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Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

"Get out of the way, fucking nerd!" Katsuki attacked the villain without any regard for his surroundings. Izuku jumped aside at the last moment before the blast hit its target.

Finally, they had Overhaul cornered. This time the bastard would not escape him. For too long the pro heroes had been after him and his organization, today they had to succeed. At any cost, Katsuki wanted to be the one to defeat and capture the villain.

Then all those idiots who weren't convinced yet would have to shut up and celebrate him as the number one junior hero, not the stupidly grinning Deku. That position should be held by an alpha anyway. Not by a beta.

Except for the two of them, all the other pro heroes were lying on the ground unable to fight or had already been evacuated due to their injuries. He simply had to win this fight.

Using his explosions, Katsuki pushed off to deliver another blow to the villain. At the last moment, Overhaul dodged and instead hurled Katsuki against a wall.

Damn, that hurt...

While the alpha was getting up, Deku launched an attack. With full force he pushed Overhaul back. However, not far enough. The rogue counter-attacked and hit the hero in the chest.

Deku had managed to block the blow and sailed through the air until he stabilized. Katsuki was about to lunge at Overhaul again when he noticed the look on the other hero's face. In Izuku's eyes was naked panic.

Puzzled, the alpha searched for the reason. Deku didn't seem too badly hurt, so that wasn't it. Nothing had changed in Overhaul either. What was going on here?

Izuku convulsed in midair and the green lightning that flashed around his body went out. The beta fell to the ground unchecked.

Shit! Had Overhaul wounded him more severely than Katsuki had thought after all? The villain himself seemed no less confused than the blond hero.

Suddenly, a smile stole onto the rogue alpha's face. "Well, look what we have here."

Katsuki didn't understand what that remark was about. Without realizing it, he ran over to Deku to check on things. The younger hero was lying on the ground, writhing in pain. As he did so, he held his abdomen. Izuku gasped and winced.

Completely unprepared, Katsuki was hit by a wave of omega pheromones. He staggered back a step and forced himself to breathe through his mouth. It didn't help much.

Never before had an omega smelled so sweet. He almost lost his senses.

Mine ...

Katsuki wanted to be close to him, to rub his nose against those enticing scent glands and sink into him. Unconsciously, a low rumble released in his throat and he released pheromones himself.

Izuku watched him with watery eyes. A moan of pain came from his pink lips.

The tortured sound snapped Katsuki out of his trance. Fuck. What were those thoughts?

Another wave of pheromones was about to cloud his senses. The alpha bit the inside of his cheek to keep a clear head. In one fell swoop, everything fell into place. Izuku's constant absences from school, his stature that was actually too slight for a Beta, and the problems his body was having with his inherited Quirk.

Izuku was not a beta. He had never been. He was an omega. Even more so, one who was currently afflicted by his heat.

Katsuki had to help him somehow. However, there was only one way to relieve the pain of an omega in this state. But this was the worst place imaginable.

From the left Katsuki noticed a noise. Shit! He had completely forgotten about the villain. Too late he noticed his mistake. Already something hit him in the side. He could feel his ribs crack before he landed in the rubble.

Overhaul was now standing next to Izuku, leaning over him with a wide grin. The green-haired hero let out a frightened whimper. Defensively, he raised an arm. For a brief moment, the green flashes were back, but Deku could not sustain the power.

Instead, the rogue grabbed Izuku's forearm and pulled him along. "Looks like I have a new toy."

That was enough! Katsuki would so blow that bastard up!

Just a few steps before Overhaul, a portal opened.

Katsuki pushed himself up. With an explosion he also shot towards the portal, but he was too slow. Overhaul had already disappeared with one leg in the swirling black. He dragged Izuku mercilessly with him.

The omega extended his free hand in Katsuki's direction in search of help. "Kacchan!"

The blond hero ignored the pain in his ribs and accelerated once more. At the last moment, he reached Izuku. Their fingertips brushed over each other. But before Katsuki could grab, they were gone and the portal right along with them. The hero skidded across the floor and came to a stop a few meters behind the portal's location.

Desperately, Katsuki looked around.

Deku was gone.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

2 years later

"How much longer until we finally go in? Are we even still on the fucking schedule?" Katsuki looked around annoyed. He wanted to finally blow up this shit club and stop standing idle out here.

"Bro, come on down. You get to punch those evil villains hard right now, okay?" Eijiro put his hand on Katsuki's shoulder, who just grumbled and shook it off.

Patience had never been his virtue, but ever since the botched attack on Overhaul's lair two years ago, he could no longer muster any when it came to anything to do with that particular villain.

"Don't bust my balls, Shitty Hair, or I might consider blowing you up out of boredom."

Defensively, Eijiro raised his hands. "Take it easy!"

The radio in Katsuki's ear crackled. "Commencement of operations in ten minutes. Police and pro heroes have surrounded the building and the escape routes we know of. According to our informant, the main underground battle will begin in five minutes. It is of utmost urgency to evacuate the civilians above ground as soon as possible. After that, we will penetrate the lower floors. Any person located there will be classified as a criminal and should be arrested."

Finally, the time had come. Katsuki could hardly wait for the mission to begin. If everything went smoothly, he would get his hands on Overhaul today and hunt him down. The other hope he had with this mission pushed itself to the forefront. At the same time, he wanted to avoid thinking about Izuku.

Katsuki hadn't told anyone what had really happened in the fight with the mob boss two years ago. Only that the villain had kidnapped Deku, without mentioning how exactly it had happened. Various agencies had been searching for him for a long time. All of them had given up sooner or later, except for Deku's own and Katsuki's.

Most people thought the green-haired hero was dead by now, but he didn't want to believe that - couldn't until he had incontrovertible proof. Maybe today Katsuki would get a little further in his search. Chances were that Overhaul was present.

Even two years ago, his organization had not only been large, but also a real nuisance. Since then, it had grown rapidly and clubs like this one were springing up everywhere. The civilian population usually had no idea what was going on under their feet when they came here to party, thus keeping up the appearance of legality for the yakuza. Since then, Katsuki had made it his mission to find these places and burn them down.

Again, there was a crackle in his ear. "Start of operation in five minutes."

Katsuki pulled himself together and addressed his teammates. The four of them were idiots too, but useful ones after all, and yeah, admittedly: They were the people who annoyed him the least. "We'll stick with our approach and head straight for the basement. The civilians can be taken care of by the soft-spoken cuddly heroes. We're going to get Overhaul. I've got a score to settle with that bastard, so stand down. Since there's illegal fighting going on, we have to expect to run into strong opponents, most of whom will be strong-armed. Take care of yourselves and don't risk anything that doesn't have to be."

"You got it!" shouted Eijiro, Mina, Sero, and Denki simultaneously.

"One more minute," announced the voice in Katsuki's ear.

"Okay, let's go blow up those bums."

Ten seconds before the start of the mission, a countdown began. As soon as the voice announced "zero," they rushed to the entrance of the club.

With the blast of an explosion, Katsuki swept the bouncers aside and charged through the now unguarded entrance. His extras followed him closely. As expected, the lighting conditions in the club were poor. The flickering lights and loud music were annoying.

There were more people shuffling back and forth on the dance floor than they had expected. At first glance, Katsuki didn't find the barrier for the VIP area they were targeting. The party-hungry civilians had not yet realized that they were in the middle of a raid and continued to dance.

They couldn't get away that way.

"Pikachu!" the blond hero yelled over the pounding bass.

Immediately Denki looked to him.

Katsuki pointed to the DJ booth and then to the ceiling. His buddy understood what he wanted from him and grinned broadly. Already he shot a lightning bolt into the electronics. With a yelping sound, the techno music stopped. The next flash went into the electrical wiring. All the lamps lit up brilliantly.

The murmur of the crowd became a collective outcry as they were all blinded.

"Raid!" screeched Katsuki. "Get your asses out of here if you don't want me to barbecue them!"

The clubgoers backed away from the quintet of heroes in fright until they realized who was standing in front of them. Some of these idiots actually wanted autographs. "Tsk!"

"Please proceed in an orderly fashion to the exit. This is for your safety," Iida announced from the doorway. Once class president, always class president ...

Finally, Katsuki discovered what they were here for. In a winding corner on the other side of the large dance floor stood two true giants guarding a door labeled VIP. One of the two cabinets spoke excitedly into his headset.

Fuck! So much for their moment of surprise. Katsuki pushed past the civilians, Eijiro at his side. Without making a speech, they knocked down the two bouncers before either of them could have used his quirk.

The way into the secret underground area was now clear. Katsuki yanked open the door. No yakuza reinforcements had yet arrived on the surface. The blond hero stormed down the stairs. Behind him trudged the footsteps of his friends. The four of them would watch his back as he hopefully took apart Overhaul this time.

Katsuki would let the fucker bleed and beat the shit out of him until he told him what Deku had become. He gritted his teeth. If he let himself get distracted now, he might jeopardize the entire operation. Still, Katsuki couldn't completely shake off that spark of hope. Somewhere in some dark hole, that yakuza asshole must have locked the green-haired hero away, or Deku would have freed himself long ago. After all, he was strong, even if he was an omega. He was Katsuki's equal, damn it!

"Watch out!" shouted Eijiro close behind him.

Katsuki had barely noticed that they had reached the bottom of the stairs. He didn't slow down, even as a door opened in front of them and half a dozen henchmen rushed toward them.

The alpha was pissed, and really pissed! He emitted a wave of aggressive pheromones that brought half of his opponents straight to their knees. The others staggered and Katsuki stormed past them. The rest of his troop was responsible for the small fish.

Behind the door, the room opened into a gigantic hall. It was hard to imagine that they were several dozen meters underground. Katsuki stood at the top of a sloping bleachers.

All around him, people were cheering and bawling. Except for the club's security, no one had yet noticed the heroes' appearance. With a deep breath, Katsuki withdrew his pheromones.

Even though it was hard for him, he had to control himself at least for a short time, if he didn't want to drive Overhaul away directly. Ever since they had cornered him in his former lair two years ago, he avoided confrontation with the pro heroes and always ran away at the last moment.

More members of the yakuza showed up and came right at Katsuki. The hero chased them with a blast and went down the steps of the grandstand unimpressed. Around him, the dregs of their society cheered on the two fighters in the ring in the center. The spectators were all sorts of scoundrels and other criminals, or else rich people with more than questionable morals combined with too much money and boredom.

These bastards disgusted Katsuki even more than the villains. The ring formed the lowest point in the room. The two fighters went at each other recklessly with their quirks. One of them was about to lose - that was obvious even from the corner of the eye.

But Katsuki paid little attention to what was happening below him. He had found what he had come for.

A dark growl escaped his throat as he located his prey.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

On the opposite bleachers, Overhaul sat in a box. He was wearing his distinctive mask and lounging casually in his padded seat.

The alpha hero's fuses were blowing. He pushed himself off the ground with his explosions and headed straight for the mob boss. "Finally got you, bastard!"

Katsuki flew across the ring, his full attention on Overhaul. This motherfucker was going to suffer! The alpha would make sure the villain whimpered for mercy once he was done with him.

Overhaul's eyes widened in surprise and he managed to dodge Katsuki's attack at the last moment. Instead of the villain, part of the stand flew into the air.

The guy next to the yakuza possessed a similar hardening quirk as Eijiro and shielded his boss from Katsuki's blasts with his own body. Was probably his bodyguard.

Katsuki wouldn't let that stop him for long. He sparred with Shitty Hair often enough to know the best way to deal with such a quirk.

Again and again, Katsuki let his explosions rain down on the same spot on his opponent's body. At some point the fucker had to break!

Katsuki lunged for a kick, but it was blocked at the last moment. Instead of letting go of his leg, the asshole held him down, grabbed his calf even harder, and flung him away.

The hero fell, rolled, and came to a stop in the middle of the ring.

Sneering, Overhaul grinned down at him. "Dear guests!" he exclaimed, and much of the crowd spontaneously shut up. "It looks like we have another challenger for Darkness today, and it's none other than the ever-popular hero Dynamight!"

A murmur went through the crowd. Out of the corner of his eye, Katsuki noticed that the other heroes had finally entered the underground battle arena. Very good! Now he could concentrate on his goal.

"I'm here for you, asshole, and not for any of your extras," Katsuki let the yakuza know, wiping the dust off his hero costume.

He swung into the air, but didn't get far. After a few meters, something grabbed his ankle and yanked him back to the ground. The alpha hit the ground roughly and tried to push himself up - in vain.

Until now, Katsuki had paid no attention to the young man in the ring, but now he risked a glance. The guy looked like the last emo in the black hoodie he had pulled deep into his face. His counterpart's hands were buried in his pockets. There was nothing to indicate that the guy was fighting.

Before Katsuki could think any more about it, he was thrown into the air and against the brick wall of the ring. The pressure around his ankle did not disappear for a second.

Groaning, Katsuki struggled to his feet and spat blood onto the floor. He had bitten his lip on impact. He hurled an explosion at his opponent.

Instead of reaching their destination, a dark wall reared up between them and swallowed the blast. Katsuki didn't get a chance to collect himself. Again, something pulled at his ankle and thundered him against the nearest wall. The air was pressed hard out of the hero's lungs. His head was already buzzing when he was thrown against the massive wall one more time.

Katsuki growled beside himself. He couldn't let some random extra finish him off here when he was finally so close to his goal. Once again the alpha tried an attack with his explosions. These too were swallowed, but Katsuki had a brief moment to catch his breath.

A glance at his ankle showed him a dark substance surrounding him that seemed directly connected to the ground. Again, the hero shot an explosion at the emo.

If his suspicions were confirmed, he could take this guy down. From the feet of his attacker rose a seemingly impenetrable darkness, swallowing Katsuki's attack.

A shadow quirk, then - the hero could work with that.

Katsuki concentrated the sweat in his hands, accumulating more and more of it to ignite with a single blow. The brightness of the explosion dispelled all darkness and thus all shadows for a few seconds.

The hero lifted himself from the ground and shot towards his opponent. Powerfully, his fist thundered against the emo's jaw. The blow was perfect and tore the hood off his head. At the same time, the alpha saw his opponent's eyes twist. Motionless, the fighter fell to the ground and no longer moved.

A slow clap sounded above him, dripping with mockery. "It looks like we have a winner today. Since none of you, ladies and gentlemen, had the opportunity to bet on him, we will refund your bets in a timely manner. Now, however, we should all go home. The new guests here at my club are becoming too much of a nuisance."

No sooner had Overhaul finished his little speech than a portal appeared next to him. More appeared across the bleachers and those present sought their salvation in flight.

"Stay here, shithead!" roared Katsuki in his impotent rage.

Overhaul didn't even hear him anymore. He had long since disappeared into the portal.

The crowd panicked and a fierce battle raged around the portals. The heroes, with the help of the policemen, captured as many of the spectators as they could.

Katsuki himself was unaware of this. He was still looking at the place where the yakuza's portal had long since faded.

And he had been so close!

The hero had almost caught him. Instead, he had had to deal with this emo.

"Son of a bitch!" roared Katsuki. Tears burned at the corners of his eyes and he thrashed on the arena floor. He wasn't even trying to keep his pheromones in check at that.

The alpha raged and cursed. No one dared approach him, except for one. On his shoulder, Katsuki noticed the pressure of a strong hand. "Hey Bakubro, time to calm down."

"Fuck you!"

Eijiro laughed. "If you insist, we can do that later. Right now, we need to smoke out this branching hive."

How could that bum be in a good mood all the time? That was really disgusting! Katsuki growled menacingly.

His best friend didn't even itch. "Come on, get up. You'll catch him next time for sure. We've got some work to do before we head home."

Eijiro pulled him along and together they climbed the bleachers. Earlier, Katsuki hadn't even noticed the many hallways and doors that stretched everywhere from the top. The heroes split up and examined the corridors. Eijiro, too, pulled him into one of the branches that no one else had taken yet.

Katsuki rubbed his face hard. He had to pull himself together now.

His buddy spoke up again: "I know how important this is to you, bro. Believe me, I hope for a clue every time, too. Maybe we'll find something else, so come on."

"Tsk," Katsuki merely made and trotted after his buddy unwillingly. He didn't want to think about Deku right now. That would only depress him again.

After the next bend, they came across a few scattered members of the security team. The guys didn't give the two Alphas any trouble. Within seconds they were lying unconscious on the ground.

Eijiro pushed down the handle of the door these guys had been guarding. A faint haze of various omegapheromones wafted toward them. The pheromones in the air tasted bitter.

The hairs on the back of Katsuki's neck stood up.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

"What do you want, idiot?" asked Katsuki as he slowly walked towards Eijiro. Up until now, they had both only ever glanced at the rooms. Yes, today he was hero number 1, yet first aid was not his thing. He could rescue and evacuate civilians, but he preferred to leave the aftercare to others.

The medics hadn't gotten this far yet; without prior inspection by the heroes, it was too dangerous for them.

Due to the illegal fights that had been fought here underground, one of the participants could still hide in the back rooms and cause great damage. Most of these fighters were psychopathic killers.

"Man, come on now!" urged Eijiro.

"Yeah, yeah, it's all right. Have I told you today how much you piss me off-" Katsuki choked on the words and froze.

In the room, an unconscious Omega lay facing away from them on a narrow bed. Bruises and bite marks marred his pale back. There was blood stuck to the inside of his thighs, which had already left a small stain on the mattress.

Compared to the previous rooms, this was nothing new, considering that the heroes were currently in the part of the club that had been used almost exclusively as an illegal omega brothel.

The omega's once shiny hair was dull and terribly disheveled. Still, Katsuki would have recognized that green anywhere.

"Deku ..."

He took an awkward step into the room and abruptly stopped again. He hadn't noticed it immediately in the hallway due to the shock, but the air in here was thick with pheromones.

Katsuki smelled out at least two different alphas. As well as the sour stress pheromones of an omega in agony and very faintly below that the sweet reverberation of an omega in heat.

Bile came up and Katsuki swallowed hard. He couldn't throw up now. His clenched fists trembled.

Eijiro pushed past him and reached out to Izuku. "We have to get him out of here."

Before the other hero could reach the omega, Katsuki grabbed his shoulder.

"Don't you dare touch him! I'll kill you!"

Eijiro instantly froze and cast an uncertain glance in Katsuki's direction. As soon as he saw the murderousness in his comrade's gaze, he raised his hands defensively. "Calm down. I won't touch him, but he probably needs urgent medical attention. We shouldn't drag this out any longer."

That brought Katsuki back to reality, almost losing himself in the frenzy.

He swallowed hard. "I'll take care of it. You check the other rooms."

"I will," Eijiro replied and left the room.

Hesitantly, Katsuki approached the bed. Although he had just let out a proper alpha roar, Izuku hadn't even flinched.

He himself had gained even more muscle mass during the past two years. The green-haired omega, on the other hand, looked even more frail than before. Izuku was emaciated. The once well-defined muscles stretched sinewily under the unnaturally pale skin. Along with the wounds were the freckles on his cheeks, the only color in contrast to the white of his skin.

When was the last time Izuku had seen the sun? The club was underground and it didn't look like the omega had had a chance to leave.

Bruises and bite wounds in all stages of healing marred the slender body. A menacing growl rose in Katsuki's throat. The bastards who had done all this to Izuku were lucky they were no longer here. The alpha would have been happy to blow them up.

Still, Deku was beautiful.

Mine.

Where did that just come from?

Since his disappearance, there hadn't been a day when Katsuki hadn't thought of his former rival for #1 pro hero and reproached himself. If only he had been faster then. He could have saved the omega from that fate, if he had been better then.

It was time to finish taking stock of Izuku's battered body. With his ruby eyes, Katsuki took in the sight, memorizing each wound and vowing bitter revenge on the perpetrators. On his neck and wrists, Izuku wore a collar. It was thanks to the wide neck ring alone that they had not been able to force a mate bond on Izuku during all this time of obvious abuse.

But what were the bracelets on the wrists for? They were not handcuffs, since they were not fastened together or anywhere else. Gingerly, Katsuki lifted the omega's right hand and took a closer look at the metal band. On a small display was a readout that the pro hero could do nothing with, next to it was the battery level.

Katsuki didn't want to risk anything and decided to leave the damn things in place for now. It would be better if someone who knew about technology removed them.

Gently, the alpha stroked through Izuku's green curls. "I got you. No one's going to hurt you anymore."

It was time to get the omega into one of the ambulances so he could finally get the medical attention he needed. Katsuki grabbed the stained blanket and immediately let it go. He had grabbed onto something sticky. Staring at his palm in disgust, the hero raised it to his face and sniffed cautiously.

While his mind was still processing the information, his instincts had already understood. An aggressive growl escaped from his throat. He had reached into the almost still fresh sperm of another alpha. Katsuki saw red, pure murderousness rose in him. Just before he lost his temper, a soft whimper brought him back to the here and now.

Izuku's brittle lips were puckered fearfully, his eyes twitching back and forth under his closed lids.

The alpha calmed instantly. He had more important things to do now than go kill some bastards.

Disgusted by the blanket, Katsuki decided to take the omega naked in his arms and search for help. The other man weighed almost nothing. It did not cause the hero the slightest effort to carry him. Izuku frowned. Surely he was in pain. Still, he did not come to his senses.

"I'm going to get you out of here now," the alpha cooed tenderly, releasing a few soothing pheromones. Already, the omega was growing calmer.

Katsuki just wanted to get out of this place. His work was done. He was no longer needed here. Arriving in the hallway, there was no sign of Eijiro. It was better that way! Katsuki didn't want other alphas near Deku now.

The medics and the evacuation team, on the other hand, had come closer and were only four rooms away. With long strides, the hero hurried to them.

A female medic noticed Katsuki and came toward him. Her eyes grew wide. "Is that ...?"

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

"Yes," Katsuki growled softly.

Of course, she recognized the missing pro hero immediately. Just before his abduction, Deku's face had flickered across TV screens or been printed in a magazine almost every day.

Shit ...!

There were probably all the fucking paparazzi and reporter assholes outside again, in addition to the emergency personnel.

"Are you going to stare at him idly any longer, or would it be fucking possible for you to finally do your fucking job and help me help him?!" rumbled Katsuki.

The woman winced, apparently regaining her professionalism. "Sorry," she muttered.

"I need something to cover him with. Don't want to end up on a front page like this when I take him to an ambulance."

"I've got something here." The paramedic pulled an emergency blanket out of her bag, which was sitting on the floor, and tucked it around Deku, silver side up.

Then she pulled out a small lamp, pushed up his eyelids one by one, and shone a brief light into the omega's eyes. How Katsuki had missed that emerald green ...

"Normal reaction, no discernible craniocerebral trauma. Once the technician removes his collar, he can be taken away."

"Can't they do it at the hospital?" Katsuki was in a hurry. He didn't want the young man in his arms in this unspeakable place one second longer than absolutely necessary.

Sadly, the paramedic shook her head. "These things have a GPS. If you remove the collar too far from the main signal, the integrated explosive device will go off and cause fatal damage that will inevitably result in the death of the wearer. We have been strongly warned not to take the prisoners out until they are no longer wearing a collar."

Katsuki swallowed hard. Those fucking assholes! If he hadn't already beaten the shit out of every one of the motherfuckers present here who hadn't been able to escape the raid, he wouldn't feel bad about making up for it now. The next time he faced Overhaul, he'd tear him to shreds!

The alpha forced himself to calm down. "Where do I find this technician?"

"Still pretty far at the beginning of this complex. They've only recently figured out how to disarm these things."

Katsuki nodded curtly and walked past the woman when something occurred to him and he stopped again. Over his shoulder, he fixated the young woman with his blood-red gaze. "If I have to read an exclusive interview of you in one of those fucking tabloids, I'm going to find you and then you're going to regret that you couldn't keep your mouth shut."

She was not intimidated by his words. They knew the prickly nature of the number one pro hero. "Don't worry about that, Dynamight. I've examined him. That makes him my patient, which makes anything to do with him subject to confidentiality."

"Better be."

Now that that was settled, nothing held Katsuki back and he stormed to the end of the hallway. There he was met by a small group of boiler suits and two more medics with a scared to death omega on a stretcher. The pheromones stung Katsuki's nose and he winced. Good thing the others were all betas. So they were hardly affected by it and could do their job.

One of the technicians tampered with the other omega's neck. With every sound and movement the technician made with his tool, the omega flinched. Bitter tears streamed down his cheeks. Trying to move as little as possible, the omega had already bitten his lower lip bloody.

A soft click sounded and the collar opened. The omega whimpered in relief. The paramedics picked up the gurney from the floor and hurried toward the exit.

A cold shiver ran down Katsuki's spine. It was probably a good thing Deku was unconscious.

"Hey," he said quietly, trying to catch the attention of a boiler suit.

As soon as one spotted him, the idiots beamed at him.

"Great job, Dynamight!"

"The way you caught that villain with the shadow quirk was world class."

"After all, you can't expect anything less from our number one hero."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever!" growled Katsuki. "Quit yakking and take care of this fucking collar so I can finally get out of here."

The men calmed down and the one who had just freed the other omega stood up and came to him with the tool.

"Put him on the ground and I can remove the restraint."

"No." Without being able to control it properly, a wave of dominant pheromones poured out of the hero's glands. He wouldn't do shit and put Deku in that dirt.

The man's gaze darted from Katsuki's intimidating stare to the face of the omega in his arms. His eyes grew huge. "Isn't that-"

"Yes, it is!" rumbled Katsuki. "Can you get him off that fucking thing now, or can't you?"

"Of course. Turn him a little further toward you so I can get at the back of his neck."

Reluctantly, Katsuki did as he was told. He was not at all comfortable presenting the omega's most vulnerable part to another man like this.

Mine!

There it was again ...

His counterpart could be glad to be a beta. If another alpha had asked him to do it ... the guy wouldn't have survived it given Katsuki's current mental state.

Concentrating, the technician worked on the hoop. Meanwhile, Izuku's face was pressed against Katsuki's chest. The green-haired hero continued to show not the slightest reaction. Hopefully he had no more serious injuries and was merely exhausted.

A soft beeping sound was heard, followed by a clicking sound. The collar snapped open and Katsuki breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's a wrap," the technician commented.

"What are those things on his wrists?" asked Katsuki.

Frowning, the technician looked at the covered Izuku. "May I lift the blanket and take a look?"

Only now did Katsuki notice that the bangles were not even visible right now and nodded.

Slowly, the technician pulled out the omega's arm. "Oh," he made as soon as he saw the electronic bracelets.

"What the fuck are those things? More fucking explosives?" growled Katsuki.

The beta shook his head. "Originally, they come from the therapeutic field. They are used to suppress the quirk of their wearer, so that one is incapable of using his abilities. This makes sense when one's quirk is very destructive or uncontrollable. Lately, though, these blockers are fetching a high price on the black market."

Katsuki fainted with rage, imagining that the little omega in his arms had had no means of defense other than his own physical strength. With that, he was at the mercy of any alpha. On the other hand, no one would have been able to inflict Izuku like that either, had he been able to access One For All.

"Take it off!" hissed Katsuki.

The beta examined the bracelet's display. "They're secured with a code."

"Do they blow up too, if you tamper with them?"

A shake of the head was the silent reply.

"Then hack the fucking things or break them or whatever, but do something!" growled Katsuki, who was nearly driven insane by the thought of Izuku having to endure this impotent helplessness for even a second longer.

His counterpart swallowed. "I'll try."

Eventually they worked the bangles with a fine saw. Ten minutes later, Katsuki was able to continue on his way while issuing another half-dozen death threats should any of those present be unable to keep their stupid mouths shut.

Back on the surface, the pro hero peered out of the dark entrance. Police had cordoned off a wide area and were dealing with onlookers. Inside the cordon were a couple of ambulances waiting for a patient to be taken away.

The alpha gripped Izuku tighter and hid his face as best he could with his body. With quick steps, he rushed to the nearest ambulance. As soon as the crowd noticed him, the flashbulbs went off and cheers rang out.

Katsuki reached the ambulance and got in.

One of the paramedics had waved him in earlier and was now pointing at the stretcher. "Thank you for your service, Dynamight. We'll take it from here."

"I'll go with you," the hero decided. His tone made it clear that he would brook no argument.

The doors were closed and Katsuki placed the omega on the gurney as gently as he could.

He held Izuku's hand the entire ride.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

His body felt far far away. Often, Izuku's mind would go blank when things became too much to bear. There was no other way he could have managed to stay at least halfway sane over the past few years.

On the other hand, Izuku was not at all sure that he had actually succeeded. He didn't even know exactly how long he had been a prisoner.

Gradually, the omega felt his body again. What had happened? Everything hurt and he felt infinitely tired.

Then the images came back. The heat had come. Izuku had never liked these three days a month, but since Overhaul had taken him, this time had become Izuku's personal hell on earth. This time, two alphas had been with him. Sometime on the third day he had lost consciousness.

How long had that been, and what was that rhythmic beeping? Izuku's mind became clearer and he noticed two things at once. His access to One For All was not blocked and someone had grabbed his hand.

Alpha ...

The pheromones in the air were faint, but clear.

That Izuku had access to his Quirk had to mean that he was currently in the arena. Only then had his bracelets been taken from him. At the same time, it meant that his life was in danger, if he didn't defend himself quickly. Was he fighting right now? Had his opponent knocked him out and was now about to give him the coup de grace?

He had to do something!

If he didn't break free, he would be dead!

Instinctively, he jerked up his free arm and concentrated the air, creating a blast wave. A bang followed, the sound of an impact, followed by a strangled gasp. The previously regular beeping became a continuous sound that hurt his ears.

"Argh~" Izuku clutched his arm. Pain raged through the battered body part. Even during his time at UA, he had gotten into trouble when he used his Quirk with his arms and the doctors had advised him against continuing to do it, which was why he had developed the Shoot Style. Since his time in the underground arena, it had gotten worse.

"Fuck! What the hell was that?!" the stricken alpha screeched.

Izuku winced. He had to concentrate and fend off the counterattack that was about to come. If only his arm didn't hurt so terribly ...

"Are you finally awake?"

The voice didn't sound at all belligerent. Besides, it sounded familiar to Izuku. He blinked, trying to make out something in the darkness.

"Deku, it's me. You're free again. We're at the hospital." The alpha scrambled to his feet and raised his hands placatingly.

This couldn't be ...

Izuku breathed frantically. The Alpha's pheromones intensified. Not only did he know that voice, but he knew the smell.

"K-Kacchan?" It was barely audible, just a breathed hope.

"That's right, it's all good. Nobody's hurting you anymore."

"I-I can't see y-you properly." The fear that it was all just a beautiful dream was overwhelming.

"Wait a minute." Fabric rustled and the light from a bedside lamp illuminated the room.

And there he stood. The blond hero had an engaging presence that had grown during the last few years. Likewise, he seemed bulkier. His features had lost all childishness and were now angular and masculine. He looked even better than before. Izuku had not believed that he would see his former childhood friend again.

Tears welled up inside him and streamed uncontrollably from his eyes. Izuku pressed his hand over his mouth to keep from sobbing aloud and closed his eyes.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his head and instinctively stiffened. "Shh ... It's all right," Katsuki said softly.

The alpha idly stroked Izuku's hair. There was something almost tender about the gesture. Which made the omega cry all the harder.

The door opened and the spotlights in the ceiling came on. "What's going on here?" a woman's voice asked. "Well, you two have made quite a mess of things."

Izuku winced. Would he now be punished for breaking something?

"Glad to see you've regained consciousness, Midoriya-san," the woman continued. "However, being around an alpha seems to understandably agitate you. I've explained that to you several times as well, Bakugou-san. I understand that you're worried about your friend, but if your mere presence leads to something like this," she pointed to the dent in the massive concrete wall from whose center cracks were spreading through the masonry, "then I cannot condone it and must urge you to leave."

Katsuki emitted a low growl, his hand stiffening on Izuku's head. "I've been looking for him for over two fucking years. Do you really think I'm going to leave him alone now just because he slammed me into a wall once?"

The omega flinched at the rolled words. Katsuki noticed immediately, loosened his grip and calmed down. "Shit, I didn't mean to scare you. Sorry." His voice was soft again and Izuku relaxed a little. He lifted his head and searched the ruby eyes he had missed so much.

"Y-you," he cleared his throat and tried again, "you were looking for m-me?"

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

"Every damn day," Katsuki grumbled.

Izuku's heart warmed at the thought.

"Bakugou-san, I understand all that, I really do, but it's important for Midoriya-san to calm down for now. He mustn't get upset. That could worsen his mental state," the woman explained.

Katsuki's mouth was pinched, then he sighed and gave Izuku a weak smile. "If it's better for him, I'll comply and go-"

"N-No!" groaned Izuku. "Kacchan m-may stay. I-I'm s-sorry about what h-happened. I-I didn't know t-that it was him when I w-woke up. I-I thought he w-was ..." The omega fell silent. He didn't want to tell anyone what panic had taken possession of him when he woke up.

At Izuku's words, Katsuki grinned smugly, picked up the chair that lay on the floor near the impact, came back to the bed with it, and sat on it. "There you hear it, doctor."

The doctor grumbled in reply. "Well, fine by me. Then you'll just keep sitting in that chair, Bakugou-san. Still, I have some medical details to discuss with Midoriya-san that might be better left between patient and doctor."

At the thought of Katsuki finding out all that had happened to him, Izuku's stomach turned and he felt sick. He couldn't know, then Kacchan would surely never smile at him again like he had just done, but find him as disgusting as Izuku felt himself to be.

His heart raced and his breathing quickened. Kacchan mustn't know about any of this! The nausea was getting worse. Izuku's stomach cramped and he turned to the side. In front of the bed he vomited bitter bile. He cringed when he felt a hand on his back and retched again.

"I-I'm sorry," Izuku gasped as the spasm subsided.

The doctor waved it off. "That happens more often than you think. We'll take care of that in a minute. But for now, Bakugou-san, I must urge you to wait outside the door for a while. Give your friend the space he needs during the examination. After that, you are welcome to come back in."

Katsuki sighed. "Fine, I'll wait then," he grumbled in the doctor's direction. Turning to Izuku, he said, "If you need me, call me and I'll be right back."

The omega nodded weakly. At that moment, he didn't dare look at the other man.

"Hah yes, Dynamight's infamous temper - always refreshing," the doctor said as soon as the door to the room had slammed shut.

Izuku smiled faintly.

"Now for you."

He winced involuntarily.

"My name is Akari Yaguchi, and I've been in charge of you since you were admitted. When you were brought to us, you were not in good condition. You are terribly malnourished. When was the last time you ate?"

"I-I don't q-quite know. Som-sometime before my h-heat." Izuku would have preferred to sink into the ground. He didn't want to talk about what had happened since then.

"So over a week," Dr. Yaguchi muttered, scribbling something on the piece of paper pinned to her clipboard.

"We took care of the hematomas and bite wounds as needed. That's all healing up. However, you had some internal bleeding in the rectal area, as well as lacerations there. The bleeding has stopped in the meantime and therefore we did not have to operate. So that will also be fine with time."

Izuku bit his lower lip and nodded weakly. It helped that the doctor remained so matter-of-fact and didn't shower him with excessive pity.

Dr. Yaguchi continued, "Since you were obviously violated during the heat, we gave you a drug on admission that prevents unwanted pregnancy. So in that regard, you have nothing to worry about."

He didn't know what to say to that. Of course, Izuku was grateful that he had been found and given medical care, but he still felt ashamed. If it had been up to him, the public would never have known that he was an omega and not a beta. Especially not in this way. Fortunately, his mother didn't have to live through it. She had died of colon cancer six months before he was taken. Now at this moment, he missed her terribly.

Dr. Yaguchi looked at him expectantly. Had she asked him something?

"W-What?" he asked awkwardly.

"I wanted to know if you had any questions?" she repeated.

Izuku shook his head.

"Good, then you should get some more rest now. We need to slowly get you used to regular meals again and improve your general health status. Then we'll go from there."

"O-Okay."

"Should I let Bakugou-san back in or send him home?" asked Dr. Yaguchi. "Don't worry, I'll do it, if that's your wish. I don't care how much he fusses about it."

"Kacchan m-may stay," Izuku replied as firmly as he could. Then he thought of something else, but the doctor had already turned away, and headed for the door. "D-Dr. Yaguchi?"

