " He smiled before he began to walk back to his office so he could get his car keys. @Nakachu

"Thank you. I will remember that Hayden." She smiled at him. At least it seemed that some of that awkwardness between them had finally left them even if just a little bit. Surely his crush was still there, but it seemed that her mermaid form had been able to distract him a little. "Get some good sleep Hayden." She offered him with a smile. As he left she was left standing there. She should go home as well.. but she didn't want to leave. She wanted to spend some time with the dolphins, feeling like she needed to comfort them now their friends were gone. Was it to risky? Surely not.. Hayden said he was going home. She would be fine. So she started to make her way there. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden gave her one last wave before he went to go home. Once he got home he fed Neptune ate dinner and quickly showered, he was exhausted amd ready to go to bed. He was close to ginslly getting some sleep, he was in his pajamas laying in bed his eyes closed when he relized, he didn't have his phone. To say Hayden had thrown a fit was an understatement. He whined stomping around as he put his shoes on , ans dragged himself back to the aquarium. The man just wants to sleep. His mood did bit get better when he arrived at the aquarium. He closed his door and went to search for his phone, ans where he found it , caused the 24 year old to just want to cry. His phone was at the bottom of the dolphin tank, he was distraught. He had all his important notes on his phone, important photos, plans for the aquarium, everything was on there , and it was gone. Not only that Luciana can't call him, he had broken yet another promise. He wiped his tears away as he whimpered, he was stressed, and didn't wsnt to call and bother luciana . So he just stood there for a good 25 minutes just breathing, trying to keep himself as calm as he could. @Nakachu

Lucianna was blisfully unaware that Hayden had entered the aquarium again. Neither had she seen the phone that was on the bottom of the shallow tank directly connected to the dolphin tank. She was simply enjoying herself with the five dolphins that were left behind. She was doing little races with them around the tank, truly testing her speed. She zoomed through the tank, the other five matching her speed easily. Eventually they added jumping into it. Taking turns jumping out of the water. She had lowered their play ball from the ceiling before she had gone in and they were tapping it as they jumped. Once hayden had calmed down he could likely heard the splashing and the giggling that was happening in the other tank. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden heard the giggling, he got goosebumps. Had Siri somehow gotten to the dolphins. Anxiously he went towards the dolphins . "H-hello?" He called out looking around trying to fins who was making the giggling sounds. "S-siri is that you? Or have I finally lost it?" He asked looking he stopped at the main dolphin tank his eyes went wide as he saw her. How did she get there. He watched her shocked and amazed at the speed she was going. @Nakachu

She stiffened as she heard him call out to her. She knew she was not supposed to be in this tank. She wasn't supposed to be around the dolphins. The five of them nudged her playfully to get her to keep going and she just quickly shushed them and send them to play on her own. She swam towards Hayden in an almost guilty puppy manner and just looked up at him. She knew she wasnt going to be able to explain this one and for once she was happy about being mute. Then she saw the tears on his eyes and cocked her head, wondering if he was alright. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden watched Siri swim over. He carefully knelt down beside the tank. "Im starting to think the rumors, about mermaids teleporting is true." He replied gently hugging his knees as he watched her. He noticed the guilty look she had. He just rubbed the back of his neck. "Im sorry if I scared you, I lost my phone and I came to get it." He admitted looking away sheepishly. "Its at the bottom of the dolphins pool." He sighed softly looking at her. "Um, you can go back to swimming if you'd like, I have to go home...or my office first to call my dad and let him know...and leave luciana a voice message. I don't want either of them getting worried.' He rambled on @Nakachu

