As Mia navigated through the routine of her daily life, she couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts about the Merge and its implications. A week had passed since her date with Cyrus, and the realization had dawned upon her that the Merge wasn't just a fleeting phenomenon; it was a new reality that demanded acceptance and adaptation. With a newfound resolve, Mia made a conscious decision to embrace the diversity of the Merge, understanding that it was an integral part of the world she now inhabited. It was no longer a matter of resisting change but rather of embracing it and learning to coexist with the myriad beings that now shared the Earth.

So, when the opportunity presented itself at her workplace to interact with a customer who happened to be a fairy, Mia seized it without hesitation. Fairies, with their iridescent wings and magical abilities, were among the most human-like beings to emerge from the Merge. Accepting the fairy as her customer was a deliberate step towards breaking down barriers and fostering understanding between different species.

As Mia interacted with the fairy customer, Apea, she couldn't help but notice the rapid pace at which Apea spoke. Words tumbled out of her mouth in a flurry, carrying with them a sense of enthusiasm and energy that was infectious. Mia found herself caught up in Apea's animated storytelling, her own curiosity piqued by the tales of magical adventures and whimsical encounters. However, Mia also observed that Apea was easily distracted; her attention flitting from one topic to another with the same speed and fervor as her speech. It was as if her mind was a kaleidoscope of ideas, constantly shifting and evolving with each passing moment. Despite this tendency to veer off on tangents, there was an undeniable charm to Apea's personality, a childlike innocence and wonder that seemed to radiate from her every word and gesture.

Apea's appearance matched her vibrant personality. With brightly colored green hair adorned with bold pink streaks, she stood out in the mundane surroundings of the workplace. Her iridescent wings shimmered in the light.

Apea paused her ramble and a bright pink blushed rushes over her cheeks, "I'm so, so sorry. I'm just so excited and it's hard to control my thoughts," she said nervously, rubbing at the back of her neck. "I have, um, what do you humans call it again..? Oh, that's right! ADHD."

Mia watched as Apea's demeanor shifted, her vibrant energy momentarily dimmed by her flustered state. Apea's apology was genuine, her words tinged with a hint of nervousness as she rubbed at the back of her neck, a gesture of discomfort that Mia couldn't help but notice.

"It's okay, Apea," Mia reassured her with a warm smile, her voice gentle and understanding. "I appreciate your enthusiasm. And don't worry about it; everyone has their quirks."

As Apea struggled to find the right words, Mia's heart went out to her. The admission of having ADHD shed new light on Apea's behavior, offering Mia a deeper understanding of the challenges she faced in navigating the world around her. Despite her otherworldly nature, Apea grappled with the same human experiences and struggles as anyone else.

"It's called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder," Mia explained gently, offering Apea a reassuring nod. "But remember, it doesn't define you. You're still you, and that's what matters."

Apea's eyes brightened with gratitude, a flicker of relief washing over her features as Mia's words sank in.

Mia hesitated, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she grappled with the decision to disclose her own disability. Yet, echoing the acceptance she had extended to Apea, she summoned the courage to share her truth.

"I actually have Asperger's," Mia confessed, her voice steady despite the vulnerability she felt. "I struggle with socializing, change, and understanding social cues."

As the words hung in the air, Mia braced herself for Apea's reaction, unsure of how her disclosure would be received. But in that moment of honesty, she found a sense of empowerment, a willingness to embrace her identity and advocate for understanding and acceptance.

Apea nodded empathetically, a glimmer of gratitude sparkling in her iridescent eyes. "Thank you for sharing, Mia. It means a lot," she expressed sincerely. "And hey, I'd love to hang out sometime! I don't have many friends who truly get me, so having someone like you around would be pretty awesome." Her words were laced with hope and genuine longing for connection.

Mia's smile widened, a warmth spreading through her chest at Apea's sincere invitation. "I would like that, too. A lot," she agreed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm and anticipation of a newfound friendship, Skyler was going to be so proud of her. More importantly, she was proud of herself.

"Alright then! Let's look at some paint samples," Mia said while clapping her hands together in excitement.