"Yes?" She paused and looked over her shoulder with a smile.

"H-How long h-has Kacchan been h-here?" Izuku hated this stuttering, but he couldn't help it. He was too nervous and unsure for that. Something had broken inside him during the past two years. Apparently, it showed in his words as well.

The doctor's smile widened. "Dynamight was the one who got you out of that underground club. He hasn't left your side since, threatening death to anyone who tried to get him to leave."

"R-Really?" Izuku's eyes widened in wonder.

Dr. Yaguchi nodded affirmatively. "Your friend seems to really care about you. That's a good thing. The next months will be tough for you, Midoriya-san. You're going to need all the support you can get."

The omega swallowed hard. Gradually, he began to understand that he had escaped this hell. Could he hope to return to his old life one day?

Dr. Yaguchi cleared her throat. "Now you should push aside the dull thoughts and concentrate on the good. You are free. We'll take care of everything else in the next few days. For tomorrow, I'll book you an appointment with a psychologist. She specializes in trauma patients and will be there to help you recover."

"Th-thank you," Izuku replied softly.

With an encouraging smile, Dr. Yaguchi left his room. As she opened the door, Izuku caught a glimpse of Katsuki. The alpha was still there.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

How long was this going to take! Katsuki paced up and down the hallway outside Izuku's room. The doctor had been in there for fifteen minutes. How much longer did he have to wait? Now this woman had already spent more waking minutes with Izuku than he had himself.

Gritting his teeth, he turned and walked the few steps in the other direction. It was impossible to stand still now. Fortunately, it was the middle of the night and there was no one here except for a nurse who occasionally cast a curious glance around the corner at the end of the hall.

Now it had been twenty fucking minutes ... What was the doctor doing in there for so long? Katsuki forced himself to be calm. Dr. Yaguchi was just doing her job and wanted to help Izuku. The alpha had noticed that during the last few days. Still, it just felt shitty to be left out here in the dark.

The door handle was pushed down and Katsuki stormed to the door with stomping steps. "Well?!" he blubbered as soon as the doctor stepped into the hallway.

Dr. Yaguchi closed the door before addressing Katsuki. "Midoriya-san has agreed to let you go right back to him-" Already Katsuki wanted to push past her and back to Izuku, but the doctor wouldn't let him through. "But I have a few things to tell you first."

Katsuki growled. "And what the hell is that?"

"First of all, please calm down! At this point, we can only guess what Midoriya-san has been through. Not only was he a hero among numerous villains, but he was also an omega among who knows how many alphas who probably know no scruples."

An animalistic growl escaped Katsuki's throat as he thought of the condition in which they had found Izuku. Without his doing, he emitted warning pheromones.

Dr. Yaguchi rolled her eyes. "This is exactly why I strongly advised against letting an alpha near Midoriya-san at this time. It can lead to flashbacks. He is severely traumatized and in more ways than one. Get your emotions and especially your pheromones under control or I can't justify letting you near him again."

Katsuki took a deep breath and tried hard to put the instinct-driven part of him back on a leash. He didn't want to scare Izuku.

"Better," Dr. Yaguchi said.

Katsuki gritted his teeth. The woman was only allowed to talk to him like that because she was Izuku's doctor, and excellent at her job to boot.

"When dealing with Midoriya-san, it's best to imagine a raw egg that already has a fine crack. Press it once too hard and it will break."

Straining, Katsuki expelled the air. "As a doctor, shouldn't you be saying crap like: Everything's going to be okay, and not negative bullshit like that?"

"With therapy and some distance, it will get better, but we can assume that he will never be the same again. The wounds to his soul are far too severe for that. Right now, Midoriya-san is more than unstable. A reliable friend at his side can help him to get other thoughts. Provided it's not a hot-headed alpha who can't control himself."

"Tsk." Katsuki would have loved to snarl at the doctor for that comment, but he bit it. Otherwise, she'd have a reason to deny him access to Izuku.

"Understood," he grumbled instead. "Can I go back in now?"

The doctor nodded and stepped aside. "Don't upset him."

"I won't."

"All right, but don't keep him up too long. First and foremost, Midoriya-san needs plenty of rest," Dr. Yaguchi replied.

Katsuki nodded and reached for the handle once the doctor finally cleared entry.

The headboard of Izuku's bed was raised and he looked out at the city lying in darkness. As soon as he heard the door, his eyes darted to Katsuki. For a split second, emerald eyes met ruby ones, then Izuku lowered his gaze to his blanket.

With slow steps, Katsuki walked around the bed and lowered himself back onto the chair he'd been sitting his ass off for days. "How are you feeling?" he asked quietly.

Izuku gave him another quick glance. Katsuki would have loved to grab the omega's chin and lift it. He wanted to look into Izuku's beautiful eyes. Instead, he pulled himself together and waited for Deku to relax near him.

For answer, he just shrugged his shoulders.

Both were silent for a while. Every now and then Deku gave him a quick glance. Katsuki forced himself to be patient and waited for him to speak up.

A few minutes later, he finally did, "Wh-why are you h-here, Kacchan?"

"I found you together with Kirishima and accompanied your transport here."

Izuku nodded. "W-Why did you stay t-the whole t-time?"

"Because I didn't want to leave you alone," Katsuki answered honestly.

"W-Why not? Y-You hate me a-after all," Izuku muttered.

"Fuck, Deku, I don't hate you," the alpha groaned.

Instead of retorting anything, Izuku raised an eyebrow skeptically.

How was Katsuki supposed to explain this now without revealing his real feelings to the omega? After learning about Deku's true second gender, something clicked for Katsuki. He finally understood the reason for the conflicting feelings he had always felt towards the other boy, which had left him so confused and angry. It wasn't just a strong attraction that couldn't be explained by logical reasons, but much more than that.

He loved Deku.

Probably from the very beginning.

But today it was much too early for such a confession. After what Izuku had just been through, he certainly couldn't use an alpha purring of love forcing himself on him.

"A-Ah no?" asked Izuku when Katsuki didn't say anything else in response.

"No," the blond hero grumbled. "Now don't keep bugging me. Dr. Yaguchi thinks you should get some rest."

"W-What's with y-you?"

Katsuki waved off. "I'm the number one hero. I don't need to rest."

Deku smiled wistfully. The emerald eyes suddenly seemed overshadowed.

Shit ... He was probably thinking back to the time when they had both been in constant competition with each other, trying to outdo each other every day and knock the other off the pedestal.

Instead of answering him, Izuku flipped back the blanket and got into a sitting position.

"What's this going to be when it's done?" asked Katsuki skeptically.

"I-Is there a bathroom around here somewhere? I-I want to t-take a shower. Then I c-can rest."

Katsuki pointed to the door on the opposite wall. "You have your own bathroom in this room."

Izuku nodded and slowly slid his feet to the floor. As he did so, he scrunched up his face.

Anger boiled up in Katsuki as he imagined which body part was currently causing the omega pain and how it had come about. No wonder the first thing Izuku wanted to do was take a shower as soon as he regained consciousness.

The omega stood on wobbly legs and held onto the edge of the bed. He took small steps to the end of the bed frame and paused there, breathing heavily. Then Izuku let go of the frame and took a step without being able to hold on to anything.

He swayed and would have fallen had Katsuki not immediately jumped up to support him. One of the alpha's hands gripped Izuku's waist, the other his upper arm.

"That was close," Katsuki breathed, startled. He didn't even notice how Izuku stiffened. "Come on, I'll support you."

But the omega did not move. He looked frozen in place. A faint whiff of stress pheromones filled the air and Izuku just stared at the alpha in panic.

Katsuki realized what was going on. "Fuck! I'm sorry. I was just trying to catch you. I'm not doing anything." He loosened his grip and put Izuku's hand on his forearm instead. "I'm taking you to the bathroom. Hold on to me."

Tentatively, Izuku nodded and started moving again. Only slowly did they make progress. When they finally reached the door, Izuku was breathing heavily. Beads of sweat shone on his forehead.

"Are you really going to make it, or wouldn't you rather rest a bit first?"

"G-Go ahead."

"Alright." Katsuki opened the door, turned on the light, and entered the small room. He let go of Izuku, who immediately propped himself up against the edge of the sink, and turned on the water in the shower. At least there was a stool in the tiled area. So that would work. "Get undressed."

Without warning, Izuku was surrounded by flashes of green. The air was filled with the power of One For All. There was naked panic in the emerald green eyes of the omega. "N-No!"

Izuku staggered back, lost his balance, and sank to the floor against the wall. He hugged his legs and buried his face in his knees. His breathing was frantic and intermittent. The green lightning twitched around him like a cocoon.

Katsuki stood stunned beside the shower until he remembered what he had just said. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

In one fell swoop, Izuku was back in the room, smelling the stale air and the pheromones of numerous alpha who had taken advantage of him there. Each time he had tried to fight back. Each time he had failed and been defeated.

He couldn't let it happen again. He couldn't endure that without losing his mind after all. He had to keep the alpha away from him. This time, Izuku wouldn't let it go that far. He had One For All and could fight back. His Quirk would protect him this time.

His heart hammered against his ribs in panic. In a corner of his mind, Izuku knew he was breathing too fast. He was going to black out. If he lost consciousness now, he would be finished. Then they would put the bracelets on him again and he would be defenseless against his tormentors.

Someone said something, but Izuku did not understand the words. He was on the verge of losing control completely from fear. A hand came down on his head and he instinctively slapped it away. "N-no! D-don't touch me!"

Tears streamed down his cheeks and Izuku began to sob. He was insanely afraid of what would happen next. The pheromones of an alpha filled the tiny room. Izuku stiffened at the smell.

It took him a while to realize that they didn't feel threatening, but reassuring - even familiar.

And finally he managed to make out the spoken words, "Shit, Deku, I'm sorry. Come on, look at me. You need to calm down. You're safe. No one is going to hurt you here. I'm not going to let that happen. I'll take care of you, okay?"

Izuku let himself go with the pheromones and the voice. Cautiously, he risked a glance. His counterpart's ruby eyes looked pained.

"It's all right," the alpha before him assured him. "I'm not going to touch you unasked. I just want to help you. You said you wanted to take a shower. First, you need to calm down a bit."

He slowly raised his hand and lowered it again. He repeated the gesture. "Come on, Deku, we'll breathe together. Take it easy, nothing's going to happen to you. Yes, just like that. You're doing very well."

The small room with the stained mattress receded into the background. Izuku recognized the tiled bathroom he was sitting in and heard the rush of the shower. It wasn't an unknown alpha sitting in front of him, about to rape or torture him. It was Kacchan.

The blond hero radiated calm and confidence. "Very good, Deku, you're doing great. It's all good. We're at the hospital. You're in no danger."

Abruptly, Izuku realized what he had done and withdrew One For All. "I-I'm s-sorry." His voice broke on the last word.

"Shh ... You don't have to apologize. It's okay. I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't think about it. I'll take better care of it from now on."

Izuku gradually relaxed, yet the trembling that ran uncontrollably through his body remained.

"Okay, let's get you into the shower then, huh?" Katsuki smiled encouragingly. Since when could Kacchan smile like that?

"Tell me what I can and can't do. I won't touch you or look at you if you don't want me to. You decide. The choice is yours."

Slowly, Izuku nodded. It had been a long time since he had had a choice. He probably needed to get used to that again.

When the omega continued to remain silent, Katsuki spoke up again, "Do you still want to shower?"

Again, Izuku nodded.

"Okay, let's go then." Katsuki rose smoothly and slowly stretched out his hands. "Can I help you up?"

All that was left for him to do was nod and hold out his hands to Kacchan. Izuku could trust him, couldn't he?

With as little pressure as possible, Katsuki grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet as if the omega weighed nothing. It was probably just the same for the muscle-bound alpha.

"Alright, do you need help with anything?"

Izuku shook his head.

"Okay, then I'll stand here and wait until you're done or can I help you?" Katsuki stood close to the door. From Izuku's position, it looked like the tip of his nose was almost stuck to the door panel so he could give him the most space possible. "Is that okay?" the alpha asked without turning around.

Izuku nodded. Then it occurred to him that Kacchan couldn't even see him anymore. "Y-yes."

"Take all the time you need. I'll wait here."

The omega made sure once again that the hero wasn't looking at him before he untied the hospital shirt's ribbon and slipped it off. With wobbly legs, Izuku walked into the shower and sank down onto the stool, sighing. He closed his eyes and held his face in the stream of water.

The warm water was a relief and he enjoyed the feeling of it washing everything off of him. He wished all the dirt on his soul would disappear down the drain along with the filth and residue of the alphas on his body.

Unfortunately, the feeling didn't last long. Izuku was tired and he swayed on the stool. Besides, it hurt to sit for so long. He grabbed the waiting shampoo bottle and began lathering himself from top to bottom. After the first pass, he hardly felt any cleaner, so he started over.

In all that time, Kacchan didn't make a sound. Was he even still there? Izuku glanced over his shoulder and found the alpha in the same position as when he started his shower. He had his hands buried in the pockets of his hoodie and was staring stubbornly at the door panel. His back looked even broader in this posture ... What was he thinking?

Izuku felt heat rising in his cheeks and looked away. Only to lift his gaze again a moment later. Kacchan didn't move an inch. Where did this sudden patience come from? Usually he yelled around and got upset at the top of his voice when something didn't go fast enough for him. At the same time, he sometimes called you really nasty names - even if they were admittedly usually quite creative.

But since Izuku had woken up, Kacchan controlled himself and remained calm. He was even really nice, if not endearing to the petite omega, and that despite the fact that Izuku had already given him more than one reason to lose his temper.

What was the matter with Kacchan that he has changed so much? Had he really been looking for Izuku all this time? Why had he been doing that? Since they had both grown further and further apart in middle school, they had managed to bury the hatchet during their time at UA, but Izuku was still convinced that Kacchan didn't like him. So why all this?

With a soft sigh, Izuku turned off the water. "C-could you pass me a towel p-please?"

Katsuki reached into the shelf beside him and held out a large towel to him without turning around. Gratefully, Izuku accepted it and rubbed himself as dry as he could.

"Would you like a robe, too?"

"Yes, p-please." He really didn't want to put on the shirt from the hospital again. As soon as Izuku tied the robe tightly, he said, "Y-you may turn a-again."

The look Kacchan was giving him now was impossible for the omega to interpret. He didn't seem annoyed, not directly ... rather ... chagrined? No, Izuku had to imagine that. After all, the alpha had once told him it would be the best, if he jumped off the school roof.

Izuku forced himself to think of something else and took a staggering step out of the shower.

"Would you like to link arms with me again?" asked Katsuki.

The omega nodded and gratefully embraced the offered forearm. Together they left the bathroom and walked back to the bed. Izuku could barely keep his eyes open and leaned his temple against Katsuki's upper arm as they walked.

"I'll text Kirishima to drop off some clothes for you. I'm afraid it looks like you'll have to stay here for a few more days."

"Th-Thank you."

"No problem. It's not like you can spend all your time in a bathrobe."

Furtively, Izuku eyed the alpha's face. Was the other man blushing right now, or were the lighting and his fading senses playing tricks on him?

Arriving at the bed, Katsuki helped him in and tucked him in before sitting back down in the chair.

Izuku was almost out of it by the time he spoke out what was still on his mind. "W-will you still be th-there when I-I wake up again?"

"Of course."

With a smile, Izuku dove into the darkness and welcomed it. He was so terribly tired.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

The elevator doors opened, releasing Izuku and Katsuki into the hospital's underground parking garage. After a week, Izuku's injuries had healed enough for him to be released.

When he wasn't on patrol, Kacchan had stayed with him at the hospital the entire time. The omega still didn't understand why. The blond hero's behavior towards him had changed completely. He was attentive and considerate - at least towards Izuku. To everyone else, Katsuki was habitually prickly.

"Come on, we need to go that way," Katsuki said, leading the way. They passed a few dozen parked cars before the pro hero stopped next to a black and orange sports car. It was the exact same hues as his hero costume.

Katsuki tossed the bag into the trunk. Then he walked around the car and opened the passenger door.

Izuku walked up to him. He hadn't quite reached the alpha when a car roared past them with its engine roaring. Involuntarily, he flinched and looked over his shoulder. It was impossible to tell who was in the other car through the tinted windows. Then it shot up the exit ramp and was out of sight, too.

"Morons," Katsuki groaned.

"R-Right," Izuku replied.

Surprise flashed in the ruby eyes. Then the alpha gave him a wide grin that made Izuku's heart beat involuntarily. He swallowed, took the last few steps, and dropped heavily into the passenger seat.

Quietly, Katsuki pushed the door shut, circled the sports car, and sat down in the driver's seat.

Izuku was excited. He hadn't been out in the world for so long that it made him nervous. His hands were shaking and he just couldn't manage to pull out the seatbelt that kept jamming.

"May I?"

The omega nodded and closed his eyes for a moment. He was terribly embarrassed by this helplessness. Heat shot into his cheeks as Katsuki leaned forward and reached for the strap. His breath brushed against Izuku's skin and he shivered. Only with this alpha, it wasn't one of the unpleasant variety.

Clicking, the strap snapped into place and Katsuki lowered himself back into his seat. "Let's get you home then," he said as the engine roared to life.

Smoothly, the car slid out of the parking space and they left the parking garage. The hospital where they had put Izuku was specialized in heroes and was located on the outskirts of the city.

It was quite a distance to Izuku's apartment in the center. It had surprised the omega that his agency had taken care of it while he was away, if he was honest.

Was probably because Ochako, Tenya, Tsuyu and he had been friends since their first days at UA. It had just felt right to open his own agency with his classmates back then, after they had all been the sidekicks of older heroes for two years after graduation.

Still, Izuku hadn't seen any of them since he was free again. He didn't want to. Not until he knew how to get under their noses. Izuku had let them down, hidden the truth about his second gender from them, and would probably suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder for the rest of his life.

A great friend and hero he was.

On the sidelines, Izuku noticed his heartbeat and breathing quickening. Crap, this was not good at all ...

He cast an uncertain glance at Katsuki. The alpha was focused entirely on the thickening traffic. Izuku struggled against the constricted throat before asking, "D-Do you mind if I roll down the w-window?"

Katsuki gave him a quick glance and was already pressing the appropriate buttons in the driver's door. "Sure."

The breeze rushed through the car, cooling Izuku's heated face. Gradually, he calmed down and began to feel like he could breathe again. "Th-Thank you."

"No problem."

Barely fifteen minutes later, they reached the city center. Although they were only a few blocks from his home, everything looked unfamiliar. Izuku had to fight back tears.

As soon as Katsuki stopped at a red light, a couple of women shrieked.

"Look there!"

"Dynamight!"

"It's really him!"

"Look at us!"

"Dynamight, I love you!!!"

Katsuki rolled his eyes and raised his hand briefly in greeting. Izuku smirked. Kacchan was really popular. Cautiously, Izuku leaned forward to see the women as well. He was curious about Kacchan's fans. A group of girlfriends were standing on a traffic island and had probably long since missed the green phase. Each one had bright eyes and her cell phone pulled out, with which they were busily snapping photos and shooting videos.

The first one lowered her phone and frowned, looking over the small device directly into Izuku's eyes. She nudged her friend and pointed at him. "That's ...!" She didn't speak further.

"Oh my God!" the next one exclaimed.

"It's really him, isn't it?!"

"Deku!"

"Fuck!" groaned Katsuki through clenched teeth, rolling up the mirrored windows and stepping on the gas pedal as soon as the light turned green. Katsuki slapped the steering wheel in frustration. "Shit, I forgot about those chickens recognizing my car. Are you okay?" Kacchan gave him a worried look.

Izuku nodded stiffly, fighting the rising panic attack. Not only had he been seen, but he had been recognized. The omega wasn't ready to be in the public eye like he used to be, not after everything. When Izuku had been hailed as a pure white-knuckle hero, he hadn't cared what scandal some gossip rag had supposedly produced about him. It had all been lies, and every person in his right mind knew it. Today, however, he had something to hide. He was no longer pure, but broken and soiled. They must never know.

They drove in silence for the last few minutes to the high-rise complex where the Omega's apartment was on the tenth floor.
Izuku swallowed hard. Stomach acid burned in his throat and the feeling that he was about to throw up grew stronger by the second.

Katsuki steered the sports car into the underground garage of the high-rise building. As soon as he parked, he gave Izuku his full attention. Izuku couldn't stand it any longer, undid his seatbelt, tore open the passenger door and vomited loudly on the concrete floor.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

A hand placed itself on Izuku's back and he pulled up as if he was electrified. "Deku, take it easy. It's just me. Are you okay?" asked Katsuki gently.

Izuku relaxed as soon as he looked into the alpha's warm eyes. "P-Please don't t-touch me, when I d-don't expect it or can't see you," he brought out stuttering, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before lowering his gaze in shame.

Katsuki stroked a hand through his hair and gave it a quick tug. "Fuck! I'm an idiot. When will I remember this?"

Izuku didn't reply anything, just tried to get his too-rapid breathing back under control.

Just as Kacchan was about to say something else, his cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket, took a quick glance at it, and put it away again after diverting the call to voicemail.

"Let's get you to your apartment first. Then we'll see, okay?"

Izuku nodded tentatively, continuing to avoid Katsuki's gaze. The alpha retrieved the bag from the trunk and they walked side by side to the elevator. At the fingerprint scanner, Izuku paused. Will his data still be stored in the system?

He overcame himself and put his index finger on the small control panel. A lamp lit up green and the elevator began to move. Inside, Katsuki pressed the button for the tenth floor.

There was an awkward silence between them that no one knew how to break. Again, Katsuki's cell phone rang, and this time, too, he pushed the caller away, annoyed. Instead, he typed a short message.

The electronic lock on Izuku's apartment also worked without any problems. Slowly, Izuku entered the apartment. This was his home, which he had not entered in over two years.

The former hero had expected it to be dusty and musty, but the opposite was the case. In the living room, a window was tilted open and on the flat coffee table stood a bouquet of sunflowers next to a card and a small basket with his favorite sweets.

With quick steps, Izuku walked to the table. As soon as he stood in front of it, however, he didn't dare reach for the card. He already suspected who it was from ...

After a moment's hesitation, he overcame his doubts and reached for the starched paper with trembling fingers.

Dear Izuku,

even if others doubted it, we were always sure that you were still alive and fighting somewhere. We should be right, which makes us incredibly happy. Take all the time in the world and when you are ready, we would be happy to visit you. You can always contact one of us if you need anything.

We love you!

Your friends Ochako, Tsuyu and Tenya

Tears burned in Izuku's eyes when he discovered the new smartphone next to the candy. His friends hadn't forgotten him or even turned their backs on him, although they had to know where he had been found. According to Katsuki, their agency had also been involved in the cooperation operation.

Izuku cried uncontrollably. Until just now, he had not really been aware of the fear he had had of their rejection.

Suddenly, Izuku felt the presence of an alpha beside him and tensed.

Katsuki glanced at the card. "What's wrong? What is round face writing that makes you cry like that? She's in for a treat the next time I see her." The growl in his voice could be heard even over Izuku's sobs.

"I-It's nothing," he brought out and handed the card to Kacchan. The alpha took it and skimmed the lines. Gradually his features relaxed and his gaze softened. "Lucky for her, she didn't give me a reason to get angry."

The gazes of the two met and locked on each other. Very slowly, Kacchan raised his arms. An inviting expression was on his face. Without thinking about it for long, Izuku threw himself into the comforting embrace. Kacchan ran his hands reassuringly over the omega's back. "It's okay, let it out. I'll stay here as long as you need me."

After a few minutes, the alpha nuzzled Izuku's neck and hairline. "You're safe. I'll take care of you. No one will hurt you."

It was a comforting feeling to have Kacchan by his side, even if he still couldn't make sense of why the other was doing all this for him.

As the tears subsided, Izuku snuggled against the blond hero's strong shoulder. With his ear he lay directly over Kacchan's heart. It beat fast and strong. The rhythm lulled the omega, and he snuggled even tighter against the warm security offered to him.

The tip of his nose grazed Katsuki's neck as he did so. He smelled incredibly good. Izuku wanted to bury his face in that spot and not smell anything else anymore.

Alpha ...

Before Izuku's instincts could completely take over, Katsuki's smartphone rang again. Hastily, Izuku pulled back and wriggled out of the embrace. What had that been about? He glanced uncertainly at his childhood friend. Kacchan's cheeks were flushed. He narrowed his eyes as soon as he noticed Izuku watching him silently, avoiding eye contact.

The phone was still ringing. Cursing, Katsuki pulled the device out of his pocket and answered the call without looking at the display first. "Unless someone is dying, I'm not available today! How many times do I have to say this before it gets into that concrete skull of yours!!!"

Katsuki let the caller have his say and turned pale. "What do you mean?" He looked around searchingly, reached for the remote on the table, and turned on the TV.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

He didn't like the reason for Eijiro's call at all. One was not even allowed to drive through the city with an open window! Katsuki zapped through the TV programs until he got stuck on a station known for its tabloid magazines.

"W-What's wrong?" Izuku searched his gaze and looked worried. He held onto the blond hero's forearm.

His frightened tone stung Katsuki's heart. Just now the green-haired man had finally let him get close to him and sought comfort from him, and then something like this had to happen.

"Seems like we made headlines."

Izuku stiffened. Slowly, he turned his head to the screen.

The annoying commercials ended, and instead a pompous female presenter faded in, announcing a sensation. A still image appeared next to her.

The alpha growled as soon as he recognized his car.

The anchorwoman blathered on exitedly, "Right now, a video is going viral. Actually, the young women were just excited about a random sighting of their favorite hero, but you won't believe me what they got to see next. So see for yourself!"

The still image was put on full screen and the video started. It showed the complete situation at the traffic light, only this time from the perspective of the startled chicks.

Katsuki was seen looking at the traffic light, obviously waiting for the signal to move on. The squealing and shouts of the women grew louder, whereupon Katsuki briefly raised his hand in salute and then turned his attention back to the traffic light.

At that moment, Izuku was seen leaning forward in the passenger seat and looking directly into the camera. While he was a shadow of his once cheerful self, his emerald eyes and forest green hair had always been his distinguishing features.

The camera zoomed in closer. By now, at the latest, everyone recognized Katsuki's passenger. The women fell silent. One of them called out, "Deku!"

Katsuki watched himself pale, swear loudly, and roll up the windows. Even his exit had been filmed by the women.

The video stopped and the presenter was shown again. She beamed into the camera as if it was her spontaneous birthday. "Isn't that incredible?!" she exclaimed, and immediately continued chatting. "It looks like we've just witnessed the return of the hero Deku, who was thought to be dead. Surely you remember. Even two years ago, his disappearance was more than mysterious. At that time, his agency remained silent and refused to make any statement. Deku's current appearance is no less unusual, considering that he was seen on a joyride with Dynamight, of all people. After all, the two were rivals for years for the coveted #1 pro hero spot."

The host paused for effect and smiled smugly at the camera.

Izuku's fingertips on the alpha's arm began to tremble. Before he could think of pulling his hand away, Katsuki placed his own on top and gently squeezed the other's fingers. His gaze drifted to Izuku. The omega's petite body trembled and his eyes shone suspiciously.

He was about to say something comforting when the anchorwoman's squeaky voice came from the television. "It seems unusual, but what do you think about this?"

Katsuki tore his gaze away from Izuku and looked to the television screen again. This time, a picture of the blonde hero was shown after the club raid. The snapshot must have been taken just before he got into the ambulance with Izuku in his arms.

This image was also zoomed in, showing a close-up of the mop of green hair peeking out from under the emergency blanket.

"Last week, we reported in detail about the heroic mission against the super villain Overhaul. In the process, this photo was taken. From the looks of it, Deku reappeared a week ago and none of us noticed!" the woman squealed happily. "Of course it's not confirmedyet, since you can't make out his face, but there are several good reasons for this theory. For one, of course, Deku's distinctive hair color. Moreover, eyewitnesses report that Dynamight did not get out of the ambulance again, but left the scene of the raid with the crew, although the other pro heroes departed much later. Also, it is striking that both Deku's disappearance and reappearance seem to be related to Overhaul. Perhaps the cute hero we all missed so terribly was on a secret mission, after all? Our field reporters are on the scene at both the hospital and Deku's agency. We now switch to my colleagues-"

Katsuki was fed up with the crazy bitch and turned off the TV. Startled, Izuku flinched as if he had awoken from some kind of trance. Silent tears streamed down his face. His legs gave way and he would have fallen had Katsuki not caught him in time.

With Izuku in his arms, the blond hero sat down on the small sofa. The omega sat sideways on his lap, burying his face against Katsuki's neck. He cried bitterly, clinging to the collar of the blond's hoodie.

Soothingly, Katsuki put his hand on his back and ran it up and down his spine. "If those assholes from the press get too pushy, I'll blow them up for you."

Izuku let out a hoarse laugh between sobs. "L-Let's not do that, o-otherwise your reputation is l-likewise ruined."

Katsuki paused in his movement, his hand still resting on Izuku's back. "What do you mean likewise?"

The omega in his arms went quiet. "E-Especially you should know w-what I mean. Y-You've seen it."

Katsuki guessed what he was getting at. Surely he couldn't be serious ... "I didn't tell anyone."

Surprised, Izuku raised his head. "W-What didn't you t-tell anyone?"

"How exactly your kidnapping came about. Only me and that fucking asshole know it was because of your heat. I haven't told anyone your secret. Kirishima knows by now. He was in that room before me, but I sent him away. Some of the rescue workers saw you or treated you on the way out, I made it clear to all of them what to expect if they didn't keep their mouths shut. Well, and then some people at the hospital." Katsuki watched Izuku's reaction closely. He seemed relieved.

"Ah, and I had to tell at least round face the truth about your secondary gender because she wouldn't stop busting my balls at the hospital. But I only did that because I know she's your best friend and okay. The general public doesn't know any of that. If they want to believe you were a double agent at Overhauls, let them believe it, if it makes you feel better."

"D-Do you think this will work?"

Katsuki shrugged his shoulders. "Sure, why wouldn't it? They believe what they want anyway. You're still a hero - just said so herself by that scarecrow."

The corners of Izuku's mouth dropped and he hung his head, avoiding Katsuki's gaze. "I-I don't deserve to be called a h-hero anymore."

"Where did you come up with that nonsense?"

"After a-all I've d-done ..." He didn't speak further.

The alpha waited a while, but nothing more came. His patience wore thin. With light pressure, he lifted Izuku's chin, forcing him to look up. Their faces were very close now, emeralds meeting rubies. Katsuki swallowed hard. "You didn't do anything. None of what happened is your fault. I can't even imagine what they've done to you over the years and what you've had to go through, but none of it is your fault. The crimes that have been committed against you are not your fault. You can still be a hero."

Emerald eyes filled with tears. "N-No. I c-can't smile from my h-heart anymore. H-How am I supposed to give h-hope to a-anyone when I-I am so dirty and u-ugly myself?"

Katsuki froze. This was how Izuku felt about it? He leaned forward and pressed his lips to the omega's forehead. It was only a quick kiss, for fear he might go too far. "You're beautiful."

He rested his forehead against Izuku's, the tips of their noses touching. The omega's vanilla scent enveloped him, making him feel calm. "Whatever happened to you during your captivity has no effect on your true nature. Your inner radiance is still there. I can see it."

Izuku closed his eyes, broke their eye contact, and locked the alpha out. Rattling, he expelled the air, turned his head away, and pushed Katsuki off of him. "Th-thank you for taking me h-home, but I w-want to be alone now."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Three days ago, Izuku had left the hospital. Since then he was alone in his apartment. The days were all the same. Most of the time he lay in bed and slept. He was still terribly tired. Then he would make himself a snack - thanks to Ochako he had a full refrigerator - and sit in front of the TV. Most of the time, Izuku felt nauseous quickly. Whether this was due to the unaccustomed regular meals or to what he saw on TV, he didn't know. Meanwhile, the wildest theories circulated about him.

When Kacchan had left, he had looked hurt. Probably Izuku had only imagined that. Why should it hurt the alpha, when he could leave a burden behind? Surely he was secretly relieved. Before Kacchan had left the apartment, he had grabbed Izuku's new cell phone, saved his number and quickly called himself. If he needed anything, he could always contact him, Kacchan had said.

Izuku had not yet accepted the renewed offer of help. He didn't want to put any more strain on the alpha. He had no right to do so. Besides, Izuku couldn't get the situation on the sofa out of his mind. Kacchan had called him beautiful and kissed him on the forehead ... Just thinking about it made Izuku feel hot.

If he interpreted too much into the situation, it would definitely not be good for him. The heartache the alpha had been causing him for years was something Izuku wanted to finally put behind him. Kacchan didn't want him before, and he certainly wouldn't want him now - not since Izuku had been so tarnished and broken.

The omega sighed in agony; if he didn't think of something else quickly, the spiral of thought would drag him down with it to the darkest places of his memory, places he never wanted to revisit.

Just then, Izuku finished his meal and turned off the television. Meanwhile, reporters besieged not only the agency but also his apartment block. Izuku was getting tired of watching them harass every resident who left or entered the building, wanting to know if any of them had seen Izuku. It probably wouldn't last much longer until the situation escalated.

The doorbell rang, but Izuku just ignored it by now. As long as they left him alone at night, he could block it out during the day. The doorbell rang again, longer this time.

The screen of his cell phone lit up. It was another message from Kacchan the Magnificent. When Izuku had first seen under which name his childhood friend had saved himself, he had had to smile.

Nevertheless, he left the cell phone and took his dishes to the kitchen. Except for the one message he had written to Ochako to thank her, he had not picked up the small device again. It was simply too much for Izuku. The pressure of dealing with his friends and his situation was overwhelming.

A soft noise could be heard coming from the direction of the balcony. The omega thought nothing of it and opened the dishwasher. Then a knock sounded on the glass pane.

Izuku flinched in shock. The plate slipped from his hand and fell to the floor, where it shattered. "D-Damn it."

Another knock.

Did one of the reporters climb onto his balcony? Did they become so brazen? There was another knock. This time more forcefully.

Izuku broke out in a sweat and began to tremble. Was he not safe in this apartment after all?

He tiptoed to the doorway of the living room and peered around the corner. Izuku breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't a reporter.

Kacchan was standing on his balcony. He looked really pissed, though.

Izuku swallowed hard. That expression brought back unpleasant memories from their shared past. He should open the door before the alpha finally lost his patience and broke the window.

Hesitantly, Izuku entered the living room. As soon as Kacchan spotted him, his facial expression changed completely. He visibly relaxed and a soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Instead of his fist, he put the palm of his hand on the glass, asking to be let in.

Izuku quickened his steps, opened the latch of the balcony door, and pulled it open. "K-Kacchan, what are you doing h-"

Katsuki didn't give him time to finish the question. The alpha rushed into the living room and pulled him into a tight hug. At first, Izuku was overwhelmed and stiffened.

The smell of caramel rose to his nose and instantly calmed him. Judging by the intensity, Kacchan must have just used his quirk. Which kind of made sense, otherwise he wouldn't suddenly be standing on a 10th floor balcony.

"I was worried," Kacchan muttered against his ear.

A shiver ran down Izuku's spine. That raspy voice struck a chord in him that made his whole body resonate. He squeezed himself a little tighter into the embrace. If he was honest with himself, he had missed Kacchan madly.

"Why didn't you write me back? I was beginning to think something had happened again, that you couldn't answer me."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

A few hours earlier

No sooner was Katsuki back at the agency from his patrol than he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and glanced at it. A pair of app notifications and unimportant line messages popped up. Nothing else.

No message from Izuku.

No missed call.

Since three days.

Katsuki growled at the phone. If it hadn't been for a message from Pikachu at that moment, inviting him to a karaoke night, Katsuki would have thought there must be something wrong with the device's reception.

In the past, the nerd had been constantly chasing after him, so why wasn't he doing it now when Katsuki was so eager to stand by him?

On his way to the elevator, he opened the chat with Izuku. So far, all the messages were unread.

Hey Deku! How did you sleep? Are you okay?

How are you? Do you need anything?

Hello???

Are you okay?

I'm get ting  worried. Call me.