She couldn't help the soft chuckle as he talked about teleportation. Of course that was not the way she had gotten there, but she did find it kind of him to be like that. As he said that his phone was at the bottom on the tank she looked at him a bit confused, then remembered he had been in the shallower tank before to help the other two in. She instantly dove back down in the water and used her strong tail to propel herself forward. She was to the little tunnel part that connected to the more shallow pool. There was a sort of cloth cover that was over it to keep the dolphins from swimming in there, but as she knew how it worked and where it got clipped off she easily got into that part of the tank. She soon found his mobile phone on the bottom of the tank. It stood out real badly since this transportation or separation pool was just white with no plants or anything decorated. She picked it up from the ground and then swam up coming up above the surface. It was the longest he had seen her below the surface and she was not out of breath at all. She then held the phone out for him so he could take it, hoping that it was waterproof and would not be broken. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden looked worried when she dove down into the water, he was afraid he upsetted her by asking his many questions, but was relieved when she came back up to the surface. He gave her a smile gently taking the phone when she have it to him. "Thank you." He said softly checking to see if the phone would turn on, of course it wouldn't, but he would go get it repaired in the morning. He sighed heavily as he looked to Siri. He gave her a small smile. "Thank you Siri, if you'd like I can carry you back to big Rick and get you dinner before I leave. Or I can get you dinner and you hang out here with the dolphins ." He offered @Nakachu

She happily smiled back at him as he thanked her and even made a soft chiming noise with her voice. Once it was clear it wouldn’t turn on though her smile kind of faded. That was bad.. she knew he liked being available for calls and that he talked to his family a lot. She would have offered him her phone, but in this form she couldn’t do that. She watched him leave and as he offered to carry her to Big Rick’s tank she considered it. She wondere if he thought she could not go back on her own. She had already spend quite some time with the dolphins and she had cheered them up plenty. So she turned to him and nodded to his offer to bring her back. She popped herself out of the water, sitting on the side and putting her tail over the side so she could start to dry up a little bit before he picked her up. It would be the first time that he really got to see her that close up. @🍂Ken🍂

"Hey no worries don't feel bad, I got the laptop, I'll just call my dad on there ." He smiled putting the dead phone in his pocket, staying positive. "Besides, i think Luciana will survive one night without me annoying her." He replied with a small laugh. When she popped out of the water, he offered her a kind smile, carefully kneeling down next to her. He was amazed by her beauty. "Siri, your absolutely beautiful did you know that?" He asked her with a kind smile. He very carefullt placed his arm under her tail, and on her back gently lifting her up. "Tell me if you need to get into water, I will try my best to find you a tank to quickly dip into." He carefully and quickly began to walk back into the aquarium, making his way towards the main tank. Haydens size could fool everyone. He was a thin kid, people use to comment that he was as thick as a tooth pick, the wind could break him. But he was in fact very strong, when he goes hiking he often carried 20 pound weights in his back pack, so he coukd try and gain some muscle. He looked to Siri and offered her a smile. "We are almost there, when we get there I'll get you some fisj." He promised. @Nakachu

She couldn’t help the blush on her face as he called her beautiful. She knew that he was attracted to her human form, but being complimented by him about this form felt different.. it made her feel warm on the inside and her heart beat faster. She held into him gently as he picked her up even if she was sure that she was causing her clothes to get wet once more. She was fresh out of the water after all. Lucky for her it took quite a bit for her to dry enough to change and she was not quite that far yet when they started to get close to the tank. So she just closed her eyes and let her head rest against his shoulder, relaxing in his arms. She was indeed a bit surprised by how well he was handling her weight. Even if she wasn’t heavy, she was still a good 100+ pounds. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled softly when she rested against his shoulder, he was glad he was able to help her, and provide some sort of comfort. He hopes he was able to do this for alot of people, and give them a sense of security. Once they got to the tank, Hayden gave big Rick a warning look. "Now Rick, you might like siri but give her some space man." He pouted as he gently set her down on the side of the tank, watching Rick swim close to them. He huffed softly as he made sure siri was okay. "He doesn't like to listen does he?" He teased as he stood up, he walked towards the kitchen getting her some fish he thought she would like. Once he gathered then he walked back towards the tank, offering then to siri. "I hope these are to your liking ." He smiled @Nakachu

