Chapter Text
The air on the coast was different. There was a certain kind of freshness that seemed to cling to it, a different sort of freshness from the one you found in the mountains. It wasn’t that deep, earthy scent. The smell of mulch clinging to your skin, lining your nails.
It was more open, washing over you in a scent of freedom. Ease the tension in your shoulders as you look out at the horizon and see no end, just that endless, deep blue sea.
‘’Do you think there will be anyone our age?’’ Jirou asked.
Her hair was out, whisking around her head, it had grown in the past few years. Almost like she had let herself change with it, growing as it did. The passenger window was down, her feet dangling out against the horizon. She flexed her toes and stretched her arms up, a yawn escaping her.
They’d been on the road since early morning when the light had yet to spread through the clouds. It was near midday-day now. The air was warm, wafting through the old car and the a/c rattling, trying to keep up.
‘’I’m sure there will be someone, Kyo’’ Sero said, turning his eyes back to the road. ‘’I think everyone applies here, it’s not the top-rated for nothing’’
‘’Yeah, I suppose so’’ Jirou sighed, thumping her head back. ‘’I just hope they’re nice’’
‘’Same’’ Sero hummed, sending her a reassuring smile.
Jirou smiled back, giving him a soft pat on the cheek before she turned to the ocean again. The sun was glittering along the surface, looking almost fake as they drove along.
They’d spent the past few years along the coastline, but something about it still seemed foreign. I guess that was to be expected when you grew up in a small town, nestled deep in the mountains. Sometimes it still sent Sero into a whirl of panic to wake up in bright sunshine, and not cold misty mornings.
But this trip was different to the others. It wasn’t a temporary sunshine fix; a short-term stay in some beachside lodge or a week out on the water during research trips. This was permanent. A fixed move into some place new.
Maybe it was less daunting because he had Jirou by his side. He knew that if she hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have come. He would have stayed in that swallowed-up hole of a town and let himself rot.
He’d always thought he’d make a good bed for moss to grow on.
But here they were, fresh off their graduation. A Job lined up and ready for the taking. They’d packed up the last of their belongings, saying goodbye to the only two people that mattered in their town and they’d hit the road.
Ready to move forward, never to look back.
-
‘’Sero Hanta? Jirou Kyoka?’’
The pair turned around. Sero raised a hand to shield against the sun as he came face to face with a bright smile.
‘’That’s you guys, right?’’
The man was smiling at them, bright teeth gleaming in the sunshine as he looked them over. Hands propped against his hips and the brightest yellow hair Sero has probably ever seen.
‘’Ah yeah, that’s us’’ He smiled, stepping forward, holding out his hand. ‘’We’re the new interns, due to start work in the breeding program’’
‘’Oh right!’’ the man clasped their hands together. ‘’You’re not going to the breeding program anymore; we’ve assigned you two to a different team!’’ their hands waving between them. ‘’My name is Yamada Hizashi, but you can call me Mic!’’
‘’Nice to meet you’’ Jirou said, coming to Sero’s side. ‘’But did you just say we’ve been reassigned?’’
‘’Yep!’’ Mic said, popping the P before dropping Sero’s hand. ‘’You’ve caught the eye of the Private sector, lucky little things!’’ he winked turning on his heel and gesturing for them to follow. ‘’Come! You can grab your things later. You’ve got peeps to meet!’’
Sero locked eyes with Jirou, a nervous smile on his face. The woman flicked her gaze back to the bubble of energy walking away from them before looking back to him. He shrugged, not sure what else to do.
‘’I mean, at least we still have jobs?’’ Sero said as he shrugged again and turned back to the car. ‘’Grab your bag Kyo, we better catch up to him’’
Jirou sighed, shoulders slacking as she slung a bag over her and slammed the door shut. Sero followed suit, sliding the locks shut before he trailed after his lifelong friend and this mystery man.
The facility was exactly what he’d thought. It was clear how it had become the top-rated in the country. The Security gates they’d driven through had been high-tech and guarded, more than one might think. Sero had heard Jirou gasp once they had parked, pulling up in a gravel car park, the sights of a harbour glittering beyond.
He’d heard tell that this place was the place to be. Anyone who wanted to become anyone, particularly in the Marine Science sphere of the world, came to work here.