Izuku?!

Come on, at least send me a sign of life so I know I don't have to storm your apartment ...

Those were the collected messages of three days. By now, Katsuki didn't even care that he sounded like an annoying ex-girlfriend who had been dumped by her mack.

Through clenched teeth, he typed:

I'm really worried. Please answer me already.

"If you keep clutching your smartphone so tightly, it will break again. Do you have any idea how expensive it is to buy you a new one every few weeks?"

In shock, said device almost flew out of his hand in a high arc. "Shit, Pinky! What the hell are you doing? Why are you fucking sneaking up behind me?"

Mina raised her eyebrows. "I've already called you twice. How can I help it if you ignore me?"

Katsuki growled in reply.

The elevator doors opened in front of them and they got in together. Mina tried to glance at his display, but Katsuki locked the phone and slid it back into his pocket. "What do you want?"

"Actually, I wanted to ask you how your patrol was ... Now, though, I'd like to know why you're giving your smartphone the death stare. Did it cheat on you, or did it steal your girlfriend?"

"Since when do I have a fucking girlfriend, please? Are you completely crazy now?! It's time for you to return to your home planet. The air on Earth doesn't agree with you."

Mina giggled. "Oh, come on, just tell me what's bothering you."

Katsuki sighed. Why was the stupid elevator taking so long to get them to the floor with their offices today of all days?

"Is it because of Izuku?"

The alpha froze. As soon as he thought about the green-haired omega, he felt heat rise to his face.

"Katsuki Bakugou, are you blushing right now?!" the pink alien next to him screeched an octave too high.

"Shut the fuck up," he growled. They both knew it was meant half-heartedly.

Now even Mina was getting serious. "Is there anything new from him? All I know is what they bring on TV, but that's bullshit anyway."

"He doesn't write me back," Katsuki finally admitted.

"Have you seen him since you brought him home?" Mina asked.

"No."

"Hm ... well ... okay, it's not that easy at the moment anyway."

"What do you mean?" Immediately, the alpha was on alert.

"Don't you watch TV?"

"Since you regularly get upset when I blow up the box, I try to avoid it. It's better for the blood pressure, and the agency's expenses aren't as high."

Mina grinned cheekily. "You do take what I tell you to heart. I owe you a TV for that. Turn it on and see for yourself, if you feel the need to explode it afterwards, I won't grumble for once."

With a ping, the elevator announced that it had reached its destination. Without another word, Katsuki stormed out of it and ran across the hall to his office. He had a bad feeling about this. Had those press wankers gotten behind Deku's secondary gender? Or worse, behind what they had done to him?

His hand shook as he reached for the remote. He zapped through the channels and got stuck on a shot of an apartment building he knew all too well.

What the fuck was going on?

A reporter, whose fatigue had been impossible to remove with make up, spoke excitedly into the camera. "For three days now we have been here, waiting together with you, dear viewers, for a sign of life from the popular hero Deku. His unexpected return-if not to speak of a resurrection-has sent our entire nation into a frenzy."

About two dozen reporters and cameramen had gathered in front of Deku's apartment building and were filming the entrance. Suddenly, there was movement in the pack as the front door opened.

A middle-aged man pushed his way out and immediately pushed the door back into the lock. The questions were already pelting the visibly annoyed man.

"Is it true that Deku lives here?"

"Have you seen him during the last few days?"

"What's he like?"

"What can you tell us about Deku?"

The man pushed through the crowd and shoved more than one mic out of his face. "Let me through! I don't know anything."

"Those damned vultures!" snarled Katsuki.

Now the reporter stepped in front of the camera again. "Unfortunately, we had no luck this time either, but rest assured, we will hold out here until we finally get to see and talk to Deku."

Katsuki had seen enough. He turned off the TV, grabbed his car keys, and left the office. At Mina's, he poked his head through the door for a moment. "I'm taking the rest of the day off."

"What are you going to do?"

"Turn on the TV, you'll see."

Behind him he heard Mina's hurried footsteps, but by then the elevator doors were already opening.

"Don't you dare beat up a reporter, then-" Mina interrupted herself as Katsuki presented her his middle finger in response.

The steel doors slid silently shut and he was already on his way to the underground parking garage.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

The tough city traffic took Katsuki longer than he would have liked. Hopefully Deku was still in his apartment and had not long ago taken flight from the paparazzi.

While arriving at the apartment block, the loud engine noise of the sports car scared the crowd. The first cameras were already panned in Katsuki's direction and people pointed excitedly to him.

The alpha was not deterred by this and drove into the underground garage. Here, too, three television crews were loitering around the elevator that led to the apartments. Great!

Katsuki parked his car and thought about what he should do now. How would he get to Deku? He didn't have a key and his data wasn't set up in the electronic locks either. Should he call round face?

Nah, that took too long and Katsuki wasn't sure Deku would like it if they ambushed him two at a time. Besides, the alpha didn't fancy the idea of round face trying to talk Deku out of his idea.

He got out and was met directly by one of the camera crews. "Dynamight, what an honor to be able to face you in person. Are you here to visit Deku? Is that why you're here?"

Katsuki forced himself to be calm. It was a bad idea to blow up those pests, for sure ...

"Are you two in contact with each other? How is he?"

"No comment. Let me through." He walked toward the elevator and took a closer look at the control panel. There were bells for the individual apartments here as well. Katsuki pressed the button that belonged to Deku. Nothing happened. He pressed the button longer. Still no crackling of the intercom.

Behind him, the reporters had been curiously watching what he was doing and were filming live. Katsuki pulled out his cell phone and typed:

I'm at your door. Let me in.

Of course, even now there was no answer. Before Katsuki could think of a new plan, his thoughts were interrupted by another reporter: "Is it true that the injured person you recovered in the club raid was Deku? Why was he injured? What happened at that club and how did he get there in the first place?"

Katsuki growled. "I said no fucking comment!"

He pushed the men aside and made his way out. Outside the building, things got worse. As soon as Katsuki stepped out of the underground garage into the sunlight, he was surrounded by those pushy bastards. All of them were chatting at him at the same time and asking their stupid questions so fast that the alpha couldn't have processed them even if he had wanted to.

It was really unbearable!

"Get out of my way!" growled Katsuki in his alpha voice. With that, he emitted a wave of aggressive pheromones. He had had enough!

The press wankers ducked their heads and backed away. Finally, the alpha could breathe more freely again. He walked around the building, looking for the right spot. With a few meters of safety distance, the crowd drooling for information followed him.

There! That had to be Izuku's balcony.

Katsuki pointed his palms down and activated his quirk without warning. He shot into the air and let the explosions catapult him up to the 10th floor. There he balanced himself and landed smoothly on the balcony.

Cautiously, he peered through the door. On the opposite wall hung an All Might poster next to a display case of collectible figurines. Yes, this was clearly the nerd's living room. Without further hesitation, he knocked on the window and waited. From the ground he heard the excited babble of reporters and knew that there were twenty TV cameras pointed at him right now.

Still no sign of Izuku.

This time Katsuki knocked a little louder. Maybe he was sleeping. At the doorframe of the living room, the alpha spotted a familiar curly green head and breathed a sigh of relief.

Luckily Izuku was still here. He hadn't run away, nor had the paparazzi stormed the apartment yet. His hand relaxed and he pressed it pleadingly against the glass window.

Izuku rushed to meet him and unlocked the balcony door. "K-Kacchan, what are you doing h-"

Katsuki didn't give him time to finish the question. The alpha rushed into the living room and pulled him into a tight hug. He had missed the little omega madly. Secretly, he wondered how he had even endured the past three days without him.

"I was worried," Katsuki whispered against his ear and took a deep breath, enjoying the delicate vanilla scent that was addictive.

Izuku didn't answer him, instead the omega pressed himself tighter against him. The sweet scent enveloped him and soothed the alpha's strained nerves. Instantly, he calmed down and relaxed. "Why didn't you write me back? I was beginning to think something had happened again that you couldn't answer me."

The omega tensed. "I-I'm s-sorry." A tremor ran through the frail body.

"Shhh, calm down. It wasn't an accusation. I just would have liked to get an answer from you for once, would have been good for my imagination going wild." Tenderly, Katsuki ran a hand over his back and Izuku slowly relaxed again.

"I-imagination?"

"I was afraid you might have disappeared. Either run away or kidnapped again. So when I saw that wild pack at your front door, I couldn't stand the uncertainty anymore and came here."

Izuku laughed shakily. "S-see? I c-couldn't even g-get away or be kidnapped w-without b-being caught on tape."

"What if I want to kidnap you?" asked Katsuki seriously.

The omega broke away from the embrace and took a step back. Skepticism in his gaze. Izuku's emerald eyes scrutinized him closely, analyzing him as they had done all their lives. "W-what do you mean w-with that, Kacchan?"

Katsuki reached out to Izuku and intertwined their fingers. From now on, the alpha in him wanted to protect his chosen partner and preferably never let him go. And it certainly wasn't safe here at the moment. "Come with me."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

"Come to my place." Kacchan ran his fingers nervously through his hair. "At least until this spook down there is over and the press has found the next scoop to pounce on."

Izuku's gaze fell on their clasped hands. He liked holding that big warm hand. "W-what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Move in with me!"

His head jerked up in surprise.

Kacchan's ruby red eyes sparkled. His Adam's apple twitched as he swallowed hard. "At least temporarily. Who knows how long the other inhabitants of the house will want to be bothered or until one of these parasites makes it to you after all? Then what?"

Izuku swallowed. Yes, he had been asking himself these questions since yesterday at the latest.

"I have more space than I need. You can sleep in one of the guest rooms. The property is fenced in and alarmed. So you could go out into the garden without worrying about being filmed. It can't be healthy for you to stay holed up in here and not get any fresh air. Besides, someone would be there. When I'm not at work, I'd be there for you. You wouldn't be alone anymore."Kacchan sounded sincere, Izuku had to admit. The offer was also more than tempting. Just why was the Alpha making it to him in the first place?

"W-why?"

"Why what?"

"Why s-should I do that? Or b-better asked: W-what d-do you get out of it? Why m-make me such an offer?" Before the omega could make his decision, he needed some answers. Katsuki Bakugou was a good person and a fantastic hero, but also a loner. There were few things the alpha valued more than his peace and privacy. Why was he offering to invade it, of all things?

"What's in it for me?" Kacchan asked incredulously. "What's in it for me? I want to keep you safe, to protect you ... That's all."

"W-why is that?"

"Do I really need a reason for this?"

Izuku smiled sadly. "Y-you never act w-without a reason. G-guilty conscience?"

Kacchan looked like he'd kicked him in the shin without notice. "I thought we left that behind us during our time at UA? Back then you said you forgave me."

"Th-that I did and it w-wasn't what I m-meant."

"Then what do you mean?" Katsuki asked resignedly.

"I-I don't want you to t-tolerate me around you just because you couldn't save me two y-years ago. You a-aren't responsible for me. Neither th-then nor now." Izuku would love to just jump into Kacchan's arms and let him save him once more. But his fear of losing the last bit of himself was too great.

The grip on Izuku's hand tightened. "What if I want to change that?"

"W-what d-do you want to change?" The omega suspected it, thought he could smell it in the alpha's delicate pheromones, but he needed to hear it. Izuku needed words to believe it. Until it was spoken, it wasn't real.

"I want to be responsible for you. Not out of a guilty conscience, but because you mean something to me, mean more than you know. Because I've hardly slept a wink the past few nights, because I've constantly wondered how you're doing, whether you're scared all alone and whether you've drifted off again and there was no one there to bring you back to reality." Kacchan ran his fingers through his hair once more and looked at him pleadingly.

Izuku had never seen the alpha like this before. For him, he had just swallowed his pride. His mouth was open and now he slowly closed it again, searching for the right words.

"W-what about a m-mate? I-if you h-have someone, he o-or she might be bothered by m-me."

Kacchan grinned wryly. "Are you indirectly asking if I have a girlfriend? Are we 16 again, or what?"

Izuku blushed. "W-well yes, after all, we a-are alpha and o-omega. That always has a certain p-potential. For u-us two, not really, b-but still. I don't want anyone to f-feel threatened by me."

The grin on Kacchan's face turned into a mild smile. "Don't worry about that. I don't have a partner yet. The right one hasn't been around for the past two years."

Izuku breathed a sigh of relief, only to wonder at the wording. Was it him, or did it sound weird, the way Kacchan had said it? Not around... - that made no sense.

The omega studied the face of his counterpart. Kacchan didn't avoid his gaze and looked at Izuku expectantly.

"Y-you really want me to l-live with you temporarily?"

"Really."

"N-not just because you think you owe me w-whatever?"

"No." Kacchan's gaze was gentle.

Izuku really hadn't expected to use the word gentle in connection with the quick-tempered alpha, but here they were, holding hands and looking deep into each other's eyes.

The last question took a lot of effort and Izuku lowered his eyes. "I-I'm not going to become a burden to you and you're not going to kick me out again after a few days? Either because I'm annoying you or because of that crowd of reporters out there?"

Kacchan put his hand under Izuku's chin and forced him to look at him with gentle pressure.

"Never."

Izuku swallowed hard. Did Kacchan have any idea what he was doing to him when he acted like this? The omega forced himself to keep his pheromones in check. They would immediately reveal the emotional chaos inside him and betray him.

"You can stay with me for as long as you want. There's nothing you could do that would make me kick you out the door, unless it's your own wish to leave again."

With a sigh Izuku said, "Th-then okay."

Kacchan beamed at him, leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

Izuku gasped, warmth immediately rising to his cheeks.

"Pack everything you need and tell me if I can help you with that. Afterward, we'll head to my place." Kacchan's lips brushed over his skin as he spoke.

The Omega shook his head hastily and literally ran to his bedroom. Once there, he slammed the door shut and sank powerlessly down the door panel until he reached the floor. He drew up his knees and buried his hot face in his arms.

Was this really a good idea?

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

About half an hour later, they were standing together in the elevator. Katsuki held the handles of the two travel bags in just one hand and Izuku carried his backpack over one shoulder.

Before they had left the apartment, Katsuki had pulled the hood of the hoodie over the omega's green curls and put a pair of sunglasses on his nose, which the alpha had found on the sideboard by the apartment door.

In this outfit, Izuku felt even more like a celebrity on the run from the paparazzi - which, strictly speaking, he was, but still...

"Are you sure you don't w-want me to wear one of those b-bags?"

"No, that's okay. They're not heavy," Katsuki replied. "Besides, I want you to walk to my car quickly. Those fucking vultures are even besieging the underground parking garage and they were already nipping at my heels when I arrived."

Izuku became nervous. What would await him as soon as the elevator doors opened?

Katsuki noticed his tension. "I promise not to leave your side, so don't worry, okay?"

Izuku nodded in reply.

The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened with a melodic ping. As if the soft sound was a signal, movement came to the half-dozen people lying in wait in the underground parking garage. Excited shouts rang out and the reporters were already blocking their way.

They had barely taken a step out of the elevator before a microphone was shoved in both men's faces.

"Deku, how are you?"

"What is the relationship between you two?"

"Where have you been for the last two years, Deku?"

"Dynamight, where are you going with Deku?"

"That looks like a lot of baggage."

Katsuki let out a low growl, bared his alpha fangs and brushed the mics aside with his free hand. "No fucking comment! Now make way before you see me really pissed off!"

The alpha emitted aggressive pheromones that instantly flooded the small elevator cabin. Strangely enough, Izuku didn't have a panic attack this time, he wasn't even afraid. Instead, he felt protected as Kacchan now put an arm around his shoulders, pulled him close, and pushed him out of the elevator towards his car.

The reporters backed away a little, but more questions or snippets of moderation came at them.One of the men walked between the two heroes and his cameraman, who was walking backwards, capturing all three of them with the dark lens as he spoke excitedly into his microphone. "The sensation is coming true. Deku has really returned and I am now allowed to stand next to him at this moment." The man looked over his shoulder.

Katsuki pursed his lips. His fangs had lengthened. The alpha was really pissed. Either the reporter was too excited to notice, or he was willingly ignoring it for ratings.

"Deku, I'm a big fan of yours and really relieved to have you back. Will you tell your fans and the citizens of Japan what's really behind your mysterious disappearance? Why is it such a big secret?"

Izuku was now at his wits' end. He thought feverishly about whether he could fob the man off with something to make him back off. No matter what he said, the omega would stutter. He definitely wanted to avoid that in front of the camera at the moment.

They had almost reached the Alpha's car now. Izuku could hardly wait to sit in its protective interior.

Katsuki's steady rumble turned into a dangerous growl. "No! Shitty! Comment!"

The reporter did look intimidated now and was visibly searching for the right words.

"Now get the fuck away from my car! If there's so much as a scratch on the finish, I'll shoot you to the moon!"

The threat was effective and the reporters took another step back. Katsuki shoved the Omega on the passenger side into the gap between the two parked cars. Then he opened the trunk and put the travel bags inside. Next, he took the backpack from Izuku and placed it next to it.

As soon as he had closed the trunk, Kacchan rushed to his side, opened the passenger door for him and helped him get in. Out of the corner of his eye, the omega noticed more reporters appearing in the driveway, attracted by the shouting.

As soon as Izuku sat in the soft leather seat of the sports car and fastened his seatbelt, Kacchan closed the door. Only seconds later, the alpha got in himself on the other side. He didn't take the time to fasten his seatbelt, but started the engine straight away.

With screeching tires, Katsuki reversed his car and drove out of the parking space. The paparazzi hurriedly jumped out of the way to avoid being run over. The alpha shifted gears and headed for the exit.

A particularly persistent camera crew stopped and continued to block the way. Katsuki jerked on the brakes and thundered the heel of his hand on the horn. But it wasn't enough to scare them.After all, Dynamight was a hero. Despite his quick temper, he would never knowingly put civilians in danger. The reporters knew this too and exploited it shamelessly.Instead of fewer people, they were besieged by more.

Katsuki rolled down the window on his side and stuck his head and one arm out. "Get the fuck out of here, asshole, or I'll run you over!" To that, he stepped on the gas pedal and spun the tires. "Don't think I won't do it. You fuckers have tested my patience enough to forget my job for a moment!"

At last, the threats were having an effect. The men and women blocking the path reluctantly retreated. The alpha seized the opportunity and drove past them before they could change their minds again.

They left the grounds of the apartment building and Katsuki threaded his way into the traffic on the main street.

Izuku looked over his shoulder. The reporters were still watching or filming them. His gaze swung upwards to the balcony where Kacchan had landed just an hour ago.

Izuku had the feeling that he would never live in this apartment again. With every meter they put between them and the apartment block, the feeling grew stronger, until it had almost become a certainty.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

The two men spent most of the journey in silence. Neither managed to engage the other in a conversation lasting more than a minute. Izuku was still struggling with whether it was really a good idea to stay in his house with Katsuki. Despite Kacchan's explanation, he didn't understand what had prompted the alpha to make him this offer.

Izuku looked to the side and watched Katsuki. He looked intently at the road, seemingly unperturbed by anything. Before his abduction, Izuku had never ridden with him, but he would have imagined a ride with Kacchan as his driver very differently.

Izuku chuckled softly at the images that popped into his head.

"What's so funny?" A smile tugged at the corner of Katsuki's mouth and he gave the green-haired man a quick sideways glance.

"I a-admire your composure."

"And that's why you're laughing at me?" the alpha asked with mock indignation.

"N-no, I just never thought a car ride with you would be so r-relaxing."

"How did you imagine it would be? That I'd be speeding through the city at 200 km/h, honking my horn, swearing loudly and occasionally blowing away another car?" Katsuki raised an eyebrow.

Instead of giving an answer, Izuku's grin widened until he could no longer suppress it and laughed out loud.

"So this is exactly how you imagined it," Kacchan stated dryly.

Izuku held his stomach with laughter and could barely catch his breath. The alpha reached out for him. The omega involuntarily fell silent and watched with wide eyes what his counterpart was up to.

Unexpectedly, Katsuki gently wiped a tear of laughter from the corner of his eye with the joint of his index finger. He smiled at the same time.

Izuku watched him open-mouthed.

"I missed your laugh."

The omega turned bright red. He could only take a statement like that the wrong way if he was used to the other man calling him annoying more than once per conversation."Y-you've changed," Izuku muttered.

"That's right."

"How c-come? Is i-it the maturity of a-age?"

Kacchan snorted. "Not really. I've realized a few things over the last two years. It's amazing what a good dose of self-awareness can do. That doesn't mean I no longer feel the desire to blow up annoying idiots. I haven't lost my temper, just my priorities have shifted a bit."

"That s-sounds like you don't think I'm a-annoying anymore." That would be too good to be true ...

"Do you think I would have offered you to move in with me if that was the case?"

"N-no."

They were both silent for a while. Izuku had a question burning on the tip of his tongue that he didn't know if he shall really ask. He would love to know Kacchan's answer to it.

By now, they had left the city center behind them. The apartment blocks and tower blocks had been replaced by smaller apartment buildings and terraced houses in the countryside. They would probably reach their destination soon. Katsuki turned off. They were now approaching the city's villa district. Izuku's eyes widened. When had Kacchan moved here?

Izuku mustered up all his courage and asked the question: "H-Has this got to do with s-self-awareness?"

"What exactly do you mean?" asked Katsuki, putting on the turn signal. They drove along a wide driveway.

"T-That you've changed your mind about me." Izuku's heart was pounding in his throat. His palms became sweaty and he wiped them as inconspicuously as possible on his pants. He almost didn't notice when the car stopped.

It was only when Katsuki crossed his arms on the steering wheel and looked at him attentively that Izuku noticed they had stopped in front of a high wrought-iron gate. 

"You could say that." The alpha's voice was deep and somewhat raspy.

Izuku shivered and almost closed his eyes in pleasure at the sound. Instead, he maintained eye contact and didn't turn away from Kacchan's ruby gaze.

Only now did he process the words his counterpart had chosen.

"What e-exactly do you think about me t-today? After e-everything that's happened between us, a-and what I've become, I'd r-really like to know." Izuku was proud of himself for daring to ask. Hopefully that would make their life together easier if he knew where he stood.

Very slowly, Kacchan reached out and cupped Izuku's cheek, stroking his sensitive skin with his thumb. "I plan to show you over the next few weeks."

Oh god...!!!

The blond hero couldn't do something like that! Izuku bit his lower lip. He almost let out a soft groan. Katsuki was incredibly hot at that moment.

This thought frightened Izuku in more ways than one. After everything that had happened, he wouldn't have thought it possible to be attracted to an alpha again. Then again, the alpha in question was Kacchan, which was both terrifying and plausible, considering that Izuku had understood what the feelings he felt towards his former childhood friend meant back in middle school.

Katsuki withdrew his hand carefully so as not to startle the omega. "For now, though, we're home." He pressed the button on a remote control that had been in the driver's door, and the gate in front of them moved aside.

Izuku broke away from the intense eye contact and looked ahead. There was still no sign of Katsuki's house. They drove through the gate. The Alpha pressed the button and waited for the gate to close completely again.

"I should probably call a security service," Katsuki muttered to himself.

"W-why?"

He gave a pained smile. "If you're not back at your apartment by tomorrow - which you won't be - those fucking paparazzi will start looking for you again. Since we were last seen together as I was loading your luggage into my car, it shouldn't be too hard for them to come up with the right solution."

"D-damn it."

Kacchan patted Izuku's knee reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. No one will bother you here. I'll make sure of that."

"B-but I'll pay for the s-security myself. I'm already enough of a burden on you."

"Dream on!" With these words, Katsuki drove on. Katsuki's house appeared behind the next hill and Izuku's jaw dropped once again. There could be no more talk of a house here. They were approaching a medium-sized villa. The architecture was modern, bright colors, lots of glass and an innovative design.

"Close your pretty mouth or flies will get in," Katsuki said with a laugh.

"S-since when...?" Izuku didn't continue, but the blond understood what he was getting at.

"I bought the property about 18 months ago and I've been living here for 10 months. I could hardly wait for the building work to be completed. As my popularity has grown, it has become increasingly difficult for me to find peace and quiet in my apartment. As it doesn't make for good press in the long run if you regularly freak out when you come home because someone is lying in wait for you again - paparazzi, fan or villain, take your pick - I decided to build here. It should meet your standards."

"S-standards?" Izuku said incredulously. "You've just visited me, shortly after I've been s-sitting on an old sofa i-in front of the TV in sweatpants e-eating junk food."

Kacchan grinned cheekily, parked the car in a large garage next to the villa, where two other vehicles were parked, and got out.

Izuku hadn't quite processed it yet before the passenger door opened and Katsuki held out his hand to help him get out. "Come on, I'll show you to your room, nerd." 

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

There was a complete lounge on Katsuki's patio, and Izuku secretly wondered if the alpha had ever used it - he wasn't the visiting type, as far as the omega knew. Since Katsuki had moved here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, that probably hadn't changed.

Behind them lay the garden, which was almost the size of a park. Izuku hadn't had a chance to explore it yet. Yesterday, he had eaten with Katsuki, watched some television and then disappeared into the guest room the alpha had assigned him.

How he would love to walk through the garden now instead of sitting in this armchair in this company ...

Dr. Nakamura, the therapist arranged by the hospital, had rung the bell at 10 o'clock on the dot. Within half a day, Kacchan had not only hired a security service, but also informed Izuku's agency and therapist about the temporary change of residence.

Clearly, the alpha was serious about Izuku not returning to his apartment anytime soon.

"Don't you really have anything you want to talk to me about, Midoriya-san?"

No, he didn't.

Izuku was not against psychotherapy - on the contrary. He just wasn't ready yet. He didn't want to talk about what had happened to him. He didn't need the mental breakdown that would undoubtedly come with it.

Besides, he was uncomfortable talking in front of strangers. It was okay with Kacchan. The alpha knew that even before his abduction, Izuku had sometimes stuttered when he was nervous. He had been able to get rid of this weakness completely during his time as a pro-hero, but now it was worse than ever. A fact that made the omega terribly uncomfortable.

"You can tell me whatever is on your mind. It doesn't have to be anything from the past two years. It can be from your childhood or youth or something that happened during the last few days," Dr. Nakamura now tried.

Izuku had been ignoring the woman for four sessions. He was beginning to feel guilty. He sighed and tore his gaze away from Kacchan's floor-to-ceiling window. Instead, he wandered over the therapist to the doorway that led into the hallway.

He wondered when Kacchan would come back in.

He was just outside, discussing the final details with the head of security. As far as Izuku knew, they were only supposed to keep an eye on the perimeter and not let any uninvited visitors in. A fact he was very grateful for.

No photographers had shown up here yet. However, it could only be a matter of hours. As expected, he and Kacchan had been featured on the front pages of various gossip magazines today as the blond hero led him through the underground garage of his apartment building to his sports car. The coverage in the tabloids and on the internet was even worse. By now, he and Kacchan already had their own hashtag: #BakuDeku.

As the alpha was the only person the green-haired man had demonstrably been in contact with several times since his return, the rumor mill was churning. Of course, this was nonsense, but it didn't stop the majority of people from indulging in the wildest theories about the two of them.

"If you don't say anything, I'll feel like a fraud, Midoriya-san." Dr. Nakamura didn't let up.

Izuku raised an eyebrow questioningly.

It was enough for the therapist to start explaining: "I get my fee either way, regardless of whether you talk to me or not. The Hero Commission pays me half a fortune per hour for home visits and instead of working, I sit here drinking coffee with you."

The omega pulled up a corner of his mouth; he was susceptible to good humor. She almost tempted him to say something back. Izuku knew deep down that he should start working through his trauma, the sooner the better. Nevertheless, it was still too difficult for him at the moment. Despite everything, he didn't want to scare the therapist off completely.

"Y-you," he cleared his throat as Dr. Nakamura pricked up her ears curiously, "you've read my  medical records?"

The therapist smiled delightedly. "How nice to finally hear your voice, Midoriya-san. Yes, to give me a rough idea, I received the file of your recent hospitalization in advance."

Izuku clicked his tongue. "T-then you d-do know the most important thing."

Dr. Nakamura shook his head. "Quite the opposite. Of course, the physical injuries allow us to draw conclusions about what happened and the resulting emotional wounds, but we're only scratching the surface. If you really want to come to terms with what you've experienced and perhaps even overcome it one day, then we need to go much deeper."

The omega grimaced. "I just w-want to forget."

The face of the woman across from him softened. "I know you are highly intelligent, Midoriya-san. That's how I know you know it doesn't work that way. In the long run, repression is not the answer."

Izuku snorted and didn't say anything back. Yes, he knew she was right. So what? That didn't mean he had to start reliving the agony again.

The clatter of the front door caught his attention. Only moments later, Kacchan peeked around the corner. "Am I interrupting?"

Izuku quickly shook his head.

"How much longer will you need?" the alpha asked next.

Dr. Nakamura glanced at her wristwatch. "Our session will last just under thirty minutes, Bakugou-san."

Katsuki nodded. "That's fine, I'll take care of lunch now. Do you have a wish, Izuku?"Again, the omega's answer was a shake of the head.

"Okay, so I'll surprise you." The alpha walked past the sitting area and off towards the kitchen.

It really didn't matter what Kacchan cooked, it tasted excellent. Even during kitchen duty in the UA dorm, every one of her classmates had been thrilled when it was Katsuki's turn. Last night's dinner had been the most delicious the omega had eaten in literally years.

Izuku's heart fluttered suspiciously at the thought of eating with the alpha again soon.

The therapist followed Izuku's gaze, which still rested on the spot where Kacchan had just disappeared. A smile crept onto her face. "How about we talk about the future first, if you're not quite ready to face your past?"

Izuku frowned. "W-what do you mean by that?"

"How do you feel about an alpha courting you?" she asked a counter question.

The omega choked on his spit and coughed. His throat rasped as he forced out the following words. "K-Kacchan is supposed to d-do what?!"

The therapist tilted her head. "You must have noticed that too."

Izuku shook his head vigorously. "Y-you're imagining things. We're f-friends at most, and I'm not even sure a-about that."

She sighed. "You're going to have a long way to go if you're going to deny even such obvious facts."

Heat rose in his cheeks and Izuku cleared his throat, embarrassed. "I-I really don't know what you're t-talking about. It can't be a-at all."

"Why not?"

Izuku closed his eyes. "Kacchan doesn't see me like that. Absolutely i-impossible! Even if he really d-doesn't find me annoying anymore, he can't like me l-like that."

"Why are you so resistant to this idea? Are you insecure because of what you've been through? That's more than understandable, but you shouldn't close yourself off emotionally."

The omega laughed mirthlessly. "I-I'm not closing myself off. I just don't g-give in to any more i-illusions. That m-makes it easier."

The therapist adjusted her glasses. She was clearly dissatisfied with Izuku's answer. "Bakugou-san's actions towards you speak for themselves. They could have come from a textbook on the courting behavior of alphas."

Izuku snorted. "B-bullshit...!"

"He saves you, stays by your side even though people try to dissuade him, he creates a safe home for you where you don't have to worry about anything, he cooks for you ... And if I understand correctly, you are the only one he is consistently respectful and polite to. That last point shouldn't be anything special, but let's be honest: we're talking about Dynamight here." The look over the rim of her glasses said it all. "Why don't you want to see this?"

The omega bit his lower lip. He didn't want to get his hopes up, whose could never be fulfilled anyway. "A-alone the thought is so absurd ... K-Kacchan deserves much better, which I'm sure he kn-knows."

"What makes you think that the idea of Bakugou-san liking you - even courting you - is absurd?"

Izuku looked at her as if the therapist was the one who wasn't quite right in the head. "I-I'm broken ... d-damaged goods ... no-longer lovable ... worthless ... d-dirty."

"Bullshit!" replied Dr. Nakamura, scribbling vigorously on the piece of paper on her clipboard.

Was it on purpose or coincidence that she repeated his choice of words?

"You are not your trauma. Don't let your worth be defined by what others have done to you. That's not what defines you."

The muscle under his left eye twitched. "T-there's not much l-left of what used to be me."

"I'll help you find it again, and I'm sure the people who care about you will want to do the same - you just have to let them. I'm not saying that you should give in to Bakugou-san's courtship if the idea is truly unpleasant to you, which I honestly don't think it is. What I'm saying instead is: be open, observe him and then you should realize it. I think it could do you good, both emotionally and physically. It's not for nothing that the pheromones of an alpha can have a calming effect on an omega. If you both feel comfortable with it, give it a try and see what it can become."

Despite the perfectly logical explanation, Izuku was doubtful. "Are you trying t-to set me up?"

Dr. Nakamura laughed in surprise. "No, I’m not. I want to help you heal."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Last night, Katsuki had only been able to throw together something makeshift. Dinner had been okay, but still far from what the alpha would have preferred to put on the table as a welcome dinner.

Unfortunately, in yesterday's excitement, he hadn't remembered that his fridge was almost empty. He had placed a large food order for today, which had arrived while the alpha had been talking to the newly hired security.

Katsuki glanced at the rice stove. According to the digital display, the appliance still needed ten minutes. Very good, the cutlets were crispy now too. The alpha took them out of the pan and added dashi, soy sauce, mirin and sake instead.

A hint of vanilla caught his nose.

"Th-that smells delicious."

It did indeed. However, the alpha wasn't talking about the food.

Katsuki smiled smugly at Deku's words. He was already looking forward to seeing Izuku's face when the omega saw what he was cooking for him today.

As he cut the cutlets into strips, he asked, "Your therapist still there?"

"J-just left."

What should he say next to keep the conversation going? Asking how the therapy session had gone felt too personal, didn't it? After all, Katsuki wasn't the dimwitted Pikachu who had no sensitivity and would casually ask 'How was it?‘

Izuku took the decision from him. "H-Have you been able to clear everything u-up with the security?"

"Yes, the recommendation I got seems to be justified. Five highly trained men and women are now guarding the grounds around the clock. They work in shifts, of course, so there are fifteen different people in total. I'll get to know the others later. Their boss makes a reasonable impression, though, and I haven't regretted my decision so far."

Katsuki put the cutlets strips into the pan in which the broth was now simmering. "They're going to install a few more cameras in corners that are hard to see and make sure that nobody enters the premises that we don't want here. So you can relax. No one will bother you."

The rice stove beeped. The Alpha took two large bowls from the cupboard and filled them with rice.

"Th-thank you very much, Kacchan."

"No need, nerd. I'm not up for being haunted by those vultures either. If this onerous task can be circumvented by paying someone else to deal with those bastards, then I'm happy to oblige. In the meantime, I earn more than enough and can easily afford it."

"Y-you've really come f-far." Deku's voice was quiet. "B-but I always knew that."

Katsuki glanced over his shoulder. For the first time since the omega had entered the room, he looked to him. Izuku was sitting on one of the bar stools at the counter. He propped his head up with one hand and looked out of the window, lost in thought. A pinched expression had crept into his once permanently cheerful face.

Katsuki's heart ached at the sight. He cleared his throat. "I'm sure I won't be able to rest on my laurels for much longer and you'll soon be competing with me again."

Izuku snorted. "Nice of you to say so."

The food was ready and the alpha divided the contents of the pan equally over the rice bowls. "Since when do I say things just to be nice?"

Katsuki set the pan down, took the two bowls and turned to face the omega.

Izuku eyed him intently. "Th-that's what I've been wondering for a while now."

Instead of answering, the blond hero placed one of the bowls in front of his counterpart. He placed the other in front of himself. He fished two pairs of chopsticks out of a drawer and pushed one of them towards Izuku as well.

His green eyes shone. The green-haired man searched his gaze enthusiastically. "K-Katsudon? You remember that?"

A smile tugged at the corner of Katsuki's mouth. "As if I'd forget your favorite food."

The omega's lower lip quivered and his eyes gleamed suspiciously. "Th-thank you, Kacchan, f-for everything."

Katsuki reached out and placed his hand on Izuku's, giving it a light squeeze. "I'm happy to do it. Together we'll get you back on your feet. Now eat before it gets cold." With those words, he turned to his own portion.

They ate in silence. That was only interrupted by occasional sighs from the omega, who was visibly and audibly enjoying his lunch. Katsuki grew warm at these sounds and forced himself to keep his focus on his meal.