She chuckled as he said Rick didn’t like to listen. He really didn’t. Big Rick did as he liked, as she should. The tank was his, he was the primary predator and because of that everything else had to respect him. Including Luciana. Even if she had a friendship with the big shark, she knew better then to piss him off and risking a bite. As he sat her dow at the edge of the tank she instantly let herself fall in just quickly to get wet again before she sat back on that edge with just her tail inside, a small puddle forming underneath her rear. As he came back she would look at the array that he had gotten her and smiled at him. They all looked delicious and fresh and there were for sure some that she liked. She took one of the herrings and started to eat the meat off the bones. She would pat the spot beside her where it was still dry and invite him to sit with her. As he sat down she took his hand and made it face palm up. With her finger she would trace two letter on it. A T and a Y, trying to thank him for bringing her back and bringing her food. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled gently sitting next to her, he smiled softly watching her take his hand as she gently traced the letters. The feeling was relaxing, his skin was hyper sensitive, due to the overwhelming feelings he had been feeling all day, the tracing was relaxing. "Your welcome, I'm glad I could help." He said softly wondering if she would keep going with the tracing, he watched her hand for a moment before he looked up at her. "Im sorry if I worried you. I didn't mean to if I did, it's just been a long few days ." He chuckled softly. He looked out at the tank, watching the sea life swim around, he wish he would be like them. To swim without a care, to be free from all responsibilities, to just be their selves and not have to worry about anything. He hummed just watching the water, trying to relax. @Nakachu

As she wrote the letters on his palm she could see him relaxing a bit. His shoulder seemed to lose some tension and his back slumped forward a bit. She looked up to his eyes and saw that he was still watching it despite the letters being done and just kept softly tracing over the skin as he seemed to be enjoying it. As he expressed that it had been a few long days she opened up her arms and pulled him closer against her. He was already wet from having carried her here, surely it didn’t matter if he got a little bit more wet. She just let him rest against her while she kept tracing over his palm with her fingers and added some soft melodic humming to the air. She didn’t want him to be as stressed as he was and she somehow felt like partly.. it was her fault. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden was a bit surprised when she pulled him into a hug, he hummed softly looking up at her. "I'm okay, really no need to worry." He replied looking at her. He let her do whatever she needed to do, he was afraid to relax, if he did he'd fall asleep, and that is very dangerous when near a pool of water. "Oh, before I forget I have some ideas for this tank." He said reaching for his phone before he remembered. He sighed. "I'll bring my laptop Tomorrow so you can see it." He replied softly. After a bit he moved out of her hug and looked at the water again. "Siri, what's it like to live in the ocean? We're you free?" He asked her @Nakachu

She found his eyes and held them as he asked that question. Her smile would falter and she would look down at her own hands for a moment. She understood that he believed that. The fast ocean was big, you could go anywhere you wanted. She could understand that his view of it was that of freedom and exploration. That had been what she had liked the most about it, but it had also been the reason that she had gotten cast out. She took a deep breath and then looked up at him and shook her head at him. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden frowned at her reaction, he looked at her and nodded softly as he held her hand gently, showing her that she was okay, and she was safe. "Im sorry, I shouldn't of brought it up. Yout here for a reason, I shouldn't of pushed." He apologized looking out towards the water."I won't bring it up again, I don't want to hurt your feelings, and I apologize if I had." He said gently hugging her close, hoping to provide some comfort. @Nakachu

She quickly shook her head, not wanting him to feel bad about asking. She put up a thumb to show him it was okay before accepting the gentle hug that he gave her. She didn’t want him to feel sad, she wanted him to feel happy and good. He seemed so down lately and she couldn’t help but feel that it was her fault. Ever since she had rejected him he had just seemed so out of it. Like he was feeling guilty about something all the time. She let herself sink down into the water and playfully sprayed just the smallest bit of water into his face to try and make him smile.

20:14

@🍂Ken🍂

Hayden frowned looking confused when she shook her head, he gave a small nod watched her give him a thumbs up. "Im assuming that means it's okay and your okay?" He said with a small frown, hoping he was correct, he wasn't sure if he was or not, but it was a better guess. He let her go, as she slide back into the water, he wondered if she was going to go back to her hiding place, or just wanted to get away from the awkward tense. He yelped when the water was suddenly sprayed in his face, he was thankful he had his glasses on. He looked at her with a surprised look. "Did you just....oh, if only I have a super soaker." He teased with a smile @Nakachu

She couldn’t help the giggles that rang out of her then, they were probably the closest thing he would get to hearing her original voice in her as she couldn’t hold herself back. Little gasps and even the smallest of snorts coming from her mouth much like it when she laughed in her human voice. She looked at him for just a small bit and then at the pool around them. She knew that he was scared of the water, that he could not swim, but she wanted him to enjoy it with her sometime. She wondered if she could convince him to let her teach him how to swim.. or he would trust her enough to know she would keep him afloat. So she brought her hands up and made a motion with her hands for him to come in with her in a gentle way. @🍂Ken🍂