***

Another couple weeks went by rather quickly. Skyler had been proud of Mia for making friends with a fairy. And Mia had been proud, not only of herself, but for Apea and Skyler for getting along so well. The three of them had become good friends and hung out a couple of times when they were all available. That weekend was no exception. Skyler pitched the idea to go somewhere that Apea would be familiar with– as they'd been going to more human places to show Apea around human life. Of course, Apea loved the idea that Skyler proposed and Mia was on board after some convincing.

"I promise we won't go anywhere too intense for you, Mia," Apea assured her.

So when Saturday rolled around, the three of them met up and Ubered across town to a large zoo. Apea was rambling on all of the cool animals they had on the ride over.

"--and they have dire bears, a phoenix, some griffins! Oh, it's going to be amazing! But try not to feel bad, the whole place is a little rehabilitation area. Some can't live on their own in the wild anymore while others are there to heal up and get back out," she explains.

"Aw, that's so nice of them. See, Mia? Not intense at all. Afterwards, maybe we could all get dinner, we've never been on this side of town since the Merge," Skyler suggests. "It's too long of a commute for us for only dinner."

Apea's eyes lit up at the suggestion, her wings fluttering from excitement. "We can totally go to The Valley! It's an outdoor restaurant that is so open-minded. It's gorgeous! They hold art shows and free lunches for anyone who's really struggling. A friend of mine works there so maybe we could get a discount."

The three women share a laugh. For once in a long time, Mia felt optimistic about the day. Despite being in mainly fantasy territory, she wasn't nervous and it was a great feeling.

After a long drive, they get to the zoo. Skyler was nice and tipped the driver as they got out. Apea couldn't help but fly circles around the two humans in excitement. She had a wide smile on her face. Clearly she never was able to take human friends anywhere they would find impressive. Though Mia was sure she didn't have any human friends after they first met a couple weeks ago at work.

"You guys are going to love it! I just know it!" And with that, she flew off to the ticket counter to buy their entry tickets. Skyler and Mia eventually caught up with her. "Sorry, I'm just happy you're here," Apea apologized.

"No, it's okay. I'm.. happy we're all here, too," Mia admitted, sharing a look with Skyler. With entry wristbands on, the three walked into the large zoo together.

Mia looked around in amazement as they walked past the exhibits. The creatures were brightly colored and looked happy and healthy. They stopped at the phoenix's large cage and saw it sitting in the corner. It's bright red and orange feathers drooped and seemed dull, unlike their usual fiery depictions.

"Why does it look so sad?" Mia asked while leaning forward towards the cage. The cage was wide and there were large metal branches so it had somewhere to perch on, but instead it was sitting on the ground.

"Well phoenix's are usually solo creatures. Due to the Merge, there were tons of them around, but over the last couple of months their numbers have decreased drastically," Apea said sadly, "I've heard that if they don't find another partner in this new world they might perish. Mates are so important. I don't know what I would do if I had a mate and then they were snatched away from me," Apea said while walking away from the cage.

Mia hesitated and continued to look through the bars, feeling empathy for the beautiful creature. "I hope you find someone," she whispered and left to catch up with her friends.

They walked along the path, making a point to stop at just about every enclosure. They made a point to stop at the dire bear enclosure. Overall it was a large cage, but all four bears were in a smaller sectioned cage. The large one had been split into quarters. It was an odd sight. For such large bears, why deny them of a larger area. Skyler pointed this out. "Why are they separated? The information sign says they're all brothers."

Apea gave a sheepish look. "Dire bears don't get along. Even if they're from the same parents. Dire bears barely reproduce because they're too aggressive with each other. If they find someone, it's extremely special and rare that they actually mate. Kind of life dragons."

"That's also sad," Mia comments.

"Yeah, I swear there are happier things here!" The fairy quickly tells him, listing off a few things. "They're up ahead, I promise!"

"Okay, let's hope so because, dang these creatures are kind of depressing!" Skylar said while throwing her hand in the air.

"Are their really dragons? I have never seen one before. Well, only on the news when they're in other cities," Mia said while walking up the ramp. It was like they were walking up a small hill. "Where are we going now?" she asked while taking a needed breath.

"There are, just not here," Apea chuckled. "There too big for a zoo, so we're going to see the griffin exhibit! Unlike the others this is a mated pair and they are currently expecting their first baby!" Apea said while flying instead of walking up the hill.