Co-owned by some of the most famous Marine Scientists of their time, there was no better place to learn about the ocean. Not only was the facility decked out with a harbour of its own, launching sights leading directly out to Sea. But it had one of the most extensive breeding Programs ever seen.
That’s truly why they were here.
Jirou had spent the past few years researching the mating cycles of predators. Observing their patterns in behaviour and how they came to form relationships. Her thesis had been filled to the brim with her passion for the underwater world and naturally, Sero had deigned himself to follow wherever she was.
He’d given himself over to her, lending a hand in the technical side of her research. Helping with equations, explaining genetic codes and anything else that involved numbers. Honestly, Sero was surprised he’d been accepted into this facility. It wasn’t as if he held an extensive skill set when it came to Marine Science. He majored in Engineering with a minor in Marine Sciences. But maybe they didn’t get many Engineers through their doors. Perhaps he’d be put to work fixing up filtration systems and other odd-bod work throughout the facility.
He didn’t mind the prospect of that even if it was dull work.
It wasn’t as though he held high hopes for his life as is. He’d barely scraped through Highschool, let alone had enough money to pay his way through university. Hell, he was still paying off his student debt.
If he was being honest with himself, which he should probably stop doing, he didn’t think he’d ever leave that misty mountain town. And if he was to be even more honest with himself, he wasn’t quite convinced he had left it behind at all.
Of course, logically, he knew that it was the sun beating down on his back. He could see Jirou in front of him, smiling freely and chatting with Mic. He could smell the salt lining the air and feel the warmth of the wind. But that didn’t cover up the fact he could feel the dirt lining his nails. Or the mulch pressed to the souls of his feet.
Even if he was as far as possible from that mountain town, he could still feel it etched into his skin. Their words floated in the breeze, twisting around him, sucking him in.
Perhaps it would always be there, lingering like a sullen cloud above his head. Maybe he would forever have dirt in his nail beds, dusting his skin. Perhaps he had been pulled from a bad crop, and that’s why his parents had never wanted him.
Shit.
Sero shook his head, clearing it and steering away from such thoughts. Now wasn’t the time to get lost in that again.
‘’Hurry up slow poke!’’ Jirou called, waving her arm in the air. ‘’We’re going through here!’’
Sero forced a smile to his face, picking up the pace and joining the pair as they entered the facility at last.
It was airier than he thought. High ceilings, and lots of chatter filling the halls. The heavy scent of salt clung to the walls as they went. Mic was chattering a mile a minute, hands waving in this direction and then that. Motioning towards the different pathways leading off from the main hall. Jirou was nodding along, looking every which way, taking it all in.
Sero trailed behind them, hands shoved into his pockets as he let his eyes wander. They walked through corridors, down hallways, their footsteps echoing off the walls as they went. Mic guided them through a heavy door, swiping a key card and gesturing them inside.
Now this was a lot less open. In fact, it wasn’t open at all. Sero locked eyes with Jirou, quirking his brow at the expanse of a long concrete corridor. Eery lights flickered ahead as Mic hummed behind them. The heavy door slamming shut and the sound of locks bolting.
‘’Alright Kiddies! This way!’’ He chirped, pushing between them, and marching on. ‘’This place gives me the creeps so let’s hurry!’’ he wiggled his brows before picking up the pace.
Jirou gave him a cheeky grin before chasing after Mic. Her shoes slapped against the concrete and her laugh bubbled up around them as Sero chased after her.
It was probably an odd thing to say, particularly about someone they’d just met. But Mic seemed to be the free-spirited kind of person. He was laughing along with Jirou, throwing an easy grin over his shoulder and racing on ahead of them.
They rounded corners, slamming into the walls and their laughter ringing through their skulls. As they rounded another corner, Mic went pedal to the metal, throwing himself into an outright sprint. He slammed into the door at the end, shoving it open. Jirou followed him out and Sero watched her disappear into the blinding sun.
He felt his lips stretch, a grin coming to splay across his face as he ran headlong into the brightness awaiting him.
The first thing he did was hunch over his knees, eyes shut and smile bordering on pain as he caught his breath. Jirou was beside him, head thumped on his shoulder as she chuckled.
‘’Ooh, I’m so glad he chose you guys!’’ Mic rushed; the door slamming shut behind them. ‘’You’re gonna be so much fun!’’
‘’W-who?’’ Jirou puffed, turning to look at Mic. ‘’Who chose us?’’