04:30

(Sorry ken, been having a rough time)

((Your fine I understand))

Hayden laughed with her, gently wiping the water off of his face. He gave her a smile listening to her laugh, he was glad she felt comfortable. "Your laugh is beautiful Siri, I hope you have more enjoyable moments in the future!" He smiled. Hayden frowned when he notice her motion for him to come to her, the sudden anxious feelings came back but he didn't want her to know. "Oh, I'm okay siri, really I don't want you to have to worry about me if I go into the water really it's okay. Besides, when we swim I want it to be when you don't havevto worry. But I'll sit on the edge ." He promised gently rolling up his pant leg so he could put his feet in. He looked at her with a smile. "Promise big Rick won't come and give me a suprise nibble." He teased @Nakachu

She smiled at him gently as he sat dow and put his feet into the water. It was a start she supposed, she didn’t want him to be uncomfortable after all. She swam back towards him and hovered in the water before him. She just giggled as he talked about Big Rick. She turned to watch him swimming and he was nowhere near him. She would raise her pinky and offer it to him as a pinky promise. Then she would run her fingers over his feet. Spreading the cool water over his limbs and softly massaging his calfs, letting that salty water seep into his skin. She smiled up at him, realizing that she had never touched him in that manner before, but she enjoyed it. As Luciana she needed to always stay an arms length apart, afraid that he would find out.. But as Siri, she felt so free. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled, gently wrapping his pink around hers the best he could. "Thats good, I'd feel bad if i suddenly got eaten, then I wouldn't be able to come back." He teased with a smile. He shivered as she gently ran her fingers over his feet and messaged his calfs, he looked at her couriusly. Wondering what she was doing, if he was honest, he had never been touched like this, nor allowed anyone to be this close to him. He gave her a small smile relaxing. "Hey, that feels nice actually. Thank you." He said softly feeling his stiff tense muscles relax. @Nakachu

He hummed softly letting her do whatever she wanted. "This feels nice, do you do this for friends ?" He asked her couriously. He wasn't a big fan of touching when tired , but this felt so relaxing, he didn't want her to stop.

She looked up at him as he asked if she did that for friends and she nodded at him. Of course she couldn’t tell him that she had just wanted to do that for him. To have him relax for her. She finishing massaging that one calf before she moved to the next and said the same. She started to hum for him. A soothing melody that soon turned into a song. It was sang in a language that he would not recognize. It sounded soft and mostly made up of short syllables that made them very suitable for singing. It would be the first time he got to hear her voice in this form and it was gentle and soft and higher pitched. She would keep singing to him for as long as she seemed to relax. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hummed softly , enjoying the tough. He looked at very starting to feel sleepy as he listened to her start humming a soft lullaby. He ever so gently gathered a few strands of her hair, giving her small braids. "I use to braid my brother Damiens hair all the time. When he'd come home from school in tears, Or was overwhelmed, he'd come to me and I'd braid his hair." He smiled gently twisting her hair to make a braid. "I braid peoples hair to show then I trust them and this is how i will help comfort you." He explained with a soft smile listening to her melody. He felt at peace and relaxed. "I want to braid Luciana's hair. The night she was having a hard time, I wanted to ask her of I could, in hopes of causing her to feel relaxed and feel a bit better. But I was too nervous to ask." He sighed pausing his braiding for a moment, before he continued. "Siri, do you think I'm a bit forward?" He asked looking at her @Nakachu

Her own massaging would come to a little bit of a halt as he gathered her hair and started to braid the bright red strands. She could see how his brother would fine it soothing as she would lie if she said she did not enjoy it. As he told his story she couldn’t but smile. As he said he name she looked up at him and shook her head as he asked if he was being forward. She didn’t think he was. She liked him.. she might have liked him from the start. Her fear had just held her back, the knowing that she could never be fully honest with him. Before long she had her head rested in his lap and her eyes closed as he worked those small braids in her hair. It was so soothing and for a bit she just felt her worries fading away. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden hummed sofrly, continuing to braid her hair. Smiled sofrlt when she rested her head down on her lap, he made sure he wasn't pulling her hair. "Im glad you don't think I am, I know when I am trying to get use to a new routine and a big change I tend to go overboard with feelings and trying to make things feel...normal." He admitted with a soft hum. As he gently twisted her hair, he couldn't help but hope maybe one day this would be him with someone, someone who would allow him to love and take care of, he Secretly hoped it was Luciana, but he didn't want to push her away, that was his biggest fear. "Siri, how would merfolk go about talking about their feelings?" He asked looking at her. "Would they be like here and give gifts and flirt? Or do something else?" @Nakachu

