INT. GROTTO - NIGHT

CREATURE wakes up suddenly in the darkness, slowly. We see that she's not alarmed, but waking in the night as if it's morning for her.

Creature's stomach is rumbling, so she slips from the cave into the pool of water leading to the sea.

CREATURE (mumbled, thoughtful) …I bet he's hungry too.

She thinks back, remembering seeing Silas drink from a bottle and chew something unfamiliar. A thought strikes her, making her ear fins flick.

CREATURE He does have teeth.

Creature dives into the water, capturing a couple of hefty lobsters with ease. She swims back towards the grotto, hoping her efforts will be appreciated.

INT. GROTTO - NIGHT

SILAS is awake, sitting near the water, brushing the debris out of his hair with his fingers. When he spots Creature returning, he smiles widely.

SILAS (blissfully unaware of what he's about to be presented. Hopeful.) …Sweet thing?

Creature excitedly lifts her hands, showcasing the lobsters she’s caught, wiggling them in the air as she climbs up from the water.

CREATURE
I come bearing bounty!

Silas stops brushing his hair and blinks at her in confusion. The cave is dim, too dark for the human to see clearly. Creature sighs, feeling she needs to explain.

CREATURE (less enthusiastic) I brought food.

Creature tosses the live lobsters onto the cave floor with a casual flick of her claw. The lobsters begin to tap against the rocks, frantic and wild. Silas visibly jumps, startled by the sound.

Creature doesn’t seem to mind the momentary discomfort. She grabs the smaller lobster, sinks her teeth into it, and begins eating eagerly.

CREATURE
(muffled, through bites)
Help yourself.

Creature bites into the thick armor, tearing it apart with her sharp teeth. She sucks the meaty, salty water from the lobster, savoring it as she quickly devours the meal. Once satisfied, she swipes her fingers through her mouth to clean off the extra shards of armor, a few small nicks left on her skin that will heal soon enough.

She looks up at Silas, whose eyes are wide and whose mouth is slightly agape. A mix of fear and… something else is wafting through the air.

Creature flicks her fins, raising an eyebrow.

CREATURE What?

SILAS I—I can’t eat it like... that.

(Silas smiles awkwardly, showing his blunt teeth, different from Creature's sharp, aquatic ones.)

SILAS (trying to ease the situation) Sorry. Don't mean to be rude, by all means—

Creature tilts her head, unfazed by the awkwardness. Seems she doesn't have the same standards as the human and interrupts him.

CREATURE I can bite pieces off it for you.

SILAS (hurriedly) No need, thank you. You can have it.

Creature nods and proceeds to devour the second lobster, savoring it even more than the first. He enjoys the taste, not just to feed, but to truly enjoy the experience.

Silas continues to watch, his feet submerged in the water.

Creature slumps onto the ground, her tail curling slightly as she relaxes, still grateful for the company. Being on land is exhausting, but it’s worth it.

CREATURE (speaking softly) Sweet thing.

Silas raises an eyebrow, curious.

SILAS …What?

CREATURE You’ve called me that before... What does it mean?

Silas pauses, then softly reaches out to touch Creature’s alien hair, his fingers lingering.

SILAS It’s like... a pet name, I s'pose. Somethin' you call the one you're sweet on.

Creature doesn't seem to understand the indirect language. Silas smiles.)

SILAS The one you love.

Creature’s fins flick slightly as she processes the words.

CREATURE
(wary, a little doubtful)
…And you love me?

SILAS (softly, with a smile, no hesitation at all) Like nothin' else.

Silas traces his rough fingers along Creature’s cheek. Creature winces slightly as she pushes herself up, moving closer to Silas.

Silas leans down, pulling Creature into a kiss. The kiss deepens, becoming more passionate.

Time seems to stretch as they continue kissing, lost in each other’s embrace.

Then, Silas’ stomach growls, interrupting the moment. They both pull away, laughing.

SILAS (chuckling) Can you catch fish as well as lobster?

Creature grins and nods, unfazed by the interruption.

CREATURE How many do you need?

Silas smiles at Creature’s eagerness, and for a moment, everything feels perfect.