Aphmau slammed open the door of the Deli, causing the small family to jump in surprise. Vylad saw that she was out of breath and her hair was tangled. Curious he asked; "What's up with you?" 

"I need help!", She exclaimed, rushing up to the counter. 

Zianna and Jay just looked at each other, not really know how to answer the young woman. Vylad on the other hand, excited, asked; "Does this have to do with anything related to that mermaid thing?" 

"Promise you three won't tell anyone?", Aphmau asked the family, receiving nods in return. "There is a merman in the facility. He was found a few days ago washed up on shore. Now, we can't seem to feed him which worry some. But, I think I know what to do!" 

The family looked shocked and was in disbelief. Zianna though, had a slightly different reaction. She was still shocked but, it didn't last long before she went to work. Aphmau watched her with inquisitive eyes as she got the bread to start making a sandwich.  Vylad, confused questioned his mother; "What are you doing?" 

"I'm making a sandwich for that merman,", Zianna said. "What do you think you need Aphmau?" 

"I-I uh...I don't think he eats any meat or fish. So...I guess just a vegetarian sandwich." 

Zianna smiled and went to making the sandwich, Vylad and Jay still behind the counter. The mother snapped her neck towards them and said; "Someone has to make her sandwich! Stop standing around!" 

The two scrambled but, Jay ultimately one that was going to make the sandwich. Vylad, now with nothing to do, decided to join Aphmau while they wait. They sat at a table made for two and laughed as Zianna and Jay scrambled to get everything done before opening. 

"Your mom is the sweetest person ever,", Aphmau sighed, leaning on her hand, looking at Vylad. 

"Yeah...she really is. How's all this going for you by the way? I'm sure that this isn't easy at the research center,", Vylad curiously concluded. 

"Eh, not that bad. At home it's a different story,", She groaned, rolling her eyes. "My step-sister came over unannounced to me. Ein knew of course and now I'm stressed about making sure she has a good time." 

Vylad's expression went from concern to anger. The young man usually didn't get upset at most things but, when his best friend is involved, that's when the sparks come. It didn't help that this was because of her stupid brother. His green eyes narrowed and his hands clenched into fists on the table. The raven-hair girl put her tan hand on top of his fist and said; "Don't worry about it. Just if they come over don't be too surprised." 

"Surprised isn't the word I would describe my attitude in that situation,", He grumbled in response, leaning back in his chair. 

Aphmau was happy that her friend was so willing to help but, she didn't want him to get upset about it. Especially since she really just wanted the level-headed Vylad instead to talk some sense to her. 

"Here you go Aph! Sorry it took longer than usual,", Zianna huffed, putting the bag on the table in front of her. She wiped her hands on her apron and asked; "Does this merman have name by chance?"

"Not yet. Hopefully though. I don't really like calling him 'the merman',", Aphmau giggled. "I'll let you guys know if he does. Thank you so much again!" 

"Of course, and good luck with your step-sister!", Vylad said, his mood a little better than before. 

"Thanks! See you guys later,", She waved, walking out of the deli on her way to work. 

...

 "Do you really think this will work Aph?", Aaron asked, looking at the veggie sub in her hand. 

"I have to try at least,", She shrugged in return. "There's not much else." 

The young man nodded and picked up his notebook to write down the findings. Once the other group entered back into the lab with no results found, they left with their supplies. Their boss was a little hesitant to let the sandwich in but, he was pulling at straws at this point. The pair walked into the room with the large tank and walked up the stairs that led to the platform above it. It was wear researchers could observe from above or enter the tank if needed. 
Aphmau looked down and saw the merman close to the bottom, just floating in the water. He had a deep frown on his face but, his tail was still glimmering from the fluorescent light fixtures. She took a breath and looked up at Aaron, looking for the go once he was ready. There was a camera on the deck that would record any findings for further observation that he checked was on. He pulled the chairs over by it and sat down, notebook in lap; pen ready. Giving her a thumbs up, Aphmau went close to the pool's edge and knelt down. 