‘’I did’’
Sero stood up, head snapping towards the new voice. And if it wasn’t enough to see the Aizawa Shota standing before them, it would be the entirety of the facility around them. Or the lack thereof.
Jirou gasped, gripping Sero’s arm like a lifeline. Her eyes are bright and her mouth is open. Sero, absolutely the same.
This was not a facility.
Not like one they had ever seen or heard of. This was a haven, a beachside town built into the landscape. A slice of heaven, sandwiched between a rising cliff side and the wall of the research facility they’d just come running out of.
Holy shit.
‘’What the fuck’’ Sero breathed, frozen, stock still. ‘’This is a dream, right? Kyo?’’
The woman made a noise, the sound picked up in the breeze. Her grip tightened around his arm as she took it all in.
‘’I don’t understand what’s going on’’ She whispered, turning, finally, to look at him.
‘’Welcome to the Private Sector’’ Aizawa said, stepping forward, and grabbing their attention. ‘’I’m aware that you applied for the breeding program however I would like to offer you a position here,’’ he nodded to their surroundings. ‘’I understand the two of you come from the same town and have worked together these past few years. I’ve read some of your collaborative findings.’’ He sighed, turning on his heel.
‘’Come on! I’ll make you something to eat,’’ Mic beamed, looping his arm through Jirou’s, and tugging them along. ‘’You’ve had a long drive, and I’m sure this is all hella weird to take in’’
‘’You have no idea’’ Sero muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
-
‘’As I stated before, I pulled you from the Public Sector to come and work directly with me’’ Aizawa said.
He was seated at the end of the table, coffee in hand and Mic fluttering about. There were plates of food scattered between them, grilled meats, and salads so fresh that it was still crispy even in this heat.
‘’Ah, Sir’’ Sero chimed in, scratching at his temple. ‘’I get why you wanted Kyoka, but why am I here?’’
Aizawa raised a brow at him and Sero swallowed. He flashed a look at Jirou and then back to the man.
‘’I mean, I’m an engineer, not an actual scientist.’’ He stated as if that would clear things up. ‘’I only minored in Marine Science and was an assistant to Kyo’s research. I figured I was accepted into the public to be a sort of handyman.’’ He shrugged. ‘’Right?’’
‘’Han, you do more than fix things.’’ Jirou huffed, a frown pulling her face. ‘’I wish you’d stop selling yourself short’’
Aizawa kept his eyes on him, brow quirked as he looked him over.
‘’I’m not selling myself short, I’m stating facts’’ Sero said back to her. ‘’This place – Private sector or whatever it’s called – doesn’t seem like it needs an engineer’’
Jirou opened her mouth to respond, her eyes flashing before –
‘’And what makes you think that?’’ Aizawa cut in.
Sero swallowed, turning his attention back to the man. Mic let out a soft snort, ruffling the man’s hair as he went.
‘’Be gentle on him’’ Mic hummed, pressing a kiss to his cheek. ‘’He’s a sweet kid’’
Wait.
Sero sucked in a breath.
Aizawa rolled his eyes and leaned into the touch.
‘’You say that about everyone’’ he muttered. ‘’Soon you’ll learn it’s not always true’’
What the fuck.
Those sharp eyes were back on him, tracking the look on Sero’s face as if sensing his rising panic.
‘’As you’re aware, I run this facility. I assume you know the foundations and history, so I won’t restate them.’’ Aizawa sighed, slumping further into his chair. ‘’We take on the best and most promising graduates, those who have passed with a distinction average or higher. Every application, no matter the section, comes through me and -’’ he nodded to Mic. ‘’- my husband ’’
Sero felt his chest squeeze and flicked his eyes to the man, his smile warm.
Husband.
Aizawa said, husband. Mic was Aizawa’s husband. They were married.
There was a hand on his knee, forcing his leg to stop bouncing. Unconsciously, he gripped onto it, fingers squeezing as he kept his eyes on the couple before him.
‘’The other owner of the facility has since moved on; however, I assure you that you will meet him at some point. He never drifts too far from home.’’ Aizawa continued, unphased by the change in Sero’s demeanour. ‘’If you accept this position, you will work solely in the Private Sector, you will not work with the Public. The work you complete will not be published; it will not be spoken about outside of these walls. You will reside here, meals provided for, and any other resources required at your fingertips.’’
