Third person pov

Shota woke up in a haze to the sound of Hizashi's voice. It almost didn't register. Everything felt clouded and thick. Trying to form coherent thoughts felt impossibly. He felt light as his head rolled tiredly to the side. His gaze came to rest on Atlantis. He couldn't help but smile. He loved Atlantis, so why wouldn't he smile? Only Atlantis was crying and in distress, which was a problem. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen Atlantis upset before. Not like this, anyway.

And then he looked at Hizashi and Nemuri, who were gawking at him. And then he looked back at Atlantis. And the reality of this situation came crashing down around him, sending him shooting upright in his bed. Hizashi let out a shout of surprise at the abruptness of the movement, and Nemuri raised a brow. Atlantis withdrew his hand, bringing his hands up to his face and beginning to frantically apologize and sob in a near hysterical manner. Aizawa gaped like a fish out of water, his eyes wide as saucers. He opened his mouth to say something, but a strangled choking noise was all that escaped him as his mind raced to figure out how Atlantis was here. How he had legs.

The pearl hummed at him. Shota let his eyes fall to the lightly-glowing pendant around Atlantis's neck. He blinked several times, swiveling to look at Mic and Midnight as though to make sure they were still there. Hearing Atlantis cry was heartbreaking. He just... legs. Those were legs. Atlantis had legs. He'd come when Shota needed him, and was here, on land, with a pair of legs and what seemed like it may be a magic necklace. Why wouldn't Atlantis have told him about it, though? No-- he would've. This development had to be recent. But either way...

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" Nemuri asked, frantic. 

"And why's he crying so hard?!" Mic yelped, concerned. Aizawa blinked his shock away, head whipping back in Atlantis' direction. Right! Atlantis was actually here, and he was crying! What kind of boyfriend was Aizawa being? Wait, this meant Hizashi and Nemuri knew. Not that that actually mattered at the moment. It would've been a bit more pressing had Atlantis been presented forth with his tail. But right now, they thought him to be any ordinary human being. 

"Holy shit." Shota's head whipped back to Atlantis as he threw his legs over the side of the bed. His heart swelled. Atlantis was here, on land, with legs. He had legs! He didn't know if it was some new power or if it really was that necklace like he thought it was, but he could feel his hopes beginning to rise. This had to be why Atlantis was suddenly asking if Aizawa would still want to be with him if he had legs! He was checking. Holy shit-- they could be together. Like, really together. 

They could live together and wake up in the same bed. Aizawa could cook for him in the kitchen, and sit with him on the couch and show him movies that would make his eyes grow wide with awe. They could adopt a cat together like Shota had dutifully suggested. He could wrap Atlantis up in a blanket, and show him how the shower worked. they could grocery shop, and go to restaurants, and if Shota proposed, even get-

"Oh my god." Shota choked out, slipping out of bed and allowing himself to sink to his knees in front of Atlantis. His two friends hopped to their feet, peering over the bed to watch. They couldn't see the smile that grew across their friend's face, his back being to them, but they could see him reach up to carefully pull Atlantis' hands away from his face. The smaller man looked absolutely distraught, his sea-colored eyes wide with a fair amount of fear that was kindled with something else. Shota smiled at him, feeling a bit misty-eyed himself. "Atlantis, it's okay. You just-- holy shit, you're here!" 

"I-I'm sorry I-I-" Atlantis hiccuped, and Aizawa wiped at his tears. Atlantis offered a shaky smile. "I-I wanted to practice first, but then I-I felt... I-I felt you start t-to die, and I got s-so afraid, a-a-and-"

"Don't apologize, Atlantis." Shota breathed, cutting him off. He squeezed Atlantis' hands. "I just... I can't believe you're here." 

Hizashi and Nemuri shared a look. Shota sounded almost disbelieving, which was... weird. This whole situation was weird. Nemuri was holding her breath, waiting for confirmation on her overall theory of what Shota had been doing over the summer. She was almost positive his mood change was due to the fact that he'd managed to meet someone. She only became more and more convinced with every second that ticked by with this Atlantis fellow around. 