Her tail would move slowly up and down in the water, her scales shimmering softly in the lights that shone at it from above. She just enjoyed the braiding and the relaxed feeling that came with it. His fingers so soft and gentle against her scalp. As he asked how they would go about talking about her feelings she wasn’t sure how to answer them. Gifts were a big part of her culture. Pearls and shells were common items that were given. The bigger the pearl the bigger the affection. So in the end she looked at him and nodded when he asked about the gifts. The merfolk were playful and gentle. Even just small games were part of courting, but she had no way to explain that. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly as he watched her, he just hummed braiding her hair "when my brother Oliver didn't ask his wife to date him, she went up to him and asked if they were official." He chuckled softly "with Ryker, they ended up in the er, because he put the engagement ring in her cake and she ate it." He hummed thinning about his siblings, wondering if he did some sort of romantic gesture if luciana would decline him again. He sighed heavily as he stopped his braiding. "Im sorry for asking you such personal questions siri." He said with a kind smile. "I hope I'm not making you sad or uncomfortable." @Nakachu

She hated how unsure he seemed about everything he did. The more time she spend with him, the more she realized how every decision seemed to be a choice that he had to overthink many times. Like he was afraid to just be himself. Afraid of being rejected.. and that had been exactly what she had done. She had rejected him.. She got up from his lap then, about five small braids mixed in with her regular hair. She gave him a smile before she stretched and then faked a yawn. It was late and both of them should get some sleep. @🍂Ken🍂

"Oh! I um, I didn't relize the time I should get going ." He said carefully getting his legs out of the water, grabbing his shoes and broken phone. "Thank you for allowing me to spend time with you Siri, I'll see you tomorrow ill make sure to bring you some fish tomorrow." He promised. He gave her one last smile before he made his way to the tunnel, where he began his journey home, he was exhausted and hoped he would be safe driving home. @Nakachu

She waved him goodbye and would wait for him to make his way out before she lifted herself out of the water as well. She dried herself off and eventually was able to get dressed and head home. She went straight to bed and was so glad when she managed to find sleep quickly. She had a restful night and when her alarm went of the next day she felt a lot more ready. Hopefully today she would have a full team and no longer needed to juggle with everyone. She came to the aquarium at the same time she always did and started her feeding rounds. The small braid were still in her hair. She had forgotten about them completely. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden arrived the next day around 8. He felt alot better after having slept through the night. He walked into work in a pair of surf shorts and a tank top, his hair was tied up in a bun as he walked through the tunnel going towards his office. He had an assembly that day at the local elementary school, to talk to the kids about the aquarium, he hadn't expected all his work clothed to be dirty, so he figured he'd try and make the kids at least giggle because of the way he looked. He hummed softly gathering his laptop, and a box full of packets for each class to have to give to the parents. Announcing their upcoming family days and exciting new developments of the aquarium. He replied he should go to Luciana and see if she wanted to tag along, seeing as their entire staff was there for the day. He carried the box out of his office walking to one of many feeding routes he knew luciana would be, when he saw her he had a wide smile. "Luc! Goodmorning !" He called happily as he picked up the pace to see her. He looked at her couriosuly seeing the braids in her hair. "Hey, nice braids. Did you do them? They look reslly nice on you." He complemented with a wide smile, not suspecting anything. @Nakachu