‘’S-sir?’’ Jirou piped up, lacing her fingers through Sero’s as she did. ‘’Why did you choose us? W-we haven’t met you before, this sounds like a lot of secrecy’’
‘’You may not have met me, however I know you’’ Aizawa stated, as if that made any sense. ‘’Every year, I join the research expeditions for the most promising groups. Sometimes there is a singular person who is promising, sometimes there are several. The two of you have been on my radar since your second year. I’m aware that you are not related, however, I am also aware that you’’ he gestured to Sero. ‘’are within the guardianship of her parents.’’
‘’H-how’’ Sero cleared his throat, hand clenching around Jirou’s. ‘’How do you know that?’’
‘’I do not invite people into the Private Sector without knowing them first,’’ Aizawa said simply. ‘’I’m aware the two of you grew up together due to certain … hardships’’
Sero was frozen in place, his hand clenched so tight he was sure Jirou’s fingers were screaming. But Aizawa was looking at him, at the way his skin had paled, his chest rising and falling in an uneven rhythm.
Mic had sat down. He was close, but not too close like he was scared he would make a run for it. Like he was prepared to jump in his path and stop him from hurling himself off the balcony.
That seemed like a good option right now.
There was water down there, right?
He could do it.
It’d get him out of this conversation at least.
Maybe there were some sharks in there, or some other kind of predator. He could make a lot of noise, draw one of them out. Maybe if he moved quick enough Mic wouldn’t even be able to catch him.
‘’You asked why you are here?’’ Aizawa said, leaning forward. ‘’You are here, Sero Hanta because you understand certain things that none of us’’ he gestured around the facility. ‘’will ever understand.’’
‘’I-I – ‘’ Sero closed his eyes and took a deep breath. ‘’I don’t know what that means.’’
‘’It means, you were chosen not because of the work you produced but because of the person that you are. You may not have majored in Marine Science, but you have a deep understanding of others, and I’ve watched you connect with the most unlikely of people. You come from a small town, which I’m assuming, did not accept who you are. But the qualities you possess are invaluable.’’
Sero shook his head. Jirou’s fingers clenched in his, holding back firmly.
‘’It’s okay, Han’’ she whispered, her chair dragging closer. ‘’Just breathe’’
‘’Of course,’’ Aizawa continued on. ‘’If you do not wish to work in this sector you are free to join the public. We are in dire need of Engineers, I’m sure you will be a valuable assistant to those working out on the reef.’’
Sero swallowed, opened his eyes, and looked from Aizawa to Mic. His smile was welcoming and soft.
‘’and if I work here?’’ he asked quietly.
‘’You’ll get to work with the coolest peeps on earth!’’ Mic said, eyes shining.
-
It was odd. Trying to fall asleep to the sound of water. The distant rumbling of waves breaks along the facility walls.
Sero could just make out the soft snores of Jirou, the doors between their rooms left open. Mic had shown them to the Lodge. A big, cabin-type building with multiple rooms and a common area. All empty, waiting for occupants.
It was odd.
Not because the space was big or the fact it was empty. It was odd because even though it was both of those things, it didn’t feel unloved.
If that even made sense at all.
Sero supposed it didn’t.
Jirou had once told him she didn’t understand his thought process when it came to places. Unloved wasn’t a describing word for physical things. A building couldn’t be described as feeling unloved when it was barely occupied. Nor could a building be described as feeling loved. It was a thing. An inanimate object.
But it made sense to Sero.
His house had felt unloved. It wasn’t because when he had lived there, he had been unloved. It was the building. The building had felt unloved. Like the walls were wallowing in pain. Like the trees lining their garden were swaying in a never-ending sadness.
Jirou hadn’t understood what he meant, because when she looked at his house it had seemed loved. In the sense that the gardens were maintained and inside was orderly and clean. By pure definition, you could say his house was loved.
But it did not feel loved.
This cabin did.
With its salt-lined walls and the laundry cupboards filled with sky-blue linens. The faded couches, their cushions worn with age and years in the sun. It felt loved in the way each tile was slightly wonky as if they had been laid by someone without the right skill. It felt loved in the way he could hear the stilted laughter; the sound having soaked into the wooden floors.
This cabin felt loved, so overwhelmingly loved that Sero found he couldn’t stand to be inside anymore.
It was easier to feel less overwhelmed with his feet digging into the sand. It had been a while since he was able to simply stand, feet buried, water lapping at his shins. It had been a while since he had been graced by the ocean again.
