Page 15 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Despite the ache in Malachi’s chest, Malachi returned the smile. How could anyone not smile at the young man?

“Mr Marin,” Mr Berry said, somewhat breathlessly. “Good evening.”

“Good evening, Mr Berry.” Malachi walked behind the counter. “You are here for the elothea seeds for your brother, correct?”

Mr Berry’s smile stretched wider. “I am.”

Malachi reached beneath the counter and picked up the elothea grass. He placed the tank on the counter and reached into the water. The slippery grass slid along his fingers as he plucked the seeds.

Mr Berry stared at Malachi, appearing to study his face, his body, before finally fixing on his tentacles, which still held the tank. Mr Berry’s breath stuttered.

Malachi tried not to frown. Mr Berry should be used to his appearance by now.

Furthermore, although sirens in Anorra were rare, there were many non-humans. Malachi might have tentacles, blue skin, and sharp teeth, but surely Malachi was no more unusual than many others who wandered the streets.

Malachi placed the seeds on a glass plate. He leaned forward and examined them, rolling them with his webbed fingers, ensuring the seeds were whole and healthy.

He could feel Mr Berry’s gaze on him. No one else stared at Malachi with such intensity.

Malachi had been considered handsome by siren standards. But he had no idea what humans thought of him. He’d never asked. Why would he?

Obviously, he did not look anything like them. What did Mr Berry think of Malachi’s appearance?

He was aware that some humans, and in fact some non-humans, could be very judgemental to individuals not of their own kind. His instinct told him Mr Berry was not like that. But one could never be certain.

It seemed ridiculous to Malachi that some could be so prejudiced. But he was a siren. And since sirens often had mates who were non-sirens, they tended to be very accepting to all. Malachi didn’t know enough about Mr Berry to know how he perceived non-humans.

With a tweezer, Malachi placed the seeds onto a small white cloth, folded the seeds inside, slid them into an envelope, and placed it on the counter before him. “That will be 110 bells.”

“Oh.” Mr Berry’s eyes widened as if he was surprised. “Right.” He let out a half-laugh. He began to search his pockets. “Of course!”

Malachi fought the urge to frown. They had gone through this exact interaction every day for a long time now. Malachi provided the seeds. Mr Berry paid. It perplexed Malachi that Mr Berry seemed so flummoxed.

Was something bothering the young man?

Malachi kept a polite smile on his face as Mr Berry frantically searched his pockets. “Found it!” He held up the pouch. Then he counted out the coins and placed them on the counter. “One hundred and ten bells. Thank you.”

Then he turned and walked towards the door.

“Mr Berry,” Malachi said.

The young man stopped and turned back. He stared at Malachi with wide eyes. “Yes?”

Malachi lifted the envelope. “You forgot the seeds.”

“Oh!” Mr Berry laughed. He shook his head and shoved his fingers through his hair. Or he would have. Except Mr Berry seemed to have forgotten that he was wearing a hat today. He knocked it off.

A startled noise escaped Mr Berry as he glanced at the hat on the floor. He scooped it up, the tips of his ears turning bright red. “Sorry. I’m so sorry!”

Malachi wasn’t sure who Mr Berry was apologising to. Was he apologising to Malachi for dropping his hat on his floor? Or to the hat for dropping it? Both seemed odd.

He felt a pang of sympathy for the overwrought human. Because whilst he was often nervous and overly exuberant, he seemed more so today. Perhaps his brother was doing worse.

“Think nothing of it at all.” Malachi came around the counter and stood in front of Mr Berry. He placed a hand on the young man’s elbow and handed him the envelope of seeds.

Mr Berry’s breath caught. He stared at Malachi’s hand on his elbow.

Was he startled by the touch of a webbed hand even through his coat? Malachi had never touched Mr Berry before. In fact this was the closest they’d ever been. Usually a counter stood between them.