She was looking her usual way. The shirt with the aquariums logo on her top, jeans at the bottom along with boots and her leather gloves in place as she hauled her buckets of fish to the next location she needed to feed. As Hayden called out to her she turned around with a smile. “Ooh hey! Good morning.” She greeted him. “You look better.” She mentioned, not as tired as he had looked the day before. Which fit.. he had gone home this time after all. As he mentioned the braids she couldn’t help but let her hands go up to them in surprise. Shit.. she had never taken them out. “Ooh, uhmm.” She stammered a softest blush covering her cheeks. “I must have forgotten to take them out before I went to sleep.” She said quickly. She continued her route, not having the time to stop and wait around during feeding. If he wanted to talk to her more he would need to follow along with her. “I just checked up on the other dolphins. They don’t seem to upset to be missing their friend.” She then said with a smile, happy that all of them were still eating and not sad that they missed their friend. “I will call up the Atlanta trainer soon and see if they arrived safely.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled widely following her as she walked. "Thank you! I feel alot better. I had went home and fell asleep on the back patio again, it was very relaxing and peaceful." He replied, not telling her that the gentle touches Siri gave him had actually helped him relax alot. "Thats good, I was worried they woukd of been upset." He admitted watching the dolphins with a smile. "Perfect let me know what they say, I hope they are thriving and enjoying their stay in Atlanta." He smiled looking to her "now are you doing okay Luciana ?after yesterday I want to make sure you are okay." He said kindly @Nakachu

She turned to look at him. Was she alright? She knew he was asking her that because she had needed to say goodbye to the two dolphins last night, but there was more going on wasn’t there? She almost felt like two people. Siri was no longer her true form, it seemed like a different personality almost. One where she could feel her herself, where she could be around Hayden without needing to worry. Yet as Luciana she was still walking on eggshells around him, afraid to show him anything that would seem like more then a friendship. It was a hard balance and it was leaving her with sleepless nights. In the end she sighed and forced a smile. “I am managing.” She said to him. “What about you? You seem.. happy lately.” She asked him. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden gave her a small smile. "Why don't you take today off? Come join me at the school. It will be relaxing, you can tell the kids aviut the diffrent animals, on the way back I can take you to a restaurant that I have became obsessed with, you know as friends." He added with a smile showing her he was making an effort to stay friends and only, he wanted Luciana to not feel stressed, he assumed it was because of all the sudden changed to the aquarium, heck he understood to stressed feelings you get when alot of change happened. He didn't want her to feel that. "Oh me? I guess so, I didn't notice. I got my house unpacked. Now the hard part of putting everything were it needs to." He hummed softly

07:54

@Nakachu

“I don’t know..” she said as she looked down at her bucket There were others who could do the feedings.. they had done it before. But never on a whim like this. Yet as she looked back at Hayden and saw the excitement in his eyes it was hard for her to refuse him. “I uhmm..” she then said as she tried to go over the schedule in her head. “Yeah.. why not.” She then said and smiled at him. “Let me just find Willem and tell him that he needs to take care of the feedings.” She offered and then stepped away from him. It took about thirty minutes before she came back to him. She had changed out of her boots and was now wearing more normal clothing even if she had kept the shirt of the aquarium on. “Okay, I am ready.” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden smiled widely "great! Thank you for agreeing. I'm sure Willem can help out." He agreed. He gave her a small wave going to get last minute things for the school while he waited for her, he hoped Luciana would use this time to relax and feel as if she can take a breather. He looked up and smiled when he saw Luciana come back. "Welcome back! I'm just getting some last minute things for the presentation. I should probally go buy a long sleeve shirt from the gift shop, I don't think our team would appreciate their director looking like he just got washed up on the beach " He teased carefully picking up the flyers and day passes for the kids. "Alrighty. Let's make a quick stop at the gift shop, then I can drive us!"

17:45

@Nakachu

“Ooh you look fine!” She said with a soft tsk behind her words, but she followed him to the gift shop anyway. The gift shop offered so many wonderful things. From keychains, to books, to toys, to clothing and even reusable water bottles and shopping bags. As Hayden was looking around for a shirt to wear she actually browsed around a little bit herself. She soon found herself eyeing one of the soft plush toys that looked like a turtle and was turning it in her hands a little bit, giving the soft thing a squeeze. She could see why young children liked these things. She had never had something that was as soft as furry as this was. But eventually she placed it back and turned around to find Hayden. “Did you find one that fits?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden had noticed Luciana holding the stuff turtle, he gave her a smile as he softly hum. "I did, now I'll look more professional and not embaress you " He teased with a smile as he showed her the light grey long sleeve shirt, that had the aquarium logo on it. "Hey Luc, I've been meaning to ask you, when's your birthday?" He asked looking at her couriously. He knew exactly what be was going to give her, he just wanted to make sure he hadn't missed it already. " @Nakachu