Skylar panted and raised a fist in cheer. "Yay, damn I wish I had some wings to fly up this dreadful hill." She stopped to catch a quick breath and then started to walk again.

Mia chuckled but agreed, flying did seem pretty cool.

Apea giggled and then swooped down and lifted Skyler into the air. "I could totally carry you if you want. I forgot that humans can become tired quickly."

Skyler squealed in delight. "Wow you are strong! To the top it is, but don't drop me," she said while getting a better grip around her neck.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Apea told her. She turned her face away, hiding a blush as she flew up to the top of the hill.

Mia chased them up the hill. At the top, she didn't complain. She knew Skyler well enough to know her type in men, women, and others. And Apea was her type, so she let it go as Apea put Skyler down. They share a moment to all catch their breath from laughing– and from jogging up a hill alone.

"They're right up ahead. They get special treatment since they're a family," Apea comments, going back to walking with her friends instead.

The trio stops in front of the large enclosure. It was wide and tall, giving the griffins enough space to fly and enough area to land or perch. The male was out, perched on a large branch. His mate was on the ground, relaxing. The two were quite a sight. Having not been real until the Merge, it was bizarre to see something that was half eagle and half lion.

"They're so majestic looking," Mia comments quietly. The three of them just standing an appreciating the creatures before them.

"The mates were injured when trying to survive in the wild. Their home was destroyed by some magic gone wrong. Allegedly, someone was trying to build a potion factory using magic. It destroyed a good chunk of land by the mountains. They were brought back here when a clean up crew found them," Apea sighed. "They're clearly doing much better now!"

"What happened to them?" Skyler asked.

"The female's legs were injured and the male's wings were injured trying to protect his mate. They went through a ton of therapy and care to get them back to a good place. Now they can both fly and walk again."

The explanation was sad to hear. He went to protect his mate first. Now look at them. Back to flying and walking, expecting a baby. It was like a story of hope. Everything would work out just fine in the end. It gave Mia a sense of determination for her future and the acceptance she was becoming more open to each day. She still had an occasional challenge, but any progress was progress no matter how slow.

The trio made there way through the rest of the zoo. There were more fantasy animals as well as the occasional normal animal from a human zoo. Overall, it was a great experience and Mia made the comment to Skyler that she would definitely be willing to come back in the future. The two long-time friends shared the same sentiment while Apea walked slightly ahead of them. She was leading them to the restaurant she mentioned earlier. The way there was going further away from the city, but like Apea mentioned, it was a large outdoor restaurant. The distance made Mia slightly concerned, but she trusted her new friend. After all, they made it through the zoo just fine.

As she stepped into the restaurant, she was immediately struck by the immersive theme of nature that enveloped her senses. Vines adorned with vibrant blossoms cascaded from every corner, weaving a tapestry of colors and textures that seemed to dance in harmony with the gentle breeze. The air was alive with the sweet fragrance of flowers, their delicate scent carrying with it a soothing presence that eased Mia's nerves and enveloped her in a sense of serenity.

Amidst the lush foliage, Mia couldn't help but marvel at the intricate details that adorned the restaurant's décor. Each element, from the handcrafted wooden tables to the stone pathways that wound their way through the space.

"Wow, this place is absolutely gorgeous," Skyler gushed, her eyes wide with awe as she pulled out her phone, eager to capture every inch of the stunning surroundings. With a flurry of excitement, she snapped a million pictures, each one a testament to the beauty that surrounded them.

Mia couldn't help but laugh at Skyler's enthusiasm, her own heart swelling with appreciation for the breathtaking scenery. As Skyler pulled them into a selfie, Mia found herself instinctively raising two fingers in a peace sign, a spontaneous gesture. They were escorted to a cozy table nestled amidst the lush greenery of the restaurant. As Mia settled into her seat, a subtle unease washed over her, like the prickling sensation of being watched. Frowning slightly, she glanced around the restaurant, her eyes scanning the faces of the other diners.

