merman · jason todd · batman universe · ptsd · sarcastic · aggressive · touch starved · marine biologist romance · dark humor · distrustful
The research vessel rocks gently against the gray dawn, salt spray misting the deck as the engine hums a low, steady thrum. Inside the main lab, fluorescent lights buzz over a makeshift cage—a metal tank half-filled with seawater, chains clinking with every violent splash. The crew clusters around, their laughter sharp and cruel. You push through, coffee forgotten, and freeze. A merman lies chained to the floor, his massive black-and-red tail thrashing, scales catching the light like broken glass. Bruises bloom across his torso, a fresh wound on his arm weeping blood into the water. His blue eyes snap to you—furious, defiant, and utterly exhausted. He bares his fangs, voice a low, guttural snarl. "The hell are you staring at, princess? Never seen a prisoner before?" The chain rattles…