“My birthday?” She said, chuckling a little bit until she realized he was being serious. “Uhm.. It ain’t that far away actually. About three weeks from now on the 24th.” She then said to him as she looked over the shirt he had picked out. “That should do nicely!” She complimented him and handed it back. She would walk with him outside and put her sunglasses on against the sun. “So what do you do on these schools? Just talk about the creatures in the aquarium?” She asked him. Curious what he did on tose. @🍂Ken🍂

Haydens eyes lit up. "In three weeks! Prefect! I can bring you a cake and we can celebrate with our coworkers. " He replied with a wide smile. "Or we can go out somewhere. It's completely up to you! But I do want to at least get you a cake ." He carefully put thr long sleeve shirt over his tank talk as they walked. "Normally we talk about the creatures, awnser questions. It's about a 2 hour assembly. To bad we can't bring some animals but thats okay I have lots of pictures. William gave me some of big Rick when he first came ." He smiled

06:23

@Nakachu

She couldn't help the softest of chuckles to leave her lips as he seemed so excited about her birthday. He was sweet... always had been. She wondered if he would do so for all the other employees as well. "Maybe we should put a calender in the cafeteria so everyone can put in their birthdays." She suggested then. "It would be nice to surprise eachother. Keep morale up." She said before looking back at him and realizing he probably meant it in more of a personal way with her. "Going out would be fun though. Thank you." She then said in almost a shy manner a bit. Ever since he had learned about her mermaid side and accepted it, she couldn't help but feel odd around him. It was different from when she had simply not wanted him to get to close to her. Now there was a strange pulling in her that wanted to actually be close to him as well. That constant internal battle. She would follow him to his car. "That sounds fun! Should be nice to see you do your presentation." @🍂Ken🍂

Haydens smile widened "perfect ! After the assembly , we can stop by the store and we can pick one out. Maybe we will be lucky and find a ocean themed one ." He teased winking at her. "I always hated in the foster system the bio kids were celebrated while the others were forgotten, I'd hate if our coworkers felt as if they were special to us, because they are." He said unlocking the door and opening the passenger side for her, he did it out of habit. He hummed excitedly when she said going out woukd be fun. "Just let me know, but I do hope since we are going to celebrate everyone's birthday, I will be getting you a it's my birthday t-shirt." He teased. Hayden was struggling a bit, he knew how Luciana felt, and had asked him to not think of her as anything other then a friend, but it was hard. He still had deep feelings for her, but for some reason they just wouldn't stop, and let him be just a friend. He was trying his hardest, and wants to remain friends if that's what she wanted. He was really scared that one day he would slip up and accidentally confess, causing her to not like him anymore. "Yep! The presentation! I'm excited." He smiled carefully getting into the driver side and turned on the car. "Oh, I had to get a new phone, I accidentally washed it the other day." He replied, he was a bad liar but he wanted to protect Siri. "So I apologize if you had been messaging me and I wasn't getting any of the messages " He hummed as he began to drive to the elementary school @Nakachu

She stepped into the drivers side of the car and strapped herself in. She got her seat adjusted just a small bit to be comfortable and just leaned back. As she looked around she noted that his car looked clean. No candy wrappers left around or anything like that. It was very like him and it made her smile. "Ooh, uhm.." she knew his phone was broken, so she didn't bother to text him, but of course he didn't know that. "I havn't needed you! So lucky coincidence I guess. Did you managed to get it fixed?" She asked, trying to make small talk. She paused a moment. She was so conflicted between him knowing both sides of her, yet keeping them so seperated. It almost felt like it was still a secret. One she had to guard maybe even more then she had needed before. "You have been spending some time after hours lately.." she suddenly said even if she regretted it soon enough. What was she doing? @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden made sure his seat belt was on tightly, before he checked all the mirrors, making sure everything was correct before he even turned on the car. He hummed softly getting the gps on his phone, pulling out of the parking spot driving to the elementary school. Hayden listened to her nodding, he couldn't help but feel a small pull of his heart when she said she hadn't needed him, he knew it wasn't a poke at home but he still couldn't help but feel bad, he kept the smile on God face nodding. "I got a new one actually, it needed upgraded anyways. Just need to learn all the new features " He chuckled softly. He gave a small Hum leaning back against the sofa when she mentioned he's been at the aquarium alot after hours. He nodded stopping at a stop light. "Oh, um y-yeah, I've been working and familiarizing myself with the aquarium. " He lied, he tried his beat to be a good liar, but he felt guilty. He sighed rubbing a hand against his chest, something he did when he was anxious. "Promise you won't be mad at me?" @Nakachu

