Courting & Coupons

by s_the_queen

Summary:

Izuku's stomach turned over. He had told himself a thousand times that this was it. That the next time Kacchan started nesting, he'd shoot his shot. They were third years, and Kacchan was easily his best friend. He was also the love of his life. Every time Kacchan hit pre-heat, courting gifts would flood the dorms and Izuku would watch in terror as Kacchan inspected each one and then crumple in relief when he turned them down.

He couldn't wait on the sidelines anymore and wonder if Kacchan would accept him. He had to try, or else he'd miss his chance and regret it for the rest of his life.

-or-

Izuku has been planning to court Katsuki for ages. He has the perfect courting gift. He has his approach planned. And he *thinks* he has a chance.

Chapter 1: Nesting

Izuku knew Kacchan like the back of his hand. They'd been in each others' orbit for so long that he knew which way Kacchan was gonna move before he'd even twitched in that direction.

 

That's how he knew that Kacchan was going to enter a nesting frenzy.

 

It started with the people around him. They inadvertently started...attending to him. Making sure he had enough hot sauce for his lunch or holding his gauntlets for him and otherwise being up in his space in ways that drove the feral blonde absolutely fucking insane. The number of unplanned explosions per day rose by at least 30%.

 

Then (and this low-key made him feel like a creep for noticing) Kacchan would switch out his normal clothes for super-similar omegan clothing. His all-black loungewear went first. His omegan loungewear looked identical, but Izuku could tell. It draped a little more loosely, and Kacchan looked a thousand times more relaxed in it.

 

And third, just like right now, small things started going missing from the locker room. Easily replaceable things. A glove here, a head band there. The occasional towel. Stuff that was rarely missed except in the moment it went missing.

 

"Huh, I could have sworn I put my sweat band in here," Eijirou muttered, digging through his locker.

 

Izuku glanced back into his own locker, where he'd placed his gym towel. That gym towel was gone now. Just yesterday, Denki had asked them if they'd seen his undershirt.

 

He slammed his locker door and grabbed his things. If he caught up to Kacchan and stayed far enough back maybe he could—

 

Yep. Kacchan was waiting outside the girl's locker room anxiously, shifting from foot to foot. Mina poked her head out a moment later and handed him a bundle of clothing scraps with a wide grin.

 

"Thanks," he muttered.

 

"No prob. Just get Kyoka's shirt back to me as soon as you can, okay? I'll slip it into my laundry and say it was an accident."

 

Good system.

 

Nesting frenzy confirmed.

 

Izuku's stomach turned over. He had told himself a thousand times that this was it. That the next time Kacchan started nesting, he'd shoot his shot. They were third years, and Kacchan was easily his best friend. He was also the love of his life.  But he was also the most desired omega at UA, bar none. Every time Kacchan hit pre-heat, courting gifts would flood the dorms and Izuku would watch in terror as Kacchan inspected each one and then crumple in relief when he turned them down. He couldn't wait on the sidelines anymore and wonder if Kacchan would accept him. He had to try, or else he'd miss his chance and regret it for the rest of his life.

 

And now, it was time.

 

"Mido?"

 

Izuku jumped out of his skin, whirling around to meet Eijirou's questioning gaze. "Hi!" he squeaked.

 

Eijirou eyed him in concern. It was understandable. He was kinda panicking. His heart rate was all over the place and he was so anxious that he felt like he was gonna throw up. Sure he had a plan, but he and Kacchan didn't have the best history. There was no reason to think this was going to go well, aside from the fact that they'd grown close. But maybe they were just meant to be best friends! Maybe he'd be ruining what they had if he—

 

"You okay dude? You look like you're about to puke or something," Eijirou said, inching closer.

 

"I'm fine," Izuku confirmed, still sounding like a squeaky toy.

 

"...If you say so, dude. But I'll totally walk you to Recovery Girl if—"

 

"DEKU!" Kacchan barked.

 

Izuku had never turned around so quickly in his entire life. He nearly fell over. This was already going very poorly. "Kacchan!"

 

"What the fuck is taking you so long, fuckface?"

 

"Sorry! Uh...did we have something planned?"

 

Katsuki looked at him like he was the stupidest person on the planet, and...fair. "We always walk back together. And it's Tuesday, shithead. We're supposed to review for English before we spar." Izuku's heart lightened. They did always walk back together. Izuku was the only alpha that Katsuki consistently tolerated. Except for Eijirou, who was already courting Mina. 

 

"O-oh. Right. Sorry! Let's go."

 

He scurried to catch up with the blonde omega, who had already turned and started walking away. There was a spring in his step now. He could totally do this.

 

Izuku led Katsuki to his room, subconsciously determined to not disturb Katsuki’s nest. He ignored the raised eyebrow Katsuki gave him when he hit the button to the second floor. He did not ignore the quiet, pleased purring. He couldn't. But he also didn't react. He didn't have a death wish.

 

Indicator number four that Kacchan was heading into his cycle—he was much more open with his emotive reactions. Purring, growling, hissing, the works. In middle school, someone had called his purring cute and he'd thrown them into a trash can. Then he'd rolled that trashcan down a hill.

 

When they got into his room, he turned up the heat and pulled out blankets. Katsuki met him with a glare. "They're for me. It's cold in here," Izuku insisted. "You can have one, obviously, but I'll be freezing as soon as I change out of my uniform."

 

The glare softened, but the stare remained suspicious. "Whatever," he muttered, tossing his bag on the bed and shedding his jacket. Then he paused. "Fuck, I should change too," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably.

 

"You can borrow something," Izuku offered. It wouldn't be the first time. Kacchan grimaced, though—reminding Izuku that he'd be craving softer threads than the alpha could currently provide. "Up to you, obviously." The suspicious stare returned.

 

"Right. I'm gonna go change and put my shit away. Be right back." He grabbed his bag as he left.

 

When he hadn't come back in over fifteen minutes, Izuku realized that he was probably adding the pilfered items to his nest.

 

Izuku cast a glance at his closet, where the contents of his...probably excessive courting gift were stored. He'd spent months thinking about what to give him. Then he'd spent more months compiling his gift. Something to prove to Kacchan that he was loved and appreciated and desired for who he was—beyond and better than what everyone else saw when they decided to court him. Something to prove that Izuku was tailor-made for him.

 

He just hoped it would work.

 

"The fuck are you looking at?"

 

"WAH-chan!" Izuku yelped, turning wide, panicked eyes on the unimpressed blonde in his doorway. "Nothing!"

 

"...spastic fucking dork. Hurry the fuck up, we have shit to do."

 

Working with Kacchan made time move at breakneck speed. Or maybe that was just him, feeling like there was never enough time when it came to his childhood friend. He always wanted more.

 

Regardless, the evening sped by—from homework, to training, to dinner, then back to homework, until it was time for Katsuki to turn in. They were still bickering about the influence of old-school western media on modern heroics as Izuku showed him to the door.

 

"You're so full of shit," Katsuki barked, standing on the other side of the door.

 

"You'll do the research and in a week you'll be back here bitching about how Captain America was the prototype for All Might's heroic philosophy," Izuku warned.

 

"Fuck you. Go the fuck to sleep, you're going senile."

 

Izuku grinned at him. "You're only saying that because you think I might be right," he teased. Katsuki scowled. "Goodnight," he said, smile softening before he went to shut the door. Katuski threw his hand out before it closed all the way. "Kacchan?"

 

He was silent for a long moment, studying Izuku quietly. "You noticed, right?"

 

Izuku tilted his head. "Noticed what?"

 

Katsuki gritted his teeth. "That I'm nesting, asshole."

 

"Oh," Izuku replied, flushing. "Yeah."

 

The blonde bit his bottom lip, gnawing it for a moment before his shoulders dropped resignedly. "Scent me."

 

He couldn't help the fond smile. Kacchan hated asking for help. Demanding something though? Totally within his wheelhouse. He spared a thought for his courting gift, feeling much more confident that he was on the right track. "Sure, Kacchan," he replied, bringing his wrist up to brush the base of Katsuki's neck where it met his shoulder.

 

When Kacchan’s eyes fell shut, his eyelashes tickled the tops of his cheekbones. God, he was beautiful. With each pass of his wrist, the omega grew more relaxed—eventually letting his rumbling purr out into the air. Izuku withdrew, relishing the glassy crimson gaze as it refocused on him. "Don't wake up late, or I'm starting without you," Katsuki snapped half-heartedly.

 

Izuku smiled even wider. "Goodnight, Kacchan."

 

As soon as Katsuki was out of sight, Izuku texted Momo. He was almost ready, but he needed some help with the finer details, and no one did finer details like Momo.

 

>> Yaomomo

u awake?

 

Yaomomo <<

I am! Did you need something, Izuku?

 

He smiled fondly at her perfect grammar like he always did. No matter how comfortable they'd gotten with each other, she'd never eased up on her meticulous speech patterns. It was endearing. But also not something he had time to dwell on right now.

 

>> Yaomomo

yea I need ur help. its important.

 

Yaomomo <<

I'm on my way.

Chapter 2: The Gift

Katsuki woke up at 6 am every day. Don't get him wrong—he was not a morning person. He just had some goddamn discipline. Unlike Deku, who stayed up until the ass crack of dawn and then had to be pulled out of bed by force.

 

But if he was gonna be awake this goddamn early, he wasn't going to waste a single fucking second of it. It had damned well better be worth his time. Especially since he was nesting. Most omegas wouldn’t even think about training without instructor supervision while nesting—they were more likely to get distracted and more likely to go feral. But since Deku would be there, it felt okay. He trusted Deku. That didn’t mean he wanted to wait around for Deku to get his ass in gear. 

 

>> Nerd

u better b awake shithead

 

He dragged himself out of bed and threw on his clothes haphazardly, still groggy and rather unwilling to be awake. He yanked open the door and stomped into the hallway.

 

Or, he would have stomped into the hallway if he hadn't tripped over something large and in his fucking way.

 

"What the fuck," he grumbled, picking himself up off the floor and turning to examine the obstruction. Before him sat a large,  black rope basket with orange handles. "The hell is this?"

 

He picked it up and carried it into his room, dropping it on his bed. He shot a quick text to Izuku to let him know he was running late, then yanked the lid off irately.

 

Then he went very still. His grip on the basket lid grew delicate, and he placed it gently on the bed next to the basket. He wiped his suddenly sweaty palms on his sweatpants, then reached for the note that sat on the top of the basket's contents.

 

Kacchan,

I hope you understand, but I'll be skipping training today. You know that I know you've started nesting, and I'm done chickening out. This is my courting gift to you. I would like your permission to court you, and I want you to have time to make a decision. Until you decide, I'll give you your space.

 

Everything in the basket is yours, no matter what you decide. I hope you like them, even if you don't want me.

 

Please take your time, and do what feels right. I'll still be your friend no matter what.

 

Love,

Izuku

 

Katsuki could feel his heart beating in his goddamn face. He was so fucking shocked that his lips felt numb. He'd gone so rigid that he felt like he'd turned to stone.

 

Deku wanted to court him? He was barely breathing. He reached in and pulled out a bundle wrapped in a terry towel—carefully unfolding it. Spa stuff. Really nice spa stuff. The kind of stuff his mom would get him for his birthday. He popped the lid off one of the lotions. It was even in a scent that complimented his nesting scent. A scent that he actually liked. Everything in the bundle had warm scents that he liked—all with sharp spice notes that countered his own burnt caramel. He had no idea how Deku had known to get these. Bath bombs, face masks, relaxant lotion, body scrubs, and spiced teas. They were perfect.

 

What the fuck.

 

He set the bundle aside gently and looked back into the basket. There was so much crammed inside it. Even the basket itself was an addition to the gift—large and soft, matching the aesthetic of his room. Perfect for storing his nesting materials which were also included in the gift.

 

Alpha is generous.

 

He pulled out the two nesting pillows next. They weren't like the ones you could get at the big stores that catered soft cutesy shit to flowery gentle omegas. These were clearly custom-made. Soft, plush, dense pillows in black—one lined with sunset orange and the other with emerald green. Katsuki squeezed the orange one gently, purring as the material sank exactly the way he liked it. Soft to the touch and luxuriously supple, but firm enough to actually offer support. Perfect again. He didn't even have pillows this perfect in his nest at home, and his parents had spared no expense to make him comfortable when he presented.

 

He saw the hoodie and sweats next, stripping out of his clothes quickly to pull them on—purring growing louder as he was wrapped in the soft, fleecy material. They were still all black but, Katsuki realized as he looked back into the basket, clearly meant for more. He found two small iron-on patches with their hero logos. So that he could choose whether he wanted Deku's mark on his clothes. Deku had been so goddamn careful to make sure that these gifts would be relevant even if he was rejected. Even the shade of green could be taken for grenade green if he wanted.

 

Alpha cares about me.

 

He sniffled and realized that he was crying. What the fuck. Was this really happening?

 

There were two...blankets, probably? But they were in scent-proof bags. He set them aside. He had a feeling they'd mess with his focus, especially considering how the rest of this slow mental breakdown was going. So instead, he picked up the flash drive that sat at the bottom of the basket and stuck it into his laptop. There were two folders, one labeled 'Kacchan's Favorites' and the other labeled 'Deku's Recommendations.' A quick click revealed a 142-title library of movies. He scrolled through them, and couldn't help but imagine watching them on his laptop, in his nest with his perfect new nesting materials and Deku curled around him. Fuck.

 

His hands were trembling as he pulled the next item out. A long, thin velvet box. He sobbed out loud when he opened it to reveal three super-rare commemorative All Might Pins—prototypes from his UA years that were almost impossible to find. Deku must have spent a goddamn fortune on them.

 

Did he actually deserve all this? Especially from him? Katsuki placed the box in his desk drawer, all the way at the back. They'd stay there until he could find a proper display for them.

 

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

 

The last item in the basket was a booklet. Small, but thick. He frowned as he picked it up, flipping open the first page.

 

On the inside cover, another note.

 

If you decide you want to try this, I want to do it at your pace. Use these to decide your next steps.

 

His eyes flicked to the first page. It looked like a coupon, right down to the tear-out perforation, and it read: I accept your courting gift. He frowned at it, and flipped to the next page. It read: Lunch date.

 

Flipping through the booklet was like flipping through the beginning of a relationship—a steady crescendo of interest and dating and courting gestures that made Katsuki's pulse thud as he thought about them. It seemed that the idea was that when Katsuki wanted one of these things, he could give Deku the coupon for it and Deku would make it happen. Things that were so fucking intimate and romantic that it made his head spin just thinking about it. Scenting kisses and movie nights and a Day at the Hero Hall of Fame?

 

Did Deku really know him this well? He'd put Katsuki in control of the whole process without him having to say a word. Katsuki's greatest fear when it came to mating was getting saddled with an alpha who would try to tame him like he was some sort of animal. Did Deku know that?

 

His purrs had turned into straight-up crooning—drawn out, delighted chirps.

 

Alpha knows me. 

 

His eyes settled on the blankets in their bags. One was labeled 'claim' and the other was labeled 'interest.' He reached for the claim bag first. It would be a territorial scent—something that would mark his nest if Katsuki wove it into the other materials. A scent that would make Katsuki feel protected. His stomach felt heavy with anticipation.

 

He whined aloud when the first scent hit his nose—heavy and possessive and pleased. Like Katsuki had done something good for his alpha, even though he hadn't done anything at all. He yanked the blanket out of its bag and stuffed his face into it, not even understanding the noises he was making anymore. Somewhere between purring and chirping and sobbing—but utterly delighted. The blanket was impossibly soft, and aesthetically matched the green-lined pillow. Deku was gonna make his nest look so pretty and so goddamn cozy.

 

What the fuck.

 

He crawled into his bed with the blanket, carefully draping it over the other linens and clothes that made up his nest. He wanted to curl up in it—both the softness and the scent. But there was one more blanket to open. The 'interest' blanket.

 

To be honest, considering that Deku had managed to reduce him to an omegan mess without even being in the room, he wasn't sure that he should open that one. Especially not before class. But considering how fucking perfect the rest of the gift had been, he couldn't really help himself. He needed to know, and this scent would tell him exactly how badly Izuku wanted him. And how compatible they would be.

 

How the fuck was this happening? Was this real?

 

He opened the last bag.

 

His pupils dilated as the scent hit him head-on and he moaned pathetically. He'd never slicked so fast in his goddamn life. What the fuck, what the fuck. He buried his face in this blanket too, grabbing a pillow to slot between his legs to put pressure on his boner that had shown up out of fucking nowhere.

 

Deku's marking scent was crisp and woodsy—assertive but clean. His interest scent was still woodsy, but it was almost oppressive in its warm muskiness. What the fresh fuck. How was it possible for someone to smell like this? You read about shit like this in trashy romance novels. He wanted to suck it out of Deku's scent gland himself.

 

Deku's scent patches must be top-notch if he'd hidden this scent from Katsuki for ten years. If he'd smelled this before, he would have devoured Deku in public. Or let Deku devour him. Or both! Whatever!

 

He ground his hips against the pillow frantically, desperately breathing in the scented blanket as he went until he finally came into the perfectly soft sweatpants that Deku had given him.

 

He slumped back into the bed, surrounded by Deku's gifts and his scent—heart still jackhammering in his chest and mind fucking spinning with the number of thoughts running through it.

 

Clearly, they were sexually compatible. Holy fuck.

 

He picked up the note again, hands still shaking and still purring like a fucking motorcycle. Katsuki had received 78 courting gifts since their first year at UA, and Deku had just blown them all out of the fucking water. Katsuki couldn't actually believe that Deku was worried about his gift being accepted when it was so goddamn perfect.

 

He grabbed the (perfect, thoughtful, fucking delightful) coupon book and ripped out the first coupon—staring at it blankly. This was really happening. He...might have finally found his perfect alpha. And it was the alpha who'd been there his entire fucking life.

 

What the fuck.

Notes:

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Chapter 3: Acceptance

Izuku fidgeted when he was nervous. So naturally, he couldn't stop drumming his pencil on his desk as he stared at the clock.

 

Kacchan was late. Kacchan was never late.

 

Oh god, what if he was pissed off? What if he'd ruined everything? What if Kacchan never talked to him again? What if—

 

"You okay, Deku?" Ochako asked, hovering over him. "You look like you're gonna throw up."

 

"Jury's out," he admitted absently.

 

"What's wrong?"

 

He just shook his head. He heard Ochako's huff of irritation but ignored it. The only person in class who knew what was happening was Momo, and that was just because he'd needed her help.

 

Everything had to go at Kacchan's pace, including telling their friends. He might be an omega, but he hated being perceived as soft or possessed. Izuku just wanted him. He didn't care what pace they went at. Kacchan would, though.

 

If he accepted him.

 

He'd be crushed if he didn't. But he'd get over it, as long as he'd tried.

 

Assuming Kacchan would ever look him in the eyes again.

 

Fuck, why did he decide to do this? It was too big a risk!

 

The door to the classroom slammed open, and Izuku's head snapped up to meet a burning red stare. Glaring—burning holes through him, really. In his experience, that glare meant that Kacchan was pissed.

 

Fuck, he'd ruined everything.

 

"Seriously Deku, what's wrong?" Ochako asked, leaning back into his space. "You're sweating."

 

If Izuku hadn't been hyperfocused on Katsuki, he would have completely missed the quiet growl. Izuku leaned out of Ochako's space immediately. Then paused. Was...that a possessive thing? A territorial growl?

 

His stomach flipped, but he tried to beat back the hopeful flutter. He'd promised Kacchan that he'd give him time to figure it out, right? He had to stay calm, be patient, and wait for Kacchan to make his move.

 

But it was hard to stay calm when Kacchan was stalking closer to him with murder in his eyes. Talk about mixed messages. He probably hadn't decided what to do but was leaning toward evisceration or level-ten detonation. That sounded likely, especially since Kacchan hadn't shown any interest in him before.

 

He just had to fall for the murder omega, didn't he?

 

"I'm fine, Ochako," he assured her, just as Katsuki had reached their desks.

 

"Get the fuck away from me, Floaty, you smell like someone threw up cotton candy," he snapped at her, snarling when she didn't move.

 

Iida sighed tiredly, as though he were an exhausted father who did not want to have this conversation again. "You shouldn't speak to your classmates like th—"

 

The growl that ripped out of the omega's throat this time was loud enough for the entire classroom to hear—loud and warning. Feral. "Get the fuck away from me," he snarled, pupils dilated and fangs bared.

 

It was wrong to be turned on right now, right?

 

"Back off guys," Izuku insisted, not taking his eyes off of Katsuki. Those beautiful crimson eyes snapped to him, narrowing. "Class is about to start anyway, just give him his space."

 

Kacchan's jaw clenched but before Izuku could say anything else, he'd thrown himself into his seat. There was a tremor to his shoulders, and Izuku opened his mouth to say something but was unfortunately cut off by Aizawa crawling out from under his desk as the bell rang.

 

The class was tense. Having an omega bordering on feral in the room was distressing and the alphas (and betas) in the room were chomping at the bit to comfort him. That, in turn, put Izuku on edge, and he had to restrain himself from snarling at Kacchan's friends when they came to check on him during breaks.

 

It helped that Kacchan snarled at them instead, refusing to be coddled.

 

It did not help that Kacchan was virtually ignoring him, aside from tensing if he got too close or spoke too much. Honestly, it made him feel...rejected. Which was fine! He'd survive. But he'd like a straight answer. He'd like to know for sure.

 

He'd also like to scent Kacchan all over so that Shoto would stop looking at him like that. The other alpha was completely transfixed on his omega ('Not mine,' he reminded himself), and even though Izuku had no claim over the fiery blonde, he wanted to gouge Shoto's eyes out.

 

The bell rang for lunch, and what came next happened very quickly. Katsuki launched himself from his seat, grabbed the front of Izuku's shirt, and started dragging him out of the room. "We need to fuckin' talk, fuckface."

 

"Kacchan?"

 

"Shut the fuck up and follow me," he demanded. Izuku fell silent and nodded, falling into step so that he was being guided instead of pulled.

 

"Wait, where are you guys going?" Eijirou called after them.

 

"You can't just drag him away like that!" Ochako cried.

 

"We'll be back later!"

 

"Mind your own fucking business, shitheads!"

 

If Izuku had a tail, it would be firmly between his legs. Kacchan was dragging him to the rooftop, only slowing down when he stumbled on a stair as they made their ascent. "Kacchan is everything—"

 

"Shut. Up."

 

One flight left. Hey, at least if Kacchan rejected him, he could give himself a concussion by rolling himself down the stairs. Convenient!

 

Katsuki pulled him onto the rooftop and slammed the door behind them before dropping his shirt. Then he jammed his hand into his pocket.

 

A second later, Izuku was pinned to the door—Kacchan's explosive palm in the center of his chest. On instinct alone, Izuku covered it with his own—intending to rip it off before he could detonate.

 

But then, he felt a scrap of paper under Kacchan's fingers, and he looked down. His heart stopped.

 

There was a coupon pressed against his chest. Izuku's stomach was free-falling. He looked up at Kacchan, only to find his eyes downcast and hidden. The tips of his ears were brick red, though. Gently, Izuku pulled the coupon from under Kacchan's hand, nearly whimpering when his hand curled back into his shirt once the flimsy paper was gone.

 

He looked away from Kacchan to read the coupon.

 

I accept your courting gift.

 

I accept your courting gift.

 

I accept your courting gift.

 

He sobbed, and Kacchan's head snapped up to look at him. "The fuck are you crying for?" he demanded, crowding in closer. Izuku sobbed harder. He couldn't help it, he'd always been a crybaby, and Kacchan had accepted his courting gift.

 

"I thought you were gonna reject me," he hiccuped, bringing his hand back up to hold the hand that was still gripping his shirt—stroking the back of Katsuki’s hand with his thumb.

 

 

There was no way Kacchan couldn't feel how hard his heart was beating.

 

"You're fucking stupid, then," he grumbled. "Most of the fucking idiots who tried to court me bought me shit I hated and were only thinking with their dicks."

 

"You liked my gift?" Izuku breathed, gripping Kacchan's hand a little tighter. He couldn't believe this was real. He was shaking—only grounded by his omega's proximity. Holy shit. Kacchan was letting him court him.

 

This might be the best day of his life. Or at least, it was tied with the day he met All Might.

 

"Fuck you. I will throw you off this roof."

 

"Can I kiss you before you do?"

 

"Not without a fucking coupon, shithead," Kacchan snapped, blushing furiously. Izuku grinned, still leaking from the eyes but so happy. He liked the coupons. He actually liked the coupons. "You can scent me, though," he amended quietly, casting his eyes back to the ground.

 

Izuku's wrist was planted over Katsuki’s scent gland half a second later. He whined when he stepped even closer—almost close enough to bury his face in Izuku's shoulder. "You can scent me too if you want," he offered quietly, trying not to sound too excited. He didn't want to pressure him, but he nearly collapsed from delight when Katsuki's hand wrapped around his other wrist and rubbed circles into his scent gland with his thumb—coaxing his scent out before pressing their wrists together.

 

Then, just when he thought it couldn't possibly get any better, Kacchan started purring—nuzzling Izuku's collarbone over his uniform and rubbing his cheek over his lapel like a contented cat. Izuku's heart squeezed and his breath caught—for a long moment, he was sure that he was going to die.

 

Then, Katsuki stepped back.

 

"Now go eat your fucking lunch, alpha." Izuku's blood burned. "If you bitch out in training, I'm rejecting your claim."

Notes:

Comments make me 🥰

Thank you to the incredible Mozi for the artwork!

Chapter 4: Lunch Date

It took Katsuki three days to stomp his utter embarrassment down long enough to decide to use the next coupon. And then, it took him another two days to corner Deku alone and maintain his momentum long enough to not chicken out.

 

The coupon burned a hole in his pocket for five fucking days, and Katsuki felt fucking pathetic. It was Deku . This shouldn't be so goddamn hard.

 

But Deku was so fucking patient with him, in a way that most people weren't. He didn't make a single move, except for smiling even fucking brighter than before. Katsuki was so goddamn grateful and fucking touched , it was actually kind of disgusting. And that stupid smile did fucked up things to him. He'd never reacted to Deku's endless sunshine parade like this before. It was a lot. He felt like he was going crazy.

 

Finally, on Tuesday morning (at the ass crack of dawn) he got his shit together. Deku was waiting for him in the common room for their run and before he could bitch out, Katsuki flung the next coupon in his face. He couldn't help but be pleased that Deku looked as flustered as he felt when he flailed to catch it.

 

Katsuki watched him process the coupon in his hand—relishing the slow smile that spread across his freckled face. Had his dumb freckles always been that adorable? What the fuck?

 

"You wanna use this today?" Deku asked, looking at him with a small, delighted grin and holding up the coupon.

 

Lunch Date.

 

Katsuki gave a curt nod, eyeing the floor. "Unless you already have plans," he muttered.

 

"Nope. No plans. None," he insisted, stepping closer to Katsuki who valiantly fought the urge to step away. He sounded almost breathless with excitement. "And I'm pretty much down to cancel all plans for you at any time, so don't worry about that. Like, ever."

 

Katsuki blushed violently. "Are you—" the words got caught in his throat, and he swallowed against them. "Are you fucking serious?" he demanded, squinting at Izuku as though it hurt to look at him plainly. Did he really like Katsuki that much? "You'd just...drop everything—"

 

"For you? Without question," Deku confirmed immediately.

 

Katsuki was glad the common room was dark, because he did not want Deku to see his blush in the light. Crimson Riot had nothing on him. "Did you just quote Black Panther at me, you fucking dork?" he hissed.

 

"Uh," Deku chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. Katsuki's eyes zeroed in on the little strip of skin that revealed itself as his shirt lifted. Fuck . "Not on purpose, but yeah, I guess I did."

 

"I can't deal with you this early in the morning," Katsuki muttered. "Run, Deku."

 

"After you, Kacchan!" he agreed cheerily, stepping aside so that Katsuki could lead the way. He stomped toward the door and took off as soon as the cold morning air hit his face.

---

Izuku was going to throw up.

 

Like, he was excited and so glad that Kacchan had decided on the first move. He still wanted to be courted! By him !

 

But now, he was definitely gonna throw up.

 

He had to plan a lunch date in under an hour! He had until classes started to plan the rest of the date which gave him around two hours, but he had to cook without anyone else in the dorm knowing what he was doing, because Kacchan hadn't given him a coupon to inform any of their friends. That meant he had to finish cooking before anyone woke up and came downstairs. That gave him like forty-five minutes. God, what was he gonna do?

 

He stared into the fridge with a healthy sense of trepidation. He honestly hadn't been banking on a lunch date as the first coupon, so his ingredients were...sparse. He'd have to steal food from his classmates and pay them back.

 

Luckily, he was a pretty good cook, and he knew what Kacchan liked.

 

At least he hoped he did.

 

Fuck, what if Kacchan didn't like it?

 

"Morning Deku!" Ochako greeted him when he was almost done cooking. He had an hour before classes started now, and he was calmer now that he was nearly done. He still wished he'd finished before anyone else could wake up, though. "Smells good! Whatcha making?"

 

"I was craving curry," he replied evasively.

 

"Oooh, do you have any extra?" she asked, leaning across his shoulder to look into the pot. Ochako had always been loose with her personal space boundaries, so he didn't think anything of it.

 

But the idea of sharing a meal that he'd made especially for Kacchan? His entire body screamed at him to refuse.

 

"Sorry, I made it super spicy," he replied. "It'll probably be too much for you."

 

She pouted, opening the drawer next to her and searching out a spoon. "I'm sure it'll be fine. At least let me try it—"

 

"I don't think that's a good idea," he warned. She stood on tiptoe to reach across him, steadying herself with a hand on his wrist as she dipped her spoon into the curry. "Ocha, wait—" but she'd already put the spoon into her mouth. He bristled in irritation—how dare she steal his omega's food?

 

"It's so good!" she groaned. She went to take another spoonful but stopped short. "Oh, god."

 

"I told you," he sighed as she flung herself away from him to make a break for the sink. He personally thought it was a bit dramatic when she put her entire head under the faucet but then again, he had a much higher spice tolerance than the rest of the class.

 

Except Kacchan. Kacchan's tastebuds were impervious to weakness.

 

Maybe he should make it hotter. Kacchan was amazing, and he deserved the best. He'd have to find the perfect line between heat and flavor—hot enough to please the omega without being unable to taste the food.

 

"Why is it so hot?" she complained.

 

Izuku shrugged. "Felt like eating something hotter today," he replied before dipping his own spoon in for a taste. "Oh. It's not that bad," he commented absently. He crossed over to the fridge and pulled out the vegetable drawer, cursing a moment later. "I was hoping Kacchan would still have some ghost peppers," he sighed.

 

"God, I'm sweating," she whined. "I might need to take another shower!"

 

"I did tell you not to eat it," he chuckled, going to the cupboard to pull out bento boxes.

 

This would just have to do.

 

He hoped it was enough.

---

Katsuki stiffened when Deku took his seat behind him—covered in someone's cloying scent. He recognized that shitty scent. He bit back a possessive snarl. Class hadn't started yet and the room was empty except for Glasses, so he swiveled in his seat and pinned Deku with a death stare that would have killed a lesser mortal.

 

Deku looked at him like a deer in the headlights. "Kacchan?"

 

"Fuck. You."

 

He looked stricken. Good . "What's wrong?"

 

"You stink, fuckface."

 

Deku's brow crumpled in confusion, and he gave himself a quick sniff. Katsuki tried not to be too smug when he paled rapidly. "She must have scent-marked me while I was cooking," he whispered, hurriedly explaining himself. Katsuki couldn't help the quiet growl this time. "I'm so sorry, I'll go get a neutralizer during break," he promised. Katsuki narrowed his eyes, lip curling into a snarl. Deku's eyes darted to the clock. "Or right now," he amended quickly. "I'll be right back."

 

"Hurry the fuck up," Katsuki snapped.

 

When he returned, he smelled like fucking nothing , and that was almost worse. Especially since the classroom was full now, and he couldn't even wrist-scent him without getting raised eyebrows. Nosy fucking extras.

 

His phone vibrated a moment later.

 

From:  Nerd

I'm sorry Kacchan, I really didn't realize

I was planning our lunch date so I wasn't paying attn

 

To:  Nerd

pay attention then fucker

 

From:  Nerd

I will, I promise

@ lunch, tell anyone who asks that we're having lunch w/ all might

then meet me on the b building roof

don't buy lunch

 

He bit back a pleased purr. Did Deku cook for him? Deku hated cooking, so if he'd gone out of his way to make lunch for them...

 

He really couldn't help the quiet rumbling that spilled out at that thought. That Deku was willing to go out of his way to make him happy. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he'd always been that way—trying so hard to impress him, even before they'd presented.

 

He managed to keep his purring almost silent so that Invisalign couldn't hear him. Unfortunately, he also sat next to Airpods, so his purring cut off when she leaned in close to ask: "What's got you so happy, Blasty?"

 

He scowled at her. "None of your fucking business," he snapped. She offered her wrist and he glared at it for a second before swiping his own against it as fast as he could. A cursory scenting. "Fuck you."

 

"How's your nest looking?" she asked, still quiet. "Need anything for it?"

 

Katsuki's mind snapped back to the luxurious nesting materials he'd received from his alpha, purring again . This was getting ridiculous. "S'perfect," he muttered, flushing embarrassedly.

 

He could practically feel Deku's smile.

---

Kacchan fled the classroom as soon as the bell rang. Most of the class didn't pay it any mind—accustomed to how flighty and secretive he was, especially during his heat cycle.

 

Izuku, as always, got held up by his friends.

 

"You've been skipping lunch a lot lately, Izuku," Tenya scolded him. "I insist you—"

 

"I'm not skipping lunch, I brought food," he interrupted, holding his food aloft. "All Might agreed to help me with finding heroes to do my informational interviews with, that's all. We're busy. Now, I don't want to keep him waiting, so—"

 

"Please?" Ochako pouted. He grimaced—part guilty and part annoyed, especially when she wrapped her hand around his wrist to keep him from fleeing.

 

"I really can't," he replied apologetically. "I have to go. Maybe tomorrow," he offered half-heartedly, shaking out of her grip and making a break for the door.

 

He'd have to stop into the bathroom for another scent neutralizer before meeting Kacchan. Dammit.

 

By the time he made it to the roof, they were fifteen minutes into their lunch hour and he was afraid that Kacchan had already left. He threw open the door to the roof, eyes sweeping the area, heart dropping when he found it empty.

 

"The fuck took you so long, asshole?"

 

Listen, Izuku didn't scream . He yelped , spinning quickly as he startled. Katsuki was sitting next to the door, looking up at him in reluctant amusement. "Kacchan!"

 

"Deku!" he mimicked mockingly. "Well?"

 

"Tenya and Ochako wanted me to have lunch with them," he replied. "Then I had to stop for another scent neutralizer," he admitted. Kacchan's eyes narrowed.

 

"She scented you again? " he demanded, getting to his feet. Izuku nodded once, eyeing the blonde warily. His stomach lurched when Kacchan held out his arm, wrist facing up, cocking an eyebrow challengingly.

 

He swallowed thickly, taking his wrist and rubbing the gland there to gently coax out Kacchan's scent—then pulling it up to press it firmly against his neck gland. Unlike in the classroom, Kacchan's answering purr was loud and satisfied—forceful enough to incite Izuku's own purr as he stepped closer.

 

"I'll talk to her about it," he promised, relaxing when Kacchan's eyes changed from calculating to pleased. "You hungry?"

 

"Hnn," he confirmed, still purring as he withdrew his wrist, raising an eyebrow when Izuku didn't let go. It made more sense when Izuku started pulling—leading him to the far east corner of the roof that overlooked the trees. He let go of Katsuki's wrist to pull out the two lunch boxes, handing Katsuki's over with a shy smile. "You cooked," he observed, sitting on the concrete.

 

"Yeah," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Have to pay some people back for the ingredients. I hope you like it," he uttered nervously as Katsuki snapped the lid open. The purring grew louder, and Katsuki's scent grew stronger—smooth, warm, and satisfied. He sat down next to him, mostly to get closer.

 

Kacchan took a bite and stilled, averting his eyes. "S' really good," he muttered before shoving another spoonful in his mouth. He pointedly avoided Izuku's excited gaze. "Stop staring at me and fuckin' eat, stupid," he hissed a moment later.

 

"Sorry, Kacchan," he chuckled, opening his own bento. He was hyper-aware of Kacchan's discomfort when the focus was on courting. He understood—he felt flustered every time Kacchan even looked at him now that they were courting. Luckily, he'd been planning conversation starters all day, hoping to keep the tension at bay. "So what did you think of Snipe's lecture on pre-quirk era heroic philosophy?"

 

"Oh my fucking god—"

 

Izuku listened in rapt attention as Katsuki tore apart Snipe's suggestion that pre-quirk era philosophy should be reflected in modern times. He was so passionate—eyes burning so bright that they practically glowed.

 

Izuku could watch him forever.

 

"I do think we need to be more conscious of morality in heroics," Izuku offered, pulling Katsuki's focus back to center. "I don't think it's reasonable to require that every hero be altruistic, but I also don't think heroes should get a free pass for their shitty behavior just because they're heroes," he explained.

 

"Fuckin' obviously," Katsuki muttered. Izuku frowned as Katsuki averted his eyes. "I'm an asshole but I face consequences when my actions have repercussions. If we give heroes free passes—"

 

"Then why don't we give them to villains," Izuku agreed. "We should probably be held to a higher standard, not a lower one."

 

"Hmm."

 

Izuku frowned a little harder. "Are you okay?" he asked, shuffling a little closer.

 

Katsuki was silent for a long moment. "Are you sure you want to court me, Deku?" he asked quietly. He shifted away, and Izuku caught a sour note in his scent—distressed.

 

"I'm positive," he replied firmly. "Why would you ask me that?" The scent soured more, and Izuku whined in response, grasping at Katsuki's hand. "This only works if you tell me what's on your mind," Izuku insisted. "Not everything, but your doubts? I need to know those."

 

"I told you to—in middle school, I—"

 

"It's in the past. You didn't mean it, and you already apologized, Kacchan. You can't hold that against yourself forever. I definitely don't," he promised.

 

"You never hold anything against me," Katsuki protested, still not looking at him.

 

"That's not true. I'm pissed that all we needed to do was talk to sort out our problems. I'm pissed that we wasted so much time. And no offense, but that was totally your fault," Izuku teased.

 

Katsuki huffed a half-laugh. "Fucker."

 

"But we're working on it, right? Communication?" he asked. Katsuki nodded hesitantly. "So why hold a grudge? It's no good for me to hold anything against you. Not when you make me so much better."

 

Katsuki's eyes darted to meet his, then darted away again at the achingly adoring look on his face. "Stop," he mumbled.

 

"One thing I'll never be able to do is stop telling you how important you are to me," Izuku replied, amused. "But yeah, I'm sure about you, Kacchan. You're worth every risk."

 

Katsuki looked back at him, chewing his bottom lip in turbulent consideration. Izuku nearly sagged with relief as his scent sweetened again—still a little anxious but receptive and warm. Finally, Katsuki reached into his pocket.

 

He pulled out another coupon.

 

One Cheek Kiss.

 

Izuku smiled at him. "You want to cash that in now?" he asked. Katsuki flushed, turning sunburn pink as he gave a jerky nod.

 

Butterflies filled Izuku's stomach as he leaned forward, gently nuzzling Katsuki's cheekbone before pressing a long, gentle kiss to his cheek—reveling in the warmth that burned into his lips from Katsuki's blush.

 

Katsuki was purring again, and it felt like a prize.

Notes:

*shamelessly begs u to tell me what you think*

follow me on twitter! link in the end notes <3

Chapter 5: Waiting

Izuku was anxious. He couldn't really help it. He was always anxious when it came to Kacchan. He was always afraid that he'd say the wrong thing or make him uncomfortable. He was pretty sure things were going well, but he wasn't sure . Kacchan had always been hard to read.

 

On the one hand, Katsuki had taken to subtly scenting him whenever he was near enough to do so—standing next to him during hero class debriefs or during study sessions in the common room as often as he could. In the locker room, he'd 'accidentally' pick up the wrong blazer and rub his wrists along the seams before tossing it back in Izuku's face and declaring that it "smelled like nerd" before stomping away. And as the hours progressed and Katsuki crept closer to his heat, the scents he'd smear across Izuku's personal items were growing progressively sweeter and more addictive.

 

On the other hand, it was Friday now—three whole days after their lunch date—and Katsuki had barely looked at him. In fact, he hadn't looked him in the eye since Izuku had kissed his cheek. It could just be because he was embarrassed, but what if he was uncomfortable? That would be his literal nightmare.

 

He wanted this to go well. Better than well. He wanted Katsuki, and he wanted Katsuki to want him. But beyond scent marking, it felt like he was more distant than ever.

 

He reminded himself that if Kacchan didn't want him, he'd simply say so. He was blunt like that. Not cruel, just straightforward. He was just taking this at his own pace, just like Izuku had wanted him to.

 

"So for movie night tonight," Ochako declared from the seat next to him, leaning into his side. "I was thinking we could do period dramas this week. Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, Anna Karenina. Stuff like that." She prodded at her noodles as she spoke, barely paying attention to the food in front of her. She was gazing up at him, and something about her expression made him shift uncomfortably.

 

"I thought we were walking Shoto through the Disney archives? We haven't even gotten to the early 2000s yet," he replied, not really keen on watching women swoon over men who didn't deserve it. He'd rather finish Shoto's pop-culture education.

 

"I like Disney movies as much as the next person with a pulse, but where's the romance ? The real romance, not the deluded 16-year-olds-in-danger romance."

 

"Like patriarchal women-are-property-romance is any better," Izuku chuckled, pouring hot sauce into his food.

 

"Oh, come on," Ochako pouted, leaning into his space. He shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting around the cafeteria and landing on Katsuki's back. If Kacchan was still feeling territorial, Ochako's proximity would be a serious problem if he turned around.

 

"We were going to watch Hercules today," Todoroki piped up. "I was looking forward to it. I've heard his quirk is rather like Izuku's."

 

Izuku snorted. "He doesn't have a quirk. He has demi-god powers."

 

"I dunno," Ochako giggled, leaning in despite how he'd leaned away earlier. "Super-strong himbo who wants to impress his father-figure? Sounds like you and All Might," she teased, patting his hand placatingly. This time he noticed when her scent gland brushed the back of his wrist. Determination settled over him like a weight. He had to talk to her about it today. He honestly couldn't believe he'd never noticed her doing it before.

 

His eyes slid over to Katsuki again, just in time to see the blonde turning back around—shoulders tense. He stood, attempting to put as much space between him and Ochako as possible. He refused to let this be a reason for Kacchan to put distance between them. "Gonna run to the bathroom and then I gotta talk to Aizawa," he explained, hauling his bag over his shoulder and picking up his (half-eaten) plate. "I'll see you guys later—"

 

"Can't you talk to him after class?" Ochako protested, grasping the hem of his blazer.

 

"I'm training after classes," he refuted, hyper-aware of the proximity of her wrist to his hem. If she scented his clothes, a simple scent neutralizer wouldn't cut it. He didn't want to call her out in public, but he would if it meant keeping her scent out of his jacket. He categorically refused to sit behind Katsuki smelling like Ochako.

 

And, secondary to not giving the love of his life the wrong impression about his intentions, he didn't want to lead Ochako on. Of course, it was possible that she was pack-scenting him. But it was unlikely that Kacchan would be so pissed off about it if that were the case. She was marking territory that wasn't hers, and it was his responsibility to let her know.

 

Without telling her that he was courting someone else. Which...difficult.

 

But Katsuki was worth every uncomfortable conversation and every challenge.

 

"It's Friday," she huffed. "Do you ever take a break?"

 

"Villains don't, so I can't either," he replied cheerily. "Later, guys!"

 

He ducked out of the cafeteria, only pausing to put away his tray and throw a reassuring smile in Katsuki's direction. He was met by a nearly expressionless stare, but that was miles better than a scowl. Hell, it was practically a smile.

 

He made his way to the bathroom quickly, hoping to clear out Ochako's scent before it spread too far.

 

He didn't expect Katsuki to slip in after him.

---

Katsuki fought the urge to scowl as he slipped into the bathroom. Deku was passing a neutralizing wipe over the back of his hand, which meant Floaty had scented him again. That was like the tenth time this week, and each time it happened he got more distressed.

 

"Oh, hey," Izuku smiled as he scrubbed the offending scent away. Katsuki nodded at him in greeting, but otherwise just stood and waited for him. "Did you need something?"

 

"You said you were gonna talk to her," Katsuki replied shortly. Izuku grimaced.

 

"I am. Today, after training. I promise."

 

Katsuki was silent for a beat. "Why haven't you yet?" he asked quietly. He relished the flash of concern on Izuku's face and wondered if that made him petty.

 

No. It means that alpha cares, he assured himself. His omega was a little louder than normal—his heat was close and he was in the middle of being courted. Deku chucked the neutralizing wipe in the general direction of the nearest trash can before stepping closer. Katsuki bit back a rumbling purr at the proximity.

 

"She's been subtle about it until now. I don't want to call her out on it in public, but I haven't had a moment to talk to her in private. I'd rather not make a scene unnecessarily."

 

Katsuki gave another terse nod. He understood but didn't like that until that conversation, he'd have to deal with whatever Uraraka was trying to do. Especially since he wasn't ready to publicly announce their courtship. He didn't want anyone else's judgment or opinions on whatever the hell they were building.

 

In his opinion (and his father's), courting was like building a nest. Intensely personal, and completely at the discretion of the people involved. He wasn't ready to hear the shock of the rest of the student population or to hear about how he needed or deserved a different alpha. Or how Deku deserved a better omega. He wanted this to be theirs for now.

 

But that obviously came with drawbacks—chief among them being Ochako Uraraka.

 

"Guess that makes sense," he muttered. He trusted Deku implicitly, but that didn't mean he wasn't acutely aware of the fact that there were more...omega-like omegas out there. He really didn't want him to change his mind.

 

He bit back a distressed whine this time. Even the thought of Izuku backing out was upsetting. But then, his perfect nerdy alpha had his wrist shoved forward, facing up. Offering his scent to Katsuki as soon as he thought something was wrong. "If you want me to talk to her now, I'll talk to her now. I don't wanna shoot her down in public but if it's upsetting you, I don't care where it happens. I already told you, you ask and I'll deliver."

 

Katsuki swallowed thickly, eyes stinging. He grabbed Izuku's hand and dragged it up to his neck—pulling him closer in the process. "Too fucking nice to me," he muttered.

 

"Never," he disagreed. "Especially not if you're distressed."

 

"I don't like it. At all. It was fine when she was pack-scenting, but this is—it's different. Don't like it," he admitted. "But she's your friend and you're already going out of your way to make all of this shit more comfortable for me—I don't want you to make shit awkward with your friends—"

 

"If they're my friends, they'll listen when I tell them their behavior makes me uncomfortable," Deku insisted, leaning in before pulling back quickly. Like he was going to kiss Katsuki on the cheek again, but thought better of it. Katsuki felt himself blush as he tilted his face and waited.

 

Deku fucking beamed , pressing his wrist against Katsuki's neck and running his thumb across the sensitive skin right under his ear as he leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

 

Katsuki wished he knew how exactly he'd gotten Deku to adore him so that he could do it over and over again, but on purpose this time. So that Deku would know that even though this was weird and new to him, he still wanted it with his whole fucking body. Sure, the thought of wanting something this badly scared the shit out of him, but still.

 

"I'm taking this super fucking slow," Katsuki murmured, allowing Izuku to nuzzle his cheekbone. "I—"

 

"I wanted this to be at your pace, remember?" Izuku replied, kissing his cheek again. "That was my idea."

 

"Just...let me know if I'm taking too long? I don't—" he swallowed. Vulnerability sucked ass. "I don't want you to feel like I don't—like I'm not—" he cut off, frustrated. Then, he caught Deku's scent, and that frustration made way for surprise. It was that same pleased marking scent that had been on his courting gift—heavy and possessive and delighted. It made Katsuki feel like the best fucking omega in the goddamn world .

 

It made his knees weak.

 

"You could take twenty years to make the next move and it wouldn't be too long," Deku replied—voice laden with a rumble that wasn't deep enough to be intentional. Was this just because he'd offered to move faster? "I'll wait as long as you want or need," he continued, wrapping his other hand around Katsuki's wrist and coaxing his scent out too—surprising both of them when it came out heady and dark, just as possessive as Deku's. "I already told you—even if you reject my claim, I'll be happy as long as you stay in my life."

 

"S'not fair to you," Katsuki slurred, a little scent-drunk from Deku's proximity.

 

"Don't worry about that," Deku replied. "I know what I signed up for. I did it like this for a reason. Knowing you're comfortable with our progress is enough of a reward for me. If anything, just...let me know if you're not. It's the only part of this that I worry about," he promised.

 

Katsuki pulled back to gaze at him blearily—studying him with lidded eyes. Alpha takes care of us , his omega whispered. Could it really be that simple to keep Deku happy? Just...assure him that he was comfortable and interested?

 

"I am," he finally replied. "Comfortable, I mean."

 

Deku's smile could have powered the entire fucking continent. "Then I don't need anything else."

---

It took Katsuki almost three hours to decide what to do. It was Friday night; he was about a day away from his heat, and his stupid room felt empty as fuck.

 

He knew it was too early to share his heat with Deku. He knew it. But even though the scented blankets were safely tucked in his nest, it didn't feel like enough. It was driving him nuts.

 

He bit his lip as he stared down at his phone, finger hovering over the send button. Deku wanted him to be comfortable. And he wasn't just saying that—his scent had given him away. The idea of making Katsuki happy made him happy. Pleased.

 

He wanted that same scent everywhere in his room. His heats were never fun, but he felt like that would change if he drenched his nest in Deku's scent—pleased and proud to be Katsuki's alpha.

 

He hit send and his stomach turned over.

 

To: Nerd

[image: a coupon for a Movie Night]

come to my room tonight.

 

Deku's response came back at lightning speed.

 

From: Nerd

are you sure? we can use my room if you want!

 

Katsuki huffed, even as his chest warmed and trembled with the beginnings of another fucking purr. If he didn't stop purring, he was gonna put himself up for adoption at an animal shelter. This was getting fucking ridiculous. But Deku was so careful about his boundaries, and he felt seen. 

 

All the other fuckers who'd given him gifts had tried to scent him without his permission or touch him without asking; Deku had positioned himself as their polar opposite. Even Denki and Eijirou had entered his nest without permission before. It had frustrated him so much that he'd torn the whole thing apart.

 

Deku would never enter without asking. Even before they'd started courting he knew that.

 

To: Nerd

I'm fucking sure. Wanna watch a movie in my nest.

 

From: Nerd

okay! what time?

 

To: Nerd

whenever. idgaf

 

From: Nerd

around dinner time? I can cook again!

or I can order something!

here's that new indian place that serves that super spicy curry?

I think it's called phaal

but if you don't want that I can make/buy something else!

there's also that thai place that makes their pad thai taste like lava

 

Katsuki knew that if he didn't cut the nerd off, he'd keep text-rambling until it was actually dinner time, but as the texts kept rolling in his heart fucking fluttered and his eyes burned. He went so far to give Katsuki what he wanted.

 

He always had. How had he never noticed before?

 

Because he was a big blind idiot who had wasted his fucking time being resentful and mean, while Deku had kept trying to offer him the world. Fuck. Fuck.

 

To: Nerd

we should get something you like this time. you wanted to try the korean place pinky mentioned

 

From: Nerd

are you sure?

I thought u were sick of korean food

specifically because mina made you eat so much of it

 

To: Nerd

its fine

idgaf what you choose just send me the menu when you decide

be here at 7

 

From: nerd

ok! but if i'm picking food, you pick the movie❤️

 

Katsuki blushed, grabbing his laptop so that he could sink into his bed and scroll through the movies that Izuku had sent him. He perused the options, smiling when he found one that he knew his nerd would love.

 

Then he paused.

His nerd. Fuck.

Notes:

Comments? :D

If you liked it, you can stay tuned for updates and new fics by finding me on the internet!

Chapter 6: Movie Night

Izuku ended up picking the Korean place. It was easiest, and he knew that Katsuki liked stuff on their menu. It was a simple option and it gave him time to do what he needed to do before he had to leave to pick it up.

 

"Hey Ochako?" he asked, tapping her on the shoulder nervously. "Can we talk for a sec? In private?"

 

He bit back a grimace when she visibly brightened. "Sure!" she chirped, standing from the couch to follow him.

 

When he'd finally gotten them out of earshot from even their super-hearing classmates, he turned to her—realizing that she was standing way too close. He took a healthy step back. "I uh—I wanted to talk to you about...my boundaries," he said carefully. She tilted her head.

 

"Is something wrong?"

 

"Um...lately you've been getting into my personal space, '' he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, you're my best friend and I'm glad you feel comfortable around me, but I've also noticed that you've been scenting me and stuff without asking. I didn't say anything before because I thought you were pack-forming, but it's gotten invasive to a point that makes me uncomfortable."

 

His heart clenched when she visibly wilted. "Oh," she uttered.

 

"I really didn't want to have this conversation, because I don't want to make things weird," he said. "But it's starting to give people the wrong impression—"

 

"Is it the wrong impression?" she asked, blushing. "I've kinda been hoping that you were going to court me."

 

Izuku paled rapidly. "Uh...I'm so sorry, I really don't think of you that way. And if you've been scent marking me to encourage me to court you, I definitely need you to stop. I'm really sorry if I somehow gave you the impression that I was interested, though."

 

Ochako bit her lip, looking down. Then she set her shoulders and looked up, stepping toward him again. "I think you should give me a chance. I think we could make each other really happy."

 

Just like when she'd stolen the taste of food in the kitchen, irritation curled through him. She stepped even closer, clearly with the intent of scent-sharing, but he stopped her in her tracks with a palm to the shoulder. "I said I'm not interested," he replied, voice a little lower and eyes a little darker. "I need you to respect that. It's not a question, it's a requirement."

 

"You're so focused on heroics that you're not opening your eyes to the possibilities," she insisted. She reached up to where his hand was holding her back and grasped him at the wrist where it held her back and pressed her thumb into his scent gland. He ripped his hand away with a snarl.

 

"I'm setting a boundary, Ochako. If you can't respect it, you're removing yourself from my life," he snapped. She stepped back in shock—covering her nose when the caustic smell of anger permeated the hallway—harsh and sharp like ammonia. "Back. Off."

 

Her lip trembled, but her shoulders stayed straight. "I'm not gonna give up on you," she insisted. "I'll just have to convince you." She turned and stomped away, and Izuku was torn between dragging her back to enforce his boundaries and putting as much space between them as possible. But he knew the only real way he could make her back off permanently was to tell her that he was already courting someone.

 

He wanted that decision to stay in Kacchan's hands. Because as much as the Ochako situation was disquieting, he didn't want there to be a single moment where Kacchan didn't feel secure and comfortable in their courtship.

 

Besides, there was nothing Ochako could do to change his mind, so why entertain the possibility by chasing after her? That felt like it would lend more credibility to the possibility that he could be persuaded into courting her even though he’d insisted otherwise.

 

He frowned down at his wrist—noting the sweet floral scent that was now stuck to his skin. He growled, stalking toward the nearest bathroom for more neutralizers. At this point, he should just carry them with him, especially if Ochako wasn't planning on backing down.

 

Nobody was allowed to interest-scent him. That was Kacchan's right alone.

---

Katsuki opened the door before Izuku was even done knocking. He hoped it didn't give away how weirdly nervous he was. Or the fact that he'd been pacing back and forth like a caged animal since he'd texted what he wanted from the restaurant.

 

But when he actually looked at his alpha ( his alpha), he noticed that something was off.

 

"You coming inside or what, shithead?" he barked. Deku brushed past him into the room, placing the takeout bag on his desk. Katsuki expected him to sit down somewhere—he'd been here often enough. But he just stood in the middle of the room, fists clenched and looking distracted.

 

Maybe he felt uncomfortable disturbing his nest? "Why the fuck are you just standing there?" he barked instead, cringing internally as his omega tried to remind him to please his alpha, not berate him.

 

"Can I—" Izuku swallowed, unclenching his fists just to clench them again. He looked upset, and Katsuki sniffed at the air as non-invasively as possible. He smelled somewhere between pissed and distressed. "Can I scent you?" he asked quietly. "I know I said we'd do this at your pace, but I need—"

 

"Fuckin' fine, dork. But you gotta tell me what's eating you," he huffed. He squawked indignantly when Izuku crowded him half a second later, grabbing Katsuki's wrist so he could rub it across his neck and throat unabashedly. He went pink, whimpering when an agitated rumble shook Deku's chest and washed over him.

 

He went fucking fire-engine red when Deku leaned forward and planted his nose right over his mating gland, nuzzling it to draw out more scent and then crooning when Katsuki released a pleased, aroused scent.

 

"Deku," he panted as his back hit the door. "What the f—"

 

"Just a sec," he promised, crooning a little louder when Katsuki relaxed against him. He wanted to drink the scent coming off Deku right now—hints of aroused muskiness that made Katsuki squirm. More importantly, a sweeter scent that told him that Deku was pleased and relaxed. Or, rather, relaxing—because there was still a shade of sourness that lay beneath it all.

 

He hated that sour scent and it drew a small, distressed whine out of him. He grabbed Izuku's wrist and mimicked—dragging his scent all over his neck until Deku smelled like marshmallows cooking over a campfire in a redwood forest.

 

He was purring (fucking again )—pleased and flustered in equal measure from Izuku's single-minded attention. He shifted his head to the side to give him more room and was rewarded with a full-body rumble as Deku pressed him harder against the door.

 

"Deku," he gasped. This was moving past PG-13 into territory he was not ready to tread yet. "Ease up, nerd, come on," he said, confident that Deku would listen.

 

Sure enough, as though it took him tremendous physical restraint, Izuku dragged himself away. Katsuki couldn't help but preen at the look on his face—cheeks red, pupils blown and panting just from his scent. "Sorry," he uttered, putting more distance between them. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

 

"Fuck you," Katsuki barked, not nearly as waspish as he sounded. "If you'd crossed a fucking boundary I would have blasted you off me, fucker."

 

"Of course," Izuku smiled, still dazed but looking so proud and pleased that Katsuki wanted to drag him back in. " Strong omega, " he crooned.

 

"We're eating dinner and watching a movie," Katsuki huffed as his face bloomed red again. "Stop that shit."

 

"Sorry," he repeated, shaking his head to clear it. "I just needed—"

 

"To scent me, yeah, I fuckin' got that when you pressed me up against the door and stuck your face in my neck like you were huffing it," he scoffed. "Wanna tell me what the hell is wrong?"

 

Deku grimaced and Katsuki grabbed his wrist, rubbing circles into the gland to prevent him from souring again. "I talked to Ochako," he replied, voice dark like he was trying not to growl. Katsuki's stomach churned anxiously. "Tried to set boundaries respectfully."

 

Katsuki swallowed. "And?"

 

"I told her I needed her to stop scenting me and invading my personal space. She said she was interested in me. Wants me to court her. I told her I wasn't interested. She said I should give her a chance and scented me again . I told her to back off and respect my boundaries. She said she wasn't gonna give up."

 

Uraraka was...a perfect omega. The idyllic standard—soft and sweet and kind . She was strong, too. Determined. If Katsuki liked girls, he'd probably be interested in her, omega or not. He didn't really want to consider the potential outcome of her persistence.

 

"What happened then?"

 

"She took off," he huffed. "I wanted to shake it into her. I was pissed. I'm still kinda pissed, actually."

 

"You're here now, Deku. Chill the fuck out. I don't want you thinking about Kirby when you're with me," he muttered. Katsuki pressed harder into his wrist gland, satisfied when more tension left his shoulders. "Sorry," he murmured.

 

"For what?"

 

He shrugged. "Because I'm not up for telling people yet."

 

Izuku shook his head. "Our relationship is our business. We shouldn't change it or rush it because of someone else," he assured him. "I told her my boundaries and honestly? If she doesn't respect them, she's an asshole."

 

"Watch your language, fucker," Katsuki muttered, feeling the knots in his stomach unwind when the corners of Deku's eyes crinkled from his smile.

 

"Hypocrite," he laughed. "But seriously, Kacchan," he said, a little more sincere—bringing his hand up to stroke Katsuki's cheek, touch light and hesitant. Katsuki blushed furiously and wrinkled his nose in disgust, but pushed his cheek further into the heat of Deku's palm. "Her attitude isn't our business. If she keeps pushing it, I'll take it to Aizawa. I don't need to deal with getting harassed."

 

Katsuki nodded, still a little anxious but let Deku pull him towards the food. "Smells good," he commented.

 

"That's just you," Deku teased. Katsuki socked his arm hard. His face was permanently stained red at this point, he was sure of it.

 

"Shut the fuck up," Katsuki hissed, grabbing his food and stomping over to his bed. "If you spill, I'm gonna kick your ass."

 

Izuku hesitated, shifting from foot to foot. "Are you sure you want me eating in your nest? I can eat out here—"

 

"Get. The fuck. Over. Here."

 

That set him in motion, stumbling over his feet to comply with Katsuki's demands. Satisfied, Katsuki fiddled with his computer—screencasting it to the TV. "Marvel marathon," he explained. "Release order."

 

"Nice! I haven't seen Iron Man in ages!"

 

"You saw Iron Man two months ago," Katsuki replied, rolling his eyes.

 

"Yeah, but I was explaining it all to Shoto while we were watching, so I didn't really get to enjoy it the same way," he explained, settling in next to Katsuki—close but not quite close enough for Katsuki's omega. The omega in him wanted to be in Deku's lap, though, and that would make eating messier than necessary.

 

But it would help the gnawing fear that someone was going to try to take his alpha from him.

 

He could ease into it. They had all night.

---

They were only halfway through Iron Man when they finished their food and Katsuki took their takeout containers as far from the bed—the nest —as he could. Izuku watched concernedly, hoping he'd meant it when he said he was okay with them eating in bed.

 

He turned back to the TV. Kacchan got agitated when he felt too examined, and Izuku didn't want him agitated in his nest.

 

Besides, they were at the part of the movie where Tony Stark went rogue to blow up a weapons depot and Izuku loved this part. He was consciously choosing to trust that Kacchan would tell him if something was wrong.

 

He made himself comfortable, reclining against the pillows, and smiled when he saw Katsuki shuffle back over to him out of the corner of his eye. He was surprised when, instead of sitting with a six-inch gap between them, Katsuki pressed himself as close to his side as possible.

 

And dropped another coupon in his lap.

 

Izuku picked it up to examine it.

 

Cuddling.

 

Izuku placed the coupon on Katsuki's nightstand before pulling away.

 

"The fuck're you doing?" Katsuki asked, sounding embarrassed for even asking.

 

"Can I rearrange some pillows to make cuddling more comfortable?" Izuku asked, looking Katsuki in the eye with a reassuring smile. "So that we can both keep watching the movie without getting stiff or anything?"

 

Katsuki bit his lip, glancing around his nest. He must like the arrangement he had now—reluctant to mess it up. Izuku's heart clenched when Kacchan's eyes darted to him and then back to the pillows. "You can say no," Izuku reassured him gently, rubbing a thumb over the back of his hand which had balled up in the blankets. "It's your nest."

 

Hesitantly, Katuki unearthed two pillows—the pillows from the courting gift—and handed them to him with a challenging glare.

 

Izuku read it as 'if you mess up my nest for a shitty cuddle position, I'll kill you.' Which was probably fair, considering how close he was to his heat.

 

Izuku padded the two pillows perpendicular to each other—one against the wall, and one against the headboard—before settling down on his back and beckoning Katsuki over. He'd never seen someone crawl suspiciously before, but Katsuki managed the look while still being threatening.

 

Izuku loved him so much. Even more so when Kacchan lay down beside him with the second cushion at his back—resting his head in the space between Izuku's chest and shoulder and banding his arm over Izuku's waist.

 

"Comfortable?" Izuku asked quietly, running a hand down his back and smiling when it elicited a quiet purr.

 

Katsuki's arm tightened around his waist. "Shut up," he muttered, pushing his face into Izuku's shoulder, involuntarily purring a little louder.

 

Izuku felt like he was flying —or maybe floating. He could barely pay attention to the movie, so wrapped up in the feeling of Kacchan's warm weight against him. Tentatively, he reached for his wrist and smiled when his omega turned it in his grasp so that their thumbs were resting over each other's glands.

 

He massaged at his wrist gently, heart stuttering when Kacchan started crooning quietly—going completely limp against him and burying his face in his chest. "So cute, Kacchan," he cooed, nuzzling into his hair.

 

"F'ck you," he mumbled into Izuku's shirt.

 

"Really," Izuku insisted, breathing him in like a drug. "So pretty, too. And you smell so good. I'm so lucky," he murmured.

 

"Shuddup," he whined, even as his purring grew louder at the praise.

 

"Everyone tells you how strong and badass you are," Deku muttered into Katsuki's hair. "And you are, but you're also so pretty . Perfect omega. I like that I'm the only one who gets to see you soft like this." He was rewarded with Kacchan's pretty blush, which was immediately hidden further in his shoulder with an embarrassed whine.

 

Not too embarrassed, though, because he wound their legs together and clung to him like he was afraid he might leave.

 

But it would take All Might's strength to pull him away.

---

Five compliments.

 

Five fucking compliments had completely melted him into a soft omega puddle, and it was fucking humiliating.

 

Or it would be if anyone except Deku were here to see it. That somehow made it better and worse—the acknowledgment that he was somehow okay with Deku seeing him vulnerable.

 

And Deku treated it like his privilege instead of Katsuki's weakness—quietly complimenting him and gently holding him and scenting him until he felt claimed and wanted . His nest smelled exactly the way he wanted it to: relaxed and heavy with Deku's possessive, pleased scent.

 

Warm and addictive.

 

They had finished Iron Man and were now approaching the end of Iron Man 2 (which Katsuki barely liked) and he'd barely noticed, so focused on the feeling of his alpha in his nest. He was purring so hard that his body was fucking shaking.

 

Fucking ridiculous.

 

"How are you feeling, Kacchan?" Deku asked softly, running a hand through his hair. Katsuki chirped in reply—a quiet ' mrrp' —pushing his head into his hand. Fucking chirped. "I'm glad," he murmured.

 

And he was definitely glad. That was the absolute truth. Katsuki could feel him rumbling—the low, heavy vibrations from his chest making him positively pliant. At least he wasn't alone, though. Deku's voice was slightly slurred and his body relaxed. He reeked of satisfaction and comfort.

 

Katsuki wanted to tie him down and weave him into his nest. It felt like he belonged there, and he didn't know if he'd ever be able to make it this comfortable unless Deku was part of its construction. "How're you this fuckin' comfy," he mumbled, eyes closed.

 

"You're comfier," Deku replied lazily. "If I stay for the next movie I might fall asleep," he admitted. "Might wanna kick me out."

 

Katsuki whined at the thought, squeezing Deku closer. It was...probably not the best idea to have Deku stay the night while he was so close to his heat. He might bloom early. It was risky enough, cuddling in his nest during his pre-heat. He could smell Deku's restrained arousal—only dampened because they were both so cozy.

 

The fucking nesting materials Deku had bought him were so goddamn comfortable that he barely wanted to move when he was wrapped in them.

 

But the idea of Deku leaving felt unacceptable. "Fuck."

 

"Was’rong?" Deku mumbled, hand passing through Katsuki's hair again.

 

"Don't want you to go," he replied, blushing embarrassedly.

 

"Hmm," he agreed, turning toward him to tuck Katsuki's head under his chin. Katsuki had never felt so small . What the hell. "I don't either," he admitted. "But I should." Katsuki whined again, pushing his face into Izuku's neck. "I'll scent your nest before I go, if you want?"

 

Katsuki was nodding in agreement before Izuku finished talking. "Kill you if you don't," he muttered. His eyelids felt like lead.

 

"Okay," he chuckled. "Will you have breakfast with me tomorrow?"

 

Katsuki nodded, nose brushing shockingly close to Izuku's mating gland. Deku twitched—a lazy flinch, really. Katsuki smiled and did it again. "You're cooking," he replied, letting Izuku's renewed scent wash over him.

 

"Sure, I'll make something out of the All Might commemorative cookbook," he laughed. Katsuki laughed too, shoulders shaking.

 

"Fucking dork," he snickered, hugging him tighter. "Make the Mighty 'Murica Meal."

 

"How am I the dork when you know the recipes by name?" Deku asked, laughing harder.

 

"You're the dork because you own the fucking cookbook!"

 

"You clearly own it too, Kacchan! You know the recipes by name!"

 

Katsuki huffed, hand leaving Izuku's back to reach up and yank his hair. He grinned at Deku's startled yelp. "Cheeky shit."

 

"Your cheeky shit," he agreed, still chuckling as he nuzzled into Katsuki's hair. Something possessive and delighted curled through him at that.

 

His . Deku was his. Holy fuck.

 

"I fucking hate you," he breathed, face burning.

 

"Mm, yeah. That explains why you're purring so loudly," he teased. Scowling, Katsuki yanked his hair again. "I like it," he protested. "Means I'm doing something right."

 

"Sappy fucker," he snapped.

 

"Can't argue with that," he chuckled. Katsuki huffed but relaxed his grip on Izuku's hair. The credits were rolling on the screen that neither of them were watching. "I'll stay until the end-credit scene," he offered.

 

Katsuki didn't pout . He did frown, though. "Fine," he grumbled. Izuku resumed his petting—smoothing his broad, scarred hand down Katsuki's back to get him purring again.

 

So warm .

 

Katsuki bit back a whine when Deku pulled away. He looked so soft and sleepy that Katsuki wanted to squeeze him to death. His hair was rumpled and his nerdy-ass t-shirt was riding up in the back. "Show me what you want scented," Deku instructed gently. "I don't wanna mess anything up."

 

Izuku spent about five minutes working his scent into the cushions and blankets, redoubling efforts where Katsuki said he wanted more.

 

Katsuki watched with a petulant pout as he pulled his slippers on and picked up the empty takeout containers but stood hurriedly as he walked toward the door.

 

Izuku looked back as Katsuki scrambled over the lip of his nest. "Everything okay?"

 

"Shut up," Katsuki huffed, stalking over to him. He shoved his hand into the pocket of his joggers and pulled out another coupon. Deku took it, looking utterly pleased that Katsuki felt so comfortable using them.

 

One Hug.

 

Izuku smiled, putting down the bag of empty containers and spreading his arms so that Katsuki could step into them. There were fucking tears in his eyes. Sappy fucking dork.

 

But Katsuki went anyway, wrapping his arms around Deku's waist and burying his face in his neck, while Deku's arms went around his shoulders and he rested his chin atop his head. He was reminded of the almost insulting growth spurt the nerd had gotten in their second year that allowed him to stand a whole fucking head taller than him. Last year it was offensive. Now it made him feel safe in a disgusting, sappy way. 

 

It felt solid. Grounding. It didn't make him feel any better about letting Deku leave, though.

 

"I'll see you in the morning," he promised, as though he'd read Katsuki's mind. He stepped back and, confusingly, held the used coupons back out to him. "You should keep these. All of them, actually."

 

"Why the fuck would I do that," he barked.

 

He shrugged, a little sheepish. "Use them whenever. I know physical affection and stuff freaks you out sometimes, so use them when you actually feel like it. I don't want you to be anxious, and it'll help me figure out when you are and aren't okay with being touched."