If Izuku was already making such pleasurable noises while eating, it was all too easy for the alpha to imagine him in other situations and wonder what he would sound like.

Deku raised his eyes and regarded him thoughtfully. His nose twitched as if he were sniffing.

Shit! Katsuki immediately shut down the pheromone production before he scared Izuku off. The omega had other things to worry about. It would probably be nothing short of a miracle if he ever allowed physical contact again. And even if he did, Katsuki would definitely not be his first choice...

Izuku let himself sink back as soon as he had finished the bowl. He rubbed his stomach and grimaced slightly. "I should h-have eaten less. I-it was so delicious, I just couldn't stop."

Katsuki had mixed feelings about that. He was happy that Izuku had eaten his food with such enthusiasm. On the other hand, the omega's stomach and body were still not used to large amounts of food and regular meals again.

"Should I burn it a little tonight so you won't be tempted to eat too much?"

Izuku chuckled softly. "P-please don't. That would be t-too bad with your cooking skills."

The alpha was pleased with the praise. It felt good to take care of his omega.

Mine ...

Katsuki blinked a few times in surprise. There was that possessiveness again that he had no right to. Izuku wasn't his omega. Not yet.

"If you want, we can walk around the garden for a bit. I'll show you around and it'll help your digestion too," he said to distract himself from his own thoughts.

A reserved smile played around Izuku's mouth. "I would like th-that a lot."

"Okay, come with me then." Katsuki stood up, walked around the counter and grabbed Izuku's hand. He pulled him off the bar stool and towards the patio door. The green-haired man followed him without resistance.

Just before the door, Katsuki paused and shook his head weakly. "Shoes, we need shoes."

Izuku giggled again. "Are you so eager to go for a walk with me that you even forget to put on shoes beforehand?" His tone was teasing and playful.

Katsuki liked that the omega was so casual with him. They shared an ease with each other that neither of them would have thought possible.

"How would you respond if I answered yes to that question?"

Izuku gasped behind him, otherwise not making a sound.

The alpha turned around slowly.

The omega's face was bright red, his beautiful emerald eyes were dilated and his full lips were slightly parted.

Katsuki would have loved to press his own against this sweet temptation and kiss him. But he held back and thought better of it. He couldn't just attack Izuku like that. What if he had another panic attack and triggered bad memories?

The blond hero definitely didn't want that to happen. He wanted his omega to feel comfortable and safe in his presence, not afraid.

His omega ... There it was again.

Katsuki sighed inwardly. Denial didn't help. He himself had accepted this fact a long time ago. As long as he only thought it and didn't say it out loud, the term wouldn't do any harm.

"W-We should get our s-shoes," Izuku replied after a while.

Katsuki nodded wordlessly. 

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Five minutes later, they were standing in the garden. Holding hands, they walked across the lawn and past various flowerbeds. Izuku looked around in amazement and Katsuki also realized that he spent far too little time here.

"W-what's that over there?" the omega asked, pointing to the other end of the property.

Katsuki followed the pointing and pulled up one corner of his mouth as soon as he saw the wild crater landscape. That part of the property was nothing like a well-kept park. There were deep holes in the ground, boulders of all sizes, scorched earth and hills that almost resembled small cliffs. Not a blade of grass grew in this area.

"If you feel the need to let off steam recklessly, you're welcome to do so there," Katsuki said evasively.

"D-Do you mean you use this p-part of the garden for your a-anger issues?"

The alpha looked at him indignantly. "That's my training area."

Deku raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

"Don't look at me like that! Believe me, I remember that look."

Izuku giggled and remained silent. The sound was music to Katsuki's ears. For the first time since he had found him again, the omega sounded uninhibited and carefree.

Katsuki felt the amorous smile that made his cheeks flush. He was probably blushing too ... Could it be any more conspicuous? He quickly cleared his throat and avoided Deku's gaze. "In any case, you can use this corner for training or stress relief, just as you need it."

Katsuki grabbed his hand and pulled him to another corner of the garden. They walked the estimated 50 meters in silence. "But if you're in the mood for rest and relaxation, you're probably better off here."

As hoped, Izuku's mouth dropped open and his eyes lit up. The alpha had to admit that his landscape gardener had really gone all out in this area. According to the expert, a Japanese garden was a must for such a large property.

A small pavilion stood by the lake in front of which they were currently standing. The artificial pond was surrounded by topiaries, gravel beds and young cherry and maple trees. There were also a few granite benches and lanterns.

"It's beautiful here."

"You are beautiful."

Fuck! He hadn't really just said that out loud?!

Deku's eyes were almost bulging out of his head and he was bright red.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Pretending that he hadn't said what had spontaneously crossed his mind wasn't going to help, was it?

The green eyes avoided his gaze. At the moment, that was more than fine with the alpha, he himself was rather uncomfortable with the emotional outburst. Not because he didn't really feel that way, but because he was afraid of scaring Izuku off if he was too brash.

"Y-you even have k-koi."

Katsuki was grateful for the change of subject and followed Deku's gaze. The fat carp had gathered in the water in front of them and were greedily opening their mouths, making splashing noises.

"Do you want to feed them? The fat beasts never get enough and would eat all day long."

"I'd love to." A shy smile graced Izuku's lips.

In his mind, the alpha thanked the ravenous fish for eliciting a genuine smile from the omega. Katsuki went to the pavilion, took out the bucket of fish food he had placed there and held it out to his counterpart.

"Here, nerd."

"Th-thank you, Kacchan." Izuku ripped open the lid and reached in. Before he tossed the food into the pond, his eyes sought out Katsuki. "Is that o-okay or too much?"

The alpha waved it off. "You can throw in a few handfuls and then wait, when they start to get full, you'll notice. Although these gluttons also like to overeat regularly."

The omega threw the food in. As soon as the first flake touched the surface, a real fight broke out in the water. The fish almost rolled over each other to be the one to get the most. More food landed in the water and after a few minutes it calmed down.

A cheerful giggle reached Katsuki's ears. The sound made him smile. Izuku was just about to let one of the koi eat from his hand. The fat carp sucked on the tip of Deku's finger. "Th-that tickles."

"Why didn't I ever realize you were an omega? You're way too cute for a beta," Katsuki muttered to himself.

Izuku froze. The fish seemed to be forgotten. Instead, the emerald eyes now pierced the alpha. "W-why did you say s-something like that?"

Fuck! When had he lost control of his words? Damn it!

Okay, all or nothing. Clearly, Katsuki was no longer able to keep his thoughts in check anyway. "Because it's true."

"Y-you can't be s-serious ... " Izuku's voice was little more than a murmur, but the blond hero was close enough to understand him anyway.

Katsuki swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "Listen to me, Izuku. You know I suck at expressing my feelings. Fuck, I'd roast anyone who even claimed I had any, but what I'm about to tell you, I absolutely mean every word."

Very slowly, Izuku straightened up and eyed the alpha expectantly.

"You're cute and beautiful. So beautiful... Not just your body, but your whole being. I'm only now really realizing what a huge idiot I really was before. I only realized what I had all my life when it was suddenly gone. When you were no longer there, a part of me despaired. I looked for you every day. Little by little, the others stopped, but I just couldn't. I wanted you back. I had to see you again. After all, I still had so much to say to you."

Tears glistened in Izuku's eyes. He pressed his hand over his mouth as if he was afraid Katsuki would stop talking if the omega made a single sound.

The alpha didn't even think about it. Now he would go through with it, even if he was about to get the rejection of his life. "Ever since we found you, I've been so relieved - you can't imagine. Every time you shed a tear since you were freed, the alpha in me screams at me to protect you this time and I want to do everything I can to make you smile again. I want to see you happy.

And yet I know that you don't need me. You are brave and strong. You always have been, even if it took me years to realize that. If I could, I'd go back and give the stupid brat I used to be a good shake. I hate myself for what I did to you back then. You wouldn't believe how much I'd like to go back in time ..."

Izuku roughly wiped the tears from his face. "W-what exactly are you trying to tell me? Please b-be clear, otherwise I don't ... No, otherwise I won't understand."

Katsuki approached him with cautious steps until they were standing chest to chest, almost touching. The omega had to tilt his head back to look into the ruby red eyes.

"I want to be a part of your life."

"Y-you've always been a p-part of my life."

"Maybe ... but not the way I mean it today."

Izuku looked at him, frowning. "How do you mean it?"

Katsuki remembered how the omega had asked him for clear words. He collected himself and closed his eyes. He gently embraced Izuku's face, wiped away the tears that just wouldn't stop flowing with his thumbs and rested his forehead against the green-haired man's.

Then he opened his eyes and said with all the sincerity he was capable of, "I love you, Izuku."

The omega gasped and stared at him, stunned. His lips opened, but they produced nothing but a soft sigh. Sweet pheromones were in the air. Deku's vanilla scent was more seductive than ever.

The alpha stroked his lower lip with his thumb. The delicate body in front of him trembled. Emerald green eyes fell on his lips.

The blond hero stepped even closer to him. The tips of their noses rubbed against each other. His heart was pounding in his throat. Izuku hadn't pushed him away or looked disgusted by the confession. That was a good sign, wasn't it?

The alpha lost himself in the green eyes of the man he so wanted to get closer to, not just physically, but on every possible level. "May I-" His smartphone vibrated in his pants pocket, interrupting Katsuki. He wanted to ignore it, but that wouldn't do any good either. The mood was gone either way. "Fuck..." When the ringtone he had assigned to the head of security started up, the alpha answered it immediately.

"What's going on?" He didn't bother with a greeting.

"Two camera vans have just pulled up. We have informed the reporters that you are not available for interviews, but they don't seem to mind," replied the head of security.

Katsuki growled. "Those pesky bastards..." The paparazzi had shown up here even faster than the blond hero had hoped. "What are they doing now?"

"Looks like they're making themselves at home."

"As if there's nothing else better to do than get on other people's fucking nerves!" Katsuki looked in the direction of the driveway and the gate. Neither could be seen from here. At least that meant that they hadn't been discovered yet.

Deku frowned at him and the alpha sighed. "If the situation changes, get back to me."

"Of course. "

With that, Katsuki hung up and stuffed the smartphone back into his pocket.

"W-What's wrong?" The cute expression on Izuku's face had given way to concern.

"The first fucking reporters have turned up and they don't look like they're going to fuck off any time soon," the alpha rumbled.

Visibly nervous, the omega looked towards the house. There was no sign of the previous light-heartedness. Not to mention Deku's expectant look, which made him quiver inside just at the memory of it. Katsuki wanted to blow something up just for that. He had almost been able to kiss Izuku at last. It hadn't seemed like the omega would have refused if he had been able to finish his question. His pheromones had spoken a clear language.

Sighing, Katsuki grabbed his hand and walked back towards the house. "Let's go back inside first."

Izuku followed him without resistance. They spent the rest of the afternoon rather quietly. The omega didn't give him an answer, but that was okay. Katsuki didn't want to force him to do anything. Others had done that enough ...

They each read for themselves and watched television together a little later. Shortly after dinner, Izuku went to his room and the blond hero also went to bed on time, as he had to show up at the agency again tomorrow. Even if Katsuki wasn't convinced that he would be able to get to sleep any time soon.

Had he been too hasty? Should he have waited instead of taking Izuku by surprise like that?

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

The lamp above his bed flickered. Izuku rubbed his eyes. He had a stabbing headache. His throat felt parched. When had he last had a drink?

Disoriented, he looked around. The walls were bare and stained as usual. He shivered and wrapped himself tighter in the holey blanket - even though the strong smell made his nose tingle unpleasantly.

How long had Izuku lost consciousness this time?

He no longer knew ...

His sense of time was gone a long time ago.

In his next fight, he should simply let himself be defeated. Then Izuku would finally leave this hell behind him. He had no hope anyway.

If he allowed his body to be destroyed badly enough, would Overhaul still be able to put it back together? Probably yes, the mafia boss had already had to do it once. The feeling had been unspeakably disgusting.

The Omega shivered at the memory and wrapped himself tighter in the too-thin blanket. The coarse fabric scratched his skin. He could only get decent clothes if he was dragged into the arena.

Over the muffled screams from the adjoining rooms, Izuku heard a sound that filled him with fear every time: a key being turned in the lock.

Oh no, please not again.

The hinges squeaked as the door was pushed open. One of the giant guards stood in the doorway.

Izuku expelled the air he had been holding. Maybe it was just time for him to get a bottle of water and a snack.

But his hands were empty, as the omega now realized. That was a bad sign. The guard took a step aside and revealed the figure behind him.

"N-no," Izuku breathed.

Why him of all people?

The black-haired alpha grinned at him with diabolical anticipation. The villain was one of the ones the omega had arrested at the very beginning of his career as a pro hero. He had been here for the first time a few months ago. Since then, he'd come into this room at least once a month and had his way with Izuku in every possible way. Whether the villain had served his sentence or escaped, he didn't know. Thunder's grin grew wider and wider.

The guard noticed this too and growled slightly. "No broken bones. He couldn't fight for three weeks after the last time. The boss was really pissed. You didn't pay for that."

"Yeah yeah," the alpha grumbled without even looking at the guard. His gaze was fixed on the helpless omega.

Izuku wrapped himself tighter in the blanket, even though he knew it wouldn't offer him any protection. "P-please don't."

"Did you get that, Thunder?" the guard asked.

"Yes, now get out of here so I can have my fun."

The guard snorted, left the room and pulled the door shut behind him. The door was locked. Izuku was locked in with the alpha for the next hour.

His grin widened. "Dekuuu~, did you miss me as much as I missed you?"

Silent tears ran down the omega's cheeks as he shook uncontrollably. "N-no..."

The alpha came closer. As he did, he emitted dominant pheromones in an attempt to subdue Izuku.

He expelled the air hard. Even though a wave of panic rolled over him at the memory of his last encounters with the black-haired alpha, the omega took a defensive stance. He would not go down without a fight. He had once been a hero, a fighter.

With one leap, the alpha lunged at him. Izuku dodged. His fist flew through the air and scraped along the big man's cheek. Unfortunately, his opponent had been able to turn away so that the smaller man hadn't hit him properly.

Instead, he received a powerful fist to the abdomen, causing Izuku to retch and gasp. The next punch hit him in the temple and made him see stars.

"Cute how you keep trying," the alpha purred before grabbing the omega's shoulder and flipping him over onto his stomach.

With a grip on the back of his neck, Izuku's face was pressed into the pillow. He could barely breathe, but he still screamed - even if the fabric stifled his cries; even if no one could hear him, let alone come to his aid.

"Let's get down to business," the deep voice rumbled in his ear, "after all, I've paid for this and time is running out. I want to savor every minute of it."

The alpha licked over his back up to his shoulder. Izuku shuddered at the touch, which simply disgusted him. He knew what was about to happen, had experienced it more times than he could count by now, and yet he still hadn't gotten used to it. Panic and his instinct to flee dominated him. But he had nowhere to go and was unable to free himself.

"That you half-pint were able to overpower me once. Ridiculous! You omegas are only good for one thing."

Izuku cried hard, needing to calm down if he didn't want to choke. He could barely breathe and he felt dizzy. It would probably even be best if he lost consciousness, at least then he wouldn't notice anything.

Without his quirk, he was helpless - simply useless.

"Too bad you're wearing that collar. You smell so delicious. It's downright mouth-watering." With these words, he bit into the omega's shoulder. The sharp teeth tore the skin beneath them effortlessly. The black-haired man grunted with satisfaction and positioned himself between his legs.

Izuku kicked and screamed all the louder into the pillow.

"Deku, wake up!!!"

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

"Deku, wake up!!!"

His body trembled more and more.

"You're having a nightmare. You're safe. I won't hurt you."

Izuku snapped his eyes open. Everything around him was dim. His breathing was intermittent. Wherever he was, it wasn't the room in the club.

As soon as he felt hands on his shoulders, a new wave of panic swept over him. He grabbed his adversary's arms and tried to push him away. Green lightning flashed around his body and he gripped tightly.

"Izu, calm down. It's all right. No one can hurt you here. Do you hear me?"

"K-Kacchan?"

"Yes, try to relax."

In the dim glow of the bedside lamp, the omega finally realized who was holding him. He pulled back his quirk, closed his eyes, and lowered his arms. His breathing was intermittent, almost panting.

"Whatever you just saw didn't happen," the alpha tried to reassure him.

"Y-yet it did," Izuku hiccupped. Tears streamed down his face.

"No, it was just a dream. This is reality." Kacchan let go of his shoulders and sat on the edge of the bed.

The Omega shook his head and pushed himself up. "N-not just a dream, a-a memory."

Katsuki froze. After taking a noisy breath, he asked, "Can I give you a hug?"

Izuku nodded slowly. He could really use some comfort right now. The blond hero gently embraced him. The omega returned the hug hesitantly. Scraps of the nightmare were still buzzing through his mind.

As soon as he smelled Kacchan's pheromones, he calmed down and buried his face against his neck. "Y-you smell so g-good," Izuku murmured with a sigh.

For a brief moment, the alpha tensed. He pulled the green-haired man a little tighter against him.

They sat like that for a while. "You should try to get some more sleep. It's the middle of the night."

Izuku shook his head. "I'm afraid to close my e-eyes again."

"Nothing will happen to you here. I swear to you."

Kacchan sounded so sincere that a pleasant shiver ran through the omega. "C-can you..."No, he couldn't ask him that.

"Can I what?"

"It's g-good," Izuku evaded.

Katsuki broke away from the grenette and looked deep into his eyes. "Tell me what I can do to help you. I'm sure it's not a bad request."

Izuku felt his cheeks grow hot. Luckily, only the small bedside lamp was on and Kacchan wouldn't notice. "Can you s-sleep with me? I don't want to b-be alone right now."

The alpha didn't move and remained silent.

With every second that he didn't say anything, the omega wanted to sink deeper into the ground. "F-forget about it, it was a s-stupid request."

"No!" Katsuki immediately groaned. "I was just thinking about whether it was appropriate to let you sleep in my bed or not. We can barely fit into this one together without having to lie half on top of each other. My bed is much bigger and you could keep more distance if you wanted to. I just don't want you to get the wrong idea or feel uncomfortable."

"It w-wouldn't make me u-uncomfortable. I like the smell o-of you. It calms me down."

"Then may I carry you next door?" Katsuki asked.

Izuku nodded.

Without hesitation, the alpha lifted him into his arms as if he weighed nothing. The omega put his hands around his neck to hold on. He was only wearing a shirt and boxer shorts. That meant Kacchan was clutching his bare thighs. As soon as he realized the touch, he thought of their conversation from the afternoon and his heart skipped a beat.

Katsuki had said that he loved him...

The words had overwhelmed the omega so much that he had hardly dared to think about them any further. It was so difficult for him to accept them as true. Yet he knew Katsuki well enough to know that he would never lie about such a serious and emotional subject.

So it had to be true...?

Carefully, Kacchan maneuvered them through the doorway, across the hallway, to his own bedroom. Izuku pressed his cheek against the alpha's chest and listened to his heartbeat. It was beating fast. Was he nervous?

The omega should be embarrassed in this situation, but instead he felt safe. It was a nice feeling to be cared for, to be important to another person. He hadn't felt like this since his mother died.

Katsuki paused in front of his bed and gently set Izuku down on the mattress. He slid into the middle and made room for the alpha.

The room was dark and unfamiliar. An unpleasant tingling sensation covered the omega's skin and he peered nervously into the dark corners. "W-would it be okay if w-we turned on a little light?"

"Sure," Katsuki replied immediately and switched on the bedside lamp. "Is that enough?"

"Yes, th-thank you."

"Can I lie down with you?" the alpha asked in return.

"Y-yes."

Very slowly, Katsuki got into bed and turned on his side so he could look at Izuku.

"Okay like that?"

"Yeah... a-although ... no. W-would you take me in your arms again?" The omega lowered his eyes. He was more than just nervous.

Instead of answering, Katsuki slid closer and gently pulled him into his arms. He placed Izuku's head on his upper arm and put his other arm around his waist. The omega quickly relaxed and snuggled a little closer to the blond hero.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" Katsuki asked after a while.

Without him doing anything, Izuku emitted stress pheromones. "I don't want to r-remember. Besides, I'm afraid of it."

"What are you afraid of? Nothing can happen to you here. You're safe." Kacchan countered with reassuring pheromones. A gesture the omega appreciated.

Izuku shook his head. "T-that's not it."

"Then what?"

The omega took a shaky breath. "I'm afraid that you won't want me here anymore if I tell you... that you are disgusted." He only whispered the last part of the sentence.

Kacchan swallowed noisily. "I know what those bastards did to you. I'm so angry about it that it makes me speechless and sick to my stomach."

Izuku flinched at these words. The alpha stroked his back soothingly.

"If I ever come face to face with one of those assholes, he'll instantly get a blast to the face. The only thing that disgusts me is how someone can be able to assault an omega against their will. The act itself is a disgusting crime, the same goes for the rapist, but never for the victim. That's why I don't think any less of you, and it doesn't change the way I feel about you."

The blond hero's arms closed a little tighter around his slender shoulders. Izuku allowed the closeness. His cheek rested against Kacchan's chest. The steady heartbeat calmed him.

Gradually, the sour smell of his stress pheromones faded and gave way to a pleasant mixture of caramel and vanilla.

"If you ever want to talk about it, I'll listen to you. I can't promise you that I'll be able to stay completely calm, because the very idea makes me sick, but what I feel is not directed at you - never at you. Do you understand that?"

Izuku nodded hesitantly.

Katsuki pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. A feeling of safety and security filled him. The alpha had done this sometimes before and now Izuku realized why. If Kacchan really loved him, then it was only natural that the alpha would want to be close to him and protect him.

Izuku would love to throw himself into this feeling, but something was holding him back. He had kept his love for his childhood friend hidden in his heart for half his life and even longer. Ever since Kacchan's confession, the need to return the words grew stronger, but his head stopped him.

Izuku had crashed and shattered on the ground. Broken beyond repair. Could he really bring himself to drag Katsuki, who shone so brightly, down with him for selfish reasons? No, he couldn't do that to him. The media would tear him apart for it as soon as the full extent of the hero Deku's disappearance became known.

"You're mumbling, nerd."

The Omega flinched, caught off guard. Had he said that out loud? Had Kacchan heard him? "I'm sorry, I didn't m-mean to keep you from sleeping."

"You didn't." Katsuki stroked his forehead with his thumb up to the bridge of his nose. "You're overthinking everything again, am I right? It gives you wrinkles."

"A few wrinkles won't make me a-any uglier now."

Kacchan pinched the tip of his nose. "Stop talking shit like that!" A dark growl rose in his throat, showing that he was completely serious.

Izuku snorted in reply.

The alpha gripped his chin, forcing him to look into his eyes. "Didn't I just call you beautiful earlier?"

"And I'm s-still not sure if I didn't just mishear y-you," he countered defiantly.

"Would I want to kiss someone who isn't beautiful in my eyes?"

Izuku's eyes widened. "You w-want to k-kiss me?"

"Yes."

Before the omega could think the situation through any further, he said, "T-Then do it."

Katsuki didn't need to be told twice. He leaned forward deliberately, bridging the distance between them, only to pause just before he reached his destination. As if he wanted to leave the way open for Izuku to retreat.

At that moment, however, the green-haired man was tired of his far too full head constantly taking over. He wanted this kiss too, had been longing for it for years. With newly awakened self-confidence, Izuku pushed himself towards Kacchan and pressed his lips to the alpha's mouth.They both sighed contentedly into the kiss. The feeling was indescribable. Kacchan's lips were warm and so soft. Izuku pressed deeper into the kiss until their lips found a rhythm together. It remained an innocent meeting of their lips without using their tongues.

After a few minutes, the omega pulled away, breathing heavily. It had felt incredibly good. Even better than he had ever thought possible.

"I-I didn't think I'd have a first t-time left to g-give to another," Izuku murmured.

Katsuki widened his eyes. "Are you saying that was your first kiss? But-" He interrupted himself.

The omega snorted dryly. "K-kissing was something no one wanted to d-do to me d-during the l-last two years, fortunately."

They had done other things with his mouth, but he'd better keep that to himself.

From Kacchan's low growl, the alpha understood. "What happened before that? Did you never have a partner?"

He shook his head in reply. "The desire to h-hide my secondary gender was bigger th-than the desire for i-intimacy. I didn't want to r-risk the public getting wind of it just because m-my partner craves five m-minutes of fame to b-boast about getting me i-in bed."

The alpha thought about these words. Seconds later, he sucked in a sharp breath. "But that means when Overhaul kidnapped you, you..."

"... w-were an u-unkissed virgin with no e-experience," Izuku finished the sentence, unable to avoid a bit of self-mockery. He felt like a joke as soon as he said it out loud.

Kacchan's look was unreadable. He looked troubled, even sad, but underneath the façade, anger bubbled up again. He stroked Izuku's cheek tenderly with his thumb.

"Please let me show you how it can be. We'll take it one step at a time and stay at your pace. I won't do anything that you haven't given me your consent for beforehand. Your body, your decision. Let me love you. You don't have to reciprocate until you're ready. Allow me to worship you and your body as a beautiful Omega should."

Izuku was almost convinced he was still dreaming, but even in his wildest dreams, Kacchan had never used such sweet words.

"O-Okay..."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

For the first time in years, Katsuki felt relaxed, completely at peace with himself. Was it because of the man in his arms? Definitely!

The alpha had woken up a few minutes ago. Instead of swinging his legs out of bed as usual and starting the day, he stayed in bed and snuggled a little closer to Izuku.

The omega then pressed his face against Katsuki's chest and sighed contentedly, a slight smile on his lips. This time, sleep seemed to relax him instead of haunting him.

Katsuki played with Izuku's green curls. They were almost as shiny as they used to be. He could have spent the whole day here in bed ...

Unfortunately, duty was calling him and getting louder by the minute. As if on cue, the alarm on his cell phone went off. He hurriedly grabbed it and activated the snooze button once more.

Izuku stirred and yawned softly with his eyes closed. How could a person be so damn cute alone! That should be forbidden ...

Katsuki was glad that he had woken up without a morning wood despite the seductive company in his bed. The last thing he wanted was to scare Izuku or remind him of bad things.

Blinking, the omega opened his eyes. As soon as he became aware of his sleeping position, he stiffened and looked at Katsuki, startled. Was he uncomfortable or was he just embarrassed? The blond hero really wasn't sure at that moment ...

Before it could degenerate into an awkward silence, he leaned forward and planted a kiss on Izuku's forehead. "Good morning, babe. How did you sleep the rest of the night?"

A blush adorned the omega's cheeks and he exuded the delicious scent of vanilla. "G-good, no m-more dreams." He cleared his throat. "How h-have you slept? H-have I disturbed you v-very much?"

Katsuki pulled up one corner of his mouth. "I slept better than I have in years. If you don't mind, or if you want to, I'll let you sleep in the same bed with me every night until we're both old and wrinkly."

The green-haired man snorted. "W-weirdo."

"My ass!"

Izuku playfully nudged him in the ribs. "Don't promise me something you can't keep."

"Who says I can't keep it? Now that I have you back, I won't leave your side unless you ask me to. So, can I keep my cute cuddly toy or would you rather sleep alone again?"

The shade of red on the omega's face became even more intense. "I-I'm not a c-cuddly toy!"

Katsuki grinned mischievously. "Small, cute and fluffy. Sounds like a cuddly toy to me. And I'd like to keep it, please."

"I'll go into cardiac arrest if you go on like this..." Izuku mumbled, "and where am I f-fluffy?"

The alpha ran a hand through his green curls. "Well, here." When Izuku didn't reply, Katsuki asked, "So, what do you say? Are we going to sleep in the same bed from now on or is that too much for you?"

"I'd like it if that's what y-you really want."

"Do you still doubt it? I don't even let the extras visit as often as they'd like, do you think I'd invite someone into my bed that I wouldn't want there for sure?"

"W-When you put it like that..."

Katsuki reached for the scarred hand and pressed a kiss to the rough knuckles. "Don't worry so much, okay? I'm being honest with you and finally owning up to my feelings. I'm sorry it's taken so long, but from now on I promise to do better. Can you believe me?"

The omega nodded. "I-I'll try, even if it might b-be a little difficult for a while."

A smile tugged at the corners of Katsuki's mouth. "That's all I'm asking."

Izuku frowned, straightening up and reaching for the alpha's wrist. "W-when did that happen?"

Katsuki's gaze also fell on his forearm, in the center of which dark purple spots could be seen on the tanned skin. He sat up as well. "I don't know."

"H-here too!" Izuku exclaimed.

His left forearm showed similar spots. Carefully, Izuku placed his fingers over the bruises without applying pressure. They covered the injuries perfectly. The omega's lower lip quivered. "T-That was me."

"Must have happened last night," Katsuki agreed. "When I tried to wake you up, you used your quirk to defend yourself."

Izuku sobbed. "P-please forgive me."

Katsuki hugged the smaller man tightly. "Hey, calm down. It's all good. It doesn't hurt at all, otherwise I would have noticed by now."

"R-really?"

"Yes."

After a while, Izuku calmed down.

"As much as I'd like to cuddle with you longer, I'm afraid I have to go," Katsuki began. "It's still early. Do you want to stay in bed a little longer? I'll put some breakfast in the fridge."

Izuku nodded, "Th-thank you."

The omega took a deep breath, leaned forward and pressed his lips to Katsuki's cheek. The kiss lasted only a split second. The touch was soft, yet the alpha felt hot and his heart skipped a beat. "T-take care of yourself." Izuku lowered his gaze. He was red up to his ears.

The blond hero responded with a quick kiss on the lips. "I will. I'll come back home in the afternoon. You can do whatever you feel like, just take it slow. We have time."

The green-haired man nodded in reply.

How Katsuki would have loved to stay and spend the whole day in bed, but unfortunately duty called and made him get up a little late.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Today's patrol was relatively quiet. Apart from a couple of petty criminals trying to rob a supermarket and a purse snatcher, the blond hero hadn't encountered anything else of note.

A few reporters and curious fans had tried to engage him in conversation, but Katsuki had brushed them off by pointing out that he was at work. Perhaps it was time to have a press release written about Deku's return after all. But that would be his own agency's job, not Katsuki's. He would bring it up without pushing Izuku. In the end, it had to be the green-haired hero's decision.

Now he sat at his desk and wrote the reports on his missions. As soon as he had finished them, he could take his leave and return home to Izuku.

He missed the omega, even though it had only been a few hours. He would prefer not to work at all at the moment, but unfortunately that wasn't possible. Over the last few weeks, he had hardly done any patrols, leaving his territory to his partners and the extras in his agency instead.

He couldn't expect his friends to do any more double shifts. None of them had complained yet, but Katsuki didn't want to let it get to the point where they had a reason to.

The office phone rang. The alpha groaned in annoyance. He didn't want to have to make another annoying phone call now, he wanted to go home. As soon as he saw who was calling him, his bad mood vanished and he picked up. "What's going on, Himari?"

"Hello, Dynamight. You asked me to keep an eye on the news about Deku ..."

The agency's PR consultant didn't speak any further.

"Yeah...?"

"There's a video recording from today that's currently trending on X."

"What's on it? Himari, just spit it out. I'd only rip your head off if you were responsible for that shit yourself. I'm not killing the messenger, that's what I'm paying you for after all."

"Okay, I sent you the link. It seems someone flew a drone with a video camera over your property when Deku was in the garden."

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" The Alpha growled dangerously. "Do these fuckers have no shame at all? We may be heroes, but we're not monkeys in a circus!"

Himari exhaled noisily. "Look at it first, then we can discuss what steps we can and want to take against it."

"Wait a minute." Katsuki clicked into his agency's mailbox and opened Himari's mail.

The link it contained led him directly to a post from a popular online gossip magazine. It said that the video had been recorded a few minutes ago. Katsuki clicked play and waited.

First, he saw his property from above. The drone flew past the front garden and the house. There was still no sign of Izuku. A thump sounded, followed by a rumble. The drone approached the back of the garden, where the desert training area was located.

Now a figure could be seen surrounded by green lightning. Izuku struck one of the boulders, which was then split in two. After the blow, he sank to his knees and held his arm.

The image of the drone zoomed in. Izuku's face was contorted in pain. The green flashes disappeared. Instead, Black Whip erupted from the petite body. The black whips shot off in all directions. It didn't look like they were following a pattern. There were more and more of them, reaching further and further until there was hardly anything left of Deku to be seen.

It was reminiscent of the situation when the quirk had first appeared in high school during a training fight.

Then a scream rang out that made Katsuki's blood run cold. It sounded as if Izuku's soul was being ripped out of his body, it was filled with such suffering. Black Whip became wilder and wilder and struck the surrounding area. Suddenly the image broke off. It had probably hit the drone too.

Katsuki blinked, the phone receiver still in his hand. "I have to go home," he breathed.

Himari cleared her throat. "It's probably for the best. Besides, what are you going to do about it?"

The alpha swallowed hard and forced himself to pause for a moment. "Talk to the legal department. I want you to kick the asses of the people responsible. Cease and desist, press charges, I want everything possible, and make it public. I can do without fucking freeloaders!"

"I'll call Tanaka right away," Himari replied.

"All right, give me a list of everything you've set in motion. I'm only available for emergencies today. If it's really urgent, call me on my cell phone. We'll discuss everything else tomorrow."

"Okay, Dynamight. Drive carefully. It won't do anyone any good if you have a car accident now because you ran a red light. I don't want to have to write a press release like that, do you understand?"

"Yeah, yeah." With these words, Katsuki hung up, shut down the laptop and hurried out of the office.

His cell phone rang. The alpha cursed and fished the device out of his pocket. It was the head of security for his compound. "Sir, there's an incident here."

"I know, I'm on my way."

"We're expecting you."

With that said, Katsuki hung up and hurried across the hall. At Eijiro's, he quickly stuck his head through the doorframe. "I'm out for the day!" Then he ran on to the elevator.

While he waited for the cabin to finally reach his floor, his best friend's voice rang out behind him. "What's up, bro?" The red-haired hero looked out of his office, confused.

