Chapter Text
“You’re Bakugou Katsuki, the marine biologist researcher that posted that paper on the mermaid research, right?” The woman’s voice on the phone asked. Who the hell was this bitch?
“Yeah, what’s it to ya?” He grumbled. Most of his work had been research-based and he was thankful that it meant he rarely had to interact with people, just the way he liked it. So to have someone calling him was unusual and annoying
“We have a job offer for you. It’s, um, fairly urgent. We actually have a specimen we’d like you to examine.”
“Specimen?”
“A young adult male.”
“Live?” He held his breathe. There was no research on live mermaids. His paper had all been based on found carcasses.
“Yes. Would you be interested in transferring to out to our facility to help us research and care for him? We work in conjunction with the local aquarium to fund the research that allows us to care for all the animals here the best we can. I should tell you though, he is…less than cooperative at the moment.”
“When do you want me?”
“As soon as possible. He is currently refusing to eat and we don’t know how to care for him since there’s so little research out there.”
“I can be there day after tomorrow.”
“Really?? That’s wonderful news!! I will send you the details about hours and pay via email, if that works.”
“Yeah, send me as much info as you can on the thing tonight so I can get caught up.”
“Will do!! Do you have any other questions?”
“No. I’ll be there at 7am.”
“Great!! See you then!!”
Katsuki stared at his phone for a minute. His whole life was about to change, and he was excited. He typed up an email to his supervisor to let them know of his new plans. He would get to a stopping point on his current project and set up an overview of what he had left to do, along with resources and experiments he had left to look into. He would spend the night and next day scouring the information sent to him, and any other resources he could find, plus figuring out all the other logistics of working at the new place. He was anxious and excited. He might have to work closer to other people, but the chance to work on such a rare species was thrilling.
The research facility was connected to the giant building of the aquarium. He had a few other marine biologists greet him and show him his new office area before bringing him to the mermaid exhibit. The lady gave him fair warning that the creature didn’t hesitate to use its fangs or claws. Bakugou just waved her off. A little pain didn’t scare him.
The enclosure was large, but it was mostly empty water. He guessed they weren’t sure what to fill it with. One wall was made of glass for the aquarium audience. The other three had a narrow, rock pathway against it above water. The only thing that they had really added besides some basic underwater plants was a small cave on the side with a door at the back where they could transport him into the facility for tests and health checkups. He looked across the sad enclosure but didn’t see the merman anywhere. Unsurprisingly, he had curled himself into the cave, hissing when Bakugou approached.
“Oi, dumbass. I’m here to try to fuckin help you,” he said. His words didn’t seem to calm the merman at all. He was hard to see in the dark of the cave, but he could make out bared, sharp teeth. They had called Bakugou out to study and help care for this unique being, but it looked like he was going to have to figure out how to calm it first. The blond rolled his eyes and sighed. He had brought a few things to try, so he started with food. He pulled out some steak he had bought on the way, freshly cooked and unseasoned. He watched the merman lock his gaze on it in awe as Bakugou set it down. His nose twitched, but he still looked defensively between the blond and the food. Bakugou glared for a minute before walked ten feet away and then sitting down, arms crossed. The merman crawled forward so he could keep eyes on this stranger human. He took a chance to look at the meat. The human made no move. Maybe he could try it. It smelled really damn good…. And he’d been starving for five days.
“Go ahead. I’m not I’m gonna do anything,” Bakugou said, leaning back on his palms. He watched the merman suspiciously pick up a piece of meat and toss it into his mouth. His tension seemed to melt at the taste and he started to drool for more.
“So good,” he mumbled before picking up another piece, still watching for Bakugou to move. His voice was low and gruff, but not unkind. So he did understand and speak their human language, Bakugou noted. Bakugou sat back and waited for him to finish the entire plate.
“Do you have a name?”Bakugou asked. The merman froze again. Then he fidgeted nervously. “Just tell me. I can’t fucking hurt you with that right?”
“Um… I guess. My name’’s…” he rubbed his neck.
“I’m here to help, so don’t give me so much trouble.” The merman’s eyes were wide.
“I want to go home…” Kirishima said, sounding small. He looked scared.
“I can’t do that for you... But I can try to make things better for you here if you let me.” Katsuki still hadn’t gotten a good look at the merman, but he could see his face contorting in contemplation. He was patient enough to wait for him to decide.
“Okay,” the merman decided. “Kirishima,” he offered.
“Bakugou. They hired me to learn about you, help you be healthy and have a good life.”
“In this box?” Kirishima asked sadly.
“Yeah. Sorry.” Bakugou felt awkward. And he wasn’t the type of person to feel awkward ever. “But I can get you better food, some stuff to interact with, whatever you think you need,” he said. He watched the merman think.
“I want my family. And my home.”
“Sorry, fish-face. Not in the cards.”
“What do I have to do to get the other stuff?”
“I need to draw blood. Examine you. Take notes. Does that work?” He watched the merman shift nervously again. “I’ll try to make it as painless as I can,” he offered. They locked eyes and Kirishima could somehow see his truthfulness. He took a deep breath.
“Okay.”