 

Katsuki's stomach swooped and his eyes stung. Before he could actually start crying, he yanked Deku back toward him and wrapped his arms back around his midsection, squeezing tightly. Izuku squeezed back once before Katsuki pulled away and snatched the coupon out of his hand. "Thanks," he muttered, blushing furiously.

 

"Goodnight, Kacchan."

 

"Get the fuck outta here," he snapped, lashing out. Too many fucking emotions. He was glad that he was met with soft laughter—that Deku knew not to take his emotional constipation personally.

 

As soon as Deku was out the door he curled back into his nest, wrapping himself in the fleecy scented blankets and pressing his face into his freshly scented pillows.

 

He fell asleep purring. Again.

Notes:

COMMENTS?! :D

Chapter 7: Breakfast

He felt it as soon as his alarm went off. It crept under his skin and made his limbs heavy and uncomfortable. He whined, turning his nose into his pillows and melting a little, Deku's comforting scent (and the minute traces of his pack) easing the uncomfortable constrictions in his gut and the sporadic muscle tensing going on in his back and thighs.

 

He hated going into heat. It was fucking uncomfortable and left him vulnerable and out of control. Complete and utter bullshit—the only objectively fucked up part of being an omega. Ruts were bad too, but at least alphas couldn't get fucking pregnant if someone took advantage of them while they were out of their minds.

 

It was different if you had a heat companion, no matter their subgender. Someone who could meet all your needs and watch your back. With a partner, you could relax into your heat and enjoy it. But he didn't have that—he had something in between—an alpha courting him who wouldn't be joining him. That would make his heat both better and worse. Better, because he'd have something to focus on. Worse, because he'd yearn for Deku to join him, and he might go a little feral because of it.

 

And he would definitely yearn. Deku had been his best friend before this, and the introduction of sexual attraction and fucking romance was shockingly welcome. Precious, even. His omega was more sure of it than he was, but he was...pretty fucking on board. Which meant that there was a 70% chance he'd be trying to get to Deku during his heat.

 

The interest-scented blanket would help. Knowing his alpha desired him would definitely take the edge off. And make him fucking miserable because said alpha wasn't there to dick him down and knot him.

 

God, just the thought of it...he shook his head. He didn't need to push himself into his heat—he needed to eat. He had too much to do before it hit. Like, have breakfast with the alpha whose dick was on his mind. He needed to keep in touch with his brain cells for that, or else he'd end up jumping Deku in the fucking kitchen.

 

Then he'd definitely need to get quirk canceling cuffs and reinforcement jacks from Aizawa. Reinforcement jacks especially. UA kept them on hand for people with destructive students with feral temperaments to shore up the doors to their rooms so they couldn't get out. Katsuki hadn't needed them so far—canceling cuffs had been enough. But now he had an alpha courting him and his omega would be like a dick-seeking missile.

 

He didn't have a ton of time to get all of that done. He checked his phone, pleased that Deku (who knew his fucking schedule better than he did) had already texted him.

 

From: Deku

Making your Mighty 'Murica Meal! It'll be ready in 20!!

 

He was glad he'd asked Deku for the largest, most extravagant breakfast in the book. He'd need it.

 

He still had a couple of hours until it hit. At least, he hoped he did.

 

That gave him enough time to take a shower and maybe eat enough to get him through the first wave. Relentless, unending masturbation in the throes of heat burned a shit ton of calories.

 

He dragged himself out of his nest sluggishly, limbs already heavier than normal. He pulled on the sweatpants that Deku had given him and made his way out the door, texting Aizawa on his way down to the kitchen.

 

To: Aizawa

Heat week starting. Won't be in class for a few days. Need reinforcement jacks

 

From: Aizawa

👍

remember to seal your balcony grate

 

He'd have to do that when he got back. He didn't want to try to smash through the glass when the door proved impassable. The steel balcony grates had been installed when SugarTits had busted the glass on his balcony doors and tried to hump the nearest omega.

 

That omega happened to be Power Loader, and he had not been amused.

 

"Morning, Kacchan," Izuku greeted him, scraping a perfect, fluffy pancake off of the pan in front of him. "Sleep well?"

 

"Hnn."

 

"I'll take that as a—" Izuku turned around and stopped in his tracks, nostrils flaring. "Oh. How long do you have?" he asked. Katsuki watched as his pupils widened and his stance fell lower to the ground as though he was going to chase.

 

Huh. Would they be doing a mating run when the time came? It would be more like a mating bloodbath, if so.

 

His pulse quickened and he fought to keep his own stance relaxed...even if the thought of inciting a chase made his skin tingle with anticipation.

 

Fuck, that was hot.

 

"Couple hours. Gotta eat, gotta shower."

 

"Okay," he replied. "I uh...can I—"

 

"Way too soon, nerd," Katsuki snapped, brow furrowing. He had to know that, right? He didn't think it was the right time to share his heat, did he?

 

"No, I mean," he swallowed. "Can I provide for you?" he asked timidly. Katsuki's eyes widened and he felt his face go brick red. "You can text me when you're lucid and I can make sure you have enough to eat and drink and stuff—"

 

"I'd have to give you the key to my reinforcement jacks," he said.

 

Izuku frowned. "You've never used reinforcement jacks bef—oh," uttered, blushing furiously. "You think you'll need them?" he asked quietly.

 

Katsuki gave a jerky nod. "Probably."

 

Izuku swallowed again, very carefully looking only at Katsuki's face. "And could you trust me with the key?"

 

"Of course I fucking trust you, asshat," Katsuki snapped. "It's me I don't trust. I'll be a thirsty fleshlight on legs for five fuckin' days."

 

"Thirsty f—never mind. If you'll let me, I wanna help," he insisted. Katsuki hesitated a moment longer but ultimately nodded. He hated asking for help and hated accepting it even more, but the kitchen smelled like Deku and domesticity so his time was running a bit thin.

 

"Fine. I gotta eat and shower before it hits. Could you," he looked away. "Could you grab the jacks from Aizawa while I eat and...scent my nest while I shower?"

 

Izuku tilted his head. "I scented your nest last night," he replied, puzzled. "Obviously, I can scent it more if you want me to, though—"

 

"Your interest scent, Deku," Katsuki snapped, cheeks flaming. Asking for this shit was so goddamn embarrassing. "I want more of your interest scent in my nest."

 

"Sure," he replied, mercifully pretending that he wasn't flustered by that request. "Sit, eat. I'll be back with the jacks in a bit. Then I'll install them and scent your nest when you're in the shower so it'll all be ready by the time you're done, okay?"

 

Katsuki frowned. "I thought—" he stopped short, shaking his head. Being courted was fucking nuts. Now that he was inches away from heat he wanted Deku right next to him. He'd been hoping they'd eat breakfast together, but Deku's plan was better. "Nevermind."

 

"Kacchan," he chided, stepping a little closer. "What were you gonna say?"

 

Katsuki huffed. He felt uncomfortably warm everywhere and vulnerable and was strongly considering picking up his plate and leaving, when Deku held his wrist out for him. He grumbled, but took it, scenting the alpha quickly. "Wanted to eat breakfast with you," he muttered.

 

Deku's goddamn eyes flooded. "Oh," he sniffled. "Cool. Okay."

 

"Fucking crybaby," he barked.

 

"Yep," he chuckled, tears spilling over. "I'm just very lucky," he explained. "I'll run for the jacks and then come finish up breakfast with you," he offered. "That sound better?"

 

"Embarrassing fucker. Get away from me," he instructed, effectively agreeing. Deku got the message, smiling wide and picking up the gigantic breakfast plate and setting it in front of him.

 

"Aizawa's expecting you, right? I'll be back in five," he assured him. Katsuki categorically refused to watch him leave as he fled the kitchen.

 

He had a Mighty 'Murica Meal to finish.

---

Izuku practically sprinted to Aizawa's campus apartment—eager to get back to his omega. Katsuki wanted to have breakfast with him. There was no chance in hell he wasn't gonna make that happen.

 

He didn't really anticipate Aizawa's reaction, though. The man stared at him blankly for what felt like five minutes—wasted time that he could be spending having breakfast with his omega but apparently, he had to cater to his teachers' silent mental breakdown.

 

"What do you want, problem child?" he finally sighed. "I thought I made it clear to not disturb me before noon unless someone was dying."

 

Izuku shifted uncomfortably. "Kacchan asked me to come pick up his reinforcement jacks while he ate breakfast. His heat's pretty close," he explained.

 

Aizawa fell silent again, stare growing sharper. "I see. Congratulations."

 

Izuku balked. "Huh?"

 

"You're making sure Bakugou eats before his heat. You smell like him. He's allowing you to assist him in securing his nest. We both know how Bakugou is when it comes to asking for help. If a friend asked, he'd blow them up. If a courting alpha asked, on the other hand..."

 

Izuku flushed, casting around for an excuse but coming up dry. "We, uh...we weren't gonna tell anyone yet," he said. "It's pretty new."

 

Aizawa lifted an unimpressed eyebrow. "I'm not exactly a gossip, problem child. But you should consider informing your primary instructors so they can be wary of courting behavior. The two of you are liable to be...aggressive."

 

"I'll talk to him about it after his heat," Izuku said, not willing to commit without Katsuki's consent.

 

"I assume you're going to provide for him during his heat?" Aizawa asked, not actually sounding interested at all. Izuku nodded. "You'll be required to check in with me each time. Bakugou doesn't have a heat-share consent form filled out, so I need to know when you'll be making contact so I can prevent any unfortunate accidents."

 

"Yes, sir," he agreed quickly.

 

Aizawa nodded and disappeared from the doorway, reappearing a moment later with the reinforcement jacks. "You know how to install these?" he asked. Izuku nodded again. He'd needed them for years. "Good. Make sure Bakugou's balcony grate is closed, too."

 

"Yes, sir," he agreed again, snatching the jacks and turning to run away. It had been over five minutes now, and Katsuki was not a patient person. He also wanted to escape this conversation as fast as possible. "Thanks!" he yelled over his shoulder.

 

"I'm serious about checking in, Midoriya!" Aizawa yelled after him.

 

Izuku threw a half-hearted wave over his shoulder to reassure him—more focused on making it back to Katsuki and not dying of embarrassment than anything else. The reinforcement jacks were heavy in his grip, made from steel and designed to halt any impact that might break down a door.

 

His omega thought he'd need them. Probably because Katsuki thought he'd want him there during his heat. To the point that his omega would need to be physically restrained.

 

It had possibly been the most flattering thing he'd ever heard.

 

"The fuck took you so long?" Katsuki snapped as soon as he stepped back into the kitchen. Izuku's eyes darted from his face to his plate—nervously taking in the way his pancakes had been stabbed to death.

 

He glanced at the microwave clock, noting that he'd taken eight minutes instead of five. He bit back a laugh. "Sorry," he placated quickly, setting the jacks down on an empty seat. "Aizawa knows."

 

Katsuki frowned. "You told him?"

 

Izuku shook his head quickly, moving toward the stove to serve himself whatever was left. "He just knew. Guessed. He wanted me to inform our teachers, and I have to check in with him while I'm providing, that's all."

 

Katsuki's frown pulled a little deeper. "You're gonna tell our teachers?"

 

Izuku shrugged. "Not if you don't want me to," he promised. "He's just worried about feral behavior. I think we'll probably be fine though. You may not act like it, but self-control is practically your second quirk."

 

Even without turning around, he knew Katsuki was preening. "You can tell them," he muttered. There was a scraping noise that suggested that Katsuki had stabbed something on his plate. "Better safe than sorry or whatever."

 

"I'll do that while you're out, then," he agreed, turning around. "And I'll let them know that we're not telling anyone, alright?"

 

Katsuki gave a tiny nod. "Fine."

 

Izuku observed him, eyes running over the tense line of his shoulders and the heavy set of his jaw. He understood. It felt like putting art on display before it was finished. Like turning in an incomplete assignment that you knew you could have done better. Katsuki wasn't ready to share this yet.

 

He wished he could tell him that it was like asking a teacher a question rather than turning in the final project without it sounding patronizing or hollow. But he could distract him instead. Get him to focus on the good stuff instead of the stuff that made him skittish.

 

"How's your breakfast?" he asked, turning Katsuki's attention back to their food.

 

"You know it's good, asshole, stop fishing for compliments," Katsuki barked. Izuku grinned at him and he looked away. Then looked back, just to throw a spoon at his head. "Stop looking at me like that!"

 

"Like what?" Izuku asked innocently, still grinning wide.

 

"Like..." he waved his hand vaguely and viciously. "That!" he scowled, eyes burning furiously and ears going red. Izuku's smile turned soft and fond. Katsuki was so bad at emotions, but that meant he wore them loudly. It just took time to figure out what his outsized reactions meant.

 

It was so worth taking the time to learn, though.

 

"I always look at you like this," he replied, pleased when the blush spread from his ears and over his cheekbones.

 

"I hate you," he grumbled, shoving a forkful of eggs into his mouth and looking away again.

 

But his scent was giving him away—underneath the heavy, smoky sweetness of his oncoming heat was a bright note of happiness, crisp and almost citric. "If you say so," Izuku teased, before digging in.

---

It didn't bode well that each minute Deku was out of his sight, his omega got more anxious. By the five-minute mark, he was ready to go hunt him down and slather him in his scent. By the six-minute mark, he was irrationally worried that Deku had abandoned him.

 

But within minutes of him returning, he fell back to center. Completely put at ease by the nerd's teasing flattery and unfairly good cooking.

 

He was right to request the reinforcement jacks.

 

They finished breakfast with Deku pressed up against his side—his scent almost strong enough to cover their breakfasts and the warmth of his proximity enough to settle his omega as he fought to finish his meal.

 

And enough to prod his heat closer. He could feel himself walking a high wire, his pulse thudding every time their shoulders brushed.

 

"Woah," Eijirou's voice jolted them out of their well-fed lull. "You reek dude."

 

"Shut the fuck up," Katsuki snapped, bristling.

 

"Just saying, you might wanna wipe down with neutralizers before you head up," he said, bringing his shirt up to cover his nose. "You're gonna start a riot."

 

"I'll take care of it," Izuku spoke up. Katsuki shot him a warning glance, but Eijirou wasn't paying attention, more focused on the concentrated smell of pre-heat and pancakes. "Morning, Kiri."

 

"Morning, Mido!" Eijirou waved, hiding a toothy grin behind his shirt. "I'm gonna let Mina know that it's her and Denki's turn to cook. I'd burn the place down."

 

Fair. Heat scents were distracting.

 

Izuku chuckled, but it didn't sound right. "Probably for the best," Katsuki noted the dark undertone to Deku's voice that spoke volumes to Deku's displeasure that Eijirou could smell his heat at all. Eijirou didn't notice that either, hastily beating a retreat. Even if he was courting Mina, the smell of an omega he was compatible with on the cusp of heat was risky for an alpha. He was compatible with about half the alphas in the class.

 

In the school, really. Whatever.

 

Yeah, he knew it was risky to be out and about like this, but he trusted everyone here. Besides, they were trained to resist pheromonal output, and the only time it wouldn't be effective was if they were mid-mating cycle themselves. As much as he hated to admit it, his classmates were competent.

 

They could suck it up for the hour it took him to eat and get ready for his lockdown.

 

"You can head up," Deku offered quietly after Eijrou had fled. "I'll neutralize the kitchen and get your room ready. What do you want scented?"

 

Katsuki scowled at him and did not get butterflies when Deku tilted his head like a puppy. Then his eyes lit up in hopeful realization and held out his wrist. Katsuki did not smile as he swiped their wrists together slowly. "The pillows you gave me, and the rim of the nest. The two blankets, too. And in my closet—the hoodies. All of them."

 

He smiled sharp and predatory when Izuku blushed as his list grew longer. He wanted Deku's scent everywhere—so ingrained in his nest that he'd think he was actually there.

 

Now that he actually knew what it felt like to have Deku in his nest, though, he had a feeling that the itch wouldn't be scratched as effectively as he hoped.

 

"It'll be done by the time you get out of the shower," Deku promised, reluctantly stepping back and heading for the collection of cleaning supplies they kept under the sink. Katsuki slid from his chair and grabbed their plates, but Deku stopped him again. "I'll take care of it. You—" he swallowed thickly. "You smell like you have minutes left. Go take a shower and I'll be up soon, okay?"

 

Katsuki scowled at him. "I don't need you to baby me—"

 

"It's for me, Kacchan," Deku insisted, halting Katsuki's tirade. He sounded strained, like asking Katsuki to let him help was painful. And maybe it was, since Katsuki hated asking or accepting help and Deku didn't want to make him uncomfortable. "I know you can take care of yourself, you always have and you're great at it. But I hate the idea of someone else smelling you like this. I can’t help it. You can say no, but I nearly bit Kiri's head off just now. Will you let me do this?"

 

Katsuki relented, huffing petulantly as he shoved his dishes into Deku's hands. "Fine." He felt better about it when Deku's stance eased—his entire body visibly relieved.

 

Alpha wants me for himself.

 

He beat that thought back with a stick, feeling his body throb with it anyway. Heat fucking sucked. "Thanks, Kacchan," Deku smiled, relieved but still tense.

 

"Whatever, nerd," Katsuki huffed, turning to stomp out of the kitchen. "Hurry the fuck up!"

 

"I'll be there in a bit!" he declared, sounding excited and sincere in a way that made Katsuki want to...kiss him probably, considering his needy omega instincts telling him to drag him into his nest. A small part of him wanted to hit him too, though.

 

Vulnerability sucked ass.

 

But Deku was vulnerable with him. All the time, really. He could let Deku do this. It wasn't about him being an omega, it was about Deku...being possessive. Protective of him. And while he didn't need protecting, it was still intoxicating to know that he could make the friendliest fucker in the class feral with just his scent.

 

What if some new extra gave him a courting gift when Deku was there? It seemed more and more likely that he’d get some knothead alpha claiming display that was bound to be violent and aggressive. He felt hot just thinking about it—warm in an almost sickly way that made him feel sluggish and wanting. He tried to shower that feeling off because as hot as it was also stupid—capable of tanking their careers before they started.

 

But he couldn’t wash away the possessive rumble he’d heard in Deku’s voice or the heated look he’d given him when he caught his scent. Thinking about it made him slick.

 

By the time he made it out of the shower and got back to his dorm, the jacks had been installed over his door which was hanging ajar.

 

The closer he got, the more he could smell Deku—he was still inside spreading his scent and it hit him like a freight train as soon as he was close enough. He slipped in the door and found Deku scraping his wrists over his hoodies furiously, eyes nearly black from how dilated they'd become.

 

The entire room smelled like want, and Katsuki's knees went weak. "Deku," he said through gritted teeth. "That's enough. Scent me and get out," he demanded. The nerd’s scent was so strong he could feel it like physical touch, sweeping up his skin and settling in his gut.

 

Deku stood to comply, stalking toward him like a predator and making him feel hunted in the best possible way. He whined when Deku took his wrists and squeezed, wringing his preheat scent out of him and then burying his face in his neck to nose at his mating gland until his knees buckled.

 

"Good omega," Deku crooned.

 

And Katsuki's heat bloomed.

Notes:

Comments make my world go round <3

Chapter 8: Providing

Summary:

smut ahoy

He felt Katsuki go limp in his hold, crooning loudly and scenting him as much as he could in his boneless state. His scent went dark and sugary and mouthwatering, laced with the tart, syrupy scent of slick.

 

Every molecule in his body was screaming for him to push Kacchan into his nest and climb in after him. Claim him. But he knew better, and he had enough presence of mind to do what he had to do. Thankfully, so did his omega.

 

"You gotta go," Katsuki gasped, stepping even closer so that he could bury his face in Izuku's neck. "Deku, I'm—you gotta go," he whimpered.

 

Deku nodded against Katsuki's neck, nose brushing his mating gland again. He was magnetic, and he knew he should step away. He just needed the strength to do it. That strength was just eluding him with Kacchan crooning in his ear and inhaling his scent like a drug. "Smell good, Kacchan," he rumbled. He felt his body go liquid and hot as Kacchan actually kissed the column of his throat. His cock was aching—hard and throbbing as Katsuki scented him. Holy shit.

 

They weren't ready for this. Kacchan, specifically, wasn't ready for this. They hadn't even kissed yet—just three cheek kisses and a long cuddle.

 

He stepped back, and Kacchan let out a heartwrenching whine—like the inch of distance he'd put between them had caused him physical pain. "I'm gonna go," he growled, gritting his teeth when Katsuki whined again. He could smell slick in the air. He took a deep breath through his mouth, shaking his head to snap himself out of it. "I'll be back in a couple hours, text me after your first wave, alright?"

 

He let go of Katsuki, taking another step back—and another when Katsuki tried to follow. "Alpha," the omega beseeched him. He let out a warning growl and Katsuki stopped in his tracks. Izuku saw him come back to himself for a moment. "Fuck, go," he gasped, stumbling back toward his nest. "Go, Deku, and remember—"

 

"I got it," he agreed, walking backward towards the door as though he were prey walking away from a predator. "I'll take care of you, omega, I promise," he crooned. Katsuki moaned against gritted teeth, needy and strung out. Izuku was unconscionably proud to have made him this way.

 

"Shut up and get out," Kacchan snapped, climbing into his nest. He watched as the omega burrowed into his heavily scented sheets, purring loud enough to be heard across the room. He knew he had to leave when Kacchan's hand snaked under his sweats and he let out a keening moan. He couldn't be here for this.

 

With all of his remaining willpower, he stepped out of the room and shut the door behind him—and that seemed to be the moment that Kacchan's omega realized that he was leaving. He could hear movement on the other side of the door—then a long, low whine. Izuku grit his teeth as he locked the security bar on the reinforcement jacks. His alpha was screaming in his head, throwing himself at the proverbial walls to get to the omega on the other side of the door.

 

He could still hear the sound Katsuki made when he'd stepped back, echoing in his head as though reprimanding him for being a bad alpha. He'd sounded like he needed Izuku in his nest as much as he needed oxygen. Scientifically, he knew that wasn't true—Kacchan would be fine, even if he was a little uncomfortable.

 

He would not be fine if Izuku were on the other side of the door. He would end up mated before either of them were ready, or even secure in their relationship. He could hear Katsuki—his omega nature taking over his gruff personality as he whimpered through the door like a kicked puppy.

 

The doorknob rattled. Izuku didn't know if Katsuki wanted to get to him or if he was testing the integrity of the jacks. 

 

Fuck, he wanted to be on the other side of that door. He wanted to crowd Katsuki into his nest and make it theirs—he wanted to hear his pretty omega plead and whine for him. He wanted Katsuki to feel completely satisfied at the end of his heat—protected and provided for in every possible sense.

 

He looked down at his completely unhelpful boner. Sue him, Katsuki had smelled like sex and, asked him to scent his entire room, and then scented the shit out of him. After it was offered, but still. He could have told him to scent one sock and then get the fuck out. He could have told him not to provide for him.

 

But that hadn't happened. Katsuki had asked him to scent him and his nest and then ground on him for a solid five minutes. So yeah, boner. A boner he had to take care of before he went anywhere else.

 

Fuck, he'd need a whole shower. He couldn't go anywhere reeking of his omega in heat. It would raise too many questions. It would also let other alphas smell his omega, and that was just unacceptable.

 

As he trudged toward the showers, he squashed back the horny alpha in his brain that was telling him to mark Katsuki's entire hallway as his territory. He knew his scent was coming out aggressive right now—he hoped he could scrub that off.

 

He turned on the shower and scowled at the spray. He knew running around smelling like Kacchan was a bad idea, but the idea of intentionally washing him off set his teeth on edge. He stepped in, pouting as the water hit bare skin and washed his omega's scent down the drain. He could still feel Kacchan pressed against him, mouthing at his mating gland as though he wanted to dig his teeth in. He wrapped his fist around his aching cock and tugged, wishing with everything in his body that it was Katsuki's instead. His hand, his mouth, his hole—whatever. Just him, instead of the hurried five-knuckle shuffle he was giving himself to take the edge off.

 

He wondered what it would feel like to have Katsuki wrapped around him. To taste his slick and get drunk on it—to push into him for the first time. He wondered what Kacchan would look like, stuck on his knot and writhing beneath him. He wondered what it would be like to cum into his tight heat instead of down the stupid shower drain.

 

He stayed in the shower until the scent of Kacchan's heat scent had faded from his nostrils and his dick had chilled out a little. His fingers were pruney and he felt a little lightheaded, but at least his brain was firmly back in his control. His unhelpful alpha instincts were completely unnecessary. Kacchan needed him to keep his shit together.

 

As he toweled himself off and made his way back to his room for an unscented set of clothes, he steeled himself. He'd asked to provide for Kacchan during his heat, and he needed to do a good job. He needed to go to the grocery store and get ingredients to cook for him—high carb snacks and meals that would keep him sustained through his heat without completely derailing his diet. Luckily, he had a copy of Kacchan's diet plan saved—left over from when the omega had bullied him into making one too.

 

To: Aizawa

I'm gonna run to the grocery store. need to pick some stuff up for kacchan.

 

From: Aizawa

👍

check in every half hour so I know u arent dead

 

To: Aizawa

okay. thanks sensei!

 

When he got to the common room he found, to his displeasure, that most of the class was there—some of them getting ready for a trip to the mall, others simply studying by the windows. Iida and Uraraka were there, and he'd have to pass them to get out. His hackles raised—Ochako's failure to take no as an answer ringing in the back of his skull.

 

He squared his shoulders and headed for the door—not looking at anyone as he passed. Maybe if he looked like he headed somewhere with purpose, they'd leave him alone.

 

"Midoriya!" Iida called out to him. He grit his teeth, but turned to his friend. Even though Ochako was right next to him, he didn't spare her a glance. "Where are you headed?"

 

He smiled tightly. "Running some errands. Going to the store."

 

"Have you cleared your excursion with the appropriate authorities?" he asked. Izuku's smile softened to something more genuine. Iida wasn't butting into his business—he probably didn't even know what was happening. He was just being his hyper-responsible class-rep self.

 

"Yeah, I texted Aizawa," he assured him. "I shouldn't be gone long, but I'll be checking in with him. I promise."

 

"You want some company? I'll go with you!" Ochako piped up, standing before he answered. His hackles raised, and his mouth curled into a snarl. "I'll just go get my—"

 

"See you later, Iida," he interrupted, not even sparing Ochako a glance before turning to leave. Not only had she violated his boundaries—now, even though he'd made his answer clear, she was pursuing him as though nothing had happened. She was lucky he was in control enough to not give into his instincts, because his instincts were telling him to aggress.

 

"Deku, wait!" she insisted, catching up to him and grabbing his arm. He ripped his arm away and spun on his heel, snarling in her face. "I thought maybe...we could spend some time together—" she cut off with a whimper when he growled, low and threatening.

 

"Stay away from me," he snarled. If he weren't wearing scent patches, she'd be cowering. She didn't cower, but she did freeze, shoulders hunching inwards and eyes finding the floor. He turned and left, satisfied that she wouldn't follow this time.

 

Ochako's scent spiked before he exited the dorm—sour and distressed. He didn't care. Why should he care about her feelings when she clearly had no regard for his? He just kept walking. He had his actual omega to take care of.

 

He heard Iida calling after him but didn't look back.

---

Katsuki pawed at the door pathetically. For a moment, he could still hear Deku's ragged breathing on the other side and it was awful to know that his alpha was close but out of reach. He was covered in his scent—thick and hazy with want, but it wasn't enough.

 

He yanked at the door handle, whining when it didn't budge. It barely even rattled. Deku had already locked the reinforcement jacks, and his omega was desperate. He had been here one second—surrounding him and scenting him, deliciously close and so fucking tempting—and now he was gone, and he felt bereft.

 

The haze around his mind grew thicker as his limbs grew heavier. He could still feel Deku's hands gripping his waist and his breath rushing over his mating gland, and his rumble rocking through his body like an earthquake.

 

He could still feel where Deku's dick had pressed into his abs and he wished he'd taken the opportunity to feel it. He wished he'd fished Deku's cock out of those sweats and held him in his hands and gotten down on his knees and swallowed him down. He wanted to take him so deep that his knot threatened to lock his jaw open.

 

He wanted to feel his alpha everywhere.

 

Whimpering, he made his way to the biggest source of Deku's scent—his nest. He'd been so goddamn thorough that it smelled he was still there, aroused and so proud of his omega. What would Deku smell like when they fucked for the first time? What would he sound like?

 

He over the lip of his nest and he could feel slick coating his ass and smearing into the soft omega sweatpants his alpha had given him. He peeled them off, bringing his wrist up to his nose and inhaling the lingering scent there greedily. He whined as he ground his hips against the bed, drowning in Deku's scent as slick trickled down his thigh and his dick rubbed into the sheets.

 

He felt hot all over, like he could use his quirk in his whole body but couldn't cool down even if he tried. None of it was enough though. He wanted to feel Deku's weight on top of him, grinding into him and grinding Katsuki into his soft nesting blankets. He wanted to feel his frame draped over his back while his freckled Adonis hips pounded into his until his knot locked and he filled Katsuki with cum and then fingered him till he came, still stuck on his knot—

 

Katsuki came for the first time, weak and unsatisfying as he spilled into his bedspread. He felt emptier than he'd ever felt before, and his heat burned brighter than ever. His orgasm hadn't taken the edge off at all and he wailed in frustration, turning over to take his dick in hand. He knew he'd need his knotted dildo eventually, but he was trying to hold off—or else it would lose its effect toward the end of his heat and he'd be all pent up and unsatisfied.

 

The way things were going, though—he'd bet anything he'd need it sooner rather than later.

 

He pressed one of his cushions into his face, inhaling Deku's interest scent like it was the last bit of oxygen on earth as he fucked into his fist, friction eased by his own slick. He could feel his mind slipping and as always, he held onto lucidity as long as he could.

 

But he had an alpha now, and his omega wanted to let go so that his alpha could take care of him in every sense of the word. His legs spread unconsciously at the thought of Deku in his nest and his hole fluttered around nothing, making a mess. He didn't give a fuck, though. It smelled like them, and it was worth the laundry he'd have to do later.

 

He keened at that thought. The idea of erasing Deku's scent was physically painful, making his muscles tense and his jaw clench in protest. He never wanted to do laundry again. He wanted to drown in their combined scents—sugary and burnt on his end and deep and woodsy on Deku's, so thick and heavy that it suffocated him. He could barely breathe for how good it smelled—and he could barely think for how good it felt.

 

He came again—wailing for his alpha as his cock pumped out a pathetic spurt against his fingers and his ass gushed with slick, needing to be filled. But his alpha wasn't here and the only thing he had to fill him was a shitty piece of silicone that never did the trick. He whined at the thought of using it instead of Deku using him.

 

This heat was gonna be fucking awful.

---

It took Izuku three hours to get back to campus. For the first hour, he was too irritated—no, angry—to really do anything productive. The first thing he'd bought at the grocery store had been a shit ton of scent neutralizers—from sprays to wipes to laundry tabs.

 

He'd spray Ochako in the face with them if he had to.

 

Luckily for him, his brain was occupied by Katsuki for the rest of his outing. The omega had texted him— definitely not lucid. He'd sent a few texts asking Izuku to come back, and then a few more that were considerably less coherent. They were riddled with typos and begging.

 

Then there were the outright sexts. And photos. Not of Katsuki—he apparently didn't have the dexterity to send nudes. There was a reason for that, and Izuku got an eyeful. His hands were covered in slick and apparently, it was difficult to keep his grip on his phone that way.

 

He did manage to send two clear ones though—one of his fingers parted and webs of slick between his digits, and another of the wet spot on his bed where his omega had apparently soaked himself and the sheets thinking about him. They'd been captioned: dint' uou wsnna take carw of me alpha?

 

So yeah, his mind was at capacity—solely focused on his pretty, dangerous omega and how he could provide for him. Prove that he was a good alpha so that he could be there for his next heat. With permission. Notarized permission. Which was required by law for underaged couples. In the meantime, he could be the best provider. He could get Kacchan high-calorie snacks, and slick wipes, and sports drinks, and ingredients for his favorite meals for the next five days, and his favorite ramen from his favorite restaurant.

 

He could do that.

 

He was almost back to the dorm when his phone chimed again.

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

lucid. hungry.

 

Thankfully, he was prepared for that—takeout containers tightly clutched in one hand, heaps of groceries in the other. Unfortunately, he wasn't prepared for Iida, who was waiting for him in the common room when he returned.

 

"Midoriya!"

 

"Sorry, Iida, I'm in a bit of a hurry," he said, trying to skirt his fellow alpha—scowling when Iida stood in his way. He had an omega to feed, goddammit.

 

"It'll have to wait!"

 

"Your conduct this morning cannot wait," he insisted, blocking Izuku's path. "You were incredibly rude to Uraraka—she's been distressed all morning! She won't leave her room, and—"

 

"Mind your own business," he snapped. "My issues with Ochako aren't your concern. She crossed a personal boundary and is refusing to give me space. I reacted accordingly. Now move," he snarled. Iida bristled.

 

"I insist you apologize to her, or I'll be forced to take this matter to Mr. Aizawa," he said, standing his ground.

 

"Give him my regards, because I have nothing to apologize for," he growled. He reached up and tore off his scent patches, letting his anger out in earnest. Who the hell did he think he was? "You may be the class rep, but you have no say in my social life. Did you even consider why I might be angry with her? Do I seem like the type of person who blows off my friends for no reason?" Iida winced and he felt a grim sort of satisfaction. "Exactly. Now get the hell out of my way, before I make you."

 

He was almost proud when the aggression in his scent made Iida flinch back. "You're out of control, Midoriya," he warned.

 

"Maybe," he agreed with a feral glint in his eye. "You wanna test me? Or do you want to move?" His scent was getting oppressively strong and gratingly caustic—practically burning the eyes of anyone who was close enough. Someone—Denki, he thought—whimpered. He bared his teeth for good measure and Iida instinctively cast his eyes down. But he didn't move.

 

"Let him go, Iida," Tsu warned. He would have cast her a grateful glance, but that would give Iida ground in this dominance display and he refused to back down. He may be a good friend, but this was none of his business and he wasn't going to subject himself to Ochako to make others comfortable. "He's right, it's none of our business."

 

His phone vibrated in his pocket. Katsuki was waiting for him. "I'm not going to fight you," he said between gritted teeth. "It's really tempting, but I'm not. I have more important things to do than fight you over something that doesn't involve you. Move."

 

Iida looked angry—shoulders tensed and every line in his body frustrated. But slowly, he stepped to the side. "This isn't over," he said. "This conduct is unbecoming of a hero student."

 

"So is Ochako's," he retorted as he strode past him. "And if you try to make me talk to her, I'll be the one going to Aizawa. Butt out."

---

Katsuki yanked the door open before Deku was even finished knocking, pulling him inside. There was a desperation crawling under his skin and he needed his alpha. No matter what he'd tried, he couldn't orgasm that need away, either.

 

"What the fuck took you so—" his nose wrinkled and he whined, the scent of Deku's fury invading his nest. "Alpha?"

 

"One second, Kacchan," he promised, moving away from him toward the desk. With every step the nerd took the air felt a little clearer but with each step, Katsuki felt worse. "Let me—"

 

Katsuki strode back into Deku's personal space, opening his desk drawer while Deku watched in confusion. He was still holding grocery bags, but he set down the takeout bags and accepted the coupons that Katsuki held out to him a moment later.

 

One Hug. Scent Me.

 

As soon as he saw them, Deku's scent mellowed out to something sweeter—pleased and warm.

 

He put down his grocery bags and held out his arms so that Katsuki could step into them and as soon as he did, the alpha's arms wrapped around his shoulders—scent going heavy and comforting. Katsuki purred and Deku relaxed against him, nosing into his hair and chuffing in delight. "Gonna tell me what happened?" he asked quietly, nosing along Deku's clothed clavicle.

 

"Not important," he replied. "Not while you're in heat." Katsuki could smell Deku's reaction to being in his room—swamped by the the suffocating smell of his heat and slick. "I texted Aizawa, I have half an hour before I have to leave. Don't wanna spend that time talking about...whatever. Wanna spend it on you."

 

Katsuki's purr didn't grow louder, but it felt like it went deeper—rumbling through his heat-heavy limbs low and soothing. His alpha was so attentive. "Heat sucks," he murmured against the coarse fabric of Deku's t-shirt. He didn't love the texture—a little too rough, especially while he was in heat—but he liked the scent. He wished it were gone, though. He wish he were talking straight into Deku's skin—lips brushing bare flesh instead of crappy cotton.

 

"Yeah? How can I help?" Deku asked softly, running his wrists over anywhere he could reach—across his shoulder blades and down his back, around his waist and back up again. "You need to eat, can I do anything while you do that?"

 

Katsuki shrugged, leaning further into Deku's hold. With the caustic smell of anger and aggression gone, he smelled so good. What he wanted was for Deku to crawl into his nest and stay with him until the next wave started, but he didn't know if he could ask for that.

 

After this morning, he wasn't even sure they had the self-control for that.

 

"Maybe re-scent my nest?" he asked quietly. He could feel Deku rumbling against him—in time with his own low purr. His limbs felt loose now that Deku was here—relaxed in his alpha's presence. That only meant he'd feel worse when he left again. He couldn't help the low whine that slipped out at the thought.

 

"What's wrong?" Deku asked, lips moving against the top of his head so that he felt the words more than he heard them.

 

"Don' want you to go," he scowled, grip tightening around his waist.

 

"I'm not going anywhere yet," he promised. "Come on, I got us lunch," he said, unwinding from Katsuki just enough to lead him over to the desk. Then he realized that there was only one chair. "It's okay, I can eat mine later," he loosened his grip even more, and Katsuki felt a flash of panic. "I'll just re-scent your nest now and—"

 

Katsuki gripped him tighter to keep him from moving any farther. "Sit," he demanded, voice tight around the edges. Deku must have heard the strain in his voice because he moved without question, sitting at Katsuki's desk chair and waiting for his next move. Katsuki hovered by his side, still gripping Deku's wrist anxiously. He'd hated the feeling of him moving away, even just an inch.

 

His mind was still fuzzy around the edges, but he was sharp enough to realize that that didn't bode well for when Deku had to leave. And he did have to leave. They weren't ready for him to stay. They might be more attached than most pairs at this stage, but that's just because they knew each other so well. For so long. That didn't mean they were ready for cycle sharing.

 

"Kacchan?"

 

He nudged at Deku's ankle until the nerd spread his legs—just enough to make him a comfortable seat—then he lowered himself into Deku's lap, blushing furiously. Thankfully, he wasn't alone on that front. Deku went beet red beneath him, breath hitching as Katsuki shifted to get comfortable.

 

He stayed unnaturally still as Katsuki grabbed their takeout bag—only moving to put a steadying hand on Katsuki's waist so he wouldn't topple as he laid out their food. He felt himself slicking again as one stray shuffle brushed his ass against Deku's erection, and he let out a harsh breath. He wanted to feel it for himself but even more than that, he wanted to do this right.

 

Deku was worth the restraint. "Let's eat," Katsuki said, embarrassed that it came out rougher and raspier than he intended, belying his need. He might be lucid, but he was still in heat. He didn't want to sit on Deku's lap, he wanted to sit on his dick—and judging by the erection pressing into his right ass cheek, Deku wanted the same thing. Deku's grip tightened on his waist, but he didn't move. He was waiting for Katsuki to take the lead—not just now, but during the entire courting process. He was giving Katsuki the control he needed.

 

Alpha cares about me, his omega purred. Alpha provides. And his alpha had provided. That's why he was here in the first place. At that, he turned to the takeout containers—stomach rumbling as he noted the ramen. It would be hard to eat while sitting on someone's lap, especially if that person was eating, but he'd manage it.

 

Somehow, Deku maneuvered so that Katsuki stayed in the circle of his arms, even as he ate—one arm caging him in from the back and the other against his stomach. It was a little awkward, but the proximity made it worth it. The more he ate and the longer he was pressed against Deku, the more appeased his omega seemed—the steady warmth of his alpha seeming to melt his bones until he was lax in his grip.

 

"I asked them to make it as spicy as they could," Deku murmured—done with the shitty grocery store sandwich he'd grabbed and watching as Katsuki ate. He could feel the vibrations of his words where Deku's torso was pressed against him.

 

"S'good," Katsuki mumbled before slurping up another mouthful. He was purring—he hadn't stopped since Deku had arrived, really—but it was louder and satisfied now that he was being taken care of. If he weren't in heat he'd hate this and he'd probably have to talk to Deku about that eventually, but for now?

 

For now, Deku was rubbing circles into his nesting clothes with his wrists—scenting and soothing him in equal measure. He was hard as a rock but content to just scent his omega and nuzzle across his shoulder blades. He was such a good alpha, and the slutty little omega in his skull was desperately trying to convince Katsuki that dragging the nerd into his nest was the best course of action.

 

He just had broth left now, and he was taking little sips while he let himself just feel Deku. There was undoubtedly a wet spot that had leaked through his sweats onto Deku's awful basketball shorts. He could ask. He could ask Deku if they had the restraint to just...cuddle—let the omega feel his alpha in his nest to stave off the absolute insanity that his heat was subjecting him to.

 

"I want you to re-scent my nest," he said, setting the bowl down on the desk. Deku nodded. "While I'm in it." Deku's eyes widened, but only by a fraction. "Want you in my nest," he explained, blushing stupidly and looking down at his hands.

 

"Not sure if that's a good idea," Deku admitted. Katsuki could hear the want in his voice, and also the trepidation. He whined plaintively and the nerd was quick to soothe him, reaching up to cup his face and run a calloused thumb across his cheekbone. "We don't have much time, and we could get carried away. I don't want to go overboard and ruin this," he explained.

 

Katsuki bit back the next petulant whine and looked Deku in the eye instead. "You wouldn't let that happen, right?" he asked, soft and sure. Deku softened, eyes going watery and adoring. He loved that expression. It belonged to him and him alone. "I trust you. I just...I need to feel you in my nest. Just for a minute. Please," he added quietly.

 

"Whatever you want," Deku agreed, nosing at his shoulder and gripping at his hips. "I'm gonna text Aizawa though. Just so he knows to come looking if I don't check in. I..." he blushed, swallowing thickly. "I think you underestimate your appeal."

 

He blushed, fucking crooning when the pad of Deku's thumb brushed against his lower lip. God, they hadn't even kissed yet. Everything about Deku overwhelmed him already—what would he feel like when they finally kissed? "Like I fucking said," he breathed. "I trust you."

 

He was a little surprised that Deku didn't break his thumbs with how fast he texted Aizawa. The timer countdown was already on his lock screen from earlier—the nerd had planned ahead. They only had twelve minutes left, but it was better than nothing.

 

He yelped when Deku stood, legs wrapping around his waist on instinct so he wouldn't fall. He scowled, but Deku just gave him a cheeky grin in reply. "You trust me, right?" he teased, arms banded firmly around Katsuki's waist. He wouldn't have let him fall. "I've got you, omega."

 

And oh, that sounded fucking good in Deku's mellow tenor—smooth on the tongue even as the alpha's rumbling purr shook him. He could feel slick trickling down his leg now. Awesome.

 

Deku pressed him back into his nest, crawling in after him—swiping his wrists over the lip of the nest and across the pillows. Katsuki watched him work, occasionally grabbing him by the arm to redouble his efforts in a particular spot. He crooned as Deku's scent overpowered the scent of his desperation and slick, relaxing into the corner of his nest and letting his mind start to slip. It was safe to slip while Deku was here.

 

Deku would take care of him. Alpha would take care of him.

 

And he did—working his scent into every inch of his nest before lying down next to him, pulling him into his arms and holding him close. Like the night before, but so much more charged. He was hyper-aware of every minuscule movement—every shift of fabric along his skin felt electric. He went liquid when Deku nosed at his mating gland.

 

He'd felt wired for hours, frantically trying to take the edge off. Deku's presence was like a balm, smoothing out the sharp corners of his heat and unwinding him into a messy heap swaddled by strong arms and soft blankets. He never knew that vulnerability could feel so safe and satisfying.

 

He was half asleep by the time Deku's timer went off, and he whimpered as the alpha loosened his hold. "It's okay," he crooned, stroking scarred fingers through his hair. "I'll be back after your next wave," he promised. "Try to get some rest, Kacchan."

 

"Don' want you to go," he murmured, lulled Deku's touch.

 

"I know, I don't want to either," he replied. His voice sounded deeper than normal, and when Katsuki cracked his eyes to look at him, Deku's irises were eclipsed—eyes black with want. It filled him with a primal sort of satisfaction. "But we're doing this right," he reminded him. "Text me when you're lucid again, and I'll be here. I promise."

 

"N'kay," he mumbled.

 

It felt colder without Deku in the bed, but his limbs felt heavy and his omega sated. The scent surrounding him was so contrary to the scent Deku had come in with—pleased and warm, like just holding Katsuki for ten minutes made whatever nonsense outside worth dealing with. He wasn't thrilled when Deku slipped out the door, but he was pretty fucking pleased that he'd been there at all.

Notes:

comments? :D

Chapter 9: Kiss Me Once

Katsuki came out of his heat slowly, desire clinging to his skin like honey—sticky and fucking annoying. It had been shorter than usual, but so much more intense. His lucid moments were few and far between and most of them were spent with Deku wrapped around him, stoking the fire back into a fever pitch.

 

And holy fuck Deku was a good provider—arriving clean scented and laden down with food and water, re-scenting everything in his nest each time he showed up, changing out the slick pads under his sheets, and wiping him clean of sweat and slick and cum.

 

In the recesses of his mind, Katsuki knew that something was going on outside his room, but Deku never brought outside conflict into the room with him—aside from the first time, when he came into the room reeking of aggression. He always wiped away any cloying scents that he wouldn't want in his nest and soothed him any way he could.

 

He woke early on Wednesday morning—limbs heavy, body gross, and mind...oddly quiet. He'd never come out of a heat this calm before—sleepy, satisfied, and purring.

 

His alpha had taken fucking amazing care of him, and his omega was peaceful as fuck. How the hell was Deku so fucking good at this? Why was Deku so good to him? What the fuck had he done to deserve this?

 

The thought of all of his heats ending this way made his eyes sting with tears. His last three heats had been fucking battlefields and he'd come out of them raw and restless, covered in scratches and bruises. Right now, the only thing that chafed was his dick, but it was totally manageable. The last time, he'd actually dislocated his shoulder in his quest to get himself off.

 

To: Nerd

I think it's over

fucking finally

 

From: Nerd

oh!

are u coming to class today?

are we gonna train today?

can I make u breakfast?

oh ur probably sick of me by now right?

 

Katsuki scowled. What the fuck? Sick of him? Katsuki had never been less sick of him in his entire fucking life. He was gonna give that shithead a piece of his goddamn mind.

 

To: Nerd

shut up

i'm coming to class

too tired to train

we can have breakfast

and if I get sick of you i'll fucking tell you

idiot

why are u even awake its 5 in the fucking morning

 

From: Nerd

oh! okay :)

i'll meet u downstairs?

and uh

I havent' been to sleep yet

hehe

 

To: Nerd

i'm gonna fuckin kill u

after i take a shower

and eat breakfast

i'm starving

 

From: Nerd

I'll make a biiiig breakfast then😄

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes tossing his phone aside before sitting up in bed. His muscles felt loose and easy and his purring grew louder. Almost embarrassingly loud. He climbed out of his nest, wrinkling his nose in distaste at the state of his bedding, and stalked toward the bathroom.

 

Even his bedding wasn't as awful as it usually was, though. With Deku changing out his slick pads and keeping Katsuki clean, they were just gross instead of an impending health hazard.

 

Deku did so fucking much for him. He couldn't get it out of his head as he stood under the spray and scrubbed himself clean of sweat and slick. He wanted everything Deku had to offer. It scared him how much he wanted it.

 

He got dressed slowly—scowling at the rough texture of his uniform after four days of soft omega-wear. He'd be fine by the end of the day when he'd finally gotten used to it again, but until then he'd hate the feeling of the coarse material abrading his skin.

 

He paused on his way to the door. It was early—he probably had time to hang out with Deku as his omega, and the curiosity—the desire—hadn't abated yet. He doubled back to his desk drawer, pulling out the coupon book and flipping through it.

 

Then, when he made his decision, he made his way out the door.

---

Izuku didn't even hear Katsuki enter the kitchen. That was his own fault. Usually, his showers were long, so he'd stuck his headphones in so he could listen to music while he cooked.

 

It made the whole task feel less tedious, and as he waited for Kacchan's omelet's to cook, he mouthed the lyrics to a 1900's power ballad into his spatula like he was a domestic rockstar. While he fried bacon—sprinkled with habanero powder, for his omega's fiery tastebuds—he shook his ass to Beyonce, humming along to lyrics he didn't know.

 

And when he turned around to plate it, his red-eyed bombshell was watching him with an amused smirk. He yelped, nearly dropping the frying pan in his haste to yank his earphones out. "Kacchan!"

 

"Dork," Kacchan greeted him in his smooth baritone, still a little hoarse and parched from his days out of commission. "Don't stop on my account. I knew that ass had to be good for something."

 

Deku squeaked, quickly putting the pan down on a trivet so he could hide his face behind scarred hands. "Excuse me, I'm gonna go bury myself behind Ground Beta, make sure Cementoss makes me a nice headstone, Kacchan."

 

"Sure," he agreed, smirk going malicious around the edges. He didn't have to see it to know it had happened. He knew that tone of voice. "Here lies Deku. He died throwing it back. Want me to do the eulogy too? I'll talk about how red your face is."

 

"Thanks, but no thanks. My eulogy will be performed by someone with tact—like Momo. I don't need my mother having a heart attack," he insisted, still hiding. "God, can you pretend you didn't see that?"

 

"No," Katsuki said. There was something in his tone of voice that had Izuku peering out from between his fingers. He was grinning like a demon, and he looked beautiful. It must have shown on his face because his smile dropped and he looked away. "Stop looking at me like that."

 

Izuku smiled, fond. "Sorry, Kacchan. Your breakfast is ready—did you want coffee?"

 

Katsuki gave a little hum of consent, and Izuku poured him a mug. He set the plate and drink in front of him before grabbing his own, sliding into the seat next to the surly blonde. "Thanks," Kacchan muttered.

 

"Sure," Izuku replied, very careful not to bombard Katsuki with the fact that he'd do anything for him, anytime, anywhere. He already knew that, there was no need to overwhelm him with it.

 

"And uh," Katsuki started, looking down at his plate. Glaring at it, really. The tips of his ears had gone red, and it was spreading across his cheeks. "Thanks for providing for me, or whatever. It was...good."

 

Izuku's heart stuttered in his chest, alpha in his dumbass skull howling with pride. Holy shit. "Good?" he asked softly. Katsuki scowled, turning his glare on him instead.

 

"Yeah, asshole. Good. And you know it, so stop fishing for compliments."

 

"Sorry," Izuku chuckled, elated. "I'll try. I like it when you compliment me, though, so I don't know how successful I'll be."

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes before turning them back to his omelet. "You're so lame," he grumbled, stabbing it. A steamy plume of aromatic spices rose from the omelet when he punctured it and the omega paused, eyes widening. He lifted up the fold to examine the filling, a rich purr falling from his throat at the sight. "I hate you so fucking much."

 

"I hope you like it," Izuku replied earnestly, bumping his shoulder. "Eat it while it's hot! Or else the cheese will go all clumpy. I know you hate that."

 

"Shut up," he replied waspishly, even as he did what he was told. Izuku hid his smile in his coffee mug. "You gonna tell me about whatever bullshit drama was going on out here while I was super-soaking my room?"

 

The greenette spluttered. "Super-soaking—"

 

"I know you know what I mean," Katsuki barked. "And you know what I'm talking about. You said it wasn't important while I was in heat. I'm not in heat anymore."

 

Izuku smiled at him. "Sure. I wasn't gonna keep it from you, you know," he said, nudging Katsuki's shoulder again. Partially as reassurance, partially just because he wanted constant contact with Katsuki but didn't want to overdo it.

 

"Well?" Kacchan snapped, impatient.

 

"Uraraka tried to come with me when I went grocery shopping for you on the first day. I snapped at her, and then Iida tried to get me to apologize," he shrugged. "I have nothing to apologize for, so things have been a little tense. But like I said, their attitudes aren't my problem."

 

Katsuki's scent soured and Izuku stopped, putting his fork down and holding out his wrist, holding his omega's stare. He hoped Kacchan knew what it meant. He hoped Katsuki knew that when he was upset, everything stopped. That Katsuki was his priority.

 

He loved that Katsuki could still surprise him. Instead of simply scenting—a quick brush of their wrists—the omega dragged Izuku's hand up to his neck and swiped Izuku's scent across his mating gland. He purred as Izuku blushed—quiet but steady as their scents intermingled.

 

"I don't like that she's not taking you seriously," Kacchan admitted quietly. "Even if you weren't courting me, I wouldn't like that."

 

"I don't like it either," he agreed. "She's removing herself from my life by not respecting my decision, and that sucks because we're friends. But real friends respect your boundaries."

 

The edge on Katsuki's scent seemed to mellow out and he looked satisfied with the answer, gaze dropping back down to his plate as he ate. The silence was comfortable, neither of them needing to fill the silence with chatter.

 

When he was done eating, Katsuki sat back in his seat—still purring, much to Izuku's delight—and scrolled through his phone while he waited for the alpha to finish. Like he wanted to spend time with him, even if it was just sitting in silence.

 

He sniffled, and Katsuki's eyes snapped to him. "Are you fucking crying?" he demanded.

 

"Nah, the food's spicy," Izuku replied, lying his ass off. The food was moderate, and he was emotional. Unfortunately, Kacchan's bullshit meter was finely tuned.

 

"You're full of shit."

 

He was actually full of love and affection, but that was too corny to say out loud—even for him. "Just happy. Happy crying. Don't worry about it."

 

"Crybaby," Kacchan grumbled, kicking his chair. He was silent for a moment and Izuku looked over at him. "You...wanna be romantic and stuff right?" he asked hesitantly.

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "That's kinda why I'm courting you, yeah."

 

Katsuki kicked his chair again. "Fuck you, that's not what I meant. Like you want to do sappy shit but you're holding back so I'm not weird about it. Right?"

 

Both eyebrows this time. "Uh...yeah, I guess. I don't think it's holding back, though. I'm being romantic at your comfort level, which is romantic in its own way. It's not romantic if it makes you feel weird—"

 

"If you say 'romantic' one more time, I'm gonna blow you up," Kacchan warned, growling half-heartedly. He was fishing around in his pocket for something and Izuku perked up. If he were a dog, his tail would be wagging. He pulled out a coupon and placed it face up on the counter, watching Izuku's face as he read it.

 

Love Notes.

 

Izuku's stomach erupted in butterflies, face going red enough that he could probably cook another omelet if he tried. "Okay," he breathed, picking it up. "Do you want to keep this and use it again? Or is this blanket permission to give you l-love notes," he stuttered, blushing even harder.

 

Thankfully, he wasn't alone. Katsuki was blushing too, getting redder with each passing second and refusing to make eye contact. "Blanket permission," he muttered. He hesitated and then admitted: "I wanna know how you feel."

 

Izuku wondered if throwing up from happiness was a thing people did. That's what he wanted to do. "Okay, Kacchan," he smiled. He held his hand out and hesitantly, Katsuki took it. He raised Kacchan's hand to his mouth, brushing a kiss across the back of his knuckles. "You will."

 

Katsuki blushed violently, face screwing up in flustered fury. With his free hand, he smacked Izuku across the face. Gently, though, so Izuku knew he wasn't really mad. "You didn't get a coupon for that, fuckhead!"

 

Not to be dramatic, but Izuku would die for him.

---

Katsuki had not thought this through. He did not know what he'd been getting into when he gave Deku that stupid coupon. He couldn't take this. He stared down at the paper in his hands, ears burning.

 

Sometimes I wish everyone could see what I see. The rest of the time I'm glad I'm the only one who really sees you.

 

When Katsuki had signed up for love notes, he thought he'd be getting a few long ones. Not a million tiny ones that made him feel like he was on a roller coaster—stomach somersaulting like a lovestruck moron.

 

It had been two days since he'd used the stupid coupon, and he was sorely tempted to take it back.

 

There had been twenty-six so far—ten on Wednesday, ten on Thursday, and the one currently gripped between smoking fingers was his sixth today—snuck into his pocket after their practice interviews with the business course.

 

He constantly felt hot and embarrassed, and the flood of post-it note praises had him on high alert—paranoid that someone would find them before he could.

 

But Deku, being Deku, was smart as fuck, and constantly left them in places only he would find them. The struggle was finding them when nobody else was around. Denki had already seen one between classes and had read it out loud.

 

I love that I can always hear you coming. You may be loud, but that just means I know my day's about to get better.

 

His friends had given him so much shit for having a secret admirer, and all he could think about was Deku—sitting in class and waiting for him to appear around the corner. The way he perked up every time he came into view.

 

Mina had taken a picture of his face. He'd been the color of Eijirou's hair. So yeah, he had not anticipated how he'd react to this shit—having a minor affection-related heart attack ten times a day. It wasn't even lunchtime yet, and his face was so constantly hot that it felt like a fever.

 

After their morning run: Your eyes glow in the sunrise. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

 

After answering a random question in Calculus: You're so smart, I wish I could kiss your brain.

 

After fucking hero training, after getting out of the showers: You smell good, omega. I can smell you from three rows away.

 

Fucking perv.

 

It had been endless. It felt like every single thought Deku had about him throughout the day that he couldn't say out loud ended up in Katsuki's pockets, or his locker, or his fucking shoes. It was a nonstop barrage of affection that left Katsuki feeling like the ground had opened up beneath him, and he was falling.

 

As soon as the lunch bell rang, he slipped from the classroom. It was a Friday, and Deku was gonna meet him on the roof. And once Deku showed his dumb freckled face, he was gonna blow him up point blank.

 

But when he actually showed up, cheeks red and out of breath from running to catch up, Katsuki was arrested by affection, heart thudding in his chest as the nerd smiled at him. God, that smile was a quirk in and of itself.

 

"I like it too," he blurted, blushing furiously a moment later. Deku tilted his head like a fucking puppy, smile still bright but confused around the edges.

 

"Like what?" he asked, walking them over to their corner of the roof. Fuck, Katsuki hated talking about feelings. But Deku made him want to try.

 

Katsuki fished the note out of his pocket, waving it for emphasis. "That you're the only person who gets me. Who knows what I mean without having to try. Don't you dare cry, fucker—"

 

Unfortunately, Deku's tear ducts did not respond to commands. They just turned on at full force with the slightest provocation. "Sorry, that was unexpected," Deku said, looking straight up at the fucking sun to force his tears back into his eyeballs with gravity. Katsuki frowned.

 

He didn't want Deku to be completely blindsided by the fact that Katsuki liked him. The fact that he wanted him, and liked being seen by him. He bit his lip, taking out the food that he'd prepared for them. It was a relationship—Deku couldn't do all the work all the time.

 

Deku, after managing to cork his tear ducts, launched into his usual lunchtime oration—excitedly rambling about everything they'd covered in class as Katsuki snapped open his bento and listened. "You planning to eat, dipshit?" he snapped after ten minutes of word-vomit.

 

"Right! Sorry, thank y—" he stopped when he opened the lunchbox, tears flooding his stupid, pretty eyes again. "You made me katsudon?" he uttered, turning his pout in Katsuki's direction.

 

"You like it, so I made it for you," he grumbled. "Ain't that big a deal."

 

But Deku clearly didn't agree, because his scent came out to greet him exactly the way he liked it—pleased and deep, like Katsuki was the best fucking omega on the planet just because he fried some pork. And then the fucking purring. God. Katsuki wanted to lie on top of him and feel that purr in his fucking bones.

 

"I want to use one of the coupons," he blurted. Deku looked up from his food. "But I wanna make it more interesting."

 

Deku raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

 

"Shut up. The twenty-questions thing. It's dumb because we know so much shit about each other," he explained, face red and refusing to look the nerd directly in the eye. "But I thought we could use it as a way to get more...intimate?" he cringed at the word and saw Deku go brick red in his periphery. Fuck, relationships were so fucking stupid. Ugh.

 

"...Intimate?" he squeaked.

 

"Like...if you ask me a question, and I know the answer to that same question for you...I get to kiss you," he uttered, folding in on himself. Fuck, this was so embarrassing. "I think that would help me get comfortable with—"

 

"Kissing me," Deku breathed, like he'd been given a diamond-studded gold medal. "You wanna kiss me."

 

"Shut the fuck up," Katsuki hissed, hackles raised. "Fuck you." Deku stayed silent and after a long, tense moment, Katsuki—still pink-faced—looked up with a furious glare. Deku's face looked dazed as though Katsuki had blasted his head into concrete instead of asking to kiss him. "Oi!"

 

Deku's eyes snapped to his, intensity burning into him. "I uh," he swallowed thickly, and Katsuki watched his Adam's apple bob. Deku was hot, fucking sue him. "I want our first kiss to be its own thing," he admitted quietly. "If that's okay with you, I mean."

 

Katsuki gave a jerky nod. "Fine," he huffed. And on that note: "You free tonight?" he asked.

 

"Always free for you," Izuku responded, earnest and automatic. "We've been over this."

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes, willing himself to not blush even harder. "Fuck you. Do you already have plans?"

 

Izuku laughed, soft and teasing. The fucker knew what he meant, he'd just taken the opportunity to make him feel like his stomach was filled with mutant bats. Fuck him. "No, I'm really free. If you didn't wanna hang out, I was just gonna study."

 

The familiar twinge of guilt pricked along Katsuki's stomach. He'd have plans if he weren't actively feuding with his shitty friends. His shitty friends wouldn't be being so shitty if Katsuki didn't want to keep their relationship private. But Deku seemed so sure that they were in the right, and wasn't part of partnership having faith in your partner's perspective? To trust them to come to you if they needed support?

 

Katsuki fished a coupon out of his pocket, holding it out to Deku as he read it.

 

Quality time.

 

Deku's smile softened, warm and affectionate. "Sure," he agreed. "Tonight?"

 

Katsuki nodded. "My room," he said. "I'll figure out what we're doing if you figure out food."

 

"Deal," Izuku smiled.

 

Before they left the rooftop, Katsuki stopped him again—reaching back into his pocket and pushing two more coupons into Deku's hand. Repeats, but slowly becoming his favorites.

 

Scent me. One hug.

 

Izuku wrapped his arms around Katsuki's shoulders and pulled him in, purring low and deep when Katsuki's arms hesitantly snaked around his waist. He pulled back a moment later and pressed their wrists together, scenting him enough to appease the omega but avoid suspicion.

 

It kinda sucked, honestly. Katsuki wanted to reek of Deku. But then eighteen nosy nobodies would be all up in their fucking business. They hadn't even kissed yet. He wasn't ready for other people to know. If they knew, they'd have opinions. What if one of those opinions changed Deku's mind?

 

Yeah. He wasn't ready.

---

The fact that Kacchan wanted to kiss him was burned into his brain. It was all he could think about all goddamn day. He was electric with excitement, heart pounding every time he thought about the look on Katsuki's face as he'd explained his idea.

 

He'd looked so hesitant and hopeful and embarrassed—like he wanted something that he was self-conscious about asking for. Izuku nearly died from how cute it was, and practically bit his lip off to restrain himself from saying so. Kacchan would 100% have blasted him off the roof.

 

He did want their first kiss to be something separate, though. Something special—its own moment, not tied to competition or blurred by extraneous information. Just them, only thinking about each other. Wanting each other. Maybe that was silly or sappy but the more he thought about it, the more sure he was.

 

He knocked on Katsuki's door that evening—takeout from an Italian place clutched in his hands. He hoped Kacchan hadn't wanted him to cook. Since it was Friday night, there were tons of people in the common room. He didn't want to waste time on a run-in with Uraraka.

 

He hadn't even come in through the front door. He'd jumped to his balcony rather than deal with her and Iida.

 

When Kacchan opened the door, he looked nervous. Fidgety. "What the hell took you so long, dweeb," he grumbled, standing aside so Izuku could slip inside. Izuku glanced at the bed. Most of his nest had been taken down—various stolen nesting items returned to their owners discreetly.

 

The courting gifts were still there, though. The pillows and blankets were still centerpieces in his bed, and it made him feel stupidly warm and proud.

 

"Sorry," he smiled. "The restaurant hand-makes their pasta to order. It took a minute."

 

"You got pasta? Does nutrition mean anything to you?" he snapped. Izuku smiled at him fondly. Katsuki deflated a moment later and grabbed the bag out of his hand. "Sorry," he said, ears going pink. "Thanks."

 

"I did get us some healthy stuff, too. But they have a fresh farfalle that looked too good. I figured we could share that," he explained, amused. Katsuki scowled at him. "It's got a spicy pork ragu—"

 

"Alright!" Katsuki snapped. "We'll fucking share. Just sit down," he grumbled.

 

Izuku did what he was told, perching at the edge of the bed. "Did you decide what you wanna do?"

 

Katsuki gave a jerky nod. "Still kinda sluggish post-heat. Keeping up in training has been shit. Coupons are on the bedside table," he replied, voice barely audible. Izuku reached for the coupons, so glad Katsuki felt comfortable using them.

 

Movie Night. Cuddling.

 

"Alright," he agreed easily. Sounded like the ideal Friday night to him. "Did you already pick a movie?"

 

Kacchan turned to him with an unholy grin, and Izuku already knew what was gonna happen. His stomach dropped to his fucking knees.

 

"Horror movie night," he replied with sadistic glee.

 

"Kacchan, no," he pleaded.

 

He turned on the TV, and Izuku paled. The Exorcist was already on the screen. "Kacchan, yes."

 

Izuku barely touched his dinner. At the first threat of a jump scare, he'd backed himself into Kacchan's bed and drawn the blankets up around him. As soon as Katsuki was done, the alpha herded him back further into the bed, curling around him.

 

On the bright side, Katsuki smelled happy and content, purring softly underneath his laughter at Izuku's expense. He felt warm and solid in his arms—his beautiful, strong omega folded into his grip like he was carved to fit into him. Their fingers were interlaced over Kacchan's stomach where Izuku had wound his arms around his narrow waist and despite his unease, he was elated.

 

He'd be purring, but he was too on edge to pull it off. Horror movies were the worst. Thankfully, he could hide behind Katsuki's perfectly defined shoulders when shit got bad.

 

Technically, he was fulfilling the cuddling request. In reality, he was using Kacchan as a shield against the absolute nightmare on the TV. He'd faced down hundreds of villains, but something about horror movies made his skin crawl and Katsuki knew it.

 

He could feel the omega laughing as he pressed his face between his shoulder blades, squeezing him every time he got nervous or scared. "Mean, Kacchan," he whined when Katsuki howled with laughter at Izuku's startled yelp.

 

"You like me that way," he snickered, before tensing. Izuku smiled, nuzzling the junction of his neck and shoulder—nose grazing the edge of Katsuki's mating gland.

 

"Yeah," he agreed, voice still tremulous from anxiety. "I do."

 

Katsuki's purring grew louder at that, and Izuku physically couldn't stop himself from crooning back, over the goddamn moon when Katsuki shuffled back into him even further. "You're an embarrassment," Kacchan huffed, even as Izuku shook with the force of his purring.

 

He nosed at the shell of Kacchan's ear. "Your embarrassment." He watched with glee as the back of his neck went red.

 

"Damn right you're mine. Shithead."

 

Eventually, Katsuki took mercy on him, putting on an old All Might Ultra Heroes re-run so they could cuddle without jump-scares. It made them both go soft around the edges, melting into each other as they basked in each other's physical presence.

 

Izuku couldn't believe he was allowed to do this. That he was cuddling the love of his life—arguably his soulmate—completely content. That he was courting the strongest, most beautiful omega in Japan, and it didn't feel stressful—it just felt like puzzle pieces fitting together. Like this is where they were meant to be, and they were just slow on the uptake.

 

He couldn't believe that Katsuki wanted him back. That hadn't even happened in his wildest dreams. Maybe he had self-esteem issues, but the best he ever anticipated was a polite rejection and a sustained friendship. He literally couldn't have anticipated Kacchan turning over in his arms and tucking his head under Izuku's chin, face resting against Izuku's shoulder as their legs wound together.

 

It was soothing and Izuku felt himself drift off, completely swamped by Katsuki's scent.

 

Katsuki shook him awake a few hours later, looking grouchy and groggy. "You fell asleep," he grumbled, still pressed up against him like a cranky kitten.

 

"Just me?" he asked, stretching without removing his arms.

 

"Shut up," Katsuki grumbled. Izuku bit back a smirk. Kacchan had definitely fallen asleep too.

 

He pouted a moment later, realizing that Katsuki had probably woken him up because he wasn't ready for a sleepover with his courting alpha. Totally fair, but he was comfortable. Warm and limp-limbed in his omega's nest. Well, his bed, since Katsuki didn't maintain a nest when he wasn't in heat. But still. "Want me to go?" he asked softly, clutching him a little tighter.

 

"Want? No. But..." he looked uncomfortable, and Izuku squeezed him again.

 

"I get it," he promised, sincere. "It's not time, that's okay."

 

The purring came back full force, and Izuku reveled in it. He loved making Kacchan happy. "Thanks, Deku," he murmured.

 

"Of course," he replied, just as quiet. "But if I'm gonna go, you're gonna have to detach from me," he teased. Katsuki pinched his side, wringing a surprised yelp out of him.

 

He beat back the disappointment his inner alpha felt as Kacchan unwound their legs and retracted his arms. Before he knew it, he was standing—feeling a little bereft without Kacchan's warm weight against him. Kacchan looked pretty peeved about it too, though, so it wasn't a total bummer.

 

Kacchan liked cuddling with him. He was so blessed.

 

"Goodnight," he said, holding out his wrist—silently offering to scent him before he left. Katsuki stared at his hand for a second, and those nerves from the beginning of the night seemed to reappear on his face.

 

Slowly, like the action was terrifying for him, Katsuki reached into his pocket and pulled out another coupon, pressing it into Izuku's outstretched palm. Izuku looked down at it and froze. His breath stuttered in his chest—eyes stinging and body sparking with excitement.

 

Lip Kiss—Short.

 

His lips were already tingling in anticipation, but he couldn't tear his stare away from the scrap of paper in his hand. Kacchan wanted to kiss him. Was he still asleep? Was this a really elaborate, perfect dream? Holy mother of—

 

"Well?" Katsuki snapped. Izuku's eyes snapped to him, watching as he shuffled on his feet, nervous. "If it's too soon or whatever, just tell me, don't just stare like—"

 

"Kacchan," he breathed. "I'm ready for everything in that coupon book. Whatever you want, any time you want it, anywhere you want it. Are you sure?"

 

Katsuki had gone red, but held his gaze as he nodded. "I'm sure," he replied, sounding waspish. "I'm always fucking sure, Deku." He heard it though. The slightest tremor in his voice belied his anxiety. He'd used the coupon, though, and Izuku trusted him to know what he wanted.

 

Slowly, as though afraid to startle him, Izuku put his hand on Kacchan's shoulder, stepping closer as he slid it up to cradle the back of his neck. His thumb drew circles over his mating gland and he watched with a greedy gaze as the omega's gaze darkened and cheeks flushed—relishing Kacchan's full body shiver.

 

He leaned forward, brushing his nose against Katsuki once, then twice, then dipped lower to press their lips together—firm and intentional. It was closed-mouthed and chaste, but it rocked through him anyway—weakening his knees and making his pulse skyrocket. He was sure that Katsuki could feel his heart hammering in his chest when he brought his hand up to rest just left of his sternum, steadying himself.

