Chapter Text
Hizashi's new cave was perfect.
It was much larger than the one in the old harbor. The walls were lined with nooks and baskets to hold all of his tools and trinkets. Several alcoves had been hewn into the walls, each one big enough for a hammock, heater, and anything else a mer might need. Lights and bioluminescent algae worked together to illuminate the water. He and Kayama had their own rooms and there was plenty of space to expand the cave or even make a new one.
Everything was perfect and yet...
Hizashi's eyes strayed to the empty alcove that was nestled above his. The curtain had been pulled back to reveal a hammock. It swayed gently in the current, empty and unused. Unable to fight his instincts, Hizashi rose through the water and gently ran his fingers through the woven fibers.
He had spent days making it, hardly realizing what he was doing until he held the finished product in his arms. The newest hammock was a perfect fit for an adolescent mer.
But there was no one to use it.
Hizashi swallowed hard, trying to shove down the primal fear that always flared up when he thought about Izuku.
It had been almost a month since he had returned to that monster.
Hizashi tried to be logical. He told himself that there was no reason to panic yet. They had all known that it would take a while before it was safe for Izuku to make contact.
The knowledge didn't make the separation any easier.
Trying to keep his fearful thoughts at bay, Hizashi busied himself tidying up the unused alcove. He carefully scoured the walls and floor, ridding it of any trace of unwelcome algae. Something deep inside him felt soothed at the sight of the spotless nook.
Safe for pups, his instincts purred contentedly.
A moment later, he shook his head with an annoyed chitter. These newfound paternal impulses were strange to him.
He and Shouta had always known that they would never be able to have pups of their own and he had made peace with that fact long ago.
But for some reason, Izuku's absence gnawed at him. Even beyond his normal worries, he couldn't get the pup out of his head. No matter how he tried to distract himself, his mind was constantly drawn back to the memory of those weary eyes.
Anxiety stirred in his chest yet again as he rearranged the various gifts and trinkets he had stashed away in the alcove.
What was Shigaraki doing to Izuku? Had he found out about the new tracker? Was Izuku eating enough? Would they ever be able to reach him again?
He didn't know any of the answers and it was tearing him apart.
A small chime echoed through the water, tearing him away from his restless nesting behavior.
The alert system was another benefit of the new cave. With the installation of underwater speakers, the humans could easily summon them and vice versa. Hizashi insisted that he be included in every meeting, no matter how small. He knew that the humans meant well, but a mer's perspective was essential to their shared mission.
As the chime echoed and faded, he remembered that Shouta would be heading out on a scouting mission soon. He was probably the one who had sent the call then.
The idea of seeing his mate calmed his nervous energy a bit. He definitely needed the man's calm, grounding presence right now.
Hizashi gave the alcove one last searching look, then backed out, closing the privacy curtain behind him.
He quickly swam out of the cave, relishing the clean water that flowed through his gills.
The old harbor had been a reliable hiding place for the past few years, but he definitely didn't miss the murky water or the dirty floors. Their new headquarters was much better. The sheltered bay was large and well-protected from storms and predators.
As he swam, Hizashi's eyes darted over the rough stone walls.
There was plenty of space for more mer caves in the future. It would be the perfect sanctuary for anyone who needed help or a new place to call home.
The hopeful thought encouraged him as he rose to the surface. He poked his head up near the dock, blinking as he caught sight of his mate.
Shouta had ditched his usual scruffy clothing and was instead wearing an expensive-looking suit. His long hair was tied back in a ponytail, with a few strands framing his face.
Hizashi let out a whistling chirp at the sight.
"Hello handsome!"
Shouta tugged at his collar, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
"I'm still not sure why I need to do this," he grumbled. "Vlad can dress up in a suit and tie just as easily as I can."
"But you've got that intimidating mob boss look in your favor. Positively fierce!"
Shouta grimaced, but Hizashi noticed a hint of pink in his cheeks. His mate was so cute when he got flustered.
He gave a chittering laugh and rested his arms on the edge of the dock.
"So, you're checking out that club tonight?"
"Yeah. It's for high-rollers only, so I guess I need to look the part."
"Do you really think there are mers in there?"
"The club owners have been poking around the black market lately. The fact that they know who to talk to makes me think they've already got at least one mer."
A low growl emerged from Hizashi's throat. Shouta offered a small smile and reached down to cup Hizashi's cheek. He melted into the touch, pressing a kiss against Shouta's palm.
"If there's anyone in there, I'll get them out."
"I know you will. It just... It never gets easier."
Shouta hummed in acknowledgement.
"The situation is complicated. But we've got new resources, so we need to make the most of them."
Hizashi went quiet for a moment.
"Still no news from Izuku?"
"You'll be the first to know," Shouta promised, stroking his cheek. "He's a smart kid and I'm sure he'll figure out how to reach us. But we need to move on our own until then. That's what he asked us to do."
