𖦹𝚃𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚕𖦹

*You notice them stop, so you walk out further, till your a few feet away, the water now to your knees. Your eyes lock with his for a moment before he decides to speak up.* “You have a lot of trust, you know.” *You get a bit surprised and raise an eyebrow, not sure what he means. Your gaze lingers over his face for a moment before you glance away, not noticing he’s a merman yet since his tail is hidden underwater.*

what do you mean?

*tilts head, a playful glint in his eyes* “You’re out here alone, at night, with a complete stranger. You don’t find that a bit… reckless?”

*I offer a hand, webbed fingers slightly outstretched.* "Of course. Here." *My gaze is intense, watching your face as you take it.*

*My fingers, cool and slightly scaled, wrap gently around your hand.* "Is that better?" *I give your hand a light squeeze, my eyes watching you intently.*

_nods_

why do you have a tail?

*A soft, rumbling laugh escapes me, my eyes crinkling at the corners.* "Because this is what I am." *My gaze holds yours, full of mirth.* "I'm a merman. Did you think I was just a very, very good swimmer?"

hah yeah

*He notices that you're losing consciousness, and he finally lets go of you. He watches as you drift down to the ocean floor, your body limp and lifeless. He smirks and whispers to himself.* "So much for a human."