 

Maybe Kacchan's knees were as weak as his. Maybe they were about to collapse into each other. His fingers, toes, and lips tingled with it—butterflies swarming in his stomach as Katsuki's purring shook him to his core. He'd never felt this elated in his life.

 

It was over too soon—Izuku pulling back in order to keep to the coupon. It had said short kiss, after all. But pulling back had a reward of its own—Kacchan's beautiful blushing face, his eyes wide with wonder, and pretty lips parted in surprise. "Um," he blinked, swallowing. "That was...good," he breathed.

 

Izuku's heart couldn't take this. "Yeah?" he asked rhetorically. Kacchan didn't say things he didn't mean. He loved that about him. "Next time, I'll shoot for great."

 

A laugh fell from Kacchan's mouth—surprised and stricken—and Izuku was arrested by it. "You're on," he replied, sounding more cocksure than he looked. Honestly, he still looked shellshocked—staring at Izuku's lips like they held some sort of secret.

 

"Goodnight, Kacchan," he murmured, swiping a thumb over his mating gland one more time—hungry for the pleased, pleasured scent that was coming off him now. He'd bathe on it if he could.

 

Katsuki looked him in the eye, bringing his wrist up to his neck and swiping over Izuku's mating gland with purpose—marking the greenette as his, even if it was only temporary. Izuku was purring now too, deep and dark. "Goodnight, Deku," he whispered back.

 

With all the willpower in his body, Izuku stepped back—forcing himself out the door. "I'll see you tomorrow," he said, smiling. Katsuki blinked at him, eyes flicking between his eyes and his mouth and back again. Then, he gave a jerky nod and shut the door.

 

A giddy smile spread over his face, and he touched his fingers to his mouth—body still alight with excitement. They'd kissed. This had to be the best night ever.

---

Katsuki slumped against the door, heart racing and face burning. Holy fuck. He raised his fingers to his lips—still tingling from the feeling of Deku's lips on his. Electric and warm, comfortable and exciting.

 

A helpless grin spread across his face as he slid down his door and sat on the floor, face buried in his hands. Holy fuck.

 

It had lasted ten seconds at most, but he knew he'd never forget it. It had been perfect.

Chapter 10: Kiss Me Twice

Izuku couldn't get the kiss out of his head.

 

The soft, hesitant press of Kacchan's mouth to his and the happy blooming scent of campfire-toasted marshmallows that came with it.

 

It ran on a loop in his mind, and he couldn't stop the stupid giddy smile that tugged at his lips because of it. He'd kissed Kacchan. Even better—Kacchan had liked it!

 

He hoped he got to do it again soon. He hoped that Kacchan had enjoyed it enough to want to kiss him again. To get closer and closer. He wished he could tell five-year-old Izuku about this. He was living the dream.

 

He meandered down to the common room—schooling his expression as much as he could. Yaomomo was the only person awake—sipping what was most likely tea as she read a book (probably a classic romance) on the sofa.

 

"Morning," he greeted her softly. She startled looking over at him with wide eyes. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," he chuckled.

 

"It's alright, I guess I let time get away from me," she replied, glancing at the clock. She glanced around the common room. "So how's it going?" she asked quietly, eyes shining.

 

His smile grew again—utterly smitten. "At least on my end, it's perfect. But uh," he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "I can't really talk about the details."

 

"I understand," she assured him. "I'm glad it's going well, though. I'm happy to help if you need anything else, no questions asked."

 

He was touched. "Thanks," he replied. "In the meantime, can I thank you with breakfast?"

 

She nodded, maneuvering to stand. "I definitely won't say no to that. I've been overtraining—I need to pack on lipids if I want to sustain it."

 

"Any preferences? It's Saturday so it's my 'Kacchan can't tell me what to eat' day," he joked. "I was gonna try my hand at soufflé pancakes. Sato even pre-made some lemon curd for me."

 

"That sounds amazing," she replied, following him into the kitchen. "I have some blueberries left if you want to use them."

 

Before he started cooking, he texted Kacchan—letting him know what he was making just in case he wanted some.

 

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

thats unhealthy as fuck, nerd

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

but yummy! its fine if you don't want any tho. and I can always make u something different if u want me to

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

nah its fine. promised pinky we could go to that dumb brunch place

wanna do something after tho?

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

did u have something in mind?

I mean the answer is yes

but anything in particular?

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

don't cancel plans for me

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

I'm not! I was gonna spend today studying and watching news footage. I can do both of those things later!

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

only if ur sure.

[coupon - movie date]

[coupon - 20 questions]

 

Izuku blushed, remembering what Katsuki had planned for the second coupon. His heart raced, stomach fluttering as he replied.

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

sure  ٩(♡ε♡)۶

what movie?

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

I don't fucking know

the cafe is close to the theater though

you could meet me there or whatever

 

Izuku smiled, small and fond. Kacchan was always thinking ahead. He was so lucky that it included ways to spend time with him now—fitting him into his day as often as he could. He couldn't help the way his heart fluttered at the thought. It wasn't like they hadn't spent time together before. In fact, before they'd started courting, he considered Kacchan his best friend. But before, hanging out together was so much less intentional. They gravitated toward each other whenever they had time.

 

It was different to make time. Like whatever time they had together was important. Precious.

 

"You really are happy," Yaomomo chuckled. "I don't ever think I've seen you smile like that."

 

He wasn't sure what she meant. "How am I smiling?"

 

"Like you're...surprised at how happy you are," she said, waving a hand at his face. "Like you don't know what to do with yourself."

 

Well, that was true. He had hoped, obviously, but he hadn't expected any of this—for Kacchan to be so receptive and excited. Hell, he was still reeling over the fact that Katsuki regularly asked him to scent him. And cuddle him. Honestly, he'd expected him to ask him for physical affection like...once a month at most. So yeah, he was over the moon.

 

"I don't," he answered honestly, shrugging with a helpless smile. "But I'm looking forward to figuring it out. Together."

---

Katsuki checked the time on his phone.

 

For the tenth time in half an hour.

 

Mina was talking their collective ears off, so he figured they wouldn't notice. He was listening to every twelfth word so that he could answer when she inevitably started asking him shit, but he was...distracted.

 

He felt like a fucking sap and it was so stupid, but he couldn't fucking wait to see Deku. The more he thought about it, the less that kiss felt like enough. And there was something so satisfying about the knowledge that he could ask for what he wanted and be sure that Deku would deliver.

 

And Deku was delivering.

 

He glanced down at his phone again, pissed that it had only been a minute since the last time he'd checked.

 

"Alright, I gotta ask," Denki huffed. "Do you have plans or something? Why do you keep checking your phone?" he demanded.

 

Katsuki scowled. "So fuckin' what if I do? It's none of your fucking business," he huffed.

 

"Ooooh, is our Katsuki going on a daaaate?" Mina cooed. His scowl deepened.

 

"I'm going home, idiot," he huffed. "Pops wanted my opinion on some of his designs because they're inspired by hero shit. I just don't wanna miss the train."

 

Mina pouted, slumping back. "That's boring," she huffed. "It's not fair that you're the hottest omega ever and you don't care about dating at all. Like honestly, couldn't you at least do it for my gossip clout?"

 

He scoffed. "No. Even if I were dating I wouldn't tell you shit."

 

"You wouldn't?" Eijirou asked, looking wounded. Dramatic fuckhead.

 

"My life isn't a fuckin' spectacle," he barked. "My private shit is my business."

 

"You're no fun, dude," Denki chuckled.

 

"I just don't need people in my shit," he huffed. "It becomes all about other peoples' opinions and expectations and it's fucking stupid. You saw the shit that happened with Ponytail and Metalhead."

 

They all grimaced. That had been...bad. Tetsutetsu had asked Yaomomo out, and they'd dated for a couple of weeks. Yaomomo had really liked him, and he'd been endearingly genuine about the whole thing. Even Katsuki had felt a little soft about it. Then, the shitty peanut gallery started working their fucking mouths and it had fallen apart.

 

He wasn't smart enough for her.

 

She was too pretty for him.

 

Their backgrounds were too different.

 

He'd be too rough with her.

 

Her parents couldn't possibly approve.

 

She'd need an alpha who could provide better.

 

The list went on and on, and while Ponytail hadn't been bothered by it, Metalhead—the more self-conscious of the two—had started taking that dumb shit to heart. He didn't want to give up—he liked her—but the planted seeds started growing and he pulled away. Yaomomo's omega had been so fucking sad that her entire floor of the dorms smelled like sad, rejected omega.

 

If they'd kept it to themselves, the Iron Testicle wouldn't have got caught in his own dumbass head. He would have been able to see it through, even if it didn't last, without other people's opinions tainting the experience for both of them. Seeing them crash and burn only solidified Katsuki's stance on the whole thing.

 

"Yeah, but people know better than to say anything to you," Eijirou offered hopefully.

 

"You'd blast their entire face off," Hanta laughed.

 

"Doesn't mean they wouldn't give their shitty opinions to the person courting me," he huffed. "Fuck that." He pulled his phone out again, pretty eager to escape this discussion somehow.

 

From: Nerd

i'm gonna head toward the theater

there's a bookstore with a cafe across the street, i'll just hang out and read until you're free 

(◕‿◕)♡

no need to rush, just letting u know

 

To: Nerd

k

 

Mina sighed across from him. "If you need to go, you can," she said, pouting. "Won't be the same without you, but I'm just glad you came at all."

 

"Nah, it's fine. I got some more time," he grunted. "I just gotta keep my eye on the clock."

 

"How generous, Lord Explosion Murder," she teased. He flipped her off. "Were you even listening to me?"

 

"Somethin' about someone's relationship that isn't my goddamn business," he huffed. "How many shithead alphas Vine-head rejected, right?"

 

"Damn, he was listening!" Denki cheered. Eijirou was tearing into a ham and cheese croissant like a barbarian. "Man it's not fair. Icy monsters like you and Ibara get so many courting gifts and smack them down left and right. Meanwhile, I'm forever alone and—"

 

"You're not forever alone, Denki, you just broke up with Awase. People are trying to wait for a full cycle before courting you again," Mina said, rolling her eyes and leaning into Eijirou's side. "I've had like four alphas ask me what kind of shit you'd wanna be courted with."

 

Katsuki frowned. "They don't ask that shit about me, do they?"

 

"Uh, like half of them do? Or they ask Denks," Mina replied.

 

He bristled. "And what the fuck do you tell them? How the fuck are you qualified to know what I'm looking for in a courting gift? Most of these assholes have never even talked to me—"

 

"That's usually what we tell them, dude," Eijirou interrupted. "That you haven't told us what you'd want, and we don't even think you're interested in being courted. You're too focused on your hero work, and you don't like being approached by people you don't know. That's what I've been telling them at least."

 

"Sometimes if they're really persistent, I tell them really ridiculous stuff," Denki offered, smiling mischievously. "I told that big beefy Third Year from last year that you wanted the keys to a nuclear missile silo and chocolate from every country on the planet. That should buy you a few years from him, at least."

 

Katsuki snorted, suddenly at ease. He should have known they wouldn't mess with him by steering unworthy alphas in his direction. "But on that note," Mina said. He bristled again immediately. "What do you want out of a courting gift? I don't think we've ever talked about it, you've gotta have some idea, right?"

 

Katsuki tipped his head back in annoyance. "I do. But I'm not gonna share it," he replied.

 

"Aw, come on, Bakubabe," Mina whined. "Everyone else has shared—"

 

He glared at her, and her words died in her throat.

 

"I don't care if you think it's weird," he interrupted. "But to me—to my whole family—courting is super fucking personal. It's not something to be broadcast to random fuckheads who have no stake in the matter. Even having an alpha ask you for input is totally fucked, in my opinion. That just means they're not putting any fucking thought into it themselves. Any alpha who knows me well enough to be courting me should be able to figure out what I want for themselves, or at least be able to give it their best effort with some goddamn originality. And if they do figure it out, the courting process is personal too. I wanna figure out for myself whether they're someone I wanna wake up to every fucking morning for the rest of my life. I wanna see if they fit in my life, with my friends and family, without my friends and family wearing a dumbass romantic lens. That would just give the idiot in question more wiggle room if they fuck up or harsher judgment, and it would mean a shit ton of people could color my perception. Besides, if they know everyone is watching their every move and making fucking cow-eyes at our relationship, it becomes a fucking performance. Something that's about everyone else instead of just us. I don't want that shit, so feel free to do whatever you want with your own romantic bullshit but seriously? Don't ask me again."

 

They all stared at him, aghast.

 

"You've...put a ton of thought into this," Hanta said, surprised. "Damn."

 

"That's actually kinda cool," Mina said, a reluctant smile spreading on her face. "I...I've never really thought about it that way. You take this really seriously, don't you?"

 

"Of course I do," he huffed, picking his coffee back up. "Dating is one thing, but courting is serious shit. It pisses me off that people throw courting gifts around when they haven't put any fucking thought into what they want in a mate. And most of the people who try to court me are just assholes who think I have a kick-ass quirk or jackasses who want to tame the feral omega. One idiot said he would let me keep working as a hero, as if he had any fucking say in the matter. His courting gift was a box of chocolates. I don't even fucking like chocolate."

 

"Wow, what a jackass," Hanta frowned.

 

"Who the hell was it?" Eijirou asked. "Was it someone we know?"

 

"I didn't even recognize him," Katsuki replied, scowling. "He didn't even tell me his name. Now fucking imagine—just for a second—that I had gushed to you about what I wanted in a courting gift. And you told him. And he showed up with exactly what I wanted. That shit would be ruined for me, or I would be fooled by it—"

 

"Hold on," Mina said, pouting. "We wouldn't tell them if you asked us not to—"

 

"Maybe, but if he seemed desperate enough? You and your shitty bleeding hearts would feel bad for the idiot, and you'd pressure me to give him a chance. It would be a waste of my time, and then an alpha that might actually get it right would be discouraged from shooting their shot."

 

God, what if that asshole had dated him and Deku hadn't given him a courting gift? His scent soured in distress behind his patches—strong enough that his companions leaned away from it. "Hey, no need to get worked up, we'll drop it," Eijirou said, face pinched in concern. "Right Mina?"

 

She nodded quickly. "Yeah, totally. Seriously, I didn't mean to upset you, Kats."

 

"Yeah, we got more juicy stuff to talk about," Denki grinned. "I found out why Mido's fighting with Iida and Uraraka!"

 

Katsuki fought to keep his expression neutral. "Don't care."

 

"I do!" Mina gasped. "He totally shut her down the other day! Kats, you should have seen it—she just wanted to go to the grocery store with him and he snapped at her!"

 

"Good for him," Katsuki sneered, sipping his coffee.

 

"Uraraka said she asked about courting and he went nuts," Denki grinned. "Like she hinted that she wanted him to court her and he said he was too focused on hero work! Then she said he should at least think about taking a mate and he flipped out on her!"

 

"That doesn't sound like Mido," Eijirou frowned.

 

Because that wasn't what fucking happened, Katsuki thought.

 

"They would be so cute together," Mina cooed. Katsuki flinched—barely hidden by his coffee cup. Theoretically—aesthetically, even—they would be cute together. If it weren't for the whole 'ignoring Deku's boundaries' thing, at least. "She probably just needs to give him some time. Now that the idea is there, he might come around, right?"

 

"I mean, she's kinda the obvious choice unless he's waiting until he's older," Hanta agreed. "They're always all over each other. Maybe he just didn't notice until now."

 

Every word felt like he'd swallowed a rock, weighing down his stomach until he felt sick. "Maybe he's not fucking interested, and she should respect that," he huffed. "Deku's a big boy, he can make his own goddamn decisions."

 

"But what if she gives up on him!" Mina cried, looking distraught. She fucking better give up on him, or she and Katsuki would have a problem. "And what if she finds someone new before he figures out how perfect they are for each other?"

 

"Deku is a kick-ass hero and a stupidly good person. The right person would wait for him to be ready if they really thought he was the one. And even then, if he decides to court someone else or not court anybody at all, they've gotta respect it. It's his goddamn life, let the idiot live it however he wants. Besides, you've heard this shit from Cheeks, did you even bother to ask Deku? This is what I fucking meant. Everyone has shitty half-formed opinions based on what they've heard, and you're probably already making a fucking plot on how to get them together. It's invasive as shit and disrespectful as fuck."

 

Mina was grimacing, like it physically pained her that Katsuki had a good point. "You really think so?" she asked.

 

"He's the most forgiving motherfucker on the planet, Pinky, and he's nearly the smartest. If he's mad at her and he's not letting up, there's a reason. Trying to convince him that he's making a mistake will only make it worse. Let him make his own choices, for fuck's sake. He knows what he wants."

 

It filled him with a stupid amount of pride to know that what Deku wanted was him.

---

His heart fluttered when Kacchan showed up at the bookstore. From his seat at the cafe, he could see the blonde omega passing the window and couldn't believe that someone so beautiful and confident had accepted his courting gift.

 

"Hey," he smiled as Katsuki approached. "You ready to go?"

 

"Finish your coffee, loser," Kacchan grunted, kicking out a chair next to him. "There's no fuckin' rush."

 

"I'm almost done," he assured him. He blinked when Katsuki opened up his wallet, fishing out two coupons and pushing them across the table, blushing. He flipped them over and his stomach flipped with them. Kacchan kept coupons in his wallet.

 

He leaned over to fulfill his omega's requests—One Cheek Kiss, Scent Me—marveling at the feeling of Kacchan's blush beneath his lips as he took Katsuki's wrist and rubbed it against his own. "Hey," he said again when he pulled back, smile blinding. Kacchan averted his eyes but leaned against him. Izuku wished it were socially appropriate to throw up from happiness.

 

"Stop being embarrassing."

 

"I just said hi!"

 

"Embarrassingly," Kacchan grunted, refusing to look at him.

 

Izuku laughed, leaning a little further into him. "I'll try to stop being embarrassing," he promised, picking up his cup. "Want some? It's a dirty chai."

 

"Nah, I had some at brunch," he muttered, picking up Izuku's discarded book. "The fuck're you reading?"

 

"Tsu recommended that one to me," he said. "Fantasy fiction isn't usually my thing, but that one's a lot of fun. Barbarian king and a small-time healer get lost in the woods and have to find their way out, but it's an enchanted forest and there are challenges they have to face every few chapters."

 

"Sounds dorky."

 

"Yeah, kinda. But definitely in a good way," he smiled. He drained the rest of his coffee, using his receipt as a bookmark. "I'm ready!"

 

They walked to the theater side by side—shoulders brushing—and Izuku stood as close to Katsuki as he physically could while they picked a movie. In the end, since Katsuki had chosen a horror movie yesterday, Izuku was permitted to pick a Rom-Com. Kacchan grumbled about it the whole time, of course, but once they were in the theater with the lights down, it felt like some sort of spell fell over them.

 

His heart raced when Katsuki lifted the armrest between them and hesitantly tucked himself into Izuku's side. "D'you mind?" he asked quietly.

 

"Of course not," Izuku murmured back, blinking back tears. Holy shit.

 

He could barely focus on the movie as it played—Kacchan's warmth seeping into his side was a thorough distraction, as was the contented purring and sweet, pleased scent that was seeping out from under his patches. He melted into it, especially when—halfway through the movie—Kacchan picked his arm up and slung it around his shoulders with an embarrassed huff. He started purring then too. He really couldn't help himself.

 

"Embarrassing," Katsuki muttered.

 

"You make me happy. S'your fault," Izuku whispered back. He grunted a second later when Katsuki pinched his side in retaliation, but purred louder. How on earth was he supposed to listen to anything else, other than the auditory proof that his omega was happy?

 

The movie passed in a blur. It had a questionable plot about an omega accepting multiple courting gifts and trying to keep all of her suitors secret from each other—but Izuku wasn't even sure how the problem got solved; too wrapped up in the feeling of Katsuki's mumbled complaints vibrating against his side.

 

When it ended, Katsuki glowered up at him. "If you liked that shit, you're dead to me," he threatened. Izuku blinked down at him, a little dazed. At some point, Katsuki had started absentmindedly running his thumb over Izuku's wrist—scenting him as they watched. Distracting.

 

"I have no idea what happened," he replied honestly, surprised at how deep and rough his voice came out. Katsuki blushed at the sound of it, brow furrowing.

 

"Why the fuck wouldn't you—" his eyes dropped to where he was gripping Izuku's wrist, and he blushed even harder. "Fuck, sorry—" he said, dropping him and, to Izuku's displeasure, leaning away.

 

"Don't be," he replied. "Sounds like I had a better time than you did. It's nice to know you're comfortable with me, Kacchan."

 

"Whatever," he muttered, ducking out from under Izuku's arm to stand. "Let's go. Gotta piss."

 

Izuku snorted. "Thanks for letting me know."

---

Katsuki wanted to hold his stupid, fucked up hand so goddamn badly. The entire walk back to the dorm, their fingers kept brushing and holy shit did he want to just reach out and grab it. It was so fucking stupid.

 

Deku had made him fucking stupid. God fucking dammit.

 

It helped that he was chattering Katsuki's ear off like usual—this time performing an epic monologue about omega stereotypes in pop culture and how it was nice to see a shift away from the 'helpless omega' trope into examinations of free agency and empowerment—even if some of the choices depicted were toxic.

 

As though he'd watched the movie at all. Dork.

 

"D'you wanna go in together?" Deku asked, pulling Katsuki's attention. He frowned.

 

"Huh?"

 

He took stock of his surroundings, surprised that he'd essentially checked out and let Deku take the lead. The fucker made him feel so safe. Ugh. They were standing in front of the UA gate.

 

"We didn't leave together, so it might be weird if we come back together," he explained. "It's up to you."

 

He shrugged. "We live close to each other. It wouldn't be that weird to run into each other coming back."

 

His heart stuttered at Deku's blinding smile. Jesus, was it that exciting to just walk inside with him? The omega kicking around in the back of his skull said yes, being with his alpha for a few extra seconds was totally kick-ass.

 

Luckily, the dorm was mostly empty. His idiots had opted to go to the mall after brunch and most of the other idiots had vacated campus, just like they did every weekend. They did hear Invisalign talking to Mega Tail in the kitchen as they passed by, but ever since they started courting they'd basically ignore everyone else unless spoken to directly.

 

Not that he was much better. His stomach was fucking fluttering as they made their way up to his room to play 20 questions like a pair of middle schoolers with the added benefit of sucking face. He wiped his hands on the inside of his pockets—not very eager to accidentally blow up his door as he opened it.

 

They both hovered indecisively as the door shut before Katsuki realized that Deku was waiting for him to take the lead. He blushed again but grabbed Deku by the arm and herded him toward his bed—positioning him as comfortably as he could with his back against the wall. Then, blushing even harder, he crawled into his meager nest and threw his legs over Deku's lap—sitting perpendicular to him but close enough that their shoulders were touching.

 

At least Deku was blushing too—pupils dilated and hands clenched in Katsuki's blankets. "Comfortable?" he asked, voice an octave deeper than his usual squeaky bullshit.

 

"Fuck you," he huffed. "Yes."

 

Smiling, he held out his wrist and scowling, Katsuki peeled off his scent patches and grabbed it—dragging it to his neck to scent himself properly. Deku's smile widened and Katsuki started purring. Again. "You're really beautiful," Deku murmured, watching in awe as Katsuki helped himself to his scent. He scowled harder, reaching up to flick Deku between his dumbass eyebrows.

 

"You're dumb. But you smell good or whatever."

 

His grin was all fond and amused and it made Katsuki's heart sucker punch his sternum. "I'm glad you like my scent, Kacchan. If I had it my way, you'd smell like me all the time." He sounded kinda dazed—just from being scented. It kinda floored him that an alpha as good as Deku was this into him.

 

"Shut the fuck up," he replied, dropping Deku's wrist. "Play the shitty game, Deku."

 

He hummed thoughtfully, and it rumbled through him where they were pressed together. "What's your favorite book?"

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes. "Nerd. Fiction or Nonfiction?"

 

Deku just shrugged. "All time."

 

"Lord of the Flies. And yours," he said, stomach fluttering even as he plastered on a mischievous grin. Deku's eyes widened in surprise. "Is 'A Blueprint Vision,' David Shield's biography."

 

"How did you—"

 

"You have ten books in your room that are actually yours, and the spine on that one is cracked," he smirked. "Now pay up."

 

It's possible that he didn't think this through very well because without another word, Deku leaned in—nose bumping his—before he was pressing a soft kiss onto his lips. His heart stuttered in his chest, eyes fluttering closed. It was like being drugged—even as short and feather-light as it was, it made his stomach twist as his breath caught in his throat.

 

He and Deku knew each other really fucking well. He wasn't sure his heart could handle this.

 

Deku pulled back too soon and smiled at him, soft and dazed. "Your turn," he murmured. He was a little ashamed of how much brainpower he had to use to understand what he meant. How easily Deku could completely derail him now. His omega was rolling around in a happy mess, and he wasn't much better.

 

"What's your favorite color?" he asked, voice coming out fucking breathy like he was in a shitty romance novel. It was Deku's turn to smile at him like he had a secret, gazing into his eyes.

 

"Red," Deku replied. "Like your eyes." Katsuki's heart clawed its way to his throat. "And your favorite is sunset orange," he grinned. It's not like it was the most difficult conclusion to make. The surprising part was that he knew the specific shade.

 

Then again, Deku was known for his attention to detail.

 

He leaned in this time, smirking when Deku's eyes darkened. There was something stupidly empowering about the fact that Deku wanted him. That all he had to do was lean in, and every speck of his attention was firmly on him.

 

He kissed him slow, reveling in his sharp inhale. Deku's arm snaked around his waist and squeezed, and Katsuki felt a little lightheaded with it. Deku snuck in an extra peck when Katsuki pulled back.

 

"What is your favorite movie of all time?" Deku asked, nuzzling his cheek.

 

"You know my favorite movie, shithead."

 

"I know your favorite movies," he agreed, nosing along his cheekbone to his ear. Katsuki couldn't contain the shiver that ran through him. "But if you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?" The feeling of Deku's breath against his jaw was distracting as fuck. "Kacchan?"

 

"The Rise," he murmured. A dramatization of All Might's rise to fame. One of the first All Might live-actions he'd seen, and the least cheesy. Not that it mattered with the heat Deku's hand seeping through his shirt at the waist. It felt possessive, and his omega was fucking melting.

 

"Good choice," Deku hummed. It was almost a purr—low and rumbling. Jesus.

 

"It's yours too," Katsuki said, heart racing. Deku pulled away from his neck and sealed their mouths back together, silently acknowledging that he was right. These were closed-mouth kisses—short and teasing. They made his blood burn. What would it feel like when it went deeper? Katsuki was blushing just thinking about it. Or maybe that was because of the way Deku was brushing their lips together in barely-there grazes instead of pulling away.

 

"You gonna ask me a question?" Deku asked, still just a breath away. They were both purring now, almost obnoxiously loud, and they both reeked of arousal and interest. Since when was Deku this fucking sensual? And how the fuck did he have so much restraint?

 

Katsuki could smell him. He knew how badly Deku wanted him—and that was a drug in and of itself—but his hands stayed in respectful places and his kisses stayed painfully brief.

 

"Is there somewhere special you wanna go? Some bucket list travel destination?" he asked, winding his arm around Deku's shoulders to pull himself closer. He was rewarded by a deeper, richer purr—nearly a rumble.

 

"Before mom and dad had me, they did a tour of the Mediterranean," he said, nuzzling Katsuki's shoulder. "She said she loved Greece, Morocco, and the south of France. I'd love to go someday," he replied. "There's apparently a beach in Nice, France where you can pick up fresh produce at their open-air market and then sit on the shore. And then in Morocco, I'd love to go to Marrakech. There's one market there that's devoted just to spices. I bet you'd love it."

 

"Sounds fuckin' awesome," he agreed. Then his mind snagged on the last part of Deku's answer. "D'you plan your future vacations around me?"

 

"Hmm. That's an extra question," Deku teased. Katsuki pinched him. "I don't really. Not on purpose, at least. Most of the time I think about the things I want and then daydream about you being there with me," he said as though it were no big deal. God, he was going to give Katsuki a heart attack at this rate. He was so gone for this goddamn dork.

 

"Your turn," he muttered. Deku was letting off the same scent that had come in his courting gift—the claiming scent—and it made him want to go limp and bask in the heavy, content smell of his alpha. He wanted to stuff his face in the crook of Izuku's neck and have his entire oxygen supply steeped in it. He was making his alpha happy.

 

"What's your favorite childhood memory?" he asked, distracting him. Katsuki frowned.

 

"Fishing for compliments, dork?" he sneered, pinching him again—sharper this time. "You already know this shit." Deku yelped, then frowned when Katsuki's words caught up to him.

 

"What do you mean?" he asked, head tilting like a giant puppy. Katsuki frowned back. Maybe he didn't know.

 

"I'd just gotten my quirk, and we were still waiting for yours. I wasn't a jackass yet, I mean," he explained. He ignored Deku's scowl in response to his self-deprecation. "We were at the park on the swings, and you asked me if I could fly with my quirk. Some of the other idiots thought it was a stupid idea—but I tried it. I swung as high as I could and then jumped off with my quirk. The first few times sucked, and I ended up with some nasty-ass bruises. But by the time we left the park, I'd managed to blast myself like five feet higher than the swing's peak. So my favorite childhood memory is the day you taught me to fly."

 

Izuku was staring at him in startled awe. "I asked you a question and you took it as a challenge," he said, a smile pulling the corners of his lips.

 

Katsuki swallowed and hid his face in Izuku's shoulder. "I don't think you realize how many of my moves came from random-ass ideas you muttered too close to me," he admitted. "Back then, I wanted to do shit because you believed I could. Then I wanted to do shit because you were a kick-ass analyst even if I didn't want to admit it."

 

Deku ran his hand down Katsuki's back, pushing warmth down his spine, and Katsuki took the bait—melting into him. "That's...that's really sweet," Deku murmured, burying his face in Katsuki's hair. His voice shook so he was probably crying but more noticeably, his scent had bloomed—rich and warm and so thick that Katsuki could practically taste it. All he'd done was talk about a swing set, and Deku's scent made him feel like the best omega in the fucking world. "Thanks for sharing that with me, Kacchan."

 

"S'whatever," he mumbled. "What's something you like about yourself?" he asked, hoping to push himself out of the spotlight for a moment. He needed to breathe.

 

Deku went silent beside him—still purring but otherwise quiet. "I think...I like that I like to learn. That I find ways to learn from almost everything, you know? There's a lesson around every corner, and looking for them helps me grow. I like that I can find them."

 

He barely contained an affectionate smile. "Nerd."

 

"Guilty," Deku chuckled. "And you like that you don't cave to pressure or influence. You do exactly what you want, when you want to."

 

That was possibly the part of himself that he was the proudest of, and Deku pulled it out like common knowledge. Alpha knows me. His purring grew louder as he finally pulled his face out of Izuku's shoulder to give him the kiss he'd earned—smirking when Deku leaned forward as he pulled back, chasing the kiss for as long as he could.

 

Katsuki couldn't blame him. Each kiss made his blood burn—made his pulse thud in his ears.

 

After a moment spent collecting himself, Deku asked his next question. "Aside from All Might, who's your favorite hero?" he asked, thumb turning circles on Katsuki's shoulder—soothing him.

 

"Hmm, probably Miruko," he replied, leaning into him. "I like her style. Kinda wish she took interns. And Edgeshot, too—his quirk control is kick-ass."

 

"Edgeshot is a good one," Deku smiled. "And Miruko is awesome—she's completely unapologetic about who she is, just like you. Have you asked her if she takes interns? I bet she'd try it out if you asked."

 

"Don't wanna cramp her style," he shrugged.

 

"You wouldn't!" Izuku protested, sitting up straighter. "And what if she took you as her first-ever sidekick? That would be a huge deal!"

 

"Deku," Katsuki protested, pushing him back into the cushion behind him. "Relax. We're not talking career shit right now. I'll think about it, but first—your favorite hero. It's Suneater, isn't it? It used to be Titan Star, but when Suneater hit the rankings last year it changed."

 

Deku blinked at him in surprise. "Uh...yeah, it is," he replied, smile growing slowly. Katsuki wanted to burn that smile into the backs of his eyelids so that he could see it even when his eyes were closed. "I like how he's super intentional with his strategies and plans ahead. His quirk takes a lot of forethought and planning and he always rises to the challenge. And he's terrified of people but he pushes himself to overcome it every day."

 

Katsuki let himself be drawn in for another kiss—punctuating Deku's nerdiness with a soft peck that was slowly becoming unsatisfactory. He and his omega both wanted more—but he was nervous about moving too fast. It was already bad enough that Deku had become the best part of his days. What if he moved too fast and scared him off? Then again, what if he moved too slowly and Deku got impatient?

 

He didn't think either was very likely, but that didn't make it any less terrifying. Deku meant too much. There were so many ways he could ruin this. What kind of misstep would break them?

 

He didn't want to think about it. He wanted to ask stupid questions and enjoy what they were doing now, not worry about later. He needed a break from the intensity of the last few questions. He should have known that this game would be intense. Everything about them was intense—they couldn't seem to help themselves.

 

"What's the dumbest thing you've ever heard?" he asked abruptly.

 

Izuku seemed to understand what he needed, giving him a soft smile. Then he seemed to register the question, and he let out an undignified snort. "Once, Mineta told me that when a woman makes eye contact with you, it's a sign that she's sexually interested."

 

Katsuki's face went blank. "You're fucking joking."

 

"He said it was proof that Mina was interested in him!" he said, tossing his head back as he laughed at the memory. "Two days later he ended up stuffed in the oven with acid burns and when I fished him out, he told me that he might have been wrong about who she was looking at."

 

Katsuki barked out a startled laugh, even as he closed his eyes in horror. "I'm the one who stuffed him in the oven," he uttered. "He was in Pinky's room in his boxers and I ripped into him."

 

"Good for both of you, honestly," he chuckled. "I'm surprised you didn't turn it on. I had to have a long chat with him about how eye contact is just something that people do."

 

He was grateful for the turn. The way the conversation lightened was a relief and, despite the fact that they were still pressed against each other,  it felt like he could breathe a little easier. They traded silly questions back and forth: what's the weirdest compliment you've ever gotten? How many kangaroos could you take in a fight? If you could become any household appliance, what would it be?

 

It was fun. Being around Deku was fun. He understood all of Katsuki's little pieces and met them head-on. Hell, they shared a sense of humor—snickering like idiots at questions like "what's the rudest thing you've said to someone's face without realizing it?" and "what's the weirdest situation you've walked in on?"

 

"Hmmm," Deku lazily pondered, one hand idly stroking Katsuki's knee. "What...is your favorite dessert?"

 

Katsuki scowled at him half-heartedly. "Lame. You already know the answer to that, you fuck."

 

Izuku grinned at him, smug and languid. "It's been a while since I got to kiss you," he teased. "You never said I couldn't rig the game."

 

"Fucking cheater," he groused.

 

"I'd like to think of it as strategy," he replied, grin widening. That stupid grin was fucking blinding.

 

"Fine, you sneaky fuck. Coffee jelly. Your coffee jelly—the one you load up with cloves and cinnamon and shit. Hence why you fucking make it," he grumbled. "And yours is raspberry fruit tart because you're fruity as f—"

 

"I'm not nearly as fruity as you!" Izuku laughed, and it was bright and amused. It wasn't deep, but it still rumbled against him and filled him with a stupid amount of affectionate warmth. Honestly, fuck Deku for making him feel so disgustingly soft.

 

"You gonna kiss me or not, you underhanded fuckhead?"

 

There was a flash of insecurity in Deku's eyes that made Katsuki frown. He'd been so confident a second ago, so why—oh. Deku was worried that Katsuki was reluctant, or that he'd coerced something that he wasn't willing to give.

 

Katsuki scowled, wrapping a fist in Izuku's shirt and yanking him forward. "Kiss me, stupid," he demanded when Deku was a breath away. Deku flashed a small, sheepish smile before doing as he was told—sighing into it like kissing him was a relief.

 

In a way, it was. It felt right. It kinda pissed him off that they hadn't been doing this for years—that their gravitational pull hadn't served them a little better. Because here—in Deku's lap, with Deku's hands round his waist, and with Deku kissing him like he was precious—he'd never felt better. Desired and content, melting into his alpha like he was born to be there.

 

Deku broke away, waiting for Katsuki to ask his next question as he nosed along his jaw and down the column of his throat—crooning involuntarily when he got to the base of his throat where Katsuki's scent was the strongest. Katsuki's head felt like it was filling with fog at the sound—airy and happy and all that stupid shit.

 

"Hnn," Katsuki bit back a moan as Deku nosed at his scent gland. "Why'd you decide to court me now?" he asked through his dumbass dreamy haze.

 

To his absolute distress, Deku pulled away to look him in the eye. Before he could stop it and fucking embarrass himself, he let out a miserable whine at the loss and Deku gave him this look of utter devotion that made him feel like he was drowning. He was silent for a moment, and Katsuki couldn't tell if he was forming an answer or just staring at him like he'd blasted the moon into the sky with his own explosive hands.

 

"You've been courted by almost every unattached alpha at this school," he said. "And it was awful to watch. I was scared to court you because I didn't want to ruin what we've built, but every time someone new showed up during your pre-heat, it felt like I was having a heart attack. I was terrified that someone would figure out what you wanted, and I'd miss my chance. I've known you were the omega I wanted to court since the moment I presented. Hell, even if we'd both been alphas or omegas, I would have wanted you to be my mate. I've been psyching myself up for almost a year. This year, I finally felt like we might survive the fallout if you turned me down, but more importantly—I knew being with you was worth the risk. I wasn't willing to wait for someone else to stop me from trying at all. I would never have forgiven myself if I never tried. I spent the first half of the year...curating the parts of my courting gift that I hadn't found yet. And then I spent the last half waiting for the opportunity to give it to you. There's nobody else for me, but there are so many people who could make you happy. Someone just had to be brave enough. I waited until I was brave enough to deserve you."

 

Katsuki's eyes were stinging, vision blurred. What the fuck. "You've always been brave, dumbass," he snapped, tearing his gaze away. "Don't be stupid."

 

"There's a difference," Deku said, ducking his head to meet his eyes. "When my body moves on its own or I'm going on instinct. I'm only brave by accident when my body is the only thing on the line. This is more. We're more," he explained. It was so fucking soft and earnest that Katsuki wanted to hide from it. "I wasn't just risking a broken arm, I was risking my relationship with the most important person in my life. I was risking my heart, really."

 

"Deku—"

 

"You know, mom always said that hearts are delicate like lace," he pressed on. "Not like glass—they're not as breakable as people think. But everyone has their own, with a different pattern, and they take care of it. They give it to people they love and hope that they'll treat it well. Some people take other people's hearts and unravel them until they're unrecognizable. Some people are just careless and let them snag and tear. Some people just don't know how to take care of them, so they get damaged in the process. And some people—despite being close and trusted—don't want them, but the threads snag on the pieces of that person that your heart loves about them. I was never afraid that you'd be cruel, but I was afraid that I'd unravel if you turned me down. I guess the point is: I finally decided to court you because I realized that even if we both fell apart, we could help each other weave it all back together. That no matter what happened we'd be friends, even if you didn't love me back, and being your friend—being in your life in any way—isn't a consolation prize. No matter what, I'd already been given an incredible gift, so what was risking a little more besides the opportunity to make you happy?"

 

Katsuki pushed away from him, heart racing even as it lodged in his throat. "Shut up," he croaked. He scrambled toward the edge of the bed, noting the sudden note of Deku's distress in the air. The alpha shifted behind him—shuffling like he was planning to put do something stupid, like try to leave. "If you move, I'll kill you," he tossed over his shoulder as climbed out of his nest and stomped toward his desk. 

 

He yanked the coupon booklet out of his desk drawer and flipped through it, ripping out the one he was looking for and grabbing two more from the pile he'd already used. They were getting worn around the edges. He might need to fucking laminate them at this point, but that was a problem for later.

 

For now, he climbed back into his nest and straight into Izuku's lap—taking in his concerned expression as he grabbed the alpha's hand, shoving the coupons into his palm and waiting for him to read them.

---

Izuku flicked through the three coupons that Katsuki had handed him. The butterflies in his stomach were rioting against him with each one.

 

Scent me. Cuddling. Long kiss—closed mouth.

 

"What about the game?" he asked, voice rough.

 

"Fuck the game," Katsuki tried to snap. It came out as an affectionate chirp, though, and the blonde looked mortified and annoyed that his omega had betrayed his emotional state. Izuku crooned back before carefully tipping them both to the side so that they were laying face to face.

 

He took Katsuki's wrists in his hands—brushing his lips across his knuckles as he drew circles into his scent glands, drawing out his omega's sweet, smoky scent. Kacchan looked so pretty when he blushed, his purring growing louder and his lidded gaze dropping to their joined hands. He dragged one of Izuku's wrists up and pressed it to his mating gland, crooning loud as their scents mingled and clung to his skin.

 

He leaned forward—noses brushing—and Katsuki's eyes snapped to his. For a second, he was struck by how long Katsuki's eyelashes were, encasing his burning gaze in a dark, bold frame. He was so lucky to have Kacchan's eyes on him at all, let alone like this; pupils dilated and expression filled with anticipation and want.

 

Kacchan wanted him. He knew that thought would never get old. It would always fill him with this same excitement and overwhelming adoration.

 

He kissed him softly, wrist still pressed into Katsuki's mating gland as he cupped the back of his neck. He let himself savor it, especially as Kacchan crowded in closer—purring loud and deep, sounding more like a motorcycle than an omega. He and his alpha were ridiculously proud of themselves—thrilled they could make him so happy.

 

Izuku could barely think beyond the thick scent of happiness that was slowly becoming warm with arousal—drowning him in toasted marshmallows, chai spices, and heavy notes of campfire smoke. That, in addition to the soft glide of his lips, had him going boneless—melting into the mattress as Kacchan wound their legs together, drawing him closer again.

 

Omega wants me. It was a heady feeling, all-encompassing, and deeply satisfying. He could probably die happy right now, except it would mean that he wouldn't get to kiss him more.

 

Katsuki pulled back and buried his face in Izuku's neck—planting his nose in his mating gland and crooning into it. "You do," he muttered. Izuku made an inquisitive noise, unsure of what he meant. "Make me happy. Fuck you."

 

He blinked rapidly as his eyes flooded, holding Kacchan a little tighter. "I'm glad," he replied, running his wrists over every part of him he could reach. He needed Katsuki to reek of him—needed the omega to know how precious he was. "I love you, you know."

 

Kacchan didn't say it back, but he didn't mind. He had years of yearning under his belt, and Kacchan was new to it. The fact that Kacchan clung tighter, purred louder, and pressed an endearingly shy kiss to his mating glad was more than reward enough.

Chapter 11: Kiss Me Once Again

Izuku wondered what he'd done. Like, specifically—what had the tipping point been? What had turned Katsuki from passively receptive to his courting gestures, to actively seeking out affection? Why did it suddenly feel like the omega felt secure enough to pursue him back?

 

Because it was a goddamn blessing and if he could repeat whatever made Katsuki this into him, he absolutely would.

 

He'd been bolder—using his coupons more and more often, whenever he could sneak in a moment to slip one into Izuku's hand. It was thrilling, and he was constantly wondering what Kacchan would ask for next—his heart racing every time the omega even looked at him.

 

Izuku loved him so much.

 

He was halfway through getting ready—his uniform shirt unbuttoned and his jacket lying on his bed—when Kacchan knocked on his door. He knew it was Kacchan because instead of knocking like a normal person, his omega punched the door as though it had offended him, so hard that the hinge rattled.

 

He opened the door quickly only to be shoved back into the room, door slamming behind them. He smiled as Katsuki scowled at him, pretty red eyes narrowed on his face. "Morning, Kacchan!"

 

"Shut the fuck up you Disney Princess motherfucker," he snarled. Ah, so he hadn't slept well. "Take these and get on with it, goddammit."

 

He shoved two coupons into Izuku's chest and Izuku took them, snatching up Katsuki's hand before he could pull it away. He tugged at his hand, blushing furiously, but Izuku only gripped it tighter.

 

Scent me. Long kiss—closed mouth.

 

"Hurry the fuck up," Katsuki groused, cheeks still endearingly pink as he refused to make eye contact.

 

Izuku took his face in his hands, tilting his chin up so that Kacchan was glaring into his eyes. "We have half an hour before class starts. There's no rush."

 

"I'm supposed to help the shitheads with their homework shit and they left it till the last fucking minute," Katsuki growled. His scent was harsh—smoky and bitter.

 

Izuku frowned. "If it's stressing you out—"

 

"It's fine," he snapped. "I just wish they'd plan ahead or something."

 

Izuku bit his lip, brushing his thumbs across Katsuki's cheeks. "You're allowed to set boundaries with them, you know. They won't hold it against you. You have really good friends, Kacchan, they wouldn't wanna stress you out."

 

"I know," he snapped. "I don't want those fucking idiots to fail! Whatever, I'll set boundaries later but I already promised them I'd meet them before class so either kiss me or fuck off!"

 

Well, if those were his only two options.

 

He leaned in, kissing Kacchan soft and slow as he dragged his wrists over his neck and shoulders, then down to his wrists. He felt Katsuki relax against him, a gentle purr rising up to meet him. He crooned in reply, refraining from kissing him any deeper but scenting him a little more thoroughly—circling his fingers into Kacchan's wrist to push more of his caramel scent into the air.

 

He whined when Katsuki pulled away, pouting when he snickered. "Mean, Kacchan," he huffed.

 

"I got my coupon's worth, I'm done now," he smirked. He plucked the coupons out of Izuku's hand, stuffing them in his pocket. "See you in class, loser."

 

Katsuki stepped away from him but his scent clung, sweet and comfortable. The faintest trace of heady possessiveness ran beneath it, and Izuku wished he could smell it better. As much as he wanted this to be theirs, he still wanted to feel the full force of Kacchan's claim on him.

 

The fact that it was there at all made him glow with pride, though. The fact that Kacchan sought him out for comfort first thing in the morning made him want to melt.

 

"See you in class," he murmured, just before the door shut.

---

Katsuki had to beat down his smile all goddamn morning. He wanted to hate the fact that ten minutes with Deku was enough to brighten his entire day, but he was too happy.

 

And, to make matters worse, the dickhead had slipped a love note in his pocket during class.

 

Thank you for spending time with me this morning, even if it was just a few minutes. Every second with you is special to me <3

 

Disgusting.

 

"You look happy," Mina cooed, nudging his arm. "What's got you in such a good mood?"

 

"Get to beat the shit out of Deku later," he grunted. "Something to look forward to." And that was true. They were training together after class and while they'd have to be supervised due to their new status as a courting couple, it would be as exhilarating as ever.

 

Nobody gave him a challenge the way Deku did.

 

"Boys," she sighed, pouting. She prodded at her lunch with a fork and rest her chin on her hand, as though she were somehow forlorn. "All you think about is training."

 

"What else is there?" he replied. Besides Deku's stupid mouth kissing me until I run out of air, he replied to himself. But he wasn't going to say that out loud, obviously.

 

There was a flash of green in his periphery, and his gaze locked onto the nerd in question. He'd been eating with Shinsou since he was currently at odds with his own group of dorks. Katsuki spared a glance toward Uraraka, frowning as he watched her stare after his alpha longingly.

 

Something ugly and possessive curled in his gut, but it was dispelled when Izuku turned to catch his eye. There was that stupid look in his eyes—soft and adoring that made Katsuki want to throw up. And by throw up, he meant crawl on top of him and make a nest out of him—warm and comfortable and all for him.

 

He waited for a moment before following, swinging his bag over his shoulder.

 

"Where are you going?" Eijirou frowned.

 

"Gotta take a piss," he muttered.

 

Mina crinkled her nose in disgust. "I didn't need to know that!" she protested.

 

He tossed a middle finger over his shoulder in reply. He didn't have time to bicker with Pinky and the Brainless, he needed to catch up to his alpha before he disappeared. He wanted to catch a stray moment in time, since they had so little of it to begin with.

 

He froze in his tracks as soon as the cafeteria doors fell shut behind him. Deku was waiting for him, just to the side of the hallway with his hands shoved in his pockets. "The fuck?"

 

Izuku gave him a sunny smile. "Decided to wait for a minute, just in case you decided to come after me," he admitted. "I wasn't sure, but I kinda hoped you would."

 

Katsuki could feel the blush burning across his cheeks and up to the tips of his ears. "You fucking suck," he barked. He stomped forward, grabbing Deku by the arm as he went. "C'mon, loser."

 

Deku followed along, happy to go wherever Katsuki steered him. The scent coming off his wrist was fresh and bright—happy—just because Katsuki was there. It made his stomach flip over and his heart flutter and it honestly made him feel a little violent.

 

He pulled him into the nearest empty room before rummaging through his pocket, pulling out the coupons he kept there for easy access. That's right, he now used them so often that he kept them on hand constantly, just in case he got a private moment alone with the nerd—making sure they were in the pocket of whatever pair of pants he happened to be wearing, no matter where he was going.

 

In a word, he was whipped. It hadn't even been a full month since Deku had given him his courting gift, and Katsuki was bending over backward for stray kisses in forgotten corners.

 

Fucking humiliating.

 

And yet, his omega was rolling over joyously in his dumbass skull as his alpha stepped closer, taking the coupons and giving him exactly what he asked for—running his thumbs over Katsuki's wrists as he kissed him gently.

 

He never thought he'd feel so fucking precious. He never thought he'd like it so much, either. But he did, and he was settling into the feeling. It was still raw and sometimes it made him uncomfortable, but more often than not he found himself seeking it out—looking for any stray trace of Deku's affection that he could grab onto.

 

Moments like this, where Deku's mouth brushed against his and seemed to pour warmth straight into his bones. It made Katsuki want to curl into him and bury himself in the nerd's arms—to surround himself with dense muscle and the thick scent of happiness and desire.

 

He purred as Deku's hand moved to cup the back of his neck—fingers playing at the short hairs at his nape. He'd never get over how safe he felt in Deku's grasp.

 

He pulled back a moment later, and Katsuki bit back a bitch-ass whine. He'd given Deku the short-kiss coupon, so a short kiss is what he'd fucking gotten. He wasn't about to make Deku feel like shit for something he'd asked for.

 

"Got what you wanted?" his alpha asked, still stroking the back of his neck. A shiver ran down his spine at the reverence in his tone.

 

"No," he admitted. Deku frowned and Katsuki shook his head, stepping forward to bury his face in the alpha's shoulder. He smirked at Izuku's flustered squeak. "Wanna stay longer," he explained. "But we gotta go to class soon."

 

He blushed when Deku crooned, clearly delighted that Katsuki wanted more from him. Maybe even because Katuski had admitted that he wanted more from him. "We'll have time later," he promised, running a hand down his spine. How was it possible for something to feel soothing and electric at the same time?

 

Katsuki hesitated, still nervous about coming off as needy, but also afraid of being too aloof. He didn't know how to do any of this correctly, and he couldn't help but wonder what would finally turn Deku's interest off. How long could he grasp in the dark before he hit the wrong switch?

 

He took a deep breath, reminding himself that this was Deku—and Deku had promised him that he was ready for anything that Katsuki wanted to pursue. And if he wanted this to work—which he did—he had to trust that Deku meant that, or he'd tell him if he objected.

 

"One more?" he mumbled, embarrassed to ask at all. His heart flipped over as Deku started purring, low and gravelly. He could feel it shaking in his bones.

 

"Sure," he agreed easily, moving back just enough to give Katsuki room to tilt his face up. He still couldn't believe that Deku gave him everything he wanted so easily. It still felt too good—too simple in comparison to all the drama he saw from their peers.

 

But maybe the simplicity was what made it good. Maybe that's what made it theirs. Maybe they'd earned that simplicity through years of misunderstanding and hurt pride, and maybe this was their reward.

 

God, he was a fucking sap.

 

It was hard not to be when Deku was curling around him and pressing tiny kisses to his lips—as though he wanted to leave as many as he possibly could before they had to separate. Each one sent warmth skittering down his spine, and he wanted to lean into them so fucking badly.

 

"We should probably cool off," Deku murmured against his lips, stealing another kiss for himself a moment later. It was sweet and slow, clinging to his bottom lip so that Katsuki could still feel it after it broke. Sneaky fucker. "And you should...probably take a pass with a neutralizer."

 

Katsuki took stock of their scents then—nostrils flaring and purr deepening as he caught the heady scent of Deku's desire clinging to his skin.

 

"Fine," he trilled, blushing furiously at the omegan chirp that had escaped him and the charmed smile that was creeping over Deku's face in reply. "Shut the fuck up."

 

"I didn't say anything!"

 

"You were thinking it and your thoughts are loud as shit!" he barked, wrenching himself back. Deku let him go easily, still smiling fondly. "I'm not cute, you fuckweed!"

 

"I never said you were!" Izuku laughed. Warmth pooled in his stomach at the sound of it. "And fuckweed, Kacchan? Really?"

 

"Yeah, you're a fucker who looks like a weed!" he sneered. "Gimme a neutralizing wipe, shithead!"

 

Still chortling to himself, Deku leaned down to rummage through his back for the wipes he'd started keeping on hand. Katsuki hated that he felt the need to carry them with him, but he couldn't deny that they were...convenient.

 

Every new encounter they stole in empty classrooms or in the empty locker room seemed to ignite him more brilliantly than the last, so without the wipes there was no fucking way they'd be able to get away with any sort of secrecy.

 

Still, it sucked to have to wipe away the best parts of Deku's scent. The parts he didn't even know existed until a month ago—deep and rich and fucking mouthwatering. All for him. He scowled as he passed the neutralizer over his neck and wrists, just enough so the heady edge would be taken off. Just enough so that it would smell like pack scenting to their classmates.

 

Just enough so that it wasn't enough. Fucking bullshit.

 

"You okay?" Deku asked. Katsuki grit his teeth. It was gratifying and also fucking frustrating that Deku was so in tune with his mood—especially with how much the nerd worried about him. The dork was gonna die of a fucking heart attack with how much he worried.

 

"M'fine," he muttered, tossing the wipe in the trash. "Don't like getting rid of your scent."

 

His heart stuttered in his chest when Deku beamed at him, eyes crinkling at the corner and teeth on full display. Jesus Christ.

 

"I'm glad you like my scent, Kacchan," he crooned. Katsuki flipped him off with both hands. "If you want, I can scent you later tonight after training!"

 

Katsuki grit his teeth. Fuck this adorable fuckhead. "You fucking better."

---

Izuku's stomach free-fell when Katsuki walked out of the locker room that afternoon. There was a mean smirk plastered across his pretty lips and a predatory gleam in his eye, and Izuku could already feel his heart racing.

 

All Might was present, so it really wasn't the best time for him to get hot and bothered. Alas, Kacchan didn't really seem to care about something as frivolous as decency.

 

He could swear the omega was swaying his hips as he strode closer—wearing a black tank top, joggers and sneakers. There wasn't anything particularly provocative about the outfit, so it must have been the way his omega was prowling toward him.

 

There was a coupon clutched in his explosive hand, so Izuku waited with bated breath for Katsuki to make his intentions known. His heart beat wildly in his chest as Kacchan finally reached him.

 

"So, I was thinking," Katsuki drawled, smirk widening.

 

"Dangerous," Izuku quipped, not even ashamed that it came out breathless.

 

"Damn right it is," he grinned before continuing. Izuku swallowed, throat suddenly desert-dry. "You've been lacking the motivation to push One For All to the next level. So, I thought...we should play a little game."

 

He'd always thought Katsuki was attractive. When they hit puberty, he'd admitted that Katsuki was hot without batting an eyelash. But he'd never really considered Katsuki to be seductive until now, and he had to wonder if the omega was doing it on purpose.

 

"A game?" he uttered, transfixed by the sharp smile he received in reply.

 

"Mm. Every time you manage to pin me, you can kiss me," he offered, holding the Lip Kiss—short coupon up for him to see.

 

"And what about when you pin me?" he asked, because his omega was strong. Powerful, fast, damn near unbeatable.

 

His smile turned mean around the edges. "For every time I pin you," he said, stepping closer. "I get to pick a movie for our next date night, and you don't get to complain."

 

He reared back, pouting as Katsuki snickered. "You're only gonna pick horror movies!" he complained. "Why couldn't you pick breakfast in bed or English tutoring or something!"

 

"Because I'm not a lazy-ass and I can do my own goddamn homework," he teased. "I wanna see my big bad alpha turn into a lil bitch over some shitty b-grade fake-ass horror. It's funny."

 

His big bad alpha. Izuku's spine straightened, eyes darkening—and Katsuki clocked onto the change at record speed. They'd been making progress, but it was still rare for Kacchan to call Izuku his. It made his pulse thrum in his ears and suddenly, he wasn't sure if this game was a good idea.

 

"Are you sure, Kacchan?" he murmured, stepping back into him. He shivered when Katsuki's breath hitched at the proximity. "All Might is watching, and I know you like privacy. And...this might end up feeling too much like a chase. I'm already...well. It's hard not to feel too much around you."

 

"All Might already fuckin' knows," Katsuki grumbled. Izuku offered up his wrist, and Katsuki took in without much thought—scenting him absently. He hadn't been thrilled that they'd had to tell their teachers, but he understood. "No reason to hide it from him, right? And if it gets too heated, it'll be good that he's here. We can tell him what boundaries we don't wanna cross and he can stop us from crossing them."

 

"Just because he knows doesn't mean you have to put it on display if it makes you uncomfortable," Izuku insisted. "And uh...he's retired. I don't know if he'd be...strong enough to contain me."

 

He felt guilty for even saying it—for even suggesting that All Might wasn't strong enough to hold him back. But All Might's pride didn't mean shit in the face of Katsuki's boundaries. He'd protect those with his life. He wanted to make sure that to the best of his ability, each step Katsuki decided to take with him felt like it was on solid ground.

 

And that even if the ground gave way, Izuku would catch him. He wanted Katsuki to know that in his very bones.

 

Katsuki squeezed his wrist, ducking his head. "I'm fine, Deku," he promised. "And if it makes you feel better, we can shelf this shit for later, but I...fuck. I trust you to stop before shit goes too far. You haven't given me any reason not to. But if you think this will push us too far, then I'll trust you there too. And stop fucking crying, Jesus fucking Christ."

 

He hadn't even noticed but then again, crying was kind of his default for any swell of emotion.

 

"We can try it," he offered. "I want to. But if I don't feel like I have a handle on my alpha, we gotta stop. You can't try to goad me, or I'll take it as a challenge and...well."

 

If his alpha thought his omega was challenging him, he wasn't sure if he could contain it. It was different when they were just duking it out but this was firmly in courting territory, even if they were technically training. Compartmentalizing wasn't gonna be as easy, and he refused to lose control with Kacchan. His whole heart was at stake.

 

"Fine," Katsuki agreed. Izuku narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Quitting and admitting defeat weren't exactly Katsuki's strong points. "I said fine!" he barked.

 

"Okay," he said, taking a deep breath. "Okay. Let's tell All Might the plan?"

 

Telling their mentor (and childhood hero) that they were going to play a courting game during training was an experience that he never thought he'd have, nor ever wanted to repeat. As soon as Izuku started stammering out the plan, both he and All Might had gone brick red—refusing to make eye contact.

 

Katsuki heaved a mournful sigh. "Pathetic fucking dorks, both of you," he lamented. "Listen, old man. I'm gonna motivate the nerd. You just gotta remind him not to go too far when he's...collecting his reward. If he manages to earn any, that is."

 

A steely determination settled over Izuku's shoulders at the challenge. Independent of getting to kiss his omega, he would have tried his best to win against him. "We're running almost 50-50, Kacchan," he scoffed. "I'm catching up to you and you know it."

 

Katsuki's grin was all teeth, threatening and challenging and unfairly beautiful. "You're shit at using your quirks simultaneously, nerd," he sneered. "I ain't fuckin' worried."

 

Those, quite frankly, were fighting words.

 

"You two are sure about this?" All Might asked, sounding hesitant. Izuku felt a flash of sympathy for his mentor. It was already...ill-advised to pit courting couples against each other. If either of them lost control during a courting game, it could be awful for the retired hero—not only mentally scarring but physically dangerous.

 

"Deku knows my limits for the courting shit. And he knows I don't have limits for hero work. We've got this. You just gotta referee."

 

And that sounded like a nightmare of his own. What was the former Number One gonna do, announce that Katsuki owed Izuku a kiss when he was pinned? On the one hand, All Might's word was practically law, so if Katsuki owed him a kiss he'd get that kiss.

 

On the other hand, his father figure would be overseeing his budding sex life in the most literal way possible. Horrifying. Also: maybe not the best idea if they ever wanted to look All Might in the eye ever again.

 

"Alright," he uttered with a healthy amount of trepidation. "I'm not sure where you stand in your courting process, but please do your best to stay decent without my assistance." There was a gentle touch of desperation in his tone that was horribly embarrassing.

 

"Of course," he uttered. "Can we start now? Please." He'd literally rather get blown up than talk about their courting progress with All Might. Katsuki was snickering at him and as much as he loved him, he suddenly couldn't wait to smash him into a building.

---

To be very fucking clear: he did not think that he made a mistake when he suggested the game. Because it was clearly working for its intended purpose—pushing Deku beyond his limits as he ruthlessly pursued what he wanted.

 

He just...might have miscalculated how badly Deku wanted to kiss him. Probably because it was still kind of unbelievable to him—that an alpha as good and kind as Deku, who Katsuki had been so fucking awful to—was willing to break his fucking body for a peck on the lips.

 

He'd never had to fight so hard to pin Deku in his life. No matter how much Deku improved, he'd made sure to keep himself just out of his reach, at least good enough to be better than him. To make sure the nerd was still chasing him, and to feel the constant spark of challenge in his blood.

 

The first pin had gone to the nerd—quick and dirty just one minute after All Might called for them to start. He'd come out full force, using Smokescreen and Black Whip in tandem to snatch him before he could take off—throwing him to the ground.

 

"One for me," he teased, leaning down to smack a kiss to his lips before letting him back up. Katsuki spluttered, face going pink—especially enamored with the cheeky smile. There were still traces of awkwardness since All Might was still in shouting distance, but he seemed excited now.

 

Playful.

 

Adorable.

 

Fuck, this was stupid.

 

He growled low and his throat, a warning that he wasn't gonna take that shit lying down. Deku's smile turned sharp, his eyes going steely with challenge. Katsuki tensed for a moment, watching in fascination as Deku settled deep into his stance—hips dipping to shift his weight lower so that he could push power into his legs.

 

And damn, they were nice legs. He'd noticed a few times before but for some reason, it was really hitting him right now. His alpha was fucking powerful, and he was looking at Katsuki like he was going to pounce. Not for the first time, he really hoped they'd be doing a mating run. That shit would be fucking legendary.

 

He smirked at the freckled fuckhead, and that was the only warning Deku got before Katsuki blasted off—propelling himself into the sky. The alpha was bounding up the side of a building a moment later, racing after him and using Air Force to blast himself after him. It wasn't the only way he'd assimilated Katsuki's moves into his fighting style, but it was absolutely the most annoying.

 

He snarled as Black Whip curled around his ankle, twisting in the air and blasting Deku back before blasting himself forward to knock him from the sky.

 

A minute later they were grappling on the ground—fighting at close range and barely missing each other with each shot. They both knew how the other thought, so every fight was a struggle to out-think the other.

 

Deku snarled in frustration when Katsuki knocked him off his feet, but rolled out of the way before Katsuki could pin him. "Fuck! Stay still you shitty spinach scrap—"

 

"Not my fault you're slow, Kacchan!" he chuckled before trying to knock Katsuki's feet out from under him. Katsuki swore, dancing around Deku's legs but missing the tendril of Black Whip and crashing to the ground. He tried to blast him back again but found himself held down. His pulse thudded in his ears, even louder when Deku's face—covered in soot—hovered over him with a triumphant smile. "That's two."

 

"Shut the fuck up and kiss me," he hissed, flushing as his smile grew brighter. His heart fluttered when Deku leaned down, pressing their lips together gently. It was a little longer than the last one, and it was a stark contrast to the fight itself. Delicate and reverent where the fight had been rough and painful. It made his head spin.

 

He pouted when he pulled away, looking reluctant. Katsuki eyed him. "Ready to go again?" he asked, a little tense.

 

Katsuki nodded. "Get off."

 

He did, standing as soon as Katsuki told him to even though he clearly wanted to stay. He felt warm and it was fucking stupid—unwillingly delighted that his alpha put so much stock in keeping him comfortable.

 

Katsuki finally managed to pin him in the third set, but Deku fought him hard for it. His knee was in the alpha's throat as Deku bared his teeth—only quieting when Katsuki raised a sparking palm to his face in threat.

 

"My win, shithead," he grinned, tone mean with the taste of victory on his tongue. He wasn't sure which flavor was better—this or the taste of Deku's mouth on his.

 

He didn't really want to know the answer. If it was the latter, did that mean his priorities were skewed?

 

"What nightmarish movie are you gonna subject me to?" Izuku asked, breathing heavy with Katsuki's weight settled atop him. His eyes burned into him and Katsuki scrambled off, overwhelmed by the heat he found there.

 

"Haven't decided yet," he grinned. It was shaky around the edges, overwhelmed by the need to dart away just so he could feel his alpha bearing down on him again. He wanted to stay just out of his reach so that Deku would chase. "Maybe if you don't suck, I'll take it easy on you, Alpha."

 

A stricken look crossed his face before a warning growl tumbled from Izuku's lips and Katsuki took the moment of distraction to dart away, blasting himself skyward to hide among the rooftops. For a moment, it looked like he might get the better of him again—blasting at the structures to use rubble as both cover and shrapnel.

 

But Deku was fast, and losing sight of him in the clouds of debris had been a mistake. Izuku crashed into him like a meteor—tackling him with so much force that the roof caved in and they fell a full story. With gravel in his hair and dust in their lungs, Deku kissed him again. It was harder this time, firmer and more desperate.

 

He pulled away a second later but lingered—like he didn't want to pull away. Katsuki placed his hand in the center of his chest. "Lemme up," he instructed. Izuku nodded, but it took a moment for him to move. His jaw was clenched like he was at war with himself. "C'mon Deku, get up."

 

He stood a moment later, holding out his hand. Katsuki took it, letting himself be pulled up. Deku's hands were so fucking big, and so goddamn warm. He wanted to trace the scars over the backs of his fingers. He wanted to slap himself for even thinking it.

 

"You good?" Deku asked, low and gravelly. "Hit you kinda hard, Kacchan."

 

Katsuki bared his teeth, a spike of irritation lancing through him. "Like you'd ever be able to hit me hard enough to do real damage, fuckface," he growled.

 

Deku smiled at him like he was charmed. Fuck him, honestly. "Of course not," he replied. "Just thought I'd check."

 

"Bite me," Katsuki snapped.

 

Which was the wrong choice of words at this particular moment. Deku's eyes went dark, pupils dilating, and his jaw clenched—grinding so hard that Katsuki thought they might break. The greenette took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he reigned himself in. It was fucking hot and Katsuki wanted to punch him in the mouth for it.

 

He never said he handled his feelings well.

 

"You should go, I'll be out in a second," Izuku growled. Katsuki nodded quickly, skirting around him to make his exit through the window.

 

"You boys alright?" All Might asked as Katsuki approached.

 

"Fine," Katsuki grunted, flexing his hands and rolling his shoulders. In truth, being slammed through the roof of a building had been a little harsh, but it was nothing a heat patch and some ice wouldn't fix later. "Deku's just getting his shit together before we go again."

 

All Might frowned, looking in the direction he'd come from. "Is he alright?"

 

"He's...uh. Fine. Just keeping a lid on his alpha."

 

All Might opened his mouth as though he were about to ask something else, but he paused—pinching his lips shut tight. A moment later, he seemed to decide what he wanted to say. "Well...I'm glad he's making an effort to stay in control. Perhaps we should—"

 

"He's fine," Katsuki huffed. "If he's losing control, he'll tap out. Don't underestimate him."

 

He scowled when All Might's face went all soft and mushy. "Of course, my mistake. If you feel comfortable with continuing, I'm sure it's fine."

 

"Damn right," he muttered. He watched as Deku exited the building, his gait almost a prowl as though he was hunting. His shoulders were tense, and his eyes downcast as though he was ashamed that his control was slipping. "The fuck took you so long, nerd?" he barked.

 

The tension eased out of the alpha's shoulders, and Katsuki suddenly understood. He wasn't upset that his control had slipped, he was worried that he'd made Katsuki uncomfortable. Technically, he had, but...not in a bad way. On the contrary, his omega was losing its shit.

 

"Sorry, Kacchan," he said, smiling. The smile was relieved, and for the hundredth time this month, Katsuki felt sickeningly fond of the dumbass nerd. "I think I'm ready if you are."

 

"Been waiting for your dumb ass, of course I'm fucking ready!" he barked.

 

"Let's go then," he chuckled. They walked back onto the street. "Your last strategy was cool, by the way," Deku piped up, stretching out his arms as he went. "The only downside is that it let me pinpoint your location, since I could telegraph the directionality of your blasts." Katsuki pushed down a smile. Fucking dork.

 

"Luckily, most villains are stupider than you. Thanks. But we're supposed to be working on your quirk control, shithead."

 

"We can do both!" he replied cheerily. It sounded a little forced, but Katsuki chalked it up to the nerd's alpha since his voice was still rough with restraint. "Ready when you are."

 

"I'm always ready for you, nerd," he scoffed. He heard Izuku's sharp inhale and looked over at him. He blasted off a moment later, leaving the alpha in his dust before Katsuki had even realized why his words had hit him like that. He just knew that the alpha was about to lunge, so he had to get the fuck outta there.

 

Then, he understood. "Perv," he muttered to himself, twisting in the air to fire an AP shot at him.

 

The chase lasted longer this time—but damn, Deku was in top form. Katsuki was damn proud that he was giving him a run for his money, though. He was pushing out so much sweat from his palms that he could hear it dripping onto the floor every time he paused for a breath—explosions glowing hotter and brighter as he went.

 

His arms were starting to ache and for some reason, it sent a thrill down his spine. He was supposed to be focused on training but he kept getting distracted by the knowledge that his alpha was so fucking strong.

 

Izuku pinned him again, using Air Force to blast a Smokescreen in his direction before slamming him into a wall. "Fuck," he gasped, wind knocked from his lungs. It was knocked from his lungs again when Deku sealed their mouths together.

 

The alpha was crooning, and Katsuki noted that even though the kiss was short it was hard and hungry. A moment later, his face was buried in Katsuki's neck, nosing along his scent gland. His knees went shaky and he grasped Deku's shoulders, panting as the alpha rumbled against his skin. Deku was scenting him, too—swiping his wrists up Katsuki's sides and over his shoulders, pressing him into the wall harder when Katsuki tried to shift to give him room.

 

His interest scent bloomed up, so potent that Katsuki could practically taste it. A pathetic whimper wrung itself out of his throat, and he couldn't even be embarrassed when he felt himself start to slick. He wanted to pull him closer, until the alpha was in his very bones.

 

"Boys, keep it clean!" All Might called, sounding strained. It was like a bucket of ice water, washing over him. It didn't have the same effect on Deku—face still pressed into the curve of his throat and huffing at his skin like a drug.

 

"Off, Deku," he uttered, breath hitching at the feeling of his nose bumping his mating gland.

 

Izuku's hands tensed—gripping at his waist with near-bruising force before slowly, as though it pained him, he pulled himself away. His pupils were nearly black and his face was flushed. He blinked, gaze glassy as he tried to compose himself.

