Third person pov

Aizawa's apartment held so many terrifying wonders. Of course, after the days events, Atlantis and Shota both were much too tired to attempt exploring them. Instead Aizawa carried him to what he called his bed, which was a huge cushion that was incredibly soft. Much more comfortable than his sand bed beneath the dock, anyway. After getting changed into a pair of Shota's underwear that had shrunk in something called a dryer, he collapsed and snuggled beneath the blankets. He felt so exhausted he was sure he'd fall asleep right away. That proved not to be the case. Though he was warm and snug, he felt nervous without Shota next to him, but also excited. He and Shota had never gotten to sleep next to each other. Not really.

Aizawa cleaned himself up, teeming with enthusiasm he couldn't seem to suppress. Though he wasn't nearly as tired as he would've been had Recovery Girl used her quirk on him, he still felt tired from the day of fighting. Just because Atlantis' power proved to be more powerful and efficient than most average healing quirk, that didn't mean his body had felt no toll from being brought back from near death. His mind was still reeling from the experience. He felt fine, save for a few phantom aches that continued to thump at him.

He got out of the bathroom as quick as he could, a smile stretching across his face when he saw Atlantis' head popping out from beneath his covers. He looked awed despite just lying there in bed. Shota felt completely amazed. He'd dreamed of this exact moment before. He'd dwelled on it while hanging out with Atlantis, and while laying here alone in his apartment. The question of what it'd be like the have the merman here with legs like any other human had always itched at him. Now, it was finally answered, and he felt like his heart was going to burst.

"Hey." He said softly as he approached. Atlantis blinked, beaming at him. He'd mostly recovered from the close call earlier, but Aizawa could tell he was still fairly shaken up. He lifted the covers to slip in. "How're you holding up?"

"I'm okay." Atlantis assured with a small smile. "I... I-I just felt so afraid. But I think I'm better now that you're safe."

"I'm glad." Shota breathed, still unable to stop grinning as he rested a hand on Atlantis' cheek. They were both on the same pillow, and the merman's own smile widened. "How're the legs?"

"They feel... different, but like they're supposed to be there somehow. My... feet ache. From running." Atlantis' nose scrunched up from the use of the word in accordance to himself. Aizawa chuckled, pulling his fiance forward. He'd explained to Atlantis what marriage was, and he'd immediately agreed. The lack of hesitation still made Shota feel all giddy on the inside. He was getting married! Holy shit-- he was getting married. He'd have to call his dad, and explain to pretty much all of UA's staff. Mic and Nemuri were both well aware that he'd never had any sort of relationship before. None that lasted or mattered, anyway. Atlantis was essentially his first and only, and he was satisfied with that. He wanted that more than anything.

"I'm sure that'll fade. I'm glad you're here." Shota pressed his face into Atlantis' hair and smiled. "Do you think you'll be okay tomorrow? Nezu is curious, and Hizashi and Nemuri both want answers."

"Will you be there?" Atlantis asked hesitantly, feeling more warm than he ever had in his entire life. He loved the ocean. He always would-- it was his home through and through. But this... god, nothing beat this. There wasn't a time looking back that he'd ever been happier. Look at him! Approaching a human turned out to be a good thing. Who knows if he would've found this necklace, and who knows if he ever would've met Shota and fallen in love.

"Of course." Shota answered, tired but sure. Atlantis felt himself smile, eyelids drooping.

"Then I'll be just fine."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was morning, and they were running just a little behind schedule. Not because they'd slept in or anything, but because Atlantis couldn't stop looking at things and touching them. His curiosity was something Aizawa found to be incredibly endearing. As a result, he had no qualms with stopping to patiently explain whatever it was he was looking at or handling at that given moment. This left them to get out the door about twenty minutes after they should've left. Atlantis didn't have any shoes, but that was fine. They needed to run if they wanted to make it to the faculty meeting. 

The streets only brought more questions from Atlantis, who was cheery. He looked around with bright eyes and an excited demeanor that made Shota want to laugh. He'd have to work on that. He'd already explained to Atlantis what he was like in front of his coworkers. Atlantis, who'd been turning the sink on and off at the time, had found the idea of his cold demeanor towards his fellow human beings to be exceedingly hilarious. The merman didn't want to infringe on Shota's life as it was, so of course he was fine with it. He loved Shota no matter how he was acting! Though, it was weird to see him look so stoic. He couldn't stop his snickering.

The closer to UA they got, the less focused on their surroundings Atlantis became. His nerves rose to attention, and he found himself gripping Shouta tightly as he was carried bridal style down the street. Shota was running, hopping over and off things. By the looks they were getting, this was not a normal way to get around. Most people were simply walking. Albeit, there weren't many other humans out at this time. It was what Shota called a weekend, and apparently, most people didn't have work those days.

"Wh-What if they hate me? Or harpoon me?" Atlantis asked, frowning at the idea. Shota looked almost amused by the question, a small smile coming onto his face as he glanced down at him. Somehow, Atlantis found his cooler demeanor to be just as suiting as his happy one. He'd have thought maybe he'd mind it, but he really didn't. It was nice to see this side of Shota. It was obviously a big part of who he was.