The elevator came and opened with a ping. Katsuki rushed in and pressed the button for the underground parking garage. "No time, check out the fucking X trends." The doors closed and the alpha nervously shifted from one foot to the other. Hopefully nothing had happened to Izuku.

~~~~~

Twenty minutes later, Katsuki sped up his driveway. The security guard recognized the sports car and opened the gate. Instead of parking the car properly, the alpha simply stopped in front of the house and jumped out of the car.

A member of security was already waiting for him. Katsuki had forgotten his name ... He didn't bother with a greeting. "Where is he?"

"Still in the back garden."

The alpha ran off. The other man followed him.

"What's the situation?"

"When we tried to approach Deku, Hiro was injured in the arm by one of the whips," the beta replied.

"Fuck! How bad? Does he need an ambulance?" Katsuki looked briefly over his shoulder as he ran.

The other shook his head. "It seems to be superficial."

"He should go to the doctor anyway. I'll cover the costs and everything else, of course."

They had circled the villa and were approaching the rear boundary of the property. Two other members of security were standing at a safe distance. Katsuki's gaze searched for Izuku.Black Whip had disappeared and his carrier was crouched motionless on the ground. Had the green-haired hero lost consciousness?

"It's lucky you're here," the beta next to him exclaimed. Katsuki really didn't know the troops on shift well enough yet. He should change that when he got the chance.

"Has he moved in the last minutes?" Katsuki asked, taking a step in Izuku's direction.

"A few minutes ago, the whips disappeared. After Hiro took a hit, we didn't dare approach."

The alpha nodded. He couldn't blame his security. They were all very well trained with strong quirks, but none of them could compete with a pro hero from the top 3.

Slowly, Katsuki walked up to the omega. "Izu, may I join you?"

He got no answer. Nevertheless, he walked on. The lawn was criss-crossed by deep furrows. Earth was churned up everywhere, even in the area that wasn't actually meant for training. His gardener would definitely have a lot to do.

He had reached Izuku. "I'm here now, everything's okay. You're safe."

The omega was kneeling on all fours, breathing heavily. His green curls hung disheveled in his face.

Katsuki knelt down and tried to look into the green eyes. They were open, but didn't seem to be aware of their surroundings. "Hey, babe, can I touch you?"

Rattling, Izuku took a breath. "K-Kacchan?"

"Yes, I'm here now. You can let go. I'll catch you."

The omega turned his head in his direction. The beautiful emerald eyes were full of sadness and swimming in tears. Without warning, he threw himself into Katsuki's arms and sobbed heartbreakingly.

To comfort him, the alpha cooed sweet nothings into Izuku's ear until he calmed down a bit. With the omega in his arms, Katsuki stood up. Reflexively, Izuku wrapped his legs around his waist and clung to him.

As soon as he reached security, he said, "The next time a drone flies by here, you shoot the damn thing down! I don't care who it belongs to or what the consequences might be. This is fucking private property and nobody has any business being here."

"Understood," the man replied, "we'll pass it on to the others."

"Good." Katsuki walked past them to the back of the villa. The patio door was only ajar. He wanted to discuss everything else without an audience.

"D-Drone?"

The alpha growled. "I'll tell you in a moment. First, I'll put you in the bathtub and make you some hot chocolate."

Izuku buried his face even deeper into Katsuki's scent glands. "Th-that sounds n-nice."

He entered the house and crossed the open living area. His private bathroom with the extra-large whirlpool tub was upstairs next to his bedroom.

As soon as he reached it, he set Izuku down on the toilet lid and fiddled with the tub's faucets. Katsuki checked the temperature and added a generous amount of bubble bath.

When everything was to his satisfaction, he stood up and turned to the omega. "Take all the time you need." Katsuki pressed a quick kiss to his forehead. "I'll be downstairs in the living room or the kitchen making you something to eat. You can come down when you're ready, okay?"

"Th-thank you, Kacchan." Izuku avoided his gaze.

With a suppressed sigh, the alpha closed the door behind him and went downstairs after grabbing a change of clothes from his bedroom. There he went into the smaller bathroom, got rid of his hero costume and stood under the shower.

He then prepared the promised chocolate, a light lunch and a fruit salad.

Everything was ready and for the moment he had nothing more to do except wait for Izuku. Katsuki pulled his smartphone out of his pocket and scrolled through the notifications. He had messages from Eijiro, Mina, Sero and Denki, all assuring him that it was okay if he took care of Deku first.

What had he actually done to deserve these four idiots...? He had to prove to them once again that he valued them, even if it looked rather different on the outside.

Not really surprisingly, there were hundreds of X tags. Katsuki peered towards the stairs. There was still no sign of Izuku. He opened the app and skimmed through the notifications. Most were curious and sensationalist, many others were concerned and sympathetic, others spiteful, though they tried to disguise themselves in a cloak of concern.

The more he read, the more these fucking extras annoyed him. Himari ran all his social media channels, but of course the alpha had the access data and could post something himself whenever he felt like it - which of course was never.

Now he typed his way to the tabloid's original post. The video had 6-digit views and thousands of retweets. Just wonderful ...

Katsuki typed a reply. He was pissed and needed an outlet, even if it would probably give Himari a few gray hairs.

Dynamight_Official: Whichever bastard came up with the idea of invading my and Deku's privacy is in for a surprise. If something like this happens again, I won't guarantee anything.

Footsteps could be heard on the stairs and the blonde hero pushed his smartphone back into his pocket after switching off all notifications.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

The footsteps on the stairs got louder. They sounded a little clumsy. Deku was barefoot and wearing a loose shirt - wait a minute! Was that his??? - and loose jogging pants. He stopped at the foot of the stairs, undecided.

"Are you feeling a little better?"

Izuku nodded.

"Are you hungry or would you rather eat later?" Katsuki asked.

"F-First just the h-hot chocolate, please. I-if that's okay." The omega obviously avoided his gaze.

Katsuki reached for the cup and slowly approached him. "Here." He pressed the drink into the greenette's hand and walked past him. "Shall we sit on the sofa for a bit?"

"O-Okay."

Deku sat down on the three-seater as far away from him as possible. The alpha would have preferred to hold him in his arms, but he didn't want to impose on him and give him the space he needed.

"You don't have to tell me anything if you're not comfortable with it. Of course I'd like to know what's going on inside you so that I can better support you, but I don't need to know. Just, if you feel the need to confide in someone, I'll listen to you."

Izuku turned the cup in his hands and sipped it carefully. Some cream stuck to his upper lip. He sighed contentedly. "T-this tastes really g-good."

Katsuki smirked. "I'll make you as much of it as you want." The omega licked his upper lip and placed the cup on the couch table. "Maybe l-later."

"Whenever you want."

"W-what did you mean earlier, w-when you said that d-drones should be s-shot down from now on?"

The Alpha grumbled indignantly as soon as he recalled what had driven him out of the agency so quickly earlier. "There's a video recording with a drone of you in the garden."

Izuku visibly paled and shivered. "W-what's on it t-to see?"

"They see you training, then you break down and lose control of Black Whip. Shortly afterwards, the recording stops. You probably crashed the thing unknowingly."

The omega took a gasping breath. Katsuki kept a close eye on him in case he had another panic attack.

"W-who watched all that?"

"Probably half of X by now," he replied, snorting.

Izuku pressed his hand to his stomach. "What a-am I doing now?"

Although he didn't seem to expect an answer, the alpha still wanted to reassure him a little. "My PR consultant and legal department are on it. It may be footage of you, but it was taken on my property. If you want, I can tell them to consult with your agency as well."

Izuku looked at him with wide eyes. "Y-you really are a-amazing, Kacchan."

A sassy retort almost escaped his lips, but Katsuki bit his tongue at the last moment. The green-haired man seemed far too distressed for a jibe to be appropriate right now. "Not that I want to contradict you, but what exactly do you mean by that?"

"You arrange e-everything for me, take care of me and do so much more. You make it look s-so easy. I-I, on the other hand, get n-nothing done." Izuku radiated a bitterness that he didn't recognize in him.

Katsuki chose his next words carefully. "Is it too much for you? Do you feel pressured by me?"

The omega sighed sadly and shook his head. "I'm grateful th-that you're here. You g-give me security and even s-something like hope."

A warm feeling exploded in Katsuki's chest. His omega recognized his efforts. "What do you say we get a training plan drawn up if you want to work on it again? A professional will know better what you can and can't handle in your current physical condition. I could also try contacting All Might. He's been chilling at the Bahamas for a few months now, enjoying his retirement, but I'm sure he'd drop everything for you."

"I-I didn't want to t-train at all ... and I would rather n-not dare meeting A-All Might right now."

The alpha tilted his head. "Then what were you doing?"

"I h-had something I wanted to try."

"Tell me what?"

Izuku bit his lower lip. "My p-problems with the reinforcement o-of One for All are g-growing. I wanted to s-see how I feel when I u-use it in a controlled manner and without p-pressure."

A hint of the omega's former nature shone through these words. Apparently, the nerd still had to analyze everything. Katsuki pulled up the corner of his mouth. "What conclusion did you come to?"

Tears shimmered in Izuku's eyes. "T-That the doctors from high school were right. W-what they warned me about occured - a while ago."

Katsuki swallowed hard. "What exactly do you mean?"

"I-I can barely feel my arms anymore. They t-tingle or hurt even when I don't use my quirk." The green-haired man's lower lip quivered. He was visibly fighting back tears.

"Fuck ... That's why you switched to your legs back then, isn't it?" Katsuki could still remember how dejected Deku had been when he came out of the hospital after overdoing it again and breaking all his bones.

"Y-yes, I am. It's just that I rarely h-had a choice during my captivity."

The alpha frowned. "You wore those fucking bracelets. You couldn't use One for All with those, I thought."

Izuku lowered his eyes. "There were moments when they were taken from me."

This information surprised Katsuki and he pulled up. "Why did they risk that? Shouldn't those assholes have assumed you were trying to escape?"

"T-That's what the choker prevented m-me from doing. At one point I was so d-desperate that I didn't care. I couldn't endure i-it anymore and wanted to e-end it." The omega still wasn't looking at him.

The blond hero swallowed hard. "What did you do?"

Green eyes met red ones and the alpha shuddered. Instead of the gentle and curious expression, there was a somberness in them that he had never seen before.

"I-I used O-One for All a-and ripped off my choker. It e-exploded a-as threatened. For a brief m-moment, everything was black. T-Then I came to, laying on the floor and they put a new choker on me. Overhaul reacted r-right on time and put me b-back together again. The f-feeling was so awful ... I had to th-throw up for the rest of the day."

Katsuki's insides went ice-cold. He couldn't believe that he had almost lost the love of his life. The lump in his throat almost choked him off. "May I hold your hand, please."

Izuku nodded and held his hand out to him. The alpha moved closer, grabbed it and pressed a kiss to the knuckles. Once he'd calmed down a bit, he said, "Still, I don't quite understand why they'd allow you access to your quirk when Overhaul locked you in one of those disgusting back rooms."

"W-what happened the night you f-freed me? I don't remember anything. The f-first thing I know again is how I c-came to in the hospital."

"The Heroes Commission had planned a raid on the club. Various agencies gathered outside. When it started, I rushed in with the extras. We were the first to reach the underground. I wanted to catch Overhaul at all costs. A fight had just finished in the arena, so nobody noticed me. I catapulted myself over the fighting ring and went for the bastard.

His bodyguard shielded him and the wanker managed to throw me into the ring. There, some emo with a shadow quirk held me off for a few minutes before I was able to put him out of action. In the meantime, the other heroes had reached the underground and portals were opening everywhere. Overhaul escaped through one.

I was too slow again ...

After that, I didn't care. It had been so important to me to finally capture that bastard so that I could ask him about your whereabouts. He'd made a personal appearance for the first time in months and I'd blown it again.

Kiri pulled me up from the floor and made me explore the corridors with him. There we came across the back rooms with the captured omegas. We secured room after room for the medics until we finally got to yours. I was so relieved you were still alive, even though your condition almost sent me into a blood frenzy. You were injured and had lost consciousness. You didn't wake up, no matter what was happening around you. I lifted you into my arms, had you examined, took off your bracelets and choker and then walked with you to the nearest ambulance. You know the rest of the story."

"I u-understand." Izuku ran a hand through his green curls. "The fighter i-in the ring was Darkness. H-His quirk is p-pretty interesting. W-When I had to f-fight him, he didn't make it easy for me either."

The alpha raised his eyebrows in astonishment. "You fought in this ring?"

The omega's Adam's apple twitched. "Y-yes, Overhaul quickly d-did figure out how much m-money he could make off m-me and how s-so much the villain community d-desired to humiliate me."

"What did they do?" Katsuki just had to ask, even though he dreaded the answer.

"Overhaul s-sold my body. Either for the o-obvious, which is what you do with an o-omega, or sometimes so a villain could t-take revenge on me. T-That's why he had his own torture room." Izuku's breath was panting. He visibly tried to calm down.

Katsuki was about to explode. Still, he forced himself to calm down and enveloped the omega in soothing pheromones. His lover had finally opened up to him, he didn't want it to end in another panic attack.

"What about the arena?"

"He let me fight like a dog in the ring and bet on it."

"Fuck!" Katsuki groaned unintentionally.

"That wasn't even the worst..."

The alpha growled softly. "What else?"

Tears leaked from the corners of Izuku's eyes. "They h-had my hero costume. I-it wasn't the r-real one, just a copy of the design that cosplayers wear. I had to wear it all the time. In the ring o-or ... or when they ..." The omega sobbed heavily. "They took everything w-what I had built up ... everything that Deku once stood for and destroyed it - dragged it into the dirt. They used it to mock me. I can't hear the name anymore, I can't stand the sight of the costume without feeling dirty. Both gross me out."

Katsuki couldn't take it anymore. He pulled Izuku into his arms and pressed the quivering body tightly against his chest. Izuku had worked so hard to be a worthy successor to All Might, to become the new symbol of peace... Even the alpha could hardly bear the pain of losing this dream. Katsuki could hardly imagine how much it must have tormented the green-haired hero.

He ran his hand soothingly over the omega's tender back. "I am and will stay with you, babe. Together we'll fix this, we'll fix you. I'm quite sure of that."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Izuku sat on the sofa and waited for Kacchan. The blond hero had already come home at noon. He wasn't in the mood for any more paperwork or annoying press assholes - Kacchan's words not his - so he'd called it a day.

Instead, he was in the mood for a cozy afternoon in front of the TV. Izuku didn't have to be asked twice. He sat eagerly on the sofa and watched Kacchan put a whole bunch of unhealthy snacks on the table. A bowl of caramel popcorn and a bottle of passion fruit juice, chocolate and crackers landed in front of Izuku's nose. Kacchan had brought extra hot tortilla chips and coke for himself.

Three days had passed since the incident in the garden and their conversation on the sofa. In the meantime, Izuku had had another session with his therapist. He had also allowed Ochako to visit him. The conversation between the two was unusually awkward. The omega hadn't really known what he could talk about with his best friend. Nevertheless, they had agreed to meet regularly from now on. Hopefully this would bring things back to the way they used to be.

Kacchan had made an appointment with a team of experts at the hospital for the following week. Izuku had a bad feeling about it. Yes, he wanted them to help him and, at best, do something about the chronic numbness in his arms or the recurring pain, but he was afraid.

The examinations would let even more people in on his secrets. So it was only a matter of time before the public found out. The omega had avoided the social media hype following the drone video. He usually wanted to be informed about everything, but it had become too much for him. It just hurt.

With a relieved sigh, the alpha dropped onto the sofa next to Izuku, fished for the remote control and switched on the TV. He searched through the media library of a documentary channel. He stretched out his free hand, put it around Izuku's shoulders and pulled him close.

As soon as the omega had overcome his surprise, he relaxed and let it happen. With a shy smile, he let himself be pressed against Kacchan's chest, as if it was perfectly normal for the two of them to watch TV together in this position.

Kacchan stopped the cursor on an older documentary about All Might. "What do you think of this? Shall we watch it?"

Izuku nodded enthusiastically. There was hardly a documentary about their mutual favorite hero that he hadn't seen - including this one - but that didn't bother him at all. He still couldn't get enough of All Might.

Kacchan started the documentary, put the remote control aside and put the bowl of popcorn in Izuku's hand. The omega listened happily to the off-screen voice while munching on popcorn.

About halfway through the documentary, Izuku noticed Kacchan playing with the curls on the back of his neck. That felt so good ... The omega closed his eyes in pleasure and let himself be completely absorbed by the sensation. Every touch sent little jolts of electricity through his body.

Izuku purred softly.

The fingers on the back of his neck paused for a moment before resuming the caresses.

Crap!

Kacchan had heard that, otherwise he wouldn't have been out of time. How embarrassing could he actually be? He wasn't a cat in heat ... Izuku buried his face deeper into the blond hero's hoodie.

Kacchan's chest vibrated slightly as a low growl rose up his throat. The omega swallowed. He liked that sound. Izuku risked a glance and looked into the alpha's face.

Immediately, his gaze was captured by shining rubies. Kacchan did not take his eyes off him and followed the omega's every move, no matter how small.

Izuku's gaze involuntarily fell on the slightly parted lips of his counterpart. Kacchan had made no attempt to kiss him for two days. Was he not that serious about him after all? Hopefully not ...

Izuku was getting hot and his stomach was doing somersaults. He wanted to kiss Kacchan so badly, but he didn't dare to make the first move.

"What are you thinking about?"

The faint rumble in his voice made Izuku shiver. He couldn't possibly answer that. He was getting hotter and hotter and his stomach was going crazy with thousands of butterflies.

An unpleasant pain ran through Izuku's abdomen and he gasped for air. Butterflies, my ass!

Damn it, why now?

Kacchan frowned. "Are you okay?"

Even though it probably didn't help, Izuku didn't want him to know what just happened to him.

"Y-yes," he groaned breathlessly and pushed himself up with a jerk. "T-toilet." He was incapable of further explanation as the next cramp moved through his middle.

He left the sitting area and hurried towards the stairs. Izuku had to find a quiet place. Kacchan shouldn't see him when his nature and those unwanted urges were controlling him. Shouldn't see what he could turn into during his heat.

Halfway up the stairs, Izuku slumped down with a groan. It hurt so badly already. When the cramp subsided, he pushed himself up again. He made it to Kacchan's room and stumbled in out of habit.

Izuku wanted to fall into the soft bed and bury his face deep into Kacchan's pillow. But he wasn't safe here. The alpha would find him. The greenette's gaze wandered around the room and lingered on the laundry basket. At the top was the shirt Kacchan had worn yesterday. He grabbed the piece of cloth as if it were a trophy and staggered out of the room and down the corridor.

Once in his own room, Izuku closed the door behind him. Another spasm made him stagger. He stumbled forward and fell onto the bed. With the last bit of his strength, he pushed himself onto the soft mattress and curled up.

It hurt so much ...

Following his instinct, he pressed Kacchan's shirt to his face. The alpha's scent helped him a little and the cramp subsided. Instead, Izuku felt his body producing more and more slick, which was already leaking out of his entrance. He groaned - half in pain and half in pleasure.

"Izuku?"

Startled, he flinched. The voice was not far away.

"Are you here somewhere? Are you really all right?"

A gasp escaped his throat and a violent cramp coursed through his abdomen.

Alpha!

Without him doing anything, Izuku emitted a wave of pheromones. He was about to lose control, and it scared him.

A gentle knock came from the door. "Are you in here?"

"D-don't come in!" Izuku shouted in a panic.

"What's going on? Do you need help?"

No!

"Yes~!"

Damn  it !

Izuku hated his body in this state.

Slowly, the door knob was pushed down and Kacchan stood in the doorway. "What-?" That was as far as he got.

The omega emitted more pheromones, making the alpha stagger. "Your heat..." he started and didn't speak any further. A growl escaped his throat. The red eyes shone with unquenched desire.

Izuku's gaze fell on the growing bulge in the alpha's pants. His eyes grew wide with panic. He tried to push himself further onto the bed and increase the distance between them. Tears streamed down Izuku's face. "P-please go~!"

The words actually seemed to get through to Kacchan. He shook his head and took a deep breath. Then he raised his hands placatingly. "It's all good, babe. I'm not doing anything you don't want me to do. How can I help you?"

Izuku was afraid of what was about to happen. He didn't want to ruin the progress they were both making. What if Kacchan was disgusted with him?

The alpha was still standing in the doorway, waiting. Izuku didn't know what he could say to the question without taking it too far. A searing pain ran through his abdomen and he groaned in agony. To soften the attack at least a little, Izuku pressed the shirt to his face and took a deep breath.

Of course Kacchan noticed.

"Does my scent help you?"

Pheromones reached Izuku's nose. They were of the calming variety, not imbued with desire.

"Does it help?" Kacchan inquired.

The omega managed a jerky nod.

With slow steps, the alpha came to the bed. Izuku let out a soft whimper. He was torn back and forth.

Carefully, Kacchan reached for the shirt. The omega clutched it even tighter. He didn't want to give up the only relief he had.

"It's all right. You don't need that anymore. You can smell me directly. How about that? Would you like that?"

"Y-yes, please~"

Kacchan gave him a soft smile and lifted him into his arms.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Kacchan carried him out of the guest room and into his own bedroom. Izuku whimpered as the next cramp ripped through his abdomen. He was still afraid of what was about to happen. Could Kacchan really keep control?

Gently, the alpha laid him down on the large bed. Izuku curled up and crossed his hands in front of his stomach.

The mattress beneath him moved as Kacchan first sat down on the edge and then immediately lifted his legs to lie next to Izuku. Katsuki turned towards him. Their faces were so close ...

The omega's gaze fell on his lips.

"Can I kiss you?" Kacchan asked, as if he could read his mind.

Izuku answered the question by pressing his lips to his. The alpha seemed surprised, but only moments later his lips softened and he returned the kiss.

Kacchan slid a hand down Izuku's neck and rubbed gently over his scent glands. He sighed with pleasure and felt the blond hero's tongue on his lower lip. Kacchan licked it gently and wordlessly asked for entrance.

Izuku opened up to him willingly. The alpha's warm tongue slipped into his mouth and teased his own. He tasted amazing, caramel with a hint of chili from the chips he had just eaten. Their tongues danced together, exploring each other. They had a conversation without words.

Another wave of heat ran through Izuku's body and he interrupted the kiss, whimpering. Instead, he clutched Kacchan's hoodie and pressed his forehead against his chest.

The alpha's hands drew soothing circles on his back. Nevertheless, the pulling in the omega's abdomen became more and more painful. "I-I... I can't ... it hurts so m-much ... Aah~!" To create more friction between his legs, Izuku rubbed his thighs together. It didn't help much.

Katsuki pressed a kiss to his forehead. "It's okay, I've got you. Let me help you, okay? I'll make sure the pain stops."

A jolt went through the green-haired man's body and he froze.

He was afraid.

Afraid of his uncontrollable urges.

Afraid of the desire he felt for Katsuki.

Afraid of losing himself.

Afraid of being hurt again ...

But the greatest fear was that they would destroy everything between them as soon as the pheromones wore off.

The alpha ran his fingertips under his chin and pressed lightly against it, forcing Izuku to look at him. "Hey," he said softly, smiling when their eyes met. The omega swallowed hard. For the moment, he forgot everything around him and lost himself in those ruby eyes.

"I won't hurt you, Izuku. Never again, I promise it. We won't do anything you don't want. You can ask me to stop at any time. I'll keep my pants on. I'll just use my hands and my mouth to make you feel good. Is that okay with you?"

Izuku's eyes widened at this promise. He bit his lower lip to keep from moaning out loud. Was Kacchan really going to help him through the heat completely selflessly? Just the thought of feeling the alpha's large hands on his heated body excited Izuku. More slick leaked out of his entrance and wet his clothes.

"May I serve you during your heat, Izuku?"

Those words swept away the last of his doubts. Until now, the omega had never even dreamed that it could happen like this. Katsuki's sincerity, reflected in his eyes, words and previous restraint, finally tipped the scales.

"Y-yes, please~" Izuku gasped. He was barely in control of his senses.

Kacchan's smile widened. He stroked the omega's cheek tenderly. "You can let yourself fall. I'll catch you." With those words, he sealed his lips and kissed him tenderly.

Izuku moaned into the kiss. He wanted more - needed more.

He rubbed his pelvis against Katsuki's thigh, but it still wasn't enough to satisfy his rising lust. The alpha sensed his need and ran his hands along his body. Warm fingertips were already touching Izuku's heated skin.

Katsuki grabbed the hem of the shirt, pulled it over his head and looked at him wordlessly. The omega felt uncomfortable and crossed his arms in front of his upper body. He had some scars before during training or a fight in the past - his right arm was the best proof of that - but there were so many more from the fights and abuse.

He was ugly.

Disfigured.

Tears burned in the corners of his eyes.

The alpha leaned over and kissed his neck. "Do not hide. There's no reason to."

"I-I am r-repulsive."

"No!" Katsuki replied sharply.

Izuku flinched and searched the alpha's gaze. Had he made him angry?

The blond looked deep into his eyes and he got goose bumps as soon as he saw the fire in them. "You're anything but that. Scars are sexy. They show how strong you are, what you've survived. You are beautiful. Don't ever say anything else, because it's not true. You are beautiful, babe, sexy and desirable. I want to taste every inch of your skin. May I?"

Very slowly, the omega pulled his hands from his body and showed himself to Katsuki as he looked today. He was nervous and waited again for the alpha's judgment. The ruby gaze became even more intense, burning hotter than ever before.

"Gorgeous..." Kacchan breathed in a raspy voice. He leaned forward and licked over his collarbone. "You taste so sweet~."

The alpha kissed and licked his way down Izuku's torso to his nipple. He sucked it into his mouth and gently nibbled on it.

The omega moaned loudly. Another wave of pleasure ran through his body. The pheromones in the air became more and more intense. The mingling of their two lustful pheromones almost made Izuku lose his mind.

Ever since his heat had first afflicted him at 15, the omega had wished for Kacchan to spend it with him. He had longed for those big hands on his skin for so long and finally his dream was coming true. Katsuki's hands felt warm, although the omega's skin was burning from the heat. Was it because of his Quirk? Whatever the reason, it was intoxicating.

"P-please~ ...!" Izuku himself didn't know what exactly he was asking for, only that it wasn't enough yet.

Katsuki drove his lips lower and nibbled playfully on his stomach. The feeling he triggered in Izuku was completely unknown to the omega. A tingling sensation coursed through his body. His back arched and he leaned towards Kacchan.

"Alpha~"

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

"Alpha~"

A low rumble could be heard when Izuku addressed him like that. "May I take off your pants, babe?"

The omega nodded jerkily and held his breath. He no longer trusted his words. Carefully, Katsuki slipped his fingertips under the waistband of the sweatpants and slowly slid them down. He left the underpants where they were. Izuku loosened his legs and let the fabric be pulled over them.

Now he was almost completely exposed in front of the alpha. Insecurity was about to take possession of him again. Kacchan gently stroked his thighs. The touch was very light. "You're beautiful."

Even though Izuku could hardly believe the words, it felt good to hear them. Maybe the alpha really thought so. Maybe one day Izuku could believe it again.

Kacchan ran his fingertips along the inside of his thighs. He paused at an old scar. Frowning, the alpha looked at the spot.

Izuku let out a whimper as he thought about how he had been injured back then. He had only been with Overhaul for a few months when the alpha they had left Izuku to during his heat had bitten him there.

His femoral artery had been injured and he had almost bled to death. It had taken months to heal. All the more so because the others had paid no attention to it. Now the skin there was scarred and uneven. It still looked like a piece was missing.

Katsuki growled. Apparently he had realized what kind of injury it was.

Izuku was afraid. His breathing quickened and tears ran down his cheeks.

Immediately, Katsuki's expression changed. "Babe... Hey, it's okay." He leaned over the omega and kissed the tears away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Izuku sniffled and tried to calm down. Kacchan kissed his face and neck. He cooed comfortingly as his thumb traced circles on Izuku's pelvic bone. "I would never do such a thing."

Katsuki's words and touch helped him relax and he became calmer. "Do you trust me, Izuku?"

He swallowed hard before forcing out the following word: "Y-Yes."

"Do you want me to continue or stop?" The alpha's voice was raspy and you could hear in it that Izuku's heat left him anything but cold. Still, he controlled himself and responded to the omega's needs, putting them above his own.

"Please g-go on. I'm p-pulling myself t-together now."

"Babe, I don't want you to pull yourself together and take it silently. You can always tell me if it gets too much or overwhelms you. This is all about you. I want to ease your pain and make you feel good. Nothing else matters to me at the moment - just you. Do you understand that?"

Part of him still couldn't believe that the proud alpha Izuku had known his whole life, the one who wouldn't let anyone tell him anything, was willingly submitting and surrendering to him.He grew even hotter at the thought that he was the only one who got to see Katsuki like this. Izuku's breathing quickened and he became aware of his own nakedness. Instead of fighting it again, he wanted to level the playing field. He reached for the hem of Kacchan's black hoodie and gave it a gentle tug. "Take th-that off and then go on."

The alpha raised his eyebrows in surprise before grinning seductively. "Who am I to deny my omega such a wish?"

Had he really just said my omega?! Izuku was about to hyperventilate.

Katsuki also grabbed the hem and pulled the garment and the muscle shirt underneath over his head in one go. Then he carelessly threw the clothes next to the bed.

A groan escaped Izuku's lips as he looked at the alpha's perfectly defined abs. He could resist no longer and gave in to the rush of hormones. He ran his fingertips over Katsuki's warm skin, savoring the feel of the hard muscles beneath.

The alpha didn't move and let Izuku explore his body. Izuku tore himself away from the mesmerizing sight and looked into Kacchan's face. The ruby-red eyes were filled with lust and focused on his body. His breathing quickened as well.

The heat rolled over Izuku with another wave, sweeping his clear mind away with it. He gasped out. "P-please kiss me~"

Katsuki leaned forward and captured his lips one more time. The omega welcomed him willingly and pressed against him. Their tongues caressed each other. Izuku was so hot. He was sweating profusely by now. The air was heavy with his pheromones and it was only thanks to the alpha's unparalleled self-control that he hadn't pounced on him yet.

A sharp pain shot through Izuku's abdomen, causing him to whimper and break the kiss. "Alpha~, i-it hurts so much~"

"I got you, babe. I'll take care of it. It'll stop in a minute." Katsuki kissed his way down his torso. This time, he took less time doing it. Once between his legs, he reached into the back of Izuku's knee and lifted his leg. He placed kiss after kiss on the sensitive skin of his inner thigh.

The omega was now completely over. He moaned lustfully and had long since stopped worrying about the sounds he was making. He had never felt this good before. And he still wasn't naked. It was so much better than the wet dreams he'd had with the alpha during puberty.

"P-please more~"

Katsuki searched his gaze. "May I undress you completely?"

"Y-Yes..." Izuku's breathing was intermittent. "... The o-only one who can do that ... Only you~" he repeated his lover's words.

The alpha let out a possessive growl. As he did, his upper lip pulled back, exposing his elongated fangs. Still, Izuku was not afraid. He was safe with Kacchan - he knew that by now.

Slowly, he pulled the last piece of cloth from the omega's body.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

It took all of Izuku's self-control not to squeeze his legs together. His whole body trembled as he forced himself to leave them open and present himself so vulnerably to the alpha.

"Is that okay?" Kacchan's rough voice brought the omega out of his panic.

He took a deep breath. "Y-yes, because it's you." His body eventually betrayed him. At the same time, his scent glands emitted a strong cloud of pheromones and more and more slick leaked from his entrance. The whimper Izuku let out was a mixture of shame and unsatisfied desire.

The alpha knelt between his legs and breathed kisses on the inside of his thighs. "Relax, babe. I'll take care of you. The pain will stop in a minute." With those words, Katsuki sank his mouth between his legs and licked over his entrance.

Izuku gasped in surprise. An electric shock had shot through his body as soon as Kacchan's lips had touched him down there.

A lustful growl escaped Katsuki's throat. "You taste delicious."

Shame kept the omega from fully savoring this indescribable sensation. "W-what are you d-doing?" His voice sounded way too high pitched.

"I'm kissing you." He was already moving his lips again and even added his tongue.

"Aah~ But n-not there!" Izuku pressed a hand over his mouth to stifle the moan that was rising. This feeling was so new and exciting. Still, he couldn't let himself get into it. The many thoughts in his head simply wouldn't let him.

Katsuki interrupted his wicked kiss and regarded him with a wry grin. "Why not? It obviously feels good, doesn't it?" While he waited for an answer, he massaged Izuku's bottom.

Izuku averted his eyes. He was too ashamed. "But th-this place is dirty. Especially m-mine."

The alpha pinched his butt lightly and he squeaked, startled. "Look at me." The ruby gaze pierced him, making him forget even his heat for a moment. "Izuku Midoriya, you're not dirty! Cruel things were done to you, which unfortunately did not remain without traces, but everything physical has healed or you have washed it off. It's no longer there, only the memory. So let me finally spoil you. Let yourself go and turn your pretty head off, even if I know how hard that is for you."

Was he serious? Didn't Kacchan find him disgusting for real, even though so many unspeakable things had been done to his body? With a heavy swallow, Izuku nodded. "I-I'll try."

Katsuki gave him a warm smile. "Good boy." Then he licked over his entrance again.

Izuku gasped, not taking his eyes off the alpha. Gods, it was a hot sight ... The blond hero lay stretched out between his legs. The large hands held his butt and lifted his hips to his mouth. The ruby eyes were clouded with lust as his tongue made these sinful movements. Kacchan looked up as if he felt the omega's gaze on him. Their gazes interlocked.

With his lips, he massaged Izuku's muscle and pressed his tongue against it until it crossed the boundary and entered him. "K-Kacchan~!" He let himself fall into this unknown feeling and finally surrendered to his urges.

Heat clenched in Izuku's abdomen, but it wasn't enough to release him yet. He trembled and whimpered, begging for more.

Katsuki gripped the omega's member and moved his hand slowly up and down. Izuku moaned uncontrollably.

Suddenly, the overwhelming sensation disappeared from his entrance and Izuku was about to protest. But the next moment he felt the alpha's hot tongue on his shaft. Katsuki licked once from bottom to top before taking him completely into his mouth.

"Oh gods ... Ah~" Izuku gasped and moaned underneath the alpha, willingly surrendering to his ministrations.

When Kacchan additionally massaged his entrance with his knuckles, the omega was done for.Izuku reached into Katsuki's blond mane and wanted to pull his head back. "Ah~ K-Kacchan~, stop or else I'm going to cu-"

Instead of listening to him, the alpha sped up. The dull rumble from the depths of his throat vibrated against Izuku's member, making him see stars. He tightened his grip on Kacchan's hair. Not to pull him off this time, but to seek support.

The heat in his abdomen burned, tightened and burst in a blaze. The omega reared up and came with a strangled cry into Katsuki's mouth. He sucked and licked him through the waves of his orgasm, willingly taking it all in.

Breathing heavily, he fell back into the pillows and enjoyed the dull feeling that came with the relief. The alpha released him from his mouth and watched him. Izuku searched his gaze and just saw Katsuki's Adam's apple twitch as he swallowed.

Immediately, the shame came back. "W-why did you...?" He couldn't finish the question, he was too embarrassed.

Kacchan grinned. "I wanted to taste you, and I was right, by the way."

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"You taste wonderful, babe."

A blush rose to Izuku's face. He found it hard to believe. Then again, the proud alpha wouldn't have done anything he didn't want to do.

A leaden heaviness crept through his limbs. The heat was incredibly exhausting for an omega. He stifled a yawn and blinked several times.

Kacchan pushed himself up and lay down next to him again. He pulled Izuku into his arms and covered them both. Then he pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "Get some rest. The next wave is sure to come soon and you still need your strength. I'll be there when you wake up and take care of you. Don't worry about it."

Izuku snuggled against the alpha's warm chest and yawned unabashedly. "Th-thank you, Kacchan. That was incredible..." His consciousness was already drifting away, letting himself be enveloped by cozy warmth and a sense of security.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Once Katsuki was sure that his omega was fast asleep, he carefully pulled his arms back and moved away from him. If he wanted to continue being a good partner to Izuku during the heat, he had to take care of something urgently now.

With as few movements as possible, he got out of bed. Before tiptoeing away, he tucked the covers around the greenette. The adjoining bathroom was his destination. Every step he took there was accompanied by a painful tug between his legs.

Fuck! He couldn't hold out much longer ...

As soon as Katsuki arrived in the bathroom, he turned on the water in the shower, got out of his remaining clothes and stood under the still lukewarm stream of water.

He was painfully aroused by what he had just done to Izuku. His erection was rock hard. If he didn't take care of it as soon as possible, there was a risk that he would attack the omega after all. Katsuki didn't want to betray his trust, so he had no choice but to do it himself.

He leaned his forearm against the cool tiles and used it to rest his forehead on. He stroked his aching shaft with his other hand. Images of Izuku flooded his mind. The memory of those lust-shrouded green eyes pleading with him for more was almost too much for the alpha.

His movements became faster, more uncontrolled and he pressed his mouth against his forearm to stifle the loud moan as he came. The orgasm was violent and soaked the tiles.

"Fuck..." He was still hard. Under no circumstances was he allowed to let Izuku's heat send him into rut. Then all his efforts to gain the omega's trust as a potential partner would be gone.

He worked his throbbing cock again. As he did, he imagined Izuku lying beneath him moaning and screaming his name, or sinking his cock into him and thrusting his fangs into the omega's scent glands to mark him as his own.

"Fuck~!" Just thinking about it made him come again.

About twenty minutes later, Katsuki was finally limp and came out of the bathroom. As soon as he entered the bedroom, a bolt of lightning traveled through his body and struck right in his midsection. The alpha growled softly and rushed to the window, literally ripping it open. He had momentarily forgotten all about those cursed pheromones that smelled so divine and wanted to seduce him. They hung heavy in the room and it was almost impossible to breathe at all.

If any of his fantasies were to become reality one fine day, he had to pull himself together now. But even if Izuku never wanted to have sex again, he would accept it as well. There was no way in hell he would force his omega into something he wasn't ready for, even if he hadn't had to go through so much. Katsuki desired more than just that tempting body.

He stuck his head out the window and savored the fresh air that cleared his lust-fogged mind. It was cool outside, which helped him come to his senses. Glancing over his shoulder, he made sure Izuku was under the covers and not freezing.

After a few minutes, he closed the window and went back to the bed. His omega was sleeping peacefully wrapped in soft blankets.

Mine.

A smile crept onto Katsuki's face. Izuku's green curls were spread out on his pillow, his cheeks slightly reddened with freckles. He could get used to this sight.

But before he could lie down with Izuku again, he still had a few things to do. After all, the alpha had promised him he was going to take care of everything - and he would.

He slipped out of the bedroom and went downstairs. In the living room, he switched off the TV, which was still on, and put the snacks away. During the heat, his omega would need something more substantial.

Once in the kitchen, Katsuki searched the fridge. He found a few onigiri which he had made yesterday and some fruit. That was better than popcorn and potato chips. He arranged everything on a plate and ate one of the rice balls himself in between. He also had to remember to eat for the next three days. Then he added some chocolate and fetched bottles of water from the pantry.

Satisfied with himself, he was about to take the meal upstairs when he remembered that he had something else to take care of. He couldn't imagine if one of his friends turned up here because he had disappeared without a trace for three days. If another alpha approached his omega during the heat, Katsuki didn't know if he could guarantee their safety, even if it was his best friend.

He looked for his smartphone and found it on the couch table. He briefly sat down on the sofa and opened the group chat they had been using since high school.

💥Bakusqad💥

Blasty💥: Hey extras! I'm indisposed for the next 3 days and won't be able to work.

Shitty Hair💩: Is something wrong, bro? 😨

Pinky👾: Can we help? 😯

Blasty💥: No, nothing to worry about. I just can't leave here.

Pikachu⚡️: What's more important than us? ☹️

Soysauce Face🩹: Or more important than your #1 spot?

Pinky👾: Duh ... that's obvious! 🤭

Pikachu⚡️: Oh yeah???

Pinky👾: Well, Izu darling, of course! 💕

Shitty Hair💩: Right.

Blasty💥: Whatever. I'm out for three days and one of you better not get the fucking idea for a spontaneous visit.

Pikachu⚡️: Why three days? It wasn't that long otherwise.

Soysauce Face🩹: Don't tell me our little 🥦 is just having his ...?

Pikachu⚡️: What??? Tell me, Sero!

Pinky👾: Of course! That also explains why Bakubabe is so territorial!

Blasty💥: Shut up, Pinky! 🤬

Pinky👾: Awww, don't be like that. Can't I be happy that my ship is finally setting sail? 🤩🥰

Shitty Hair💩: Which ship again? 🤔 Since when do you have a ship? Aren't you getting carried away with your shopping now? 😱

Pikachu⚡️: Now I'm confused completely. 😵‍💫

Blasty💥: Never mind! You know what's going on, so don't bother me during that time. If you come here anyway, I'll tell my security that they can shoot you. 🔫

Annoyed, the alpha closed the chat. His last comment had reminded him of something else important. He swiped to the phone book and tapped the contact of his head of security.

He picked up after the second ring. "What can I do for you, Bakugou-san?"

"I don't want to see anyone on the premises for the next three days, not even anyone from the visitors' list. Deku and I are not available to anyone, no matter who asks."

"Understood, I'll pass it on to my people." With those words, he hung up.

Katsuki liked the man. He was efficient and didn't ask annoying questions like certain other pests.

The alpha put the cell phone back on the living room table to make sure no one was annoying them. He fetched the food from the kitchen and went back to the bedroom.

Once there, Katsuki breathed a sigh of relief. Izuku was still sleeping peacefully. He put the plate on the bedside table and the carrier of water bottles in front of the bed.

The pheromones were only weak at the moment, but they were still enough to make his cock speak up. Katsuki grumbled annoyed at his best piece. The bastard had to behave if they didn't want to lose Izuku's trust.

His omega's face was relaxed, though sweat beaded from his forehead. His lips slightly parted, he slept deeply and hopefully dreamlessly.

Then something occurred to Katsuki and he went to the bathroom. He was annoyed with himself that he hadn't thought of it yet. What kind of heat partner was he when he couldn't even get the basics right.

It was also his first time. He had never spent the heat with an omega before, let alone gotten down on his knees in front of one. Sure, he'd had sex, but it had never been serious. Since Izuku's disappearance, he had lost interest in other partners altogether.

Hopefully he wasn't too out of practice and he would be able to hold out for the next few days and satisfy his omega without losing control himself. The greenette man was simply too precious to him for that.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Katsuki left the bathroom with a lukewarm washcloth. Arriving at the bed, he realized Izuku hadn't moved in the last few minutes and was still asleep as if in a daze.The alpha gently wiped his lover's sweaty forehead and then ran his hand over the scent glands in the crook of his neck. He then lifted the comforter and cleaned the heated body. He noticed a slight goose bump on the scarred skin. Hopefully he wouldn't wake Izuku up with this. But Katsuki wanted to avoid him waking up with an unpleasant - even disgusting - feeling, as aware as the omega was of his supposed shortcomings.

It was true when the alpha called him beautiful. For Katsuki, that was exactly what he was and nothing could change that. The fact he was partly to blame of the green-haired man's lack of self-confidence stung the alpha. He would beat himself black and blue if he could undo his past bullying from his middle school days. The experiences of his imprisonment had done the rest.

After all, Izuku had often called himself unflattering names in Katsuki's presence since his rescue. He grumbled unhappily at the thought. If the omega let him, Katsuki would gladly spend the rest of his life trying to convince him otherwise.

After the upper body and arms, the alpha had set his sights on Izuku's legs. Now all that was missing was his middle. He lightly wiped the front and then went between his legs to his entrance to reach the slick that had flowed out.

Izuku let out a soft gasp. Katsuki's hypnotized gaze shot to his face. The green eyes were still closed, but he had the impression the omega was unconsciously pressing against his touch.Katsuki finished cleaning and withdrew the washcloth. The sweet smell of the slick clung to it and reached the alpha's sensitive nose. The effect was instantaneous. Katsuki's fangs lengthened and he became hard. An excited growl broke out of his throat. The temptation to lick the terry cloth and taste the omega one more time was great.

Mine!

Instead of giving in to the impulse, Katsuki threw the cloth in front of the bed. He would take it to the laundry basket later. Now he wanted to cuddle with his omega.