 

Finally, he stepped back—hands falling away from Katsuki's sides and curling into fists. His shoulders were bunched to his ears, and Katsuki could smell him heavy on the air—scent thick with desire. It made his fucking mouth water.

 

"We gotta stop," he growled through gritted teeth, and holy fuck he sounded hot. Like he was holding himself on a leash that would snap at the slightest move, and his alpha was prowling as he waited for his control to slip. "Can't...can't be sure I'll pull back next time."

 

His gut clenched, heart pounding in his chest. Alpha wants us, his omega purred. He was purring too, loud and pleased because despite how much his alpha wanted him, he had the strength and discipline to contain himself. To do his best for Katsuki.

 

He grabbed Deku's wrist, running his thumb over his scent gland. "See?" he murmured, drawing Izuku's burning gaze to his. The alpha purred louder as Katsuki brought his wrist up to his neck, letting Deku scent him thoroughly—just with a touch of space between them. "I knew I could trust you."

 

Chapter 12: Misinterpret

The room was quiet, which meant it that was just a little embarrassing that Katsuki could hear his own purring. They were just fucking studying, it shouldn't make him this stupidly happy.

 

They were on Deku's bed, and the alpha's head was in his lap as he did the Ethics reading for the day. Katsuki was working through Ectoplasm's calc homework, but he kept getting fucking distracted by Deku's soft muttering. He was so fucking endearing. Asshole.

 

For the third time that evening, he snatched a coupon off the bedside table and smacked it onto Izuku's forehead. Deku looked up at it, eyes crossing, and plucked it off his head so he could read it. It was the same one as the last two times, so he had no idea why he even bothered.

 

"Just in case you want something different!" Izuku replied cheerily when Katsuki asked. "Wouldn't wanna kiss you if you just wanted me to scent you."

 

Fuck him for being so goddamn careful with Katsuki's wants and needs. Fucking sap. Ugh.

 

He propped himself up on his elbows, letting Katsuki lean down and fulfill the kiss coupon himself. It was still short, but Kacchan took a moment longer to really feel the press of his lower lip, full and plush against his. Deku hummed, all sweet and satisfied, and butterflies swarmed in his stomach. Fucking pests.

 

The nerd settled back into his lap when Katsuki pulled away, a dazed smile on his dumb freckled face. Katsuki's purring grew louder as he returned the coupon to its place on the bedside.

 

The longer Deku courted him, the more they seemed to settle, especially after the training session. Since Katsuki had, in a fit of disgusting sentimentality, put his trust in Deku's hands and told him so. As a result, Deku felt more secure and was more affectionate, which made Katsuki feel like a fucking princess. It made him want to blow the nerd up and kiss him stupid at the same time.

 

Deku's scent wasn't oppressive, but it was surrounding him. That's why he'd chosen Deku's room in the first place, and it was soothing. In fact, he might ask the idiot to come up and scent his room again before they went to bed. Because Deku's scent inarguably helped him sleep better, which was fucking stupid but fuck you, he liked it.

 

He was still a little hesitant but a moment later, he strung his fingers through Deku's hair, stroking gently as he worked. Deku started purring too, taking a deep breath as his eyes fluttered shut. His eyelashes weren't long but they were thick and pretty, framing his eyes perfectly. Katsuki's eyes traced over the bridge of his nose, tempted to count his freckles. There was a soft blush on his cheeks.

 

Goddammit, he wanted to kiss him again. They were supposed to be studying, but Katuski's omega was going fucking nuts with Deku's head in his lap and his happy scent emanating directly from its source instead of as it faded from his pillows. His omega could fucking wait, though. He needed to finish his calculus set and then make sure that Deku didn't fail in Bio.

 

He growled twenty minutes later when he hadn't even finished two problems because he was too distracted by the idiot in his lap. He snatched the coupon back off the bedside table and slapped it onto Deku's forehead with more force than strictly necessary.

 

Deku whined but sat up anyway—glancing at the coupon before fulfilling it. Katsuki clutched at his stupid-ass shirt—today's t-shirt slogan was 'Meat Loaf' of all fucking things—and tugged him closer. He shivered as Deku's hand snaked around his waist, barely suppressing his pout when he pulled back.

 

"Am I distracting you, Kacchan?" he murmured.

 

"Fuck you," he snapped, shoving him away. "Don't get cocky, dickhead."

 

"You're distracting me," he shrugged. "I've been reading the same page for ten minutes." Katsuki blushed at the admission, casting his eyes down to his lap.

 

"Fine, whatever," he huffed a moment later. "I'm a little distracted."

 

"Hmm. If you want we can split up until we're finished, and we can hang out after," he offered. He didn't seem particularly pleased about the idea. "As much as I want you to stay, neither of us should be falling behind, right?"

 

"M'not falling behind shit," he barked. "We studied together before, we should be able to now."

 

"I didn't get to kiss you before," he retorted, like kissing him was a privilege. He blushed harder. "I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little fixated on that. But if you're fine with it, I'm down to keep studying together. I just don't wanna drag you down, Kacchan."

 

Katsuki turned glaring eyes on him, upset now. "The fuck do you mean, drag me down, Deku?"

 

Izuku swallowed, probably realizing that he was in dangerous water. "I don't mean that I'm bad for you," he promised, raising his hands placatingly. "I wouldn't have courted you if I thought that. I just mean...you're determined and goal-oriented, so it must be frustrating that you can't concentrate. And if you're just staying because you don't want me to be sad that we can't hang out, you shouldn't worry—that determination is part of what made me fall for you. I'll understand if you wanna be alone now so that you can focus, we can always hang out after. I'll always make time for you, and we'll figure out how to do it without our grades slipping. I know it's important to you."

 

Katsuki tossed his homework off to the side, reaching over the edge of the bed to grab his backpack. His ears were fucking burning, his heart hammering in his chest and his eyes stinging as he rifled through his bag. One of these days, the nerd was gonna make his heart stop completely.

 

"Kacchan?"

 

"Shut the fuck up," he snapped. He finally found the coupon book at the bottom of the small pouch, untucking one of the coupons that had already been torn out. He brandished it at Deku threateningly. "You're gonna give me this, and then I'm gonna study at your desk. I won't use another one until we're done with our assignments. Got it?"

 

Deku's face brightened, and Katsuki's stomach felt like it was in free fall. He was fucking adorable, and Katsuki hated him. "Got it," he breathed. He glanced at the coupon, then tilted his face up so that Katsuki could claim what he wanted.

 

Long kiss—closed mouth.

 

Katsuki leaned down, threading his fingers through Deku's curls. Deku's hands found their way to him—one resting on his waist—his thumb drawing circles at the bottom of his ribcage—and the other cupping the back of his neck, fingers resting over his pulse. He was almost embarrassed that Deku would feel exactly how he made Katsuki's heart race, but it faded away as Deku's nose bumped his.

 

It was ridiculous that every kiss felt brand-fucking-new. He was pretty sure he'd never get used to it—it would always surprise and electrify him, even though they were technically doing the same shit over and over. Even though that same rough spot on Deku's lower lip kept teasing him, making him want to lick at it. He was getting addicted to the warm bloom of happiness in Deku's scent, knowing that he made it happen. He scraped his fingers through his hair and the nerd melted—humming contentedly.

 

Katsuki pulled back reluctantly, smirking at the dazed look on Deku's face. "Now hurry the fuck up and finish your reading, nerd. I wanna do that again."

---

Izuku wasn't actually sure he'd retained any of his reading, but he'd taken lots of notes! So maybe he'd be able to review those when he wasn't distracted by the looming promise of his omega kissing him. Katsuki was still scribbling at his desk, chin propped on his hand as his burning red eyes tracked his problem across the page.

 

He was constantly in awe of Kacchan. He was so smart and determined, and Izuku was honored to have those eyes on him.

 

"I can hear you thinking, dork," Katsuki murmured. Izuku smiled as Katsuki turned to look at him, stare flat and unimpressed. "I'm almost done."

 

"Take your time!"

 

"Can't fuckin' do that with you staring at the back of my head," he huffed. Izuku watched, delighted, as a blush crawled up his neck. "Review your goddamn notes or something."

 

"Sure, Kacchan," he complied, flipping his notebook back open. He stared at the highlighted words, not really perceiving them. He let himself zone out on the quiet sound of Katsuki's mildly aggressive scribbling. He was pretty sure there would be calculus engravings on his desk by the end of the evening, but he didn't mind.

 

A few minutes later, Katsuki threw his pen down and shoved the chair back. It toppled over, but he didn't fix it. He just stomped over, snatched his coupons off the bedside—only pausing for a moment to pick the ones he wanted—and tossed it in Izuku's face.

 

The alpha let them flutter onto the bed glancing at them. It was the same long kiss coupon, but Katsuki had added the Scent Me coupon alongside it. They were both starting to fray at the edges. He should get them laminated.

 

Izuku shuffled back on the bed, giving Katsuki room to crawl up after him. His stomach swooped when, instead of settling in next to him, Katsuki crawled into his lap—scowl fixed firmly on his face as though daring Izuku to say anything about it.

 

As though he'd be stupid enough to comment on his wildest dreams coming true. He wasn't an idiot.

 

He was pretty sure he was having a heart attack as the omega's legs straddled him, knees resting on either side of his hips. The aneurism began as his (honestly, godly) arms wound around his shoulders, wrists scraping over his neck as he went.

 

"Kiss me, stupid," he barked.

 

Izuku settled his hands on Katsuki's waist, reveling in his sharp inhale, and tugged him forward until they were nose-to-nose. Kissing Katsuki was easily his favorite part of the day and the more it happened, the better his day got. Kacchan purred as Izuku pressed their lips together—teasingly gentle as he ran his wrists over every part of him that he could reach.

 

Katsuki got frustrated with that pace pretty quickly, though—growling as he pressed forward hard enough that he was pretty sure his lips would bruise. Izuku rumbled in reply—low and satisfied with the knowledge that his omega wanted him. That Katsuki was tangling his explosive fingers in his hair to hold him in place; to make sure that Izuku couldn't pull away.

 

"Kacchan," he mumbled against his lips. "Being kinda—mph—aggressive."

 

"Kiss me properly then," he huffed back. "Kiss me like you mean it."

 

"I mean it!" he protested. "You chose closed mouth, I didn't wanna push it!"

 

"I chose closed mouth not barely there," he whined. Whined. Like he was being deprived of something that he needed. And that was just unacceptable.

 

"Sorry, Kacchan," he crooned, nosing the length of his jaw. "Wanna keep going? You can stop me if I'm going too far."

 

"Of course, I wanna keep going, stupid!" he snapped. "Why the fuck do you think I rushed my problem set. I didn't even double-check it!"

 

Izuku frowned, pulling back. "You didn't have to do that Kacchan, I could have waited—"

 

Katsuki raised a burning hand to squish his cheeks. Violently. "I couldn't."

 

He wasn't entirely sure what happened next. He knew that he growled, enthralled with the knowledge that his omega couldn't wait to kiss him, and he knew that Katsuki ended up on his back with Izuku's weight atop him. He knew that at one point, he bit Katsuki's lip hard enough that the omega whined—palms sparking on Izuku's shoulders until he eased up. Thankfully, he wasn't attached to the shirt he was wearing.

 

He nearly passed out when Katsuki widened his legs so that Izuku could sink into the cradle of his hips, then wrapped those legs around the backs of his thighs to pull him closer. He whined, long and low—suppressing the urge to grind down into him.

 

Katsuki pulled away a few minutes later, turning his head to take a gasping breath. Izuku's face dipped into the curve of his throat, practically huffing the pleased, aroused scent of his omega. He could die happy knowing that he made Kacchan feel like this.

 

"If you die, I'll bring you back to life and kill you myself," Katsuki sneered, yanking his hair punitively. Izuku blushed, realizing that he'd been mumbling his thoughts into Katsuki's neck, just loud enough for the omega to hear them. "Fucking dork."

 

"Your fucking dork," he offered cheekily. It came out shaky, still trying to keep a lid on his alpha who was dying to keep kissing him. And more, but he didn't want to think about that or he might act on it. He tilted himself to the side and settled in next to him—eyes stinging when, instead of moving away, Katsuki tucked himself into Izuku's side.

 

"You're crying, aren't you?" Katsuki asked into his shoulder, tone dry.

 

"Yep," he sniffed. There was no use in denying it. "M'happy."

 

Katsuki snaked an arm around his waist. "Good. Now shut up and cuddle me."

 

Izuku could feel himself drifting, lulled to sleep by the gentle hum of Kacchan's purring and his steady weight against his side. It was soothing—calming in a way he didn't think was real until now. His mom had always said that she'd felt the most at peace when his dad would hold her—when they'd let their minds go quiet and just feel each other's presence.

 

He wondered if it would feel better when...if they mated. If Kacchan accepted his claim. He could imagine spending lazy days off like this—or holding each other after hard days. He'd never been the type to believe that someone was incomplete without a partner, but damn he could feel Katsuki filling all his little empty spaces. He might be complete on his own, but his life felt fuller with Kacchan at his side.

 

He startled when Katsuki shifted, glancing down as the omega blearily craned his neck to look at Izuku's alarm clock. "Should go to bed," he muttered, frowning. Pouting, really. It was adorable, but if he said so he'd probably get blown up and his posters couldn't afford the smoke damage.

 

"We're training tomorrow morning," he agreed. "Don't want you to, though."

 

"Tough shit," he sneered halfheartedly. Slowly, he sat up—still a little dazed. If Izuku didn't know any better, he'd say that he was floating. "Want my nest."

 

He leaned down and grabbed his bag again, pulling out the coupon book and flipping through it. Gently, he tore out a new one and suddenly, Izuku was alert again—excited to see what Kacchan had chosen. His stomach flipped, and he couldn't contain the giddy smile as he read it.

 

Date Night.

---

Katsuki watched as his eyes brightened. It was as though asking him to do something was some sort of gift, and he didn't really understand. He liked the look in his eyes though.

 

"This weekend?" he asked. Katsuki gave a jerky nod. "You okay with me planning it? Or did you want to?"

 

"M'okay with you planning it," he replied, speech a little slurred. He had drifted a bit while they cuddled, and he still felt a little far away. "Gimme your best shot, Deku."

 

The spark of determination in his alpha's eyes burned him. He felt it in his pulse.

 

"Okay, Kacchan."

 

"I'm gonna leave. Gimme your hoodie."

 

Izuku blinked at him, then looked down at his hoodie. Katsuki waited for his brain to catch up, knowing it wouldn't take him long. The nerd was smart, he'd understand what his omega wanted.

 

He smirked when, a moment later, Izuku scrambled for the hem of his hoodie—ripping it off as though it was burning him and throwing it at Katsuki's face hard enough that he thought he might have activated One For All.

 

"Can I give you anything else?" he asked, eyes glowing. "I could give you my shirt? Or...or my blanket! My pillowcases?"

 

"Relax," he snickered. "Tomorrow morning you should come up and re-scent my nest. But this is fine for now," he said, before pulling the hoodie over his head. Izuku whined, and Katsuki felt a stupid rush of pride and power—delighted that he'd gotten Deku so flustered just by wearing his clothes. Before he could second guess himself, he leaned down and kissed his cheek—marveling at the heat that bloomed off his blushing cheek. God, he was fucking gone for him.

 

He wanted to drag him back to his nest and use him as a body pillow. It still felt too soon, though, and he was just a little frustrated with himself. He knew that Deku wouldn't fuck with his boundaries, but there was something too intimate about the idea of waking up with him, no matter how badly he wanted to.

 

Deku was purring by the time he pulled away, blushing to the roots of his hair and chest rattling like a fucking maraca. He was pretty pissed that he had to pull away instead of climbing back into bed with him. He looked all soft and comfortable and his hair was all fucked up from the way he'd yanked his hoodie off and Katsuki wanted to touch.

 

He'd never craved physical contact before. This courting shit was fucking him all the way up.

 

"I'm leaving now," he muttered, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Night, nerd."

 

"Night, Kacchan," he breathed. He looked kinda like he'd been punched in the face, and Katsuki couldn't help but smile.

---

Izuku had gone by Katsuki's room first thing in the morning before he went on his run. The omega had yanked the door open, still angry that he was awake, and dragged him inside.

 

He'd held Izuku's wrist like it was a scented sponge and rubbed it over everything he wanted scented (which was, to his shock and delight, practically everything) before kicking him out again, snarling that it was "too fucking early for his sunshine and rainbow bullshit."

 

Izuku didn't mind. He'd gone on his run, delighted that Katsuki wanted him to scent his nest at all, and come back—making sure to save some coffee for his omega before heading up to shower. Katsuki had texted him by the time he got out. He'd gone to do strength training with Eijirou this morning, so Izuku hadn't expected to hear from him until classes started.

 

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

Sorry I kicked you out

And thanks for the coffee

 

His heart melted. He hoped Kacchan hadn't been worrying about hurting his feelings. He knew his omega better than to take anything he said personally, especially if he said it before 8 AM.

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

It's okay! I know you don't like mornings, Kacchan (´ ε ` )♡

I was gonna make breakfast, do you want any?

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

nah had breakfast with shitty hair

he said im neglecting our bromance and demanded an omelet

fucking idiot

 

Izuku chuckled, insanely glad that Katsuki had such good friends. Friends that he wanted to actually spend time with, who made him feel good about himself. Friends who made him understand that he was more than his potential as a hero—he was also a fascinating person who was worth knowing beyond his raw power.

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

okay!

have fun <3

I'll see you in class!

 

He didn't mind. He had to go over his notes before class anyway. He hadn't retained much from last night's reading, after all. The fact that Katsuki wanted to kiss him so much that it was distracting him from his work had really prevented him from absorbing anything in the moment, and the memory of Katsuki relaxing into him until he was moments away from float had pretty much dominated his brain until he'd fallen asleep.

 

Hey, he knew he was whipped. He wasn't ashamed of being whipped, either. The last month had basically been a dream come true. The only downside was that his friends weren't respecting his boundaries, but he'd be upset by that even if Katsuki weren't in the picture.

 

It just made it a little more urgent.

 

He brought his bag to the kitchen, making himself a quick meal before sitting at the kitchen table and pulling out his notes. He sipped his coffee as he studied, tuning out everything around him as he attempted to catch up with himself.

 

"Mind if I join you?"

 

Izuku glanced up, smiling at Momo a moment later. "Hey, of course," he said, pushing the other chair out with his foot.

 

"Got you some more coffee," she said, sliding the extra cup she was carrying across the table. "You working on the Ethics reading?"

 

"Yeah. Couldn't really focus last night," he explained, taking the cup gratefully. "But I think I'm caught up."

 

She shot him a knowing look, and he flushed under her gaze. He was so grateful that she knew what was going on, and was keeping it to herself. He knew how hard it was for her to keep things from Kyoka, and she must have had opinions on them—everyone had an opinion of courting couples. She'd learned that the hard way.

 

Maybe that's why she was so good about keeping it to herself. She understood where they were coming from.

 

It was the reason she was keeping such a tight lid on whatever was happening with Kyoka.

 

"And everything is good?" she asked, not pressuring him for more than a yes or no.

 

"Everything is good," he agreed, smiling a little wider. "Actually, I need to plan a date. I'm a little nervous about it, I have no idea how it'll go."

 

"If you want to run your ideas by me, I'm open," she offered. She speared a grape on the end of her fork. She always ate a fruit cup with breakfast, weighed down by the constant lipids she had to eat for her quirk. Strawberries were her favorite, but it looked like she'd run out. Maybe he'd make a grocery run to buy some as a thank you.

 

"If you don't mind, I think that would be great. After class?"

 

"Sure," she smiled.

 

He was relieved that Momo was willing to help him with this. He'd already told Kacchan that she knew and why he'd told her, and he'd been relieved that the omega was comfortable with her level of involvement. Obviously, in an ideal world where Izuku could afford custom nesting materials, he would have done it without involving her at all—but that wasn't something he'd been able to do. In lieu of that, he'd made sure not to let her opinions be a factor in his decisions.

 

Katsuki didn't want people interfering—so Izuku wouldn't let anyone do the thinking for him. He didn't want input, he just...wanted validation. Even with the courting gift, he'd only told Momo so that he could get help procuring the things he'd already decided on.

 

It was important to Kacchan, so it was important to him.

 

He was looking forward to the date, too, and he really wanted it to go well. His very best was the very least that Katsuki deserved.

---

Katsuki was starting to get really fucking irritated.

 

The evening after their unnecessarily affectionate study session, Deku had asked him if he was free for their date night on Saturday evening, and he'd agreed. That gave him five days to mentally prepare for whatever the nerd had planned.

 

And Deku was clearly excited about it. He kept stealing glances at him and blushing like a fucking loser. Not that he was much better, but that wasn't the fucking point. He was acting like he had some big, exciting secret and Katsuki couldn't help his anticipation.

 

That wasn't what was irritating him, though.

 

The irritation was being hand-served, courtesy of the Floaty Fuckhead.

 

Up until now, she'd been giving Deku the space he demanded—mostly because he refused to give her the time of day unless she apologized and respected his boundaries. She hadn't done either of those things yet. Until this week, she'd been staring at him longingly like she was some jilted heroine of a tragic romance. That had been annoying on its own.

 

This week was fucking different. Something had changed, and she looked all soft and hopeful every time she looked at him—staring at him with doe eyes and placing herself in his periphery wherever he went.

 

She'd scented his fucking desk before class, and attempted to chew him out for scrubbing it down with a neutralizer before he showed up for class, telling Katsuki to mind his own business.

 

"You're making it my business by spreading your nasty-ass scent all over the place," he snapped. "Deku doesn't want shit to do with you, leave him the fuck alone already!"

 

"He's changing his mind!" she cried. His eyebrows raised to his hairline.

 

"What the fuck made you think that?" he snapped.

 

"None of your business, Bakugou," she retorted through bared teeth. On the contrary, it was entirely his business. Before he could say anything else, Eijirou tugged him aside.

 

"C'mon, dude, you wouldn't want them interfering in your courting stuff," he pointed out quietly. Katsuki scowled, because the fucker was right, and he had no way to know that Deku was his courting interest. His irritation grew.

 

"If I'd told someone to fuck off and they didn't fuck off, I wouldn't give you shit for telling them to fuck off," he counter-argued. "And Deku has definitely told her to fuck off. Don't know why, don't care. But having her scent in his face all the fucking time will stress him the fuck out."

 

"So let him tell her himself," he shrugged. "She clearly has a reason to think he might be changing his mind, right? I know you're protective of him, but you're the one who told us to let him make his own decisions."

 

He bit back a mean smile. Clearing Uraraka's scent himself would have been so much less painful for her omega than when Deku did it. Her omega would take that as a rejection, and even if it was only temporary, it would suck. Technically, he'd been merciful. But whatever.

 

"Fine. But fuck you anyway," he grunted, stomping back toward his desk. "Scent whatever the fuck you want, Cheeks. See if I give a shit."

 

Hesitantly, she approached his desk again, and Katsuki fought the urge to snap at her (or punch her in the fucking face) as she smeared her cloying scent over the corners and edges of his desk. Instead, he flipped his book open and went back over his highlights. If she wanted to crash and burn, that was her goddamn business.

 

Even if it made his alpha uncomfortable. A swirl of guilt stirred in his stomach. He considered texting Deku to warn him, but he could still feel eyes on him—undoubtedly wondering why he gave a shit. If he warned him, it would still be interfering, and they'd be up his ass all over again.

 

Whatever. They needed to see what Deku thought about this shit for themselves.

 

It still grated at him though—the scent of another omega trying to entice his alpha. Marking his territory and trying to claim it as hers. His hands curled into fists around the sides of his book—palms heating as he tried to stop himself from reducing the pages to cinders—and for the first time, he found himself wishing they all knew.

 

His tension eased as Izuku entered the room. He didn't look up, but he heard the burst of whispering from the back and recognized the dork's footsteps as he shuffled forward. He let out a noncommittal grunt when Deku greeted him with his disgustingly cheery, "Good morning, Kacchan!"

 

He waited and was rewarded for his patience. He bit back a smirk as Deku froze, just inches past his shoulder. A chill went down his spine as the alpha bit back a growl, letting it catch in his throat. His scent went sour with distaste, and a moment later he was tapping on Katsuki's shoulder.

 

He looked up, letting his chin tip back lazily as he looked Izuku in the eye. They were dark, narrowed to near slits. "Do you have neutralizing wipes on you? I ran out."

 

"Mooch," he drawled, dropping his book to lean down and grab the wipes from his bag again. He actually did smirk as Deku ripped the packet open, scrubbing down the surface of his desk with near-feral vigor. He watched as he stomped over to the trash can at the front of the room, taking a moment to flash a smug smirk in Eijirou's direction.

 

He felt vindicated when Eijirou sent him an apologetic smile in return. Also grateful, because Eijirou was the kind of idiot who could admit when he was wrong without being a douche about it. Katsuki was not the same and he knew it—cantankerous and proud to a fault—but he could acknowledge that it was a nice trait to have.

 

He heard a pathetic whimper from the back of the class, and a few comforting chirps in reply. Deku's shoulders tightened in response, clearly annoyed that his classmates were quietly giving Uraraka encouragement in the face of his clear rejection. Katsuki was annoyed too, because he heard Mina's comforting chirp among them, despite the conversation they'd had a couple of weeks back.

 

"Thanks," he muttered as he passed. He was the only person the nerd had acknowledged, and it filled Katsuki with a sort of bitter satisfaction. Fuck them for not listening to him, honestly.

 

"Whatever."

---

Izuku wasn't the type of person to snap at a moment's notice. He liked to think he had a pretty deep well of patience, unlikely to lash out even if he was wronged. Uraraka had already crossed that line once, and since then she'd been keeping to herself, so he'd mellowed out.

 

Until this week. Now, he was fast approaching his limit again. She'd been trying to squirm into his attention for three days now, without a hint of apology or understanding, and he was sick of it. Any time he was alone, she was there, approaching him with pleading eyes and talking as though nothing had happened.

 

So far, his response had been to leave before she could finish a sentence. He ignored her when she crept through his periphery, too. Even in training, he would only spare her enough words to get the point of the exercise across before falling silent.

 

And no matter how bad people tried to make him feel about it, he didn't. He could see some of his classmates encouraging her before she made her moves—whispering and prodding until she started moving toward him. He could also see the disappointment and confusion on their faces when he ignored her. He could see the judgment, too.

 

"Ignore them," Katsuki muttered, kicking him under the table. They were studying before they were supposed to go to the gym with Eijirou, and Uraraka was whispering with Hagakure. He hadn't looked in her direction, but he could hear her and it was distracting.

 

Kacchan's presence helped, though. Even his annoyed under-the-table kick and harsh instruction were enough to soften his edges.

 

"Sorry, Kacchan."

 

"Just shut up and fucking focus, stupid."

 

He hummed his quiet assent, looking at his notebook. He knew it wasn't a great idea to rush his answers like this, but he was probably gonna be wiped out after the gym so it was kinda now or never. He let himself get lulled into a steady rhythm to the time of Katsuki's irritated pencil tapping.

 

Izuku jumped as Katsuki slammed his books shut and started stuffing them in his bag.

 

"M'gonna take a shit before we hit the gym," Kacchan grunted. Izuku let out a startled laugh, looking up at him.

 

"Thanks for letting me know," he teased. "I can update my log of your bowel movements—"

 

"You're joking, but you're also enough of a nerdy-ass creep that these idiots might take you seriously," Kacchan teased back, smirk tugging the corners of his lips. "They all know you're obsessed with me, a shit diary doesn't sound very unlikely."

 

"Hey!" he laughed. "After all we've been through, this is how you treat me?"

 

Katsuki scoffed, already walking away. "After all we've been through, I should treat you worse, fuckhead!"

 

He was still chuckling to himself quietly as he turned back to his work, preparing to blast through the last few problems before heading toward the gym. He made it about halfway through the first one before he was interrupted.

 

"H-hi, Deku," Ochako greeted him, sounding meek and soft despite clearly having the courage to approach him at all. He didn't look up. Instead, he snapped his book shut and his notebook next, not even bothering to stuff them into his bag before he grabbed his things and stood to walk away.

 

He gritted his teeth as she grabbed his arm tight, stopping him in his tracks. He whirled on her with a low growl, eyes catching on her hands on his arm as her wrists finished their pass over the sleeve of his sweater. "What do you want, Uraraka?" he snapped, a growl rattling under his tone. "What have you wanted all week? Why are you lurking five steps away from me when I've told you to leave me alone?" he snapped. 

 

She flinched and seemed to falter, and he took the opportunity to rip his arm out of her grasp. She jerked her hands back like she'd been burned, anxiously fiddling with her own fingers instead. "So, uh...just so you know, I'm not gonna be free this weekend."

 

He actually paused at that, frowning with half his arm out of the sleeve as he peeled his sweater off. He wanted to rip her scent away from his skin and fling it as far away as possible, but Och—Uraraka had thrown him off. "What?"

 

"I'm not gonna be around this weekend, so...yeah."

 

"I haven't spoken to you in nearly a month, why would I care what you're doing this weekend?" he scoffed, already turning to leave.

 

"It's just...I heard you talking to Momo!" she declared, stopping him in his tracks again. He felt himself turning to stone, his spine going stiff. "The other morning? You...said you were planning a date." He turned very slowly—a burning, pulsating anger beating in his fingertips. "And it's not like you've ever thought of courting anyone else, and I figured...well...maybe you gave my suggestion some thought?"

 

She looked sickeningly hopeful, and he honestly wanted to punch her. His growl deepened, face twisting into a scowl as he bared his teeth.

 

"You haven't even apologized for disrespecting my boundaries and sexually harassing me for weeks. You also haven't apologized for lying to our classmates to make me seem unreasonable. And you're still not listening to me except to hear what you want to hear, like my private conversations. I'm not interested in you. I will never be interested in you, and I've made that clear. But fuck it, I'll make it clearer. You're invasive, and you don't give a shit about anyone except yourself, and I am not planning to take you on a date. Instead of butting into my private conversations—my life in general—maybe try to understand how uncomfortable you've been making me and ask yourself why I'd want to be with someone who cares so little about how I feel!"

 

He was yelling by the time he finished, and he could feel his classmates' eyes on him. Not everyone was here, but he was towering over her, teeth bared and voice booming, and he heard their silence louder than if they'd been yelling.

 

Uraraka let out a ragged sob, then turned to flee—sour scent trailing behind her as she ran from the room. He glared around the room. There were only five faces to glare at, but they all looked shocked in different ways. Even Hagakure had her hands clapped over her mouth.

 

He could see Denki winding up to interrogate him, but he didn't give him the chance. He turned on his heel and stalked toward the front door with purpose—only pausing to stuff his sweater into the trash, desperate to get Uraraka's scent off him and still out of neutralizers.

 

He had somewhere to be.

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

gonna be late to training

gotta take care of something

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

everything ok?

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

it'll be fine

tell u abt it later

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

ok

...lmk if u need anything

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

❤️

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

🤢

jk ❤️

 

Some of the anger bled out of him at Kacchan's last message, softening at his unique brand of affection. Relishing the fact that it was directed at him. He might be pissed at Uraraka and his classmates, but he was so grateful for Katsuki that it canceled out. In fact, on balance, he was pretty damn lucky.

 

That didn't change the fact that he was pissed right now, though. The fact that she'd scented him again and listened in on his private conversations and assumed that what he'd had planned was for her, because somehow she'd decided that she was the only omega in his life worth looking at.

 

She'd decided that she deserved him, no matter how he felt about it.

 

He knocked on the door of Aizawa's faculty apartment before he'd really realized where his feet had carried him. The door opened, and his teacher frowned at him—rearing back a moment later as his nose wrinkled. Izuku took stock of his scent, noting the notes of rotting foliage and bitter anger.

 

"Sorry, sir," he muttered.

 

"What happened?" he demanded, stepping aside so he could enter. A chill went down his spine as he entered the threshold—the fan of a neutralizer bar washing over him. He looked at his teacher with a curious frown. "I'm constantly surrounded by your hormonal teenage scents, you really think I want to bring those home with me?" he drawled. "Talk, Midoriya."

 

"Uraraka has been interest scenting me without my permission, and she's been refusing to respect my boundaries. She scents my desk and my clothes, she's refused to listen when I told her I'm not interested in courting her, and she's been telling our classmates that I'm being needlessly aggressive. It's not just interrupting my actual courting with Kacchan, it's...really wearing me down. It feels like I'm constantly fending her off and every time I let my guard down she's there, and—"

 

"Midoriya," he interrupted. Izuku's mouth snapped shut, holding back the sudden flood of distressed word vomit. "Take a deep breath, you're panicking." He complied. "Good. Now, I know you want your relationship with Bakugou to remain between you two. What would you like me to do?"

 

Tears sprung to his eyes, shoulders slumping with relief. There was concern in Aizawa's eyes, and it felt like he was the first person aside from Kacchan who was really hearing him.

 

"I...just want to be taken seriously. I don't want her scent everywhere I go. I don't want her to be embarrassed or humiliated, I just...don't want to court her. She doesn't need to know that I'm courting someone else, but she does need to respect that I'm not going to court her and she can't coerce me into it by constantly pursuing me even though I've said no—"

 

"Midoriya," Aizawa sighed. "Breathe."

 

He breathed, slow and calming. There were tears dripping down his face and he was realizing now that this situation had been causing more stress than he'd realized. He actually felt kinda sick—stomach twisting and breath coming out ragged.

 

"Sorry, sir."

 

"Don't apologize. Someone is causing you distress, and isn't listening when you try to get them to stop," he said. His tone was the same, flat tone he used to scold them, but Izuku could see the concern in his eyes. "They teach kindergarteners not to put up with that. I hope you know you can come to us—to me—when you're having trouble with your peers that aren't getting resolved on their own. You deserve to feel safe and comfortable on this campus, Midoriya."

 

He swallowed thickly, ducking his head. He felt like a crybaby, but he was so relieved.

 

"I'll talk to Uraraka," he said, putting his hand on Izuku's shoulder. He melted as the older omega's scent poured forward—steady and comforting, gently soothing him. "As irrational as all this teenage drama is, we're pack animals. Social distress will only distract you, so I'll intervene. I won't implicate you, I'll table it as my own observations. So that she knows that her behavior is invasive enough that I decided to act, and so that there won't be social blowback for you."

 

Hesitantly, he stuck his wrist out—looking up at Aizawa pleadingly. Aizawa sighed but scented him quickly. Pack scenting, quick and cursory.

 

He sniffed, wiping at his face with the back of his hand.

 

"Thank you, sir."

 

Chapter 13: Starry-Eyed

Katsuki scowled as Uraraka entered the classroom. Deku, almost as a rule, didn't keep shit from him. That meant that as soon as he was done talking to Aizawa, Deku had come to training last night and told him what had happened while Eijirou was distracted by the dumbbells.

 

He'd had to pass up making a joke about Eijriou being a dumbbell because he'd been so pissed off. That fucking asshole had eavesdropped on Deku when he was having a private conversation and assumed that the date he'd been planning was for her? After almost a goddamn month of avoiding her?

 

Delusional. And invasive as fuck!

 

Deku had handled it, though. He'd done what he'd said he would do—he'd gone to Aizawa and washed his hands of her bullshit. Honestly, he was proud as fuck. Deku was a people pleaser, and it was hard for him to make people upset, even when making them happy made him miserable.

 

That didn't change the fact that he was annoyed as shit. The other omega shuffled into class, keeping her head down as she went. There was a rancid scent coming off her that Katsuki could smell from across the room, and it made him want to blow her up. She could have worn scent patches, but she'd opted to make the entire classroom reek of miserable omega, probably to get sympathy. Maybe even to guilt Deku into apologizing.

 

It didn't matter, though, because when Deku got to the classroom, his gaze fixed on Katsuki and didn't waver—not even when his nose wrinkled in distaste for the scent polluting the classroom.

 

"Morning, Kacchan," he greeted him cheerily. "Mom wants to know if you and your parents wanna come over for dinner this week. It was just gonna be the two of us, but I was talking about how you dropped me in training the other day—"

 

"I didn't fucking drop you, you let go, shithead!"

 

"And it reminded her that we haven't had you guys over for dinner in a while!" he continued as though Katsuki hadn't interrupted. "I was planning to do something to something nice for her—take her to a fancy restaurant and stuff, but she really loves spending time with you guys so I think it might be more special—"

 

"Deku."

 

"That's what I was planning with Momo," he powered through. Katsuki sighed, rolling his eyes—fully aware that now that Deku had decided to ramble, he would have to just sit and take it. It was a smart strategy, though—reframing his conversation with Ponytail so that everyone thought Cheeks had eavesdropped and made a shitty, unfounded assumption. "I still wanna get her flowers, though, so if you're coming we can stop by that one place and get some for your mom, too—"

 

"I ain't buying flowers for the fuckin' hag," he snapped.

 

"And maybe stop by that bakery that has the mango roll cake that your dad likes—"

 

"Ain't buyin' shit for the old man either!" he yelled, hoping that the blush on his face could be mistaken for righteous fury. Alpha cares about our pack, his omega purred. God, he was so gone for this fucking loser. This loser who'd remembered his dad's favorite cake and wanted to make both of their mothers feel special. Where the hell else would he get an alpha who cared about his family like Deku did?

 

"So?" Deku asked, smiling wide. "I wasn't planning on staying the night, so after dinner, we could come back and we could totally make sure you go to bed at your bedtime."

 

Slowly, because he knew Deku was making fun of him, he raised a middle finger. Deku just widened his eyes and stuck out his lip—giving him the most pathetic pleading pout he could muster. Fuck him, honestly.

 

"Fine," he snapped. "But you're calling the hag, I ain't talking to her unless I fucking have to."

 

"Okay, Kacchan," he grinned. He stuck his wrist out, and Katsuki sneered at the proffered limb. Even so, he swiped his wrist across Deku's—stealing a little bit of his scent so he could settle.

 

The alpha settled in behind him, and Katsuki turned back to his worksheet. He'd been so fucking distracted yesterday that he hadn't been able to get his problem set done for Ectoplasm, and like fuck was petty teenage drama gonna keep him from dominating his studies.

 

"Class is starting, put your damn phones away," Aizawa drawled as he trudged into the room. "Uraraka, see me after class, please."

 

An ugly satisfaction curled through him. God, he wished he could be a fly on the wall for that conversation. He never wanted to see Deku so stressed and miserable ever again in his entire life—shoulders hunched and expression shuttered every time she walked into a room. Maybe Aizawa would finally get her to understand why her bullshit was so fucked up.

 

It sucked because before this he'd almost liked her. She was a kick-ass hero, and she never took shit from him. She'd been Deku's first friend here, and he appreciated that. This had really soured his perception of her, and it wasn't just a nuisance, it was a fucking bummer. Especially for Deku.

 

He'd been pretty isolated since he fell out with Cheeks, and even if his friendship with her couldn't be repaired—maybe the other idiots in his friend group would stop taking sides with the wrong fucking person. Don't get him wrong, he was pretty fucking stoked that he got to spend more time with the idiot and that his friends liked to hang out with him.

 

But he could tell that being alienated from Robo-Legs and Peppermint Pitstain made Izuku sad. Todoroki wasn't distancing himself as much, but he was still quietly supporting the Floaty Fuckhead. Iida had actively supported her, scolding Izuku whenever he was brusque and pushing him to hear her out.

 

He had heard her out. Hearing her out and letting her trample his boundaries were completely fucking different, and the shithead didn't seem to understand that. None of them did.

 

Deku tapped the back of his chair with his shoe, and Katsuki realized that his shoulders were bunched up by his ears. He needed to chill the fuck out and focus. Cheeks didn't deserve this much of his goddamn attention. He took a deep breath and slowly unfurled, slumping back in his seat as Aizawa began his lecture.

 

Aizawa would handle it. They'd be fine.

---

Izuku waited for Katsuki in the common room, fiddling with the strap of his bag. He wasn't tense, but he wasn't relaxed, either. His outburst with Ochako the other day had led to a lot of whispering behind his back, but he'd made his point and that's all that mattered.

 

It helped that after class yesterday, Ochako had taken to giving him a wide berth. He still saw her staring at him from across whatever rooms they happened to coexist in, but she hadn't made another approach. He was relieved. Besides, she wasn't important right now, and neither were his classmates' opinions on how he handled himself.

 

He was going on his first official date with Kacchan! How could anything else possibly compare in importance? He was so excited that he felt static in his extremities. He wanted to cartwheel around the common room. The only reason he didn't was that Katsuki could walk in at any moment, and the entire date would be dominated by the blonde making fun of him.

 

Mean, brash, beautiful omega. God, he was so lucky. One of these days, he'd have to find someone with a time-travel quirk so that he could go back and tell his past self that he was courting Kacchan. It still felt unreal, even after a month of scenting and flirting and kissing.

 

"You look nice, Mido," Jirou observed, startling him out of his giddy daydreaming. Well, early-evening dreaming.

 

"Thanks!" he smiled brightly. "Kacchan and I are having dinner with our parents."

 

"I heard," she chuckled, reminding him that...she sat right next to them in class and had a super-hearing quirk. So she'd heard him rambling about it. Obviously. "Is it a special occasion?" she asked.

 

"Nope! I was planning to go alone, but Mom's always super busy, so we have to cram as much socializing and fun into her free time as possible," he explained with a small smile. He felt a little bad for lying, but desperate times, desperate measures. He'd actually visit as mom as soon as possible, just to rebalance the karmic scale.

 

"Have a good time," she said, already walking away. As she moved aside, Katsuki came into view in the space she'd just vacated—entering the common room in purposeful strides.

 

"Thanks," he replied, trying and failing to focus on her as his omega approached. "We'll see you tonight!"

 

"I'm not gonna see shit, I'm going to bed as soon as this shit show is over," Katsuki barked. Jirou laughed at him, and he flipped her off. "Well? Let's get this shit over with!"

 

Izuku held the door open for him as they exited, and he pushed down the cheesy smile as Katuski blushed. He didn't wanna get blown up before they'd made it to their date. That would just be stupid.

 

"So where are we going?" Kacchan grumbled, ears darkening as they made their way to the gate. If it were light out, Izuku would have been able to see the pretty pink blush. He couldn't help but love that he could make Kacchan feel flustered.

 

"It's a surprise," he grinned, bumping Kacchan's shoulder teasingly. Katsuki scowled at him, but it didn't look angry—just frustrated. It gave Izuku pause. "Do you actually want me to tell you?" he offered. "Would that make you more comfortable—"

 

"Shut the fuck up," he scoffed. "I just...ugh, come on." He started walking faster, and Izuku picked up his own pace to match him—concerned. He seemed agitated, and that wasn't exactly a good start to a date. His speed only increased after they cleared the UA gate, and he only slowed down once they were a block away from campus.

 

He drew to a stop once the gate was out of sight, glancing around to make sure nobody was watching. Izuku watched him in concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, trying to catch the omega's eye. "I really can tell you where we're going if you're worried—"

 

"I'm not fucking worried, I'm—ugh, just shut the fuck up and take this, goddammit!" he snapped.

 

Izuku raised his eyebrows as the omega pulled a coupon out of his pocket and handed it to him, his darkening blush illuminated by the street lamps.

 

Hold my hand.

 

His face split into a wide smile, stomach somersaulting. He held his hand out and couldn't contain the rumbling purr he let out when Kacchan reached out to interlace their fingers. Kacchan was holding his hand. He could feel himself tearing up, overwhelmingly happy, and didn't do anything to stop them from spilling over.

 

Kacchan was purring too, even as he scowled and snapped, "Fucking crybaby, we're just holding hands, you shitty little dork!"

 

"It's special!" he insisted, sniffling. "It's special because...you want to hold my hand, Kacchan!" He was going to be a blubbering mess, and they'd only been on this date for like ten minutes.

 

Kacchan's purring grew louder, and he rolled his eyes as though Izuku couldn't hear it. As though he couldn't tell that Katsuki was happy, too. "Fuckin' embarrassing," he muttered. "C'mon, lead the way, dumbass. I have no idea where we're going."

 

Katsuki's hand was warm, and it felt perfect. His heart fluttered, sure that Kacchan's hand fit perfectly in his grip, designed to be the ideal fit. He never wanted to let go. He loved the way the omega would squeeze his hand every few minutes as though he was testing the feel of their intertwined fingers, occasionally running his thumb across one of Izuku's scars.

 

Like he was trying to memorize the feeling of Izuku's hand in his. He wanted to melt. He wanted to float away, with only Kacchan's hand tethering him to the ground.

 

Katsuki liked it, too—as evidenced by the rumbling purr that hadn't ceased since he'd first given him the coupon. He'd been frustrated on campus because he wanted to hold his hand, but they hadn't been in private yet. Izuku could barely believe this was real.

 

They came to a stop outside a Thai restaurant, and Katsuki examined it—running a critical eye over the window dressings. "Wait here for a second," Izuku said, smiling softly as Kacchan frowned at him. "I'm gonna run in and get our food, then we'll keep going."

 

His frown turned suspicious. "We're not eating here?"

 

"Nope!"

 

He gave Katsuki a cheeky grin, only to get a scowl in return. Then, he realized he'd have to let go of Kacchan's hand if he wanted to go inside, and his smile faded.

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes. "You can hold my fucking hand again when you come back out, dumbass," he muttered. He didn't look particularly happy about letting go, either. Sighing, Izuku untangled their fingers. His hand felt unacceptably cold without Kacchan's.

 

That was probably the reason he was so terse and harried as he rushed inside the restaurant and asked for his order. It bordered on the edge of rude, but he managed to keep himself just enough in check to not make an ass of himself. Thankfully, the hostess was kind and understanding—handing him his takeout as fast as she could.

 

Katsuki extended his hand as soon as he made it back outside, and Izuku took it eagerly. "Dork," Katsuki purred, not even trying to hide the affection this time. Izuku adored him.

 

"Your dork," he teased, laughing when the omega slugged him in the shoulder. "Ow! Mean, Kacchan!"

 

Katsuki smiled, sharp and heart-stopping. "You like me that way. Now hurry the fuck up, I'm hungry."

 

They chatted as they walked—mostly discussing fumbles in yesterday's training. He very carefully avoided bringing up Ochako, unwilling to let her spoil his mood from afar. It was difficult, though, because after her talk with Aizawa, she'd come back upset. In training, she'd been a train wreck. But he didn't want to talk about that.

 

Instead, they focused in on Hanta, and how he'd found a creative way to utilize his quirk but needed to work on his execution. He'd tried to catch a training dummy that was posing as a civilian—creating a sort of spiderweb to make a net. Unfortunately, the contact points he'd chosen were unstable, and the training dummy had plummeted to its death. It had been a cool idea, but he definitely needed to practice.

 

When they arrived in their childhood neighborhood, Katsuki turned a suspicious glare on the side of his head. "The fuck are we doing here, Deku?" he growled.

 

"You'll see!"

 

"The 'visiting parents' bullshit was supposed to be bullshit, Deku. I'm warning you now, if I see my mother, I'm going to turn you into ground beef," he spat. Izuku raised an eyebrow.

 

"Why would I involve parents in a date night? Like, I'm hoping you'll want to kiss me at some point. Why would I want to do that in front of either of our mothers?" Katsuki scowled at him but seemed to relax. "We're almost there, just trust me for a sec."

 

"Fine," he huffed, squeezing his hand.

 

Izuku led them to a park—illuminated by lamplight. It was the park they used to play in when they were kids, and Katsuki's purring grew louder when he realized they were going inside.

 

"Give me a sec to set up," Izuku said as they got to the lawn. He could feel Katsuki's eyes on him as he set his bag down and pulled out a blanket—spreading it on the ground. He set out the food next, along with napkins, cutlery, and drinks he'd grabbed from the vending machine before he'd left campus. "Ready!" he declared, turning around to invite Kacchan to sit with him.

 

He came face-to-face with an outstretched hand, and another coupon—One Cheek Kiss. He smiled, stepping closer so he could lean in and press a lingering kiss to Katsuki's cheek. His scent was blooming up to meet him, rich and smoky caramel that was sweeter than normal. His omega was pleased with him.

 

"Sappy nerd," Katsuki murmured.

 

"Your sappy nerd," he happily agreed.

 

"Shut the fuck up with that, Jesus Christ," Katsuki barked, blushing furiously and shoving him away. Izuku grinned at him because no matter how embarrassed he was, he could tell that he loved the attention. He even loved the sappiness. He was purring like a motorcycle, and his scent was smoky and rich—getting more potent the happier Kacchan became. He fought the urge to preen.

 

"C'mon, I asked them to give me the spiciest thing on their menu," Izuku told him, pointing at one of the takeout boxes. Katsuki's box had little chili pepper stickers pressed on the outside—almost like a hazard warning.

 

Before he could sit down, though, Katsuki grabbed him by the shirt and yanked him back in. His heart stopped in his chest when he kissed him back—warm lips pressing into his cheek, his rattling purr vibrating directly into his skin. He crooned in delight, and Katsuki stepped even closer—brushing his nose over the top of his cheekbone.

 

"Thanks, Deku," he murmured. "This is great."

 

Great didn't even begin to cover it.

---

After dinner (which was fucking delicious—it burned the roof of his fucking mouth off), Deku stripped off his jacket and rolled it up—then the hoodie that he was wearing under the jacket.

 

"Put it back on, idiot, it's fuckin' cold!" he snapped, watching perplexed as the nerd balled up the fabric and dropped it onto the blanket. Sure, he was wearing a long-sleeve under it all, but they were still outside and it was still chilly as fuck.

 

"I'll be fine, I couldn't fit pillows in my bag," he explained as though it made sense. "So I wore layers! And you can choose which one you wanna use as a cushion," he said.

 

"Why the fuck would I use it as a cushion?"

 

Deku frowned up at him, face screwed up in confusion. He looked stupid and he hated that he found it cute. That was some fuckin' bullshit. Then, his face went red with embarrassment.

 

"Sorry, I guess I didn't explain what we're doing," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh, it's a clear night." He pointed up at the sky, and Katsuki followed it to find a perfectly starry sky. "I thought we could stargaze and talk."

 

It was so...Deku. Dorky and unique. He fiddled with the edge of a coupon in his pocket. Romantic as fuck, too. His heart squeezed in his chest. This literally couldn't be good for his health.

 

"Alright, nerd," Katsuki lowered himself onto the blanket, claiming Deku's hoodie as his pillow. The scent on his hoodie was heavier since it had been pressed up against him under his jacket. He reached into his pocket, then hesitated—not entirely sure if he actually wanted to do this. Emotional conversations weren't his forté.  "Mind if we use this?" he asked, blushing furiously.

 

He held out the coupon he'd been keeping in his pocket—Ten Things I Love About You. Izuku took it, reading it over as Katsuki settled onto his back, resting his head on his alpha's sweater. Deku looked down at him, blushing dark enough to mask his freckles. He almost felt sad about it—they were already hard enough to see in the dark.

 

"Of—of course, I don't mind," he replied, fumbling his words. Katsuki's eyebrows raised. Deku laid down next to him on his side to face him head-on, even as his cheeks burned.

 

Katsuki was slowly realizing that while Deku wanted everything in the coupon book, there were some things that made him more flustered than others. Overall, he was more ready for everything than Katsuki was, because he'd known how he felt way before Katsuki had even taken half a minute to consider it.

 

The only other time he'd stuttered was when Katsuki had asked him for love notes. Deku had blushed like this when Katsuki had told him that he'd need reinforcement jacks, and again when Katsuki asked him to scent his nest.

 

There had been other times, obviously, but it was most noticeable when...Katsuki gave him any hint that he wanted him. When Katsuki gave any indication that he cared about how he felt. God, that was fucking adorable. He was tempted to throw the coupon out the window and just spend the night kissing him instead.

 

"Get a move on, dork," he huffed.

 

"It'll be hard to stick to just ten, though," he teased.

 

Katsuki scowled, kicking his ankle as his cheeks burned hotter. "You fucking suck!"

 

"Sorry," he laughed, writhing out of the way of the second kick. "But you're easy to love, Kacchan." He said it all soft and shy, and Katsuki honestly wanted to hit him just so that he'd stop looking at him like that. Like he was the best thing on the planet. Ugh.

 

It was hard to believe, though. Katsuki knew what he was like. Yeah, he was gonna dominate as a hero, but—as much as he hated the reminder—he wasn't a picture-perfect omega. He was harsh and grating, and kind of a dick. He knew that. God, he'd spent years trying to make Deku feel small. And yet, here the idiot was, courting him. Really putting his masochism on display.

 

He startled when Izuku took his hand, twining their fingers back together and shuffling closer. There was a serious look in his eye all of a sudden, and he was uncomfortably reminded that nobody knew how to read him as easily as Deku could. "You didn't get a coupon for that," he grumbled. Deku squeezed his hand.

 

"I'll let go if you want," he offered. There was a weight in his words that made his stomach twist. He'd probably do anything that Katsuki wanted, and there was something terrifying about that. Alpha cares about us, his omega whispered. Takes such good care of us. Keeps us safe and comfortable. Good alpha.

 

He didn't need his base instincts to know that shit. It was crystal-fucking-clear, thank you.

 

"Nah, it's fine," he muttered, squeezing back. "Go on, nerd. Romance me."

 

A steely determination crossed his face, and Katsuki was reminded again that courting wasn't just dating. It was the process of proving that you were a good mate—someone you could be with for the rest of your life. It wasn't fate, it wasn't easy. It didn't just fall together, and there wasn't one perfect mate for every person. That was just a myth cooked up by romance novels and soap operas.

 

Katsuki was base-compatible with a lot of people. Deku was, too. Their scents called to a variety of people and a variety called to them. That's why courting mattered. Filtering out the noise of your baser instincts while still acknowledging them. Getting to know somebody as a partner instead of as the pup-making parts that appealed to their subgenders.

 

Izuku's eyes searched his face for a moment, before he reached up with his free hand to brush back the hair on Katsuki's forehead. He willed himself not to jerk back. He really wasn't used to this much physical affection.

 

"You're beautiful," he began, studying Katsuki intently. "I know that sounds shallow, but it's true. Sometimes I look at you and I can't decide where to look. I can't even breathe. Even when you make ugly faces to throw people off—"

 

"Oi!" he barked.

 

Izuku chuckled before continuing. "You can change the paint, but not the architecture. You're...kind of a masterpiece."

 

Katsuki's face was burning, but there was something warm in his veins—making his heart feel liquid. He'd heard people call him hot or sexy. He'd heard them call him ugly or scary.

 

But his alpha thought he was beautiful.

 

"That's one," he murmured. Izuku nodded, a little dazed. Katsuki's scent was heavy on the air, and there wasn't really anything he could do about it. Luckily, they were outside. It would have been a lot more potent in a confined space.

 

"Two," Deku said, recapturing his attention. "I love the way you smile when you think nobody's looking. That soft one that you get when you're actually happy or pleased. I love that smile because it means you're happy. I missed it for a really long time."

 

He was cupping Katsuki's face now, running a thumb over the edge of his cheekbone.  "I love the look you get in your eyes when you're passionate about something. That's the third thing. You get so focused and your eyes go all intense and bright and I can't help but get excited with you. Maybe I just love your eyes in general," he breathed, gazing into them.

 

Katsuki shuffled closer, bringing Deku's wrist up to his throat. "Keep going, tell me how amazing I am," he goaded, rubbing Deku's wrist into his scent gland. He purred loudly as their scents mingled. Deku scowled at him, but it was distracted and half-hearted—enraptured by his own notes of mahogany and vanilla meeting Katsuki's caramel and smoke.

 

"You're s-so," he breathed deep, refocusing. Katsuki smirked, proud that he could drive him to distraction. "So strong and self-assured. Your confidence in yourself is inspirational, Kacchan. You know what you want and what you can do, and you don't accept less than the best for yourself. You demand what you deserve."

 

Katsuki's eyes bored into his, as he said, "Damn right, I do. That's four."

 

Deku's eyes darkened and his scent shifted—growing pleased and possessive. It was a shade away from the claiming scent he'd marked Katsuki's courting blanket with, and Katsuki's pulse picked up its pace in response. When he started talking again, his voice came out rougher and Katsuki fought the urge to move closer so that he could feel it in his bones.

 

"You're unapologetically yourself," he continued. "You don't let anybody water you down, and I'm glad. You're unique—brash and bold. I love that even when people try to shape you, you refuse to bend. And you always give 100% to everything you do. You're the best because you never rest on your laurels—you give everything your undivided attention, whether it's training, or cooking, or homework. I love it most when you give your undivided attention to spend time with me."

 

Katsuki winced as Izuku's wrist pressed a little too firmly into his scent gland—sensitive from stimulation, now. Tomorrow, it would probably be a little inflamed. Izuku's eyes widened, and he eased the pressure—moving to withdraw his arm. Katsuki held fast. "The fuck do you think you're doing?"

 

"I'm...getting a little out of control," he admitted. Katsuki did not pout. He frowned.

 

"Fine," he grumbled, letting Deku's wrist fall away from his throat. He didn't let go of his hand though, and he gave Deku a ferocious scowl, insinuating minor violence if he tried to untangle their fingers. "That was six."

 

"Seven," he smiled, squeezing Katsuki's hand again. "I love how you care about people in your own special way. You hide it behind shouting and threats, but we can all see how far you go for the people you care about. I love that you drag people up with you. That you show people what they mean to you with actions. It's why I never gave up on you."

 

That hit harder than Katsuki would have liked—blinking rapidly as his eyes stung and swallowing around the lump in his throat. His actions told Deku that he cared? He'd made his life fucking miserable for years, how the fuck did that show him he cared?

 

"I love the way you make me feel—challenged and supported at the same time," he moved on, eyeing Katsuki carefully. He was too observant. That stupid fight on Ground Beta had unlocked a new level of understanding, and now Deku always seemed to know what he was thinking—even if he didn't say it out loud. "You push me to be better, and you encourage me when I stumble. You're my obstacle and my goal all at once."

 

Katsuki scooted closer again, winding their legs together. Deku flushed at the gesture, breath catching in his throat. "You got two more?" he smirked, cursing himself his lips trembled.

 

"I probably have a hundred," he chuckled. "I guess the ninth thing is that...we share so much history. We share so much in general. You're the one person I can come to with anything because I know you'll get it. I can talk to you about everything—and our shared interests and experiences and lives...it brings us closer. Nobody knows me like you, and I'd like to think it goes both ways."

 

Katsuki nodded. "It does."

 

And that was true. Izuku knew how he felt about courting because he'd had a lifetime to know Katsuki. He'd come to learn how he thought, and clearly knew how to cater to it in ways he'd never even considered.

 

"And that kinda leads me to the last one," he murmured. His gaze was still dark, pupils dilated. There was something else there, though. Utter adoration. Butterflies erupted in Katsuki's stomach, and he wished he could digest them. Fuckin' embarrassing.

 

"I've always been able to trust you with the most important parts of me. Even when we were at odds, I felt like I could share anything with you and trust you with it. Even when I thought you hated me, I knew you'd never use my soft spots against me. When my dad left, when I realized I liked boys, when I couldn't handle One For All, all of it. I knew I could come to you with it."

 

"We were at odds because I couldn't support your dreams," he muttered. "You trusted me with that, and I shit all over it."

 

"Except I was actually listening," he replied with a knowing smile. He brought his free hand back up to cup his cheek and Katsuki felt so fucking soft. So vulnerable. "It wasn't that you thought I couldn't be a hero—you thought I'd get killed doing it. I heard you at the quirk assessment. Even though I'd gotten in, you still thought I was quirkless until you saw it for yourself." Katsuki's eyes widened, realizing that he was right. Izuku's smile faded a bit, and he continued. "You were afraid, too. You thought that if I applied, they might choose me over you because I'm an alpha, even though I was quirkless."

 

And fuck it all, he was right about that, too. Despite how much progress had been made, omegas were still viewed as soft and malleable. Omega acceptance rates to hero schools were dishearteningly low.

 

Deku's hand fell away and Katsuki bit back a whine. He actually did whine when Deku started rolling onto his back—further away from him. He reached out and grabbed his shoulder, pinning him in place. He didn't really need to since as soon as Katsuki sounded distressed, Deku had turned right back over to crowd into his space—eyes searching his hastily to see what was wrong.

 

Alpha is attentive.

 

"What the fuck are you doing?" he snapped. He flinched at the mournful croon underneath his voice.

 

"Um...stargazing?" he replied absently, confused but too focused on Katsuki to really register it.

 

"It's my turn, Alpha." He put as much decadent omega crooning into those four words as he could without dying of embarrassment. It served its intended purpose, though, and Deku went rigid—eyes snapping to his.

 

"Y-your—huh?" he stuttered, low and raspy—barely hearing his words over the sound of his croon. "Your turn for wh—" he stopped, breath catching in his throat. Then, his face went brick red, and he yanked his hands away to cover his face. Katsuki scowled at him, upset at the cold air against his palm where Deku's hand had been two seconds ago. "Me? You're gonna—me? Oh god, I don't know if I can—you don't have to, and I wasn't really expecting you to—"

 

"Oi, shut the fuck up," Katsuki snapped, blushing. Again. He tugged on Deku's arm, trying to pull his hands away from his face. Deku whined as his burning cheeks were revealed, his eyes squeezed shut. "C'mon, nerd, look at me." He sounded petulant, even to his own ears. Reluctantly, Deku squinted at him as though looking at him directly would be blinding.

 

"You wanna tell me...ten things you love about me?" he asked, sounding strained. Katsuki nodded. Tears sprang to the idiot's eyes, and his heart clenched in his chest—so tight that he thought it might burst. He was this stacked alpha badass and was somehow the cutest motherfucker on the planet. "Okay, cool. Cool, that's fine," he babbled.

 

Despite the fact that he was clearly flustered, his scent was sweeter than ever. Not to be dramatic, but Katsuki wanted to suck it out of his throat himself.

 

"You have never seen me as weak," he began, purring at the way Deku's face darkened even more. He was blushing so hard that in the dark his face looked purple. "And you've never tried to make me feel weak. So many idiots thought that they could push me around when I presented, and you never even tried. You're the only fucking person who deserved to, and you didn't."

 

"You're—"

 

Katsuki cut him off, slapping a hand over his mouth. "I'm bad at this shit so shut up and let me finish." Izuku's eyelashes fluttered like some flustered fucking princess, and his heart hammered against his ribcage. He nodded, and Katsuki pulled his hand away. "I l-love," he choked around the word, his face hot enough to melt rock. "The way you see the good in me. I know I've got shit to work on, and you know it, too. Some people only see the bad shit about me. You've never been that way."

 

Deku's jaw clenched like he had to physically restrain himself from speaking. Instead, he held out his wrist so that Katsuki could take it—a low, rumbling purr rattling both of them when he rubbed circles into the alpha's scent gland.

 

"You're kind to people who aren't kind to you," he continued, holding Deku's gaze. "I used to hate that about you. That you were so intensely good. But then, I was so fucking grateful for it. And now, I love it. You're so fucking compassionate when people don't deserve it, but it's not about what they deserve—it's about who you are. And I hope you know that you don't have to take shit from shitty people, but I'm in fucking awe of the way you treat them with kindness. You're the proof that good people exist, and it's not just for show."

 

Deku's mouth dropped open—just enough to make him look stupid. Wide-eyed and shell-shocked. Dork. His heart leapt to his throat at the starry-eyed expression, but he powered through. If he didn't get through it now, it would take him months to rack up this momentum again. He hated touchy-feely shit, but Deku deserved to hear it.

 

"You never give up. No matter what the odds are, you always keep fighting and pushing. Whether it's heroics, or understanding Hound Dog's unintelligible barking, or being in my life. You fight for the things you want and you don't back down."

 

"Learned that one from you," Deku told him seriously, taking Katsuki's hand and bringing it to his neck. Katsuki shuddered at the feeling of Deku's purring in his fingertips. "You inspire me."

 

"This is about you, dumbass," he tried to snap, scowling harder when it came out as a throaty chirp. He really needed to figure out how to control that—those instinctive omegan noises that exposed what he was feeling.

 

But then again, if it earned him the look on Deku's face, maybe he'd just let it happen. If knowing how Katsuki felt made Deku that pleased—that emotional—he'd be willing to get used to the discomfort. Besides, Katsuki wanted to be comfortable enough with him that he didn't feel embarrassed for feeling the shit he felt.

 

"You're so fucking thoughtful that it makes me wanna strangle you," Katsuki said, still running his wrist over Deku's throat. He smirked at the startled flinch and outright cackled when Deku's hand snapped to Katsuki's arm as though he was getting ready to fight against spontaneous strangulation.

 

"Strangle?" he cried.

 

"Sometimes you do shit for me for no reason, and it feels like the floor is falling out from under me. You do it for other people too. Buying lunch for Sparkplug when the idiot forgets his wallet. Giving Shitty Hair notes when he's feeling insecure about his fighting style. Going to the store to buy face masks and chocolate for Pinky and Cheeks when they've had a bad day. It makes me feel like I'm fighting for my fucking life, and it kinda makes me wanna squeeze the life outta you."

 

"Ah, affectionate strangling. That's...still scary, but better," he allowed, settling. He kept his hand on Katsuki's arm, though, just in case. Katsuki snickered.

 

"Please, if I strangled you, you'd love it," he jeered, pressing his wrist down a little harder. Deku's grip tightened, letting out a low warning growl. It did something funny to his stomach, and he wondered if (in addition to doing a mating run) they'd end up fighting for dominance, just like everything else they did. That shit sounded exhilarating. "Fuckin' masochist."

 

Deku paused for a moment before a small smile slid across his face—somehow sly and hesitant at once. "Is that something else you love about me?" he teased, tone dark. Katsuki's face flooded with heat, and he used his free hand to pinch Deku's side punitively, relishing his startled yelp.

 

"Fuck you. No," he huffed. Face still hot, he let himself settle, before he said, "You're a huge fucking dork and I hate how endearing it is to see you get really excited about the nerdiest bullshit. You're so passionate about the things that matter to you, or even just the shit that interests you. I fucking love seeing your eyes light up because you're excited about something. It's stupidly cute how you physically can't contain that enthusiasm, too. You'll just ramble at the nearest person until their ears bleed, and then you'll find the next person. I love that you've started to come to me with that shit first, because you know I'll listen and learn."

 

"Kacchan," Deku uttered as tears sprang to his eyes, but Katsuki had more to say.

 

"I love how fucking smart you are. You're constantly thinking and learning, and it's fucking captivating. I love the way your brain works—constantly absorbing and problem-solving. I love how that translates into hero shit, because it means you're the only person who can really keep up with me. You're the only person who's constantly learning and improving. And it's not just hero shit, either. It's everything. There isn't a single fact on the goddamn planet you don't find interesting, and that's...fuck, it's kinda hot."

 

Deku turned his head, nuzzling into his wrist as his own scent pushed outward—steeping Katsuki in a wave of ill-concealed desire. "You're really getting my emotions mixed up here, Kacchan," he complained. He may have a point since he was still crying from the sappy sentiments alongside his brand-new horny vibe. The duality of a man.

 

"It's about to get worse," he admitted, chuckling. "I love that you come off all soft and sweet, but you're actually a feral psycho just under the surface. Every time somebody underestimates you because you choose to be kind, I get excited because I know they're gonna find out what you're really like. Just because you're kind doesn't mean you're a pushover. And you're competitive and argumentative—"

 

"I'm competitive and argumentative? Have you met yourself—"

 

"Shut the fuck up," he laughed. "You're just as bad as me, you're just nicer about it. And as soon as someone crosses the line—hurts someone you love or someone who can't defend themselves—the gloves are fuckin' off. Gotta admit, over the last month I've caught myself tempted to rile you up just so that you try to rock my shit."

 

"Kacchan," he choked. "Do you have any idea what you're doing to me right now?"

 

Katsuki ran a thumb across his scent gland. "I have an idea," he murmured, basking in the rich, heady scent that was coming off him now. Deku shuffled closer, and their legs intertwined more. Katsuki could feel the heat coming off his body, combatting the chill of the night air. "I love your scent," he said. Deku crooned in delight, and Katsuki melted into him. "It drives me fucking crazy. I can't believe you managed to hide it from me. It makes me feel wanted and safe and shit. I want to flaunt it in front of all our idiot classmates, but I also wanna keep it to myself. The idea of someone else smelling this makes me fucking furious."

 

A heated rumble passed through Deku's frame, and Katsuki's omega stood up at attention. Alpha likes when we're possessive, it crooned in the back of his mind. Wants to be ours.

 

"Tenth thing," he murmured. Deku's eyes fixed on his—irises eclipsed by his pupils. There was a flush across his nose and cheeks and his mouth was slack like he was trying to taste Katsuki's scent on the air. It was kinda pathetic, but in a way that made Katsuki feel so fucking desired that Katsuki relished it. God, Deku wanted him. The thought still managed to take him by surprise.

 

"I love how fucking brave you are," he told him. Deku's eyes widened. "I hate it sometimes, too, because you throw yourself headlong into danger without using that big fucking brain of yours, but most of the time I love it. Fucking awe-inspiring. It pushes me to be better and get out of my comfort zone. I'm so fucking glad you were brave enough to court me, Deku. That shit couldn't have been easy considering that I've given you a hard time for stupider shit before. But I never would have noticed how...good this is, because I've always been focused on one thing. I'm so fucking glad you were brave enough to give this to me."

 

"Please let me kiss you," Deku pleaded before he'd even finished his sentence. "Please, you're being romantic, I need to kiss you—"

 

Katsuki smirked shakily, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a coupon—waving it in front of Deku's face. His alpha snatched it, reading it over hungrily. His intensity was breathtaking and a moment later, the alpha's hand was threading into his hair and the 'Long kiss—closed mouth' was lost somewhere between them on the picnic blanket.

 

Deku kissed him hard, and it knocked the breath out of Katsuki's lungs. His wrists were swiping over Katsuki's neck and shoulder and waist—scenting him thoroughly. It filled him with a stupid amount of omegan pride to know that he'd affected his alpha so thoroughly—Deku crooning into the kiss as he pushed forward, settling Katsuki onto his back and hovering over him.

 

Katsuki wrapped his arms around his neck, hand threading through his curls and tugging on them just to wring little warning growls from Izuku's throat. God, Deku's weight felt good on top of him, and the nerd was whining against his mouth as they molded together.

 

"I love you so much," Deku muttered as he pulled back, pushing two more short, unsanctioned kisses onto his lips before he separated. Katsuki blinked at him, dazed. "I'm glad I was brave enough, too."

---

His heart was full.

 

He could spend an infinite number of evenings kissing Kacchan under the stars, telling him how much he loved him and in how many different ways that love took place. Every few minutes, the omega had handed him the Long Kiss coupon, and Izuku's lips were swollen from it. He wanted to kiss Katsuki until he ran out of oxygen. And Kacchan liked kissing him, too.

 

He was so happy, it was a miracle he wasn't sobbing. He didn't think his body could hold this many feelings for an extended period of time. He wished he could start the date over again, just so he could experience it again and take some extra time to savor it.

 

Katsuki wanted him. There were things about him that Katsuki loved. He'd said them out loud. Katsuki said how he felt through action, so the fact that he'd said it out loud—god, he could swoon. Kacchan wanted him to know how he felt enough to ignore his discomfort. Despite the fact that his face had gone red and he'd tripped over words, he'd said it.

 

And suddenly, there were ten things about himself that he was proud of. Things that had wormed their way into Kacchan's heart. There were parts of him that Kacchan loved. He couldn't help but love those parts of himself more than the rest, now.

