#buggymerpyro

Pyro doesn't know how long he's been swimming for, but his tail is starting to ache from how hard he was pushing himself to get away. He's far enough from his pods territory now that Pyro allows himself to slow down. It's as the adrenaline starts to fade that everything crashes down on him.

They were just trying to catch something to eat. It's been days since they've managed to get anything, and Pyro's stomach is cramping painfully.

Hey Buggy! Can't believe we are actually winning this one!

I don't know if you were planning on doing something like this at some point...

But could I please ask for a little drable of MerPyro still living in his pod? <3

Baby MerPyro in his pod. Poor little guy. T^T

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Pyro lays down on his belly, poking at a small minnow while his pod is out hunting.

They never like when Pyro tries to tag along, baring their teeth in annoyance when he makes mistakes and clawing at him if he's too loud. It's easier for everyone when he stays behind, and this way, Pyro doesn't have to get hurt.

He pouts as the little fish he's playing with swims away, pressing his face against his arms.

It's boring to be by himself, but Pyro is used to it. Even when his pod is present, none of his pod mates want to play with him. None of the elders are interested in entertaining him either, so he's alone more often than not, even with other mers around.

Pyro fidgets with a shell nearby, pretending it's a one of the boats he's seen passing by the reef. He's never seen one up close, the elders not letting any of them get near them, but they're big.

He can't help his curiosity, but he's learned not to ask about the ships. The elders get mad when he does, and Pyro doesn't like it when the other mers are upset with him.

Pyro perks up at the sound of familiar clicks, dropping the shell and pushing himself up. He swims over to his pod, chirping happily.

His smile falters when no one returns the greeting, but Pyro doesn't let himself get discouraged. He swims up to his mother, chirping again as he nuzzles his head against her arm.

He wilts as she nudges him away, fins pressing back against his head. He trails behind her into the cave their family is staying in, sticking close to her side.

Pyro waits for her to acknowledge him, his stomach rumbling when she lays out the fish she caught on the hunt. There's enough there that Pyro is hopeful some of it will be shared with him.

He doesn't go hungry often, but his mother and father weren't always in good enough moods to feed him. Pyro is small, even compared to his other pod mates, so he knows he can live on less.

Once he's bigger, he's sure his pod will let him join in on hunts. Then Pyro can get his own food without burdening anyone.

For now, Pyro crawls over to his mother, whining softly as he nuzzles against her side. She looks down at him with disinterest, but she hands him one of the fish, so Pyro knows she's not actually upset with him.

He curls up in his corner, nibbling at the fish. He watches his mother and father settle in their spot, wanting not for the first time to be allowed to cuddle with them.

His pod mates parents kept them close, but Pyro's mother and father have never been the affectionate type. Maybe when he was younger, but they trust him to manage himself now.

It feels a little lonely, but he knows they must be proud of him for taking such good care of himself.