~~~~~

Restless movements woke Katsuki from his half-sleep. He glanced at the alarm clock. Nearly an hour had passed since he had washed Izuku.

The omega squirmed in his arms. He breathed through his mouth, gasping, and occasionally let out a whimper. Clearly, the next wave of heat was already rolling in.

Izuku rubbed his hips against him. The omega was hard, emitting those delicious pheromones that lured Katsuki in and tried to seduce him. It took all the willpower he could muster not to give in to the urge. Instead, he countered with calming pheromones. The green-haired man calmed down a little and purred softly.

Fuck, that was cute and sexy at the same time!

The alpha growled possessively in response.

Slowly, the emerald eyes opened. They were veiled in lust and focused on Katsuki's face. "Alpha~," he groaned pleadingly.

"Hey babe, how did you sleep?"

Izuku let out a needy squeak and pressed his pelvis against his thigh. "Please, Alpha, i-it hurts."

"Shh, I'll take care of you in a minute, but first you need to eat something."

The omega shook his head weakly. "D-don't need food, need A-alpha~." The last word was lost in a whimper.

Clearly the heat had Izuku's mind completely in its grip now and Katsuki was finding it so damn hard to resist him and keep a clear head.

"Babe, you need to eat something and keep your strength up," the alpha tried again.

"No h-hunger, just hungry f-for Alpha~." Izuku stroked his thigh and approached Katsuki's cock.

"Oh fuck!" He quickly gripped Izuku's wrist. The omega whimpered in dissatisfaction and tried to break free.

"Babe..."

The heat had carried the green-haired man away and was about to drag the blond hero with it. He was breathing heavily through his mouth. That made it a little bit better. Katsuki didn't want to break his promise. He had to keep his cock in his pants, even if the omega started begging for it. In his right mind, Izuku would never have agreed to that.

The alpha had to keep reminding himself of this fact so as not to give in to the seductive plea."Let me feed you and then I'll take care of you. What do you say? Be a good omega."

Izuku chirped submissively and bowed his head slightly.

"You want to please your alpha, don't you?" If Izuku were in his right mind, Katsuki wouldn't talk to him like that, but at the moment, logic was no match for the omega. His instincts had completely taken over and were screaming to be impregnated.

He purred in response and rubbed against Katsuki.

The alpha reached behind him and picked up a strawberry. He held it in front of Izuku's mouth. "Open your pretty lips for me."

The omega obeyed, opening his mouth and licking his upper lip. Katsuki growled contentedly and slipped the fruit between those tempting lips.

Izuku didn't take his eyes off him as he slowly took a bite and bit off a piece of the strawberry. His lips brushed over Katsuki's fingertips.

"That's a good omega," he praised.

The greenette chewed thoughtfully. After swallowing, he opened his lips again and pulled the rest of the fruit into his mouth along with Katsuki's fingers.

"Fuck~."

The alpha's moan spurred the omega on and he lapped at the strawberry with his tongue. He licked between Katsuki's fingers and sucked on them. Izuku purred contentedly and devoured him with his eyes.

The vibration and the wet tongue made Katsuki wish that it wasn't his fingers which the omega was sucking on so greedily. He urgently needed to think of something else and banish this image from his mind.

"Babe, you're so good to me..."

Izuku closed his eyes with pleasure. He clearly seemed to enjoy the praise.

Katsuki gently released his fingers and reached for a piece of honeydew melon. "Come on, babe, that's not enough. Eat another piece for me, will you?"

The omega opened his mouth again and the game began anew.

When Izuku had eaten half of the plate and was becoming increasingly impatient, Katsuki decided that enough was enough. "Such a good omega. Let me spoil you now."

An impatient whimper was the only answer he got.

Tenderly, Katsuki stroked his cheek and pulled him in for a kiss. Izuku tasted sweetly of the various fruits the alpha had fed him.

It was getting hotter under the blanket and Katsuki pushed it off their heated bodies. He interrupted their kiss. "You're so beautiful."

Izuku purred and Katsuki kissed his neck. He licked over his scent glands and scratched over them with the tip of his fangs. The omega moaned uncontrollably and pressed against him. The alpha felt his twitching erection against his thigh.

"B-bite me! Mark m-me, Alpha~."

The rubbing against his thigh increased and Katsuki growled. His fangs grew even longer. Izuku pressed against him.

He. Is. Not. Sane!

The blond hero broke out of the trance he had almost fallen into. With one last lick and kiss, he moved away from the omega's scent glands. The latter whimpered discontentedly. Instead, Katsuki kissed his way down his jaw to his lips. "Later, babe, not now without us discussing this first."

"W-Want you~"

At this point at the latest, Katsuki fully realized that Izuku wasn't quite himself, thinking back to how scared he had been just a few hours ago. He hadn't expected the heat to bring about such a violent change, after all, all of this was completely new to him as well.

"May I use my fingers to penetrate you and give you pleasure, babe?"

The omega nodded vigorously. "Yes~, p-please, Alpha."

Katsuki spread kisses on Izuku's chest and sucked on his pink nipple. The smaller one moaned in response and rummaged through the alpha's blond mane. His hand ran along Izuku's side and slid up his back to that perfect round ass.

He gripped it hard and got a surprised gasp in response. After massaging it for a while, he slid his hand further up to Izuku's entrance. There he rubbed the muscle with circular movements.

Izuku pressed against his finger.

Katsuki kissed his neck. "Such a good omega, so wet for me."

The man in his arms had turned into a whimpering mess. The alpha didn't want to keep him in suspense any longer and pressed against the muscle. It gave way without resistance. Izuku's grip on his hair tightened.

Very slowly, Katsuki pushed his finger into the wet hole in which he wanted to sink his cock. It was already screaming painfully for attention again, but the alpha forced himself to ignore his own needs. This should only be about Izuku.

He let his finger slide in and out - a little deeper each time - and searched for the point where he could give the omega pleasure.

Izuku let out a high-pitched squeak and Katsuki knew he had found it. He added a second finger and mercilessly pushed against the green-haired man's prostate again and again. He had wrapped his arms around the alpha's neck and was clinging to him.

The moaning in his ears almost made Katsuki lose control. The omega scratched the alpha's scent glands with his short fangs. When Izuku then begged for his knot and his pups, the blond hero's rationality was all but gone.

Before his own instincts could take over, he grabbed Izuku's shaft with his second hand and pumped it to the rhythm of his fingers. "Come for me, babe."

A few seconds later, the green-haired man's body jerked uncontrollably. With a throaty groan, he poured himself between them. Breathing heavily, Izuku slumped down and pressed himself a little tighter against Katsuki, purring contentedly.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Only slowly did the blond's consciousness drift to the surface. It was the third day of Izuku's heat and it had left its mark on Katsuki as well. By now, he had developed something of a routine.

Every time he had pleasured the omega and satisfied him for a short time, Katsuki disappeared into the bathroom and worked on his erection there. Afterwards, he washed Izuku and prepared something to eat for them both. When everything was ready for the next wave, he cuddled up to his omega and slept until he woke up and needed his attention.

Then everything started all over again. All the while, Katsuki fought against his own desire. So far with success, even if Izuku had made it increasingly difficult for him since the second wave. Later today, the heat would have to end and the alpha, whose self-control was now hanging by a thread, could hardly wait.

He was honored that Izuku trusted him enough to accept him as a partner in this vulnerable time, but Katsuki was only a man and he was beginning to reach his limits.

Katsuki awoke to a bite to the neck. He gasped for air and opened his eyes. Izuku was lying on top of him, rubbing his hips against his thigh. He licked and sucked on the alpha's neck just next to his scent gland.

A lustful growl made its way down his throat. He wanted to dominate this cheeky omega, give him what he so greedily craved and then sink his own teeth into his delicious flesh.

Katsuki reached for Izuku's ass and gripped it tightly. Just before he could turn them both and bury the omega beneath him in the soft sheets, he came back to his senses.

"Fuck, babe, you're making it really hard for me to resist you."

Izuku's lips broke away from his neck. "Alpha, p-please~." His movements became faster - more urgent.

Unconsciously, Katsuki moved his hips as well, meeting the greenette's. The added friction made Izuku whimper. "Please m-more. It hurts. I-I need you, Alpha."

With his right hand, he approached the entrance of the omega and gently slid the first finger into the slippery opening. Izuku pushed against him and groaned.

Katsuki searched for his prostate and found what he was looking for. Meanwhile, he found Izuku's spot faster and faster. He used a second finger to create even more friction, poking into the sensitive nerve node each time.

Izuku leaned on his chest. His hands clutched at the alpha's broad shoulders as he fucked himself with Katsuki's fingers. His green eyes were half closed and his lust-veiled gaze rested on his face.

The alpha growled greedily, allowing his omega to use him to satisfy his desire. He leaned forward and kissed Izuku's neck. "You're so sexy, babe. Tell me, do you like it when I'm under you and you're driving me crazy?"

"Yeah~!" Izuku's movements became jerky. He was almost ready. "My alpha~!"

"Come for me, babe," Katsuki growled at the omega's ear.

With a soft cry, Izuku came and slumped on top of the alpha. After three days and numerous orgasms, only a few drops came out of the omega. Izuku snuggled against Katsuki's chest, purring, and made no pretense of wanting to lie down any other way.

The alpha was torn. He quite liked the position, but he had a problem down there that was becoming more and more pressing. After what Izuku had just done to him, he was so horny that his balls were probably blue by now. He had to take care of it before he lost control and did something unforgivable.

Izuku snuggled up to him even tighter. Katsuki put his hand on the back of his neck and nuzzled the hairline. The purring grew louder. Pride swelled in his chest. The fact that his omega trusted him and let himself fall for him meant more to the alpha than he could have expressed with words.

Izuku would probably sink back into a light slumber soon, then Katsuki would slide out from under him and take care of his own pleasure. Until then, he wanted to enjoy the closeness to his lover.

The purring stopped abruptly. At first, the alpha thought his partner had fallen asleep as expected, but his body was far too stiff for that. Then a soft murmur began.

Katsuki raised his eyebrows. "Babe?"

Izuku fell completely silent. He still didn't move, but the alpha immediately noticed the change in his pheromones. Instead of sweet, enticing vanilla, the omega gave off a bitter odor. He was clearly stressed.

"Hey, Izu, what's up?" Katsuki began to nuzzle his neck again, trying to calm him down with the gesture.

"I'm s-sorry, Kacchan."

The alpha frowned. Clearly the cute greenette's head had taken over again, but he couldn't make sense of his words. "What are you apologizing for?"

"I-I acted like a m-madman and you still st-stayed with me the whole time. I w-was completely out of it, as if I'd lost my mind. It's never been like that before. I don't know why it happened. Th-That's so e-embarrassing. I'm sorry-"

"Hey, calm down." Katsuki interrupted his counterpart's panicked torrent of words. He moved his hand to Izuku's face and rubbed his cheek with his thumb while gently turning his head in his direction. He wanted to look his omega in the eye. "You have nothing to be sorry for and nothing to be embarrassed about. It's okay. After all, you've had your heat, so that's perfectly normal, isn't it? I've never spent heat with an omega before, so I don't know."

"H-Haven't you?" Izuku seemed surprised.

"No, that was my first time."

At that phrase, the omega's cheeks turned a seductive shade of red.

"Th-thank you, you took e-exceedingly good care of m-me."

Katsuki grumbled in satisfaction.

His omega's praise meant a lot to him - especially in this context. "And I'm s-sorry to have been such a b-burden to you. I don't know why i-it was so different this time."

"Izu ... You're not a burden, okay? Do you want to tell me what you mean by different?" Katsuki had gone back to nuzzling his neck. That seemed to calm the omega down.

Izuku cleared his throat before taking a deep breath. "Before I was kidnapped, I spent m-my heat a-alone. I also had s-some needs and f-fantasies, but I was a-at least still somewhat lucid. I knew what I was doing the whole time. Maybe that was a-also due to the strong b-blockers I took at the time so that I could go to UA and later work as a hero without a-accidentally revealing my s-secondary gender. Th-That's why I hardly know what it's r-really like to be an omega, what it does or doesn't do to me.

Th-Then with Overhaul, I was on constant alert. Especially during my heat. I fell into a p-panic and wanted to fight it. I couldn't do a-anything about the physical r-reaction, but my mind stayed o-on the matter. This t-time..." The omega didn't say any more.

But things were just getting interesting. Katsuki tried not to think about how Izuku had fared with the other alphas before him, then he wouldn't be able to stay calm and the murderous intent would take over. The alpha desperately needed to distract himself. "How was it this time?"

Izuku watched him, not taking his eyes off him. He tilted his head and locked his gaze with the alpha's. Did he have to analyze the new situation himself first? Katsuki was secretly pleased every time he noticed something of his former behavior in his nerd. Be it the mumbling or the urge to analyze and evaluate everything.

"Th-This time, I let myself fall. After y-you gave me that insane orgasm, I knew that I-I could trust you even when I was vulnerable. I w-was finally able to give myself to you."

Katsuki jumped up. "Finally?! What does that mean?"

"Damn it..." It was extremely rare for the greenette to swear, so you had to pay even closer attention when it did happen. "Please don't laugh a-at me."

The alpha shook his head. The topic was far too interesting to risk Izuku closing himself off again.

"In th-the past... I imagined it."

"What did you imagine?" Katsuki breathlessly asked.

Izuku lowered his eyes. "What it w-would be like if you were with me."

His body reacted to these words even before his brain had properly processed them. A possessive growl rose up his throat and his pheromone production went into overdrive. His ego had just received a huge boost. "Do I understand that correctly? You were thinking about me during your heat? Imagined what it would be like if I spent it with you?" He leaned forward, his lips brushing Izuku's ear. He ran his fingertips along his side. "Wondering what it would be like to feel my hands on your heated body." Katsuki nibbled on his earlobe. "How my lips and tongue would feel ... and ... anything else?"

Izuku let out a whimper. The delicious vanilla scent flooded the room again. "Y-yes..." he admitted with a gasp.

The alpha growled excitedly, gripping Izuku's chin and turning his face towards him so he could kiss him. The omega surrendered to him with a sigh, opening his lips and granting him entrance. The kiss was one of desire. Izuku not only welcomed him, but openly showed his own desire. Katsuki had to pull himself together to maintain their position. He wanted to feel the omega beneath him and sink into him in every possible way - to become one with him.

His erection, which had been lingering for some time, was becoming painfully noticeable again. He urgently needed to take care of it and separate from his seductive omega sooner rather than later, before it became too much and he lost his temper.

After a few minutes, they broke away from each other, breathing heavily.

"I-I want to r-return the favor."

"You don't have to. I don't expect anything like that."

"But I'd like t-to do it. May I?"

Katsuki looked at him in confusion. "What are you going to do?"

"I'd rather sh-show you than say it." His cheeks were dark red and the freckles stood out.

"Okay ... But only if you don't feel like you have to."

"I-I don't."

"Fine," Katsuki replied softly.

"Just ... a request..." Izuku didn't speak any further.

"Anything you want, babe. What's it about?"

"P-please don't touch me s-so long. Especially n-not my head. I don't know i-if I can do it then."

The alpha frowned. What was Izuku up to?

"Babe, please don't force yourself to do anything." Katsuki still had no idea what the greenette was struggling with.

"I w-want to do it - I really do. It's just that I d-don't know for sure if I can." Izuku licked his lips.

"Understood, I'll keep my hands to myself." Demonstratively, he placed his arms beside him on the mattress, palms down. "Anything else?"

The omega shook his head. Then he slid down Katsuki's upper body. He breathed feather-light kisses on his chest and abs.

The alpha growled in satisfaction. "That feels great, babe."

Izuku kissed his way down to the waistband of his sweatpants. He paused there. Katsuki didn't take his eyes off him. The omega raised his eyes. For the life of him, the blond hero couldn't interpret the expression on his lover's face.

What was he up to?

With renewed determination, Izuku reached into the elastic band of his pants and pulled. Reflexively, Katsuki lifted his hips to make it easier for him.

He didn't want to...?

Katsuki's cock literally jumped out of his boxers and bobbed slightly in front of Izuku's face. The omega scrutinized him extensively before leaning forward and kissing the reddened tip.

"Oh fuck...!" the alpha groaned breathlessly. His fingers clawed at the sheets. "Babe, are you sure? You really don't have to ... Fuck!"

Izuku didn't allow him to put his doubts into words. Instead, his lips had parted and he took him into his mouth. He sucked on his cock and let his tongue glide around it.

Katsuki let out an excited growl. It took all his self-control to keep his promise. He wanted to stroke the omega's green curls so much, but he understood why that would make him uncomfortable. His growl became more aggressive at the thought.

Izuku paused and searched his gaze. Uncertainty was in the deep emerald eyes that seemed to hold an entire universe within them.

"Izu~ ... that feels insanely good," the alpha brought out.

The greenette resumed his efforts after a brief hesitation. In addition, he gripped Katsuki's shaft and pumped it in the same rhythm as he moved his head up and down. He didn't take his eyes off of him for a second.

"You're so good to me~."

The praise triggered something in the omega. He purred contentedly. The additional vibration pushed Katsuki to his limit. Even before, his balls had been on the verge of bursting, but now...?

"Fuuuck~!" He breathed heavily. He clawed his hands so hard into the sheets that he wouldn't be surprised if the fabric gave way and tore.

"Babe... you have to stop~. I can't hold it much longer," he warned.

In reply, Izuku grumbled as if to tell him everything was okay.

"I'll be ... cumming. Don't, Izuuu~ Fuck!"

Katsuki couldn't hold it in any longer. His arousal from the past few days, which he had barely been able to quench, exploded in a violent orgasm in Izuku's mouth.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Izuku had a little trouble swallowing, but he managed it. Secretly, he was proud of himself for pulling it off and giving Kacchan some satisfaction as well.

"Come to me, babe," the alpha said as soon as he had caught his breath.

The greenette pushed himself back up and lay next to him, avoiding the intense ruby gaze. He was still a little embarrassed after the rush of hormones and pheromones.

"May I touch you again?"

Izuku nodded tentatively.

Kacchan took hold of his cheek and stroked it tenderly with his thumb. Then he kissed his forehead. "Thank you, that felt really good."

The omega didn't know what to say and remained silent. Instead, he enjoyed the closeness to his alpha.

... !!!

Had he really just thought of Kacchan as his alpha?! Clearly... Blurrily, Izuku remembered that Katsuki had referred to him as my omega at the beginning of his heat.

They should urgently clarify their relationship status. The alpha had confessed his love to him days ago, they had spent Izuku's heat together. Izuku had known for a long time who his heart belonged to. Kacchan had seen how broken he was, and wanted him still. It was probably time for the omega to own up to his own feelings.

"You're mumbling, nerd."

Izuku fell silent. "Sorry."

"It's okay, it's cute and reminds me of the old days."

The omega blushed and snuggled into the hug a little tighter.

"How about I run you a bath?" Kacchan asked.

"Th-that would be nice." After a moment's hesitation, he added: "Are y-you coming?"

"May I?" Katsuki sounded surprised.

"O-otherwise, I wouldn't a-ask," Izuku replied with a smile.

"Then definitely!" The alpha swung his legs out of bed and stood up. "Wait a minute, I'll put the water in."

A few minutes later, Kacchan returned from the adjoining bathroom. The omega was about to get up when Katsuki was already at his side, lifting him up in his arms. Izuku squeaked in surprise, causing the alpha to giggle.

He carried him next door and sat him directly in the bathtub. "Let me make the bed and put the laundry in the washing machine, then I'll come in and join you."

"O-Okay." Izuku let himself sink back and enjoyed the warmth. Although Kacchan had repeatedly washed away the sweat and other traces of his heat, a washcloth was simply no match for a bubble bath. He closed his eyes and let his mind wander.

If he returned the alpha's confession, what would change between them? Would they enter into a relationship - even mating? What about the public? Sooner or later, someone would find out and then his secondary gender would no longer be a secret. Could he deal with that?

A partner's mark could not be hidden forever. Its placement in the crook of the neck was too open for that, which was actually its purpose. The mark signaled that an omega had a mate and thus warned other alphas who they would be messing with if they got too close to said omega.

Izuku didn't know what to do. Could he really expect Kacchan to become his partner after everything that had happened to him? The alpha didn't even know everything the former hero had done during his imprisonment by Overhaul. Could Katsuki still love him if he knew?

The omega sighed. He had only received the confession a few days ago, and he was already thinking about a mating bond and the rest of their lives. On the other hand, Kacchan himself had already spoken of a lifetime ...

"You're mumbling again. What are you thinking so hard about?"

Izuku opened his eyes in surprise. He hadn't heard Katsuki come back into the bathroom.The alpha was standing in front of the bathtub, smirking. His upper body was naked and he was only wearing the low-slung sweatpants. Izuku could feel his cheeks heating up. He couldn't fight his nature. Those abs were just insane - and that V-line, too.

"My face is up here." The grin was clearly audible from the deep voice.

"I'm sorry," the greenette stammered and would have loved to dive into the foam.

Katsuki leaned forward. "It's okay, I like it when you look at me like that. Do you like what you see?"

"Yes," aspirated Izuku.

The alpha straightened up again and became serious. "Are you really okay with this?"

Izuku wordlessly slid forward so that he was sitting almost in the center of the large tub, making room behind him.

Kacchan understood him without words and took off his sweatpants. He paused at the tight black boxer shorts. "Should I leave them on? Would you prefer that?"

The omega shook his head. Katsuki slowly removed the last item of clothing. Due to Izuku's seated position, his gaze was almost at eye level with his manhood. He looked bashfully to the side and took a deep breath. This alpha wasn't going to assault him. It was okay that they were both naked. Kacchan wouldn't do anything Izuku didn't want him to do. He had proven himself to the grenette.

The water sloshed as the blond hero joined him in the tub. Sighing, he let himself slide into the tub and pushed his long legs past Izuku.

"You can always tell me to get out if it gets too much for you."

"It i-is okay," he replied.

"Can I touch you?"

Izuku nodded and looked over his shoulder. Kacchan watched him with a slight smile.

"Want to cuddle?"

For an answer, he let himself sink back until his back rested against the alpha's broad chest. The latter grumbled contentedly and hugged him. "I could get used to that." Katsuki placed a kiss on his neck and massaged his shoulders.

Izuku sighed and surrendered to the caress. His behavior spurred the alpha on and he placed kiss after kiss on his sensitive skin. The omega wasn't afraid to present his neck to him. He lowered his head so that Katsuki had free access to his most vulnerable spot. This gesture was not necessarily submissive. It also stood for trust and affection. Kacchan noticed it. The humming became louder, the kisses more intense.

A moan escaped Izuku's throat and he bit his lip, startled. The heat was over. He no longer had an excuse to behave like a cat in heat.

But then Kacchan licked over his scent gland. With a groan the omega gasped for air. A shiver ran over his skin. He remained in this position, surrendering himself defencelessly to the alpha.

Katsuki's lips traveled down his neck to his ear. "Can I get my hopes up?"

"H-hopes?"

"That you'll return my feelings after what we've shared over the past few days. The way I can touch you right now ... Do you love me too?"

Izuku smirked. "I'm way a-ahead of you."

"What do you mean?"

The omega pushed his musings aside and followed his heart for once. "I h-have known for over t-ten years that I love you."

Katsuki jumped in surprise. The water was sloshing dangerously and threatening to overflow.

"Really?!"

"Yes, r-really." The omega took a deep breath and concentrated. He didn't want to stutter with his next words. "I love you too, Kacchan."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

"I love you too, Kacchan."

"May I kiss you?"

For answer, Izuku turned his head and came towards him. "Y-yes."

Katsuki pressed his lips to Izukus and they shared a passionate kiss.

After a few minutes, they broke away from each other, breathing heavily. The alpha frowned. "You've really loved me that long?"

Izuku nodded hesitantly.

"Why didn't you ever say anything?"

The omega gave him a mocking look. "A-are you being s-serious?"

Katsuki looked surprised, then pressed his lips together tightly. "That's right, I was an ass - especially towards you. For over ten years ... that is, during middle school or even before?" The Alpha sounded shocked.

The omega nodded again.

"How could you love me back then? I was horrible to you!"

Izuku swallowed hard. "I probably already had those feelings for you before, but only then did I realize that there was more to it than childish friendship."

Katsuki hung his head. His forehead rested on the omega's shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

"I already forgave you y-years ago," Izuku said with a snort.

Silence spread between them again.

"Allow me to court you."

Izuku jumped up. "Come again?!"

"I'm not sure if you've noticed yet, but I've been courting you since your return. Please let me make it official."

"W-what exactly do you mean by that?"

Katsuki reached for his wrist and pressed a kiss to the tender inside where a small scent gland lay just beneath the skin. "Let's make a temporary bond - one of equals."

The thought of being bitten again by an alpha scared Izuku. But this was Kacchan... "What d-do you mean by equal?"

The alpha smiled. "Not only will I leave my mark on your skin, but you will bite me as well."

Izuku could hardly believe his ears. "Are you s-serious?"

"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way," Kacchan confirmed.

It was the highest sign of respect an alpha could give his omega if he, as the stronger secondary gender, allowed himself to be labeled as his partner's property as well. Especially if the bite was mutual during the courtship phase. For a lifelong bond, it was enough for the alpha to bite the omega. If the bite was mutual, it spoke for an intimate bond at eye level. Sometimes it even happened that the partners in such a bond could feel an echo of the other's feelings.

Before Izuku's abduction, hearing these words from Kacchan would have been the fulfillment of his dreams, but today... "I h-have a fear of being b-bitten."

The alpha swallowed noisily. "Are you afraid of me too?"

"N-no, but I'm n-not sure I can t-take the feeling. W-what it might do to me," the omega admitted.

"So that means you wouldn't be averse to letting me court you openly? Only the necessary bite might make you uncomfortable?"

"Y-Yes. Since my r-return, you've made every e-effort to make my adolescent d-desires come true and even exceed them. How could I not w-want a relationship with you?"

Kacchan beamed at him. There was not a trace of his typical smug smile, but showed pure joy. "So that means yes? You'll allow me to officially court you?"

A courtship lasted up to three months. By then, the bite would have faded. During this time, the bond was already like a permanent one. So both partners knew in advance what they were getting into if the omega allowed his alpha to bite him on the neck. If the omega decided against it, the bond would fade along with the mark on his wrist.

Of course, if both were sure of this, the lifelong bond could be formed earlier. The mark on the neck was stronger. This meant despite the temporary bond, a lifelong bond could be formed, even if the bite to the scent gland on the omega's neck came from another alpha. If that happened, the courtship was void and the omega was bound to another alpha.

For this reason, nowadays there were hardly any couples who entered into a courtship phase, but rather a direct pair bond. It may have been a bit old-fashioned, but in Izuku's eyes it had a chivalrous quality. He liked it.

Katsuki waited spellbound for his answer, as if he were electrified.

Heat rose in the omega's face. "Yes, you may court me. Just p-please don't i-issue a press release right away."

Katsuki pressed his lips to Izuku's mouth stormily. Once he had overcome his surprise, he returned the kiss.

Minutes later, they broke away from each other. Izuku lowered his eyes. "I-In these three m-months, I'm going to have to tell you s-something."

"What's it about?"

Izuku's breathing quickened. "I c-can't talk about it yet, b-but it wouldn't be f-fair to mate with you before you d-don't know what I did."

Kacchan ran his thumb over his cheek. "Babe, I'm sure you haven't done anything to make my feelings for you waver. If you prefer it that way though, I'll wait for you to be ready to tell me about it."

"Th-thank you."

"How would you like to do it? Would you like to go on a date first, or should I think of something special to do at home before you do the honors?"

Izuku thought about it. Yes, one day he would like to go on a date with Kacchan, but he didn't have the courage at the moment. "I don't need anything like that. Th-the idea of leaving the house n-now scares me."

"Meaning?"

The omega took a deep breath before he said: "As far a-as I'm concerned, we might as w-well do it now."

The arms which held him stiffened. Izuku looked over his shoulder in confusion. Kacchan was bright red. Izuku was disconcerted. "O-or is this going t-too fast for you?"

The alpha awoke from his stupor. "No! We can do it now. If I have my way, we can do it immediately."

"O-Okay."

"Since you're a little nervous about your reaction ... maybe you want to bite me first?"

This offer surprised Izuku once again. "Y-you would a-allow me to do that?"

Katsuki smiled wryly. "Looks like I've got some work to do in the coming months. Because clearly you have no idea how much I'm addicted to you, babe. I'd let you do pretty much anything to me and also do almost everything for you if it would make you feel better or help you get back on track with your life."

Tears welled up in the emerald eyes. Izuku released himself from the hug and sat down across from the alpha - his alpha.

His heart beat faster and he tried to stop the tears from flowing. He didn't want to cry now. He was far too happy for that. It felt so good not to have to be strong for once and still feel safe.

Katsuki reached out and wiped a tear from his cheek. "Hey, everything's fine. What's wrong?"

Izuku sniffled. "I-I'm just h-happy." He rubbed his eyes.

The alpha was about to pull his hand back again when the greenette held it tightly and turned it so the inside was facing upwards. "M-may I?"

"Do it!" Katsuki replied emphatically.

Izuku licked his lips. He could already feel his fangs lengthening. They were nowhere near as impressive as those of an alpha, but even omegas could bite hard. He lowered his head and positioned himself above the scent gland. When he was sure of the position, he sank his teeth into the sensitive flesh until he tasted blood.

Katsuki let out a hiss. Izuku raised his eyes. Had he hurt him badly? The pained expression quickly gave way to another. A possessive growl filled the room. It was a wordless promise to honor, protect and love him.

Warmth spread through Izuku's chest. This moment surpassed his wildest dreams. Half of the bond was complete. He pulled his head back and licked the wound. He liked the sight of the red dots on his alpha's skin. Izuku purred contentedly.

Then Kacchan grabbed his right hand and pressed a kiss to the inside of it. "I'm being as careful as I can, but please let me too. I can't wait anymore..."

Izuku was also impatient. The half-finished bond urged him to finish it. He pressed his wrist against the alpha's lips. "D-do it."