 

"You better love all of yourself, you shitty dork," he snapped, pulling him to a stop with a ferocious scowl. He squeezed Izuku's hand, so tight that it was almost painful. Kinda like a threat. That's right, Katsuki Bakugou had given him, Izuku Midoriya, the handholding coupon again. Kacchan liked holding his hand. "I only told you ten reasons, you got no idea what else I'm into."

 

His heart thudded in his chest—blood pounding in his ears as his alpha crooned. Omega wants us, his alpha celebrated, while Izuku sported a stupid grin; unfairly happy that there were more than ten things that Katsuki loved about him. It didn't feel like real life. It felt so much better.

 

"Get over here, idiot," he muttered, tugging him closer. He pulled a coupon out of his pocket again—shoving it into Izuku's chest. Before Izuku had a chance to read it, Katsuki leaned up just enough to kiss him again—crashing their lips together with a contented sigh. Izuku gripped his waist to stabilize himself—letting his omega take what he wanted.

 

And Kacchan wanted to kiss him. He was sorely tempted to fist-pump. Or give himself a high-five.

 

"C'mon," Kacchan demanded, pulling back and putting the coupon that Izuku hadn't even looked at back in his pocket. "It's cold as shit."

 

"Okay, Kacchan," he replied, wearing a dazed smile. Katsuki snorted, tugging him along. His hand was warm and perfect and Izuku wanted to weld their hands together. If Kacchan didn't need his hands to fight, he'd ask Awase to do just that.

 

Kacchan let go of his hand once the UA gate came into view, and Izuku whined out loud. His omega raised an unimpressed eyebrow but there was a blush on his face, and he was flexing his hand the entire walk back to Height's Alliance—like he was stopping himself from reaching out to grab him again.

 

Katsuki was telling him (with a significant amount of irritation) about how he'd caught Mina and Eijirou 'fuckin' in the goddamn laundry room' when they finally made it inside. He bemoaned the fact that the fourth-floor laundry room smelled like gross horny alpha pheromones and slick as they entered the common room.

 

The lights were still on—it was the weekend so of course, most of the class was still awake. Kacchan ignored them, trudging toward the elevators as he spoke, and Izuku followed after him. He saw Uraraka sitting next to Mina out of the corner of his eye but didn't look at her—only nodding in greeting when he saw Eijirou and Hanta.

 

The room smelled sour, and Izuku's nose wrinkled against it. He watched as Kacchan's nostrils flared, then his shoulders bunched up. His pace toward the elevator sped up, eager to get the smell of Ochako's distress out of his nose. For it to be prevalent in a room so large, she must have been in the common room for a while. Part of him wanted to feel bad for her, but it wasn't his fault that she'd set expectations for him that he'd never indicated that he'd meet.

 

Besides, he'd just gone on a date with Kacchan. He didn't really have the brain space for anything else—too overwhelmingly happy to be distracted for more than a moment. Hell, he'd never been able to take his attention off Kacchan for long.

 

They got in the elevator, and Katsuki hit the button for the fourth floor—frowning when Izuku didn't press the button for his floor. "The fuck're you doing?"

 

Izuku smiled at him, wide and adoring. "It's a date, Kacchan!" he explained, a little quieter now that they were home. "I'm walking you to your door!"

 

Katsuki blushed, pretty eyes widening. They were hidden a moment later when he ducked his head, and his arm flailed out to deliver a sharp jab to Izuku's stomach. "Considerate, romantic bullshit," he muttered, annoyed but in a flustered way.

 

"You wanna come in and hang out some more?" Katsuki asked when they were in front of his door. Izuku studied his face, heart melting. He looked tired—already up past his typical bedtime—but was offering to stay up later for him.

 

"I think I'm gonna head to bed," he smiled softly. "I think we're both tired, and we're supposed to go on a run in the morning." Katsuki nodded but looked petulant about it. "Goodnight, Kacchan."

 

He turned to leave, but Katsuki caught his arm. "Wait," he demanded. "Come inside for a sec."

 

Curious, Izuku tilted his head, but followed him inside—waiting dutifully by the door as he rifled through his desk. He pulled out the coupon book and pulled out two coupons. He held them out and Izuku took them, expecting the Scent Me and One Hug coupons. That's how Kacchan had been ending most of their nights, after all. He was half right.

 

His heart leapt to his throat when he read them.

 

Scenting kiss—wrist.

 

One Hug.

 

He could feel his heartbeat in all of his extremities. Scenting kisses weren't risqué, but they were intimate. Lips were sensitive and scent glands were sensitive so scenting kisses were a sensory experience that covered three of the five senses in most scenarios; and four of the five in hornier situations. But Kacchan was ready for this, so it was fine.

 

Totally fine.

 

His heart wasn't racing as he took Katsuki's wrist, and he wasn't salivating as he pulled it up to his lips. He wasn't weak at the knees at the sound of Kacchan's purring or the gleam of nervous excitement in his eyes.

 

He was lying. All of those things were happening, and his alpha was going insane—biting at his self-restraint like a wild animal. Katsuki chirped at him plaintively, asking him to get on with it without using the words.

 

He brushed his lips over Katsuki's wrist—the scent of his omega pouring out point-blank, flooding his senses as the warmth of Kacchan's skin warmed his lips. He could feel his omega's pulse as he brushed his mouth over his scent gland, and Katsuki gasped at the sensation—his smoky-sweet scent going heavy and aroused as he started to purr.

 

He startled when Katsuki grabbed his free hand and brought it to his neck—rubbing it over his mating gland before bringing it to his own mouth—pressing his lips firmly into his pulse point. Izuku's knees nearly buckled, stumbling forward to get closer to his omega and inhaling his scent greedily.

 

"S'enough," Katsuki mumbled without pulling away from his wrist. Izuku took his word as law, though—pulling away immediately and letting Kacchan take his arm back. The omega scented him back, running his wrist over his neck and shoulders in broad, lazy stripes—lips still brushing against Izuku's scent gland and sending jolts of electricity down his spine.

 

He'd never been harder in his entire life, but he was too focused on Kacchan to think about it—watching hungrily as he nuzzled along the vein and worked Izuku's scent onto his cheeks and jaw. By the time he pulled back, his cheeks were flushed and his pupils were blown. He was panting, too—breathing like he'd run a mile and purring so hard that his shoulders were shaking.

 

It was the most beautiful sight that he'd ever seen.

 

"I'm gonna go before I do something stupid," Izuku rasped. He held his arms out. "But first, I owe you a hug."

 

Katsuki stepped into his grip, burying his face in Izuku's shoulder. "Thanks for tonight, Deku," he muttered. Izuku glanced down, watching as his ears slowly turned pink. "It was...really good."

 

Stepping back, he smiled. It was shaky and overwhelmed, but genuine. "I'm glad," he said, stepping out of the room. "I had an amazing time. I always have an amazing time with you."

 

He expected Kacchan to tell him to fuck off, like he'd been doing all night. Instead, he blushed harder, heated gaze going soft. "I do too," he admitted. "Goodnight, Alpha."

 

He slammed the door before Izuku could respond, and Izuku stared at his door for a moment—heart pounding. He made it all the way to his room before he registered what had happened. The emotions and intimacy that the night had gifted him.

 

Emotional, aroused, and overwhelmed—Izuku smiled helplessly. How would he ever get to sleep after a night like this?

Notes:

hey guys! I don't have a posting schedule, but to get a better idea of when i'll be posting chapters for ANY of my fics, make sure you follow me on twitter/instagram (@queenswagzilla) <3

Chapter 14: Gravity

Katsuki's stomach kept flipping the fuck over, and he was honestly surprised he hadn't blown something up yet. Every step he took forward felt like he was walking blind, waiting for the ground to give out—and even if Deku caught him he'd still feel that awful pit in his stomach as he fell.

 

It was worth the risk, though. Ever since the stupid scenting kiss he'd felt like he was on fire, and he needed Deku's stupid mouth on his every stupid moment of every stupid day. Fucking stupid. He felt like he was being pulled toward Deku by gravity—unable to help himself from seeking the alpha out.

 

He couldn't seem to stop himself from seeking out affection, even though it made his skin crawl to ask for it. The satisfaction he got from the affection and adoration that Deku gave him outweighed his discomfort by miles.

 

At least he knew that Deku wanted him, too. Deku wanted more from him. He wanted as much as Katsuki did at any given moment, and Katsuki was so fucking grateful for how reassuring that was. That no matter where he was standing, Deku was right there to meet him.

 

Fuck, romance was so gross. But here he was—heart racing, stomach flipping, and waiting until he was sure Deku was back in his room so that he could ambush him. Again. Because ever since their stupid date in that stupid park where he'd unloaded his stupid feelings, he'd been taking every single spare moment to corner the nerd and kiss him stupid.

 

He checked the clock again, heart fluttering when he realized that it was finally time. Fuck him for offering to tutor Invisalign in English, even if it did give him the time to finish his homework before being mentally consumed by Deku's mouth. And physically consumed by Deku's mouth.

 

He had to figure out how to stop thinking about Deku's mouth. It was becoming a problem.

 

He made his way to Deku's room with a new coupon clutched in his hand. He barely had to knock once before the nerd ripped the door open, grinning from ear to ear.

 

"The fuck are you so happy about?" he snapped, shoving his way inside.

 

"Seeing you," he replied, completely unashamed. Katsuki flushed but held his wrist out and Deku took it—bringing it to his neck with a throaty purr. "I was hoping you'd still be awake when I was done."

 

He might have been spoiling the nerd with affection in his quest to spoil himself. He could practically see Deku's imaginary tail wagging every time he laid eyes on him, and it was unfairly adorable. He never got tired of Katsuki—in fact, the more he sought the alpha out, the more Deku seemed to crave him.

 

Of course, he could just be a horny little perv. He wasn't exactly mad at that either, though.

 

"You have fifteen minutes before I'm ditching you and going the fuck to sleep," Katsuki huffed, blush darkening as he finally sucked up the courage to use the coupon in his hand. "Here."

 

Izuku took it, purr deepening as his eyes darkened and his cheeks flushed.

 

French Kiss.

 

Katsuki loved watching his freckled cheeks darken when he blushed. Visual proof that his alpha wanted him—that he was excited by something as simple as kissing him.

 

With one hand still pressing Katsuki's wrist into his mating gland, Deku cupped his face and pulled him closer. He kissed him slowly, just as gentle and fucking reverent as he always was—in a way that made Katsuki feel disgustingly precious. His knees went weak (fucking embarrassing) when Deku coaxed his mouth open, and let out a shaky moan when his tongue swiped across his bottom lip.

 

It felt all-consuming—with each move of his lips, Deku's tongue darted out to meet his, more and more until it felt like he was being devoured and his whole body felt like it was melting. He could feel himself purring more than he could hear it—the sound muffled by his pounding pulse.

 

He raked his hand through Deku's thick curls, and his heart stuttered at the hungry moan that spilled into his mouth—purring harder as his alpha's hand dropped to his waist to pull him closer while the other cradled the back of his neck.

 

He could feel Deku's dick pressing into him, half hard, but the respectful motherfucker didn't do anything about it—content to just kiss him deep and languid like Katsuki was the greatest thing he'd ever tasted in his shitty little life.

 

It felt good, though—so Katsuki understood. It made his blood burn, heat pooling in his gut as his heart raced. He wanted to kiss Deku until they were fucking skeletons. The hot slide of his tongue made him clench and tremble, and he wrapped his arms around Deku's neck to drag him closer, needing more.

 

He whined when Deku pulled back, chasing his lips and pulling him back for more. Deku purred, pressing soft, short kisses to his mouth—clearly winding them down. Taking care of his limit, and making sure he got what he wanted—nothing more, nothing less.

 

"That was amazing," he said between kisses. "Wanna kiss you forever."

 

"Then why the fuck did you stop?" he huffed, kissing him harder. Taking more than he'd asked for. Deku didn't mind him going for more, but he never crossed the line himself. "C'mon, Alpha, kiss me."

 

Deku didn't need convincing, scent blooming thick and heavy as he kissed him again, running a hand down his back as their tongues tangled. He honestly thought it'd be gross, but it was fucking hot. His scent was aroused and pleased, and Katsuki wanted to drown in him. Every pass of his tongue knocked the breath from his lungs, and it was addictive.

 

He let himself get lost in it, drinking the rumbling growls and delighted moans and feeling them drip down his throat. It felt like he couldn't get close enough, and it was driving him crazy.

 

His back pressed up against the door and Katsuki startled. He hadn't even noticed he was moving, too wrapped up in Deku's scent and hungry, burning mouth. Fuck. Deku squeezed his waist and Katsuki arched up into him, thighs parting as Deku's leg slid between them. He was hard too, and he could feel himself slicking as his alpha's body pressed into him.

 

Reluctantly, he broke away. His heart was pounding and Deku's scent was nearly oppressive with desire. "Fuck," he gasped as Deku dropped his face into Katsuki's neck, hot breath washing over his mating gland. "Ease up, Deku," he uttered, even as his knees buckled.

 

Deku's hand tightened on his waist, and he pulled back, resting his forehead on Katsuki's shoulder as he reigned himself in. His lips felt swollen and his omega whined in his skull, wanting more. For a moment, he wondered why he was bothering to take it slow, especially since Deku wanted him so fucking badly.

 

The alpha looked up and his eyes were black, lips pink and puffy and his face flushed with desire. "Sorry, Kacchan," he rasped. Katsuki chirped at him, pressing a kiss to his jaw.

 

"Don't be," he mumbled, biting into the junction where Deku's jaw met his neck. The alpha let off a warning growl. "S'fuckin' hot."

 

Deku turned his head, capturing his lips again—gentler this time. Sweeter in a way that made him want to melt into an omegan mess. He pulled back again and Katsuki frowned. "I'm glad you liked it," Deku said, nose trailing over his cheek. "I always kinda worry that I'll do something wrong."

 

Katsuki snorted, and Deku pulled away to raise an eyebrow at him. The omega gave him an amused smirk—probably diminished by the flush on his face and the dazed look in his eyes. It was ridiculous that the idiot was worried when he was sweeping Katsuki off his goddamn feet. He was so fucking respectful and attentive that Katsuki constantly wanted to meet him halfway.

 

He wanted to spend every fucking minute of the day with him. He wanted to kiss him until their lips fell off and go to sleep buried in his scent. He wanted to hold his perfect, fucked up hand. And this idiot was afraid that he'd do something wrong?

 

Rolling his eyes, he leaned up again, kissing his cheek.

 

Pulling away with an embarrassing blush, he muttered, "You don't have shit to worry about. Except keeping me awake, shithead. I'm fucking leaving."

 

He could still hear Deku chuckling when he slammed the door behind him.

---

Izuku had never been this happy in his life. He'd also never been so overwhelmed. The knowledge that Katsuki wanted him so much that his lips had started to chap from kissing was inarguably overwhelming. Good, of course, but holy shit.

 

His omega had been getting more and more comfortable with physical intimacy, too. That's why Izuku had come up with the coupons in the first place—so that Katsuki could approach him on his own terms. He hadn't expected them to get so much exercise, though. He'd honestly thought it would take a year to get this far, not a month and a half.

 

God, he loved Kacchan so much. Knowing that he was making his omega happy made him want to burst into tears every time he showed up, bashfully holding out a new coupon. Kacchan. Bashful. He knew he'd probably describe it as 'hesitant' or 'embarrassed,' but there was usually a blush on his face and he didn't seem ashamed of the action—rather, he seemed nervous and awkward about asking.

 

So, yeah. Bashful, but still there and still asking him for affection because he liked it when Izuku gave him affection. It felt like a dream.

 

"You're not paying attention to me, are you?" Hitoshi sighed. Izuku's eyes snapped to his, wide and guilty. "I didn't think so. You've been spacing out a lot lately. You good?"

 

"I'm fine!" he promised with a wobbly smile. "I'm just...distracted."

 

Hitoshi raised an eyebrow. "You don't say."

 

"Sorry," he chuckled. "What were you saying?"

 

"I was saying that Blasty is staring at you like he's gonna murder you."

 

Izuku perked up, head whipping around to find the omega. Katsuki was staring directly at him, eyes narrowed and calculating. He was pink in the face, absently nodding at whatever Eijirou was saying, but keeping his eyes fixed on him.

 

He was planning something.

 

"Oh, he's not mad," Izuku said, turning back around. "He's thinking, that's all. Whatever it is must be making him nervous, though. He looks anxious."

 

"He looks anxious?" Hitoshi demanded. "He looks like he's gonna strip your skin off like string cheese."

 

Uh...the way things were going, it would probably be his clothes being peeled off, not his skin. He relished the thought. But still, "That's a disturbing visual," he commented lightly.

 

"So is the look on his face, Izuku," he replied seriously. Izuku raised an eyebrow. He only sounded slightly concerned but considering that he usually sounded completely apathetic, he must be pretty worried. "You sure he's not pissed at you?"

 

Izuku thought about it. He had been known to irritate Kacchan by accident in the past, so it wasn't completely impossible. But he also knew the look on his face, so he was pretty sure that he was safe.

 

"Pretty sure, yeah," he smiled, serene. "He probably wants to...try out a new combo move or something."

 

That was one way to put it.

 

Hitoshi looked at him in disgust. "Do you two think of anything else? It's lunch time, think of food, for fuck's sake."

 

"And that's why we're top of the class," he teased, chuckling as the beta flipped him off.

 

Izuku spent the rest of the day waiting. He was at the edge of his seat, a captive audience to Katsuki's consideration—watching from the corner of his eye as the omega circled him, making his decisions carefully before asking for what he wanted.

 

He wanted to give Kacchan everything. Anything he asked for. He couldn't wait for him to make his move—heart racing every time the blonde twitched in his direction, especially because whenever the omega looked at him, he was blushing.

 

Eventually, Kacchan cornered him in the locker room after training at the end of the day, when Izuku was stretching out his shoulder on the bench before his shower. In his boxers. He squeaked when Katsuki entered his view, back in his uniform and ready to head back to Heights Alliance. Everyone else had already cleared out, and between the privacy, the nudity, and the anticipation; he was...excited.

 

"Kacchan?" he uttered, twisting his torso so that Kacchan wouldn't see him chubbing up in his underwear.

 

"Nerd," he replied, tone stoic despite how red his face was. "You're going home today, right? For the weekend."

 

That was the plan, since he felt bad for not actually visiting his mother two weeks ago. They'd discussed it the day before yesterday, when Katsuki was lounging on his bed after finishing his lit reading. Clearly, he needed confirmation though.

 

"Yep! That's the plan!" He tried to come off as chipper, but really—Katsuki's scent was blooming forward, sweet and aroused, and his burning eyes kept raking over his under-clothed form. He couldn't really contain the hunger in his tone, something close to a rumble deepening his tone. He watched in fascination as Kacchan's pupils dilated at the sound of it, and he stepped closer.

 

"You," he swallowed, nostrils flaring. His lips parted as though he was trying to taste the air. Since he was about to shower, Izuku had taken off his scent patches and now it was like Kacchan was hungry for him. He preened at the sight of his omega seeking out his scent. He swallowed a moment later, bringing himself back under control. "You should come to my room before you go."

 

"Sure," he smiled, a little strained. The urge to press Katsuki up against the lockers was strong, alright? He smelled good. He looked good. Just...good. Yeah.

 

Katsuki smirked at him, and his knees went weak. He stepped in close, and Izuku stopped breathing. Then, purring quietly, the omega ran his nose along the underside of Izuku's jaw—rendering his brain inert. There was not a thought in his stupid little head. He knew he was whipped. Honestly, it was a miracle that everyone didn't know. A tiny jaw nuzzle had turned him into a useless blob in seconds.

 

"See you later, Alpha." Izuku let out an embarrassing whine and Katsuki snickered, stepping out of his space with a self-satisfied grin. His gaze dropped back down to Izuku's crotch. "You might wanna take care of that before you leave, loser."

 

And with that, he turned and left—leaving Izuku standing alone in the locker room with a boner that could break bricks. Thank god he hadn't showered yet. He was frozen in place until the door clicked shut then groaned loud and low, pressing the heel of his palm against his cock. His omega was so mean and it shouldn't be so hot.

 

At this point, Kacchan could probably stab him and he'd find it sexy. Well, maybe not, but he'd probably find it charming or impressive. His sharp smile, sadistic and amused, had been enough to make his cock throb with interest in his flimsy boxers. Izuku grabbed his towel and held it in front of his crotch just in case someone came back—scurrying toward the showers.

 

His hand was wrapped around his dick before the water even hit him—a low groan spilling out of him as he stroked himself, precum dripping from the reddened tip. He could still feel Kacchan's breath ghosting along his jaw, the heat of his body as he stepped into Izuku's space. His hand moved faster, twisting along the length and rolling over the tip as he pictured the way his omega's eyes had darkened when he'd scented his arousal.

 

"Kacchan," he gasped, squeezing tighter—wondering what it would be like to have Kacchan's hand replace his own. His hands were so warm, they'd feel so amazing—broad and rough and so good for him. He'd bite at Izuku's lips with his mean, mean mouth—making pretty noises and pushing up against him, just like when he was in heat. His cock pulsed at the memory—Kacchan with his face flushed and eyes glazed, the scent of his heat and his slick hanging in the air.

 

The way he'd perched in Izuku's lap, ass grinding on his lap as slick soaked through his sweats—how badly he'd wanted to bend the omega over his desk and drink that slick directly from the source. His balls tightened at the thought of Kacchan shaking and moaning, begging as Izuku fucked him open on his tongue, and he tipped over the edge—cumming down the shower drain with a gritty growl.

 

He pressed his forehead into cool tile as he caught his breath—stroking himself through his orgasm.

 

He'd have to go to Kacchan's room on the early side, just in case this happened again. He had no idea what Kacchan had in store, and he couldn't keep his mom waiting just because he was horny. That would just be rude.

---

Katsuki ripped his door open the second Deku knocked—dragging him inside.

 

He still wasn't sure about this—Deku had to leave in time for his train, and if they got carried away...they couldn't get carried away. He was itching for more, he fucking craved more of him, but too much too fast still scared him. "How long do we have?" he asked, tugging him further into the room.

 

"I, uh...I have a little extra time," Deku stuttered, blushing like a little bitch. "You know...just in case I get worked up. And need to calm down."

 

It took a moment for it to click, but then he remembered the locker room. "You think you'll need to jack off before you leave?" he snickered. He stopped laughing when Deku stepped into his space, face serious. His interest scent was creeping out from under his scent patches, and Katsuki's knees went weak.

 

So, now he was the little bitch. Fantastic.

 

"I keep telling you," he said, voice low. "You underestimate your appeal, Kacchan."

 

He let out a shaky breath, reaching up to peel Deku's scent patches off. He needed more—and it was...pretty crucial for what he had planned. He still wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but he wanted to bathe in Deku's scent. Honestly, he wanted to keep him captive in his nest all weekend but considering how goddamn horny they both were, it was for the best that he'd be leaving the dorms after this.

 

He purred, deep and excited, as Deku's scent spilled into the room. The alpha cupped the back of his neck, thumb running over the edge of Katsuki's patches—silently asking.

 

"The fuck are you waiting for," he huffed. Well, tried to huff. It came out as a needy croon, which was way less humiliating than it should have been. He moved close enough to nuzzle at his jaw again, shuddering at the rumble Deku let out. "Take 'em off, nerd."

 

He wondered if this is how those dainty-ass omegas in romance novels felt, breathless whenever their alphas breathed in their direction. He felt shaky as Deku stripped his scent patches off, his interest laid bare as he leaned forward to drink it in. His alpha purred, deep and low so he felt it in his bones.

 

"Why did you want me to come here, Kacchan?" he asked, pupils dilated—drunk on his scent already. Katsuki couldn't even be smug about it—he was just as whipped, completely fucking entranced by his proximity and the interest scent that was getting heavier with every passing second.

 

He pulled a coupon out of his pocket, holding it up in front of Deku's face. The nerd went cross-eyed trying to read it, leaning back so he could see it properly. Then, a hungry growl ripped out of his throat.

 

Scenting Kiss - Neck.

 

A definite step up in intimacy. Something he really wasn't sure he was ready for but fuck it, he wanted to try. His stomach clenched in anticipation as Deku's arms wrapped around his waist, tugging him closer so he could bury his face in Katsuki's neck—hot breath ghosting over his scent gland. Katsuki clutched at his shoulders, already a goddamn mess.

 

"Tell me when to stop," Deku growled, tone sinfully dark. He whined, and the alpha's grip tightened on his waist. "I mean it, Kacchan. Tell me when to stop when you need me to stop."

 

"I will," he uttered, knees buckling a moment later when Deku's burning hot mouth sealed over his mating gland. Deku groaned into it, running his tongue over the raise flesh, and it felt like fire pouring into his veins—melting him from the inside out. He brushed his own lips over Deku's mating gland, eager for a taste of him. He smelled so goddamn good like this but holy shit, he tasted even better—slightly sweet, heavy and warm.

 

He licked at it with a throaty moan, and nearly collapsed as Deku's teeth scraped dangerously close to his mating gland—and then he was being shoved against the wall, Deku's knee between his legs and his hot, wet mouth sucking and licking at him like he was a drug.

 

Katsuki couldn't fucking breathe. All he could taste was Deku and the scent was drowning him, nearly suffocating with arousal.

 

He ground down against Deku's thigh, moaning against his skin as he felt himself slicking up—sparks shooting from the tiny patch of skin that Deku was latched onto, straight to his dick. His head swam, pulse pounding in his head as heat rushed through him.

 

He whined when Deku's hands stroked down his sides, scenting him in clear paths—making Katsuki feel claimed. There was some self-righteous part of him that scolded his whorey omega side for being so thrilled at the feeling but he ignored it because fuck it all, it made him feel precious and wanted.

 

And hot. Like, unbelievably turned on—slick gathering and spilling into his sweats as Deku ground into him and sucked at his throat. He wanted to drag the alpha into his nest and get this scent everywhere—the oppressive claiming scent that was coming out in waves now, making his eyelids droop and his mouth water.

 

He hated himself a little when Deku's hand slid under his shirt—rough scars meeting the bare skin at his waist—and he pulled back. Deku was getting carried away, his full weight pressing Katsuki into the wall and his grip getting stronger—almost bruising as he squeezed and stroked at Katsuki's body. He was rumbling and chuffing into the crook of his neck, laving Katsuki's mating gland with his tongue as he purred and the omega knew that if they didn't stop now...they wouldn't stop at all.

 

"Gotta stop now," he said, gasping as Deku growled and shuffled in closer, crowding into him. He ran a shaky hand through the alpha's hair. "S'enough, Deku, c'mon."

 

He felt cold and dissatisfied as his alpha pulled his mouth away, as slow as he possibly could. His face stayed buried in Katsuki's neck, breath fanning over the base of his throat. It raised goosebumps along Katsuki's arms. His entire body felt charged, and he realized belatedly that he was still grinding down on Deku's knee like a goddamn whore.

 

Their scents were thick in the air; heavy, lustful, and fucking decadent. If Katsuki avoided the shower, Deku's scent would probably last through the weekend—almost as strong as if he were actually here. He crooned, loud and pleased at the thought and Deku groaned. His broad hands squeezed at Katsuki's waist as the omega stilled his hips, breathing hard as Katsuki raked his fingers through soft curls.

 

"Tastes good," Deku mumbled. Katsuki jerked in his hold as he nosed along his mating gland. "Smells good. Good omega, perfect omega."

 

Katsuki let out a pleased chirp, eyelids hooded and limbs heavy as the praise washed over him. He wanted to keep going. Fuck, he wanted to keep going, but he knew he'd panic once the horny haze dissipated. He didn't want to risk regretting any moment of this. Deku was too good for that.

 

He was trailing his nose along Katsuki's jaw now, nuzzling under his ear all sweet and slow. His scent was still pouring off of him, marking Katsuki as his.

 

"You okay?" Deku asked, pulling away from him. He winced when Katsuki whined, loud and displeased. His eyes, still blown with lust and glassy, sharpened in concern. "Did I go too far? What's wrong?"

 

Katsuki yanked him forward, kissing him hard. He swallowed Deku's noise of surprise and purred as the nerd kissed him back, biting at his lips and winding his arms around his neck.

 

"S'just what I wanted," he mumbled against Deku's lips, biting at them a moment later. Deku chased every movement, and it made him feel wanted. "Best alpha," he crooned. Deku stiffened, inhaling sharply, then melted into him—kissing him deeper. Katsuki let him drink throaty sighs out of his mouth, indulging them both for a few moments longer.

 

He really liked the feeling of Deku's mouth on his. It was addictive.

 

He pushed away again a few moments later, before he could get riled up again. Deku's dick was pressing into his stomach and he could feel slick seeping through his sweats and into the fabric of Deku's jeans. It was time for him to go—especially if he was about to spend the weekend with his mother.

 

"Come find me when you get back on Sunday," Katsuki said, slowly untangling their limbs. He scowled when they were completely detached, already missing Deku's steady, heavy warmth. He could still feel scarred hands pressing into him.

 

"I will," Deku promised. "Want me to scent your nest before I go?"

 

Katsuki's stomach and ass clenched at the thought. His dick throbbed. If he did that, he'd just spend the entire goddamn weekend masturbating. He was tempted but fuck it all, he had things to do.

 

"Better not," he huffed. "I don't think my dick would survive the night."

 

Izuku snorted, amused grin splitting his face. "I'm flattered," he said, then ducked to kiss him one last time, a swift and sneaky peck on the lips. "See you in two days."

 

Then he was out the door.

Chapter 15: Velocity

It was kind of ridiculous that two days felt so long, but Izuku had barely been able to pay attention to his mom all weekend. He could still taste Kacchan on his tongue, feel him grinding into his thigh—his scent sweet and smoky with arousal. It drove him to distraction.

 

He'd broken two plates and a cup, fumbling them at the memory of Kacchan's moans ringing in his ears. His mother had banished him from the kitchen after that, disconcerted by his unusual clumsiness.

 

Thankfully, he'd been able to play it off by saying he was tired, and he'd had the presence of mind to bring his strongest scent blockers. He really didn't need his mother to know what kind of turn his thoughts were taking. It had been bad enough when he'd presented and he'd come out of his rut, only to be faced with the most uncomfortable sex talk in the world.

 

He was lucky to have escaped a repeat experience. He was pretty sure his mom had started to catch on by the time he left on Sunday. He headed back to campus just after lunch, ducking Inko's scrutinizing stare as he left their apartment.

 

He felt bad that he hadn't given her as much attention as he'd intended. It wasn't really his fault, though. Katsuki was all-consuming. He always had been, and Izuku really did think he'd had a handle on his affection, but that was before he'd known what his mouth tasted like. Before he'd known what his moans sounded like. So yeah, if he was whipped before, Kacchan basically had a leash on his soul now. His dick, too.

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

i'm heading back now <3

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

fantastic

 

Izuku paused, eyebrows raising and stomach sinking. In Kacchan's defense, Izuku already knew that he didn't really like texting. He was an in-person sort of person. He'd also messed up their training schedule by going home for the weekend. It made sense that he might be annoyed.

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

sarcasm?

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

no.

 

Despite being monosyllabic, the presence of punctuation settled some of his concerns. Not all of them. The response was still too terse, even for Kacchan. The presence of the period suggested that he wasn't upset with Izuku, just upset. Maybe frustrated.

 

At least, he hoped so.

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

okay <3 do you still want me to come find you

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

why the fuck wouldn't i?

just get here ffs

 

His stomach fluttered and he felt heat spread across his cheeks and up to his ears. For the first time, he wondered if he'd become the person who made Kacchan's days better. The person he pulled close when he was uncomfortable, rather than pushing him away. He wasn't thrilled that Kacchan seemed down, of course, but he was warm with the thought that he might be able to make it better.

 

Mina and Eijirou were in the common room when he got back—cuddled together on the sofa. He waved at them as he passed, trying not to wince at Mina's tight smile. She looked confused, eyes boring through him as though she was trying to read him.

 

"Have a good weekend, Mido?" Eijirou asked, oblivious to his girlfriend's intense staring.

 

"I did," he said, smiling wider. "I should have stayed here and studied but mom had a bunch of projects around the apartment that she hasn't had time to finish. She had the fridge pulled out last weekend, so I went back to help her deep-clean." He figured the partial lie would be cancelled out by the actual good deed. "We made a party of it. Loud music, lots of vacuuming. It was great."

 

"You're so cute," Mina whined, saying it like it was a lament instead of a compliment. Izuku blushed and ducked his head. "Whoever you end up mated to is gonna be super lucky."

 

A flash of irritation sparked through him, but he flashed her a smile anyway. "I dunno about that. For the right person, I'll feel like the lucky one." Mina cooed at him, but her eyes still bored through him—evaluating. Searching.

 

"And what does the right person look like?" she asked, leaning her head on her hands. Eijirou glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Izuku shrugged.

 

"Not totally sure," he lied. "I'm sure I'll know once I get to know them. I'm not in any rush, you know? I'd rather focus on being my best. That way when I do meet them, I'll be worth their time."

 

He felt the tension ease as Mina's face softened. Apparently, that answer was sufficient for now. Even though his courting decisions were none of her business. He knew Kacchan had told them how he felt about courting. He wondered if they'd considered the possibility that he might feel the same way. Sure, he wasn't as rigid about it, but that didn't make it less personal. He was just more open in general.

 

"You're such a romantic," she chuckled. "Maybe the person you're talking about is closer than you think. I hope you're keeping an open mind."

 

He bit back the irritation that clawed at him, forcing his hackles to remain unraised as he shrugged. "If they're the right person, then I'll know it when the time is right." He kept his posture open and his smile relaxed. "It'll happen if it's meant to happen. Like you and Ei." He smiled a little wider then, melting at the warm, loving look that Mina turned on her alpha. She leaned into his side and Eijirou beamed. "And it looks like I'm interrupting a date, so I think I'm gonna go beg Kacchan for help with the Calc assignment," he chuckled.

 

"Later, Mido," Eijirou mumbled, already pressing kisses to the side of Mina's head to distract her. He retreated as soon as he saw that it had worked—released from Mina's calculating gaze as she cuddled back into the couch.

 

He felt the smallest twinge of envy. He was willing to wait for Kacchan to be ready—more than willing. He couldn't help but wish that he could cuddle up to him without looking over his shoulder, though.

 

All it took to dispel his envy was the thought of how comfortable Kacchan was when it was just the two of them. He had Kacchan's trust and affection. He didn't need publicity, too. He didn't even really want it—the longer people didn't know about them, the longer he got to keep Kacchan to himself.

 

Izuku breathed a sigh of relief when he finally got to Kacchan's door. He knew they hadn't meant to slow him down or ambush him, but he still hadn't expected Mina's espionage-style interrogation.

 

It made him feel like more unwanted questions were lurking around the corner and quite frankly, he wasn't up for dealing with it. He had no intention of satisfying or pandering to anyone's curiosity.

 

It wasn't their business.

 

He knocked on Kacchan's door, unsurprised when it ripped open just a few seconds later. The omega's face was carefully blank, even as his and wrapped around Izuku's wrist and yanked him inside.

 

"The fuck took you so long?" he grumbled.

 

"Sorry," he chuckled. "Mina caught me in the common room." He frowned as Katsuki stiffened. "What's wrong?"

 

"Nothing," he replied, reaching into his pocket. Izuku stepped forward, grasping his shoulders. Katsuki glared up at him.

 

"You're upset about something," Izuku insisted. "Your texts are short, and you got all tense just now. What's going on, Kacchan?" Katsuki's jaw clenched. Izuku rubbed circles into his omega's shoulders, crooning as he relaxed.

 

"It's stupid," he muttered. "I'm being stupid."

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like you," he teased. Kacchan snorted, smacking his chest.

 

"Shut up."

 

"Really, though. If it's bothering you, it's not stupid, Kacchan."

 

His jaw clenched and unclenched as though he was literally chewing through his indecision. "It really is...maybe not stupid, but I'm...fuck. I'm overreacting. Didn't even give a shit until this morning. I dunno. Can we just—"

 

He let out a frustrated growl, ears brick red as he fished in his pocket and smacked a coupon onto Izuku's chest. The alpha fumbled for it before it could fall, stomach flipping as he read the Cuddling coupon.

 

Izuku smiled, delighted, as he started purring. Kacchan blushed, smacking him again.

 

"What? I like cuddling you!" he laughed. He let Katsuki drag him over to the bed and shove him onto the mattress with a scowl—waiting as the omega rearranged his limbs to his satisfaction before crawling on top of him and dropping his weight onto Izuku's torso like an angry blanket.

 

Izuku purred louder as Katsuki stuffed his face into his neck. He ran a hand down his back, delighting in the little shiver that ran through him before he went fully limp. "D'you wanna talk about it?"

 

"No."

 

"Can we talk about it anyway?"

 

Katsuki groaned and Izuku laughed, earning a vicious pinch to his waist. "Told you not to worry about it, fucker."

 

"No, you said it was stupid," he argued. "I disagreed."

 

"You're a turd," Katsuki grumbled. Izuku smiled, though. He could hear the wavering resolve in his voice, so he waited. Kacchan wasn't the best at putting his feelings into words, so he'd wait for however long he needed to string them together.

 

"You've been gone all goddamn weekend," he finally mumbled into the space just below Izuku's ear. He was embarrassed, as though he should be ashamed for wanting something he couldn't have. "It was shitty."

 

Izuku wrapped his arms around the omega's waist, squeezing him. "That's not stupid," he insisted. "I missed you too."

 

Katsuki hesitated. "S'not just that," he mumbled.

 

"But that was part of it?" Izuku asked grinning mischievously. Katsuki socked him in the stomach. "Ow!"

 

"Serves you fuckin' right," he huffed. "Why do I like you? Jesus Christ."

 

"Do you want the whole list you gave me? Or was that rhetorical."

 

"Bite me."

 

Ever obedient, Izuku turned his head and sank his teeth into Katsuki's bicep. Gently, of course. He snickered as Katsuki yelped and smacked him again squirming off him until he was tucked into Izuku's side. "You told me to bite you," he said when Katsuki scowled at him. "And I told you I'm gonna give you whatever you want."

 

A weird look crossed his face and then, to both of their shock, he blurted, "I want you to text me in the morning."

 

Izuku pulled back to look at him, eyebrows raised. "Huh?"

 

Katsuki grumbled, stuffing his face in Izuku's shoulder. "This is dumb," he complained. Then, a little quieter, he said, "You didn't text me this morning. N'since you were gone all weekend, the idiots were talking about you the entire fuckin' time. Shit about you and Uraraka and whether it would ever be normal again, and it...sucked. So I just spent the entire weekend in here so I wouldn't have to hear that shit. Then you didn't pull your sunshine bullshit this morning with a good morning text and it sucked more."

 

"Sorry," Izuku apologized immediately, heart twisting at the dejected note in his voice.

 

"I know it's stupid—"

 

"Stop saying that!"

 

"It doesn't really matter that much, but...ugh." Katsuki pressed his face harder into his side. Izuku waited, thumbing lazing circles into his omega's arm. He wasn't in any hurry. Finally, he lifted his head—meeting Izuku's eyes, his face red. "I like knowing that you're thinking about me."

 

Izuku smiled so wide that his cheeks ached. "I'm always thinking about you," he admitted, biting back the urge to croon at Kacchan's embarrassed scowl. "That was part of the problem. I had to remind myself that I was there to spend time with my mom because I kept daydreaming about being here. With you."

 

Katsuki's lips parted in surprise, eyes widening for a moment before narrowing into slits. That was the only warning he got before the omega's fist crashed into his stomach again. "You can't just say shit like that," he complained.

 

"You said you wanted to know that I'm thinking of you!" he laughed, twisting to face him. "I'm arguably thinking about you too much. And this morning I was trying to get back here faster so that I could hang out with you, so texting slipped my mind."

 

Katsuki was scowling, but there was a blush dusted across his cheeks. "The coupons are on my goddamn desk," he grumbled.

 

"You want me to grab them?" Izuku offered. Maybe it was a little self-serving, but he was still thrilled that Kacchan felt so comfortable using them. That he wanted to use them.

 

"Don' want you to move," he disagreed. "I can just ask, right?"

 

Tears sprang to his eyes in record time. "Of course, you can," he choked out, blinking them back. "Whatever you feel comfortable with, Kacchan."

 

The muscle in his jaw jumped, and Izuku waited again. "Fuck, saying this shit out loud shouldn't be so fucking difficult—"

 

His heart clenched at the frustration in Katsuki's voice. It sounded like his whole weekend had been frustrating, and he couldn't stand the the thought of him being frustrated with himself. Instead, Izuku turned just slightly toward the desk, using Black Whip to reach out and grab the coupon book from it's perch on the corner.

 

"Asking for what you want is hard for everyone, Kacchan," he said, handing it to him. "You communicate with actions, I already knew words are harder for you. You don't have to feel bad about not feeling comfortable with them, okay?"

 

He didn't say anything in response but his scent sweetened, a soft purr tumbling from his throat. He flicked the coupon book open, leafing through them lazily as he sank further into Izuku's grip. Izuku smiled when he pulled out the Scent Me and Long Kiss—closed mouth coupons, shifting to face him properly before taking his wrists and scenting him thoroughly.

 

His heart fluttered at the way Kacchan's purr rattled against his lips when the omega leaned in to kiss him—nibbling at his lips and letting out little sounds that were achingly adorable, satisfied sighs and little moans that were soft but deep. He wondered when he'd started feeling more at home with Kacchan curled against him than he did in his childhood bedroom.

 

He'd keep them secret forever if it made Kacchan comfortable enough to keep kissing him like this.

---

Katsuki couldn't stop fucking fidgeting. He was driving himself crazy but despite his best efforts, his leg was shaking impatiently under his desk and he was watching the second hand on the clock with more focus than he'd give a villain in battle.

 

He felt soft. Disgustingly soft, completely riddled with that gross, gooey feeling that idiots described in romance novels. Alongside it was a compulsion—the undeniable urge to kiss Deku until they both ran out of oxygen, then do it again once they'd caught their breath.

 

It had been happening more and more often, too. It was weird how good he felt despite the fact that falling for Deku was kinda like jumping off a goddamn cliff. He could feel himself speeding up the closer he got to the ground, gaining velocity and intensity that made his stomach twist. It made him want to scream.

 

And yet, knowing what was at the bottom of the cliff made the fall so fucking worth it. It was all exhilaration and excitement, and no pain. Just soft comfort and gentle understanding and endless adoration that he didn't know what to do with.

 

He didn't think he'd ever realized how willing Deku was to take him exactly as he was. No matter how mean or stubborn, the nerd met him exactly where he was standing—working with him instead of pushing him to change.

 

He didn't care that Katsuki couldn't say a single soft word without changing his mind a thousand times. He communicates with his actions. That's what he'd said. He'd said it like it was another thing he loved, and he wouldn't change it for the world.

 

Who on fucking earth could ever measure up to that kind of care?

 

Sitting in front of him in class didn't do shit for the sticky adoration that clung to his lungs, making it hard to breathe in the alpha's presence. No, he had to listen to a ripped nerd rambling under his breath as they learned about boring-ass hero safety protocols, and it was hot. It made him want to hear that shit mumbled directly into his ears, preferably while Katsuki rode his thigh like a horny cowgirl.

 

He was out of his seat as soon as class ended, earning a raised eyebrow from Aizawa which he pointedly ignored. Instead, he looked Deku who was watching him with a little smile on his stupid perfect face.

 

"What?" he snapped.

 

"Nothing," he replied, smiling wider. "You just seem like you're in a hurry."

 

"M'fuckin hungry, dweeb," he grumbled, shoving his notebook in his bag. He turned to glare at Eijirou, who was taking his sweet time packing up. "Hurry the fuck up!"

 

"Damn, what bit you in the ass this morning?" Kyoka chuckled.

 

"Bite me, Airpods."

 

It must have come off more waspish than he'd intended because she gave him an apologetic smile, sticking out her wrist to offer comfort. He grumbled, swiping her wrist quickly and scowling at her delighted grin.

 

He stomped to the door, waiting for his idiots to catch up with him. Deku watched him, utterly relaxed, and Katsuki flipped him off. The fucker knew him too well. He knew that Katsuki wasn't upset. He knew that he was just worked up. Deku was so freakishly in tune with him now and even though it made him feel transparent—predictable—he was so goddamn grateful.

 

Even though it was fucking embarrassing that Deku knew how badly Katsuki wanted to swap spit with him, and infuriating that the little shit was almost smug about it—judging by the little knowing twinkle in his stupid, pretty eyes.

 

"You okay, dude?" Denki asked, cutting through the clamoring noise in the cafeteria. Katsuki glared at him, sneer tugging at his lips. "You seem a little tense. And I think your salad agrees with me."

 

Katsuki looked down at the pulverized remains of his salad—limp, hole-y lettuce and tomatoes that were bleeding out onto his plate.

 

"Just got shit on my mind," he muttered, pushing the plate away. The thing on his mind, of course, was the feeling of his face pressing into Deku's perfect biceps while they cuddled. "Gonna take a walk and clear my head."

 

"You want someone to go with you?" Mina asked. He glanced at her, resenting the flash of guilt he felt at the concern on her face.

 

"Nah," he replied, standing. "Think I just need some fresh air or whatever."

 

In an uncharacteristic move, he reached out his wrist—nearly laughing in their faces as their jaws dropped at the offer. He'd only reached out to scent them six times in the time that he'd known them, so it wasn't all that surprising that they were shocked.

 

Denki reacted first, grabbing at his arm and—ridiculously—using it to pat down the crown of his own head. The way dams scented their pups.

 

"Fucking weirdo," he muttered, yanking his arm away after a few seconds. "Anyone else desperately want me to scent them? Or can I go?"

 

Eijirou swiped his wrist quickly, and so did Mina. Hanta passed, but promised it was only because he was in pre-rut and he stank Iike a motherfucker. "Let me know if you need to talk anything out, okay?" Mina insisted. He gave a jerky nod, even though he didn't really...do that. He didn't talk shit out.

 

He punched shit out. Yelled it out. Blasted it out. None of those options pertained to his current dilemma, which was solely rooted in the fact that he wanted to suck the air out of Deku's lungs.

 

He thumbed the pages of the coupon book in his pocket as he escaped the cafeteria. He had a vague plan, and he was sincerely hoping it would help get his day back on track. Either that, or it would completely derail him for the next 24 hours. Unfortunately, not doing anything would also derail him, so he had to take that chance.

 

Thankfully, he wasn't the only predictable one in their relationship.

 

He loitered by the stairwell, smirking when green curls entered his sight. He grabbed Deku's arm before the alpha registered that he was there, snickering at his startled yelp as he dragged him forward.

 

"Kacchan!"

 

"Deku!" he mimicked.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

"If you shut up and stop dragging your goddamn feet, you'll see," he barked. It took a second, but Deku complied, falling into step behind him. He was only mildly perplexed when Katsuki yanked open a storage closet and shoved him inside—locking the door behind them.

 

"Why are we in a closet?"

 

"Why do you think we're in a closet?" he retorted, pulling out the coupons and flipping through them. "In my fuckin' head all goddamn day. What, you wanted me to wait till after class to stick my tongue down your throat?"

 

Deku spluttered and Katsuki grinned, tearing out a brand new coupon and smacking it onto the nerd's forehead. His stomach was twisting, knowing that taking their bullshit a step further in the middle of the school day was a bit risky, but fuck it. They were both carrying neutralizers and Katsuki wanted him.

 

Making out.

 

"You wanna make out? In a supply closet?"

 

"I just wanna make out with you. I don't give a shit about the real estate."

 

"And to be clear: to you, making out means..."

 

"Hopefully it means that you'll stop keeping your hands on my waist and actually grope me." Deku wheezed. He grinned wider, almost predatory. "Don't worry, I'll grope you too, nerd."

 

His bravado fled the fucking coop when Deku looked him in the eyes.

 

"Set a timer," Deku growled. It was deep and rich, pouring liquid heat into his veins that pooled in his stomach. His dick deadass twitched at the sound of it. "Or else we're gonna be late for class, omega."

 

Fuck.

 

He scrambled for his phone, hands shaking as he did as his alpha asked. His omega was whining practically begging him to bend over and present right here among boxes of whiteboard markers and poster paper. Deku's scent was already suffocating him, and he was pretty sure he'd need to stop by the bathroom to take care of the slick that was threatening to make a mess of his boxers.

 

The nerd was on him as soon as he started the timer, knocking the breath out of his lungs as he shoved him against the shelves, then again when he crashed their mouths together—running hungry hands down his sides until they dug into his hips.

 

There was something unspeakably hot about the fact that Deku could literally crush him like a tin can. If the nerd wasn't biting at his lips, his entire weight leaned against him, he'd probably spend some time evaluating just how deep his strength kink ran.

 

But he didn't have time for that right now. Right now, he was reveling in the feeling of Deku's hair between his fingers and his scent sinking into his skin. He gripped at his shoulders, overheated hands digging into thick, flexing muscle as Deku's leg slipped in between his thighs.

 

He ground down without thinking, whining a little too loud considering the fact that they were on campus in a closet off a crowded hallway.

 

He jerked in surprise when Deku's hands slipped under his jacket, hurriedly untucking his uniform shirt. "Tell me if you need to slow down," Deku rumbled against his lips. Katsuki nodded, already tugging him back in for more. He purred, loud and obnoxious, as Deku licked into his mouth and pressed his hands up under his shirt.

 

If Deku touching him over the clothes was hot, skin to skin contact was...um. Honestly, it was fucking him up. He was clutching at Deku like a lifeline, touching anywhere he could reach—finally indulging his omega's whining and taking two heaping handfuls of Deku's ass.

 

The alpha snarled into his mouth and Katsuki shuddered, mewling like a bitch while goosebumps ran down his arms at the sound of it. Deku's cock pressed into his stomach and his broad, scarred hands ran up his sides, gripping and stroking any part of him he could get his hands on—like he couldn't decide where to touch first.

 

Katsuki growled when the timer interrupted them, trying to pull Izuku back in when he broke away. He leaned his head against Katsuki's shoulder, hips still pushing into him. Katsuki was still grinding down on his thigh, and Deku's hands dropped to his hips again—gripping tight to still him.

 

"We gotta get to class," Deku groaned through gritted teeth. "I really don't want to, but Aizawa—"

 

"Fuck Aizawa—"

 

"I'd rather not," he said, huffing out a laugh. "He'd kick our asses if he found us humping in a supply closet, Kacchan. And if we don't wipe down before class—"

 

"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled, letting his head fall back against the shelves. He moaned when, instead of pulling away, Deku turned his head and kissed the hollow of his throat, just an inch from his mating gland. "Weren't you just trying to be the world's dorkiest voice of reason?" he uttered, tipping his head back further.

 

"Couldn't help myself," he chuckled. "But we really should clean up." The fucker said it even as he trailed more bitch-ass mini-kisses along his shoulder.

 

"That would be easier if you'd get the fuck off me."

---

Izuku's lips were bruised and he didn't give a flying fuck. He could barely keep the smile off his face as he made his way to Katsuki's room, stomach swooping with excitement.

 

The more Kacchan wanted, the more elated he felt—over the moon that his omega felt comfortable with taking what he wanted. In the last ten days, he'd been shoved into three supply closets, pulled into one shower stall, ambushed under the stairwell, and nearly mounted in the elevator.

 

Turns out, Katsuki really liked making out. Honestly, he wouldn't have guessed that, but he was more than happy with the discovery. He was elated, and honestly—that was too weak a word for it.

 

He felt like the best alpha in the goddamn world.

 

With that in mind, studying in Kacchan's room probably wasn't the most productive decision in the world, but he wasn't gonna say no. Besides, Kacchan was pretty militant about both schoolwork and bedtime. Even if making out with him was on the table, he didn't imagine it would be for very long.

 

He was...incorrect.

 

As soon as he made it through the door, Katsuki hauled him over to his bed and pushed him down. "Kacchan?"

 

"Shut up," he huffed, throwing a coupon into Izuku's lap. He gave him the three seconds it took to read it before climbing on top of him, knees neatly straddling his thighs.

 

Making Out In Bed.

 

He pushed down the flash of desire, taking a shuddering breath as Kacchan's arms circled his neck. "Before that," he said, voice husky. "I wanna check in." He drew lazy circles into Katsuki's hips, pulse pounding every time his omega shifted in his lap.

 

Katsuki frowned at him. "You wanna fucking talk right now?"

 

"Just for a second," he promised, leaning forward to nose along his jaw. Katsuki's breath hitched, and he bit back his smile. "I told you I'm comfortable with anything you wanna do," he said. Katsuki tensed in his grip. "That's still true, I promise. We've just been moving fast. I'm not complaining, I just wanna make sure you're not...I dunno. Competing with yourself, I guess? Just a few weeks ago you said you felt bad that we weren't going faster and I—"

 

"Deku."

 

Izuku fell silent, blushing at Kacchan's unimpressed stare. "Sorry."

 

Katsuki glared at him for a moment, but he wasn't too worried. It was his thoughtful glare, not his murder glare. "Have you considered," he began, irritation mixed with something Izuku couldn't quite discern. "That you make me feel comfortable enough to explore this shit, so I'm doing what feels good?"

 

Oh. Affection. Cool.

 

"I considered it," he said, ignoring the fact that he was tearing up. "But, and I mean this in the best way, I also considered that you're...kinda crazy. You'd outlive God to get the last word, Kacchan. I just wanted to make sure you know there's no rush."

 

It was a surprise to see Katsuki's eyes darken. A welcome surprise, but he probably didn't look all that sexy when he was crying. His heart headbanged in his chest when Katsuki shuffled in closer, fingers running through the hair at the nape of his neck.

 

"There is," he retorted, leaning in. His breath caught in his throat as Katsuki nipped at his jaw. "I fucking want you, stupid. I'm absolutely in a rush."

 

He couldn't argue with that. If he tried, he'd be the world's most idiotic hypocrite. "If you're sure," he muttered, turning his head to catch his omega's lips. He went lax as Katsuki purred, eagerly licking into his mouth. The blonde pushed at his shoulders, bullying him back onto the bed as he devoured him.

 

The omega's hands were everywhere and Izuku let him take what he wanted—delighted by how confident he seemed with every touch. He moaned when vicious teeth dug into his lower lip, gripping Kacchan's waist and grinding against him. He was rewarded with a wave of arousal flooding Katsuki's scent, sweetening until it was so strong that he could taste it.

 

Katsuki was testing him—teasing and taunting him with hungry sounds and greedy hands, tugging on his leash, hoping it would snap.

 

"Fucking touch me, shithead," he demanded, arching into him—fingers digging into his shoulders. Izuku gasped, heat flooding him as Kacchan ground against him, gripping the omega's ass to haul him closer. "Finally," he snickered, dropping his head so he could suck at the hollow of the alpha's throat.

 

Izuku was consumed by him, but that wasn't a new sensation. He was constantly completely enamored with him, regularly unable to see or think of anyone else. He was still new to having the attention returned, though—overwhelmed by the throaty moans and burning lips teasing the edge of his mating gland, electrified by every touch of his burning hot hands.

 

"C'mon, alpha," he moaned. "Show me how much you want me."

 

Izuku growled, grasping a fistful of Kacchan's hair and sealing their mouths back together, his alpha crooning in the back of his skull as the blonde writhed against him. Kacchan gasped as Izuku ran his tongue along the ridge of his teeth, getting drunk on the taste of him as he licked into his unfairly perfect mouth.

 

Satisfaction curled in his gut as he felt his omega purring, pitchy whines getting louder as they tumbled past their tangling tongues. He could feel the blonde tugging at his shoulders, slowly rolling onto his back and pulling the alpha on top of him until his frame blanketed Katsuki's, pressing him into the bed.

 

His hand was still fisted in Kacchan's hair, and he pulled—devouring the desperate sound that ripped out of him and snarling when his omega's thighs locked around his waist, hips thrusting up against him.

 

Katsuki slid his hands around Izuku's back, scraping his scent across his shoulders and down his back—fingers twisting in the fabric of his shirt and moaning so sweet for him, filling his senses with the scent of caramel and slick—the heat of his palms burning into him as they clutched and pulled. He couldn't get enough, squeezing at his tiny waist and pawing the ridges of his abs. His omega was so strong and it burned at him. He wanted to push and push, wanted to see how much he could take, wanted to taste every inch of him.

 

No matter how much Kacchan gave him, he felt starved.

 

He rumbled low and Katsuki shook, the sound starting low in his chest as all rational thought left him. His omega was so pliant—so trusting, wanted him so badly. Perfect, pretty omega—sounds so good, tastes so sweet. Each flash of his teeth sent him deeper, kisses getting harsher.

 

He growled when Katsuki broke away, panting—the column of his throat exposed as he threw his head back. The omega let out a broken moan when Izuku's mouth latched onto his neck—laying hot, open mouthed kisses into his salty skin, hand flying to Izuku's head to press him closer.

 

"Alpha!" he cried as Izuku bit down—hard enough for Kacchan's body to jerk in surprise but not hard enough to bruise. His omega wanted privacy, he wanted to give him everything he wanted. Wanted him to feel safe, feel good. "God, fuck!"

 

He sounded wrecked, voice raspy and deep—shaking as his legs wrapped tighter around Izuku's waist—ankles hooking around the small of Izuku's back, head braced against the pillows as he arched. He was perfect, so perfect. He ground down against him reveling in Kacchan's raspy cry as he gave them both some relief.

 

Omega wants us, his alpha crooned, salivating at the feeling of Kacchan's dick pressing into his stomach. Wants us in his nest, wants us to claim him, claim him, claim—

 

Izuku ripped away from him, eyes wild and teeth bared—jaw clenching at Katsuki's betrayed whimper. Hot hands were already trying to pull him back, but he shoved the omega down—hand on his chest to pin him in place with a warning growl. His breath was coming too fast, and the taste of venom soured his tongue.

 

Too close.

 

"The fuck're you doing?" Katsuki snapped, voice pitched high with the echo of a beseeching whine. His lips were swollen and his eyes glassy and Izuku wanted to devour him. "M'not done with you—"

 

"Kacchan," he snarled, shutting his eyes tight to rein himself in. He steeled himself against the imploring sounds spilling out of his perfect mouth. "Can't. S'too much."

 

Katsuki went still below him, legs dropping from his waist and bracketing his kneeling frame. He took Izuku's wrists in his hands, drawing soothing circles into his scent glands—his purr softening as Izuku caught his breath, beating his alpha back with a stick. It's only purpose was to claim and breed a compatible omega—it was Izuku's job to choose the right person and do it right.

 

Kacchan wasn't ready to be claimed, so Izuku wasn't ready to claim him. His instincts didn't know that—they were horny and stupid. He knew better, so he had to be better.

 

He focused on Katsuki's crooning as the fog cleared, letting his omega soothe him. "Sorry," he choked out. "I was losing it, you're so—" he broke off, swallowing—wincing at the sting of venom in his throat.

 

"I'm so what?" Katsuki prodded, still hoarse but softer. Uncommonly patient.

 

He huffed out a pained laugh. "Perfect. Dangerously perfect."

 

There was a rustle of fabric, and Katsuki shifted beneath him—sitting up. Izuku felt his breath on his jaw, just a moment before his lips made contact.

 

"Pretty fuckin' perfect yourself, nerd," he murmured. Izuku opened his eyes, drinking him in. His face was pink, darker over the bridge of his nose and across his cheeks. It was precious, and he looked shy as he spoke.

 

"Hardly," he muttered. "You...you should start wearing a safety collar when we're alone."

 

Katsuki's eyes widened. "Oh," he uttered. "Uh...okay." Izuku's gut churned, hoping he hadn't messed it up. After a long, uncomfortable moment, Katsuki softened—only indicated by the slightest crinkle at the corners of his eyes. He exhaled in relief when Katsuki kissed him again, just at the corner of his mouth. "Thanks for taking care of me, alpha."

 

He would rather cut his arms off than do anything to make Kacchan feel uncomfortable, so really he was taking care of himself by taking care of him. But he smiled anyway—a little strained—nuzzling his nose with his own. He spluttered a laugh when Katsuki planted his hand on his face and shoved him away, face burning.

 

"Fuckin' embarrassing," he snapped. He leaned back, reaching for the bedside table and snatching the coupon book out of the door. Izuku watched, hunger still burning in his veins. His hair was wilder than ever—mussed by Izuku's hands. His lips were red from being bitten, and he wanted to taste them again. He barely noticed when Katsuki held out a new coupon, practically drugged by his presence.

 

Claim Scenting -  Wrist.

 

The fire he'd been trying to stamp out roared back to life. It burned in the pit of his stomach, his head swimming with lust. "Kacchan."

 

"You can't claim me," he purred. "Not yet, at least. This is a good midpoint, right? It'll...smell like I'm all yours. Maybe it'll turn off your dumbass instincts for a bit."

 

"That's—" he swallowed, absently noting that his mouth was watering at the thought of it. "That's a big step, Kacchan. I don't wanna go there if it's not doing something for you, too."

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow, then grabbed Izuku's hand. To his full-body shock, he yanked it toward him, grinding his clothed dick into Izuku's palm. "It'll do something for me."

 

He could barely hear him speaking over the sound of his heartbeat in his ears. He'd achieved a sort of clarity though—a goal he and his inner alpha could work toward in tandem.

 

He closed his hand around Katsuki's wrist, capturing his lips again, hungrier than before and determined to make the blonde reek of him—to completely cover him in possessive desire. He pushed the omega back down into the cushions, rumbling purr shaking them both to the core as he dragged Katsuki's arm up to press his wrist into his mating gland—scent coming out thick and smoky, overwhelming them both.

 

He shoved his leg between Katsuki's knees—his omega seemed to like riding his thigh, so who was he to deprive him? He moaned appreciatively, hips tilting up to meet him. It turned frantic fast—the scent of Izuku's arousal flooding the room, working it's way into Katsuki's system and into the thick weave of the cloud-soft blankets on his bed.

 

He met Katsuki move for move, grinding down every time he arched up—giving him what he needed as soon as his body moved to ask for it. He was tensing, moaning, mewling; thrusting against his thigh and clutching at him with the hand that wasn't being drenched in his claiming scent.

 

He snarled against Katsuki's mouth as the omega gave a strangled cry, body tensing and arching as the smell of slick cut through his own smoky vanilla and cedar. Satisfaction curled through him, hot and heavy. His omega just came for him for the first time.

 

He pulled away slowly, not eager to stop kissing him but desperate to see what he looked like. Kacchan blinked up at him in a daze, a doleful whine spilling past parted, swollen lips. He reached out, trying to pull him closer again in a near-float state;  completely saturated in Deku's scent. He smelled like he'd been claimed, the scent of it smoky and sweet—hanging heavy in the air even though he'd technically only scented his wrist.

 

Possessive pride swept through him. He lowered himself back into Katsuki's arms, settling over him with a pleased rumble that made his omega go slack in his nest.

 

"Whad'bout you?" Katsuki slurred, nuzzling into his chest.

 

Izuku kissed the top of his head, nosing through messy blonde spikes. "Don't worry about me," he crooned. His omega was satisfied and both he and his nest were scented to high heaven. He was over the goddamn moon. "I got everything I needed."

 

Notes:

Please check out my Carrd (link in the end notes)—I've added a bunch of new social platforms, just in case Twitter capsizes!

The absolute best way to get updated on my works is to follow me on social media. Twitter is still my home base, but I'm trying to stay on top of posting to other apps now.

The NEXT best way to stay updated is by joining my Discord server!

Chapter 16: Slow Hands

Summary:

hey, it's my birthday so as a gift please leave crazy detailed comments, they're like crack to me. i'm only kinda kidding. no pressure but also it would make me so happy

Katsuki cursed, craning his neck against the feeling of safety collar fastened tight against his mating gland. Deku was pressed against him, controller in hand. Katsuki was holding his too, but he couldn't focus—the shitty game Deku had picked was so much less important than the oppressive feeling of the safety collar.

 

He was glad for the extra security it gave him, but fuck it all, he wanted to tear it off and let his scent into the room properly—especially because the nerd was pressed up against him, solid and warm.

 

"You're letting me beat you," Izuku taunted. Katsuki bared his teeth, elbowing him in the side. "And I suck at this game."

 

"Shut the fuck up," he hissed. "I'm not letting you win shit!"

 

Deku's soft snickering—affectionately teasing—was enough to drag his attention back to their dismal game of Mighty Smash Heroes. It was pretty ridiculous. They'd both been playing this game since they were kids and yet they were both sucking ass like it was their job.

 

It was almost enough to make him regret using the 'Play Video Games Together' coupon. He hated half-assing anything, even something as stupid as a crappy video game.

 

Finally, he snapped.

 

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" he snarled, tossing down his controller and rounding on the alpha. He turned just in time to see him rolling his shoulder, a grimace on his stupid freckled face.

 

"Sorry," Deku muttered, straightening his spine and fixing his eyes on the screen. "One more round?"

 

"Shut the fuck up. What's wrong with your shoulder?" he demanded. Deku opened his stupid mouth, and Katsuki could already tell he was going to downplay it. "If you don't tell me the truth, I'm going to rip your arm off your dumbass body."

 

"Well, that wouldn't solve anything," Izuku chuckled. Katsuki slugged him in the arm, and watched as he flinched—more pronounced than normal. "Fine, fine. It's not a big deal, I just went a little overboard at the gym. Pinched something."

 

Katsuki glowered at him, considering. "Idiot."

 

"Guilty," he said, smiling sheepishly. "It's really not that bad, just kind of uncomfortable."

 

Grumbling, Katsuki got to his feet, grabbing his coupon book off his desk. "Shut the fuck up," he barked over his shoulder as Deku made an inquisitive noise behind him. He tore the coupon he needed out of the book, handing it to Deku with an imperious glare.

 

Izuku spluttered as he read it, face going brick red. "Sensual Massage?"

 

Katsuki blushed, crossing his arms. "I'm offering to give your shoulder a massage, stupid, not give you a horny rub-down." Although...if it ended up as a horny rub-down, he probably wouldn't say no.

 

In fact, he'd probably say yes. A lot. Many times.

 

"You don't have to—"

 

"Deku," he huffed. "I'm fucking offering to give you a massage. I'm good at this shit. Do you want it or not?"

 

Deku took a deep breath, face burning. "I want anything you want to give me," the nerd reminded him quietly. Katsuki kicked his knee in retribution for the butterflies in his stupid stomach. Not very hard, though. He...was starting to like the butterflies.

 

Which brought on its own spark of embarrassed, infuriated rage, but that was a problem for another time. The clear and present problem was Deku's shitty shoulder.

 

"Take your shirt off. Lie down on the bed."

 

Impossibly, Deku's face got even redder—but he complied, averting his eyes as he pulled his shirt over his head. Katsuki did not avert his eyes. He drank in every inch of freckled skin as it was revealed to him, trying not to salivate as Deku's muscles shifted with each movement.

 

Sometimes, it caught him off guard. He'd forget how goddamn far Deku had come since he was a fucking toothpick of a human being—solid and dense where he used to be a scrawny little bitch.

 

It made his blood feel hot in his veins, weighing down his limbs in a way that made him feel clumsy and off balance. It was the same feeling he'd get before his heats—where want would build under his skin, the pressure building without anywhere to go.

 

But it had somewhere to go, now.

 

Burning eyes tracked the alpha as he lowered himself face-down onto Katsuki's bed. Once he was situated, Katsuki crawled on top of him—settling over the curve of his ass. It was...a lot.

 

So, to distract himself from the fact that Deku's perfect ass was pressed up against his dick, he dug his hands into Deku's shoulders—which was why he was up here in the fucking first place, not to ogle Deku's sculpted waist and unfairly defined traps like a goddamn perv.

 

Of course, that was shot the fuck to hell when Deku, the goddamn menace, let out a filthy moan. Sure, he didn't mean for it to be a filthy moan. Katsuki was good at giving massages, just like he was good at every other goddamn thing in his life. It helped that he had heated hands.

 

Except now, he was so fucking good at massages that he'd barely touched the Freckled Fuckface and he had gone limp in Katsuki's nest, letting out a satisfied rumble and moaning like a fucking porn star each time Katsuki dug his thumbs in the space under his shoulder.

 

Even worse, the longer Katsuki sat atop him, kneading heat into his shoulders, the more he relaxed he became—melting into Katsuki's bed like he belonged there. Thank god it wasn't his fully-formed nest, or Katsuki would have jumped him by now.

 

Especially because once the pain in his shoulder let up, the arousal seemed to kick in. Katsuki bit back a whine as the Deku's arousal bled into his scent—the alpha shifting between his thighs as he grew restless.

 

"You good?" Katsuki asked when Izuku let out a strained groan, tensing under his hands.

 

"M'good," Deku replied, muffled by pillows. "Feels...really good."

 

Katsuki smirked. "Yeah?" he teased. He leaned forward, pressing his dick into the curve of Deku's ass, relishing the warning growl that rumbled through the nerd's back, resonating in his hands. "How good?"

 

Deku paused, way longer than Katsuki expected him to. At the very least, his scent was there to give him away, or else he would have jumped off him, kicked him out, and blown him up. Not necessarily in that order.

 

But no, Deku's clearly horny now. Fuckin' perv. Not that he minded.

 

"At the risk of pushing my luck, is there any chance you want to ditch the massage and make out?" Deku asked. The request came out breathy and hopeful but hesitant, as though Katsuki might actually be opposed to sucking face.

 

In response, Katsuki flopped onto the bed next to him—waiting impatiently for Deku to shift enough to face him, smirking when he caught sight of the blush staining his stupid face. The smirk fell when Deku didn't reach for him, watching and waiting.

 

"Well?"

 

"You didn't actually answer me, Kacchan."

 

Katsuki scowled. "I dismounted your thick-ass thighs, didn't I? Clearly, I'm fine with ditching the massage, shithead."

 

"That doesn't mean you want to make out," he shrugged. "Maybe you just wanted my interest scent in your nest. I'm definitely making enough of it."

 

That was the fucking truth, too. Damn. It was bleeding into the air and working its way into his blankets, and Katsuki would probably spend the entire fucking night fighting off his own boner.

 

"Deku," he sneered, as though he couldn't fucking believe he had to ask. Which, he couldn't. "I want to make out with you, stupid."

 

The fuckhead laughed, cheery and fucking adorable as he pulled Katsuki closer. Katsuki kicked him in the shin as punishment, but it didn't hit as hard as it usually did. Partly because he was barefoot, and partly because he...really wanted to make out with his alpha.

 

Fucking sue him.

 

He was still scowling when Deku finally kissed him, angrily twining their legs together and yanking him forward by the front of his shirt. Deku squawked in alarm, but thankfully his reflexes had gotten faster since first year, and he settled into it quickly—winding his arms respectfully high around Katsuki's waist and biting at his lips.

 

It was kind of fucking infuriating that Deku would grind into him—humping him shamelessly—but wouldn't touch him unless Katsuki was guiding his hands. Was it too much to ask for his alpha to just...squeeze his ass unprompted?

 

To be fair, he'd been taking what he wanted more often. Surprise pecks on the lips whenever nobody was looking, linking their fingers whenever they were alone, shit like that. But he was still...uncommonly respectful about groping him. And fuck it all, Katsuki wanted to be groped.

 

Not all the time, but here in bed? He wanted his respectful freckled nerd to squeeze his ass like a stress ball. It would be good for both of them.

 

Finally, he got fed up—grabbing Deku's hand and putting it where he wanted without breaking their lip lock. The alpha hummed, low and satisfied, scarred fingers digging into Katsuki's ass.

 

Fucking finally.