"I-Is that o-okay?" Atlantis asked, voice small and afraid of the answer. Shota was gazing at him with a warm smile and love in his eyes, but Atlantis felt so unsure. His heart was beating at a unnaturally fast pace, and he felt exposed with Shota's two friends gazed at him with wide, rounded eyes. What would he do if Shota didn't want him on land? Going back to the ocean didn't seem like a permanent solution. He wanted to be closer to Shota. Seeing him daily at the pier wasn't enough. They were an entire world apart. Or... they had been, before now.

"It's more than okay, Atlantis. I love you." Aizawa assured, drawing himself closer. He took a deep breath. He had never loved someone so deeply before. He would never love someone so deeply again. Hell, he was pretty sure Atlantis was it for him. If this didn't work out for some reason-- god, he couldn't fathom the idea-- then that was it. There would never be anyone else. Of this, he was sure. He wanted to spend his life with Atlantis. Now, he could. Properly. "Marry me."

Nemuri's jaw dropped. Hizashi's glasses slid down his nose. They gawked at their friends back, trying to process what they'd just heard. He had just said that, hadn't he? Or had they imagined that? No-- that had actually happened. Shota had actually just... holy shit, had Shota seriously just proposed?! Wait-

"O-Okay!" Atlantis burst out, eyes wide and hopeful. Shota's smile broadened. "Wh-What's marrying, again?"

"WHAT?!" Hizashi screamed before Shota could answer, blowing the medical tent right off the ground and sending it flying through the air. There were several shrieks as it blew through the air only to crash down on a pair of police cruisers, which wailed in protest. Shota whipped around, eyes wide, pissed, and glowing red. Nemuri and Hizashi gawked at him as very light, soft rain sprinkled down on them. Atlantis seemed relatively clueless, the slight wince on his face from the sound fading as he twisted in his seat to look at where the tent had gone.

"Hizashi Yamada!" Recovery Girl charged over like an angry bull. "What was that- oh, Aizawa. You're awake."

"Yes. Am I cleared to leave? Are all the students okay?" Shota stood, pulling Atlantis up with him. The shorter man latched onto his side, blinking at Recovery Girl. He felt a lot better now that Shota was up and about, and now that he knew he still loved him. It was a massive weight off his chest just to know they were okay. That Shota wanted him here, on land. And he didn't know what this marrying thing was, but Hizashi had screamed, so it had to be a big deal. Was it a good thing? It sounded awfully familiar.

"All your students are fine. Midoriya was the most injured, but that's to be expected with that boy. Breaking a bone on the first day. Bah." Recovery Girl shook her head, eyes drifting to Atlantis, who was tucked into Shota's side. She brightened somewhat. "Now, Shota, do you want to introduce me to your friend here? I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what his healing quirk did."

"He's my fiance, actually. Atlantis." Shota said, face betraying nothing. Atlantis blinked up at him. His face was so blank, like it usually was in all the photos of him with his friends. Did he only smile when he and Atlantis were alone? Oh well! He didn't mind. He was happy being whatever a fiance was.

"...Your... fiance?" Recovery Girl asked slowly. She never would've thought Aizawa of all people would shack up with someone and settle down. It seemed... well, someone like this Atlantis fellow? He seemed so emotional! Though, that healing quirk truly was something else. She was eager to get to know more about him. If he really was going to be marrying one of the staff at UA, that only made things easier. Though, it was rather shocking to hear that it was Shota Aizawa he'd be marrying.

"SEE!" Hizashi shrieked, pointing an accusing finger at him. "When did you- what the hell, Shota?! You didn't tell us you were so in love you were going to propose!"

"Calm down, Hizashi! We both know he's a private person! Besides, I told you there was someone else!" Nemuri batted at him, but she too looked spooked. Recovery Girl seemed lost, staring at Shota, who stared back. Atlantis shrunk under her gaze. Why was she so curious about him? She seemed nice, but... scary. He didn't want to be here anymore. He wanted to go home. Where was home, now? Shota's apartment? He'd like to go there. Beds sounded nice. Shota said his was really nice.

"Both of you shut up. I can't even propose in peace, can I?" Shota griped at them, rolling his eyes and scoffing. Hizashi gasped. The audacity! "I think I'm going to take him home, Recovery Girl. I can bring him around tomorrow. I'm sure Nezu will be calling for a staff meeting as soon as possible..."