The merman looked up and noticed her, swimming up to the surface. For a creature who seemed upset about this arrangement, at least he was obedient to direction. His blonde hair was now slightly darken, stuck to his face. After combing it back he swam a little closer to her but, still at a considerable distance. 

"H-Hi!", Aphmau said sweetly. "It's us again...we hoped you slept well." 

Aphmau usually didn't talk to other sea creatures like this but, since he was part human, she felt like she had to. Unfortunately, he never made any signals of actually understanding her, making this probably useless to the process. 

"We're gonna try something else,", She said, holding the sandwich out. "You don't seem to like fish so, we went with just plant based food for today. I don't know if you'll like veggies but, it's the most cleanest option. There's also bread if you would like to try that. Everyone likes bread!" 

"Except if you're gluten-free,", Aaron teased, making Aphmau snap her head back with a sour expression. 

"Hopefully you aren't but, here,", She broke off a little piece, some of the veggies falling onto her lap. She noticed that Zianna had modified the recipe slightly, which shocked Aph. There was more lettuce and tomatoes than usual, and she cut out the peppers entirely. Mushrooms were incorporated and the mayo was barely even there. Making note of the ingredients, she held it our for him to take. 

Most times, he would just stare back in either disgust or a blank expression. This time, he seemed more interested this time which was a good sign to both of the researchers. What made them have an internal leap for joy was that he began to swim closer. His actions were still shy and weary but, he eventually made it to the edge of the pool. He reached out slowly to grab the piece of sandwich and when the two hands touched, a tingle of excitement went through the young woman. She made a mental note that his hands didn't feel pruney like they've been in water  for a long time. Instead they felt smooth and soft. 
The creature had the sandwich in his hands, observing it. The two researchers had to hold back their laughter as the blonde grappled with the existence of this food. 

"Oh! Here, let me show you how to eat it,", Aphmau said, getting her sandwich from her bag. She held up one half of her sandwich up to her mouth and took a bite. "See?", She asked, her mouth still slightly full. 

The merman, after watching Aphmau, took a bit. He chewed slowly and gradually got quicker. Aaron and Aphmau patiently waited to see what he would do next. A large weight came crashing off their shoulders when he took a bite. As a way to celebrate, Aphmau looked back at her friend and smiled brightly at him. She turned back and looked down at the merman to see something that made her feel warm inside. He was smiling back up at her. 

"T-Thank you,", He spoke out for the first time. She noticed that his voice was deep but, not gruff. A small accent that she couldn't identify was apparent in it as well. 

"You can talk?", She asked, trying not to freak out. 

"Y-Yeah,", He shrugged. "I just wanted to thank you for f-finally getting something new." 

"S-Sure!", She stuttered. There were a lot of questions running through her mind. Why didn't he speak before? Was he scared? She looked back at Aaron who was just as confused as her. Why didn't he just say what he ate before?  

Instead of hounding him with questions, she laid the rest of the sandwich out on the paper next to the pool. She kept her sandwich on her lap and asked; "Is it okay if I ate with you?" 

The merman looked down but, nodded anyway. "I mean, I can't go anywhere. I'm assuming that it would just fall apart down there, heh..." 

Aphmau smiled again and started eating her sandwich. She couldn't believe that she was actually eating with him. His existence was already hard to believe. She motioned for Aaron to join them so that the creature didn't feel uncomfortable with him just watching them. She split her sandwich with him, Aaron making slow movements as to not scare the creature. 

"I-If you don't mind me asking, why didn't you tell us what you ate before? We would've gotten it for you,", Aphmau asked shyly, as the three continued their meal. 

"I was...just waiting,", The man shrugged. "I was getting used to everything...if that makes sense." 

"Oh...so, are you comfortable around us?", Aaron asked. 

"Well, you're both definitely m-more calm and understanding than the others. Also, you were the first people I met who w-weren't-" 

He stopped himself. Like it was painful for him to think about it in any way. The two humans didn't feel like pressing for an answer. Aphmau looked down gently at the half-man, half-fish thing and said; "I'm Aphmau by the way and this is Aaron. We hope we can make this a little easier for you." 

He smiled again and responded with; "I'm Garroth." 

Word Count: 1709