The weeks after their graduation had been … well they had been something. That’s for certain. Something he didn’t particularly want to live in again but shouldn’t have been surprised to happen in the first place.
I mean, what did he think was going to happen?
It’s not as if he suddenly turned into someone that the town wanted. So, he wasn’t sure why he had thought it would be any different. Maybe it was because he’d been so disconnected from it throughout Uni that he forgot what it was truly like. Or maybe it was because he thought, now that he’s older, the people would be nice.
But people were never nice.
Not in that town.
Not to him.
Sero let out a huff, flopping to the ground. The cool water splashed around him and soaked into his skin. His hands were under the surface, the moonlight shining across the water like glitter.
He knew he should be asleep. Hell, he should have been asleep hours ago. But everything just seemed odd.
Odd in the way that even as he picked the dirt from his nails, he knew it would never really be gone. Odd in the way he knew his feet were buried deep in the sand, but it still felt like soil. Odd in the way he knew it was salt floating in the air and not the damp pine that seemed to follow him everywhere.
Odd in the way that he felt safe.
He wasn’t sure that was a good thing. Feeling safe and feeling comfortable were two different things. He’d felt comfortable living at Jirou’s. He’d felt comfortable in his dorm at Uni. He’d felt comfortable bunking on the research boats and bouncing between share houses. Those things had been comfortable, but they had never been safe.
In twenty-two years, he had never attributed a space to feeling safe.
What was it about here, that made him feel like this?
-
‘’Have you decided?’’ Aizawa asked.
It was morning, and Sero had barely slept a wink. He was pretty sure Jirou had spotted his pruned hands and feet the moment she stepped from her room that morning, but she didn’t say a thing.
Which was good, since he didn’t have any explanation other than he couldn’t sleep. He knew she wouldn’t take that as an answer, and he would be forced to admit that he’d sat on the small, sandy beach, water lapping at his sides, for hours. Watching the moon traipse along the sky to slowly be replaced by the sun.
‘’Han?’’ Jirou said softly, looking across to him.
He shifted his gaze to her, pulling it from the horizon. He knew she would wait for his reply. He knew she would follow his lead. Which was odd, since he’d ended up here because he was following her.
She quirked a brow, nodding in Aizawa’s direction as if coaxing him to speak.
‘’If you would like to remain in the public sector, I’ll take you back. If you want?’’ Mic chirped, hands on his hips.
He had that smile on his face again, that welcoming one from the day before. But Sero could see in his eyes that there was some hesitation like he didn’t quite like the fact he had to say what he did.
Sero’s gaze shifted, falling to the tired man at the head of the table. Those dark eyes were already locked on him as if staring right into his soul.
He shrugged. ‘’I like it here’’
Jirou let out a breath, a smile pulling at her lips as she turned to Mic. The man already beaming across at her. It was easy to see they’d bonded, in the small amount of time. Jirou seemed to find the bubbliest people and pull them in.
‘’Good.’’ Aizawa said.
That single word seemed to be enough for them all.
Mic was fluttering around, refilling his husband’s coffee. Pressing a quick kiss on his cheek.
That would take some getting used to.
Sero turned away from them, feeling his chest tighten before Mic was moving again. He dropped a plate of fruit in front of Jirou and a bowl of oats for Sero. The morning breeze had that slight chill to it and every so often Sero swore he could hear a chirp floating in with it.
They ate in relative silence, Jirou’s feet tangled with his under the table. Her eyes bright with excitement as she kept glancing at him. At some stage the tiredness rolled from Sero’s shoulders, falling to the water beneath the balcony and sweeping away.
When they’d finished Mic swept back in, clearing their plates, and fluffing a hand through Sero’s hair as he did. Jirou was beaming, leaning into the Mic's hand as he repeated the motion.
Sero wondered if he was affectionate like this to everyone, or maybe it was because he still saw them as kids.
Aizawa rolled his eyes at his husband before motioning for them to follow. Sero’s chair scraped along the deck as he stood up. Jirou’s feet tapped as she rushed over to him, arm linking through his. They walked down to the water below; Mic had told them yesterday it was called the Cove.
The name fits well since it was like a hollowed-out boat shed, the water streaming below the balcony, lapping at the rocks around the edge. Sero could see it was shallow, a nice sandy bottom ready to be stepped in.