Katsuki's fangs sank into the tender skin. It hurt and for a brief moment, panic rose in the former hero. The ruby gaze didn't take its eyes off him for a second and tangled with his. He managed to wrestle down the panic as soon as he felt a pleasant glow spreading from his chest to the tips of his toes. He purred contentedly as he noticed a faint presence within him.

Izuku felt Katsuki's surprise and immediately after, his joy. They shared these feelings with each other, making them even stronger. The scent of their pheromones changed, mingling with each other and forming a new note that carried a hint of the other.

Kacchan pulled back, licking over the wound and sealing it. "Mine!" But he didn't let go of Izuku, instead pulled him closer. "I love you, Izu."

The omega felt deep within himself it was true, and no longer bothered to hide his own feelings. Kacchan would be able to feel them too from now on. "I love you, t-too."

Katsuki pulled him onto his lap. They shared a bloody kiss. Exploring hands wandered over wet skin. They wanted to be close, much closer, to melt together and become one.

One soul. One body. It was like an intoxication.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Humming, Katsuki stepped out of the elevator into the hallway of his office. He was early today, even though it had been hard for him to get up and leave Izuku alone in bed.After the rush of happy hormones that had nearly overwhelmed the couple with the commitment of their bond had worn off, his omega had withdrawn.

Katsuki could understand. They had spent the rest of the day cuddling and talking. He had also cooked Izuku's favorite dish. They had agreed it would be better if they were both clear in their heads if they wanted to take the final step one day.

He had almost reached his office door when a voice sounded behind him: "Hey Bakubabe~ ... Why are you in such a good mood today?"

Snorting, he turned around. "What do you want, Pinky?"

"I heard you humming, which honestly surprised me. Never thought you could do that." Mina giggled.

Katsuki rolled his eyes. Still, he didn't let the teasing spoil his mood. Unconsciously, he emitted a few pheromones.

The alpha in front of him sniffed in surprise. "You smell different ..."

Katsuki felt caught out. He rubbed his hand uneasily over the back of his neck. "Well-"

"OH YOU GODS!!!" Mina shouted between them. The pink alien yanked his arm towards her and pushed up the sleeve of the hoodie. As soon as she saw the fresh courting mark, she shrieked even louder.

"Fuck, Pinky! Am I supposed to get a fucking sudden hearing loss?" The blonde hero growled, yanking his arm back and shoving the sleeve back into place.

Denki, Sero and Kirishima also came into the hallway through the commotion. Great! That's what he got for being at the agency so early. None of the extras had already left to go on patrol.

"What's going on here?" asked Pikachu.

"Nothing!" growled Katsuki.

Mina paced on the spot with her feet, her fists clenched under her chin. "Bakubabe and Izu darling have ... !!!" The screaming started again.

The men covered their ears.

When Mina had settled down, Kiri asked: "What did the two of them do to set you off like that?"

Pinky wanted to grab Katsuki's arm again, obviously to show them all the mark. But he pulled away in time, pressed his arm in front of his stomach and growled. "Leave it!"

"How about we all calm down first?" asked Sero.

Kiri looked at Katsuki with a furrowed brow. "What's wrong with your pheromones, bro?"

Mina squeaked again, while Denki and Sero gave each other confused looks. The two were betas and could barely detect the pheromones of the other secondary genders.

"It's none of your fucking business!"

"Don't be like that. This is, after all, joyous news that we should be celebrating." Mina reached out to him, but changed her mind halfway through.

Sero spoke up: "Does that mean my assumption is correct? Deku really is an omega and you spent his heat together? Is that why you're going so crazy, Mina, because you can now ship the two of them?"

Pinky didn't get a chance to answer.

Pikachu beat her to it, grinning cheekily. "Whoa, really now? That would explain a lot. When I think back to your tensions in high school ... Who would have thought that they were sexual in nature and that you just needed to fuck! Is it really the case that an omega is no longer himself during the heat and can only think about being mated to an alpha? Shouldn't you be in a better mood when you're freshly fucked?"

The blonde alpha let out an animalistic growl that had nothing human about it. Like a bulldozer, he stormed past the others and headed for Denki. He grabbed the yellow-haired man by the neck and pushed him up the wall a little so that he was at eye level. With his fangs fully extended, he growled at him. He held his free hand just in front of Denki's face and set off mini-explosions in the palm of his hand.

The beta trembled and gasped for breath, but he didn't care - not even when Denki struck his arm and tried to release the chokehold. Katsuki's sleeve slipped up, revealing the fresh mark to Kiri and Sero.

"Insult my mate one more time ... speak disparagingly about him and this subject one more fucking time and I'll rip your throat out! No matter I call you my fucking friend, you'll rue the day you couldn't keep your stupid mouth shut!" The thunder of his alpha voice echoed across the corridor.

Denki's efforts to free himself faded. His face had turned an unhealthy purple. Katsuki growled once more to make sure the message got through to this short-circuited brain.

Kiri grabbed his forearm. He had used his Quirk and was gripping tightly. "Kat, let go of him. He doesn't know any better. I haven't told any of them what condition we found Midobro in. They don't know any better. They don't know what he's been through."

Katsuki was still puffing like an old steam engine at top speed, but he loosened his grip on Denki's neck and allowed the beta to slide to the ground. The latter gasped and rattled at his feet and looked up at him with watery eyes. Mina and Sero rushed to the beta's side and helped him up.

The pink alpha looked at him, stunned. "What just got into you, Katsuki?"

"That really went too far, Bakugou," Sero commented. Turning to Denki, he asked: "Are you alright? Do you want to go to the hospital?"

The electro hero shook his head.

Strong concern rose in the alpha, but it took him a moment to realize that it was not himself that was its source. It was an echo of Izuku's emotions. His cell phone was already vibrating in his pocket.

Kiri gripped his shoulder and was about to maneuver him into Katsuki's office. He let it happen defenselessly. "Take care of Denki. I'll talk to Kat."

On the way there, the alpha pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He had a message from Izuku.

Babe: Kacchan??? Are you okay? I feel all weird and I'm worried something might happened to you. Did something happen? Please get in touch if you can.

He briefly considered sending a few words back, but his hands shook as soon as he tried to type anything. He had just nearly killed one of his best friends ... All the myths about bound alphas didn't seem to be completely far-fetched.

Instead, he pressed the green call button. After the first ring, Izuku answered. He sounded breathless. "Kacchan! I-Is something wrong with you? A-Are you i-injured?"

The anxiety in his omega's voice made him swallow hard. At the same time, it calmed him immensely to hear Izuku. Katsuki took a deep breath so his mate could also feel him calming down again. "Hey babe ... Sorry, I lost my temper for a second."

"Wh-what happened?"

Kiri looked at him with a furrowed brow, but Katsuki ignored him.

"I'll tell you about it at home. Don't worry about it. There's nothing wrong with me." They were almost in his office now.

"Okay, p-please take care of yourself. It would b-be really stupid if I lost you now th-that I can finally call you mine after all this time," Izuku joked.

The alpha let out a harsh laugh. He felt the warmth in his chest and on his cheeks at the word mine. "Yeah, that would really suck! I can't do that to you."

"See?"

Katsuki smirked. The conversation with Izuku had calmed him down completely. His mate was fine and he was safe. The alpha had to keep reminding himself. "I'll see you later. Let's talk later in peace."

"O-okay. And Kacchan?"

"Yeah, babe?"

"I love you."

He felt the smile tug at the corner of his mouth. How long had he longed to hear him say those words? He couldn't say it often enough. "I love you, too."

"Th-Then I'll see you later?" It sounded more like a question.

"Yes, see you later. Start thinking about what I'm going to cook for you tonight," Katsuki replied.

"Alright." With these words, his mate hung up.

The alpha lowered the cell phone and put it back in his pocket.

"Bro ... It looks like a lot has happened over the past three days," Kiri said in astonishment.

Katsuki snorted. As soon as he thought of Izuku welcoming him home with a smile, sitting on the kitchen countertop with his legs dangling, watching him cook, he smiled. "You can say that again."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Izuku had woken up with a strange feeling. For no reason he could explain, he had felt seething anger inside him. He hadn't been able to remember his dream at all ...

As soon as he had woken up - he had never been a morning person, unlike Kacchan - he had realized that this inexplicable feeling was not of his own making.

They had both found out yesterday that their bond was one of the rare ones that shared feelings. The omega had been delighted, as it meant that they both had a close bond full of love for each other.

Grumbling, he rubbed his sternum. Anger burned inside him like a nasty heartburn. Had something happened to Kacchan? Had he just fought a villain and perhaps even been injured?

He glanced at the digital alarm clock. It was only just after eight. Which meant Kacchan must have just arrived at his agency ... Had something happened there? Possibly an attack by villains on the number 1 hero?

The more horror scenarios Izuku imagined, the more worried he became. His cell phone was on the bedside cabinet and he reached for it without hesitation. He rarely used it, but he would have no peace of mind otherwise.

He typed a message to Kacchan and asked him to get back to him as soon as he could. Not a minute passed before his alpha called. The conversation didn't last long, but in the meantime the uneasy feeling disappeared and Izuku only felt himself. The connection to Kacchan lay dormant in the background. It seemed to be stronger the closer they were. At a distance, probably only the strong sensations reached the partner.

Izuku would have to get used to the fact that he wouldn't be able to hide much from Kacchan anymore. Then again, that probably had its good points - Izuku wasn't sure about that yet.

The omega got ready for the day and went downstairs to the kitchen. Ever since he had lived here, Kacchan had always prepared breakfast for him beforehand when he left for work and placed it in the fridge for Izuku.

He ate in silence. Today he didn't feel like listening to the radio or watching TV. As soon as he had eaten, he put the dishes in the dishwasher. Then he made his way to Kacchan's gym.

His alpha had spared neither expense nor effort and had almost all the equipment of a well-equipped gym in his villa. Izuku let his gaze wander. The heavy muscle-building equipment was not for him yet. Instead, he started the treadmill after turning on some music.

His fitness was a disaster... He had barely managed fifteen minutes and was gasping for air like a fish out of water. Then it was light aerobic exercises and finally some yoga.

It would take forever to get at least halfway back to his old form. Maybe that wasn't even possible, let alone necessary. At the moment, Izuku wasn't convinced about resuming his work as a pro hero. Then again, he didn't want to spend the rest of his life just staying at home for fear of going out the door.

Not to mention that he had taken on a huge responsibility as the wielder of One For All. If he was no longer able to carry on All Might's legacy, he would have to find a successor. The omega decided he still had time to make that decision.

After he had showered, it was almost noon. Kacchan would be back in the afternoon, barring an unforeseen emergency. Until then, Izuku wanted to pass the time with a book or the television.It was about three o'clock in the afternoon when the doorbell rang. Surprised, Izuku took his eyes off his book and placed it next to him on the sofa. Who could it be? They didn't normally get unannounced visitors. Kacchan had made sure of that. Besides, the security service kept everyone else away.

He walked to the front door with a queasy feeling. There he glanced at the screen, which showed the filmed entrance area. A tall man from the security service was standing in front of the door and next to him was a young man wearing a delivery man's uniform. The latter kept glancing uncertainly at the man next to him.

Izuku decided that he could open the door. After all, should something happen, he had the backing of the tall alpha who Kacchan paid to keep him safe.

The omega took a deep breath and opened the door a crack so he could stick his head out. "Yes?"

The delivery man's eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open. "Deku...?" he mumbled in disbelief.

The greenette stiffened.

A clearing of the throat broke the tense silence and the alpha spoke up. "A few packages have arrived for you, Midoriya-san."

Only now did Izuku notice the delivery van parked in front of the villa. He swallowed hard. "I don't e-expect anything."

The man from security took a quick glance over his shoulder. "We've looked at the packages and from the outside, they seem to be in order. If you like, I can help you open them."

Izuku found it difficult to decide. Could there be something dangerous in these packages?

The delivery man fiddled with his clipboard and detached an envelope from the metal hanger. "I'm supposed to give you this one, too."

Izuku accepted the letter. It only had his first name on it. Was that Kacchan's handwriting? To make sure, he opened the envelope and took a quick look at the lines. The letter really was from his alpha. As soon as he was alone, he would read it in peace. "I'll take th-the parcels," he managed to say with only a slight stutter.

"Do you want me to stick with it?" the alpha asked.

For an answer, Izuku shook his head. If Kacchan was responsible for this, then he was in no danger.

He already had the clipboard in front of him.

"Please sign here!"

Izuku put his signature on the line provided and handed the clipboard back. The delivery boy looked at his signature with stars in his eyes, as if he had just received an autograph from his favorite hero. Apparently it was true, because he said, beaming with joy: "I'm so glad you're back! I've been a big fan since the beginning of your career."

The omega avoided his beaming gaze and smiled weakly. The conversation was making him uncomfortable, which the alpha in front of him seemed to notice. "The packages?"

The delivery man winced. "Uh yes, of course. I'll get them right away!"

Silently, Izuku and the security man watched him unfold a hand truck and begin stacking package after package on it. The pile was now bigger than he was.

The omega was surprised. Without a word, he opened the door and literally jumped to the side as the pile of parcels rolled towards him.

"Where to?" the young man asked when he was level with Izuku.

"Straight to the l-living room."

He swiftly took his load to the desired location. Izuku followed him cautiously under the watchful gaze of the alpha, who had also entered the villa.

The parcels were unloaded and the delivery man was already on his way out again. "There's a bit more to come."

Izuku waited in the living room this time. The second load was almost as big as the first. As soon as these packages were also unloaded, the young man said goodbye and was escorted out by the alpha, who pulled the door firmly shut.

Now the omega stood alone in the living room, surrounded by parcels and holding Kacchan's letter. What had just happened here? He peered at the label on one of the parcels. Sure enough, the addressee was Izuku Midoriya and below that was Kacchan's address.

Izuku remembered the letter in his hand, took it out of the envelope and began to read:

Dear Izuku,

Since you moved in with me, I've been waking up with a smile every morning. When you allowed me to court you yesterday, you made me the happiest man alive.

Although our mating is not yet final, I for one already consider us as one. If someone wants to mess with you, they will automatically have to deal with me.

I don't want you to be ashamed of your secondary gender or your past. There is no reason for that and I will never get tired of telling you every day that you are perfect for me.

I've noticed that you've started building your nest again and again over the last few days, only to destroy it every time. Since you told me that you don't really know how an omega lives because of the strong blockers and the secrecy you kept, I wanted to tell you it's perfectly okay to live out your nature - if you don't want to do that in public, that's fine too, but at home you should feel comfortable and be able to indulge your instincts. In my eyes, that doesn't make you weaker - quite the opposite.

Please consider this my first courting gift to you.

I love you.
Katsuki

Izuku's eyes were wet. For most of his life, he had kept up a façade, no matter how hard it got for him behind it, he had held onto it for self-protection and put on a smile. That this façade was now beginning to crumble in front of Kacchan was as liberating as it was frightening.

The omega sniffled and wiped his eyes. Then he put the letter down on the coffee table and looked at the piles of parcels with renewed excitement. What had Kacchan bought for him and, above all, when? Their temporary bond was not yet a day old.

In search of a pair of scissors, he went into the kitchen and rummaged through the drawers. Izuku succeeded with the third one and went back to his presents armed with it.

The first thing he did was cut open the adhesive tape on the largest package. As soon as he opened it, he was met with glittering red and gold. Izuku recoiled startled. A huge bouquet of balloons, consisting of hearts in different colors and sizes, struggled out of the box and floated up into the air. Before it could land under the high ceiling, the omega grabbed one of the ribbons and held it tight. His eyes shone the way they had when he had cheered for All Might on TV as a child.

After Izuku had tied the balloons to the door handle, he opened the next package. Inside were dozens of squishmallows depicting various cute animals. And gods ... they were soft! Izuku wanted to climb into the box and live in it from now on.

The next package was a little smaller. It contained a bouquet of red roses. In another were chocolates that looked incredibly expensive. He popped one in his mouth and melted with the chocolate. Then there were some fine snacks and expensive nut specialties. Again in a smaller package, he discovered the Blu-ray collection of all the All Might films.

In the two remaining large packages were silky-soft blankets and pillows in various sizes, most of which were oblong - in short: perfect nesting material! Izuku saw the manufacturer's label and his assumption was confirmed. They were all from the market leader for omega supplies, and apparently the luxury edition.

His fingers tingled and he would have liked to carry everything straight to Kacchan's bedroom. But two things stopped him. Firstly, he wanted to know what the other presents contained, and secondly, he was still a little unsure about building a nest. He had never built a real nest before. Could he even do that? Was he really allowed to do it in Kacchan's king size bed or would it make his alpha uncomfortable after all? Of course he would invite Kacchan into his nest, but still...

Before Izuku doubted too much, he opened the next package. As soon as he recognized the contents, he laughed. It was a plush pillow with the look of a Chibi Dynamight, of course with the familiar grim expression. Inside was a small greetings card that read:

So that you can always cuddle with me, even when I'm not around.

He pressed the cushion to his face and purred happily.

The next package contained a gift basket with fine bath additives and fragrant body oils. The greenette unscrewed one of the bottles and sniffed the fresh citrus scent.

Izuku found various items of clothing in the last packages. Most of them were comfortable house clothes or loose training clothes. His favorite, however, was the green onesie with the bunny look, complete with ears and stubby tail.

Now he had opened all the packages and was standing in a sea of boxes and presents. His cheek muscles tightened, he was smiling so broadly with happiness.

At that moment, Izuku felt truly loved and accepted.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

A few hours earlier.

Kiri had pushed him to the sofa in his office and now they were sitting there in silence.

"Have you calmed down now?" his best friend asked after a few minutes.

Katsuki ruffled his hair. "Yes ... Shit! Do you think Denki's alright?"

Kiri sighed. "He'll be fine. However, you can be sure that Shinso will roast your brains at the next opportunity."

Aizawa's foster son was also an alpha and had been in a relationship with Pikachu for years. They had started dating in high school. If Shinso's protective instinct towards his partner was half as strong as Katsuki's, the two alphas would definitely need to talk. They just had to hope they didn't end up at each other's throats.

The blond hero sighed, "You know what? I can actually understand him now. No matter how much I snap at you, until this morning I would have sworn that I would never get violent with you, but when Denki made those stupid remarks about Izu, I saw red." Katsuki sat hunched over with his hands in his lap.

Kiri patted his back reassuringly. "So... you and Midobro?"

The blond pushed up his sleeve and looked at the courting mark with a smile. "Yeah, he gave me permission to officially court him yesterday."

"I'm glad to hear that, bro. But why a courtship period at all instead of a final bond? Are you still unsure?" asked Kiri.

Katsuki shook his head. "If it were up to me, I would have claimed him and made him mine the moment he came to in the hospital. I'm doing this for him. I want to take things slowly and not overwhelm him. I also want Izu to know I'm serious. I want to show him what he means to me."

The redhead grumbled. "So you actually love him?"

"With every fiber of my being."

"I had a hunch there was more to your desperate search for Overhaul. Since Midobro accepts your courtship, does he feel the same way about you?"

Katsuki smiled slightly. "He said he loves me - for over ten years now ... And the idiot I am had to lose him first to realize that I feel the same way. Since then, I can't stop thinking about how things could have been if I'd known the truth beforehand. Maybe Overhaul would never have been able to overpower him and kidnap him. If we had been a couple back then, maybe I would have known he was about to get in heat. I wouldn't have been so surprised, or I wouldn't have let him join the mission in the first place. Maybe..."

Kiri eyed him sympathetically. "You can't change the past, Kat. The only thing you can influence is your present and future."

The blond hero sighed. "I know. Still, I wish it were different. Whatever you think they did to him, it was worse. He has so many scars... but that's nothing compared to the damage inside him. He suffers from panic attacks, flinches constantly, has nightmares and is insanely anxious. Even when I made his life hell when we were children, he always looked brave. He never looked at me like he does now. I don't even want to imagine how Izu would have reacted if Denki had said that shit in front of him."

"Deku clearly has post-traumatic stress disorder. Is he getting help with that?" asked Kiri.

"Don't call him that - and yes, his therapist comes for a home visit every few days."

His best friend looked at him in confusion. "Why not? I've noticed before that you don't call him Deku anymore, even though he got the name from you. After all, he even made it his hero name."

"Just leave it alone, okay?" Katsuki grumbled.

"Okay, if you say so." Kiri stood up and patted his shoulder. "You and Denki should apologize to each other and make things right. Are you okay with me telling the others what happened to Izuku so they can understand?"

The blond alpha thought for a moment, then nodded. "Just... leave out the sordid details. They're nobody's business."

Kiri smiled sadly. "Of course. Are you going to be okay now?"

Katsuki grumbled. "I'm doing paperwork today, or I'll blow up some idiot after all."

"It's probably for the best." With those words, his best friend left the office and left him alone.

Katsuki stood up, sat down at his desk and booted up his laptop.

~~~~~~

For a few hours, Katsuki had been writing mission reports or looking through information from the Hero Commission and its informants. Apparently there were new leads on Overhaul's whereabouts. Although Izu was now free, Katsuki still wanted to find the villain, hunt him down and put him behind bars for everything he had done to his mate.

None of the extras had shown up at his place all morning, which was better this way. The alpha had calmed down again. When he had finished his current report, Katsuki wondered what he should do next.

The notification sound told him he had a new email. He was about to delete it, as the newsletter was little more than spam to him, but he paused. Ever since Pinky had talked them up for the last Heroes' Gala until her colleagues had agreed to let the luxury department store dress them for the occasion, he had involuntarily been on their newsletter mailing list.

As he had nothing better to do, he clicked on the email. An idea began to manifest itself as he skimmed over the advertised products, and the alpha smiled. It was true what he had told Kiri, the courting phase was primarily for Izuku, so that Katsuki could show him what he meant to him. There would be a lot of work ahead of him in that regard. He'd best start right away.

~~~~~~

The paper work had allowed Katsuki to finish work on time, so that he was standing in front of the front door at half past four and unlocked the electronic lock.

"I'm home, babe," he called into the entrance area as he took off his shoes.

There was no reply.

Instead, he heard strange noises, the source of it couldn't have been too far away from him.
On the way home, the alpha had stopped at a bakery to bring his omega a small strawberry tart. He rarely ate sweets himself, but he remembered how much Izuku liked them. Katsuki put down the box with the cake and set off in search of his green-haired mate.

The closer he got to the living room, the louder the noises became, and as soon as the alpha could identify them, his blood ran cold.

The sounds of fighting!

He took off running.

The worst horror scenarios in his head.

Slithering, he reached the living room and froze. "Izu?!"

Everything was as usual in the living room. No destruction, no injured or frightened partner ... Just a green bunny watching an All Might movie at full volume while eating chocolates, lost in thought. Katsuki knew the movie. It was the last ten minutes of the glorious hero beating the crap out of the nasty supervillain until he finally conceded defeat.

Relief flooded through the alpha. It was only the television he had heard. His omega was in no danger. Ever since Izuku was back with him, his protective instinct for him grew with each passing day. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but he would have to learn to deal with it better in everyday situations. If something like today with Denki or just now happened to him as soon as he thought Izuku was in danger, it wouldn't be good for anyone involved in the long run.

"Babe?"

Izuku didn't hear him, it was too loud for that or he was too fascinated - who knew for sure? Katsuki didn't want to scare him, so he decided to wait until the movie was over. Instead, he fetched the cake from the entrance area and arranged it on a plate in the kitchen.

There he waited patiently. The battle scene ended and All Might was celebrated by the rescued civilians. The credits were about to roll. Katsuki took the opportunity to look at Izuku calmly doing something he loved.

It was obvious that everything had gone well with his delivery and he smiled with satisfaction. The roses were on the table, along with the chocolates, nibbles and his letter. The collectors box with the Blu-ray discs lay in front of the TV, one of the cases was open next to it. He had tied the balloons within sight of the sofa.

Izuku himself had put on the bunny onesie that had immediately made Katsuki think of him as soon as he had spotted it while browsing through the range. Various blankets and cushions were draped around the Omega on the sofa and he was holding the plush cushion from Dynamight's latest merch drop in his arms.

The bunny on his sofa was just too cute. Without a guilty conscience, Katsuki pulled his smartphone out of his pocket and secretly snapped a photo. Izuku's eyes had rarely shone so brightly since his return as they did at that moment.

A strong sense of satisfaction filled the alpha when he saw his partner so carefree after everything he had been through. It seemed his gesture had gone down even better than he had even dared to hope.

The movie ended, Izuku reached for the remote and turned off the television. Then he sank back into the blankets and cuddled the plush pillow. Katsuki hummed contentedly. His omega was just too cute. But it was about time his partner dealt with the original and not his polyester mini-me.

Katsuki released a few gentle pheromones to get Izuku's attention without scaring him. It worked. Almost instantly, his omega straightened up, sniffed and looked around searchingly. He really did look like a cute bunny that had just peeked out of its burrow to check if the coast was clear. Too bad that a big bad wolf was already lurking for this particular bunny and wanted to eat it.

"Kacchan!" exclaimed Izuku, surprised and delighted at the same time, as soon as he spotted him behind the cooking island. "When d-did you get home?"

Katsuki took the plate with the cake and walked towards him. "Hey babe! Or should I say bunny from now on?"

An enchanting blush spread across the greenette's cheeks. Embarrassed, he grabbed the ears of the onesie and pulled the hood down over his face until Katsuki could no longer see his eyes.

Arriving at the sofa, he asked, "May I sit with you?"

Izuku nodded wordlessly.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Izuku cautiously peeked out from under the edge of the hood. He was embarrassed. The situation was still too new for him and somewhat awkward due to his previous habits. What should he do or say now?

Kacchan seemed to notice. Could he feel it? Ever since the alpha had sat down with him, Izuku had been very aware of his presence, both physically and through their bond inside him.

"Did you like the presents?"

Izuku let go of the plush ears and allowed the hood to slide back up. From underneath, he looked up and slowly lifted his gaze. Kacchan scrutinized him with a slight smile and waited for his answer.

"Very." His voice was little more than a murmur.

"I'm glad."

Izuku reached for the plush dynamight and weighed it uncertainly in his hands.

"Is there something wrong with it?" asked Katsuki.

The omega nodded vigorously, causing the onesie's ears to bob. "It's not a substitute for cuddling."

"So? That means something's missing?" Katsuki looked at him closely.

"Your smell," the greenette said before he could change his mind.

With a smile, Katsuki took the plush pillow from his hands and rubbed it vigorously over the back of his neck. The pleasant pheromones of his alpha filled the room and were absorbed by the plush fabric. Once he was done, he handed the pillow back to Izuku. "Better?"

The omega took a quick sniff and was satisfied. The pillow now not only looked like his partner, but smelled like him as well. It was nice, but ...

Izuku swallowed hard. Why was he so self-conscious? He was nervous without being able to put his finger on why.

"What's wrong, Izu?" The omega sensed concern bubbling up at the other end of their connection.

"I-I don't really know either," he admitted. "I-I'm so happy that it m-makes me scared. It's almost t-too good to be true. What if a-all of this is just a pipe dream and as s-soon as I wake up, I'm b-back in this room." Towards the end, his voice broke. He was about to slip into a panic attack. "How b-broken am I that I'm afraid to be h-happy?"

Katsuki pulled him onto his lap and hugged him. "It's okay, babe, you're not dreaming. This is real. You're with me and you're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you again." He kissed Izuku on the cheek and emitted soothing pheromones. "Can you feel that? Can you smell me? I'm not a dream. I am with you. We are one. I love you, Izuku."

He clung to the alpha as if he would drown without the other man, burying his face near his scent gland. The familiar smell of caramel gradually calmed him and Izuku's breathing slowed down. Kacchan hummed softly for him and the omega relaxed. He finally won the battle against the negative thoughts until there was room for security and love inside him again.

Izuku pressed a quick kiss to his alpha's neck. "Thank you f-for always seeming to find the r-right words. I love you too, Kacchan."

The blond grumbled contentedly. "I brought you some strawberry cake. Would you like some?"

In reply, Izuku nodded.

When he didn't move, Katsuki said with a giggle. "It's not going to work out that way."

The greenette didn't want to move away from his partner. "Feed me," he demanded defiantly and straightened up so that they could both look each other in the eye.

For a brief moment, Kacchan seemed frozen. Then he placed his large hand between Izuku's shoulder blades to support him, leaned forward and reached for the plate of cake with his free hand.

As soon as they were sitting up straight again, Katsuki pricked some of the cake onto the small fork behind Izuku's back and held it out to him. The omega opened his mouth and let himself be fed. Kacchan did not take his eyes off him.

As soon as the flavor unfolded in Izuku's mouth, he closed his eyes in pleasure. "Mmm, it's delicious." He opened his mouth again and wanted more.

His alpha watched him in silence. The ruby red eyes glowed and he emitted a few pheromones. Izuku held his gaze and swallowed the next piece of cake. There was something unexpectedly intimate about the moment.

With the next bite, Izuku began to purr, to which Katsuki responded with a low growl. The omega shifted his sitting position and unconsciously rubbed Katsuki's lap. His growls became louder, the pheromones more intense.

Something stirred under Izuku. He chewed the cake in his mouth thoughtfully and concentrated on the new sensation. Then he realized what was going on. Kacchan was aroused. It was his hardness which the omega felt on his butt.

He swallowed hard. This time the cream didn't slide gently down his throat, it felt scratchy. His skin tingled unpleasantly and he stiffened. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his breathing became labored. His pheromones were getting out of control.

Kacchan set the plate aside, grasped Izuku's waist and promptly sat him down next to him on the sofa. It happened so fast that the omega had to process it first. The alpha buried his face in his hands. "Fuck! I'm sorry. Please don't be afraid, I won't hurt you. I have myself under control. Just... the feeding... you looked so hot and smelled so sweet."

Izuku felt his partner's guilty conscience boiling up inside him and felt bad about it. He had read somewhere that it was something special for alphas to feed their partner. Of course, Katsuki was not indifferent. He had overreacted - again. "It's o-okay, Kacchan. I'm sorry. I didn't m-mean to..."

He gave him an unreadable side glance. "Babe, you don't have to apologize for getting me excited. It would be weird if it was any other way."

Heat rose in his cheeks. "Probably," he admitted. "I kn-know it can be nice, too. Theoretically, I know th-that. It's just ... I just don't know. So far, it's o-only been associated with fear a-and pain for me. I..."

Kacchan hugged him. "Shhh, it's okay. We'll stay at your pace. I can and will wait as long as it takes. You don't have to feel rushed by me. We don't have to rush into anything and I won't ask you to do anything you're not ready for. You don't owe me anything in that respect or have any obligation to me. Do you understand that?"

Izuku nodded faintly and snuggled closer to Katsuki's comforting warmth. Even though the omega was happy about his partner's words, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Kacchan had needs, too. Izuku wanted to be a good mate to him and acknowledge his needs and fulfill them whenever possible. But he still couldn't fight the fear inside him.

Katsuki rubbed his forehead with his thumb. "I can feel your mind chaos up to here," he said with a grin.

The omega gasped and lowered his eyes in shame. Of course, his alpha could feel what was going on inside him. For a moment, it almost slipped Izuku's mind. "I'm s-sorry."

"Stop apologizing all the time for things you can't help. You'd better tell me if you wanted to build your nest here on the sofa. I was sure you'd prefer somewhere more private." With raised eyebrows, Kacchan looked at the blankets and cushions they were sitting between.

Izuku bit his lower lip, caught off guard, until he finally gave in and nodded.

"Then why aren't you doing it?"

"I w-wasn't sure if I was allowed to," he admitted.

Katsuki stroked his cheek gently. "Why do you think I got all this for you? Or are the things not right? I'm sorry, I have no idea about the subject."

Izuku shook his head. "The pillows and b-blankets feel great. That's n-not the problem."

"Then what is it? Where would you like to build your nest if you were free to choose?"

The omega was still not convinced that he was allowed to express this wish out loud. A small part of him still feared that one day he would become a nuisance to Katsuki and be shown the door by him. His alpha hadn't given him any reason to believe this yet - quite the opposite! - but he was still dominated by this irrational fear.

Katsuki sensed his turmoil. He leaned forward and kissed Izuku's neck tenderly. "Tell me," he cooed against his ear.

The greenette gave in. "In your bed."

"That won't work," the alpha replied with a sigh.

Izuku stiffened. He had known! It was too much to ask. His instincts were annoying and too insistent. He bit down hard on his lower lip, squinting his eyes and fighting back tears. Kacchan shouldn't see him cry and give in just because.

"You can't, because here in our home, in our bedroom, there's only our bed. So if you want to build your nest in our bed, I have nothing against it. I'll be honored if you consider this place safe enough."

Izuku searched his gaze. At the same time, he listened to himself. He sensed only love and sincerity over their connection.

Katsuki looked deep into his eyes. "Babe, you're no longer a guest here. If it were up to me, you never would have been. This is your home and mine. Provided you officially move in and accept it as our home too."

An irrepressible feeling of happiness bubbled in Izuku's chest. He embraced Katsuki and hugged him to his chest, "Yes!"

His alpha rumbled contentedly. "Then let's carry everything upstairs so you can get started."

With renewed zeal, Izuku jumped off the sofa and gathered up as many pillows as he could carry. Katsuki did the same and, one after the other, they climbed the stairs to the second floor.

Once in the bedroom, they carefully placed the nest-building material on the floor. Izuku looked at the large bed and thought hard.

Katsuki tousled his green curls. "I'll get the rest up and then I'll leave you alone." With those words, he left the bedroom.

The omega had barely heard him. In his mind, he was already planning where to go and reached for the first blanket. He let his instincts and gut feeling take over. Pillow after pillow was draped and blankets were wrapped around them. If he didn't like something, he tried it again in the same place.

When he was finally satisfied with the shape, Izuku had no idea how long it had actually taken him. Something was still missing...

The nest consisted only of new things. It didn't smell like either of them. Izuku's gaze fell on the laundry basket in the corner. That should work. Very carefully, Izuku climbed over the edge of the nest so as not to break anything, and rummaged through the hamper. He climbed back into the nest with three shirts that smelled pleasantly of his alpha. There he worked them in.

Afterward, Izuku picked up individual pillows again and rubbed them over his scent gland on the back of his neck while he ramped up the pheromone production. As soon as he had finished, he sat down in the middle of the nest and looked at his work. For being his first real nest, he was quite satisfied. Until now, he had always been afraid that someone might see it and expose him. The omega no longer had that fear today.

Although he didn't want to go public with the truth about his secondary gender just yet, he thought about at least revealing himself to his friends - that is, if they didn't already know when he returned?

Either way, his nest was safe here. His alpha wouldn't allow a stranger to walk in here. This place belonged to just the two of them. That was exactly how it had to be.

Izuku purred happily.

There was a knock and the omega looked up. Kacchan peeked through the crack in the door. His knuckles still on the doorframe. "May I come in?"

"Yes."

Slowly, the alpha opened the door fully and entered their shared bedroom. He stopped a few steps from the bed and examined Izuku's nest.

His body was tingling - in a good way this time. He was excited. Hopefully his alpha liked his nest. The grenette was a little nervous after all.

Kacchan smiled broadly. "That looks amazing, babe. You've built a great nest. It's hard to believe you've never done this before."

Izuku was almost bursting with happiness and purred loudly. Katsuki took a step closer. "May I come in with you? If you want to hold off on that, that's okay too."

The omega smiled at Kacchan's thoughtfulness. He'd probably heard about how territorial omegas got when it came to their nests. But his alpha didn't have to worry about that. He was welcome. "You are invited a-and may come to me."

Careful not to break anything, Katsuki climbed into bed with him.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Kacchan lay next to him in the nest and it just felt right. They both felt a deep sense of contentment that was heightened by their mutual connection.

They lay facing each other, enjoying each other's presence. His alpha moved a little closer and embraced Izuku's waist. With his thumb, he drew slow circles on his pelvic bone. "How was your day?"

"Good, after breakfast I did a light workout. Th-Then I rested a bit and then your presents arrived." The omega had already noticed a few days ago that his stuttering towards Kacchan had subsided. He was really pleased about that. Perhaps one day he would be confident enough again for it to disappear completely - at least in the presence of his alpha and their friends.