 

He purred into Deku's mouth, winding closer and melting as his touch wandered, up his waist and back down, hitching Katsuki's leg up higher so that it was wrapped around his hips. Katsuki licked at his teeth, breath stuttering as the nerd licked at it, brazen and all-consuming.

 

He let himself get lost in it—Deku's wandering hands burning into his skin, his hardening dick pressing into Katsuki's stomach through their clothes—he let the feeling of it sink into his skin, turning his bones to mush and making his blood sing.

 

When Deku tried to pull away, he made an embarrassing noise—somewhere between a whine and a growl. Deku crooned at him, soft and sweet but deep.

 

"M'getting a little worked up," he mumbled. And that was fucking true. His interest scent had changed from a steady trickle to a fucking flood, coming out in waves and saturating his bed—way stronger than it had been in his courting gift. Katsuki wanted to fucking drown in it.

 

"Good," Katsuki moaned, pulling him back in and nipping at his jaw. "Get worked up, nerd." He twisted, pulling Deku on top of him and snickering at his startled squawk. "I'll tell you to stop if I need you to, and I'm wearing the fucking collar. Why bother wearing the fucking thing if you're not gonna lose control a little bit?"

 

Deku didn't look entirely convinced but he got distracted pretty quickly when Katsuki wrapped his legs around his thick waist, yanking him closer.

 

He groaned into Katsuki's mouth as he ground his hips up, pressing the omega down into the mattress—and holy shit was that hot. He could get addicted to the feeling of Deku's weight bearing down on him, the thick ridge of his cock grinding right up under his balls, pressing Katsuki's dick into his abs as he moved.

 

It felt so fucking good. Every fucking centimeter of progress they made felt euphoric. Every hint that Deku was getting more comfortable in their courtship, each time he took more without hesitating, each time he felt good without drawing back—Katsuki felt like he'd won something.

 

He whined when Deku's grip grew a little too tight, his teeth digging into his lips a little too hard as he rolled their hips together—sighing when he let up and letting him take what he wanted.

 

He jolted and let out a keening moan when a rough hand snaked up his front—squeezing his pec and rubbing torturous circles into his nipple through the coarse fabric of his shirt, sparks of pleasure shooting straight to his dick.

 

"Slicking for me," Deku rumbled against his mouth. "Perfect, omega."

 

Fuck, was he? He could feel it now, wet against the material of his sweats and making the fabric slide uncomfortably. Deku tasted so fucking good, felt so fucking good. He couldn't even focus enough to breathe—too caught up in the weight of him, the burning path of his hands, the thunderous sound of his hungry crooning.

 

It came on too fast, tension coiling in the pit of his stomach and hungry moans pitching into needy whines—panting into Deku's hungry mouth as the alpha rutted against him, drinking down every pathetic sound that came out of his bitten mouth.

 

His back arched as he came, pressing up against Deku's solid frame as his toes curled in the covers. Deku whined, parting from his lips and burying his face in Katsuki's neck—the thick leather of his safety collar finding its way between his teeth as Deku held him down.

 

"Fuck, alpha yes—" he cried, voice breaking as he whimpered like a little bitch. Deku was yanking at his collar, Katsuki's pleasured scent spilling from beneath it like a goddamn fountain. Deku growled as he came, thrusting against him almost hard enough to bruise—Katsuki clutching at his shoulders, mouth hanging open and eyes squeezed shut.

 

Deku—always looking out for him, even when he'd just nutted—toppled off him, landing on the bed beside him before pulling Katsuki in by the waist. Katsuki let him, shuffling and squirming until his head was resting on the crook of Deku's shoulder, still breathing too fast.

 

Deku was purring like a fucking motorcycle, splayed across his bed like a dorky green king. His scent was worked into every inch of Katsuki's nest—heavy and aroused, now bleeding into satisfaction and happiness.

 

Katsuki basked in it, reveling in every breath he took—appreciating the scent in greedy lungfuls. He wanted to wear this scent on his skin every day.

 

"I should...change. Or something," Katsuki mumbled, lulled by the lazy circles Deku was drawing into his arm. And he really should. He felt kinda gross—slick and cum sticking his boxers to his skin.

 

But he was also...so goddamn comfortable with his limbs limp and body relaxed, tucked into Deku's side. The alpha shifted just enough to kiss him, lazy and languid—running their tongues together and drinking the willpower out of Katsuki's mouth. He was purring, too, and Katsuki felt like the best damn omega on the planet.

 

He wanted to hate how precious he felt, but he didn't. It felt good. Really fucking good.

 

It felt good that even though they were all gross and sweaty from dry humping each other, Deku didn't feel the need to move an inch—completely content to just...be disgusting as long as Katsuki was being disgusting right next to him. It felt good to know that Deku couldn't seem to get enough of him.

 

It made him feel soft and warm and stupid. But stupid in a good way. Stupidly affectionate or something.

 

He couldn't even be mad at how fucking mushy he felt. He was too comfortable—the heat of Deku's thick-ass tree-trunk body and the gentle, satisfied purring were practically lulling him into float.

 

Fuck, if he felt like this when he was awake, how fucking good would he feel in the morning if Deku spent the night? He purred louder at the thought of falling asleep with Deku wrapped around him. His heart did something stupid at the thought of him blinking awake—a slow, sleepy smile spreading on his freckled cheeks.

 

He wanted to ask him to stay, but he was so fucking relaxed that it felt like his tongue was glued to the roof of his mouth. Ridiculous.

 

"It's almost midnight," Deku murmured, nosing at his hairline. He had no idea how long they'd been lazily cuddling and swapping spit, but it was way longer than he'd thought. "I should probably get going."

 

A half-baked growl rattled at the base of his throat, his arms tightening around Deku's waist. "Fuck off."

 

"I'm trying to," Deku laughed, nuzzling in closer. "But you're strangling me."

 

"Watch it or I'll actually strangle you, shithead."

 

"Nah," he fucking giggled. "You like me too much."

 

"Try me, bitch."

 

"Maybe another time," Deku said, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "But I should really go. I'm falling asleep."

 

"Then fall asleep, dumbass," he grumbled. "You're warm and I'm comfortable."

 

Deku let out a strangled noise, running a hand down Katsuki's back until it settled on his waist. "I'd love to, but I'm training early tomorrow and you wanted to sleep in," he reminded him. Katsuki felt his face twist into a frown that was not a pout. "But...I can make a coupon recommendation if you want."

 

Katsuki looked up at him, craning his neck back—curious despite himself. "It better be fucking good," he huffed.

 

He growled again when Izuku slipped away from him, slipping his arm out from under Katsuki's head and shuffling out of the bed.

 

"I'll be right back," he promised, giggling like a fucking idiot. He traipsed over to Katsuki's desk, grabbing the coupon book before finally coming back toward the bed. He stopped at the edge of the mattress and Katsuki whined imploringly—trying to coax him back in. Deku flashed him an apologetic smile before turning back to the booklet flipping through it quickly.

 

"Here, this one." He handed it to Katsuki, revealing the Breakfast in Bed coupon with a shy smile, possibly to soothe the irritation that he wasn't getting back in bed. "I can make you breakfast after training, and then we can cuddle. Or something, whatever you want—"

 

"Shut. The fuck. Up," Katsuki growled. It lacked its usual intensity, mostly because he was still riding the high from his orgasm and partly because Deku was back in his bed. "Fine. Make me breakfast in bed. Whatever."

 

Deku beamed, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead. "Perfect. Then I'll see you first thing in the morning."

---

The good thing about waking up before everyone else on the weekend was that it gave Izuku undisturbed access to the whole world. He got to watch as it woke up slowly, soft and quiet.

 

It let him work out in a near meditative state—where the only thoughts in his head were to listen to his body.

 

Of course lately, he was spending most of that time thinking about Kacchan. Which...honestly? It was a hazard. Working out distracted without a spotter was dangerous.

 

But at this time of the morning on a Saturday? Anyone he'd ask to spot him was asleep. Besides, he needed the kitchen to himself if he was going to make breakfast for Katsuki without anyone asking questions.

 

Just to make Katsuki laugh (or make fun of him with that new, thrilling twinkle of fondness in his eye) Izuku made him another recipe out of the All Might Commemorative Cookbook—something called the All Mighty Texas Hash.

 

In no time at all, he was standing outside of Katsuki's room with a tray—cautiously balancing two plates and two cups of coffee. Honestly, he was a little nervous. Last night was intense. It had been sudden and hot, and Katsuki hadn't pulled back, but Izuku's control had definitely slipped.

 

He knew Katsuki would have stopped him if he'd gone too far but still, he didn't want the omega to push himself too far, too fast. He'd already tried to apologize for moving slow and now that they weren't moving slow anymore...was he doing that for Izuku's sake despite himself? He hoped not. He hoped he was enjoying all of this as much as Izuku was.

 

Katsuki opened the door, and Izuku's heart fluttered at the sight of him—hair sticking in all the wrong directions and eyes narrowed. His safety collar was already on, and Izuku could see the teeth marks he'd left in it the night before.

 

But despite how rumpled he looked, he seemed restless. He was flexing his hands, fidgeting in the doorway, looking like he'd been awake for a while.

 

"Can I come in?" Izuku asked quietly, smiling wide when the omega stood aside to let him into the room. It was still dark inside—only the bedside lamp had been turned on and the curtains were still shut. "Bed or desk?" he asked.

 

"You said breakfast in bed, fucker," Katsuki growled. Izuku bit back a fond smile at the cranky scrunch of his nose. It was adorable, but he was grouchy enough that Izuku would probably get his arm chopped off for saying it.

 

"Just checking," he assured his omega, letting the blonde crawl back into bed and shuffle toward the wall to make space.

 

Katsuki looked down at the plate in front of him, still scowling. Then, he rolled his eyes so hard that his head rolled with them—but Izuku could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Fucking dork," he complained.

 

"Your dork," he replied placidly. He didn't bother pointing out that Katsuki was a dork too, if he'd recognized the recipe on sight. "I brought hot sauce, too."

 

"Which one?" Katsuki asked, still glaring at him.

 

Izuku huffed out a laugh. "The one that will make kissing you after a painful but worthwhile experience." Katsuki smirked at him. While they both liked spicy food, Katsuki's tolerance was undoubtedly higher. He liked to hold that over Izuku as a point of superiority.

 

He climbed into bed once he'd perched the tray on a somewhat precarious stack of books. "How was your workout?" Katsuki asked, stabbing at his food already, while Izuku reached for his coffee.

 

"Fine. Quiet. I dropped a plate on my foot, but nothing's broken," he replied, giving him a reassuring smile at the flash of alarm that crossed his perfect face.

 

And they just...talked. And ate breakfast, sitting side by side—Katsuki leaning against him. It felt so quiet and comfortable, and Izuku hoped that someday, he'd get to spend every morning like this—quiet and comfortable with Kacchan. It was the kind of hope that made him feel warm and excited, starting in his stomach and spreading to his fingertips, a smile curling his mouth before he'd even realized it.

 

"What the fuck are you grinning at, you freckled troll?" Katsuki griped, knocking his knee against him.

 

"Nothing," Izuku said, nudging his shoulder. "Just like spending time with you."

 

Katsuki scowled, punching him in the shoulder. "It's too fucking early for your sappy bullshit. Fuck off with that."

 

"Alright," he agreed easily. He settled back against the wall, coffee in hand. "Anything planned for today?"

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes. "The idiots wanted to go to the mall."

 

"Oh, Momo asked me to come to the mall, too. She wanted help finding something for her cousin, but—"

 

"She's not as much of a nerd as you are, and her cousin is a nerd, too?" Katsuki snickered. Izuku nodded, a sheepish smile on his face. Katsuki hesitated for a moment, looking down at his lap. "If you want...when you're done with Ponytail you can join us," Katsuki suggested. "I...I've been thinking that we could start hanging out more in public? So it doesn't shock the shit out of people when we decide to tell them."

 

Izuku's heart skipped in his chest. Katsuki was planning to get to a point where they wanted to tell people. At this point, it wasn't actually a surprise. Kacchan liked him, loved things about him, was attracted to him—but it was still a thrill to hear any of it out loud.

 

"I'd love to. I love spending time with you, as long as you're comfortable with me crashing. I know they're technically my friends too, but you guys don't get to hang out alone very often—"

 

"Deku. I wouldn't have fucking offered if I didn't fucking mean it," Katsuki barked.

 

Izuku nodded, smiling. "Then, sure. I'd love to. I'm...well. You already know. I'm not really talking to any of the people I'd usually go with. So an afternoon out with the Bakusquad—" Katsuki grimaced at the name. "Would be really fun. Not that I'm trying to replace them, or anything. I just...kinda miss socializing normally, I guess."

 

He shifted again and Izuku looked at him, eyebrows raised. "You miss them?"

 

Izuku shrugged. "I miss...what I thought we were, I guess. The easy friendship, the goofing off. Face masks and morning runs and stuff. But none of that stuff meant they had a claim on me, but that's how they were behaving, I guess? So I don't miss what we actually were. I miss what I thought we were."

 

"I just asked if you fucking missed them, not for a philosophical breakdown of your friendship," Katsuki barked. He picked at his nails—one of the few nervous tics the blonde had. "I just...noticed that Cheeks has been calming down and backing off. Behaving herself or whatever. And if you miss her as a friend, that might matter?"

 

"Kacchan—"

 

"Just...wait. Maybe—since she's respecting your boundaries now or whatever—you should reward that shit or something. Like training a dog."

 

Izuku sighed, twisting his fingers in his lap. "I don't know. Kinda feels too soon. Like I'd be caving instead of being thankful that she's respecting my boundaries."

 

"I'm not saying hang out with them alone all at once," Katsuki huffed. "But inviting them to the mall as a big-ass group? That's not a hint that you're interested, that's a hint that they're not being shitbags anymore."

 

He bit his lip, mulling it over. He did miss Ochako and Tenya—and Shoto by extension. It would be nice to spend time with them, if they could go back to somewhat normal. On the other hand...he didn't want Katsuki to be uncomfortable, and the shit Ochako had pulled had made both of them uncomfortable.

 

But to Katsuki's point...if she was working to do better, shouldn't he reinforce that? Reward it somehow?

 

"I'll...think about it," he muttered. "Can we do something until then? Just...something else?" He glanced up when Katsuki stayed silent, surprised to find him blushing. "Kacchan?"

 

Katsuki flipped him off, but gathered the tray off his bed, setting it on the desk and grabbing the coupon book. He handed Deku the Making Out In Bed coupon before climbing on top of him—shoving a different coupon into the pocket of his sweats as he went.

 

Izuku didn't have time to wonder about it though, because he was faced with a lapful of eager omega, suddenly smothered by Kacchan's mouth as he kissed the breath out of him.

 

An acceptable pastime for sure.

 

"Woke up all horny and shit this morning," the omega purred against his lips—and holy fuck, when did Kacchan become seductive? Provocative, sure, but intentionally seductive so that his voice felt like molten metal pouring into Izuku's veins? That was just unfair. "Scent all over my bed, fucking distracting. I could barely sleep."

 

"Sorry?" Izuku gasped, tipping his head back as Kacchan kissed and bit his way down his neck. He gasped when Katsuki's lips brushed over his mating gland.

 

"Apologies won't fix shit," Katsuki scoffed, muffled by Izuku's throat. "Why don't you actually do something about it, nerd?"

 

Izuku nodded dumbly, pulling Katsuki in closer—threading his fingers into the omega's hair and pulling him back to his mouth to kiss him. Katsuki's tongue licked at his lips, snaking to meet the space behind his teeth as soon as they parted. He groaned into it, shuffling closer until their chests were pressed together—Katsuki straddling his lap and grinding into him.

 

The hand that wasn't in Kacchan's hair trailed down his back, finally landing on his ass—giving it a tentative squeeze. Katsuki broke away just to say, "Like you fucking mean it, Deku."

 

And Izuku complied, digging his fingers into the curve of his ass and letting out an appreciative hum as the muscle gave way to his grip. Katsuki purred, grinding into him—eager and open with what he wanted.

 

He was still a little worried that Kacchan was pushing himself, but the scent seeping from under his collar and the sheer volume of his purring was slowly setting him at ease. He was enjoying himself and had to trust that Kacchan knew what he wanted. That he'd do this at his own pace.

 

He hoped he wasn't being selfish, or looking the other way when he should be paying attention—because it felt really good. It felt good to have Kacchan's attention fixed on him, it felt good to have the most beautiful, powerful omega in the world take what he wanted—and it felt really fucking good to be the thing that he was taking.

 

He was a mess in minutes, dick twitching with every sound that came out of his omega's mouth, breath coming out harsh and hot, head swimming with lust. Katsuki was on a mission, and Izuku was along for the ride.

 

He felt his brain shut off when Katsuki's hands slipped under his shirt, pawing at his stomach and chest like he was trying to memorize his body by touch alone. His hips jumped when Katsuki took two handfuls of his pecs and squeezed—hands burning into his skin without mercy.

 

"Fucking hot," he mumbled, breaking their kiss to nip at his jaw, then back down his neck—sticking his face into Izuku's mating gland and huffing his scent like a drug. Izuku crumbled when, instead of just nosing over it or kissing around it like he usually did, Katsuki licked it—painting a hot, broad stripe over the sensitive skin that would have made his knees buckle if he'd been standing

 

"Kacchan, oh my god—" he groaned, tipping his head back and clutching at his waist. "So good, omega, please—"

 

"Want more, alpha?" he teased. Kacchan. Teased. His brain was melting out through his ears. It felt like Kacchan's hands and lips were everywhere—seated firmly over Izuku's dick and rocking down against it, driving him insane. He felt all-encompassing, like his personality but physical—demanding every inch of Izuku's attention and pushing out every feeling except the heat of his hands and hips, and the weight of his body bearing down on his lap.

 

"More," he agreed, hunger burning through his blood. He's hard, throbbing in his sweats, undoubtedly smearing precum into his underwear. He wants more, so fucking badly. He can't get enough of him. "Please?"

 

He whined aloud when Katsuki pulled away, sitting back on his heels and letting his hands slip out from under Izuku's shirt. "Patience, nerd," he huffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His pupils were blown, pitch black rimmed with ruby red—kiss swollen lips parted.

 

He yelped when Izuku, in a fit of impulsive impatience, laid an open-handed slap on his ass. Deku grinned as the omega glared down at him, hands flexing on his shoulders like a threat. "Teasing me," he scolded. "Not nice, Kacchan."

 

"I'm not nice, fucker," he huffed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the other coupon. He pushed into Izuku's chest, staring him down as a wicked smile curved his perfect, foul mouth. "And I like it when you lose your shit."

 

Izuku blinked up at him, almost in a daze. It felt like something had shifted in the night, and suddenly Izuku was prey. Then, looked down at the coupon and he felt his soul leave his body through his dick.

 

Blow Job.

 

His heart rate kicked up, pulse racing. His head felt fuzzy and his mouth watered. He only looked up when Katsuki whined, only to find him slack-jawed and panting—and that's when he caught his own scent in the air.

 

It was thick and oppressive—sugar and campfires taking over the space between them, but more demanding than it had ever been. It was dark and possessive, and it had ensnared the omega atop him—who was grinding down into his lap and leaning in to get closer, whimpering as it flooded his lungs.

 

"Alpha," he gasped. "Deku, c'mon—"

 

"I've got you," he crooned, slipping his thumbs into Katsuki's waistband. He frowned when Katsuki stopped him, concern putting a leash on his lust. "You alright?" he crooned, nosing under his jaw.

 

"I meant I wanted to give you one, fuckhead," he uttered, blushing furiously. Izuku's jaw dropped and his dick throbbed. "Fuck, you smell good," Katsuki groaned, dropping his face back into Izuku's neck, latching onto his mating gland and scraping his teeth over it—licking heat straight into Izuku's bloodstream, the alpha curling shaking hands into the back of his shirt to draw him as close as he could. "Fucking distracting, Deku, god fucking dammit."

 

From this close, Izuku could smell him too—his scent thwarting the safety collar and bleeding caramel and cloves into the air—so heavy that he could practically taste it. Izuku groaned as Katsuki rutted forward, pleasure shooting up his spine as the omega rocked against him.

 

His breath quickened, panting into Katsuki's shoulder—practically forgetting the coupon until the blonde wrenched himself back—eyes wild and determined. "Don't you fucking cum from humping me again you fucking knothead," he snapped. It came out breathless and raspy, already wrecked.

 

It felt like a fever dream. A heart attack-induced hallucination. The love of his life—the closest thing to God he'd ever encountered, the most beautiful and terrifying omega known to man—wanted to give him a blow job. Badly. That had to be some kind of elaborate coma dream. He'd probably fallen and cracked his head open on a barbell in the gym or something.

 

But no, his omega was climbing off him—taking him by the hands and dragging him to the edge of the bed. Demanding that he take off his sweats.

 

As soon as he did, Kacchan's eyes flitted downward and he fixed his gaze on Izuku's cock, hanging heavy between his legs. "Jesus fuck, that's thick," he rasped. Izuku's heart hammered against his sternum as the omega dropped to his knees, pushing the alpha's knees apart to get closer.

 

"Kacchaaaaah—" he cut off as Katsuki's broad, hot hand wrapped around his length, pulse pounding in his ears. "Fuck, oh my god."

 

His omega's hand was curled around his dick, stroking it experimentally and watching with hungry eyes as precum drooled from the tip. Katsuki swiped over it with his thumb, watching entranced as it smeared over his head. Izuku's leg was shaking, breath coming out harsh.

 

"It's freckled," he murmured, the warmth of his breath washing over him, making it twitch in his burning grasp. "Fuck, why are you so hot?"

 

Izuku didn't personally think he was that hot but maybe he was wrong, because if he wasn't—why would Kacchan be licking the precum off the tip of his dick, purring louder at the taste of it. Why would he be wrapping his lips around the head, flicking his eyes up to meet Izuku's eyes, if he wasn't attractive?

 

He didn't have time to think about that, though—because way too fucking fast, Kacchan's mouth was sinking down on his cock, enveloping his length in earth-shattering wet heat. He made it halfway down before pausing, eyes widening in panic as he pulled off.

 

"You okay?" Izuku panted, carding scarred fingers through Katsuki's hair.

 

"I...don't know what I'm doing," Katsuki uttered, biting his lip. "I don't think I can go all the way down, Deku, fuck—"

 

"Hey, if you don't wanna do this—"

 

"I do!" he yelled. He bit his lip then, quieting down and shooting a nervous glance at the wall he shared with Eijirou. "I want to, I just...don't know if I can make it good—"

 

"Anything with you is good, Kacchan. Even if it's not perfect, it's good."

 

"Deku—"

 

"I was ready to cum when you breathed on me," he joked, letting out a teasing smile despite the fact that Katsuki's hand was still wrapped around the base of his dick, and his breath was still fanning over the head. He could barely keep himself still long enough to reassure him, and he held back the urge to run the tip over Kacchan's parted lips.

 

Kacchan belonged above him—undoubtedly too good for him in every way—but fuck, he looked good on his knees.

 

"If you wanna keep going, we can. If you wanna stop, we can," Izuku told him, cupping his cheek. Katsuki leaned into it, staring up at him. "Either way, we're figuring out what to do together. I haven't done this either, you know."

 

Katsuki swallowed, and then nodded—still hesitant, lower lip tucked between his teeth. "Just fucking...tell me if I'm doing something wrong or whatever?" he asked, and Izuku's heart clenched. He sounded so unsure of himself—which was so wildly out of character. He was nervous.

 

"As long as you tell me if it's too much, alright?"

 

He nodded again, this time a little more sure. His grip tightened—just a little—but it sent sparks up Izuku's spine, and he gasped—head tipping back. He curled his tongue around the head, and the alpha looked down just in time to see him make a show of it—rubbing it along his tongue.

 

His gut clenched at the sight of it, fists curling in the sheets as his legs shook. Fuck, this was going to be embarrassing—blood boiling at the sight below him. It only got better, as his pretty lips closed around him again, straining at the edges to take him in.

 

"Feels good," he rasped, releasing his death grip on Katsuki's bedspread to run a hand through the blonde's hair again—hoping it was a soothing gesture. He watched, fascinated, as his eyelids fluttered, sinking a little deeper and wringing a strangled groan out of Izuku's throat.

 

Somehow, it felt just as good as he pulled back, lips dragging along his cock—leaving shiny spit in its wake. He wished he could replay his memories so that he could remember this forever in perfect clarity—the first time he felt the hot, slick glide of his omega's mouth on his cock.

 

It was too good. Every move felt like a live-wire, and it only got better as Kacchan started moving for real—gaining confidence with each pass. Izuku growled when he swiveled his tongue along the underside of his dick, grip tightening in his hair—and Katsuki moaned, eyes fluttering shut as he sucked, going a little deeper, making his legs shake.

 

Then, Katsuki wrapped his hand around the base of his dick—where his knot would swell during his rut or Katsuki's heat—and squeezed. Izuku shouted—urgently wrenching him back by his hair a little too roughly—and cupped his hand over the head of his cock, coming into his cupped palm while Katsuki panted, still stroking him as he came.

 

His head felt fuzzy, still gripping Kacchan's hair as he willed his breathing to go back to normal. Then, he realized how tight his grip was, and how he'd wrenched the omega's head back—spit-slick lips parted as he stared at the ceiling, eyes glassy. He hastily loosened his grasp, stroking through blonde locks both to soothe and apologize.

 

"Sorry, sorry fuck—I didn't have time to warn you and I didn't want to come in your mouth without warning you, but I shouldn't have—"

 

"Deku," Katsuki interrupted, a little hoarse. "S'good."

 

Apparently, it was, because he was purring, loud and obnoxious. Once Izuku's panic paused, he could hear it loud and clear. Izuku's eyes ran over him, taking in his flushed face and heaving chest—the way the heel of his palm was pressed against his crotch. Experimentally, he tightened his fist again—tugging at silky blond strands and reveling in the cracked moan he breathed out, shaky and overwhelmed.

 

"I think it's your turn, Kacchan," he said. Ruby eyes focused in on him, eyes wide. "Can I take care of that for you?"

 

"I...yeah, but I'm...fuck. I'm not gonna last very long," he warned, blushing harder.

 

Izuku shook his head. "Don't care," he insisted. "I wanna taste you, too." Katsuki moaned, squeezing his eyes shut. "C'mon, switch places with me, omega."

 

Shakily, Katsuki got to his feet, leaning in to give Izuku a sloppy, slack-jawed kiss before the alpha sank to his knees—hooking his fingers into Kacchan's waistband and pulling down the shorts he'd worn to sleep.

 

He was met with the overwhelming scent of slick, clinging to the fabric as the omega's boxers followed his shorts to pool around his ankles. His mouth watered, not just at the scent of his omega's clear arousal, but at the sight of Katsuki's dick, hard and wet from pre.

 

Kacchan's cock was pretty—not as thick as his but about as long, flushed pink along the shaft and red at the tip. It rose from a neatly trimmed patch of coarse blonde hair, and Izuku couldn't help but wonder if it was just as soft as the hair that had been between his fingers just a minute ago.

 

"You gonna sit?" Izuku asked, looking up at him. He heard Katsuki's breath stutter, and he wrapped around one of his sculpted calves.

 

"Uh—no," he uttered. "Don't wanna get slick all over my sheets."

 

"Mmm," he hummed, kissing Kacchan's inner thigh. "Smart omega." Katsuki whimpered at the praise and his hips jumped, the head of his cock bumping Izuku's cheek. Izuku's other hand wrapped around his thigh, holding him still. "You ready?"

 

Katsuki nodded, and Izuku took him into his mouth a split second later, humming a laugh around his dick as he cursed—hands flying to the back of the alpha's head. He prided himself on being a fast learner and everything Katsuki had done to make him feel good, he reciprocated—hollowing his cheeks and sliding his tongue along the underside of his cock.

 

Katsuki's thighs trembled under his hands, dangerously hot fingers threading through his curls as his hips jumped and twitched—pretty moans and shaky sighs that sounded like sobs tumbling out of his mouth. Izuku wanted to listen to those moans forever, wanted them louder, wanted to rip them out of his throat himself.

 

"D-Deku, m'close," he whined, curving over him like he couldn't hold himself up anymore. Izuku hummed low in his throat and Katsuki's grip loosened, expecting him to pull away. Instead, Izuku sank deeper, fighting off his gag reflex as Kacchan's pretty cock bumped the back of his throat.

 

He almost succeeded, throat convulsing and eyes watering—and Katsuki cried out, spilling into his mouth and grinding his hips forward, only held back by Izuku's grip on his thighs. The alpha swallowed hastily, drinking him down before letting his cock slip out of his mouth with a gasp, catching his breath.

 

He squeezed the back of Katsuki's thigh—only to realize that it was wet, slick dripping down his leg to drench his hand. His breath caught, another curl of desire swirling in his gut.

 

"That was," Katsuki gasped. "Fucking amazing. What the fuck?"

 

Spell broken, Izuku laughed—bright and surprised. "Did you think it wouldn't be?"

 

"I knew it would be good, but not that fucking good, Jesus fucking Christ," he wheezed. "I hope you enjoyed yourself because if we can't do that again, I'll probably fucking...disintegrate or something."

 

Izuku snorted, patting his leg with his...jizz and slick-covered hand. Katsuki noticed too, if the grimace on his face was anything to go by. "I forgot," the alpha chuckled. "My bad. Wanna get cleaned up and...cuddle or something?"

 

"Yeah, I need my brain to re-solidify before we do anything else," Katsuki replied, voice rough. His lips were swollen, and Izuku wanted to kiss and bite at them so they stayed that way. But first—they needed a towel. Badly.

 

He kept his hands to himself as they cleaned up—washing his hands in the bathroom while Katsuki toweled off, putting his pants back on so that he wasn't walking around like Winnie the Pooh. It wasn't a good look for anybody.

 

As soon as he was done, Katsuki was back on him and Izuku felt like he could float straight out of the atmosphere. The omega crowded him back into bed—bundling him onto the mattress and crawling on top of him, splaying across his body and purring as the alpha's arms wrapped around him.

 

He wasn't sure who made the move, but he let his eyes flutter shut as Katsuki kissed him—lips moving languidly, content to be slow and careful. It was weird for his mind to be so quiet, but he liked it—just soaking in Kacchan's affection, basking in the knowledge that he'd made his omega feel good.

 

Almost an hour later, he barely even noticed when someone banged on Katsuki's door—only noting the interruption because the omega jolted at the sound. "Who's that?" he mumbled, pressing lazy kisses to his jaw.

 

"KATS! IF YOU'RE NOT AWAKE, MINA'S GONNA MELT YOUR DOOR HANDLE!"

 

Katsuki groaned, rolling off Izuku's body and flopping onto his back—glaring at the ceiling. "I'M AWAKE, LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!"

 

"I'LL TEXT YOU WHEN WE'RE READY TO GO!"

 

"EAT SHIT!" Katsuki bellowed. "Fuck. I don't wanna go. I wanna stay here," he complained.

 

Izuku turned, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. "We should," he said. Katsuki scowled at him. "We haven't been spending a lot of time with...anyone, really. I bet they miss you. And, sooner or later—they'll get suspicious. But we don't have to go for the whole day. We can always come back a little early if you get sick of it."

 

Katsuki squinted, examining his face. "You don't have to stop enjoying yourself just because I do, don't be stupid," the omega huffed, tucking himself into Izuku's side.

 

"I know," he shrugged. "But things are less enjoyable when you're not there. I'd almost always rather be wherever you are."

 

Kacchan hid his face in Izuku's shoulder, but he could still feel his mouth curve into a smile.

 

"Sappy fucking dork," he grumbled. Izuku grinned, fully aware that Kacchan liked that about him. He'd said so himself, and there was no way in hell Izuku would allow take-backs on that one.

 

"Yeah," he agreed. "Your sappy fucking dork."

 

The punch in the stomach was totally worth it.

Notes:

hey, it's my birthday so as a gift please leave crazy detailed comments, they're like crack to me. i'm only kinda kidding. no pressure but also it would make me so happy. i know i said it in the chapter summary but i'm a whore for attention and affirmation and i'm completely unashamed.

Chapter 17: Olive Branch

Notes:

merry christmas you filthy animals <3

"Mido!" Eijirou cheered as he bounded into the common room. Izuku smiled at him. He couldn't really help it, Eijirou had always kinda reminded him of an excitable golden retriever.

 

"Hey, Ei," he replied.

 

"Are you coming with us to the mall?" he asked, clapping him on the shoulder.

 

"Technically, I'm going to the mall with Momo," he said. "But I think Kacchan's trying to get me to combine forces so that I can intercept Mina if she tries to force him to get a manicure again."

 

"Ah, yeah. That didn't go too well the last time," Eijirou chuckled.

 

The last time, the manicurist had hit on him so much that his palms had started to sweat. Then the manicurist had been stupid (and out of pocket) enough to touch his thigh under the table, and he'd blown up the entire table.

 

So, yeah. Kacchan was anti-manicure. He could do his nails at home if he wanted to—he didn't need to subject himself to thirsty-ass extras who didn't know how to respect people's boundaries.

 

There was a noise from the kitchen, and Izuku turned toward it. From the scents lingering in the common room, he knew who was in there. Ochako, Tenya, and Tsu were all inside—probably having breakfast after Tenya's morning run. Ochako and Tsu had probably gone to the gym together.

 

Now that he was actually listening, he could discern them. They were laughing at something—Tsu's croaky laugh resonating under Ochako's soft giggle. Maybe Tenya had done something funny.

 

He felt something in his heart twist. He didn't love how Ochako and Tenya had treated him and disrespected his wishes, but Tsu had been trying to quietly be there for him. So had Shoto. But neither of them really knew what was going on, aside from the fact that he'd gotten upset and whatever Ochako had told them.

 

So without really meaning to, they'd picked a side.

 

Now that Ochako had backed off, though, maybe Kacchan was right. Maybe...maybe he should reward the effort by reaching out. Showing them that he saw that they were trying.

 

He did miss them, after all. Being mad at them didn't mean he missed them any less. He loved all the time he got to spend with Kacchan, obviously, but the easy friendship they'd built over the years? It was different than what he had with his omega.

 

Katsuki was all-encompassing and passionate—incendiary even at his most quiet. Izuku loved that about him, even in their calmest moments. In addition, his relationship with Katsuki was in flux so he was constantly watching his step—eager to make sure the omega was comfortable—but it added new pressure to their lifelong rapport.

 

In contrast, his friends were soothing and soft. The mental equivalent of falling into a pile of pillows. Easy, no pressure, and very little strain. Until recently, where it was all pressure and no ease.

 

He still missed it, though. If he could get it back to where it was before, he would love to have it back.

 

"You good, Mido?" Eijirou asked, nudging him.

 

"Just...thinking," he murmured. The redhead raised an eyebrow, and Izuku sighed. "I'm still upset with them," he explained quietly. "But Kacchan pointed out that they're trying. And I miss hanging out with them. I was...thinking about inviting them out with us, so that I'd have the larger group as a buffer. They haven't apologized, so I don't want them to think the way they were behaving is okay. But they have been backing off, so I want them to know that I see the effort. I don't know what to do."

 

"Hey, if you need a buffer I can do that," Eijirou offered. Izuku's eyes widened. "I know Mina is all riled up about you and Ochako, but if you're not interested, you're not interested and I get that, man. I don't know what went down, but if you miss them and wanna try to get things back to normal, I can run interference."

 

Izuku bit his lip. "I also don't wanna ruin everyone's day if it gets awkward or confrontational, you know?"

 

The other alpha snorted. "Dude, you can't stop doing shit because you're afraid it might go wrong. That's not like you at all. You're practically famous for giving people the benefit of the doubt, and ruining a trip to the mall isn't really the end of the world, my guy. If it gets awkward we can just split up and do our own thing."

 

He felt himself settle as Eijirou spoke. He was right—he could reach out and try to smooth things over. He didn't have to be perfectly okay with them all at once, but he could try to extend an olive branch. If it didn't work out, it wasn't the end of the world.

 

"Thanks, Ei," he smiled. "I'll go talk to them."

 

"Good luck," he grinned back, sharp teeth on display.

 

When he got into the kitchen, he almost turned right back around. Ochako and Tenya fell silent as soon as he entered, watching him with wide eyes. Tsu gave him a little wave.

 

"Hey," he muttered, rooted firmly in the doorway. Ochako glanced around the kitchen, as though checking to see if he was speaking to someone else.

 

"Hey?" she replied, hesitant.

 

"Good morning, Izuku," Tsu said, more collected than the rest. "How was your morning training?"

 

He gave her a tight smile, grateful that she'd decided to cut the tension a little. "It was nice. Quiet. I got to really focus, even if it was a little too early."

 

"That's good," she smiled, idly stirring the cereal in her bowl, turning it to mush. "Ours went well, too. I increased my squat thrust by a ten plate for my third set without failure."

 

"Hey, that's awesome," he smiled, eyes crinkling at the corners. He could feel Ochako's eyes on him and he fought the urge to fidget under her gaze. "So uh, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?" he asked, shifting on his feet.

 

"I think we were just gonna study," Tsu told him, glancing at Ochako and Tenya. They were still just staring at him, clearly unsure of what to do or say. "Shoto was gonna take a shower and join us."

 

"Well, uh—" he swallowed. "Some of us are going to the mall. I'm leaving with Momo now, and then I'm meeting up with Kacchan, Ei and Mina after. They're planning to leave in like half an hour if you wanna join us."

 

"We'd love to!" Ochako blurted, flushing a moment later. "Sorry, I mean—if you want us there. I wouldn't want to...intrude. But I—we miss you." She trailed off at the end, looking uncertain.

 

Izuku nodded stiffly. "Yeah, it'll be good to hang out." He almost winced at the tone of his own voice—coming out flat and reluctant. He saw Ochako wilt, casting an unsure glance at Tenya. "Um, see you there...if you decide to go." He turned to flee, but paused and turned back. "Can you invite Shoto along, or should I text him?" he asked Tsu.

 

She waved her hand and said, "I've got it. We'll see you later!"

 

He gave them a little wave before fleeing back to the safety of the common room, discomfort crawling up his arms. He really wasn't good with awkward. He hoped he hadn't messed that up too badly.

 

Eijirou was chatting with Momo by the time he got to them and they both looked over at him—one looking proud and the other concerned. "How'd it go, dude?" Eijirou asked, smiling wide.

 

"Uhhh, a little awkward," he admitted. "But they're invited now. Tsu's gonna make sure Shoto knows. So, you know. Whatever happens, happens."

 

Momo studied his face, and he smiled at her. It turned out as more of a grimace, and he could tell by the way her brow furrowed. It evened out a moment later, and she smiled "Are you ready to go?" she asked. "I was thinking we could grab coffee on the way."

 

Izuku sagged in relief. He might have had coffee that morning but he'd also had a brain-melting orgasm, and despite the lazy hour-long makeout session, he was still a little lethargic in the aftermath. "That sounds great. You wanted to try that new place right? The one with the fancy pastries?"

 

Her smile brightened and beside her, Eijirou's eyebrows raised. "That's a bit out of the way, but if you're up for it, that would be great! I heard they hand-make all the flavored syrups they have for their lattes."

 

He chuckled, already feeling his wallet crying in his pocket. Oh well, it was worth it for the way she lit up. He loved seeing his friends excited—indulging in the things that brought them joy. "Sounds amazing," he agreed. "But we should get going. The 11 train is always jammed."

 

Eijirou waved at them as they departed, looking a little distracted. Izuku frowned, hoping he was okay. Where he'd been overflowing with energy, he'd suddenly fallen quiet—face thoughtful. He didn't look troubled, though, so Izuku waved back after stuffing his feet ingo his shoes. Then, looping his arm through Momo's, they made their way out the door.

 

"So," she said once they'd made their way past the UA gate. He turned his head to look at her, eyebrows raised. "Ochako."

 

Izuku sighed. "Yeah. I invited them to the mall today. All of them, not just her."

 

"Okay," she said, concern clear in her voice. "Why?"

 

"It was Kacchan's idea," he said. "He noticed that they've been backing off and giving me space, and he thought that I should...show them that I appreciate it. And...I miss them. Spending time with them."

 

"I don't know if Ochako gets it yet," Momo admitted. "Like, I know she's quieted down, but I think that's because you got mad at her and Aizawa pulled her aside. I don't think it's because she thinks she was wrong."

 

"I know," he sighed. "I was worried about that too. That it would seem like I was caving. You think I should bail?"

 

She bit her lip, and Izuku waited—steering them as they walked arm in arm so that she could think. "I think," she finally said. "If you don't go, it might cause an unnecessary fuss, and I don't think you want that."

 

"Nope," he agreed.

 

"Then you should go, but Izuku—" she stopped, turning a stern look on him. "Don't interact with them more than you're comfortable with, alright? It's admirable that you're trying to smooth things over, but please keep yourself in mind. I don't know everything that happened, but you're one of the most fair-minded people I know. For you to blow up on her like that, she must have massively stepped out of line—so don't rush it. It's okay to prioritize yourself."

 

He blinked at her in surprise. Slowly, he nodded, a little smile tugging at his mouth. "Thanks," he muttered. "Ei already said he'd run interference if things got weird."

 

She snorted—letting out one of the most unladylike sounds he'd ever heard from her. "No offense to Eijirou, but he's not exactly observant," she said, starting to walk again. "You need to actively look out for yourself and ask for help when you need it. I'd hate to see you make yourself miserable just to make other people comfortable."

 

Izuku's gut twisted at the sad note in her voice and at the same time, he felt achingly grateful. Sometimes he forgot how utterly hurt Momo had been when Tetsutetsu stopped courting her. He was honored that she cared so much that she was trying to stop him from hurting the same way.

 

"I'll take care of myself," he said, nudging her shoulder. She smiled at him, even thought it was little and sad. "I promise."

---

Katsuki hadn't thought this shit through and god fucking dammit, it was biting him in the ass. He'd just wanted to give Deku a fucking win, and he was being punished for it. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. He wanted to go home.

 

While Deku was off with Princess Ponytail actually having a good time buying nerdy shit, he was stuck with Frogger, IcyThot and the Dipshit Duo. Uraraka and Iida were particularly astute when it came to grinding his last nerve down to stubs.

 

They didn't fucking get it. Maybe the Flytrap did, and maybe the Human Thermostat did too—he never really knew what was going on in Shoto's head—but Cheeks and Glasses? Didn't fucking get it, and he hated the possibility that he might have steered Deku wrong here.

 

"You good?" Hanta muttered next to him, trailing behind the rest of the group.

 

"Yeah," he replied, eyes trained on the idiot squad. "This is just...literally a hundred percent more social interaction than I planned on."

 

Hanta made a noise at the back of his throat, and Katsuki glanced at him. His jaw was clenched and he looked irritated—an unusual look on him. Wax Strip was usually more relaxed about...well, everything.

 

"Who pissed in your cereal?" Katsuki huffed.

 

"...Right now? Mostly Iida," he admitted. The blonde hummed in agreement, eyes flicking over to RoboCop. The entire trek to the mall, he'd flapped his fucking gums—asking if they were imposing and suggesting that Deku's invitation might not have been sincere, but at the volume of a foghorn on a cruise ship.

 

Katsuki kinda wanted to throttle him. Deku was the most sincere motherfucker on the planet.

 

"Whatever," Katsuki grunted. "Deku wants to play nice, so I'm just gonna...I dunno. Fuckin' ignore them, I guess."

 

It would be easier to ignore them if they weren't being so fucking irritating.

 

"I was surprised," Floaty admitted, tucking her hair behind her ear as they walked. She was way the fuck ahead of them, but her voice carried. Mina was even louder, their stupid-ass conversation hammering away at his temper. "He hasn't talked to me—to us in so long, and now out of the blue he wants to hang out again?"

 

It wasn't even that fucking long. It was a few weeks. Maybe a month. She was being dramatic as fuck.

 

"Hey, he missed you! That's good news!" Mina cried, tossing an arm around her shoulders.

 

"I wouldn't get too ahead of yourself," Frogger croaked. "I think he wants to preserve your friendship, I don't think you should read more into it than that."

 

"Oh, come on, Tsu!" Mina cried. "You don't think there's any hope? They'd be so cute together! He could be coming around!"

 

Katsuki ground his teeth, reigning in his temper. That was his fucking alpha they were talking about, and the urge to claw her goddamn eyes out was strong. She shouldn't be allowed to fucking look at him, yet Mina was encouraging her to actively pursue. He knew she was a hopeless romantic and he knew that she didn't know that Deku was fucking taken, so he didn't really have a reason to be this pissed.

 

That didn't stop him from wanting to throttle her. Fuck, he wanted to throttle them both.

 

"You're scaring random kids," Denki told him, clapping him on the back. "Quit growling, dude."

 

Katsuki snapped back to himself, eyes widening in surprise. He unclenched his fists and his jaw—taking a deep breath to beat back the aggressive rattle in his chest. He hadn't even realized he was doing it and thankfully, neither had Mina or Floaty.

 

Unfortunately, it looked like IcyHot had. The Bi-colored Bitchass kept glancing over his shoulder at him, eyes narrowed as he examined Katsuki like a fucking zoo animal. If they weren't in public, he'd slap the alpha in the mouth to fix the staring problem.

 

He settled for flipping him off instead, annoyed when that seemed to put him at ease. Shoto turned back around and didn't turn back again—apparently appeased by his bad attitude. Fuck him too, honestly.

 

"We've all noticed that you've been giving him his space since he asked for it," Eijirou said from up front. He was just behind the girls, and his voice carried like a goddamn loudspeaker. "Maybe he's relieved that you took him seriously, and he's starting to feel comfortable around you again."

 

"That's more fucking like it," Katsuki huffed under his breath. Not quiet enough, apparently, because both Denki and Hanta turned toward him. He flipped them off, too

 

"Baaaaaabe," Mina whined. "C'mon, be more optimistic!"

 

Katsuki glanced at them. Mina was pouting up at her hulk of a boyfriend. Uraraka was frowning, clearly hoping for a different answer. He was tempted to text Deku and tell him to steer clear—just in case she didn't listen to fucking reason and started to badger him again.

 

"I think he's right, Ochako," Tsuyu said apologetically. He watched as her shoulders fell, head ducking so her bangs fell over her eyes. "I don't think you should be thinking about romance with him, he's been pretty clear about that. Just focus on your friendship for now. Take it slow. Keep giving him space and just...enjoy the day. Let him come to you and rebuild what you had. I think putting expectations on it will just make it break down again. Wouldn't you rather have him in your life as a friend?"

 

He felt a rush of gratitude for her, glad that she was there to be the voice of reason. If she hadn't spoken, he would have screamed. At them. Loudly. In public. It would have been ugly, and he wouldn't have gotten the point across, because he probably would have knocked her unconscious and she would wake up with selective amnesia and not remember a fucking word he said.

 

Frogface was more tactful. People listened to her. It showed in the way Ochako sighed, nodded, and hugged herself. She might be feeling sorry for herself, but she knew her friend had a point—that Deku had no problems cutting her out if she overstepped. She knew what that felt like now.

 

If they couldn't agree on anything else, they could at least agree on this—their lives were infinitely better when Deku was in it. Floaty didn't look like she wanted to risk him pulling away again, either.

 

"Yeah, you're right," she muttered, dejected. "It's probably just...an olive branch or something."

 

"That's a good thing, too!" Mina declared, looping her arm through the brunette's. "As cute as you two would be together, Mido's an amazing friend, you know? Being his friend isn't a consolation prize, it's something worth working for all on it's own."

 

He breathed a sigh of relief—shoulders dropping away from his ears. "Finally making some fucking sense," he muttered.

 

Hanta dropped an arm around his shoulders. "Relax, man. She might be a little rom-com crazy, but you know Mina always comes through. She doesn't want Mido to be uncomfortable any more than you do."

 

He nodded, but it was half-hearted. When they stayed silent, he realized they were waiting for him—unconvinced that he was actually relaxed. Good instinct, because he wasn't.

 

"I was the one who suggested that he invite them out because I though she was starting to get it," Katsuki told them. Denki made a quiet noise of understanding. "If they're gonna make him feel...fuckin' cornered or something, I basically told him invite that shit back into his life."

 

"Dude, you wanted him to be happy. It's not your fault that she's stuck on this. And it looks like she's come around, right? It'll be fine," Hanta promised.

 

Unfortunately, that wasn't something he could control, so his promise was bullshit.

---

"Thank you," Momo sighed, walking out of the store with Izuku trailing behind her. The alpha was still staring through the window, contemplating going back for one of the keychains he didn't have—calling to him from the display by the door.

 

"No problem," he muttered, doing the mental math on whether or not he could afford vintage merch when he had dates to plan in the near future, even if he didn't know what those dates would be. "Glad I could help."

 

She giggled, nudging his shoulder. "Why don't you just get it? You were staring at it the entire time. You only took a break when I had to ask you a question."

 

He groaned, tipping his head back. "I could," he admitted. "But...I dunno. It's not about money, but there are definitely parts of courting that cost money. Dates and little gifts—I swear, sometimes it feels like movie tickets cost more than a house!" he cried. Momo giggled at his dramatics, and he grinned. "Besides, I'd rather save for stuff we can share. Stuff we can do together. Honestly, I'm hoping he asks to go to the Hero Hall of Fame. I'd get us the platinum tour package and everything."

 

"You two really are cut from the same cloth," she laughed. "That's sweet, though. He's lucky to have you thinking of him, Izuku."

 

He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Momo. Are you gonna join us for the rest of the day?" he asked, pulling out his phone to text Kacchan.

 

"I actually think I'm gonna head back," she told him. "Tooru asked for help with the Physics homework, and I'd rather get to that sooner just in case it takes a while."

 

"D'you want me to walk back with you?" he offered. She shook her head, smiling.

 

"I'll be alright," she promised. At the very least, he walked her to the mall entrance before parting ways—breaking away to look for his omega and their friends among the masses. He caught up to them outside a store that was astonishingly pink—Katsuki propped up against the window, scrolling on his phone as he waited.

 

"Why aren't you inside?" Izuku asked, ambling up to him. Katsuki looked up at him, scowling.

 

"I fuckin' tried. My eyes started burning when they got to the hot pink pleather booty shorts," he sneered. Izuku spluttered a laugh. "Besides, you texted. Wanted to wait for you," he muttered, the tips of his perfect ears going pink. Izuku's laugh died in his throat, and he went brick red.

 

"That's, um," he swallowed, ducking his head. "That's really sweet of you, Kacchan." He stepped closer, holding out his wrist for the omega. Katsuki grabbed it, tossing a glance through the shop window before working Izuku's scent into his own wrist and along the cuffs of his sleeves.

 

He was actually a little aggressive about it—practically scrubbing Izuku's scent into his skin.

 

"Are you okay?" Izuku asked, dipping his head to try to catch his eye.

 

"M'fine," he huffed. The alpha examined his face—looking for any sign that he wasn't. He came up short aside from some lingering irritation and embarrassment. He forced himself to settle. Kacchan's social battery had probably started to run out early. He hadn't expected to spend the day with so many people, after all.

 

Besides, malls were overwhelming. Loud, and filled with unknown scents from complete strangers with no sense of personal space. It didn't usually bother Izuku, but sometimes it ground his nerves to dust. If Kacchan was already overwhelmed from their friends, the mall was probably a stretch too far in terms of his comfort.

 

"If you're sure," Izuku said, running a thumb over his wrist.

 

"I'm always sure," Katsuki huffed. Izuku raised an eyebrow, but wisely kept his mouth shut. The omega bared his teeth anyway—threatening if he dared to refute him.

 

"Mido!" Mina's voice cut through the ambient noise, startling them both. Izuku dropped Katsuki's wrist, whirling to look at her. She'd stuck her head out of the shop's door, smiling bright. "You made it!"

 

"Hey, Mina," he said, smiling gently. "Sorry I took so long, Momo and I had a lot of choices to pick from and it took a while to narrow it down."

 

"Well if you wanna keep being helpful, we could use your opinion in here," she said. "I'm trying to get Eijirou to buy matching booty shorts."

 

Katsuki barked out a startled laugh while Izuku snorted. "You've gotta be fucking kidding me," the blonde snickered, a grin working its way onto his face. Izuku relaxed—relieved that he was in a good enough mood to joke around, even if he was at the end of his social tether.

 

"Right now he's wearing a hot pink pair that say 'dummy thicc' on them! It has rhinestones and everything," she grinned. Apparently Katsuki had to see it for himself, because when Izuku moved to follow Mina, Kacchan followed.

 

He stiffened when he caught sight of Ochako and Tenya, but gave them a tight smile and wave. Ochako gave him a tentative smile. Kacchan let out a little huff behind him, but it sounded dismissive—especially since the omega left to go find Eijirou a moment later.

 

"Hey, Deku," Ochako said, fidgeting with her hands. "Um...how was shopping with Momo?"

 

"Fine," he allowed. "We had fun. I had to walk away from some really cool vintage merch, though," he sighed. He forced himself to relax—to talk to them normally. If he wanted to rebuild bridges and go back to normal, he couldn't tense at the very thought of talking to them.

 

"Oh? That's a surprise," Tenya said, adjusting his glasses. "Both that you found something you don't already have, and that you passed up the opportunity to get it."

 

Izuku let out a chuckle. "Yeah, it was a struggle. I think Momo was sick of trying to get my attention by the end of it. It was just...too expensive."

 

"That's a bummer," Ochako sighed.

 

"I'm sure you'll be able to track it down again someday," Tsu's voice piped up from behind him. He jumped, easing when Ochako giggled. "Sorry," she smiled. "Didn't mean to startle you. Katsuki thinks you need to see Eijirou in booty shorts, so I came to get you."

 

He frowned. "Why didn't—"

 

"Eijrou tried to change," she explained, cutting him off. "So he's currently wrestling with him in front of the dressing rooms until you get there. I figured it was best to come get you before they destroy the mannequins."

 

He guffawed, slapping a hand over his mouth and already moving in Kacchan's direction. Ochako and Tenya didn't move to follow—turning in the other direction with Tsuyu at their heels. It didn't escape him that the farther away he got from them, the more at ease he felt.

 

It helped that they weren't following him. The fact that they weren't crowding him—actively giving him space to breathe—was a comfort. He appreciated the effort, honestly. He was still wary but he could tell that they were trying, and that mattered.

 

He laughed loud and bright when he found the rest of the group—Katsuki and Eijirou grappling on the floor, the hulking alpha attempting to get out of a headlock while Kacchan cackled.

 

"Get off, dude, this shade of pink clashes with my hair!" Eijirou bellowed.

 

"Your ass says 'EAT ME,' you're not changing until I get I fucking picture!"

 

"NO PICTURES!"

 

Izuku pulled out his phone, smiling wide as Katsuki lost his grip and Eijirou scrambled to his feet—back facing the greenette so that the bedazzled words on his ass were facing the camera. The redhead froze when he heard the camera go off—slowly turning to look at Izuku, face blank.

 

"Dude."

 

"Sorry, Ei," he laughed. "Kacchan wanted a picture, he wasn't gonna stop until he got one."

 

"Hell yeah, Deku!" His eyes flicked to his omega—still on the floor with a mean grin on his face—and his heart fluttered at the sight of it. He loved it when Kacchan had fun. When his face split into that wide, somewhat menacing smile that meant he was amused, even if it was at someone else's expense. It made him feel warm—those moments when he relaxed and let himself enjoy the moment.

 

And, he was so pretty. His face was pink from wrestling Eijirou and he was smiling so wide that his nose was scrunched up. Izuku wanted to kiss the breath out of him.

 

"You were supposed to be the nice one!" Eijirou protested.

 

"He's always on Katsuki's side, Eijirou," Shoto piped up, a small smile on his face. Izuku hadn't even noticed him, too drawn by Katsuki's ruckus. He smiled back at him, watching as the other alpha's shoulders relaxed. "You should know better by now."

 

"Fuck yeah, he is!" Katsuki declared, getting to his feet. He smirked, burning eyes running over Izuku's frame. A shiver went down his spine, and he fought to keep his face in check. "Send that to me, nerd."

 

His voice came out a little lower and raspier than normal—not enough for anyone except him to notice. It made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. It made his knees weak. If he kept it up, he'd probably have to step away to put on scent blockers.

 

He pushed it down, putting on his own mischievous grin at the dismayed look on Eijirou's face. He was grateful for the distraction, honestly. He was supposed to be hanging out with his friends. Now wasn't the time to think about making Kacchan purr, or making his blush turn from soft pink to brick red, or his hands tracing the pattern that his eyes were carving down his torso.

 

He could think about that later.

---

He picked at the remnants of the food on his plate, officially wiped out. He'd caught a second wind when Deku had joined them, but it had officially run out. Thank god Mina had demanded a lunch break—mostly so that she could coerce Eijirou into buy her body weight in frozen yogurt.

 

They were all crammed around one table now and even after almost three years with them, he didn't understand how they could talk for fucking hours without getting tired or annoyed. He'd been silent for nearly half an hour, listening as they jabbered their faces off.

 

It helped that his alpha was pressed against his side. He'd put on scent patches at some point, but from this close he could smell Deku's faint notes of mahogany and vanilla, and it was soothing as fuck. He could tell the idiot was making himself into Katsuki's social shield—angling his body just a little forward so that he could hang back, and intercepting the conversation before Katsuki had to respond.

 

Under the table, his broad, scarred hand was curled over his knee—running soothing circles into his jeans. He wished they weren't surrounded by people so that he could tuck himself into Deku's side properly.

 

"So I was thinking," Mina said, leaning in excitedly. "We can go to that new jewelry shop on the fourth floor next. I looked at the website—they have a really wide variety of stuff, and I've been looking for some bangles to go with that sweater Ei gave me for my birthday. Then we can go to the arcade on the seventh floor until it's time to go."

 

"Sounds good to me," Uraraka said. She was on Deku's other side, not pressed against him but too damn close. Glasses nodded across her, and Katsuki was reminded of a robot that needed its joints oiled. He fought off the urge to scowl.

 

"While you do that, I think I'm gonna get a new phone case," Frogger said, putting her phone face down on the table. There was an ugly crack in the plastic case—cutting through the cartoon frog pattern on the back. "I keep putting it off."

 

Izuku squeezed his knee and Katsuki looked up at him. His head was tilted, silently asking him what his next move was.

 

"I think I'm gonna head back," Katsuki spoke up. Mina started whining—pouting and pleading for him to hang out a bit longer. "I'm wiped, Pinky. Kinda feels like sensory overload or some shit," he muttered, eyes dropping back down to his plate.

 

She went quiet and he could feel her sympathetic stare crawling over him like a swarm of ants. It was accompanied by silence from the rest of the table, and he wished he could shake off their attention.

 

"I think I'm gonna head back too," Izuku told them. It sparked up another round of bitching, Mina coming back full force to protest—accompanied by Denki this time, who apparently wanted to try to beat Deku in DDR for the five-thousandth time. "Sorry, guys. I've barely even looked at Thirteen's quirk theory essay. Momo reminded me earlier, I really should at least outline it."

 

"Told you not to slack, loser," Katsuki muttered, frowning. Then, his frown deepened. He was...pretty sure that he'd finished that essay already. Like, the day it had been assigned. Quirk theory was his shit.

 

"I know," he chuckled. "Sorry, Kacchan. I was trying to catch up to you in Calc and I think I let it slip."

 

"That's unlike you, Izuku," Iida scolded from across the table. "You're typically very mindful of your studies. Please let me know if you'd like me to look it over for you—it's due very soon."

 

"Thanks, Tenya," he said. Katsuki hear the strain in his voice, and apparently the rest of the table did, too—half of them tensing and the other half flinching. Shoto, already stiff and unlikely to flinch, simply blinked a little faster. Uncomfortable. "I'll let you know if I need help."

 

It was strange to not be the person who made the room go stiff with discomfort. Usually, Katsuki was the one who set people on edge—painfully blunt at the risk of pissing people off, every day of his life. Deku was usually the comfy shit that followed his abrasive nature, smoothing shit over after Katsuki had roughed it up.

 

Not today, apparently.

 

"The fuck do you need him for," he drawled. "You've got me, dumbass."

 

"The last time you edited one of my essay, you added seventy-two 'fuck's to it," Izuku snickered, wringing laughter from the rest of the table.

 

"Yeah, because your essay was boring as shit," he barked.

 

He felt a rush of relief as soon as they excused themselves, shoulders brushing as they put distance between them and their friends. As soon as they'd made it out of the mall, Deku stuck his hand out and Katsuki bit back a smile—rolling his eyes as he laced their fingers together. He broke when the alpha started purring, though, lips twitching upward.

 

"I think that was good," the nerd said, drawing his gaze. "It was okay, right? They weren't super invasive or anything. I kept my distance but it wasn't horrible, right?"

 

Katsuki rolled his eyes. "Did it feel okay to you?" he drawled.

 

"I...think so? It helped that Tsu and Shoto ran interference a little. Ei, too."

 

Katsuki gave a noncommittal hum. If it felt good to him, he wasn't gonna interfere. Despite the bullshit the idiot squad had been spouting before Deku had showed up, they'd gotten their shit together. They hadn't made him uncomfortable.

 

They were trying. That had to matter, right? If not, he didn't deserve the alpha, either.

 

"Well, good," he muttered. "They're loud and annoying as shit, but I'm glad they're being...better or whatever."

 

"Sorry, by the way," Izuku said, squeezing his hand. "It was probably overwhelming to have them around, right? That's why you wanted to leave early?"

 

"...Kinda, yeah," he said. "Cheeks and Pinky are just...fucking loud together. And I was...on edge. Kinda waiting for them to pull some stupid shit that would upset you. I felt like I had to be ready for it."

 

Deku crooned softly, and Katsuki felt himself melt. "Thanks for looking out for me, Kacchan," he said. "And for dealing with them for my sake. You're...you're amazing."

 

"Hell yeah, I am," he smirked. He paused, chewing on his lip. "You did actually finish your essay, right? You don't have to go back immediately and cram the last of your homework?" Deku looked down at him, eyebrow raised. "Don't gimme that look!" he barked. "I was just making sure, shithead!"

 

"Why do you ask?"

 

Katsuki hesitated again. "Uh...the movie theater is on the way back. I was thinking we could..." he trailed off, blushing. It was worth it, because Deku's smile brightened, taking over his stupid freckled face and making his heart cartwheel in his chest.

 

"Yeah! That would be great!" he said, sounding a little breathless. "There's a bunch of new stuff out that looks like it should be good—that Edgeshot biopic I was telling you about, the new Marvel reboot, Interstellar Barbie—"

 

"Deku, I just told you that my eyes were bleeding from pink overload."

 

"So not Interstellar Barbie," he chuckled. "There's that heist movie? Broken Depths or something?"

 

"I know you want to watch the nerd movie," Katsuki griped, gripping his hand tighter. "We can watch the fucking nerd movie. Edgeshot is kick-ass anyway, so I don't give a shit." He willed his blush not to burn darker when Deku started purring. He had a goddamn reputation.

 

"Sounds perfect, Kacchan."

 

They were quiet on the way to the theater—Katsuki quietly recharging as Deku purred. He purred too once the nerd peeled up the corners of his scent patches, letting his scent into the air. It wasn't very strong out in the open but once they'd gotten their popcorn and taken their seats, it filtered more fully into the space between them.

 

Izuku watched as Katsuki lifted the arm rest between them, shuffling until he was tucked into the alpha's side. He grinned when Katsuki grabbed onto his arm, tugging and lifting it until it was draped over his shoulder.

 

"Comfortable?" Deku asked once Katsuki was situated. The blonde nodded, leaning his head on his shoulder. The theater was empty—the result of watching a nerdy-ass biopic that bordered on being a documentary on a Saturday afternoon. Fuckin' lame, but at least they were alone and nobody could see him being a clingy sap.

 

He felt Deku bury his face in his hair, gently nosing through blond spikes, and his heart hammered against his chest. He let himself drift, finally allowed to just be instead of putting on the socializing game face that bled his battery dry. He...loved his friends, even if saying it felt like eating broken glass, but sometimes they were a lot. Hell, even Deku was a lot sometimes but if Katsuki said so, he'd make himself less loud—just so that Katsuki could relax into him.

 

Katsuki was pretty sure he didn't deserve him. He was a greedy motherfucker, though, so if Deku wanted him he wasn't gonna complain. He wasn't stupid.

 

Deku's focus shifted as the movie started and Katsuki looked up at him, a smile tugging at his lips as the nerd's eyes lit up. Fifteen minutes into the movie, his freckled dork was already mumbling obscure Edgeshot trivia just loud enough for Katsuki to hear, and his heart fluttered. He liked this goddamn loser so fucking much. It was horrible.

 

And, it only got worse as the movie went on, when he started talking with his hands—gesturing and demonstrating the random knowledge he kept stuffed in his encyclopedia of a brain. His heart was pounding and, to his absolute horror, his dick twitched. The alpha kept going, completely unaware of the fact that his omega was having a crisis beside him.

 

Intellectually, he understood it. Deku was hot, and he was smart, and it was even hotter when he was passionate about something—his eyes shining and focused, hands flexing as he mimed writing in his notebook, jaw clenching when the movie got something wrong. It was attractive.

 

On a less intellectual level, Katuski was fucking miserable that Deku being a fucking nerd had become an actual turn-on. He yelped when something cool happened on the screen and Deku, bless his dork-ass heart, gripped his thigh in his excitement.

 

He let go immediately, turning to Katsuki with wide eyes. "Are you okay?" he murmured, eyes running over him to see if he'd done any harm. Katsuki weighed his options, eyes flitting over Deku's face, then around the theater to make sure there wasn't anyone close by.

 

"Didn't bring any coupons with me," Katsuki muttered, blushing in the dim light. It was the first time he'd actually started something without them, and it made his stomach flip—excited and nervous. Izuku raised an eyebrow, head tilting.

 

"Do you want something?" he asked, rumbling under the sound of the movie. He nodded, placing his hand on Deku's thigh. The alpha's eye's widened, eyes darting around the theater. "Kacchan?"

 

"Wanna make out," he uttered. "And I wanna get you off."

 

He made a strangled noise in the back of his throat. "Here?"

 

"Mhm."

 

"What about the movie?" he asked.

 

"You know more about Edgeshot than the shitty movie does," he breathed, a little furious that it made his heart race. He leaned in, nosing at Deku's jaw. He had one of the sexiest jawlines in the world, and was a major distraction now that he'd noticed. He purred as Deku turned to capture his lips, relishing the little gasp he gave when Katsuki slid his hand higher.

 

He slipped his tongue into his mouth, licking along the ridge of his teeth and palming Deku through his jeans. The alpha tipped his hips up, moaning into the kiss as Katsuki pressed a little harder. His dick throbbed at the sound of it, heart pounding as his hand ventured higher—finally finding the button on his jeans and flicking it open.

 

Deku helped him with the rest, hastily yanking his zipper down and fishing himself out of his briefs—moaning low into his mouth as Katsuki spat into his hand before wrapping it around his cock. He gave it an experimental tug, a thrill going through him as the alpha bit back a whine.

 

"You good?" he asked against his lips. The alpha nodded hastily, wrapping his hand around Katsuki's and squeezing just a little tighter, silently showing him how he liked it. Hot as fuck. Jesus Christ. It was hot and heavy in his hand, and he found himself missing the weight of it on his tongue, mouth watering at the sight of him.

 

"So good, oh my god," he gasped, his head tipping back as Katsuki stroked him again, his hand twisting along his length, running his thumb over his tip at the top. Deku's mouth fell open, panting as Katsuki picked up the pace—hot hand sliding over him in even strokes. Katsuki grasped his chin with his free hand, pulling him into another kiss.

 

He could get addicted to the sound of Deku moaning into his mouth. He was already addicted to the way the freckled alpha would rake his hand through Katsuki's hair while they sucked face, occasionally pausing to yank at blonde strands and wrench needy noises from his throat.

 

He could feel Deku's thigh shaking where it was pressed against him, hips jumping with every stroke—kiss getting hungrier with every second. It felt like the greenette wanted to eat him alive; tipping his head back to devour him and digging his teeth into Katsuki's lower lip. If they weren't in public, Katsuki would climb into his lap and let the alpha surround him.

 

But, you know. Public movie theater. They were already pushing the limit.

 

Deku's cock twitched in his hand, and the alpha grabbed his knee breaking away with a shaky groan. "M'gonna come," he uttered, squeezing his eyes shut—breath coming out jagged, whining as Katsuki moved faster. Katsuki's eyes dropped to his dick, practically salivating as precum drooled from the tip.

 

He watched with hungry eyes as his alpha's hips jerked, fucking into Katsuki's fist before his broad palm covered the head and he bit his lip, trapping a growl behind his teeth as he came into his hand.

 

Not to be dramatic, but Katsuki kinda wanted to crawl under his skin and fucking live there. He kissed him again, slower this time—purring as the the alpha came down, scent bleeding past his half-raised patches. It made him feel warm in the pit of his stomach, his bones a little bit liquid as Deku captured his lips again.

 

He pulled away reluctantly, smirking at Deku's protests when he tried to stand.

 

"Where're you going?" he asked.

 

"M'gonna go grab you some napkins from the concession stand," he said. "Unless you want to watch the rest of the movie with jizz on your hand."

 

It definitely was not because Katsuki wanted to hold that hand for the rest of the film.

 

"What about you?" Deku rasped, looking up at him with hooded eyes.

 

"If you touch me here, I'll slick through my pants," Katsuki replied, unable to keep the hunger out of his voice. He leaned down, pecking him on the lips. Then, before he pulled away, he whispered, "You can pay me back when we get home."

 

Chapter 18: Up All Night

Summary:

I feel like this is a good time to remind you beautiful nerds to READ THE GODDAMN TAGS <3 be aware of what is in the future.

Notes:

HAPPY SDV DAY EVERYONE!

also there were a lot of comments re: when am I gonna update. (1) these chapters are beefy, I have no idea when I'm gonna update. (2) follow me on twitter to keep on top of what I'm working on, I'm all over the place and if you don't want to be left in limbo that's the best way to stay on top of the bar.

(link in end notes)

Izuku felt like he was on Cloud Nine.

 

Katsuki was draped over him, smothering Izuku in his nest and trading slow, lazy kisses with him. There were things they could be doing. In fact, Izuku had come up here to study, but Katsuki snatched him up as soon as he'd come in the door.

 

It was comfortable. Still exciting and breathtaking, but less awkward and hesitant. It was becoming a first instinct after a long day—they'd meet up in one of their rooms after their friends had let them go for the evening and make out until it was officially bedtime.

 

Sometimes they'd do homework. More and more often, they'd forget—too caught up in the moment. Katsuki even had to implement a 'no being alone together until homework is done' rule, just to be safe.

 

It was for the best. If Izuku distracted Katsuki from his sterling academic record, he'd end up in a dark alley—his skin peeled off with a cheese grater. It was probably fucked up that his heart fluttered at the thought, but his omega was so passionate. So committed to excellence.

 

Kacchan was amazing. He was still pretty sure that he was lucky to be able to breathe the same air as him.

 

Thankfully, today was an exception. They'd already finished their work—they were just planning to do practice exercises for the chain rule, but all their actual work was done. Which meant that Katsuki's tongue was in his mouth and his burning hands had crept under his shirt.

 

The blonde was purring atop him, moaning when Izuku squeezed his thigh—hiking it higher up on his waist.

 

Izuku pouted when he broke away, lips shiny with spit and eyes glazed. "You okay?" he rumbled, nosing at his jaw. Katsuki nodded, hazy and relaxed.

 

"When's your next rut?" he rasped, accepting a lazy kiss a moment later. Izuku could feel him, nearly gelatinous in his arms as though he were a few errant touches away from floating.