Hizashi nodded, heart still aching at the thought of what that pup might be going through. Shouta's concerned eyes lingered on him, but Hizashi managed a smile. He had to keep it together for his mate's sake.
"You'll do great Shou. Bring back a new pod member for us, will ya?"
The dark-haired gave a wry smile and got to his feet.
"I'll do my best."
Shouta regretted every moment that led him to this point in life.
Clubs were the opposite of his specialty. He was made for back-alley deals, dingy bars, and whispered conversations. Everything in here was bright, loud, and completely overwhelming.
The Siren Song was an ocean-themed club, but he hadn't spotted any real mers yet. The dancers wore garish costumes that resembled scales and humans wearing fake tails writhed in glowing tanks of water. Neon lights pulsed in time with music as intoxicated people swirled around him.
Shouta's skull pounded with every beat. He longed to disappear, but he had a job to do. If there was a mer here, he was going to find them.
He leaned against the bar, eyes scanning the colorful crowd. He had already identified all the exits, but there were a few doors that he hadn't investigated. As he carefully scanned the scene, one of the doors flew open. A disheveled man stumbled forward, his wild eyes shining.
The door was quickly closed behind him and a pair of bouncers stepped in front of it.
Shouta's eyes narrowed as he noticed one key detail about the wild-eyed man.
His hair was wet.
Shouta set down his drink and moved to apprehend his new target. As he approached, his eyes lingered on the man's expensive watch and clothing. He had missed half of the buttons on his shirt and his jacket was sliding off his shoulders. All the details painted a picture of a wealthy man who had no regard for social rules or appearances.
Shouta sidled up next to him and stuck out a foot. The man stumbled forward, but Shouta quickly steadied him, trying not to gag as he breathed in a mixture of sweat, cologne, and alcohol.
"You'd better watch where you're going," he said lightly, pulling the man upright. "It's a wild night."
The man guffawed, smoothing back his wet hair.
"You're right about that! Oh what a night..."
He swayed in place, eyes slightly unfocused. He didn't seem to mind as Shouta guided him toward the bar and settled him on a stool.
Shouta ordered a pair of drinks and slid one over to the intoxicated man. He clearly didn't need more alcohol, but inebriation was one of his best tools when it came to finding information.
"m-thankya very much," the man slurred, downing the drink in one shot. He raised the glass with a shaky hand and grinned, "Here'sto m' new friend!"
Shouta smiled, then lowered his voice.
"Since we're friends now, I must admit that this is my first visit."
"Welc'me tothe best club inthe world," the man hiccuped, patting him on the back. Shouta raised his eyebrows theatrically.
"That's high praise. Now don't get me wrong, the main floor is fine, but I expected a little bit more for the price."
He leaned forward conspiratorially and whispered, "Although... I've heard there's something extra special that's kept off the record. You seem like a man who knows a lot about this place."
The stranger gave a lopsided grin.
"m not s'pposed to tell..."
Shouta slid the second drink over the counter and pressed a finger to his lips. The stranger happily took the new drink and mumbled,
"Pay those bouncers and you'll have-(hic)-have a good time."
He gestured toward the door he came from.
"Many thanks my friend,"
Shouta clapped him on the shoulder and got to his feet. He wound his way through the crowd until he was face to face with the large bouncers. They looked him up and down, expressions unreadable.
Shouta opened his jacket slightly and revealed a thick wad of cash in the pocket.
"I hear you've got something special in the back. Mind if I take a look?"
The two men glanced at each other, then stepped back and opened the door. Shouta slipped past them with a nod. The deafening music grew muted as the door closed behind him.
He was standing in a hallway with dark, highly-polished walls. Threads of neon purple light ran along the top, bathing everything in a cool glow.
Before he could take another step, a small man emerged from around the corner.
Shouta carefully schooled his expression as he recognized him as the owner of the club. The man beamed at the sight of him, clapping his hands together.
"Welcome, welcome! Is this your first visit?"
Shouta nodded.
"Splendid! Please, follow me."
He fell in step behind the short man, eyes sweeping his surroundings.
"Most people only come here for the lights and music, but I can see you're a man who enjoys the finer things in life. Tell me, how much do you know about mers?"
Shouta's heart leapt as his suspicions were confirmed.
"A fair amount. I'm a bit of an enthusiast."
"Well then I think you'll be quite satisfied with our private accommodations," the club owner laughed. He turned a corner and pushed open a large door.
A shallow pool was sunken into the floor, surrounded by lavish couches. Lights shone through the water, illuminating the form of a young mer with swirling purple fins.
The owner clapped his hands and crowed,
"Hitoshi! You've got another visitor. Quite popular tonight, aren't you?"
The mer slowly turned to face them. As his face came into the light, Shouta's breath froze in his chest.
Dull purple eyes blinked up at him from above the rim of a tight metal muzzle.