Again that conflict inside her was so clear. He knew that he was lying for her sake.. for Siri’s sake. he was trying to keep her secret for her and keep her from prying eyes. In a way he was doing exactly what she had asked of him to do. To make her life at the aquarium better. So why did it make her feel so bad that he felt like he couldn’t share that with her? She shouldn’t want him to reveal the secret, yet a part of her did. She knew she had told him before that there was nothing at the aquarium after hours.. perhaps that was why he wouldn’t tell. He believed she didn’t know. “I am not mad.” She said to him and forced a smile. “Just.. curious I guess.” She said. “At first you didn’t seem like you wanted to spend that much time after we closed at the aquarium itself.” She commented as she adjusted her seating a little bit to try and get comfortable. Why had she started this conversation..? She was digging her own grave. @🍂Ken🍂

That made Hayden feel even guiltier. It wasn't that he didn't want to be there after hours, he just knew if he stayed after hours to work, it woukd be like the last few days, working all night and day nonstop, until he had a meltdown and napped for an entire day to try and get himself calmed down. But now he knew Siri existed he didn't want her to feel alone, so he cane in after hours to give her at leat a few hours to know she had a friend. "Y-yeah, I'm sorry." He said as he began to drive again. "I knew if I came in after hours it would be like it has been the last few days, and I can't go back to that. It wasn't healthy, and it actually put me in the hospital a few times. I'm starting tonget back into that bad habit, so I don't think you'll see me much after hours." It was a half truth, he was planning on not staying too late the nest few days just so he can have time to adjust to life and make sure he is staying in a healthy habit. He was just going to see siri instead of working. The guilty feeling started to twist his stomach at the thought of upsetting or even betraying siri came to mind, he was stuck in the middle. He didn't know who to ask advice from or what he could do. @Nakachu

“It is fine, it is fine.” She quickly said as she could tell that he as perhaps starting to get a little upset and she honestly didn’t want that. “I was just wondering what you were doing back there, that is all.” She said. “Would almost think you found another friend beside me.” She said and first chuckled for a second till she quickly stopped and pressed her lips together. She was saying to much. In her stupid need for him to awknowledge her she was pushing it way to far. “You know what, never mind! None of my business.” She said to him quickly and waved it off with her hand. Realizing she was till wearing her leather gloves she took them off and rubbed her fingers together for a second. “We should almost be there right?” @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden frowned "Luciana, don't do that. Your allowed to ask questions about my life." He said giving her a quick glance before he looked back to the road driving on the highway to the school. "Yes we are almost there, but are you alright ? I'm sorry for asking but you don't seem like you are okay." He admitted waiting for her to awnser, he was really worried for her and wanted to make sure she was okay. "I do talk to someone when I am there late yes, but um I don't think you'd know them, they are just a new friend ." He replied softlt making sure the ride was as smooth as possible. @Nakachu

“Yes, yes. I am fine.” She quickly said. She didn’t know why she was acting the way she was. Things had just been so confusing ever since Hayden came into her life and she couldn’t understand why that was. Why she felt jealous about.. herself. Then he suddenly admitted to meeting someone in the after hours and suddenly that made her feel better. “Are you?” She then said, smiling a bit again. “I am glad you are making more friends.” She said genuinly. @🍂Ken🍂

Hayden nodded softly, he felt bad for lying but it was to protect siri. He hummed softly continuing to drive. "Yeah I'm gald too. Making friends is really hard." He admitted sadly "but im thankful for the people I have met and I am going to be meeting ." He smiled trying to keep the conversation light hearted and happy. Soon he pulled off the highway and began driving to the elementary school

09:56

@Nakachu