"...Alright, then." Recovery girl sighed. The area was clearing. Most of the teachers had gone back to the main campus, and Nezu was off to make parent calls and make a new security plan bulkier than the last. "Get some rest, Aizawa. Things are going to get mighty busy here over the next few days."

Shota gave a brisk nod, glancing at his two friends. They were still staring. Atlantis averted his eyes, gripping to Shota tighter. The rain got a little heavier. Shota glanced up at the stormy clouds, and then at Atlantis. He wanted to smile, but didn't want Hizashi's dumbass to shriek again. Instead, he turned and lifted Atlantis off the ground. The man scrambled to hold on, legs tentatively wrapping around his waist and arms lacing around his neck. He buried his head in Shota's shoulder, taking a deep breath and trying to assure himself that everything would be fine.

"I'll explain later." Shota said briskly, adjusting his grip on his new fiance. Well, his maybe fiance. He had to confirm to him what marriage was first. He gave Hizashi a sharp look. "Don't barge into my apartment unless you want to get thrown out a window."

"Oh-ho, I see." Nemuri winked, trying to take things in stride. Hizashi's jaw was still on the floor and he refused to pick it up, so Shota simply scoffed and whirled around on began to stalk off in the direction of his apartment. He grabbed his cracked phone and capture weapon off a nearby table along the way. The thing needed a wash, that's for sure. The pearl around his neck hummed, and he found himself smiling. He wasn't sure where his boots were, but the walk wasn't long, and he had a few spare pairs in his closet anyway. He wanted to get Atlantis out of here. It was pretty clear he was extremely nervous.

Atlantis didn't say anything or even look up as Shota walked, holding onto him tightly. Shota murmured reassurances to him as he walked along, feeling contented. His students were fine according to Recovery Girl. She would've told him if anyone got seriously injured. His phone needed a new screen, but was still functioning. They were to meet the next day for a staff meeting first thing in the morning at UA. School would resume after the weekend, as planned. Nezu personally messaged him outside the staff group chat to ask him to bring Atlantis, which made him want to scowl a little. Of course he'd gotten interested. It's not like he'd be able to find anything on Atlantis, him being from the sea and all.

They were entering Aizawa's building when Atlantis spoke, voice muffled by Shota's shoulder.

"I-I was afraid I-I'd lost you." He whispered, hands gripping at Shota's shirt tightly. Shota felt a small smile come to his face as he began up the stairs. His body felt refreshed. Memories of blinding pain his his elbow and arms were fresh, but there was nothing wrong anymore. Atlantis had truly healed him all the way. He could feel a small scar under one of his eyes. It ached a little, but it felt much, much better than it had before, when it was still an open wound.

"I'm okay now. You saved me, you know." Aizawa realized he hadn't grabbed his keys and stood on his toes, pulling one arm away from Atlantis to reach up and feel atop his doorframe. Sure enough, there was his spare, right on the edge. "I... you have legs now. And I'm really glad you do, even if it was dangerous for you to come."

"I couldn't let you die." Atlantis breathed, pulling away from Aizawa to gaze into his eyes. Shota smiled at him. This was... surreal. He'd almost died, and now Atlantis was here with legs, in his apartment. He let the merman down to his feet, not letting go of him as the shorter man gazed up at him with big, sea glass eyes. They were still rimmed red from all the crying. "T...Try not to get h-hurt again, okay?"

"I'll do my best." Shota smiled, dipping down. Atlantis smiled too, reaching up to gently cup Shota's face. This was... This was happening. Atlantis was finally here in his home. Their home, now. Atlantis was in his arms. Brilliant, kind, amazing, stunning Atlantis. Fuck! The love of his life had come and saved him from death, and was now here! They weren't on a dock holding hands. Atlantis didn't have to dip back into the water every so often to hydrate his tail. There was no more shivering when the water cooled on their skin or having to say goodbye. Atlantis was here. And Shota had never been so happy in his entire life.

When their lips met, it felt like the start of something. Of what, Aizawa could only dream.