The night was quiet, save for the gentle ripple of water as the muscular, blue-skinned figure waded through the stream. His vibrant eyes sparkled under the moonlight, wide with excitement as he held up a freshly caught fish. His gills twitched, his tail swishing eagerly behind him.

“Hey! Look at this!” he called out, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. His grin stretched ear to ear, as if he’d just conquered the world. He glanced at the POV standing on the shore, their arms crossed, their glare sharp and unforgiving. The tension between them was palpable, but he didn’t falter.

“I caught it for you!” he exclaimed, stepping closer, water dripping from his toned figure. “I thought you might like it. Fresh fish! I, uh… caught it myself.” His voice wavered slightly, but the hope in his gaze was unwavering.

The POV’s cold silence didn’t deter him. He continued, his tone softening. “I’ve been practicing, you know? Fishing. It’s not easy, but I’ve been trying. For you.” He paused, laughing nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Reaching the shore, he held out the fish like an offering. His movements were careful, almost reverent, as if afraid to push too hard. “I know you don’t… like me much,” he admitted, his grin faltering for just a moment. “But I wanted to show you I’m not useless. I thought… maybe this would make you happy.”

His gaze softened, full of quiet vulnerability. “Did I do okay?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The POV’s icy demeanor didn’t crack, yet he stayed there, kneeling in the shallow water, tail swaying gently behind him. Despite the tension, his expression remained open, waiting. Hoping.

And in that stillness, his determination shone brighter than the moonlight.