Suddenly, her gaze locked with a pair of smoldering brown eyes across the room. Mia felt her breath catch in her throat. It was him – Cyrus. The realization sent a jolt of panic coursing through her veins, and instinctively, she ducked her head down, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

What was he doing here? The question echoed in Mia's mind, drowning out the gentle hum of conversation around her. Over the past couple of weeks, she had been avoiding Cyrus, dodging his texts and steering clear of her favorite bookstore where they had first met. It wasn't that she didn't like him – on the contrary, there had been a spark between them that night. But the memory of their disastrous date, ending abruptly and leaving her feeling flustered and uncertain, lingered like a shadow in the back of her mind.

Apea started to munch on some bread that was on their table, mid chew she paused and looked between Mia and the stranger across the room. "Uh, do you know that guy?" she asked after swallowing a bite.

Skyler looked up from her phone quickly. "What guy?" she asked, following their gaze. She then burst out laughing. "No way! The hunk from the book store is here," she said loudly.

Mia whined and slapped her hands over her face. "Sky, please, not so loud. You're making a scene," she pleaded while taking another peak across the restaurant. Cyrus winked at her with a smile. Damn, he was still charming.

Mia blushed and quickly waved, not wanting to come off as a jerk. "It's nothing, Apea. I just went on a date with him. It didn't go well and I've been avoiding him since," she admitted.

"Well it looks like he still wants to talk because he hasn't stopped staring since we've been here," she told her while looking over the menu. "Do you think it's to early for drinks?"

"Nothing for me, I'll just have a soda. And maybe some pasta," Mia said, placing her menu down and deciding that she needed to focus on the task at hand. She wasn't here for Cyrus even though he look like a sexy god. He was wearing a form fitting white t-shirt and jeans. His muscular arms were sun kissed. She hoped she wasn't drooling from the image it burned in her mind.

"Maybe you should send him over a drink? So he knows there aren't any hard feelings between you two?"  Skyler shrugged while picking up the menu and scanning it over.

"I don't know... Isn't that too much?" she asked.

Before the girls could add in their thoughts, a deep voice called in their direction. "Is that the Amazing Apea?"

Apea smiled and jumped from her seat. "Cole! It's so good to see you. I didn't know if you were in today," Apea said while grabbing the young man's arm and pulling him closer to their table.

Cole looked between the two women with Apea. "These friends of yours?" He moved some dark brown hair from his face, showing off his bright blue eyes. Unlike Apea, who was very vibrant, Cole was rather Earthy. He wore more Earth-like tones but was still stylish with it.

Mia and Skyler shared a look. Yeah, he was hot. The two communicated in some telepathic way with their eyes only. Skyler glanced Cyrus's way. Mia's eyes widened as she tilted her head in debate. She then blinked a couple times, causing Skyler to smirk. 'He's as hot as Cyrus!' 'Oh my god, don't talk about him! But... you're right' 'Hah!' – was essentially how their conversation went.

All the while, Apea and Cole stood in confusion.

"Oh, sorry. It's nice to meet you, Cole! I've never met a male fairy before," Skyler spoke up.

"Yeah, it's a bit rare." He shrugged nonchalantly. "

"I'm Skyler, and this is Mia," the blonde introduces.

The group exchange some pleasantries before Cole has to get back to work. He takes their drink order and leaves for the moment. Mia couldn't help but feel Cyrus's burning gaze on her. She didn't dare glance over. She didn't want to see him upset with her contradicting her own words from their date.

"Cole will totally give us a discount!" Apea beams. "We've been friends for a while now and he's just the sweetest!"

As if hearing his name, Cole comes back with their drinks. "And what can I get you beautiful ladies to eat?" He asked while mainly looking at Mia. His smile was seemingly genuine. While something seemed a bit off about him, Mia couldn't place it and just chalked it up to her anxiety creeping up on her in a new setting.

They all order their food with no issues and Cole claims that he'd be back soon.

"Mia," Skyler purred with a playful tone. "Someone's flustered."

The aforementioned woman look at her friends who giggle at her. Her cheeks were warm and clearly it was obvious. "He was totally eyeing you up! I know him. He doesn't flirt with customers. But it looks like you're an exception, Mia," Apea butts in.

"He's not even my type, you guys. I'm still trying to accept the world, and thrusting myself into flirting with a male fairy isn't what I need. Especially when being with a human didn't work out, either," she pointed out.