He flicked his eyes to Aizawa, the man already looking at him. The barest of nods had Sero stepping into the water, Jirou trailing after him.
‘’The water is so nice!’’ Jirou gushed, sitting on the rocks, and kicking her feet. ‘’Do you guys have temperature control?’’
‘’There’s a filtration system used for this portion of the harbour, maintaining a stable environment for our predators. It’s kept at a some-what tropical climate.’’ Aizawa said leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. ‘’You’re welcome to swim, but I’d take note of your surrounding first.’’ He nodded towards the water at that.
Sero turned, eyes landing on another bright yellow mop of hair. Dazzling yellow eyes shone up at him as he walked to the edge of the shallows. That mop of hair and eyes moved closer, a sharp-toothed smile emerging from the water and a hand reaching out to him.
Huh. Weird.
‘’Hey dude’’ Sero said, plopping down, water splashing. ‘’I’m Sero, nice to meet you’’
‘’I’m Denki!’’ Came the excited reply. That hand wrapped around Sero’s wrist. ‘’Are you here to play with us?’’
‘’Us?’’ Sero felt a smile pulling at his lips, turning to look at Jirou over his shoulder.
The woman was staring. Her mouth was open and eyes wide before she pointed, finger aimed at the water. Sero followed it, eyes landing on the glittering gold in the water, the swishing movement of a tail.
Wait.
Tail?
‘’What the fuck’’ Sero rushed out, dragging himself back along the shallows.
Denki, not seeming to pick up on his panic, followed.
‘’You guys are younger than grumps over there!’’ Denki chirped, wriggling his way between Sero’s legs. ‘’So that means you’ll come to swim yeah? Oh, you have to! We’ve been getting so bored! Hikaru isn’t here to swim with us anymore he’s always away!’’
Sero just sat there, mouth open in disbelief as Denki chirped away. Then there was another splash and a shriek from Jirou as she was pulled in.
‘’YESS!!! Finally! Another girl!!!”
Sero whipped his head to his friend, finding her face squished between pink hands. Jirou’s eyes were wide, locked on black and gold. He could see the trailing of a pink tail, tendrils drifting on the surface as this woman. Fish? Cradled Jirou’s face.
‘’Momo’s gonna love you! Oh, you’re so cute!’’
‘’Mina, what have I said about grabbing?’’ Aizawa sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
‘’Oh, come on!’’ she pouted, hands dropping to Jirou’s shoulders. ‘’She’s fine! We never get to meet new people!’’
‘’This is a dream’’ Sero whispered, eyes locked on Jirou. ‘’This is a dream and I’m gonna wake up and we’re gonna be at home’’
Jirou was nodding, eyes still locked on Mina’s face as she stuck her tongue out at Aizawa. Denki was still prattling on, chatting a mile a minute. He turned in Sero’s lap, laying himself back against his chest, hands dancing through the air as he spoke.
A hand wrapped around his ankle and Sero’s eyes snapped to the water again, watching the movement, the ripples before white and red surfaced. Soft, curious eyes peeked up at him. That was all he could see. That hand around his ankle tightened, almost pinching his skin.
It was enough for him to realise this was real.
‘’Oh!’’ Denki sat up, hands slapping into the water, those soft eyes shifting for a second before locking back on him. ‘’Todo this is Sero! He’s super warm, come on!’’
Aizawa sighed again, muttering something under his breath before walking to the water's edge.
‘’I assume the two of you can appreciate why this is the private sector’’ he said, looking between them, continuing at their nods. ‘’These are Mermaids, or Mer for short. We rescue and for those that choose, rehabilitate in a catch and release. This- ‘’ he gestured to Denki. ‘’Is Kaminari Denki, and this’’ he gestured to the one wrapped around Jirou. ‘’Is Ashido Mina. They came in as a pair 6 months ago and have been a pain in my ass since. The one staring at you- ‘’ he gestured to the soft eyes, that hand still wrapped around Sero’s ankle. ‘’- is Todoroki Shoto, he’s just finished his twelve-month rehabilitation cycle but hasn’t decided whether to stay or leave’’
Sero was nodding, barely taking in the words Aizawa was saying as his eyes locked onto the ones staring at him. Denki had shifted from his lap, chittering away at Todoroki as the Mer continued to stare up at him. Those soft eyes, one grey and one blue. Sero had never seen anything quite like it before.
It was beautiful.