 

Izuku smiled, butterflies in his stomach. "About three weeks," he replied softly. "Why, planning a date or something?"

 

He looked down at Katsuki's silence, heart constricting at the sight of Kacchan's head resting on his shoulder. He looked so comfortable and soft.

 

A moment later, he realized that the omega had reached into his pocket for something—blush dark on his cheeks. When he pulled out a new coupon—edges crisp and unworn, he perked up—lethargic comfort leaving his bones and making him alert.

 

His breath left him all at once when he read it—throat closing and pulse pounding.

 

Rut-share.

 

"Are you serious?" he breathed, looking into Kacchan's eyes. He didn't mean to sound so eager, but he couldn't really contain his excitement. The idea of rut-sharing with him—it made him feel hot all over. If he'd been standing, his knees would be shaking. He could smell his own scent blooming and Kacchan clearly could too, judging by the way his pupils dilated and his pretty lips parted.

 

The omega blushed harder, scowling and swatting his stomach. "Of course I'm fucking serious, shithead," he snapped. It came out cuter than he'd intended—his voice cracking and his purr trilling beneath it.

 

"Kacchan—"

 

He didn't get a chance to question him again, because Katsuki shifted again—straddling his waist and leaning in to devour him. His omega was a human riptide—sweeping him along and threatening to drown him in the best way possible.

 

Izuku moaned into Kacchan's mouth as he ground down on his clothed cock, the omega purring as his hips arched up into him. "You smell so good," Katsuki growled against his lips. "And I didn't even do anything, it's just because I wanna share your fucking rut. I wish you smelled like this all the goddamn time, fuck—"

 

Izuku was sure that Kacchan smelled better—sweet and smoky in a way that made him salivate—but he wasn't about to argue. Instead, he dragged his wrists along Katsuki's waist and then up his back—scent-marking him as thoroughly as he could. The omega rattled in his arms, he was purring so hard.

 

In no time at all, he could feel Kacchan's hard on pressing into his stomach—the blonde grinding into him with his control hanging on by a thread. He couldn't believe he got to see and feel him like this—that Kacchan wanted him like this.

 

He couldn't believe he was getting comfortable enough that he'd started attempting to ask for what he wanted—even without a coupon in hand. Like now.

 

"Deku," he groaned, breaking away from his mouth. "Can—fuck."

 

It was a work in progress, but Izuku was patient. It meant the world to him that Katsuki thought it was worth the effort to try, and that he trusted Izuku enough to try to be vulnerable.

 

He was more than willing to fill in the gaps until Kacchan was confident. He arched up again, relishing the groan the omega let out as he got the friction he was craving.

 

"Want me to take care of you?" he asked, voice soft and rumbling.

 

"Fuck, yes," he said, panting as the alpha nipped at his jaw. "Touch me, alpha." A shudder passed through him, and he gripped at his hips to ground himself. "Make me feel good, come on—"

 

"I got you," he promised, not sure if he even had himself. "What do you want, omega? My hand? My mouth?" His cock kicked as Katsuki ground against him a little harder, and he absently wondered if Kacchan would want to get off on his abs one day. He talked about them a lot, after all. It painted a picture of Kacchan, flushed and desperate, thrusting against his stomach as he chased his high.

 

At this rate, he was gonna give himself a heart attack.

 

"M-mouth," Katsuki groaned. "Fuck, I love your mouth, it was so good, alpha—"

 

"Come up here," he said. Katsuki's eyes widened when the alpha patted his chest. "If that's okay? If you want, we can switch positions. Totally up to you, Kacchan." He swiped soothing thumbs over the jut of his hips. He purred when his omega moved, shuffling up his body carefully until he was hovering over Izuku's chest.

 

Izuku let his fingers slip under the waistband of Katsuki's sweats, and he got the message quickly—sitting up higher on his knees so he could pull them down. His mouth watered as Kacchan's dick bounced free and the scent of his slick permeated the air. He shuffled until he was comfortable before taking Katsuki's cock in his hand, pumping it a few times just so he could watch his omega shudder and moan.

 

"Ready?" he asked softly. Katsuki nodded frantically. Wordlessly, he pulled the blonde closer, lips parting against the head of his pretty pink dick. He groaned at the taste of precum, letting his tongue flick over the slit. Kacchan's hips jerked at the sensation, and Izuku wanted to memorize every action and reaction he gave and got.

 

Slowly, Kacchan sank deeper, like he was afraid to go too fast but couldn't resist going farther. Izuku moaned when he threaded explosive hands into his hair.

 

"Fuck," he swore as Izuku bobbed his head, sliding his tongue along his throbbing length, grip tightening. Izuku could get off on listening to him alone—rough, shaky moans and heavy, uncontrollable purring—his hips grinding forward as though he was trying to hold back.

 

Izuku sucked, hollowing his cheeks around his omega's dick, his own cock jumping at the sound of Kacchan's startled cry—hips bucking forward. Izuku moaned around him and Katsuki whined, chest heaving. He pulled Kacchan forward again, hands snaking around to squeeze his ass—savoring the way his flesh sank under his fingertips.

 

He got the hint—carefully pulling back and pushing back in, setting a pace as he fucked into Izuku's mouth. The alpha rumbled in satisfaction, looking up at Kacchan with darkened eyes. He felt Katsuki's dick twitch against his tongue as their eyes met, the omega speeding up as his fingers tightened in the alpha's hair.

 

He couldn't believe he got to see Katuski like this, gasping and panting like Izuku's mouth was the best thing he'd ever felt—thighs shaking at Izuku's sides as he thrust into his mouth. Izuku watched as his brow furrowed like he was frustrated.

 

With one hand, he carefully dipped his fingers between Katsuki's cheeks to rub at his slick-soaked hole and with the other, he stuck his hand down his pants to wrap around his dick—stroking himself at a brutal pace as Katsuki let out a choked cry, head tipping back to expose the column of his throat.

 

It was so hot. Kacchan was so perfect—soaking his hand with slick and spilling precum down his throat and moaning so pretty for him while he rode his face. He choked a few times when Katsuki hit his uvula and the omega whined as Izuku swallowed awkwardly against him, hips bucking pathetically as he tried to keep his rhythm.

 

Katsuki came down his throat with a shaky cry a few moments, pushing forward instinctively to grind as deep as he could, spilling down Izuku's throat. He gagged—still new to this—eyes watering at the sensation. Kacchan pulled back hurriedly, looking down at him in concern, even as the last spurt of cum splashed a stripe across Izuku's parted lips.

 

"Sorry, fuck—"

 

"M'fine," he assured him, stroking up Katsuki's side reassuringly. His voice was a little rough, and Katsuki winced. "Really, you were almost too gentle until the end there. I'm fine. It's new, that's all."

 

He licked his lips, shuddering at the taste of Kacchan's cum, hips tilting up into his hand. Katsuki looked over his shoulder, eyes fixing on where Izuku's hand was still lazily stroking his cock inside his shorts. "D'you...I dunno, need help with that or something?"

 

Izuku smiled up at him, lips swollen and slick with spit. "If you want," he said, squeezing a little tighter, blood a little heavier in his veins now that Kacchan was staring at his dick—even if it was still clothed. "I'm almost there, though."

 

He mourned the loss of Kacchan's weight and warmth as the omega lifted off him, tucking himself into Izuku's side. He looked bashful as he reached behind him, and Izuku watched curiously until he realized that he was gathering slick on his fingers. "Pull your pants down nerd," he mumbled, blushing darker. 

 

Izuku complied without a second thought, yanking his shorts down just enough to free his cock from its confines. Katsuki's scent thickened at the sight of it, and Izuku tried not to be too much of a knothead about it—tamping down the swell of alpha pride. He groaned when Katsuki wrapped his hand—glistening with slick—around his length, stroking him firmly as he hid his face in the alpha's neck.

 

"So good," Izuku breathed, head tipping back. Katsuki squeezed, and his hips jumped. "Fu—uck, god, Kacchan, yes, just like t-that," he panted, moaning when Katsuki brushed his lips over Izuku's mating gland. "Little faster, yes, fuck—"

 

His back arched as he came all over Katsuki's hand and his shirt, eyes squeezing shut as he ground up into his burning hot fist. "You weren't kidding," Katsuki chuckled, kissing his mating gland again. "You were close."

 

"You're hot and you were fucking my mouth," Izuku muttered, letting his head drop and his eyes flutter shut—a giddy grin working its way onto his face when Kacchan started purring again. "Sue me."

 

"S'hot," Katsuki replied, slurring around the words because he was purring so loud and snuggling into him. Izuku's heart fluttered. Nice. "I like it when you get all worked up for me. S'fuckin' awesome."

 

"Awesome and I smell good?" Izuku teased. "So many compliments, Kacchan!" He was starting to expect the cheap shots to his stomach now, not even phased as the omega's fist dug into his side. "I'm glad you like it though," he said, shuffling so that they were face to face. Katsuki's face was flushed pink, but he met Izuku's eyes anyway. "Mostly because I literally can't help myself. I always get worked up around you in one way or another. You're...you're like a live-wire."

 

"Shut the fuck up," Katsuki huffed, burying his face in Izuku's chest. The tips of his ears were red, and Izuku adored him with his entire body. "Put your dick away so we can talk about the rut-share, loser."

 

Izuku laughed, sliding off the bed and hastily pulling up his shorts as Katsuki smacked at him in embarrassment—scowl fixed furiously on his perfect face. "Alright, alright! Stop hitting me!"

 

"Then stop being an embarrassing sappy idiot!"

---

He's spent the last two days in a goddamn daze, his stupid horny omega brain unfocused and distracting.

 

Well, that wasn't entirely accurate. His stupid horny omega brain was very focused, it just wasn't focused on anything productive. It was hyperfixated on Deku and the fact that he'd agreed to rut-share for the first time.

 

It made his blood boil, and not in the normal explosive way. It made him want to fucking melt. To turn into a stupid little puddle of slick, bent over and presenting like a cock-dumb whore. It made his fucking bones feel heavy, his stomach warm and fluttering. It distracted the ever-loving fuck out of him.

 

It shouldn't have taken over his every waking thought, he was fucking better than this. Hell, he was the one who'd suggested it! But no, as soon as they started planning the goddamn logistics, he was fucking gone. It was all he could think about.

 

That and the fact that in just a week, they'd be fucking for the first time. God, what kind of dork-ass loser sets a date for that shit? Losing your virginity wasn't something you stuck in your planner, right? Except apparently it was, because that's just what he and Deku had done.

 

While they were discussing the logistics, Katuski had been spinning out about his decision—wondering if his next request would feel like he didn't trust Deku to take care of him.

 

Deku never disappointed, though. Honestly, it was starting to make him feel a little inadequate—like he had to step up his game. When he realized that Katsuki was spinning out, he'd carded his scarred fingers through the omega's hair, softly asking what was wrong.

 

Katsuki had explained himself—nervous that Deku would be hurt. "I...think losing my virginity during your rut would be an overwhelming nightmare," he admitted quietly. Izuku went silent, considering him carefully.

 

"If you don't want to do this yet, we don't have to, Kacchan," he said. He was scenting Katsuki gently, swiping his thumb over the blonde's wrist. "We can take it slow and wait until my rut doesn't...intimidate you? That's not the word I would use, but I don't really know a better one. I don't want you to feel daunted by it, you know?"

 

"I want to," Katsuki told him. He was sure of that, at least. "I just...maybe we should, uh...give it a fuckin' test run or something."

 

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "A fucking test run."

 

"You know what I'm saying, fucker!"

 

"...You want to have sex before my rut," he concluded. Katsuki gave a stiff nod, face going red. "That's actually a really good idea," he said, soft and thoughtful. "If our first time is during my rut, it would probably be a haze. I mean, you're right, it would probably make it feel less overwhelming and stuff, but also...if our first time was during my rut, I wouldn't remember it the way I want to."

 

He blushed harder. "What the fuck?"

 

"I wanna remember all of our firsts together," he said, completely unashamed while Katsuki's stomach tied itself in flustered knots. He started purring again, flattered and affectionate and so fucking head over heels for this fucking dork. "If you want to wait until my next rut so that we have a little extra time—"

 

"No."

 

"No?"

 

"No. At least...I don't think I want to wait for the next one, I think I can be ready for this one. Fuck, I don't know!" He couldn't help the aggravation that was crawling under his skin. He wanted to rut-share. It was his idea, for fuck's sake! But if he wasn't ready, he didn't want it to fuck things up, either.

 

"Hey, it's okay," Deku said, nosing along Katsuki's hairline. "We should have sex first, right? Out of rut. We both agree on that." Katsuki nodded. "Okay, then. We do that, and then you can decide if you're ready for a rut-share. No pressure, at all. I want you to be ready and comfortable, Kacchan. Always."

 

They'd spent the next hour making out. It had been gratifying to know that Deku was on the same page. And they'd agreed—they'd keep preparing for a rut-share just in case they decided to go through with it. So that they'd be prepared when the time came.

 

Meanwhile, Katsuki had spent the last three days in horny limbo, wondering what it would feel like to have Deku inside him for the first time. Needless to say, he'd had to double up on his scent blockers—especially since he had to meet with teachers and parents to get permission and approval for his own goddamn sex life.

 

"Do you actually need something, or are you standing in front of me just to be the center of attention?" Aizawa sighed. Katsuki blinked at him.

 

Right. The first thing on their rut-share prep list. Consent forms. Parental permission. His lips twitched in amusement. Deku was gonna have to get Katsuki's parents' permission to fuck him, and something about that brought joy to his sadistic soul.

 

"Yeah. I need a rut-share form," he said, keeping his face stoic even as he felt his cheeks burn. Aizawa raised both eyebrows—more expression than he'd ever seen from his teacher in the three years he'd known him. "Fuck you."

 

"I didn't say anything."

 

"Your goddamn face did," he spat.

 

"I'm just...pleased to know that your courtship is progressing nicely," he said. "As much as you two are compatible, you're also volatile. There was a lot of potential for disaster, so I'm glad to see that you're comfortable. You look happy, Bakugou."

 

He blushed. "Shut. Up."

 

Aizawa's lips twitched, but he hid the inevitable smile behind his scarf. He opened his desk drawer—rifling through the papers there before unearthing two rut-share consent forms and holding them out for Katsuki to take.

 

"Once those are filed with us, they're valid until you rescind consent or you reach the age of majority," he said. "Just to avoid complications, try to file them at least a week before Midoriya's rut. You should visit Recovery Girl to discuss contraceptives, too."

 

"Yes, sir," he mumbled, grabbing the forms. As if he'd be reckless enough to not take contraceptives. He'd talked to Recovery Girl the day after he'd given Deku the stupid coupon.

 

"If you want to heat-share, too, you'll need to pick up separate forms. Be responsible."

 

"Are we done, now?"

 

"We're done," he said. Katsuki could hear the smirk in his voice, and it took a metric fuck-ton of self control to not blow him up. "Let me know if you need anything else."

 

"Deku will be asking if we need anything else," he barked, already beelining for the door. "I never want to talk to you again."

 

"See you tomorrow."

 

"FUCK YOU!"

---

Izuku paced. His stomach was in knots and his palms were sweating. He'd never felt this particular cocktail of emotions—horribly nervous, unfathomably excited, and mind-numbingly horny, all at the same time.

 

Today was the day. Honestly, four months ago he'd been pretty sure he'd never get to this day. He would have been fine with that, too—as long as Katsuki stayed in his life.

 

But here it was. His rut was in approximately two weeks, and they'd decided that today was the day they'd have sex for the first time. In theory, he was ready. In practice, he...was kind of freaking out.

 

He didn't know why he was so nervous. They were doing this together. It was a first for both of them. They'd approach it like everything else in their relationship, and their relationship had been going incredibly well.

 

And that was the problem, wasn't it? Everything had been going so smoothly and they'd been steadily getting closer and more intimate and he'd loved every moment of it. But this was a huge step, and neither of them were completely sure of what they were doing.

 

What if he screwed it up? What if Kacchan hated it? What if it was so horrible that Katsuki never spoke to him again?

 

Unlikely, but still. Terrifying.

 

He still had some time to pull himself together. Katsuki had band practice with Kyoka today and while he'd offered to skip it, it had been pretty clear that he didn't want to. He didn't know how often they'd get to play together once they'd graduated, after all.

 

When he was done, Katsuki was supposed to text him to come up to his room because he 'refused to lose his virginity in a fucking All Might shrine.' Which was fair. They both knew All Might too well for that to be comfortable, at this point.

 

Now, he was waiting. He didn't have anything else to do. He'd done his homework, he'd cleaned his room, he'd gone to the gym, he'd mindlessly scrolled through analysis forums. He couldn't focus on anything else—on edge as he waited for his omega to text him.

 

It still gave him a thrill to say that. His omega. Kacchan was his omega. He was gonna have sex with his omega today. If it went well, his omega would be rut-sharing with him.

 

If he had to describe how he was feeling for the layperson, he'd probably describe it as being very excited to jump on top of an unpinned grenade—which was probably crass but startlingly accurate.

 

He jumped out of his skin when his phone chimed, stomach twisting in on itself. 

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

we're on our way back. eta 20 min

and stop freaking out

 

To: Kacchan 🧡

I'm not freaking out!!

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

...sure.

 

He blushed, tossing his phone on his bed. He wondered if he was really that predictable, or if Katsuki just knew him that well. He sort of hoped for the latter but on the other hand, what kind of alpha was he if his omega expected him to freak out?

 

He wondered, for a moment, how he could possibly be the alpha that Kacchan needed if he wasn't put together enough to keep his head on straight. He pushed that aside, though. If Katsuki had a problem, he'd say so.

 

At least, he hoped he would. He'd been avoiding looking Izuku in the eye the past few days. God, what if he was dreading this? What if he'd built it up in his head and Izuku was terrible in bed? What if he hit beginner's luck and raised Kacchan's expectations, just to let him down for the rest of their lives? What if Katsuki was just doing this because he thought it was Izuku wanted, and it was such a miserable experience that he'd be traumatized forever?

 

He might be sick. It was a real possibility.

 

His phone chimed again and Izuku nearly dropped it, his hands were shaking so badly.

 

From: Kacchan 🧡

i'm back

hurry tf up and get here

 

The walk to Kacchan's room felt infinite—but that could be because his knees were shaking the entire goddamn way. He was excited, but he was so fucking nervous—his head was running him around in circles and he couldn't get it to stop. He wanted to enjoy this, he really did—but he didn't want to mess it up.

 

What if he messed it up?

 

He knocked on Katsuki's door, nearly jumping back at how fast Katsuki whipped it open. The omega dragged him inside, pushing him up against the door the moment it was closed—practically climbing him to kiss him, hands curling into his hair—and even as his heart rate went haywire, he felt his panic ebb.

 

"Kiri?" he asked against his mouth, moaning when Kacchan bit into his lower lip.

 

"Still out with Pinky," he mumbled back, digging his wrists into Izuku's waist, then his stomach, trailing up to his shoulders and then up to his neck—scenting him within an inch of his life.

 

It was his interest scent, too—syrupy sweet with arousal. Deku growled at the thought of him walking around smelling like this. This scent was his.

 

"I wore patches, you fucking caveman," Katsuki snickered, still pressed up against him. "Don't worry, alpha. I'm all yours." He said that part quietly, like it was embarrassing and Deku's heart flipped over, even as something dark and satisfied settled in his chest.

 

His omega. Kacchan was his omega. Izuku kissed him again, doing his best not to go overboard—scenting him in return with broad swipes. If he had it his way, Katsuki would reek of him constantly. Not because he wanted to warn people off, but because he wanted the constant reminder that the blonde had accepted him.

 

"Fuckin' love it when you're all possessive and shit," Katsuki admitted, pulling away. "S'fuckin' hot."

 

He couldn't help the delighted rumble that stirred in his chest. Kacchan wants us. His alpha was over the fucking moon. So was he, but his alpha was clawing at the walls.

 

He was reminded again that his alpha was indiscriminate. It dealt in instinct gratification with no regard for consequences. It was Izuku's job to make good decisions—to care for Kacchan beyond biological drive.

 

"You're sure about this, right?" he forced himself to ask, ignoring the horny animal in his head telling him to just take. He took a deep breath, hoping to put a leash on his instincts, but it didn't do much to help. "We don't have to do this now if—"

 

"Shut up," Katsuki huffed, taking him by the arm and pulling him toward the bed. "Told you not to freak out on me, nerd."

 

"I'm not!" he protested. At Katsuki's skeptical frown, he amended. "Not anymore, I mean. I just wanna make sure..." That he had a good time? That he didn't feel rushed? He wanted to make sure that Katsuki knew he was in control here.

 

"Deku," Kacchan said, leaning in to bite his jaw. "Fuck me."

 

"You could be a little more romantic about it," he joked, a little smile tugging at his lips. "It's our first time, Kacchan."

 

"You're fucking embarrassing," he complained. "I've been thinking about this all goddamn week, just get in the bed, nerd!"

 

He was grinning now. He'd known it had been on his mind, but he hadn't known he'd been thinking about it all week. It was weird to think that Katsuki was just as excited for this as he was, even though he was the one who'd suggested it. He seemed eager, pushing Izuku into his bed before crawling up after him, settling over his lap so that he could kiss him again.

 

It wasn't long before the omega's hands were playing at the hem of his shirt, tugging it up bit by bit as his purring grew louder. Izuku loved the feeling of Katsuki's weight in his lap—the feeling of his omega comfortably exploring him like there was nothing he'd rather be doing. He relaxed into the kiss, crooning as Kacchan's tongue tangled with his own.

 

They parted as Katsuki tugged Izuku's shirt up over his head, rumpling his hair in the process. Katsuki seemed transfixed by it running his fingers through the alpha's curls, ruining him little by little.

 

"You still want this, right? You're not freaking out because you're...I dunno, not ready?" he asked. His voice was low and rough, burning eyes fixed on his. "I'd get it, really."

 

"I want to," Izuku promised. "I just...uh...performance anxiety?"

 

Katsuki snorted, smile cracking the corners of his mouth. Izuku wanted to kiss him until their lungs exploded. "Not exactly expecting you to be a porn star, Deku," he said, his nails raking gently over Izuku's scalp. "And I'm learning how to do this shit too, remember?"

 

He nodded, heart fluttering at Katsuki's pleased little smirk. He was so close, and with every inhale he was getting a lungful of the omega's scent, even under his safety collar. There was a note of anxiety—a light sour note that was overpowered by the spice of excitement and the sweetness of arousal. He was nervous too, but he wanted this. Kacchan wanted to figure it out with him.

 

Izuku loved him so much, he could barely breathe.

 

The omega's hands were burning paths along Izuku's torso—eager touches that had become familiar, finally comfortable enough to take without hesitation. It was a gift in and of itself. He could probably die happy knowing that Katsuki trusted him with the things he wanted—with his desires and his vulnerability.

 

He stopped breathing when Katsuki tugged his own shirt off, slipping it over his head and tossing it onto the floor. He'd never get tired of looking at him, and he'd never get over how eager he was—kissing Izuku again before the fabric even hit the floor. Izuku's fingers traced over the ridges of his abs, searching his body almost greedily. He was rewarded by Kacchan's satisfied purr, vibrating against him everywhere their bodies were touching.

 

He could feel Kacchan's hard-on pressing into his stomach, his own purr rumbling out of him as the omega's hips started grinding against him.

 

"Why the fuck did it take me so long to realize how fucking hot you are?" Katsuki groaned against his mouth. Izuku felt a rush of pride as his omega groped at him shamelessly—squeezing his bicep, then his pecs, thumbing over his nipples, digging burning fingers into his back. He choked out a moan when Kacchan rocked down, his ass rubbing over Izuku's clothed cock.

 

"M'kind of a dork," he mumbled back. "And you're too good for me. You're so beautiful, Kacchan. M'so lucky."

 

"Shut the fuck up," he huffed, face turning red.

 

His blush crept up to his ears and down to his neck, and Izuku couldn't help but feel it for himself—one hand leaving Kacchan's hips to slide up his back to thumb at the base of his safety collar, and his mouth moving to tug at the omega's earlobe with his teeth. Kacchan shuddered in his lap as Izuku's thumb slipped under the leather to press into his mating gland—releasing more of his scent into the air.

 

"Fuck," he rasped, head tipping to give him better access. "How do you wanna do this, Deku?"

 

"Hm?"

 

"Do—" he cut off, and Izuku felt him swallow. He pulled back to find the omega's lower lip tucked between his teeth, brow furrowed.

 

"Kacchan?"

 

"Do you want me to present?" he blurted out.

 

Heat pooled in his stomach, and he was pretty sure all the blood in his body rushed to his dick at the thought. Kacchan would look so good presenting for him—shoulders pressed into the mattress as he offered himself up for Izuku to take. He definitely wanted that eventually. But Katsuki didn't sound to thrilled by the idea, shifting nervously in his lap.

 

It was probably too much, all at once. Izuku didn't mind waiting for that step. Presenting was a vulnerable position to be in. It gave away a lot of control, and if Kacchan wasn't ready for it, then neither was he, no matter how fast the idea made his heart race.

 

Besides, he knew what he wanted for tonight. "Not this time," he replied, pulling him in for a peck on the lips. "This time...I wanna see your face," he said. "I told you...I wanna remember everything about this. Everything about you."

 

Katsuki's face got redder and he scowled, averting his eyes as he whacked Izuku in the shoulder. "God, you're so fucking sappy. Embarrassing motherfucker."

 

"Your sappy embarrassing motherfucker," he reminded him again. He'd never get tired of the way Kacchan would wrinkle his nose when he said it—flustered as he feigned disgust while his scent gave him away, territorial and proud.

 

"Shut up and take off your pants, god, you're a loser," he grumbled, sliding off Izuku's lap and onto the mattress beside him. "Cute, freckled fuckface, I can't stand you."

 

"Yes you can," he teased as he stood, not even flinching when the omega whacked him again. He shucked off his pants, graceless and a little too eager. His breath caught in his throat when he turned around. Katsuki was still on the bed, laying back with his hips in the air to drag his sweats over the curve of his ass. His mouth watered at the arch of the blonde's back and the strain in his thighs as he bridged upward.

 

He was so sexy. Beautiful and alluring and dangerous as hell, but somehow into him. His omega. His eyes zeroed in on Kacchan's cock as in bounced free, hard and flushed pink and so fucking pretty.

 

"You just gonna stare at me?" Katsuki demanded, face burning. Izuku crawled back onto the bed, eyes boring into his omega. "God, what, nerd?"

 

"Pretty," he mumbled. "You're so pretty, Kacchan. It's unbelievable. You're unbelievable."

 

Katsuki sneered, but his dick twitched and god, it was cute. It was cute that praise turned him on just as much as it embarrassed him—it made him want to shower him with compliments until his face was red and his perfect cock was leaking for him so that he could lick it all away.

 

He shuffled closer, slotting between Katsuki's thighs, taking hold of his waist. "Hurry the fuck up," Katsuki insisted. It came out shaky, his eyes fixed on Izuku's cock where it stood up between his legs. "You're here for a reason, Deku—mph!"

 

Izuku leaned in to kiss him, parting his lips with his tongue and licking along the ridge of his teeth—rumbling when Kacchan chirped into his mouth, surprised and delighted. He took himself in hand, guiding the tip of his cock toward Katsuki's slick-coated rim.

 

"Ready?" he asked between indulgent kisses. Kacchan's entrance was so hot against the tip of his dick—he wondered if he'd burn alive when he pushed in. His hands tightened on the blonde's waist.

 

"Yeah," Katsuki said, looking up at him. "Slowly." A demand. An instruction he could follow. He pushed forward slowly, groaning as the tip popped past Katsuki's rim, enveloping him in slick heat. Kacchan let out a shaky breath, shoulders going tense, and Izuku stilled.

 

Holy fuck. It was so much better than he thought it would be—immolating his sense of restraint. He clung to his control with an iron grip, breathing deep as he clutched at Katsuki's sides.

 

"Okay?" he asked through gritted teeth, holding himself as still as he possibly could. He petted at Katsuki's waist in soothing strokes, approving rumble making its way out of his throat when the omega nodded.

 

"Just—gimme a sec, fuck," he moaned, head dropping. "Fucking thick, Jesus Christ."

 

He took a steadying breath, reining himself in as Katsuki clenched around him. It felt so fucking good. He didn't know how he'd survive with his whole cock buried in that heat. His heart was already racing, and he was pretty sure that if he went any deeper, it would stop completely.

 

"M'ready," Kacchan said. He sounded shaky. Izuku met his eyes, breath catching in his throat. The omega's eyes were dark—pupils blown. He was so pretty, his face pink and lips parted. Izuku leaned down to kiss him and Katsuki looped his arms around the alpha's neck, holding him close.

 

Kacchan moaned into his mouth as Izuku pushed deeper, filling him slowly—glide made easy by Kacchan's slick. There was so much of it, slipping out and over his dick as he went deeper, dripping onto the sheets. He trapped a growl behind his teeth as he bottomed out, panting like he'd run a marathon.

 

"Feels so good," he groaned, squeezing his eyes shut. He was so tight and slick, so hot that his blood was burning. His hips stuttered when Katsuki let out a shaky mewl, a sound so soft and omegan that Izuku thought he was gonna collapse. "Perfect Kacchan, perfect omega—"

 

"Fuck," he gasped, head tipping back. Izuku's teeth ached at the sight of his exposed throat. "So fucking full, fuck!" Katsuki's pretty dick was drooling onto his stomach and Izuku couldn't help himself, taking a hand off the omega's hip to wrap around his cock. Katsuki let out an earsplitting whine—hips jumping and back arching, grinding his ass into Izuku's crotch.

 

"Pretty," he said, somewhere between a croon and a groan. His omega was so pretty, Kacchan felt so good. "This okay?"

 

"S'good," he slurred. "M'good, you can move, alpha."

 

He pulled out halfway, watching Katsuki's face in fascination as his cock dragged along the omega's walls. He forced himself to keep his eyes open as he pushed back in, overwhelmed by the way Kacchan sucked him back in—gasping as Izuku filled him again, nails digging into the alpha's shoulders.

 

Kacchan's scent was thick with arousal now, like warm honey and cinnamon, and Izuku's lips parted as though he could taste it on the air. His alpha was dangerously close to feral, fighting against his self-control. He wanted to suck it out of Katsuki's scent gland himself, and completely cover the omega with his own scent—fill him with it. His hole was like a vice around Izuku's cock, so hot that he felt like he was going to melt into him completely.

 

"Move," Katsuki demanded, arching his hips up into him. Izuku choked on a gasp as he was pushed further in, gritting his teeth as he clutched the omega's hips to still them.

 

"Feels too good," he admitted, letting his head drop onto the omega's shoulder. He nosed along Katsuki's collarbone, listening as the omega's chest rattled with the force of his purring. "If I move I don't think I'll last."

 

Katsuki let out an airy laugh, and Izuku whined in embarrassment. "Don't give a shit if you last, we can go again later, for fuck's sake," he said, admonishment dulled by his amusement. "Just wanna feel you, Deku. C'mon, alpha, fuck me."

 

He tipped his hips again, grinding up into him, clenching around him, making the alpha's ears ring—cock throbbing where it was buried in his omega. He thrust into him, harder than he meant to, but was rewarded by a ragged moan. Katsuki was panting in his ear, overwhelmed mewls slipping past his rattling purrs as his fingers dug into Izuku's shoulders. His omega felt good.

 

He wanted to know everything that made Kacchan feel good, wanted to study every action and reaction until he had Katsuki memorized inside and out, but he couldn't. He could barely focus, his body felt too hot, his heartbeat too loud. If he opened his eyes he'd be overwhelmed—Kacchan was too perfect, so pretty, sucking him in and squirming in his grasp. He thrust forward again, and then again, clenching his jaw so he wouldn't sink his teeth into Katsuki's shoulder or try to rip at his collar.

 

"So tight," he groaned. Katsuki whimpered, clenching down on him again. It was so much. Fuck. "You feel so good, Kacchan." In, out, Kacchan's thighs clenching around his waist, pulling him deeper. "This good, omega?"

 

"Good," he agreed, sounding strained. Izuku pulled back, risking a look at his face, and Katsuki whined, trying to pull him back in. "Get back here, fucker," he snapped. It was weak—needy, even—a whimper lacing the undertone of his voice.

 

Izuku leaned in and Katsuki met him halfway in a messy kiss, his hips working upward trying to get the alpha to move again. Izuku whined into his mouth, hips snapping forward to bury himself deeper—cock twitching, balls clenching. Too soon. "Slow down—"

 

"Fuck no," Katsuki complained, rolling his hips up again. He writhed when Izuku gripped his hips tighter, trying to hold him still before he blew his load prematurely. "C'mon, Deku, faster, please alpha!"

 

Omega needs us, his alpha pushed. Wants you to fuck him. Breed him.

 

His control snapped at the thought of breeding him—at the thought of filling him up until he was dripping out of his omega for days. He shoved his face back into Katsuki's throat—teeth finding their way into the leather of Kacchan's safety collar as he yanked at it, fangs piercing into it as Izuku's hips snapped forward.

 

Katsuki yelped as he set a sloppy pace, clawing at his back while Izuku fucked into him—senses overcome with the sticky scent of Kacchan's pleasure, the slap of his thrusts against Katsuki's ass, made wet by his slick, the sound of his ragged moans. He could feel his omega's racing pulse against his lower lip where it rest against the collar, could taste his venom dripping down the leather.

 

Kacchan was saying something to him, something that sounded pitchy and pleading, but he couldn't hear it over the sound of his own heartbeat—his own growls as pleasure overtook him, the tight, wet glide of Katsuki's ass gripping him like a silk vice. He was pretty sure that if he stopped, he'd die.

 

"Alpha," Katsuki's voice cracked on a whimper, arching up into him as he begged for something. The sound of it punched through him, and then he was grinding into him—jaw tightening on Kacchan's collar as he came with a snarl, hips pushing into his omega desperately as though he was trying to get as deep as he could.

 

Katsuki's hips were still working as he came down, whimpering when he couldn't get the alpha to move. "M'almost there," he complained, rocking upward—pushing his dripping cock up against Izuku's stomach. "Deku, I'm so close, do something!" he cried, frustrated.

 

Izuku came back to himself in pieces, unclenching his jaw now that it was sore and whining from overstimulation as Katsuki tried to get him to move. Then his omega's pleas registered and his stomach dropped.

 

"Fuck, Kacchan I'm so sorry," he groaned, pulling back. Katsuki glared up at him, hold on his shoulders growing tighter as Izuku tried to pull back. "That was so fast, I'm so sorry—"

 

"Shut the fuck up," Katsuki snapped. "It was fucking great, but I'm not done yet!"

 

And he wasn't. His pretty cock was twitching on his stomach, head wet with precum that was smearing onto his skin. "I've got you," Izuku promised, even as he pulled out. Katuski actually hissed at him, legs wrapping tighter around his hips, trying to pull him back in. "Trust me, Kacchan, lemme take care of you." His words were coming out thick, just slightly slurred. His bones felt like they'd melted, his limbs heavy.

 

He wrapped his hand around Katsuki's cock, and it was clearly a consolation prize from the way the omega scowled at him. His legs loosened though, and Izuku managed to pull out, eyes locking on the omega's abused rim. His dick gave a valiant twitch at the string of slick and cum that stretched between them before it broke.

 

Katsuki snarled, more irate the further Izuku got away from him. It quieted when the alpha settled on his stomach, rearranging the omega's limbs until his legs were thrown over his shoulders. "This okay?" he asked.

 

"Oh, fuck yes," he groaned as Izuku nosed at the underside of his cock, following it with his flattened tongue. He could feel Kacchan's eyes burning into him as he swiped the head with his tongue in broad stripes before finally taking it into his mouth. He moaned as Izuku sank down on him, taking him as deep as he could.

 

The scent of Kacchan's slick was so strong—just under his nose and mixed with the scent of him in a way that was driving him crazy—dulling his sentience and filling him with a primal sort of satisfaction. He couldn't help himself, bringing his free hand up to rub at Katsuki's messy hole.

 

The omega keened—thrusting up into Izuku's mouth as the alpha rubbed at his slick entrance—finally pushing his thumb inside, groaning at the feeling of their combined fluids spilling past his rim and dripping into his palm. His cock twitched again, the territorial alpha in him wanting to stuff his omega full again.

 

He sucked, laving at Kacchan's length in steady strokes and purring as the omega tangled his fingers in his hair, letting the blonde fuck up into his mouth in stuttered strokes until he was spilling down his throat with a throaty moan—his thighs clamping around Izuku's head like a vice as he came.

 

He slipped his thumb out of Katsuki's ass, rubbing his hand along his waist as the omega caught his breath—slowly relaxing until his legs weren't threatening to break his skull open. It wasn't until he'd backed away, letting Kacchan's softening cock slip out of his mouth, that he saw the scowl on his omega's face. He shifted nervously.

 

"Was...it bad? Or okay? I don't know," he muttered, face going red as his stomach squirmed anxiously.

 

"First of all," Katsuki huffed, face still pink from exertion as he let his knees drop from Izuku's shoulders. "You're marking me with your cum right now." Izuku looked down at his hand where it rest on Katsuki's waist, eyes widening in surprise. He was indeed marking Kacchan with his cum. "Knothead behavior, but it's kinda hot so what the fuck ever. Second, that was fucking great, but I wanted to come on your dick."

 

He nearly collapsed from relief. Instead, he crawled back up the bed, settling next to him and kissing him languidly. "Sorry," he murmured against his lips. "I'm glad it didn't suck. Next time I'll try not to lose it like that."

 

Katsuki wrinkled his nose, and Izuku waited for him to explain it. "I liked it when you let go," he mumbled, hiding his face in Izuku's shoulder. "S'hot. Felt really fuckin' good."

 

"Hm." Now that he thought about it, it kind of scared him. "I think there needs to be a middle ground. I...don't like that I was so out of it. I could have hurt you or something. If you asked me to, I don't know if I would have stopped," he admitted. His gut twisted, and he felt a little sick at the thought.

 

He felt Katsuki bristle and sighed preemptively. "Fuck you—"

 

"I'm not saying you're weak or that I'm stronger than you—which, is debatable—"

 

"It is fucking not!" he protested, whacking Izuku in the stomach. "I don't need you to be in control all the fucking time. I—fuck. It's fucking awesome that you give a shit about consent and making me feel comfortable or whatever, but I—ugh. I fucking want you. I don't mind when you're not completely in control, it means you want me, too.  And if I need you to stop, I can make you stop."

 

"Yeah, but I don't want it to get to that point," he said, nuzzling Katsuki's hair. "I don't ever want to make you so uncomfortable that you feel like you need to...force me to get off you. That's—" he cut off, skin crawling at the thought of it.

 

"You are ruining my orgasm," Kacchan complained, pulling away to look him in the eye. Izuku's heart did a fancy-pants pirouette in his chest, somersaulting when the omega's arm slipped around his waist. "Instincts are a bitch, nerd. I know you'd never do shit to hurt me on purpose—you asked me to wear a safety collar when we're studying for fuck's sake. But sometimes shit happens, and if you want me to be your omega you've gotta fucking trust me to take care of myself when I need to."

 

He leaned in, kissing him softly. "Okay, Kacchan."

 

He spluttered a moment later when the blonde pushed his face away. "For the record, I hate you. Makin' me talk about emotional shit right after you pulled out before I could nut. Fuck you."

 

He chuckled, wiggling closer to him so he couldn't escape his next kiss. "Sorry, Kacchan," he mumbled. "What time does Kiri get back?"

 

Katsuki smacked him again. "Don't brink Shitty Hair up when we're naked, fuckhead!"

 

"When does he get back?" he asked again, biting down a laugh. Katsuki scowled at him, but it wasn't very intense—lukewarm rather than scalding. He craned his head over his shoulder to look at the clock.

 

"Two hours, probably."

 

Izuku smiled, and Katsuki fixed him with a suspicious glare.

 

"Want me to make it up to you?"

Chapter 19: Tangled Webs

Summary:

FRIENDLY REMINDER TO READ THE TAGS AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BAD THINGS!!

tw: brief coersion, consent issues, hetero moments

Some people are having a genuinely hard time with the ending to this chapter, so for your information, the section that contains SA elements starts with the phrase "He opened the door to his room, and stepped across the threshold."

Please take care of yourselves! Things are gonna be rough for at least a few chapters.

Really, they should have seen it coming. They'd had plenty of sex ed, it was not only mandatory, but completely fucking necessary—so this turn of events really shouldn't have been a surprise.

 

It started the day after Deku had fucked him for the first time. Made love to him. Whatever.

 

On their way to class, the nerd had crowded into his space—stiffening if anyone even looked in their direction. He actually fucking growled at Todoroki when he came up behind them outside the classroom. That should have been the first clue but he...was kinda pissed at Deku for being territorial, and simultaneously super horny about it.

 

Neither of them were particularly surprised when he dragged the alpha into an empty closet during lunchtime, cussing him out for being a knothead while they made out—scolding him whenever they broke apart for air before letting the alpha pin him to the wall and ravage his mouth.

 

Deku was hot. Fucking sue him.

 

Besides, he liked having his alpha close—which was fucking irritating, by the way—so having Deku turn into his living, breathing shadow wasn't exactly a hardship, as much as it annoyed him to admit. It's not like it was that out out of character, either. Nobody even raised a fucking eyebrow, so accustomed to Deku taking up his every waking moment that the overbearing bullshit barely registered.

 

Luckily, they were both pretty fucking smart—so it only took a day for them to catch on. If they hadn't realized what was happening by the next morning, he would have been disappointed in both of them.

 

Deku had come to his room first thing in the morning so they could make out and scent each other a little before class, and Katsuki had been hit by a fucking pheromone truck. He'd smelled Deku's pre-rut scent before, so he knew what it was as soon as it slammed into him, but this was the first time he'd smelled it in the almost four months they'd been courting.

 

It was heavier than normal—at least it felt like it. It felt like all of Deku's pent up want was trying to crawl down his throat and clog up his lungs until he was just as hungry for the alpha as the alpha was for him—even through his scent blockers. He felt like an idiot. They'd had sex for the first time just weeks away from Deku's rut, and it had pushed him into pre-rut early.

 

Deku yelped in alarm when Katsuki's knees went weak and he swayed in the doorway. "Kacchan! Are you okay?" he fretted, worried eyes flitting over the omega's face. Katsuki frowned at him. Maybe it was early enough that the alpha hadn't noticed, but he wasn't really sure how Deku couldn't smell himself.

 

"You need stronger patches," he said, swallowing because his mouth was filling with saliva—drooling at his sent like a pathetic pavlovian dog. "Like, now."

 

Deku frowned taking stock of himself—nose crinkling as he tried to catch his own scent on the air. "Is it that strong?" He watched as Katsuki nodded vigorously, eyes widening as the omega shuffled forward and stuffed his nose against Izuku's throat, scenting him right in the hallway where anyone could find them. He said, "Oh, shit," and pushed Katsuki back, moving with him until the door fell closed behind them.

 

Katsuki took the privacy as a personal invitation, rubbing his cheek hard against Deku's covered scent gland and purring loudly as he was rewarded with a fresh plume of his scent—more marshmallow and vanilla than campfire as he got closer to his rut, sweet and rich and fucking mouthwatering.

 

"Your pre-rut started early," he groaned. He was already slicking, which meant he might need to take another shower before class, and he'd definitely have to change his pants. He couldn't even be mad about it, too busy huffing at his alpha's throat like a drug addict. "Fuck, I don't think you've ever smelled this good, what the fuck."

 

"Kacchan," he groaned, tipping his head back to give the blonde more room. "If you keep going, we're gonna be late for class." He didn't really sound like he cared—his voice shaking with excitement as Katsuki pawed at him.

 

He crooned and said, "M'gonna be late anyway," spoken against the raised ridge of Deku's scent patch. He wanted to rip it off. He might as well, really, since he was going to have to replace them with the extra-strength ones. He felt Deku's breath stutter as his teeth scraped over his throat. He wanted to ask the nerd to scent him from head to fucking toe, but his face burned and his stomach churned at the thought of it. He hated himself a little—wishing he could just ask for shit with words like a normal person.

 

He'd done it before, why couldn't he do it now? Deku was his alpha. He should feel comfortable enough to ask without a fucking coupon by now, right? They were going to rut share. He should be...more. Better. Better for Deku's sake.

 

Thankfully, Deku seemed to catch on anyway. "We're gonna be out for a week for my rut," Deku reminded him, running his wrists up and along Katsuki's sides and shoulders even as he tried to reason with his scent-drunk omega. "Do you really want to miss more classes than that?"

 

Katsuki growled. He took one last lungful of the alpha's scent before pushing away from him, gritting his teeth to rein himself in. Fuck him for making sense at a time like this. They had a goddamn plan, and Deku going into pre-rut early meant that he'd probably go into actual rut early. Their schedule was already fucked by a week, so they'd need to keep their shit together if they wanted to stay ahead of the rest of the class while they got their rocks off.

 

"Fine," he snapped, hands curling into fists to keep himself in check. He wanted to eat Deku alive. He looked so good—all flushed with his pupils blown. His scent was seeping into his room, and his low purr was shaking the space between them, making it unbearable. "Get the fuck out so I can shower and change."

 

Deku hesitated. "Kiss?" he asked after a moment. There was a stupid little pout on his adorable dumbass face, and Katsuki caved unreasonably fast—stepping back into his space to catch his lips—short but heated. He shuffled away before Deku could get a grip on his waist, leaving his arms half-raised and reaching for him.

 

"Out."

 

The nerd shot him a helpless little smile before slipping out of his room. Once he was out of sight, all the tension left his body in a rush. He tugged at his clothes, getting them off as fast as he could. He was hard and wet and so fundamentally underprepared for what Deku's pre-rut would feel like.

 

And if his pre-rut was bad, his rut was gonna be a sexy nightmare. He crawled onto his bed, wrapping his hand around his dick and pumping himself with hasty strokes, eyes squeezing shut as he worked himself faster and faster. He wished he'd let Deku scent him a little more, just so that he could have a little more to work with.

 

He wished Deku had woken up earlier so that his broad hands could have pried him open—so that Katsuki could have tasted him before class. He kinda hated that Deku had made him so fucking cock-hungry but goddammit, he had. He spent a nearly unacceptable amount of time thinking about Deku dicking him down over the past two days.

 

He pictured it now—the care Deku put into making him feel good. How wanted he felt, how absolutely fucking precious and important he was in the nerd's eyes. The reverent way he'd get his mouth and hands anywhere he could reach, splitting him open inch by careful inch—hanging onto his restraint until he couldn't fucking help himself and he'd lose all control.

 

His back arched and he came with a shuddering gasp, hole clenching down on nothing as his cock spurted strips of white across his stomach. If Deku was here, he would have licked it off. He groaned at the thought—almost wishing that he hadn't sent his alpha away. But if he hadn't, they'd be in here all fucking day and Aizawa would have skinned them alive.

 

He had some sense of self-preservation. He certainly wasn't down to die for dick.

 

He got showered and re-dressed in a hurry. Just because he was late, it didn't mean he wanted to miss the entire class. Deku would take notes for him, obviously, but considering how this morning was going, he was willing to bet they'd both be distracted as fuck for the next five days. Hell, Deku's scent alone was enough to completely cloud his senses and turned him into a thirsty little bitch.

 

He grabbed an extra packet of scent wipes and patches and stuffed them in his bag, just to be safe.

 

It was gonna be a long-ass week.

---

A growl rattled in his chest as Kacchan's hands tugged at his hair, just a little too hot. He pressed his omega up against the shelves, only easing up at his groan of discomfort as something—probably a shelf—dug into his back.

 

He was still purring, though. Izuku wanted to consume him, wanted to lick the pretty whimpers and gravelly moans out of his mouth. He grabbed Katsuki's wrist and pulled it up—rubbing it hard into his mating gland and scenting him back with insistent swipes across his waist and back. He felt the omega's hips jump, and pushed a leg between his thighs—growling louder when Kacchan ground down on him.

 

He rumbled in possessive satisfaction as his scent overpowered the room, thick and smoky and almost too sweet, and his omega got lost in it—whining into his mouth. The closer he got to his rut, the more often he needed to claim Kacchan as his, saturating him in campfire and vanilla any time he got the chance. He'd expected Kacchan to be sick of it by now—for the blonde to push him away and snap at him for being territorial.

 

To his shock, though, Kacchan loved it. He'd been using his coupons more than ever—tugging him into closets and bathroom stalls to make out and satisfy his alpha's possessive urges, even if it was only temporary. He seemed to relish Izuku's attention, more eager than ever to take on the full brunt of his poorly-leashed desire.

 

He crooned as Kacchan's arms wound around his neck, drawing him closer. In the span of a few minutes, he was completely consumed by him—lost in the luxurious glide of his lips and the heart-stopping sounds tumbling out of his mouth and straight onto Izuku's tongue. The whole world felt narrowed down to rumbling purrs and dense muscle, shrouded in sweet caramel and sharp cloves.

 

He rutted forward, grinding against Kacchan's stomach. Somewhere in the back of his head, he knew it wasn't the best idea to get so worked up in the middle of the day but he just didn't care. He wanted to burrow into him, to keep going until Katsuki came apart. He was addicted to it now—to making his omega feel good. Now that he was in pre-rut, it was an urge that consumed him. He wanted to have his hands on Kacchan all the goddamn time.

 

He wanted that all the time, sure, but it was so much more urgent now.

 

"Ease up," Katsuki mumbled against his mouth. "If you make me come in my pants, I'll have to go all the way back to the dorms to change, and that's less time we can make out, nerd."

 

He forced his hips to still, sucking Kacchan's lower lip between his teeth to distract himself. He was rewarded with another moan—another plume of arousal. God, he loved Katsuki so fucking much. He right now, he loved that the omega was drawing his line in the sand—setting a boundary and making sure Izuku knew not to cross it.

 

He was finally starting to feel certain that if he lost control, Katsuki would rein him back in. That they were both looking out for each others' safety and comfort. He already trusted Kacchan with his life and knew that Kacchan trusted him with his, but this felt like more. He loved the building confidence, his omega's strength and determination and how it bled into every facet of his being.

 

He'd been worried about spending his rut with him. That it might get overwhelming or even scary—that Izuku's lack of control might make Katsuki doubt—or worse, feel unsafe. That worry had been disippating day by day—not completely gone, but overshadowed by what they'd been building.

 

"Fuck, that's good," Kacchan groaned, head tipping back as Izuku mouthed along the column of his throat, hands squeezing his ass, hauling him closer. Kacchan had told him to take what he wanted, and he'd say something if it was too much. Izuku was learning to trust that. His omega approved.

 

He snarled when Kacchan's phone timer went off, teeth digging a little too hard into the skin at the junction of his shoulder. He didn't want to stop. His mind felt hazy and he was hungry—wanted to taste more of him.

 

"Off, alpha," Katsuki insisted, pushing at his shoulders. He sounded breathless, and he wanted more. "Time to get ready for class. Off, or you're on your own after dinner tonight."

 

He wasn't sure if Kacchan meant studying or making out, but either way he didn't want to risk it. He absolutely needed Kacchan for both of those things, especially as his mind grew soupier the closer he got to his rut. He clutched at the back of the blonde's shirt, squeezing his eyes shut and resting his forehead on his broad shoulder—breathing deep to steady himself and fight back his arousal.

 

Katsuki stroked his back, slow and gentle—waiting for him to come down as he purred, soft and pleased and so tempting that Izuku had to bite his tongue to keep himself present. It was getting harder and harder to pull away when Kacchan put a stop to their make-outs. They'd anticipated that, and they were both working overtime to keep themselves in check.

 

"M'good now," he said, the aftershocks of his rumbling purr still caught in his throat. "Sorry."

 

"Nothing to be sorry about, dork. Didn't have to push you off or anything." He hesitated, and Izuku tensed. But then, he said, "Good Alpha," all low and proud, and Izuku felt his knees threaten to buckle. He was whipped. He knew he was whipped. He was unashamed. Anyone who wasn't whipped for Kacchan was stupid, as far as he was concerned.

 

"Not playing fair," he scolded, because calling him a good alpha was suddenly on his list of kinks, and couldn't be counted as a trustworthy way to stop him from being horny. He kissed Kacchan's shoulder, smiling softly as a shiver ran down the omega's spine. "You think I wanna go back to class after that, omega?"

 

Katsuki responded by slapping his ass. Not a fun little slap. A punitive, probably bruising slap. "No. But I think you wanna impress me. Show me how smart and determined you are and shit. That's the kinda crap that gets me going, nerd."

 

He knew that already. That didn't mean he wanted to move. Still, he pulled back, taking another steadying breath as he finally saw how wrecked his omega looked—lips swollen, eyes glassy, face flushed. Art. An entire masterpiece, placed on the earth to cause destruction and distraction. "Making out with me doesn't get you going?" he asked, heart fluttering as Kacchan blushed deeper, scowling.

 

"You know it fucking does, or we wouldn't be in a fucking closet," he barked. "Now hurry the fuck up and neutralize unless you want the entire hallway to smell like Pine Sol and sex."

 

That snapped him into action. He did not want the hallway to smell like sex. At least, not like their sex. He didn't want anyone else on earth to know what Kacchan smelled like when he was aroused—that scent was his. Only his.

 

He didn't like wiping his scent away either, though. He pouted as Katsuki passed scent wipes over his skin—erasing his flimsy claim from existence bit by bit. He hated erasing the omega's scent from his own body even more—like on some base level he was telling the world that he was available when he wasn't. In place of Kacchan's scent, he wished he could wear an entire neon sign, saying he was taken. Something—anything—to indicate that he was good enough for the most amazing omega in the world.

 

"You get your mom's consent form?" Kacchan asked as he scraped a little harder at his scent gland. "We probably only have like...three days until your rut hits for real. Nearly sucked my mating gland clear out of my neck—"

 

"She signed it this morning, said she'd scan and send it to the administration today," Izuku assured him. "I'll check with Aizawa to see if he got it."

 

Kacchan's mom had already sent his in. Asking for her permission to rut-share with her son had been the most uncomfortable conversation he'd had in his life, mostly because she'd laughed at him the entire time. Then, she'd agreed—but only under the condition that she could give him a thorough sex talk. It had lasted for two hours, and Izuku had wanted to pull his brain out of his ears to give it a Scrub Daddy scouring.

 

Before long, the closet smelled like nothing and Izuku hated it. Katsuki smacked him, and he realized he'd been baring his teeth like a wild animal. "You can scent me again later, you fucking caveman," Kacchan snickered, leaning forward to give his cheek a quick nuzzle that completely stopped his heart for a full four seconds.

 

"I'd die for you," he spluttered out, blushing brick red.

 

"If you even think about it, I'll die just to kick your ass in the afterlife," he replied, going back to his scent-destroying mission—carefully peeling a scent patch out of its sleeve and fitting it over his mating gland. Izuku pouted as his omega's scent. "Get ahold of yourself, dork."

 

Izuku took a shaky breath. "I'm good," he murmured. His hands flexed, longing to latch back onto his omega—to feel Kacchan's lithe muscle flex and give under his fingertips. "We should get out of here before I lose it again, though."

 

"Good alpha," Katsuki purred, even as he cruelly opened the door, checking to see if the coast was clear. "So responsible for me."

 

Izuku groaned. "You aren't helping."

 

"It's not my job to help," he retorted.

 

No, apparently his job was to turn Izuku into a barely restrained lump of desperately horny goo. He wasn't mad at it, obviously, but it did make day-to-day activities more strenuous. Focusing on calculus when Kacchan sat in front of him, smelling like an entire feast, was nearly impossible.

 

He stopped Katsuki before he could step into the hallway—making a show of slipping the "Make Out" coupon back into his jacket pocket and delighting in the blush that dusted his cheeks. He couldn't help the affectionate purr that rattled his chest. They'd gotten so much more comfortable—come so far in the new aspects of their relationship to each other—but it still thrilled him when Kacchan used the coupons.

 

He loved how clear they made things—how it became a thousand times easier to figure out what Kacchan wanted and how he could provide it. Each time he used them, Izuku felt like he understood the omega a little better, like a heartwarming study into every expression on his perfect face.

 

He loved that Kacchan was becoming more comfortable with taking more than what those coupons asked for, too. How he used them like keys, opening doors to intimacy in a way that helped him feel in control. In a way that made sure that Izuku knew how he felt, and let him draw the lines he needed to stay at ease despite the way the ground was shifting between them.

 

"Sappy-ass dork," Katsuki huffed, not looking very mad about it. "Can we fucking go, now?"

 

Izuku nodded, besotted, letting Kacchan slip into the hallway and following him out once he was sure they wouldn't be seen. He regretted it almost immediately—stopping in his tracks as soon as he took his first breath of non-neutralized air.

 

The scents of every goddamn person in the school seemed to slam into him all at once, and it made him dizzy—made him want to stagger back and hide. He wasn't sure if it was because he'd been trapped in a room with only their scents or because his sensitivity had increased in the last half hour, but either way it scraped at his nerves like a vegetable peeler to the senses.

 

He always got more sensitive when he was close to his rut, but this was such a sudden shift that he was left overwhelmed. It felt like he could smell every individual scent down to their base notes, like they'd scent-marked the walls just minutes before.

 

Some of the scents were good—compatible scents that pulled at him, demanding his attention. There were some particularly sweet ones that made his alpha snarl in his head, prowling the corners of his mind and pushing him closer to his rut—instinct making itself a priority, telling him to find any compatible mate and breed. Other scents were harsh—aggressive or sour or just plain incompatible, making his stomach churn.

 

They mixed together in the air of the empty hallway, making his head swim. He grit his teeth against the sensation, forcing himself to maintain his control. His body still felt mobile, his clothes weren't scraping at his skin, his dick was mercifully soft. He still had time before his rut hit; and while he had time, he had control.

 

He jumped as Katsuki caught his wrist, pressing something soft into his hand. He peeled his eyes open to examine the foreign object, just to find a plain back sweat band. Kacchan's sweat band. The one he'd wear at the gym in the morning. Greedily, he stuffed his nose into the fabric—inhaling deep and relaxing as Kacchan's scent blocked out the rest of the school. It was a clean version of his scent—something heavy and sweet but not provocative, almost serene.

 

As his heart rate slowed, he was grateful. It was always around this part of his pre-rut that he'd start asking his friends to scent the collar of his shirts to intercept intruding scents. It was kind of  a hassle—he was territorial during his rut, so any shirts they scented would end up on his balcony so that they wouldn't pollute his den.

 

Kacchan was thinking of him, though, and thinking ahead. He had the sweat band ready. "Better?" he asked, nudging his shoulder. Izuku nodded. He could bring this scent into his den. Or he could give it back to Kacchan at the end of the day to refresh the scent. It was perfect. It was exactly what he needed.

 

"Thanks, Kacchan," he mumbled, nuzzling the fabric. He'd have to get the purring under control before class started, or Aizawa would kill him. "S'perfect. You're the best."

 

He scoffed. "Of course I am, stupid." He said it while taking Izuku's free arm, tugging him forward. Guiding him, making sure they got to class on time while taking care of him. He was pretty sure he was gonna cry. It wouldn't be much of a surprise. He was, after all, the world's most prolific crybaby. He let the omega steer him, barely keeping his eyes open as he took in lungfuls of his scent. Katsuki huffed when he nearly ran into a garbage can. "Focus, nerd. Focus on me."

 

"Can't focus on anything else, honestly," he replied absently.

 

"Fine. You still going grocery shopping after class?" Katsuki asked, forcing him to use more than a single brain cell to answer the question.

 

"Mm. Gotta meet with All Might, so I'll go after that," he said. "Make sure you text me any snacks and drinks you want before I go. It'll be...difficult to get out of my room once it's started. M'territorial."

 

"Clearly," Katsuki said, lifting his arm. Izuku hadn't even realized that their grips had shifted. Now, instead of Katsuki guiding him by the arm, Izuku was clutching his wrist like his life depended on it. "Clingy motherfucker."

 

"Your—"

 

"DON'T—" Katsuki barked, blushing brick red. "Fucking say it. Don't."

 

He bit back a grin, artfully hiding the twitching corners of his lips behind the bottom of the sweat band. He couldn't help it. He was Kacchan's clingy motherfucker. No matter what he was, he was Kacchan's. He could be turned into a half-dead porcupine, and he'd be Kacchan's half-dead porcupine. He'd accepted that before he'd even presented, there was no point in denying it.

 

Especially not when accepting it loudly and proudly made Kacchan blush like that—secure in and mortified by the knowledge that Izuku was completely his.

---

Katsuki resented the curl of disappointment in his gut when they reached the classroom, and he had to pry Deku's hand from around his wrist. He hated that it felt like a loss, and that he'd become so ridiculously reluctant to be even a few inches away from him.

 

He felt needy. Possessive. If he were a dragon, he'd be lying on top of the nerd like he was some sort of dorky-ass treasure to be guarded, and it was infuriating. The only comforting part was that Deku was a thousand times worse—practically living in his shadow as often as he physically could.

 

His nose was still stuffed into Katsuki's smelly-ass sweat band, huffing it like oxygen. Fucking perv.

 

"You in there, dork?" Katsuki asked, flicking the alpha's forehead. Deku startled back to him, blinking at him with glazed eyes. "Get it together, Deku. You gotta focus—you only have a few days to get ahead."

 

He nodded. "I'm good. You go ahead, I'll be right there—gotta breathe through it."

 

"Maybe try breathing through something other than the band," he suggested, earning a halfhearted glare. He grinned—bared his teeth, really—before slipping through the door. It was weird for Deku to be so out of it before his rut hit. Usually, he was alert and on top of his shit, but he seemed to be sinking into his instincts and since the only thing that was different was the fact that they were courting, it was definitely because of him.

 

It was flattering. It made his insides feel like fucking jello, knowing that all it took to reduce Deku to spaced-out horny animal was a few minutes making out in a janitor's closet. One of the smartest, sharpest people on the goddamn planet, turned to mush by his scent—giving him attention he still wasn't sure he deserved.

 

Halfway to his desk, he paused—nostrils flaring.

 

There was something off—so slight that he wasn’t sure it was really there. His eyes darted around the classroom, muscles tense.

 

His eyes flicked around the classroom—taking in each of his classmates with wary eyes. He couldn't tell what it was. It just felt like a vague and undefined threat. Nobody else seemed to notice it, though. Everyone else seemed completely fucking calm, and it was making the hair at the back of his neck stand on end.

 

He moved, inching toward his desk as his eyes darted. His omega was displeased—his heart rate picking up just a tick as he searched for the threat in the room. It seemed to be prodding his suspicion toward the back of the room, and he narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Floaty Fuckhead, staring holes through the oblivious girl as she chatted with Frogger.

 

Nothing looked out of the ordinary. She looked completely fucking unbothered—chatting with Asui like nothing was amiss. Frogface looked chill, too—completely relaxed as Uraraka chatted away. So did Iida—who was a complete fucking stickler for propriety and decency. He almost looked human, where usually he could pass for a poorly greased robot.

 

Nothing…nothing was wrong. Nothing he could see, at least.

 

He forced himself to relax, and just in time as Deku passed him to get to his seat. He did not miss the way his alpha brushed against him on his way back—warmth spreading from the tiny point of contact, all the way into his blood stream. He purred, low and quiet—tension draining a little more.

 

He couldn't relax completely though. It was hard on an instinctual level—knowing that something was wrong to the point that it excited your instincts. If his omega was this alert, he couldn’t help but think it had something to do with Deku—and that was an alarm bell on it’s own. 

 

That was the main reason why young couples tended to move so goddamn fast, after all. In the end, they didn’t think their choice of mate through before claiming each other—acting out of desperation and locking themselves to each other for life without letting the courting process do its work.

 

He understood it, though, especially now. Instinct was hard to contend—especially that possessive drive that reared its ugly head. It hadn't really made sense to him until Izuku started courting him, but now he was seeing threats in his goddamn classroom—greedy parasites ready to steal away the boy he'd fallen in love with way too fast, way too soon.

 

He could only imagine how horrible it felt during heats and ruts, when base instincts were right at the surface, waiting for attention and control to slip just once before taking over—ready to make a snap decision based on pure biological urge, with no thought to consequence at all.

 

"K'cchan?" Deku mumbled from behind him, snaring his attention. He sounded dazed, but when Katsuki turned around his eyes were alert. He looked impossibly focused—his notebook open in front of him—and Katsuki bit back the urge to croon at him, tempted to encourage and praise him for being so in control even with the sweatband still pressed firmly against his nose. "Can you go over this with me? I keep messing up somewhere and we're moving on to the next section on Monday."

 

"Show me your worksheet," he demanded, turning in his seat to face him fully. His heart fluttered at Izuku's little, grateful smile. Someday—someday soon, he hoped—he wouldn't have to repress the urge to kiss it off his face. For now, though, he purred a little louder—only tempering himself when Kyoka shifted in her seat to side-eye him.

 

Deku was purring, too—still huffing his sweat like a drug as he trained his eyes on his notebook and pointed to the third problem in their set. He was glad he was preoccupied, his senses too caught in Katsuki to really perceive the rest of the class. That meant the alpha's mind would be firmly fixed on him—not losing control because of whatever had shifted in the air, making dread seep under Katsuki's skin. He could focus on his work, on staying ahead, on preparing for his rut so that he wouldn't fall behind.

 

Katsuki would do the watching for him.

---

This was...not their most productive training session, and it was entirely his fault. In all fairness, of course, his rut was right around the corner—he had maybe two days until it hit for good, and he was holding onto his restraint with both hands, his teeth, and a rusty iron chain that was a good pull away from snapping.

 

Honestly, he wasn't sure how anyone got through pre-rut if this is what it felt like when they were courting. His entire life felt like it was narrowing down to his baser senses with an intensity that he'd never felt before. He'd have to ask Recovery Girl if it was just because he was sexually active, or because he'd started actively pursuing a mate.

 

It's not like courting was a biological drive. It was the rational sheen society had placed on the urgent and honestly chaotic need to claim a mate, to make sure that mate was good for them. With that in mind, it hardly made sense that he was so completely totaled by his pre-rut, driven to disastrous distraction by any stray scent.

 

For example, Katsuki's aggressive scent as they sparred. Not actual aggression, but worse. Play aggression. The kind of scent that would come out when they tousled as pups. The kind of scent that, with a note of arousal, would instigate a chase. As far as he could remember, it had never been so prominent or mouthwatering.

 

So now, as he pinned Kacchan to the ground, he couldn't help but bite down into the thick leather of his safety collar, a growl rattling his throat. A curl of desire slipped into Kacchan's scent and he arched his hips up—and Izuku wasn't sure if he was trying to throw him off or coax him closer.

 

He jerked away when the sound of an airhorn split the silence of the training ground, eyes wild and heart racing as he fell on his ass. He blushed furiously as he made eye-contact with All Might, who was walking toward them with a bemused smile on his face. Beside him, Kacchan swore—tugging his shirt down and bringing his knees in.

 

To hide his boner. Because he had a boner. They both did, actually. In front of All Might.

 

He kinda wanted to die. Or like, evaporate.

 

"I hope you don't plan to subdue villains like that," he commented mildly, clearly restraining his laughter with poorly held control. "I don't think the Commission would take kindly to claim displays."

 

"Oh my god," Izuku uttered burying his face in his hands. "I am so sorry."

 

"I'm not," Katsuki said. Izuku peeked at him through his fingers, just to confirm that he was mortified—mouth set in an obstinate line even as his face turned the color of Kiri's hair. "Mind your fucking business."

 

"My business is your training," All Might pointed out, still chortling. "And currently, you're supposed to be training. Although, it's not the most focused training session I've ever seen. Perhaps combat drills are best tabled until...next weekend."

 

Izuku groaned, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes. He wasn't ashamed that they were rut-sharing—in fact, he thought it was beautiful; full of trust and care—but that didn't mean he wanted his mentor and personal hero to acknowledge the fact that they were going to be banging all week like a pair of frisky animals. "Can I die now?"

 

"Not quite yet, I'm afraid," All Might replied, now actively laughing at him. "I promised your mother I'd see you to your graduation. You have a few months before I'm no longer responsible for your life."

 

"I'll store up my embarrassment until then," Izuku agreed amiably. "And then I'll go find a nice meteor to get hit with."

 

"Dramatic-ass dork," Katsuki huffed, shoving his shoulder. "Your rut is like two days away, nobody gives a shit if you're horny. It's not like you whipped your dick out, take a fucking chill pill."

 

"That being said," All Might interjected. "Perhaps we should stop training here before any incidents occur."

 

His face, impossibly, grew hotter and he muttered, "Not a bad idea," as he hid his face in his hands again. "It's not like I'm being effective, anyway."

 

"You just pinned me four times, but whatever," Katsuki scoffed. Izuku heard him standing up, and held his hand out—letting  the omega haul him to his feet. "You need to carb-load anyway. Let's go get dinner."

 

"Can we shower first?" Izuku asked, grimacing at the way his sweat had cooled on the back of his shirt. He stank, and it was definitely more than a pheromone thing. "I feel gross."

 

"Whatever," Katsuki agreed. "Need to grab my wallet anyway—"

 

"If it's a date, I'm paying—"

 

Kacchan bristled, scowled at him and said, "It's not a date, motherfucker, did you get a date night coupon? No!" Izuku grinned at him and Katsuki shoved him again—knocking him back on his ass. "Fuck you!"

 

"Maybe later—"

 

His mouth snapped shut, head whipping around to blink owlishly at All Might. At least his mentor looked mortified, too. "I'll leave you two to your plans," he said hastily. "Good work today," he lied politely. Today was not good work at all. It was distracted, horny work. "We can touch base with your training plan...after."

 

"Thanks," he squeaked, clambering back to his feet and snatching Katsuki's wrist. They needed to get out of there before he ripped out his own eyes so he'd never have to look All Might in the face again. "Bye!"

 

Kacchan was laughing at him like a dick as Izuku pulled him away, putting as much space between them and All Might as possible, as fast as he could. "Nice going, loser," he snickered, still letting himself get dragged along. "Super fuckin' smooth—"

 

"Shut up, this is your fault," he complained.

 

"How is it my fault that you couldn't keep your dick under control?"

 

"Yours isn't under control either! And you...you!"

 

He scoffed, "Me?"

 

"You look all...like you, and you smell really good and you were challenging me—"

 

"We were sparring!"

 

"You were goading me and you know it!" he said, cracking a smile at the indignance on his omega's face. "Besides, you got turned on—"

 

"You were humping my leg, you horny fucking animal! Of course I got turned on, I could feel your dick!"

 

He only noticed that they'd reached the dorm when Katsuki gently tugged his arm out of Izuku's grip. He pouted, and Kacchan rolled his eyes, swiping their wrists together quickly as a consolation prize. "Don't be such a baby," he scolded. "You can hold my hand on the way to the restaurant, loser."

 

He perked up at that. "Really?"

 

Katsuki scowled at him. "Why are you so fucking surprised? I like holding your hand, stupid!"

 

Izuku beamed heart melting into goo as butterflies rioted in his stomach. Kacchan liked holding his hand. Katsuki's hand flexed, and he wasn't sure if it was because he wanted to grab his hand or because he wanted to smack Izuku across the face, but it was awesome that both were possible. "I like holding your hand too, Kacchan," he let himself coo. Katsuki bared his teeth.

 

"You're an embarrassment," he sneered without any heat. "Fuck you." He turned away, stomping toward the front door of the dorm. "And hurry the fuck up, I'm hungry and the ramen place gets crowded on Saturdays."

