The Bird and The Fish

TBTF, Part 7: Stormy Seas

(Zahra pov. Tangaroa can speak better after talking for a few hours. He learns by example)

Tangaroa and I have spent the last few hours getting to know each other, him teaching me about the native plants and about his merfolk nature. And in turn, I taught him about Avians and a few things about myself. After a while, I went out to explore and get some fresh air.

The woods surrounding the cave are lush and green, offering plenty of food sources. I've already figured out that this section of the forest is part of the Faewild, as I'm not particularly familiar with the plants that grow here. But its a beautiful spot nonetheless.

After about thirty minutes of walking, I return back to the cave entrance with a small, handmade basket* of berries. "I'm back," I call as I walk inside, my footsteps echoing through the room. "What did you find?" Tangaroa asks, perking up at the sound of my voice. "I found a good bit of berries, but not much else," I reply, taking a seat on the moss cot I made the previous night.

"No rabbits?" he asks, seemingly disappointed by the lack of meat in my hands. "Not this time," I say with a chuckle, popping a few berries in my mouth. "I just got lucky this morning. Plus, I'm sure there's other kinds of meat besides rabbit." "Awww," he whines, a pout planted firmly on his lips.

For as intimidating he looks, he acts like a child who was denied candy, I think, slightly amused by his whining. "You really liked that rabbit, huh?" I ask, the corners of my lips curling up into a small smile. "It was so good! Why can't you go find mooooore?" he continues to whine, clearly upset I didn't bring back any meat.

"Well, maybe I'll try to find something later," I say, raising an eyebrow at his whining. "Besides, I'm sure you can find fish in that deep ass pool of yours if you're that hungry." "I don't want fish," he huffs, playfully sticking his tongue out at me. "Meanie."

I scoff, feigning offense. "Wow, how rude," I say, playing into his attitude. "Calling me a meanie even after I gave you all that rabbit? I'm hurt." "You are?" he asks, his sassy attitude being replaced by concern in an instant. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

"No, I'm not actually hurt," I reply, slightly surprised by his sudden mood swing. "It's an expression used when someone says something playfully mean." "Oh okay," he says, nodding in understanding. "You sure you're okay?"

"Fine."

"Okay."

But our conversation is cut short by a sudden thunder clap, causing the both of us to jump in surprise. "What was that?!" Tangaroa exclaims, the fins on either side of his head going back like a startled cat. "That was thunder," I reply, looking up at the skylight above us to find a quickly darkening sky. "Looks like it's going to storm soon. And hard, at that."

I look back at Tangaroa, who's looking up at the sky with wide eyes. "You okay?" I ask, a very faint hint of concern in my video. "Y-yeah, just down like loud noises very much," he says, seemingly embarrassed that he's afraid of thunder.

"That's understandable," I say with a nod. "Not everyone likes loud noises like that, especially when-" But before I can continue, he practically launches himself at me, holding himself tightly against my body. His speed and velocity causes me to fall on my back with him on top, my wings sprawled out on either side of me.

He buries his face into my neck, seeking comfort from the loud thunder that rolls above us. I'm surprised for a moment, my arms hovering just above his back. After a few moments of thinking about what I should do, I hesitantly return his embrace.

"You really don't like storms, huh?" I ask, my tone softening as I hold him. He nods against my skin, tightening his grip on me when the thunder rolls again. "I won't let the scary thunder hurt you," I say softly, pushing myself up off the ground and maneuvering the both of us onto my moss bed. "Promise?"

"I promise," I reply, wrapping my wings around him like a protective cocoon, of sorts. "As long as I'm here, the loud storm won't hurt you."

Why did I say that? I think, looking down at him with a mixture of affection and confusion. I've only known him for a few days. Why am I getting so attached to him all of a sudden?

"Tangaroa?" I ask, breaking the comfortable silence between us. "Yeah?" he replies, his voice slightly muffled by my skin. "Won't you, like, dry out if you're out of water for too long?" "Not really. I can be out of water for several hours if I wanted."

"Huh," I say, surprised by the new knowledge. "I had no idea. I thought you were like a fish and couldn't be out of water for more than a few minutes." "Rude."

"Hey, in my defense, I didn't know much about merfolk until I met you," I retort with a chuckle, unconsciously running my hands through his silky, wet hair as we talk. "It's getting late, though, so we should probably get to bed," I add, looking down at him. And to my surprise, he's already fast asleep.

He's asleep already? I didn't realize I was that comfortable to him, I think, a fond glint in my eye as I study his peaceful expression. At least he's not as scared as I thought he'd be.

I lay my head back down, starting at the ceiling as I let him rest against me. Eventually, I feel my own eyelids getting heavy, and I quickly doze off with him in my arms.

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*Zahra made the basket with wild grass she found so she didn't have to use her satchel for carrying stuff like food.