"They won't hate you, Atlantis. Nor will they harpoon you." Shota said as the gates came into view. They were going to be on time, with a few minutes to spare. His phone was buzzing away in his pocket. It had been since last night, though, he'd made sure to leave it in the living room so it wouldn't keep them up. Not that it could've. They slept like rocks, pressed up together. Waking up with Atlantis in his arms had been a dream. Shota had to take a knee for a second to even process it was real and happening. "They'll probably like you more than they like me."

Atlantis looked scandalized by the mere thought. He wasn't having as much trouble processing so many other humans. He felt shy, but seeing Shota maneuver through the streets in such a calm manner put him at ease. Alone, he wasn't sure he'd be able to fend for himself. But Shota made him feel too comfortable to be all that nervous around others! Shota was safe. The safest thing Atlantis knew these days, if he was being honest with himself. The solitude of the ocean wore on you after a while, and he found himself a little excited by the prospect of gaining new friends to mingle with. 

UA was bigger than Atlantis thought it'd be. The pictures Shota had showed him didn't do the hulking structure justice. Atlantis found himself paling at the intimidating sight, his eyes going wider than they already were. It was so massive! Would they get lost? There weren't stars to navigate by in there, or the sun to lead the way. That being said, they surely had... maps on land. Yes, he'd found a few of those in his time. He had a small collection of them buried in the sand off the coast of Japan's opposite coast. He didn't navigate the same way as humans, so it wasn't as though he could follow them.

"It'll be fine. If anyone tried anything, we'll just... leave." Aizawa said as they entered. The gate gave a small beep of acknowledgement as it felt Shota's ID pass through its sensors. The underground pro let out a breath of air. He was more nervous than he wanted to let on. Any hesitance, and he was pretty sure Atlantis would freak out. He was already reluctant and unsure of this new world he was being plunged into. Had Shota not almost died, maybe they could've eased him into it. Now, he was just... here. 

"To where?" Atlantis asked curiously, blinking up at him. Shota gave a small smile. 

"I heard Iceland's nice this time of year." He supposed. Atlantis didn't know where that was, but nodded anyway. If Shota was there, of course he'd go.

Mic and Midnight seemed to be waiting for them to arrive. Aizawa gave them the blandest look he could muster as their eyes zeroed in on Atlantis lying in his arms, wearing clothing too big for him and looking around like he'd just entered a holy castle of some sort. Great. He didn't want to deal with this. Given a choice, he'd sooner spend the day watching Atlantis venture around the apartment. Then, they'd of course move outside, and start going to all the establishments that sold his favorite foods. What would Atlantis do in a mall? Shota didn't usually like them, them being so large, but he'd gladly take Atlantis there just to see him run about in awe.

"Shota! And Atlantis, right?" Hizashi asked in a voice too cheerful and just slightly too loud. Nemuri gave an easy smile, looking Atlantis over. Shota blew out a puff of air, glancing down at Atlantis as he jumped. He looked terrified of Shota's two friends despite having seen them yesterday. The dark-haired man began to set him down. Atlantis got the memo and allowed himself to slide from his arms and onto his own two feet, gripping at Shota's arm and nervously averting his eyes.

"No need to be so nervous." Nemuri said easily. "We don't bite."

"So are you two really getting married?" Hizashi asked loudly. Shota gave him a glare, already starting towards the room they'd be meeting in. Atlantis scurried alongside him, looking down at his feet. He really did need to get some of these shoes. The tile was cold on his feet. It was such a weird sensation. It seemed to travel all the way up his new legs and right through to his spine. How weird! His feet being cold dictated the rest of his temperature? Humans' lower bodies were so odd.

"Yes." Shota answered the blonde voice hero's question. 

"Why doesn't he have shoes on?" Nemuri gave forth actual, valid inquiries that, at the moment, were more important than topics of marriage and such of that sort. Shota immediately tensed, and Atlantis blinked at her. "And why is he in your clothes?"

"I-I don't own any." Atlantis flushed when her attention fell on him. He couldn't help it! He didn't have experience in the art of not saying anything. He had always been so open with his fellow merfolk, and with Shota too. Words were meant to be spoken! "Sorry. I... um, I'm borrowing..."

"His apartment burned down." Shota said drawly, opening the door to the staff room. Nemuri let out a horrified gasp, eyes going wide. "When he came to heal me, he left his oven on."

"What? That's horrible!" Mic shouted. Shota rolled his eyes, tugging Atlantis in. Everyone else was already present. They all immediately looking to Atlantis, who shrunk under their gazes. Nezu just smiled, pressing his paws together. His beady eyes glinted, and Recovery Girl perked up at the sight of him, looking ready to snatch him up at a moments notice. There was, notably, two seats conveniently open right next to her. Atlantis glanced up at Shota, who nodded to him.

"What's horrible?" Powerloader asked, voice gravelly. "And is this the guy who healed you, Eraserhead? He doesn't look like much."

"He's my fiance." Shota answered dryly, giving him a look flatter than a Texas road. He shut up right quick. In fact, everyone did. It occurred to Shota he probably shouldn't have said that. But as he glanced at Atlantis, who was staring at the spinning chair by Recovery Girl like it was going to eat him, he decided he didn't mind if everyone knew.