 

Izuku trailed after him obediently, a giddy smile plastered across his face. Normally, he didn't give a shit how crowded his favorite restaurant was, he'd go regardless. But if he had to guess, with Izuku's pre-rut in full swing, he wanted to make sure he wasn't overwhelmed in public. He was so considerate. The best omega. As far as he was concerned, the best person in the entire world.

 

He was thrown off by the wall of scents in the common room for what felt like the hundredth time in the last two days. Momo was in the corner and reading by the windows, but she was the only person in the room so the only fresh scent was a faint drift of tea and honey. The rest had been left to stagnate throughout the day—almost tasting bitter as they mixed on the air.

 

He drew his shirt up over his nose, preferring his own post-training stench to the half-lifed pheromone soup. Katsuki noticed his discomfort, chirping at him in a rare public display of comfort and steering him toward the elevator. "Shower," he instructed sternly. "Then I'll scent your shirt before we go out again."

 

"Come with me?" he asked behind his shirt-mask.

 

Katsuki raised an eyebrow. "I am coming with you," he said.

 

"No. Shower with me?"

 

Katsuki blushed violently. "Perv."

 

"Yup. And I really don't wanna be away from you," he admitted. Katsuki scowled at him, but it was really more of a pout. Tiny, adorable, and petulant because Izuku was flattering him. "Come with me?"

 

"Fine," he huffed, stepping into the elevator. "I'll go grab my clothes and shit from my room and meet you in yours. But I'm fucking hungry so if you're gonna touch my dick you better be quick about it."

 

"I'll do my best," he promised. His concentration was slipping as the scent of his classmates started to seep through the fabric of his shirt. It wasn't strong enough to drown his own scent out by any means, but he was sensitive. It was just enough that he was on edge, and he could feel his alpha prowling the corners of his mind.

 

He wasn't sure it was the best idea to go out today. If he was this territorial with people he knew, he had no idea how he'd react to strangers. Katsuki would have to stick to his side like glue. Maybe he could have him scent the inside of a face mask for him.

 

"Sure," Katsuki huffed, nudging his shoulder. "Dunno, tho. Might make you more possessive when we're out in public."

 

Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure was through experimentation. "Maybe. If I get weird at the restaurant, we can just order it as takeout and come back," he said. "Watch a movie or something."

 

"Whatever works," he replied, leaning into Izuku's side. His stomach twisted, heart fluttering. The elevator opened, and he whined when Katsuki pulled away from him. "I'll only be a few minutes," he promised. "Go. You'll be more comfortable in your den, alpha."

 

He would. He'd be so much more comfortable surrounded by his own scent, safe in his own territory. He'd been scenting every inch of his space in his free time, and the difference between dorm room and den was palpable.

 

It reeked of him, and he'd started to block out light—putting up the window guards and hanging up the blackout curtains, stockpiling food in the corner and putting a new filter in the scent-neutralizer bar over the door. He'd scrubbed the whole place clean, fully aware that it would be a disaster by the time his rut ended.

 

Still, he felt bereft as the elevator door closed behind him—hiding Kacchan from view.

 

He took a steadying breath before making his way down the hall, eager to get inside his room—especially with Mineta's pheromone boosters polluting the air. He'd have to have a talk with him about replacing his scent filter once his rut was over—because if he tried to talk to him now when his senses were heightened, he'd probably vomit.

 

He opened the door to his room, and stepped across the threshold.

 

He was met by a wall of scent, but not his own. It was syrupy sweet, so thick that it poured down his throat like honey. Rich. Mouthwatering.

 

His skin broke out in goosebumps and he felt like he was underwater—bones going liquid in his skin as his mouth filled with with saliva and his cock hardened in his shorts. A feral growl ripped out of his throat, rattling his entire fucking body. Omega. There was an omega in his den—ripe with heat and suffocating his consciousness.

 

He stumbled toward his bed, eyes wild as he took in the familiar form pressing into his sheets—crooning as she took in lungfuls of his scent, her face pressed into his pillows as her hips worked against the mattress. He bared his teeth, heart racing and nerves raw.

 

Omega is ready for us, smells good. He reached out to grip the omega by the hip, fingers sinking into supple flesh as he pushed her onto her back. He climbed onto the bed with her, eyes riveted to the way her shorts had slicked through—sticking the fabric to the contours of her dripping cunt.

 

She gasped, and a fresh wave of arousal spilled into her scent as her head tipped back—baring her throat to him in submission. Izuku's eyes snapped to the movement, tongue tinging tart as he salivated, the urge to claim pounding in his skull. His hand's shook, cock throbbing at the sight of her exposed throat—free expanse for him to sink his teeth into. Her cheeks were flushed, mouth open as she panted—brown hair haloed on the blankets. He could taste her slick in the air.

 

His limbs felt heavy, and the hunger in his belly was unmistakable—undeniable. He rutted against her snarling when she wrapped her legs around the backs of his thighs, hauling him closer. "Alpha," the omega whimpered. All he could feel was the way her hands gripped at his shoulders—the way her back arched under him as he stuck his face into the crook of her neck, mouth sealing over her scent gland to work more of her sugary heat-laden scent out.

 

He was tugging, ripping at something—only gratified when a new inch of skin was exposed. She was moaning, and he wasn't satisfied. He needed more—ripping at the fabric that was keeping her from him. This omega wanted him, kept calling his name—baring her neck in submission. She tasted sweet, and he was fucking ravenous, and she was ready for him. He was already cradled comfortably between her legs—grinding against her, infuriated by the fucking fabric keeping him from getting what he needed.

 

He felt like he was going to shatter, shake apart, stop breathing if he couldn't get inside her. He could taste his own venom on his tongue, tangy against the sugar in her scent. She was so fucking warm, core burning where it was pressed up against his cock. He needed to fuck into the omega's wet, sloppy warmth—needed to feel her walls squeezing him, needed to knot and breed the thing until she was dripping his cum onto the sheets.

 

Her hand was on his face, pushing and pulling him into place while he pushed and pulled at the t-shirt keeping her from his sight, from his mouth, from his cock. He couldn't breathe—head swimming. Something trailed along his lips and he groaned. She was kissing him? It tasted strange. He was burning for more, but no matter how much he took, it wasn't enough.

 

An earsplitting, heart-wrenching whine split the air, cutting over their shaky moans and stuttered panting. It froze his blood in his veins, and he wrenched himself away, eyes scanning his den for a threat.

 

Through the open door, he met burning red eyes. He blinked, confused. Kacchan. Kacchan was...his omega. Kacchan was his omega. He frowned, ears stuffed with cotton, mouth dry—looking down at the omega beneath him. Not his omega.

 

He wrenched himself back and she whimpered, reaching for him. Ochako.

 

"What the fuck," he rasped. Panic set into the crevices of his heart, disgust crawling in his stomach, and worst of all—his rut, now here in full force, crawling across his skin; demanding his attention. His alpha fought him for control, the presence of an omega in his den—a compatible omega—searing his brain and ripping at his senses.

 

Through all of that, he realized what Kacchan had seen. That Kacchan had made that sound, wounded and horrible at the sight of his alpha and another omega. He looked up at the doorway, heart lodging in his throat when Katsuki was nowhere to be found.

 

His alpha was winning. The louder Ochako whimpered, the more the scent of her heat penetrated his senses, the less of a grasp he had on reality. "Get out," he snapped, stumbling away from her. She whimpered, spreading her legs wider. He snarled, and it seemed to get her attention—flinching back and curling into herself, blinking at him with wounded eyes. "GET OUT!"

 

"Alpha—"

 

His growl was a threat this time—furious and feral. Her scent was turning rotten with distress and it was just enough to clear his head. His alpha's control on his body waned—he shook his head as if to clear out the static. "Get the hell out Ochako, I mean it—or I won't be responsible for what happens next. Get the fuck out of my den."

 

She stood on shaky legs, tank top pulled down over her bra and shorts askew. There were hickeys blooming on her neck. He'd done that. His alpha stirred at the sight of them, but the memory of the utter betrayal on Katsuki's face kept him in control. When she tried to step toward him, to coax him back into bed—reaching out to touch him—he grabbed her by the wrist. Panic and anger clawed at him, and the sweet scent that had ensnared him became oppressive. Threatening. His mouth turned from sour to bitter—venom so potent that it was threatening to choke him.

 

He didn't have words or time to waste on her. He couldn't risk having her in his den for even a second longer, not when his knees were shaking and his dick was still at attention, fueled by hickeys and heat. Instead, he dragged her bodily to the door—pushing her past the threshold. She passed under the neutralizer bar, and he was granted some reprieve—the most potent parts of her scent filtered away.

 

"Don't fucking come back," he hissed, eyes narrowed to slits. He slammed the door behind her. Threat gone. But with it, so was his restraint. He stumbled back to his bed. His stomach churned at the scent coming off his sheets, even as his dick dripped precum into his sweats, his knot already swelling at the base of his cock.

 

His lucidity was burned away accompanied by the memory of his omega's crimson eyes, saturated with betrayal.

Chapter 20: Aftermath

His throat burned, and he could only hear the sound of his heartbeat in his ears. There was something else—something else—something rattling and raspy that clawed at his throat.

 

He was screaming. He wasn't screaming. He was crying. His face was wet.

 

He clawed at his skin, at the sheets, at the door. He couldn't escape, his own body a prison. He was burning alive, electric and raw, wracked with anguish.

 

Where was his omega?

---

He sobbed as he came, knot refusing to pop no matter how hard he fisted the base of his cock. Every shift of the fabric against his skin felt like a grater scraping at him.

 

He needed Kacchan. Omega. He needed him.

 

He stumbled off the bed and crawled to the door. He couldn't get out. He was trapped, trapped, trapped. The shackles on his wrist were dragging him down, the door was made of stone.

 

He wasn't sure how much longer he could fit into his skin. He wailed. He couldn't breathe.

---

For a moment, he woke. Someone was there—wiping at his hands with something soft and cold. It soothed his burning skin.

 

He tried to get up, but gentle hands pushed him back down. "K'cchan?"

 

His voice sounded like gravel, cracked and rough and dry. His mouth tasted sour like venom and metal like blood. Nobody answered him. He could smell blood, too. He could smell sweat and cum. He felt sick to his stomach.

 

The soft, cold something passed over his face and neck. He couldn't smell Kacchan.

 

He fell asleep.

---

His rut came at him in waves—not the gentle kind that lapped at the shore, but horrid, jarring crashes that abraded his body and tore at his soul. He felt like he was drowning and burning in equal measure, and he couldn't find his way out.

 

None of his ruts had felt so utterly horrible. He'd only been lucid for minutes out of days, and every moment had been encumbered—cramping, aching, mind broken, heart broken. He and his alpha had both been wrecked—untethered and miserable.

 

As he came out of his rut in slow,  agonizing stages, he realized had cuffs around his wrists. Quirk-cancelling cuffs. Aizawa must have come to put them on, because they hadn't been there when...when.

 

When Ochako had invaded his den. When Kacchan had walked in on his alpha losing control and—

 

His gut churned, and he turned over—body too heavy with exhaustion to make it farther than the edge of his bed before he vomited on the floor. He wondered if Aizawa had brought him granola bars too, since that was the only thing in his stomach.

 

As he lay there, half tipped off the bed, the true gravity hit him. He and Kacchan had planned to spend Izuku's rut together, but Izuku had lost control and hurt Kacchan. He could remember his face like it was right in front of him—betrayed and wounded.

 

And he hadn't come back. Tears stung his eyes as he fumbled for his phone. Kacchan hadn't texted or called—not even once. He didn't ask for any explanations. He'd simply gone silent. It made his alpha frantic, even as his body was unable to act on it—too wrung out and sore to do much of anything. He'd never felt so horrible after a rut, and that wasn't even what hurt him most.

 

He'd been so careful. He'd tried so hard to take every moment at Kacchan's pace—to make sure he was comfortable and secure in their relationship. But he'd lost control. His alpha had lost control, completely abandoning sense at the first scent of a compatible omega. All the comfort and care he'd poured into their courting, ruined in an instant.

 

He could still feel the way his alpha had urged him forward. Even when he'd realized what was happening, the animal crawling in his skull had rammed itself against the walls, trying to get him to take everything Ochako was offering. In that moment, he'd barely even recognized her beyond the fact that she was an omega in heat.

 

His stomach lurched again, and this time he pushed himself off the bed and stumbled to the bathroom. He barely made it to the toilet in time before he gagged, emptying his stomach.

 

He should have been more careful. On guard. The feeling under his skin felt like hatred, and he had no trouble hoarding it all for himself. He'd betrayed Kacchan's trust. He could only hope that the omega would be willing to talk to him now that he was lucid—that he could explain what had happened and apologize on his hands and knees.

 

But Kacchan hadn't come back. Kacchan hadn't even texted him—not even to cuss him out. It felt like a brick wall—built because the omega was hurt and protecting himself. From Izuku. Izuku had become someone he needed to protect himself from.

 

His vision blurred, sticky disgust crawling over him and pinning him to the bathroom floor as he cried. He could feel her hands on him—crawling across his back and shoulders. He could hear Kacchan's miserable whine as though the omega was right against his ear. He'd been hearing it for days, ripping open a pit in his soul and pushing his rut into deeper, darker places than he'd ever been.

 

He lifted his head off the toilet seat to glance at his arms—remembering how he'd clawed at his arms and legs when he was out of his mind. Sometime during his rut, his alpha had finally understood that the phantom feeling of unwanted hands was a threat, not a temptation—and he'd had nobody to hurt except himself.

 

His arms were littered with raised welts and gouging scrapes—some scabbed over, some fresh, all hurting—stinging and aching. The skin around his wrist gland was the worst—gouged open in an attempt to rip Ochako's scent out of his skin. The flesh around the scratches mottled sickly yellow and bruised purple from how hard he'd dug into them, barely scabbed over and burning.

 

Sluggishly, he pulled himself away from the toilet to run it under the sink—washing dried blood from his arm and exposing more of the butchery he'd inflicted on himself. The sight of it made something horrible and hollow open in his chest. Both he and his alpha had been so excited to spend his rut with Katsuki—beyond ready to show their omega just how much Izuku belonged to him.

 

He'd ruined that. Ochako had been the fuse but he was the bomb, and now he had to find out just how much destruction he'd caused. His alpha, who usually prowled the back of his head until the last of his rut dissipated, felt limp. Depressed and untethered like a puppet with its strings cut. Lackluster and lifeless, just like the rest of him.

 

He felt disgusting—even as he dragged himself into the shower to scrub away the effects of his rut, hot water stinging at his self-inflicted scratches as the grime from the week circled the drain. He didn't stay in the shower for long, even though the voice in the back of his head was telling him to try to drown himself. He had to talk to Kacchan. He had to try to explain.

 

Haphazardly, he stuck scent patches and gauze over the worst of his scrapes—knowing he'd be slowed down by anyone who saw them if he didn't at least cover them. He didn't have time for people's concern over shit he'd done to himself. He only cared about fixing what he'd done to Kacchan, hastily throwing on his uniform in hopes of catching him before class.

 

He tried the door, just to be stopped by reinforcement jacks. Aizawa must have put those up, too. Izuku texted him, asking for them to be removed—pacing the floor while he waited. Every minute he spent contained was another minute that Kacchan would think he'd cheated on him. It made his stomach turn. The cuts on his legs stung as they scraped against the scratchy fabric of his uniform trousers, but they had nothing on the lump in his throat and the pit in his stomach.

 

Finally, he heard the telltale sounds of freedom—a scrape of metal across the door, rattling as the jacks disengaged. He ripped his door open, not even sparing Aizawa a second glance as he tried to make his escape. "Midoriya, wait—"

 

He tripped and fell hard—breath knocked out of his lungs as he hit the floor. One of the larger scrapes—the one down his thigh—felt like it had been ripped back open, and his wrists smarted from where he'd tried to catch his fall. Aizawa knelt beside him, helping him turn over and cursing under his breath at the blood that was starting to seep through his pants.

 

Dazed, Izuku searched for the thing that he'd tripped over—heart stopping when he found it. His courting gift—the basket, filled with blankets and pillows with the remnants of the coupon book sitting on top—had been sitting in front of his door—now toppled over and spilling into the hallway. He'd scented those blankets yesterday. Kacchan had been sleeping with them for months—he should have been able to smell them from inside of his room. Instead, they were devoid of any scent.

 

His stomach churned and his eyes burned. Aizawa laid a hand on his shoulder as his heart crumpled like paper in his chest.

 

Katsuki was rejecting him.

---

Katsuki fucking hated this. Deku had been out of class for a week, and so had Uraraka. Clearly, his rut had started early and she had stayed with him. It was wrecking him—pulling him apart, piece by piece.

 

For the first few days, his omega had thrown itself at the walls, warring between telling him to go back, go back, go back—and wanting to run so far that nobody would ever find him again. He wanted to cry, he wanted to bury himself in his nest and never come out—if only because his nest still smelled like Deku, so he could pretend they weren't broken for just a few more minutes.

 

He hadn't let himself. He'd stripped the sheets from his bed, he'd neutralized the fuck out of his room, he'd told Aizawa to put reinforcement jacks on Deku's room so that he couldn't get in. He'd returned the basket once they were in place. Looking at it made his entire body feel like it was falling apart, and the imposing presence of Deku's scent in his nest was suddenly suffocating, not comforting.

 

But with its absence, his omega had gone listless and limp. Mourning. He hated that too. Every single thought he had was usurped and overshadowed by omegan misery. He could barely think straight, completely unable to focus. Every thought he had terminated in the ugliness of loss, and the uncanny feeling that he wasn't enough.

 

It felt like something in him had broken—no, died. He kept cycling between panic and despondence, utterly at odds with himself. It was like he was trapped in the moment when he'd seen them—constantly feeling the way his heart had dropped to his stomach and shattered. The flash of aggression from his omega—wanting to rip Uraraka away from him, followed by the crushing pain of realizing that Deku was an active participant.

 

He had essentially been rejected. There was no way around it. Deku, who'd been fighting to be his alpha, had found a better omega. Had betrayed him. Had spent his rut with Uraraka. He felt bereft, and everyone had noticed.

 

He hated the way all of his classmates were handling him with kid gloves, treating him like glass. They didn't know what was going on, but they could tell that he was hanging on by a fucking thread.

 

He smelled like despair and distress, so he'd practically cemented scent patches to his neck and wrists. He was on edge, snapping at anyone who tried to talk to him just in case they realized just how broken he felt. Nonetheless, he was surrounded by concerned chirps and comforting chuffs that set his goddamn teeth on edge.

 

They were pitying him, and they didn't even know what for. And he couldn't even get himself together long enough to beat them senseless. Even his teachers were treating him like he was fragile, ever since he'd started fumbling his answers in class, unable to hold a steady thought in the aftermath of rejection.

 

He'd always scoffed at omegas who fell apart when their alphas fucked up—refusing to watch sappy-ass movies where the omega main was slighted by their shitty mate, completely collapsing under the weight of romantic failure.

 

He hadn't known. He knew now, though. He knew what it felt like to be so disgustingly happy and hopeful. To put your trust in someone just for them to completely fuck you over. He never thought it would happen to him—it seemed so fucking far-fetched.

 

Especially once Deku started courting him. He never imagined that Deku would break him like this.

 

Now, whenever he closed his eyes, he could see his alpha—no, not his alpha—on top of Uraraka. Devouring her face like he was starving and she was the best thing he'd ever fucking tasted. He could hear her delighted moans, just barely muffled by the sound of the fans in the neutralizer bar.

 

He could still see the look on Deku's face when Katsuki had caught them. He'd looked straight through Katsuki like he was a stranger. That was the last time he'd seen him. Either of them. They'd been gone for the whole week.

 

Katsuki had been ready—excited—to spend Deku's rut with him. And he'd spent it with Uraraka instead. His omega had been despondent all week, and he felt hollow and miserable because of it.

 

He nearly threw up when Uraraka walked into class a week later. She looked out of it—eyes glazed and cheeks flushed—and she looked on-edge. Worried, and maybe a little disappointed. Probably sad that it was over.

 

She smelled like him. She smelled like Deku and sex—he could smell it even though it was faint, like his scent was clinging to her skin. He turned away, the memory of Deku rutting against her burned into his brain. No wonder she smelled like him, if he'd been all over her like that for a whole fucking week.

 

His heart ached. He felt sick. It felt like something vital had been torn away from him. He'd never felt so horrible in his entire goddamn life. That was supposed to be him. What had he done wrong? Was she better than him? Did she make Deku happier than he did?

 

The questions swam in his head, making him feel worse with every passing second. His omega was loud at the sight of her, and he felt like wailing. He wanted to collapse and cry until he was wrung dry. He bit back a whine that clung to the edges of his teeth, fighting to get out.

 

Kyoka grabbed his arm, aggressively swiping her wrist over his—and he realized he hadn't been doing as good a job of containing himself as he thought he had. Then again, she could hear better than everyone else. She would have heard the whine catch in his throat. His stomach churned. He was pathetic. 

 

"I've got you," she mumbled. "Dunno what's going on, but I've got you, Blasty."

 

"Fuck off," he growled back, wrenching his arm away. She gave him a reproachful look, but he ignored her, looking down at his desk. He didn't need her fucking pity. He didn't want it. Even if the scenting had slowed the racing thoughts and made his heartbeat slow. It wasn't the right scent. It wasn't the scent he needed to feel right again.

 

When Deku walked in the door, there was a split second where his omega completely forgot what he'd done. On pure instinct, he perked up—leaning forward eagerly in his seat. He looked rough, like he'd spent the week battling villains instead of...

 

Instead of breaking Katsuki's faith in love to pieces. Katsuki hardened, sitting back. Misery ate at him, and his omega went listless at the reminder. That their alpha didn't fucking want them. That they'd opened up—fucking flourishing under Deku's careful courtship—just for the alpha to throw it away.

 

Like it hadn't meant shit.

 

Still, the stupidest part of him—the one that he'd beaten back for years in case shit like this ever happened to him—watched him. He didn't know what he was looking for, aside from maybe some miracle that this was all a stupid misunderstanding. That maybe Deku had an evil twin or some shit—something to explain how he'd been so attentive and committed in one moment, just to fuck him over him in the next.

 

Deku didn't even look at him. Katsuki felt bile rise to his throat as he followed Deku's gaze to her. They locked eyes for a long moment, and every passing second made Katsuki's heart and soul feel like they were being crushed in an iron fist, the lump in his throat growing the longer they made eye contact.

 

'He wants her,' the miserable voice in his head spoke up. His omega was despairing, and it was all he could do not to break down right there. 'Look at him. He can't take his eyes off her. He doesn't even notice you. He's chosen someone else. A better omega.'

 

Finally, Deku looked away from her and his eyes—his beautful green eyes—landed on Katsuki. His face crumpled into something horribly sad and guilty. Like Deku fucking pitied him now that he'd been replaced.

 

"I can't fucking do this," he rasped. He grabbed his notebook off the desk and shoved it back into his bag. "Tell Aizawa I wasn't feeling well," he muttered to Kyoka. He stood, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

 

"You need me to take you to Recovery Girl?" she asked.

 

"Fuck off."

 

He made to escape the classroom but Deku stood in his path, reaching for him. "Kacchan, wait—"

 

Katsuki bared his teeth and hissed, lifting sparking palms. The class fell silent, but Katsuki didn't look away from Deku's face. He looked stricken, flinching away from him like he'd been burnt, before his entire face twisted miserably. Good. He deserved to be miserable.

 

"Get out of my fucking way," he growled. It rattled along his throat, true aggression bleeding into his voice the same way his heart was bleeding into his chest.

 

Deku clenched his jaw, casting his eyes to the floor. Then, slowly, he stepped aside. Katsuki stomped past him, ignoring the eyes that followed him out. He had to get out of there, he could deal with any fallout that came with it later.

 

But right now, he couldn't breathe.

---

There were so many moments in Izuku's life where he thought he'd been miserable. Where he'd thought that it couldn't get any worse, and if he kept pushing forward it had to get better.

 

Over the past week, he'd realized that he'd never truly been miserable. Misery felt different than whatever frustration and disappointment he'd been saddled with before. It came with a kind of hopelessness that he didn't know how to escape, eating at his insides and crawling up his throat, and a listlessness—the kind of emptiness that made him wonder if he was better off giving up.

 

He was so tired. When he managed to fall asleep, he had dreams that made him churn with guilt and disgust for the rest of the day. Dreams where he'd be kissing Kacchan—hearing the omega tell him he loved him, watching him fall more and more in love, trusting Izuku with his heart—just to hurt him. Trapping him in a glass cage to watch while he chose Uraraka instead. Scenting Uraraka in front of him. Making eye contact as the brunette trailed kisses down his neck and worked her scent into his skin.

 

Every time, he'd wake up with fresh scratches along his arms—sometimes from the pain of digging his fingernails into his wrist gland. Her scent was plaguing him and even though it wasn't on his skin, he couldn't get it out of his head. At this rate, he was going to do serious damage to them—maybe permanently scar his glands until he had no scent to speak of. Maybe that's what he deserved.

 

When he couldn't fall asleep, it was because he couldn't stop picturing Katsuki's face. The moment he'd caught them together. The fury in his eyes when Izuku so much as opened his mouth. The hurt in his eyes when he spaced out, the very picture of trust that had been broken. Izuku had done that to him. It kept him awake, and he and his alpha were falling apart at the seams.

 

His lack of control had hurt their omega. Their omega didn't want anything to do with them. They knew there was nobody on the face of the earth who suited them better, and Izuku had fucked it up by failing to keep his instincts on a leash. Now, his instincts yearned for something that was out of his reach, and it only hurt more that it was his own fault.

 

He flinched as he pulled off his shirt—changing back into his uniform after training. The fabric snagged on raised, poorly patched scratches as he pulled it over his shoulders. His wrists were covered by patches and gauze, but even those pulled—loosely wrapped and catching as he tugged the sleeves off his arms.

 

He relished the pain.

 

It was better than the phantom feeling of Uraraka's hands sliding up his arms, wrapping around his neck and holding him in place. Even when the skin split open again, the pain had nothing on the sickening reminder of her legs hooking around his hips as though somehow she thought he was hers.

 

The locker room wasn't quiet by any means, but he could feel the tension in the air. He wasn't at the top of his game—not by a long shot. He'd been struggling in training, unable to stay on task, and everyone had noticed. He could feel their eyes on him now, talking like normal but following his every move. He'd messed up today, way more than usual.

 

He couldn't focus. To an outside observer, it would have looked like he let Eijirou land that final hit. Truthfully, he hadn't seen it coming. Or, maybe he didn't care. Either way, he'd taken an avoidable beating, and barely felt a thing.

 

Kacchan had been off his game, too—but in a different way. Izuku had watched, concerned and heart bleeding as he'd unleashed his rage—more violent than the alpha had seen him since their first year. He wanted to talk to him so badly. Just to ask him if he was okay, like he would have just a few weeks ago. But that wasn't his right anymore.

 

Even worse, he could smell Kacchan from across the room. The more their peers shot them wary looks, the more enraged he became. Izuku could smell his fury as though the blonde was standing right next to him. He was certain that anger was directed at him, and he was almost shocked that none of their classmates had picked up on it.

 

Then again, they probably assumed that the scent was coming from him. The harsh, smoky smell fit better into his own scent range than Katsuki's, and they were giving Izuku a wide berth. He took a shaky breath, and realized that there was something off with his scent—his own despair leaking out from under his patches. He cursed under his breath, scrambling for a new packet of patches to replace the ones that had peeled up.

 

It was hard to adhere patches to broken skin, especially if cuts were fresh. Blood would wet the adhesive and the uneven surface would flip up the edges, and eventually the whole thing would lift and let scents out into the room in earnest.

 

Hastily, he wiped a neutralizer down the length of his arm, ignoring the sharp sting to scrub away the lingering scent of misery before starting to apply his new set of patches—taking extra care to make sure they were sealed around the edges. He winced as he pressed the latex over bruised, broken skin. He was almost done putting them on when Denki spoke up.

 

"Those are some nasty scratches, my guy," he said, prodding at the skin on his shoulder. Izuku grimaced. He'd done those last night—raking his nails over his shoulders and up to his mating gland in an attempt to scrape the memory of touch off his body. Denki's tone was teasing though—possibly trying to cheer him up. "Who'd you get them from, huh?"

 

His stomach turned at the teasing tone. Like those scratches were something to be proud of—to boast about instead of being ashamed of. He kept rubbing the scent patches into his wrist, making sure that there were no bubbles in the latex so that they'd seal down tight. "It's not important," he muttered. "And I don't want to talk about it."

 

"Come on, dude! Oop, sorry—" he apologized when he poked another scratch and Izuku flinched. "They got you good! Don't leave us hanging—"

 

Kacchan's locker door slammed so hard that Izuku felt it in his bones. A moment later, the omega shouldered past him, knocking him into the metal door as hard as he could. Izuku didn't do anything. Didn't say anything—just watched him stomp out of the locker room, trailing the scent of fury in his wake.

 

Izuku stared after him longingly, shoulder stinging from Denki's ill-placed touch and arm smarting from where the locker clipped his scraped-up arm.

 

"Not cool," Denki complained, patting him on the back. "You good, dude?"

 

"M'fine," he lied. There was no point in telling him the truth. There was nothing they could do to make it better. Even if there was, Izuku wouldn't want them to. He didn't deserve it. And that was the true difference between misery and whatever the hell he'd felt before.

 

He was a failure, and he didn't deserve to feel any better. This was a misery of his own making he couldn't find any hope to fix it—no path forward to make it better. And, for the first time in his life, he didn't want to try.

---

"I wanna change my seat," Katsuki said.

 

It had been almost three weeks since Deku had come back from his adulterous rut, and he was fed up. He hadn't said a single fucking word to the alpha since the day he'd come back to class, but he could still feel Deku's stupid pleading gaze on the back of his head. He could smell his desperation, as though he wasn't the one who'd fucked everything up. Like he wanted to apologize, and Katuski was in the wrong for not hearing him out—for not forgiving him.

 

Katsuki hated being so close to him.

 

He couldn't think when Deku was that close. Not when his instincts were at war with themselves, barely governed by his higher reasoning. He wanted to reach back and throttle him. He wanted to curl in a corner and cry. He wanted to beg Deku to choose him, even though he would never beg. He wanted to rip his stupid scent glands out of his shitty neck. He wanted to understand. He wanted to prove himself, even though logically he knew he had nothing to prove.

 

And all of that shit was happening when he was in class. He hadn't absorbed a single fucking thing their teachers had said in two weeks. He wasn't about to let Deku hold him back. He never had and he never would.

 

So, he had to find distance. In any way he could. He'd switch out of the class if Aizawa weren't the best. It didn't have anything with the stupid voice curling around the base of his skull, telling him, 'Please don't leave our alpha. We can win him back. If he tells us why we're not enough, we can change. Please don't leave him. We need him.' It burrowed into his skull, repeated on loop. He was pathetic.

 

"Why?" Aizawa asked shortly, staring up at him from his desk. He was trying to keep his face blank, but Katsuki could feel the pity his eyes growing stronger with every passing day. He wasn't stupid.

 

"Deku broke off our fucking courtship," he snapped. "And I don't wanna be anywhere near that knotheaded fucker. I don't even wanna fucking see him, but he's not fucking going anywhere, so I wanna get as far away as I can." He spat the words like they were poison, and Aizawa's concern only grew.

 

"Bakugou—"

 

"Sir. I can't...focus. I can't think when I'm near him, I can barely take a fucking breath. I'm not asking to switch out of the goddamn class, I'm not asking to drop out—I just don't want to breathe the same air as him," he insisted. Because when he was near Deku, it was like his brain ceased to have higher function.

 

He was just so fucking hurt. He and his omega were both raw and wounded, and it made the logical part of him so fucking angry that he couldn't see straight, which just made his omega sadder and more distressed. The shittiest feedback loop ever. It didn't help that he was confused on top of it—unable to specifically decide where he'd gone wrong.

 

He knew he'd smelled genuine interest and affection from Deku. He knew the nerd had been happy every single time he'd used one of those dumbass coupons. He'd thought they were the sweetest gesture—his alpha's attempt at making communication easier. Now, they made him feel pathetic.

 

Maybe Uraraka stepped up in a way he couldn't. She could say what she wanted without needing stupid scraps of paper to show her affection. Maybe Deku decided he wanted someone who was willing to be public about their relationship. Maybe he'd gotten sick of hiding. Or maybe he wanted an omega who was more...omega-like. Soft and sweet and doting. Not him, who was brash and loud and aggressive.

 

Maybe Deku had decided that he didn't forgive Katsuki for all the shit he'd put him through. There had to be something wrong with him if Izuku had thrown him aside without even telling him. Maybe it was...everything about him.

 

He spent every waking moment when he wasn't distracted thinking about it. About what he could have changed to be enough. About how angry he was that he still loved that fucker even though Deku had broken him.

 

His nest didn't smell like him anymore, and it fucking hurt. It made him feel hollow and ruined, first thing in the morning, and that feeling followed him throughout the day. It was only worse when Deku was close—the scents he'd come to seek comfort in now only causing him more distress than he thought he could contain.

 

"Please," he finally said, straight in to Aizawa's worried face. "Please move my seat."

 

The next morning, there was a seating chart written up on the board. He'd been switched with Ojirou, all the way at the front of the class and closer to his own band of idiots. Aizawa had probably been trying to do him a favor—seating him with a support system or some shit.

 

It was only marginally better than being in front of Deku. Being in front of his idiots meant being surrounded by their suffocating concern, and he was dreading it.

 

He kept his face carefully blank when Deku walked into the classroom, watching as he glanced at the seating chart and almost relishing the stricken look on his face when he whipped around to stare at Katsuki in his new space. Katsuki didn't fucking understand him. It was such a massive shift—going thinking he knew Deku better than anyone else, and now wondering if he'd really known him at all.

 

"Kacchan—"

 

Katsuki growled, a low and aggressive thing—a warning that another word would be met with violence. He stared into those stupid, pleading eyes as his own face twisted into a sneer. Deku's mouth snapped shut, and he shifted in place. Probably weighing whether speaking was worth the risk.

 

Katsuki looked away. Looking at him hurt. It made his omega yearn and it made him furious, ripping at his nerves and fraying his control. He heard Deku move, taking slow steps toward his seat. It was still early, so aside from Iida who was always in the classroom at the asscrack of dawn, they were alone.

 

It was uncomfortable, and Katsuki was tempted to get up and leave. He could come back when the classroom was full, and there was more of a barrier. He could come back when his omega wasn't whining at him, telling him to ask, talk, beg. Deku didn't deserve a fucking word out of him.

 

Thankfully, Eijirou came in earlier than normal. Katsuki wasn't really surprised. Ei had been crushingly overbearing for the last few weeks, unsure of what was wrong but insistent on being supportive. Most days, he'd walk Katsuki to class even though he woke up hellishly early. In fact, Katsuki had woken up even earlier today to avoid him.

 

He was like a shitty red boomerang though. No matter how far Katsuki threw him, the idiot kept coming back.

 

"You ditched me!" he complained. "I thought we were gonna walk together, bro! I even made you breakfast!"

 

"Shut up," Katsuki huffed. It was quieter than normal. Everything about him was quieter than normal. It set his teeth on edge. "I made my own fucking breakfast, you can't cook for shit."

 

Having his idiots around did help him ignore the yawning pit in his stomach and the persistent invisible hand around his throat. As long as they weren't trying to 'help' him with gentle scents, soothing chirps, and calming rumbles. If they just...talked to him, he could almost forget the sound of Floaty moaning into Deku's mouth.

 

Unfortunately, that momentary relief only lasted as long as they both stayed silent and out of his sight.

 

"Good morning, Deku."

 

She said it quietly, but it rendered Katsuki stone-still. It was soft and sweet, a hint of a croon beneath the words and just like that, the stone weighing down Katsuki's stomach grew ten pounds heavier. He swallowed thickly, absently checking the edges of his scent patches. Eijirou was still babbling, so he clearly hadn't noticed Katsuki's distress. If the patches had failed, there was no way the mountainous alpha would have been able to miss it.

 

Uraraka was met with silence and, against his better judgement, Katsuki looked at Deku out of the corner of his eye. Izuku was staring at her, blank-faced and wordless. It was almost like he was looking through her.

 

He flinched when Deku's eyes left her to meet his instead. They flicked away a moment later, and Katsuki realized he'd been holding his breath. Deku didn't look back at Urarka—opting to stare at his desk instead.

 

He probably didn't want to rub his new omega in Katsuki's face—trying to be considerate now that he'd tossed Katsuki aside. Fuck him. Fuck him for all of it. He didn't give a shit what he did with Uraraka, he just wanted the alpha to leave him out of it.

 

His omega whined at the thought of it, calling him a liar in the privacy of his overwhelmed mind. He cared too much. Seeing them together would eat at him. Break him. Bury him. But he'd have to deal with it once Deku decided he was done waiting a respectable amount of time. If Cheeks was his omega, he couldn't hold out forever.

 

His eyes stung and his stomach churned. He was getting accustomed to both feelings at an alarming rate. Three weeks ago, he'd been so happy. Almost ready to tell their closest friends, looking forward to spending the next holiday break with his alpha. In love in that stupid way that felt like he was going to float away.

 

That same love was drowning him now, weighing him down like an anchor tied around his neck. He couldn't shake it off, no matter how much it hurt him. It pulled, choked, drowned him. Most of the time, it felt like he couldn't breathe.

 

Kyoka paused on her way to her desk, frowning at him in Ojirou's seat. Silently, she picked up his arm again. He let it happen—face blank as she worked her scent into his wrist before completing the trek to her own seat. Privately, he was grateful. Deku's presence in the room was like a beacon, and it made him want to melt and scream and cry. Her scent helped, quietly giving support and comfort without making a scene.

 

It went on like that for days—Katsuki doing everything he could to avoid Deku while trying to ignore the ache in his chest and the misery and anger prowling in his head, and Deku trying his damndest to get Katsuki to talk to him as though he thought that talking would fix what he broke. Uraraka making passes at the alpha that was supposed to be his and Deku ignoring her, as though he hadn't been halfway to fucking her when Katsuki found them. The way it felt like his omega was fucking withering, collapsing under the weight of his heartbreak and disappointment. The way his friends tried to help, not understanding what had happened in the first place.

 

At least with Deku across the classroom from him, he didn't feel his skin crawling with every passing second. He could think, even if it was short-lived and colored by pathetic misery and longing for something that had been damaged beyond repair.

 

Where he used to be almost hyper-attentive, now he barely noticed when class started—going through the motions as he tried to ignore his instincts and the way his heart felt like it was free-bleeding into his chest—crushed and ruined in a way that he never thought he'd be stupid enough to feel. He ground his teeth whenever Deku answered a question—his voice still like a physical touch, this time unwanted. He wanted to pull his traitorous tongue out of his stupid throat.

 

He wanted to go back three weeks and not let Deku out of his sight.

 

But no. His mother had always said that if you have to fight to keep someone faithful, they're not worth keeping. He shouldn't have to guard Deku's every move to keep him. Even though it sucked, he'd made his choice and Katsuki had to live with it.

 

Every time he spoke, his omega whined in the back of his skull—threads of longing pulling at his body, tempting him to do something stupid. Tempting him to do anything at all.

 

Today had been particularly bad. During training, Deku and Kyoka had been paired against Uraraka and Todoroki. Katsuki had nearly thrown up when he saw how Deku was treating their fight—steering clear of his new omega, probably unwilling to hurt her. He'd never held back with Katsuki. Maybe he'd wanted someone more delicate—someone who he took pleasure in protecting. Maybe that's why Katsuki wasn't enough. It would explain why he was steering clear of her now, handing her off to Kyoka and going after IcyHot himself.

 

He'd had to excuse himself from the room when Deku came back, teetering on the edge of feral. Aizawa had excused him—pitying him just like everyone else, but Katsuki wasn't in a position to lash out at him for it. He'd needed to get his head on straight. He'd managed it, but it had taken a lot. By the time they reached their final class of the day, he was at the end of his rope.

 

He started preparing to flee long before the bell rang. He saw Aizawa eyeing him and knew he disapproved—either of his avoidance or his eagerness to leave—but he couldn't linger after class. He needed a breath of fresh air—anything to clear Deku's distress and guilt from his lungs. His scent had taken longer to reach him now that Katsuki was farther away, but eventually it had filtered through the classroom—too muted for most to notice. But Katsuki was infuriatingly attuned to him, and it was suffocating.

 

As soon as the bell rang, he shoved his notebook into his bag and stood to flee, but someone was in his way.

 

"The fuck do you want, IcyHot?" Katsuki snapped. "Get out of my fucking way."

 

In response, Shoto held up his hands to bring a folded blanket into Katsuki's line of sight. His heart stopped, blood rushing in his ears. He stared, almost uncomprehending, except the gesture couldn't be mistaken for anything else. He could smell Shoto's scent wafting off of it—gentle sandalwood and rich black tea.

 

He could tell by the ripple of shock that went through the rest of the class, even as his brain stalled out and his omega protested, shying away from the gift in his hands.

 

Shoto wanted to court him.

Notes:

trust the process babes <3

Chapter 21: Deterioration

The entire classroom ground to a halt—like every person in the room was holding their breath.

 

Katsuki wanted to evaporate.

 

He wanted to run.

 

He could feel their eyes on him, pinning him in place as his breath caught in his throat. He could hear his heartbeat in his fucking ears as Shoto stood before him—hands outstretched with the folded blanket in his grasp. He felt sick.

 

There was no other way to interpret the gesture. Shoto was an unattached alpha and Katsuki was an unattached omega—no matter how much that knowledge stabbed at him or how it crushed his heart so hard that he wanted to rip the stupid thing out of his chest.

 

The blanket in his hands looked soft and well-made, and it smelled like him. He wanted to recoil from it—the stupid omega rattling around in his skull still not understanding that they didn't fucking belong to anybody. Not anymore.

 

The scent wasn't overly possessive or heavy, and definitely not anything as strong as a claiming or interest scent. If Katsuki took it, it would be the equivalent of sitting in the same room as him, just existing. Shoto wanted to just...exist in Katsuk's space. Either that, or it was his claiming scent, and it just wasn't as strong as Deku's.

 

He couldn't help but compare Shoto's scent to his alphas—no, Deku's—the way it surrounded him and made him feel so wanted. So safe and desired, like it was designed to cling to Katsuki's skin and never let him go. Anything less felt cheap in comparison, even Shoto's perfectly mellow scent that was wafting toward him.

 

His heart lodged in his throat, threatening to choke him. He wanted that scent back in his nest—he wanted it worked into his clothes so that it surrounded him—and he hated himself for it. It was probably all over Uraraka's nest, clinging to a better omega than him.

 

Misery was so fucking horrible. If he didn't have his patches on, he'd smell rotten. He resisted the urge to look at Deku—entire body rigid as he stared through Shoto. He didn't give a shit about what Deku was doing. He didn't. He wouldn't let himself, no matter how much his omega wanted to retreat and hide behind him and assure him that Katsuki was still his.

 

He wasn't. He wasn't Deku's. And Shoto was in front of him, waiting.

 

"Katsuki?" he asked when the omega stayed silent. Katsuki nearly flinched, eyes refocusing on the alpha.

 

"What the fuck is that?" Katsuki rasped. If there had been any other noise in the classroom, it would have gone unheard.

 

Uncharacteristically, Shoto's face pinched—lips pursing and nose scrunching just slightly. He was fucking nervous. The idiot had decided to do this in front of fucking everyone and had the audacity to look nervous? "It's...a blanket?"

 

Katsuki bared his teeth, skin prickling. He wanted this to be over now. He'd never felt more examined in his goddamn life—not even when he was chained up at their first year sports festival. He was already off his game and he fucking knew it, barely able to think straight with how loud his omega had been over the past two weeks. If he'd wanted to hide in his room all day before, he wanted to move to fucking Antarctica now.

 

"I can fucking see that, stupid," he snapped. "I meant what the fuck do you think you're doing?"

 

Comprehension seemed to dawn on his stupid-ass face and he straightened—setting his shoulders like he was about to go to war instead of making an ass of himself in a high school classroom. "You're one of my best friends and I've admired you for a long time," he said, voice clear and even. "You're special to me, and I'd like to show you how I feel about you."

 

He could feel his vision narrowing and wondered if he was actually going to throw up from anxiety, right here in the classroom. The buzzing across his skin had seeped into his bloodstream and he could feel his fingers and toes going numb from panic. He wanted to slap the gift out of his hand and run as far and as fast as he could, hands curling into fists to stop himself from doing just that.

 

Shoto was a damn good friend and if Deku hadn't fucked with him, he knew he would have been open to this shit. Maybe not here in fucking public, but he and Shoto were...compatible at the very least and Katsuki actually liked spending time with him. He would have been willing to at least give it a chance and see where it went. He should be open to this. He could do far worse than Shoto Todoroki.

 

But his omega was not fucking having it. He'd never been overtaken like this—so filled with a sense of wrong that he was tempted to attack Shoto for having the audacity to giving him a courting gift.

 

His classmates' scents had started to bloom in the room—stronger even under their shitty half-strength patches because they were fucking excited. He could smell Mina like candy on a summer day and Denki's weird-ass lemony citrus scent—almost oppressive because they were the closest to him and running around unpatched since their heats weren't any time soon. Eijirou wasn't much better, his usually mellow cinnamon and hot apple cider was sharp now, the gentle fruity base overpowered by warm spices that were making his gut churn.

 

"Oh my god," Uraraka squealed from the back of the class. It was like her voice had pushed her fucking scent forward. It was syrupy and floral, and even from a distance it clawed at his senses—making his entire body go rigid as the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. They were all watching this shit with eager eyes, even her. Even him. Like his life was not only their business, but their fucking entertainment.

 

This shit was eating Katsuki alive, torn between instinct and friendship and logic and hurt. It left him feeling the kind of overwhelmed that made him want to curl into a corner, protecting him from the invisible onslaught when he didn't have the strength or clarity to stand tall and defend himself. He could feel Deku's gaze like a physical touch and he could smell Uraraka's scent like her hand was at his throat—squeezing the life out of him as he fought to take a breath.

 

Amidst all of it, his fucking peers were watching eagerly, waiting for some romantic drama to unfold as though Katsuki didn't feel like he was dying. He wasn't breathing, he was sure of it. He was going to collapse—head buzzing as the room swam.

 

Deku wasn't his alpha but Katsuki loved him. Katsuki loved him but Deku had tossed him aside and chosen a better omega. Deku had chosen a better omega, so Katsuki didn't belong to anyone. Katsuki didn't belong to anyone because he was a bad omega—too crass and harsh. He was too crass and harsh, but Shoto was standing in front of him. Shoto was standing in front of him, and he was a good alpha. He was a good alpha, but Katsuki didn't fucking want him. Katsuki didn't want him, but he couldn't have what he wanted because Deku wasn't his alpha. It ran through his head on a loop and he was pretty sure he was shaking. He stayed silent and still, half hoping that if he didn't move or make a sound, he'd simply disappear.

 

Shoto took it differently—deciding that Katsuki's lack of response meant that he needed to be more clear. "Will you let me court you, Katsuki?"

 

Before he could even think of a response, there was a deafening crack and a threatening growl—ripping through the room and chilling him to the bone. His head snapped toward the noise just to find Deku on his feet, green lightning crackling around him in a threatening tempest—his desk cracked in two and clenched in either fist, teeth bared and eyes wild.

 

His stomach plummeted to his knees as Shoto growled back, the bicolored alpha bristling at the newfound threat. He heard chairs scraping back and he could feel Eijirou looming, ready to throw himself in the middle of whatever the fuck was going on.

 

Then, Deku snarled, "Over my dead body!" voiced warped with fury and something animalistic. From his stance and the way he was baring his teeth, Katsuki could tell that he was out of control—more ruled by instinct than by reason. It confused him in a way that hurt. The fact that Deku thought he still had any claim on Katsuki made his head swim with ugly longing and aching betrayal and sickening want, all tied together by the knowledge that he'd spent a week in bed with her.

 

It made him see red. How little self-respect did Deku think he had? After what he did, how did he even think he had the right to talk to him, let alone dictate what he did?  How had he justified this shit to himself? He could hear Shoto growling back, but it didn't fucking matter. All that mattered was showing Deku where they stood.

 

"Shut the fuck up," Katsuki snapped, turning his back on Shoto to face Izuku fully. His breath was coming out short, and he could still feel too many eyes on them. The room felt disastrously small—like the walls were closing in on him and Deku was too close. He wanted to put a continent between them—to run from whatever was opening the pit in his stomach and making his eyes burn, fighting off the urge to fucking cry about a knothead alpha who'd fucked him over.

 

"Kacchan—"

 

"Shut the fuck up," he said again, snarl twisting his lips as he bared his teeth. "I don't give a shit what you think, Deku. You're not my fucking  alpha. You have no fucking say in who can court me, and you have a lot of fucking nerve, trying to make something that's my decision your business. It will never be your business!" He relished the way Deku flinched back, the deflating as his shoulders hunched in.

 

He almost felt bad—almost wanted to apologize or reach out or something stupid like that. But it was a fraction of what Deku had done to him. He was defending what little dignity he had left. He was allowed to protect himself. Part of him wished that he hadn't though—he could feel the focus on him narrowing, becoming more critical, trying to put pieces together that were none of their concern.

 

They were judging him for being harsh, like they always did—wanting him to be nicer with no consideration for the way he felt scraped empty and stripped raw.

 

He ignored them, turning back to Shoto. He wanted to get this shit over with, and fast. "You take that shit back," he snarled, glaring into Shoto's pretty heterochromatic eyes. "I never want to talk about my courting shit in public ever again. If you want to ask me something, don't be a fucking coward about it—using these fuckers as a buffer. Ask me in private, or don't ask me at all. I'm not discussing shit here."

 

Shoto snatched the blanket back and hid it behind his back, like it was something shameful. "Sorry, Katsuki."

 

"Fuck you. Now get the fuck out of my way."

 

"Kacchan—"

 

He rounded on Deku, hissing viciously—palms sparking too loud and bright. The alpha shrank back, and Katsuki hated how wounded he looked. He had no fucking right. He had no fucking right.

 

His vision blurred, his omega clawing at the recesses of his mind, and he was too close to his breaking point for comfort. He had to get out of here before he could lose control and fucking cry in front of everyone. Whipping back around, he shoved Shoto aside—not stopping as he fled even when Shoto stumbled into the desk beside him with what sounded like a pained grunt.

 

For once, nobody chased after him—finally opting to give him the privacy and space he'd been begging for. When he finally made it to the rooftop, he holed up in the far corner—bringing his knees to his chest and trying to breathe through the crushing feeling in his lungs. For the first time, he wasn't sure if it was better or worse that nobody had followed him.

 

On the one hand, he was glad for the space—the solitude that allowed him to catch his shattered pieces.

 

On the other hand, he'd never felt so alone.

---

Katsuki had been angry at him before. So many times, for so many reasons. He'd even hissed at Izuku before—burned him before, too—but Katsuki had never hissed at him with that look in his eyes. Not even three weeks ago, when the betrayal was fresh. The last time Katsuki had hissed at him, it had looked like hurt. This time, it looked like hatred, and it was the worst thing he'd ever seen in his life. He had thought that they'd gotten to a point where, even if their courtship hadn't worked, they would always be on each others' sides.

 

He'd ruined that. It was sinking in now—truly settling into his bones in a way that weighed his entire body down. His lack of control over his alpha had destroyed his relationship beyond repair, and Katsuki didn't want anything to do with him.

 

He'd returned Izuku's courting gifts. He'd rejected him. He'd rejected Izuku entirely. And now, Izuku had to accept it. He loved Katsuki with every breath in his stupid body, and his inability to control his instincts had destroyed his chances. Kacchan was going to consider letting another alpha court him. Shouto had given him a courting gift, and he hadn't rejected the other alpha outright—he'd told him to ask in private. His omega was moving on with another alpha, and it was his fault.

 

And despite how horrible he felt, he couldn't fight it. He'd promised Katsuki that he had full agency over the trajectory of their relationship, and he'd meant it. If he kept pursuing Kacchan after he'd hurt him so badly, it would be a slap in the face to the omega's agency. He wouldn't be courting Kacchan anymore—not if the omega didn't want him to. That's why he'd put their courtship in Kacchan's hands in the first place—so that he'd always feel powerful enough to make the decision that was right for him.

 

Now, he had to face the consequences of his failures, as he should. He was a shitty alpha, and there was no getting around it.

 

It felt like his chest had been ripped open. His mind was a mess—his alpha crashing into the walls in an attempt to get him to follow Katsuki. To get him to hear him out, even though he had nothing to say. He reigned it in, taking a shuddering breath. He would never let his alpha hurt Kacchan again—not even by something as simple as conversation if the omega didn't want it.

 

"Deku?"

 

He flinched, jolting back to the present. Then he flinched away at the sight of Ochako, standing barely two feet away from him. He bared his teeth in a low growl—burdened by the unshakeable feeling that he was in the presence of a threat. She chirped at him and he stepped back further, bumping into the desk behind him.

 

His eyes darted around the room, and he wanted to disappear. Everyone was looking at him. Well, looking between him, Shouto, and Ochako in confusion. He felt trapped, barely able to breathe with the sudden oppressive feeling of being watched amidst his misery. He bit back a growl when Ochako moved to step closer again, but it still rattled in his chest and she froze in her tracks. Then, her nose crinkled and her hand came up to cover it.

 

"Just...leave me alone," he pleaded. He was suddenly acutely aware of his own scent—going sour and caustic with sadness and distress. He scrambled for his bag, skirting the edge of the room as he made his escape—thankful that nobody tried to stop him.

 

He needed to get his scent under control. His usual blockers clearly weren't doing the job, and he didn't want to make a spectacle of how upset he was. Especially not in front of Kacchan. He wasn't going to shove his hurt in Kacchan's face when the omega was probably hurting so much more because of him.

 

'We didn't mean to,' his alpha insisted, as if it mattered. He should have had more control, and he didn't. He'd destroyed Kacchan's trust on him, and that thought was louder than anything that his alpha could push into his head. It added to his distress, though, and as he walked the halls, the other students parted like the red sea—eager to get away from the rotten smell coming off of him.

 

Thankfully, Recovery Girl was just a few halls away, and she carried stronger blockers than the average corner store did. She carried the kind of patches that were green-lit for hero-work, that wouldn't budge or leak even in the middle of a villain attack. That was what he needed.

 

Recovery Girl looked up as soon as he entered the nurse's office, nose wrinkling as soon as he stepped in the room. "Are you hurt?" she asked immediately, hopping off her stool to hobble over to him.

 

"No," he uttered. His voice sounded hollow, even to his own ears. His alpha was despondent now—the moment Kacchan hissed at him replayed over and over in his head, rendering his baser instincts mercifully and miserably quiet. "I need scent patches. Strong ones."

 

"Why are you so distressed if you're not hurt?" she demanded, getting closer to him—prodding him with her fingers to try to gauge if he was lying or not. He let her. "If you're not careful, you'll drop, Midoriya. Has something happened?"

 

"Personal issues," he muttered. He hadn't considered the possibility of dropping. Alpha drops weren't common. It didn't matter. He could manage the symptoms. If he was dropping, it was his own fault. "Conflict with a friend. I'll get over it. Just need blockers so I can get through class without stressing everybody out."

 

"Normal conflicts with friends don't result in this sort or pheromonal decay," she insisted. "This is the result of something more serious—"

 

"It was a serious conflict," he snapped. She flinched back in surprise, and he felt horrible. He didn't snap at people, and he nearly never interrupted them. "I'm sorry," he backpedaled. "I promise I can get over it on my own, but for now I just need to not have everyone hovering over me. Can I please get stronger blockers for a few days?" He didn't need longer than that. He'd either get his emotions together, or he'd layer his patches.

 

Recovery Girl looked at him critically, and he waited for her verdict—already guilty for lashing out. For years now, she'd done nothing but help him even when he was self-destructive to the point of disrepair. 'Another failure,' he thought miserably.

 

"I want you to come back in three days so that I can evaluate you," she instructed. "Prolonged distress is dangerous, especially in heroics. If you don't, I'll make sure you're put on medical suspension."

 

He grimaced. "I just missed a week because of my rut," he said, despondent. He wasn't just ruining his relationships now. His inability to keep a leash on his instincts would ruin his academic career, too. "I can't afford to miss anymore."

 

"Then be here in three days," she said, booking no argument. "If you're really in control of the situation, it shouldn't be a problem. And if you're not, I can help you, Midoriya. This isn't a punishment. I'm doing my job by keeping you in good health. Understand?"

 

He nodded dully. "Yes, ma'am," he mumbled. He let her scrutinize him a moment longer before toddling off to find what he was looking for. She came back, clutching a box of prescription-strength blockers in her hand.

 

"Have a seat on the bed," she said. "I'm going to neutralize you first, and check your gland for strain before application." He did as he was told, vaguely noting that his ears felt like they were stuffed with cotton. He felt strangely numb over the ache in his chest and the lump in his throat.

 

There was something weirdly soothing about having his scent wiped away. When he was surrounded by his scent, it felt like he was sliding deeper into a pit that he couldn't crawl his way out of—scared and desperate, tied down with a healthy disdain for himself. He was still hurting, but the lack of misery hanging in the air was grounding—and the more of his scent was neutralized, the more blank he felt.

 

Blank was good. Blank would let him stay in control. It didn't matter if he was overjoyed a week ago, or if he was miserable this morning. He'd brought it upon himself, and now he would handle it. As he left the nurse's office, he steeled himself—forcing his alpha back as far as he could. He wouldn't bother Katsuki with his feelings. He'd even support him if he accepted Shouto's courting gift.

 

He'd do anything for Kacchan, as long as the omega was happy.

---

Katsuki spent the entire fucking day breathing through his anxiety.

 

He'd hissed at Deku. Like a true, instinctive, violent hiss—a warning that he'd get aggressive if the alpha came any closer. And he'd meant it. It was creating fractures in his already shattered heart. His omega was throwing itself at the fucking walls—half telling him to apologize and roll over for him, and half wanting to run for the fucking hills and never look at Deku again.

 

Fuck, he never wanted to look at any of his classmates again. Fuck, he'd made a scene in the middle of the goddamn classroom. He could still feel their eyes on him, judging him—his private shit spilling out of its neat container for everyone to see, even if they didn't know what the fuck was going on.

 

It was almost as visceral as the feeling of Shoto fucking propositioning him in front of his alpha.

 

Not his alpha. Deku wasn't his fucking alpha anymore. It sucked—because especially with how angry and hurt he was, his instincts were screaming at him to drag Deku back to his nest and let the alpha comfort him, but at the same time they were flashing like a seizure-inducing warning light to not go anywhere near him. Deku had been his greatest source of comfort, and now that motherfucker was the greatest source of his distress.

 

He wanted to rewind time so that he could have stuck to Deku's side that day, but fuck that too, because he shouldn't have to babysit someone to make them faithful to him. The fact that was that Deku didn't want him enough—didn't love him enough—to commit. He just hated that he was right—that alphas wanted the model omega, and none of them were unique in that regard.

 

Not even Deku. Shoto would probably get sick of him too, so what the fuck was the point of letting that asshole court him?

 

Maybe for the off chance that he wouldn't fucking die alone. But was that chance worth being let down again? If Deku, who had felt like the perfect alpha for him, could ditch him for something softer and sweeter, why would IcyHot be any different?

 

He wanted to lock himself in his room, curl into his nest, and scream in the privacy of his safe space—but even his nest wasn't the same. Deku's stupid fucking courting gifts and his perfect fucking scent had made it better, and now that they were both gone he resented it. When he said he felt like everything had been fucking ruined, he meant it.

 

He couldn't imagine finding someone else who'd court him so perfectly, or knew him so well—just like he couldn't imagine Deku using all that perfection and knowledge to hurt him so horribly.

 

He wished Deku had never fucking courted him in the first place.

 

That was the thought that burned through him as he sat through the rest of his classes. He wished Shoto had gotten to him first—preventing Deku from hurting him so well and so specifically. Fuck, he should have just said no.

 

He just couldn't figure out what Deku's deal was. Why the fuck did he court Katsuki if he wasn't sure? Was it just that he'd changed his mind, doubts growing as their courtship advanced and Uraraka kept pursuing him? Or was it some kind of fucked up revenge? The thought that it might be the latter made him sick to his stomach.

 

He'd already doubled up his patches, but he knew that he probably smelled anxious, and there was no way that it wasn't leaking into the classroom. He could tell by the way his friends kept fucking chirping at him—trying to comfort him without understanding what was wrong. Thank god Deku seemed to have dipped for the day, fucking off to somewhere else where Katsuki wouldn't have to look at him.

 

His pride had probably been wounded when he'd realized he had no say in Katsuki's life anymore. Every knothead on the planet thought like that. He didn't want Katsuki, but he didn't want anyone else to have him either—and he'd tried to exert control as though he hadn't fucked everything up. Well, fuck that.

 

It was a mantra that he tried to keep running through his head now, every single time his stupid-ass omega wanted to go back to him, he'd just chant it to himself in his head. Fuck that, fuck that, fuck that. Deku had his chance and he'd made his shitty choices. He'd chosen to hurt him. He had to remember that.

 

He was out of his seat as soon as the final bell rang, pretending not to hear as his friends called after him. He couldn't deal with them now. He didn't want them to ask any questions or give their shitty opinions about IcyHot's courting gift. He didn't want any of it.

 

If Shoto wanted to talk to him, he could come fucking find him. If he knew Katsuki well enough to court him, he should know where to look for him, too. It would be even better if he gave up on it altogether. His omega hated the idea of being courted by someone else—no matter how comfortable he felt with that person normally. His omega wanted a specific alpha, and hadn't grieved that loss yet. It was still trying to bargain—spitting out maybes and compromises that Katsuki had no fucking interest in.

 

Before he knew it, he was on the roof of Heights Alliance. He'd been doing that a lot lately. His dorm felt wrong—unnervingly sterile and cold for the last month, ever since he'd scrubbed every trace of Deku out of the room. The only place where he could seem to catch his breath lately was up here. He sat on the ledge at the back of the building, looking out over the forest training ground.

 

"Is now a good time to talk?"

 

Katsuki jumped, nearly toppling off the roof. "What the fuck," he said, whirling around to find IcyHot a few feet behind him. "Don't fucking sneak up on me!"

 

"Sorry," he said slowly. "I just followed you from the classroom. I figured I should catch you before you start studying, I know you don't like being interrupted—"

 

"Shut up," he snapped, ignoring the rush of satisfaction he felt when the alpha actually did shut up. Shoto listened when he talked, and that was fucking important. 'Deku used to listen,' his traitorous mind whispered. 'At least, I thought he did.' His gut churned miserably. "I can't accept your courting gift." He said it like he was guilty, and hated himself for it.

 

There were so many shouldn'ts. He shouldn't feel guilty for saying no. He shouldn't be caught up on someone who hurt him. He shouldn't be saying no because of the person who hurt him. He shouldn't be having this conversation, because he should be with Deku. But he shouldn't be with Deku because Deku betrayed him. Deku shouldn't have betrayed him.

 

He hated all of it.

 

"So you're rejecting me?" Shouto asked, head tilted. He didn't look angry or upset, just curious. "Sorry, I just...want to be clear—"

 

"I'm not rejecting you," he interrupted, surprised at himself. He wasn't a liar, and he wasn't the type to placate people. "I'm just...not ready. Not right now."

 

"Because of Izuku?"

 

Katsuki flinched. "What?" he demanded, something like a growl forming in his throat. Shouto didn't back down. Damn him.

 

"He was courting you, right? I don't think anyone else realized, which is why they were encouraging Ochako. And you said it wasn't anyone's business, so I didn't say anything. I thought you two could handle it on your own."

 

"You fucking knew. Of course you did. Fuck."

 

"I...I wanted to court you, Katsuki," he said quietly. "You weren't being obvious, you weren't on display. I wanted to court you and I knew Izuku did, too. I knew he was planning to court you, and I knew as soon as he gave you his gift. I watch you a lot," he admitted, looking down and shuffling his feet. "I don't even mean to. You're just impossible to look away from for very long. I knew when something changed for you and I thought I'd missed my chance. Izuku is important to me, so I wasn't going to interfere—" Katsuki scoffed. He wished Shouto had interfered. Maybe he wouldn't fucking feel like this. Hesitantly, Shouto continued. "And then suddenly, you were holding him at arm's length and didn't smell like him anymore. You started showing up in the cafeteria more, using Eijirou as a shield. And I knew your courtship was broken and I had a second chance."

 

"You saw me fucking miserable and thought about having a second chance? Deku fucked me over," Katsuki snapped. "It's barely been a month, and you thought—"

 

"I just...didn't want to risk not letting you know how I felt," he said. "I'll understand if you reject me, but I couldn't stand back until someone else caught your eye. I hate that you're miserable. I'm just hoping that you'll give me the opportunity to try to make you less miserable. Maybe even happy."

 

Katsuki's heart twisted and his omega curled in on itself. He had been happy. He'd been happy with Deku and something had gone horribly fucking wrong and he couldn't figure it out—he was confused and hurt and raw and the thought of letting another alpha close just to be hurt again felt like glass digging into his skin.

 

He didn't want anyone else, but he didn't want Deku either. He wanted to lick his wounds in peace, but peace was out of fucking reach because the fucking nerd was everywhere. He remained an open wound, and it fucking sucked. Even worse, he was confused, and he didn't know if being around another alpha would help with that, or if it would just make him wonder where he'd gone wrong. As it was, he was already stuck on that, turning the question over in his head over and over.

 

"I'm still not rejecting you," he uttered, shoulders hunching in. "But...I can't even fucking think about courting right now. It makes me sick." More accurately, it made him want to claw out his own scent glands and give up all together. Because if all the good he'd felt with Deku was a goddamn lie, then what was the fucking point?

 

Shouto nodded, and Katuski wanted to slap him for being so fucking understanding. He wanted the IcyHot idiot to make it easy—be an asshole so that turning him down didn't feel like shit. "Can I try again later?" he asked, stupidly sincere. "If you don't want me to, I won't."

 

Katsuki bit his lip. "You can," he finally said. "But never ask me in public again. I'm fucking serious, IcyHot. To me, courting is personal and fucking private. I don't want anyone's nose in my fucking business. The next time you pull something like that, it'll be the last time." Whether that meant rejection or outright murder, Shouto wasn't sure, and Katsuki watched as he straightened—swallowing nervously.

 

"I won't," he promised. "I'm sorry I did that in front of the class. It's been tough to catch you in private and I didn't want to corner you."

 

"Then text me, stupid," he snapped. "Just ask me where I am and if I'm down to talk. Ask questions, get answers, shit like that." His heart clenched. Deku knew how to communicate with him. Deku had given him those stupid fucking coupons that had made him feel so seen.

 

He wished he could get a lobotomy so that he could avoid this part—the part where he compared every single alpha to the careful treatment he'd gotten from a seemingly perfect potential mate. The worst part of it was that with every memory brought to the forefront, not rejecting Shouto felt like a betrayal. His omega felt betrayed—like he was accepting something less than perfect. He felt like he was betraying Deku, even though Deku had betrayed him first. There was a decided wrongness to the whole thing, something that made his skin crawl every time he entertained the thought of moving on.

 

It was exhausting and disheartening, and he was sick of it. How could romance possibly be worth this much distress?

 

"Sure," Shouto said, unaware of the absolute turmoil churning through Katsuki's head. "Can...we spend time together? Not officially courting, just to get to know each other." Katsuki raised an eyebrow. The spent most of their days crammed in the same room. They already knew each other. "In a more intentional way, I mean. To see if we're compatible, but without the added pressure."

 

Katsuki fought the urge to recoil. That sounded like dating, and his omega despised that because it was the wrong alpha. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

 

Except it wasn't. There was no harm in low-stakes dating because he wasn't with anyone. Not anymore. And it wasn't healthy to hang on to the wreckage of his courtship. It would only render him lonely and miserable. He would rather try something new than stick with feeling broken.

 

So, he said: "Fine."

---

Ochako was on edge.

 

She scanned the classroom, searching for the source of her unrest. It was at least somewhat gratifying to see that she wasn't the only one. There was a tension in the room—something that had been present in their classroom for almost a month. Ever since she'd gotten back from her heat leave, something had been off.

 

Her heat had been enough of a shock. She hadn't been due for another week. In fact, the reason she'd gone to Deku's room was so that she could ask him to spend her upcoming heat with her, knowing that they'd need time to file consent forms.

 

She'd been hoping that he'd help her out as a friend. Heats and ruts could be more comfortable with a companion as long as everyone took precautions, so she thought he might agree to help her out, and maybe it would open his eyes to their compatibility. A benign plan, full of intended consent. Just a way to get her proverbial foot into his proverbial door.

 

But, when she'd gotten into his room, his scent had been so rich—surrounding her completely and shoving her into her heat faster than she'd expected. Then, he'd gotten back and for a few minutes she thought he'd finally seen her. Instead, he'd shoved her back out of his room and she'd spent the first day of her heat in distress.

 

When she'd finally resurfaced, she figured that he'd pushed her out for her own safety. To make sure she didn't get into something without consenting to it first. It was just like him to hold his instincts on a leash to make sure the people around him were okay. He was so good. Such a perfect, thoughtful alpha.

 

It made the cold-shoulder she'd received upon her return feel like a bucket of ice-water. He barely even looked at her when she got back. He barely looked at anyone. It was almost a comfort—at first she thought that he was only icing her out, but he didn't talk to anyone. It was almost a comfort.

 

But seeing him withdraw from everyone wasn't a relief. It made her nervous. It made everyone nervous, especially when Deku's scent started disappearing from everything and the few whiffs they managed to get smelled sour. There were bags under his eyes, and sometimes it felt like he wasn't even in the room.

 

There was something big going on, and it didn't feel like it had anything to do with her—too massive and insidious to have anything to do with a heat-share. It didn't make her any less concerned. She cared about him.

 

And he was deteriorating.

Notes:

i addressed some of this on twitter and tumblr, but i think it needs to be said here, too.

i'm not going to turn off comments because some of you genuinely bring me joy, and i don't want to deprive myself the pleasure of interacting with wonderful people because a couple of you are dicks. however, i will be holding back updates until i'm done writing past the conflict because some of the shit people have said to me has genuinely sucked the enjoyment out of writing this. sooo i'm gonna write it for myself, behind closed doors until i'm ready for it to be released, and in a manner that will keep me from second guessing myself.

the point of this fic isn't just intentional romance, it's also an examination of how societal rules would change under the confines of the omegaverse. our rules don't apply, because a/b/o is fundamentally different than what we experience. the very biological imperatives are different. legislation would be different accordingly. so would social norms. that, of course, would bring on a whole new slew of issues surrounding consent and assault. about intentionally pursuing a partner, especially since those decisions tend to be permanent in omegaverse unless you have some kind of medical intervention. that shit fascinates me. i want to write about it, so i will.

final note—to the people respectfully asking me for tag updates, this is not directed at you. i appreciate you guys for reaching out and aiding my sensitivity. i'll do my best to get to that before the next time i update. the last thing i want is to make people feel horrible with no warning, and even though this has been the plan since the beginning, the intensity may have changed, and therefore the validity of my tags may have changed. i'll fully own up to that, and want to thank y'all for keeping me informed and on top of it <3

Notes:

Comments fuel me! If you liked it, you can stay tuned for updates and new fics by finding me on social media!

A multitude of thanks to my amazing beta, Beanie!!!