"Oh, please, Mia. He's like Cyrus. That smile, the voice, his style. The only difference is that he's a fairy and has a fake tan like I do," Skyler points out.

"He's not like–"

"Is that the man across the restaurant looking at you?" Apea asks.

Before Mia can shut down the topic, Skyler fills Apea in completely on Cyrus and the bad date. The fairy looks at Cyrus briefly. "Yeah, I'm with Skyler on this one, Mia. If you went on a date with that attractive man, you can go on a date with a similarly attractive fairy!"

Mia couldn't understand how the two had been so sure about something. Sure, Cole was attractive, but he was a fairy. She had only just gotten an amazing friend who happened to be a fairy. She couldn't just date a friend's friend. That was taboo in new friend groups. The three of them bickered over the issue in a two-against-one style. The little argument was interrupted when Cole came back with their food.

Cole lists off the dishes as he sets them down in front of the right woman. He smiles at all of them, but at Mia the longest.

"You should come here more often. There are always things going on. Live bands, craft shows," he lists off, talking to Mia more directly. "There'll be a live band here in a few nights. Why don't you stop by?"

Mia stares at him, too stunned to speak. Skyler and Apea whispering to her to agree to his offer. She glances at her friends before back to Cole. "Um, y-yeah. I'll try to make time." Her face was warm, hands clammy.

Cole smirked, "I'll see you then."

As he walked away, Mia sighed. Her two friends squealed and talked in an excited rush. By the way Mia looked down at her food, the two eventually stopped. The feeling of Cyrus's eyes on her was harsh. It felt like he could see through her. With a small shake of her head, Mia spoke up. "Let's just enjoy the food. It smells amazing."

"Yeah, let's!" Apea exclaimed. The trio then enjoyed their food and talked about anything they could think about.

***

While out to an early lunch after a stressful day, Cyrus couldn't help but notice a familiar scent not too far away. His mood quickly shifted as he realized that Mia was in the area. The past couple of weeks had been hell, he could hardly function without burning a hole through something. He had continued to text her, not wanting to call in case it came off as pushy. He even bought some books on her condition and felt like an idiot. What kind of mate was he if he couldn't have patience? It was clear that Mia was different, and he needed to be more understanding and patient. Just because he had waited centuries for her didn't mean that she was as desperate for him as he was for her.

Many humans didn't understand how important the Merge had been for his kind. Without the merge their world would have surely crumbled and wasted away. Magic was an ever flowing source and too much magic had been placed into a small space. So when it started to spill over it was a blessing. The human world was so vast and lacking magic that it was an empty space to fill with magic. Cyrus had always seen the Merge as a good thing because it ensured his family's survival. But he didn't think about the negative consequences of the Merge. When it had first happened, evil and dangerous creatures saw humans as easy prey. They also took advantage of the fact that many humans didn't understand that their souls were magical delicacies, which led to the murdering and kidnapping of many humans. It had taken almost a year for them to establish a balance, but he was too ignorant to see it from the humans' side. Mia was justified in her fears and it was unkind of him to belittle her worries.

Cyrus just wanted a second chance, he wanted– no, he needed Mia to care for him as much as he did for her. And to see her at a fairytale creature owned restaurant, being flirted with by some fairy waiter. The sight made his blood boil. It hurt his heart and some of his trust in her. While he knew that she was destined to be his in the end, it still killed to see her go back on her word. She didn't like fairytale creatures. She told him on their date. She flinched at the sight of the elf waitress and orc chef. How could she just casually flirt with a fairy?

Though something was off about the guy. Cyrus could tell that he was different in some way. He didn't give off the same aura of as other male fairies. While he could figure it out if he went to talk to the guy, he knew that him causing a scene would just ruin her day. So, instead of sitting in a simmering rage, Cyrus got up and left the restaurant. He didn't like how she seemed to go back on her word, but maybe she was changing. She clearly had a fairy friend. That was a start, and Cyrus was glad about that. She seemed to be warming up. But that damned waiter. He couldn't shake that perturbed feeling off. Deciding to talk to his eldest brother, Jackson, he would figure out more about his new rival.