"Sounds good," Katsuki grumbled.

"How was y-your day?" Before the blond could answer, he thought of something else. "And what w-was going on this morning? For me, it felt like a heartburn."

Kacchan grimaced. "I'm not proud of it..."

"What h-happened?"

"Pikachu made some stupid comments and I saw red. We talked about it that afternoon and got it out of the way after we apologized to each other. As long as Shinso doesn't bring it up again, everything should be settled now," Katsuki replied with a sigh.

Izuku was surprised. Yes, Denki sometimes had a loose mouth - at least he had in the past - but the omega found it hard to imagine what he could have said to make his alpha so angry. "What was it about?"

The blond's gaze took on a pleading look, as if he really didn't want to talk about it, yet Izuku didn't let up. "Tell me."

"Well, fine..." Kacchan gave in. He avoided looking into Izuku's eyes. "I opted out of the extras for the time you were in heat, so no one would think to come here looking for me. That's when they started wondering about the duration. This morning Mina noticed my good mood. Crazy as she is about love stories, she noticed my changed pheromones straight away and then saw the bite. She went completely crazy with joy.

That brought the other idiots onto the scene. Mina wanted to share the happy news of our temporary bond with them, but I didn't feel comfortable doing so because I know how much you struggle with your secondary gender. You've kept this secret for so long, it's not my place to tell them." Katsuki fell silent.

The omega had a sinking feeling in his stomach. He feared to know what direction the conversation had taken after that. "What d-did happen?"

The Alpha chewed on his lower lip and pulled him into his arms. "Sero made the assumption that you were an omega and I would have spent your heat with you. He was right on the money. Then before I could have denied it, Denki started with his stupid comments."

Izuku swallowed. "What did he s-say?"

"He wanted to know if the rumors about omegas' behavior in heat were true and said that we should have fucked each other back in high school to ease our tensions."

His pheromones changed and Izuku noticed that his breathing also quickened.

Kacchan continued. "The fact that he went on about this sensitive subject without giving it a second thought made me insanely angry and I literally jumped down his throat. I can see how you struggle every day, how even now you sometimes flinch when I touch you. I couldn't take it at that moment, I choked him and threatened to rip his throat out if he talked about my mate and this subject like that again. The bound alpha in me went crazy and I almost killed him because I had to think about how you would feel if Pikachu ever said something like that in front of you. The others saw my mark, too. Besides, my outburst was more than obvious.

Kiri intervened and separated me from him. Mina, Denki and Sero didn't understand what was suddenly going on with me. When Kiri suggested a little later that we at least start to tell them how we found you, I agreed. I know it wasn't really my place, but I didn't want them to take the wrong tone with you the next time you meet, which will be sooner or later. I'm sorry, Izuku."

The omega had to let what he had heard sink in. Kacchan's teammates now knew the truth about him and even more. He didn't necessarily like it, but Izuku had to admit to himself that it would have happened either way and was therefore inevitable anyway. "It's okay, Kacchan."

They fell into silence, neither of them knowing what else to say.

The omega understood that his partner had only done it to protect him. It was the same with the attack on Denki. A very primal part of him even felt satisfaction at that. His alpha had proven to him that he would defend him, even against his own friends.

Izuku didn't know exactly why he felt that way. The idea of an enraged alpha was generally frightening. However, when the omega imagined it was Kacchan and the reason was Izuku's defense, then... he felt something completely different. His thoughts and pheromones took on a life of their own.

Katsuki's eyes snapped open. His nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply. A wry smile crept onto his handsome face. "Do I want to know what you're thinking about right now, nerd?"

It was hard to suppress the impulse to slap his hands over his face. Of course, Kacchan could both feel and smell his arousal. "It's t-totally embarrassing. I feel like I'm from the century before last. You're going to l-laugh at me."

His alpha stroked his cheek gently and kissed him on the forehead. "I would never laugh at you for that. Depending on what the reason is, it might amuse me a little, but I would never laugh at you, far from it. I'm glad you can still feel that way."

Izuku relaxed a little and allowed the thoughts and feelings. His cheeks grew hot as soon as he felt slick running out of his entrance and wetting his boxers.

Katsuki kissed his neck and nibbled on his earlobe, causing Izuku to gasp softly.

"Sooo..." the alpha started, "would you like to tell me what's going on in that pretty head of yours right now so I can make sure it happens again?" He moved his lips to his scent gland and sucked lightly on it. Their pheromones mingled together and they lay heavy in the air, which only heightened their arousal. Their connection made the feeling even more intense, and they rocked each other up.

Izuku let out a needy whimper, running one hand through Kacchan's soft hair and wrapping the other around his muscular neck to feel him even closer to his body. "The idea of you s-standing up for me and defending me makes the omega in m-me go crazy with bliss and happiness and want to deepen our bond. At the same time, it makes me f-feel primitive and driven by instinct."

Kacchan ran a hand under his shirt and played with his nipple. "Not primitive or instinct-driven, babe. It's primal and it's in our nature. You're in tune with your instincts. You don't have to be embarrassed. That's a good thing."

The alpha's words calmed the rational part of him which was trying to regain control of his thoughts. Instead, Izuku let himself drift and surrendered to the feelings that Kacchan triggered in him.

The blond pushed his shirt up to his armpits, exposing the omega's chest. Katsuki kissed and licked his way down until he could suck the pink bud into his mouth.

An electric shock ran through Izuku and he clung to his alpha. "Mmph~. Aah!" More and more slick leaked out of him. His underpants were soaked in that spot.

Kacchan ran his hand over his back, over his hip to the front of his arousal. There he rubbed the omega through the fabric. Izuku's moans grew louder and he bit his lips to muffle them.

"I want to hear you, babe. Show me if you like what I'm doing." Katsuki's voice was low and accompanied by a rumble that went right between Izuku's legs.

"Ha~ Kacchan ... m-more ... please~"

The alpha's thumb slipped into his waistband. "May I?"

Izuku nodded frantically. Still, he was torn. It felt so good, yet he wasn't ready to take the final step with Katsuki. Should he stop him before it went too far?

"Calm down, babe. I'm just going to touch you and me, no sex, okay?"

"O-Okay." At moments like these, Izuku was very grateful for their intimate connection. His mate sensed his discomfort and doubts even before the omega could put them into words, and was able to reassure him.

Katsuki pulled Izuku's loose pants and boxers down until he could touch him directly. He did the same to himself. A tremor ran through the greenette's body as soon as they touched.

With his large hand, the alpha grasped them both at the same time and slowly stroked their lengths. Izuku groaned. That felt good. Katsuki growled in arousal.

A moment of panic wanted to take hold of him. Desperately, he grabbed Katsuki's chin and pulled his head upwards away from his chest. "Please look at me. I need to s-see your eyes."

Kacchan quickly recovered from the surprise. "All right, I'm here. You're with me, babe. You're safe in your nest and you can let yourself go. Let me give you redemption, will you?"

Izuku nodded, losing himself in his partner's ruby-red soul mirrors. It was Kacchan's hands that touched him and they felt good on his heated skin. He stroked Izuku's tip with his thumb, playing with it until it nearly drove the greenette out of his mind, only to let go of him again and delay his climax.

"Please~," Izuku gasped.

The alpha held his gaze and didn't take his eyes off him for a second. Katsuki increased the pace, heightening both of their pleasure. Izuku's moans became more uncontrolled and the blond moaned, growling as well. Izuku breathed heavily. Beads of sweat had formed on Kacchan's forehead.

The omega surrendered to him and let go. It didn't take long for him to feel the growing knot in his abdomen, which was about to burst into ectasy. "I'm about t-to cum, Kacchan~"

"Me too, babe," the alpha growled.

Katsuki drove up and down hard a few more times until they climaxed together and splattered their cum between them. Izuku gasped for breath. Not once had the alpha broken their eye contact. "I love you," the omega groaned and purred contentedly.

"I love you too, Izu."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Izuku had just cleared the table and made himself another cup of coffee when the doorbell rang. A glance at the kitchen clock told him that Dr. Nakamura was on time again today even two minutes early.

He placed another cup under the coffee machine and pressed the button before going to the front door. There, the omega used the screen to make sure it really was his therapist waiting for him. The beta smiled kindly at the camera. Izuku opened the door. "Good m-morning."

"Good morning, Midoriya-san." She stepped inside and took off her shoes.

"Have a-a seat. I've made s-some coffee."

"Thank you very much."

Izuku went back to the kitchen. In the meantime, the second coffee had run through. With the cups in his hands, he headed for the corner seat at the back of the living room where they always sat.

After placing both cups on the table, Izuku sat down as well. Since the meeting in which Izuku had broken his silence, they had had two more. Gradually, the omega relaxed in the therapist's presence. So far, they had not exchanged a word about what had happened in the past. Their conversation was exclusively about the present.

"How have you been since we last spoke? After all we had to cancel the planned appointment because of your heat."

"I'm fine," Izuku replied vaguely.

"I'm glad to hear that." Dr. Nakamura made a quick note. "If the answer to the following question makes you uncomfortable, then of course you don't have to say anything, but I think this topic is important given your history." She paused for a moment and Izuku felt the tension rise within him. "It was your first heat since all this happened to you... How did it make you feel? Were you able to handle it?"

Izuku wasn't surprised that she brought it up, even though it was the most private topic in an omega's life. After all, a large part of his trauma revolved around the assaults and rapes, which meant that he now had problems regarding intimacy with Kacchan.

He took a deep breath and a sip of coffee. "My heat w-was irregular during puberty, even when I was still t-taking blockers. That's how Overhaul managed to carry me off back then. It started in the middle o-of the fight, even though it shouldn't have h-happened until five days later." The memories of his abduction came flooding back. His hands trembled and he gripped his coffee cup tighter.

"So that's what happened then..." Dr. Nakamura said more to herself. As soon as she noticed the omega's condition, she tried to calm him down. "Midoriya-san, realize where you are. You're not there, you're sitting on the sofa of a good friend, a person who loves you, with a cup of coffee in your hand. Perhaps stroke the cover. Feel how it feels, feel the warmth of the cup. What do you see when you look around you? You are in a protected space. Nothing will happen to you here against your will."

Izuku exhaled shakily and reflected on his surroundings. It helped and he became calmer. "As you can i-imagine, the beginning of my heat and its c-course is therefore associated with great fear. Then the a-attacks were at their worst. When it started th-this time, I was watching TV with Kacchan a-and we were cuddling on the sofa. As soon as the cramps st-started, I fled."

"Understandable," commented his therapist. "What happened then?"

"I went u-upstairs. I grabbed a shirt from Kacchan a-and hid in the guest room. The p-pain got worse and worse, but the smell of him c-comforted me at least s-somewhat. It didn't take long f-for Kacchan to come looking for me. He r-reacted to my pheromones and I got scared. As s-soon as he realized it, he c-calmed down."

Dr. Nakamura raised her eyebrows. "He was able to control himself even though your heat had already fully kicked in?"

The omega nodded.

"That's amazing. He must really love you a lot." The therapist sounded impressed.

Warmth rose in Izuku's cheeks as soon as he thought about what had happened afterwards. He had told her about Kacchan's confession during the last session. The beta really could grin smugly! At least she had refrained from saying 'I told you so'.

"Kacchan offered t-to help me through the heat. After h-he proved to me he wouldn't fall over me, I let him. He took really good c-care of me. The experience w-was completely new to me. I let m-myself go." Izuku had lowered his gaze to the cup in his hands.

Dr. Nakamura was busily taking notes. She reminded the omega a little of himself. "So there was no intercorse?"

Now the warmth reached Izuku's ears. "No, h-he took care of m-my needs in other ways ."

A mild smile appeared on her face. "I'm really glad you were able to have that experience. That speaks to an alpha's immense strength of will. How has your relationship with Bakugou-san been since then?"

Izuku thought about how best to put it into words. So much had happened in the past week. Maybe it was easier to show her? Wordlessly, he pushed up the sleeve of his long shirt and showed her the mark on his wrist.

The beta gasped wordlessly before exclaiming: "Congratulations!" She was beaming all over her face and Izuku couldn't help but do the same. "Did it happen during or after the heat?"

"Afterwards. When I had a clear head again, we talked and I was able to think about a few things before I gathered my courage and told Kacchan I returned his feelings." Izuku drank the last sip of his coffee and set the cup down on the table.

"Have you been intimate with each other since then?"

It almost sounded like he was gossiping about his love life with a friend, but they both knew in the omega's case, there was so much more to it. "Once. I wanted to talk to you about that, too. I don't know what to do."

Dr. Nakamura adjusted her glasses. "Did something happen that you didn't want?"

Izuku jumped up. "Gods, no!" Had it sounded like that to her? "Kacchan is e-everything I could wish for in a p-partner, despite my history. He t-touched me - it was consensual - and i-it felt good. I was only s-scared for a b-brief moment, but Kacchan was a-able to calm me down again."

"I see, that's good. In what way are you at a loss?" As the beta spoke, her pen scratched across the paper on her clipboard.

The omega avoided her gaze. "I ... I want to m-make love to Kacchan. It‘s just I don't know if I c-can. I'm a-afraid. I don't know how..."

The therapist thought about the words. "Do you have any experience with consensual sex?"

Izuku bit his lower lip and shook his head. He was a little embarrassed, but this conversation was necessary if he hoped to get advice on how he could one day manage to take that step with Kacchan.

Dr. Nakamura sighed, "Of course, that makes it all the more difficult after your experiences."

"I also want t-to be a good partner to him and accept his n-needs. However, if I'm honest with m-myself, I don't know if I'm quite ready to bear the f-feeling if..." The omega didn't say any more. He simply couldn't say it out loud.

The beta's brow furrowed and her expression darkened. "Did Bakugou-san make you feel like you owe him that?"

Izuku raised his hands defensively. "No, qu-quite the opposite! He's a-as considerate as a-anyone can be."

"Okay ... Unfortunately, your fears are not unfounded. Not only your mind, but also your body has numerous traumas behind it that lie in its memory. A certain physical reaction is therefore quite possible, perhaps even unavoidable."

The omega grimaced. "Does that m-mean I'll never be able to g-get over it?"

"No, that's not what I meant. Rather that you should listen to your body. If it gets too much for you, stop. Withdraw and give yourself the space you need. As in pretty much all situations in life, the key here is communication. Talk to Bakugou-san. Especially beforehand, so that he doesn't unknowingly do something that could trigger a panic attack or anxiety in you.

In which places and in which situations do you not want to be touched? Which positions you can't or don't want to try out with him. What words or gestures he should not use and much more. Everything that is associated with a bad memory for you and triggers fear in you. When the time comes, keep the conversation going. Tell him what you are confident about. How you are feeling and if it is too much for you. Admit to taking breaks and possibly even failed attempts. You learn by failing. That doesn't mean that it won't work one day. When you're ready, sex with your partner will feel good. I'm convinced of that."

A faint hope sprouted in Izuku. Maybe it would be possible for him to give himself completely to Kacchan one day. After all, communication really wasn't their problem. His alpha always asked for permission before he did anything. When Izuku got scared, he calmed him down. Also, Kacchan already knew not to touch him if he didn't see it or didn't expect it and his partner paid attention to his reactions. "I'll take your w-words to heart."

"Very well. If you like, we can go into the subject in more depth next time or we can wait and see how you progress." The therapist glanced at the clock on the opposite wall of the seating area. "Please don't feel like I'm stalling you or not taking you seriously enough ... It's just that we're already five minutes over time and I'll be late for my next appointment if I don't get going now."

Izuku's gaze shot to the clock as well. "Sorry, I h-haven't been paying attention t-to the time."

She waved it off and stood up. "That's not what I meant to say. I'm glad you were able to talk to me so openly about your worries today. You're on the right path."

The omega also stood up and walked the woman to the door. "See you n-next time."

"See you in three days, Midoriya-san. Have a nice day."

"Thanks, you too." Izuku closed the door, picked up the cups and went into the kitchen. The therapist had given him a lot to think about. He urgently needed another coffee.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Today was the day. Izuku's appointment at the hospital was in just under two hours. Katsuki had been feeling a lot of anxiety from his mate all morning. It was hard not to get carried away. The alpha did his best to keep calm himself and radiate it. If he went crazy now, it would unsettle Izuku even more. It was only the first of presumably many more appointments and his nerves were already on edge.

"Is there anything I can do to help you?" Katsuki took a sip of coffee and watched his omega over the rim of his cup.

The greenette shook his head. He sat fidgeting on one of the bar stools in the kitchen, pushing his breakfast from one side of the plate to the other without actually eating.

"How about a cup of tea? You like the new kind, don't you?"

Izuku swayed his head back and forth thoughtfully before answering, "Okay."

Katsuki stood up and opened the kitchen cupboard, where various tins of tea had recently been lined up. He hardly ever drank tea himself, so he might have had one or two different kinds in the house before Izuku moved in. A few days ago, they had discovered that a good herbal tea definitely helped the omega to cope with his tension.

For this reason, Katsuki had even volunteered for a telephone consultation about herbal teas and then placed a large order in the store. The new tea had arrived yesterday and Izuku had already had a cup or two since then.

As soon as the drink was ready, he handed the cup to his partner, who accepted it with a mild smile. "Thank y-you, Kacchan."

"You're welcome." The alpha made himself another cup of coffee.

After breakfast, they went upstairs and got ready to leave. About ten minutes later, they were standing in the entrance area, ready to leave. The omega had his eyes firmly fixed on the floor. Katsuki tenderly lifted Izuku's chin. "I promise not to leave your side. If something makes you uncomfortable, tell me. If it gets too much for you, we'll go back home. We'll only do what you feel up to today, okay?"

Izuku's Adam's apple twitched as he swallowed hard. "But some doctors have traveled here especially for this appointment, didn't they?"

"Yes, so?"

"It would be i-impolite to waste their time l-like that," Izuku muttered.

Katsuki snorted. "I don't care. The appointment today is to make you feel better. If it has the opposite effect, we'll cancel it."

"All right."

A smile stole onto Katsuki's face and he pressed a quick kiss to Izuku's lips before grabbing his hand and opening the door. "Let's go then."

Fortunately, the front door could not be seen from the fence, so they were still safe from the paparazzi. Katsuki led his omega to the black SUV. Today he was doing without the flashy sports car that far too many people recognized as his. He wanted to keep as much stress away from Izuku as possible. The alpha opened the passenger door and helped him get in.

The security people knew about their appointment and opened the gate as soon as the car came into view. Of course, the reporters lying in wait didn't fail to notice and wanted to rush towards the car. The security stopped them.

As soon as Katsuki no longer risked running over one of these bastards, he stepped on the gas. When he reached the end of the driveway, he spotted one of the camera cars in the rear-view mirror. They weren't fucking serious, were they? The alpha bared its elongated fangs and growled. "Don't be scared, I'm going a little faster now."

Surprised, Izuku looked at him. "What i-is going on?"

"It looks like they're trying to follow us. Don't worry about it. I'll shake the fuckers off first."

The inside of the car was filled with the sour smell of Izuku's stress pheromones. Katsuki placed a hand on his thigh and squeezed lightly. "I won't let anyone bother you." With those words, he stepped on the gas and drove far too fast through the noble neighborhood.

After a few minutes, the alpha was sure he had left the pursuers behind. Although the pair calmed down, the rest of the drive was silent. Both were preoccupied with their own thoughts.

When they arrived at the hospital's underground parking garage, Katsuki parked the SUV near an elevator. He then walked around the car and opened the door. He held out his hand to him, but Katsuki stopped halfway. "I take it you don't want to hold my hand in public yet?"

Izuku chewed nervously on his lower lip and gave him a pleading look. He was visibly struggling with himself. His emerald eyes were literally overflowing with conflicting emotions.

Katsuki briefly stroked his cheek. "It's okay, I'm not disappointed about it."

Izuku looked around. When he didn't spot anyone, he stood on tiptoes and gave his alpha a quick kiss. "Thank you. Once w-we're alone with the doctors, it's o-okay. But not before, please. I-I'm not ready yet."

"All right, babe. Let's go then. Tanaka's probably already waiting." Katsuki turned towards the elevator.

"Who's Tanaka?"

"The head of our legal department and my lawyer for all cases." They reached the elevator and Katsuki pressed the button.

They were lucky and the doors slid open immediately. "Why i-is your lawyer coming with m-me to my doctor's appointment?"

The alpha gave him a diabolical grin and pressed the button for the first floor. "Don't worry, he'll leave as soon as all the legalities are sorted out, which we'll do before you've even made a single statement about yourself, your past experiences, your secondary gender or your ailments."

Izuku looked at him in confusion. "What legal matters a-are there to clarify?"

"I'm going to have everyone involved in your treatment sign a non-disclosure agreement to make sure no one blabs if they don't want me to kick their ass by any means possible afterwards."

"Doesn't medical c-confidentiality apply anyway?" The greenette's brow furrowed.

"For everything they learn in the course of their medical work, yes. Everything else that is not directly affected is not subject to this protection. That means they could easily tell anyone that you and I are sharing a bond. Tanaka is here to prevent that."

"I see," muttered the omega.

With a ping, the elevator came to a halt and the doors slid silently open. There wasn't much going on in the entrance area of the clinic compared to the hustle and bustle of a normal hospital. After all, only the staff, heroes, as well as their employees or relatives and heroes in training from UA or another school were allowed to enter this place.

Still, there were an estimated two dozen people present. Katsuki sensed his omega's nervousness about their connection. "Stay calm, I'm with you. None of these extras will dare bother you," he cooed to him soothingly.

"Let's get i-it over with." Izuku exited the elevator. Katsuki stayed close by his side.

A few heartbeats later, it was as if the scenery had frozen. Everyone present stared at the two heroes. Then the whispering began. It took a lot of willpower for Katsuki not to reach for his mate's hand. Instead, he put on his most sinister expression and bared his fangs in warning.A man in his thirties hurried in their direction and smiled kindly. Izuku took a step back and half-hid behind Katsuki.

"This is Tanaka."

At that, his omega relaxed a little. The lawyer stopped in front of them and bowed in greeting. "Good morning, Dynamight. Very pleased to meet you in person, Midoriya-san."

"L-likewise."

Before they were forced to exchange any more pleasantries, Katsuki asked, "Did you draw up all the paperwork and bring it with you?"

"Of course."

"Very well, then let's go." The alpha started moving and headed for the reception.

Katsuki leaned on the counter with one arm. The two young women working there almost got heart eyes. Great ... "We have an appointment at 10."

One of them hurriedly typed away on her keyboard. The more she typed, the more helpless she looked. "I can't find anything for you here, Dynamight."

Only now did Katsuki realize his mistake. He pointed at his omega. "He has the appointment. I'll go with him."

Her eyes grew wide. "Oh, just a moment, please." She typed away again, then reached for the phone and dialed. "Deku's here. Yes, that's fine. We'll send him to you." After hanging up, she said, "Dr. Yaguchi and the others are waiting for you. I'll take you there."

The receptionist came out from behind the counter. "Please follow me." Then she turned around and headed for one of the corridors leading off the foyer. With each step, she swung her bottom back and forth. As soon as they were alone in the hallway, Katsuki caught a sweet smell. The woman in front of him was obviously an omega and also willing to mate.

Her pheromones were so sugary that they almost made the alpha's nose sticky - a mixture of cotton candy and love pearls. Far too sweet for his taste. She seemed to have correctly recognized Tanaka as a beta, just as Izuku was officially considered a beta, otherwise she would never throw her aroused pheromones at Katsuki so obviously, if she had to assume someone else could smell them. Now she glanced over her shoulder and batted her eyelashes. "Dynamight, you're my favorite hero. Maybe you have time during Deku's appointment and I could show you how excited I am about you?"

She might as well hold a sign under his nose that said, Please, please fuck me!

"No, thank you." Part of him found her behavior quite entertaining. For the most part, however, it was annoying, which was why Katsuki just wanted to ignore it.

It looked like Izuku had a different opinion...

All at once, the hallway was filled with sour, even foul-smelling pheromones that drove away the cotton candy and stung his sensitive nose.

Oh yes, definitely extremely pissed off omega.

Izuku snarled at the woman in front of them in a way Katsuki had never seen before. Until now, he had never thought it possible to see such an expression on the hero, who was famous for his lovely smile. Now Izuku bared his short fangs and hissed menacingly. Then he grabbed Katsuki's hand and intertwined their fingers. "Mine!"

The blond couldn't help but grin smugly. His omega was openly defending his territory. Was Katsuki crazy because this turned him on far more than the omega's attempts before him, even though Izu's pheromones nearly corroded his nasal mucosa? Definitely not, because the bound alpha in him rumbled with great satisfaction that the greenette was claiming him as much as he was claiming him.

The woman's eyes nearly popped out as her gaze darted back and forth between the two. Izuku's pheromones became even more intense and she let out a soft whimper.

To appease him, Katsuki pressed a kiss to his omega's temple. It didn't matter now anyway. Tanaka and this chick would have to be deprived of all senses not to understand what was between the two heroes.

"Tanaka?"

"Yes, Dynamight," he replied briskly.

"Looks like we'll need her to sign the confidentiality agreement as well."

"I'll get right on it," the lawyer replied with a wry smile. "Congratulations, by the way."

"Thank you." Turning to the woman, he said, "Now could you please take us to the treatment room at last?"

The omega woke from her stupor and nodded eagerly. "Of course." Her voice sounded squeaky. She pointed to a door at the end of the corridor. "This way, please."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

As soon as they stood in front of the door the receptionist had pointed to earlier, Tanaka asked the young omega to come with him for a moment. She followed the lawyer without comment. She was probably too intimidated by Izuku to object.

The greenette's gaze fell on the nameplate next to the door.

Dr. Akari Yaguchi, MD

Senior Physician Trauma Surgery & Head of the Emergency Department

The knowledge of someone he knew would be taking part in this conversation reassured Izuku a little. Nevertheless, he was still shaken by the young omega's audacity.

At that moment, he had noticed Kacchan's changing emotions as well as his own anger. They had switched so quickly that Izuku wasn't quite sure which of the two omegas caused which emotion inside his mate. His alpha's mood had changed from neutral to annoyed to amused to excited in under two minutes.

Had the woman annoyed or aroused his partner?

Izuku couldn't say for sure ... He wanted to believe it was because of himself, because he had claimed Katsuki for himself and not because of the clear offer he had received before. But it could just as easily be the other way around. The young omega was beautiful and definitely looking for sex. Izuku, on the other hand, was broken and covered in so many scars that it bordered on mutilation. The thought of sex gave him a panic attack. He was not a good match for an alpha with a healthy sex drive.

From a purely logical point of view, the woman might be a better partner for his alpha - certainly a less complicated one. He didn't want to doubt Kacchan. The blond had proven to him that he was serious about him. The undeniable proof was emblazoned on the inside of his right wrist. Unconsciously, Izuku grasped the spot with his left hand.

He really didn't want to doubt, but a part of him still thought it was absolutely absurd for the love of his life to suddenly return the feelings he had been hiding for years. Especially after Izuku had been broken and had nothing left to offer but mountains of trauma. The voice which told him he wasn't good enough simply couldn't be ignored today.

Kacchan nudged against his arm. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Izuku evaded.

"We both know that's not true. Are you nervous because you don't know what's waiting for you behind that door? Only it doesn't feel like nervousness to me, more like insecurity and self-doubt. So, what's going on, Izu?"

"Did this just m-make you uncomfortable?"

"Of course," Katsuki replied promptly.

"Oh," Izuku groaned weakly. So the omega had made a scene which his partner didn't approve of. Dejected, he looked at his shoes and fought against his negative emotions. Why was a relationship so complicated?

Katsuki lifted his chin and searched his gaze. "Why are you even sadder now than before?"

The omega couldn't bring himself to break the silence. His mate's ruby eyes grew wide. "Wait a minute ... I think you misunderstood something! That chick made me uncomfortable, not the fact of you claiming me in public. On the contrary - that was totally hot." Kacchan's voice had become softer and deeper with the last words. A pleasant shiver ran down Izuku's spine, all the more so because he felt that blazing spark of desire from his alpha's side again and this time he was sure the feeling was for him.

Katsuki looked around furtively, then leaned forward and licked along Izuku's earlobe. "If this appointment wasn't so important, we'd be on our way home by now so I could spoil you in peace and quiet to show you how much I just enjoyed it."

"Kacchan," Izuku breathlessly said. He liked the idea of being touched by his alpha. The blond's caresses made the omega feel like a person, a personality, a full being who deserved to be treated well and not just like a piece of meat to be used and then discarded.

Footsteps could be heard in the hallway and the two scooted apart. Katsuki winked at him. "Later."

Izuku felt his cheeks grow hot and forced himself to calm down. He didn't want to be seen blushing by anyone but Kacchan.

The footsteps came closer and closer until they finally fell silent beside the two heroes.

"Did she sign?" Katsuki asked.

"Yes." Out of the corner of his eye, Izuku saw the lawyer waving a wad of paper before stowing it in one of the two folders he was carrying.

"Good, now let's make sure everyone in this room signs it too, and then you can go back to the office."

The alpha stroked the back of Izuku's hand. "Are you ready?"

The omega nodded after a moment's hesitation. As soon as his mate saw that, he knocked.

"Come in!" The answer came instantly. Through the thick wood of the door panel, Izuku wasn't entirely sure, but the female voice had sounded like Dr. Yaguchi.

Katsuki opened the door and entered. In addition to numerous people in white coats and his therapist, Izuku spotted another familiar figure. Recovery Girl was sitting next to Dr. Nakamura on a small sofa. He was surprised to see the older heroine. Izuku had thought she was no longer practicing.

"Hello, my boy," she greeted him in her slightly raspy voice as soon as she noticed his gaze.

"Hello," Izuku whispered, bowing slightly in her direction. The UA school doctor was the only one besides All Might who had known the truth about his secondary gender while he was still in school. Thanks to her, Izuku had been able to hide the symptoms of his heat from the others and let them believe he was a plain beta.

"Welcome, Midoriya-san. You look well," Dr. Yaguchi greeted him kindly. She tilted her head slightly in Katsuki's direction. "Bakugou-san."

The alpha grumbled briefly in greeting.
"Let me introduce my colleagues and then we can get started." She pointed to the man and woman on her right. "These are Dr. Itou and Dr. Watanabe. Both are excellent orthopaedic surgeons. Perhaps you remember Dr. Itou? He treated you before when you had various broken bones."

Izuku nodded to them in greeting. He remembered the doctor, who was getting on in years. It was the one who had told him back then that he would sooner or later suffer nerve damage in his arms if he continued to break his bones so recklessly.

Dr. Yaguchi gestured to the three men on her other side. "Here we have Dr. Kobayashi, his student Sugimoto-san, and Dr. Takahashi, all neurologists. You already know Dr. Nakamura and Recovery Girl."

Mumbled greetings and bows were exchanged and the doctor pointed to the two chairs in front of her desk. The two heroes complied and sat down. Then Dr. Yaguchi opened the conversation: "What exactly brings you to us, Midoriya-san? Bakugou-san spoke of pain in his arms when he called?"

"Before we start, there's something else we need to do," Katsuki said. "Tanaka."

The lawyer stepped forward and bowed. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Tanaka. I represent Dynamight in all legal matters and, in this case, Midoriya-san as well. Before the treatment begins, we would like to ask you to sign this declaration." He took a multi-page document from his folder for each of the doctors present and handed them out.

Dr. Yaguchi took a quick look at it. "What is this?"

"A confidentiality agreement to ensure you won't pass on anything you learn about my clients to third parties. One copy is for your personal records, please return the other to me."

The doctor nodded and reached for a pen. "I understand why this is important to you." She put her signature in the space provided and handed a sheet back to Tanaka. Recovery Girl and Dr. Nakamura did the same. The other doctors leafed through the document.

"Celebrities..." the student muttered, annoyed.

Izuku gave him a sideways glance. The young man was clearly an Alpha, just like his mentor. Their pheromones lingered faintly in the air. The others were all betas.

"Is there a problem?" Tanaka asked overly friendly.

The young alpha was about to reply when the older doctor at his side beat him to it. "Just sign it, Sugimoto, or were you planning to have an interview with the press after this appointment?"

"Of course not! I'm certainly a fan of Deku, but I wouldn't go bragging about having met him in person today, let alone I have confidential health information about him."

Izuku grimaced slightly at the mention of his hero's name. In the meantime, the outstanding declarations were signed. Tanaka collected them and took his leave.

One of the orthopaedic surgeons spoke up: "It will take us a few hours to complete the examinations that are probably necessary for today. So if you're needed somewhere else, you're welcome to leave, Dynamight. If you like, we'll get back to you as soon as we're done here, if you want to come back for Deku." The older doctor named Itou smiled benevolently, as if Katsuki should be glad he gave him an excuse to leave.

"First of all, no fanboying of any kind. It's Midoriya for you and nothing else. And secondly: I will accompany Izuku during the entire treatment and only leave his side if there is no other way or if he asks me to."

The omega was grateful for his mate's support and gave him a weak smile. There were so many people in this room and two other Alphas besides his mate. It was the first time he had encountered an alpha other than Kacchan since his rescue, and then it was two at once. Two unknown alphas in a small room at the same time awakened unpleasant memories in Izuku which wanted to drag him into the darkest depths of his negative thoughts.

Kacchan patted his thigh fleetingly and Izuku calmed down again. Hopefully no one but his mate had noticed the near outburst. Had he emitted pheromones? He checked the air. There was no sign of his scent - lucky him!

The young student accompanying Dr. Kobayashi snorted derisively, making him sit up and take notice. "Are you talking about the symbol of peace or a primary school student? Do you perhaps want to get into the CT as well?"

While Izuku himself was still struggling for words, he waited for Kacchan to explode and if not himself, then a piece of furniture he had targeted or possibly even the student. But his alpha remained outwardly calm, even though anger was boiling up inside both of them. "Get out," Kacchan simply hissed.

The young alpha's eyes widened, but he was unimpressed. "With all due respect, out there you are both great and important heroes, but in here you should trust the experts and not make their work even more difficult with such airs and graces. After all, Deku was temporarily ahead of you in the rankings before he disappeared, Dynamight. He should be able to manage a few examinations without you having to hold his hand, shouldn't he?" He looked at Izuku as if he wanted to get some praise from him for his supposed dedication to his cause.

Dr. Yaguchi slapped her hand over her face, and Recovery Girl and Dr. Nakamura also looked at the student as if he was not only tired of life, but also quite stupid. The doctors, however, who had not yet dealt with the two heroes, looked as if they agreed with the young alpha.

Katsuki growled and showed his fangs. "Very thin ice, kid. Ever heard of: If you have no idea, just shut the fuck up?"

"I beg your pardon!" Sugimoto was visibly outraged and emitted aggressive pheromones. "No wonder many alphas are considered too bossy and self-absorbed when you set such a great example. Such behavior is really inappropriate. After all, countless children emulate you."

Izuku was instantly on the alert. Rationally, the former hero knew this alpha would not be dangerous to him even if he wanted to be. His experience, however, made him react differently to the pheromones. He was on the verge of fleeing.

Katsuki noticed it immediately. "If you and your filthy pheromones don't get the hell out of this room right now, I'll show you how inappropriate I can get."

"Kacchan." His alpha immediately fell silent and looked at him. "I w-want to go home." Izuku felt uncomfortable. The alpha's pheromones stung his nose and grew more intense. He didn't get the impression his needs were being taken seriously. For today, he had had enough interpersonal encounters that had ended unpleasantly.

Katsuki hesitated for a moment, his mouth pinched, his eyes resigned. Then he gave him a weak smile, stood up and held out his hand. "Okay, Izu."

Izuku took the proffered hand and stood up.

"Deku-," the student began and was interrupted by Dr. Yaguchi, who jumped up from her chair,

"Now shut your mouth for once! And keep your pheromones to yourself, that's highly unprofessional!" Addressing Izuku, she said gently, "Midoriya-san, please wait a moment before you really leave."

He stopped in front of her desk and remained silent.

Dr. Yaguchi pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. "Sugimoto?"

The student listened. "Yes?"

"Leave my office. You are dismissed from this case."

"Excuse me?! That's Kobayashi-sensei's decision."

The doctor only gave him a weary look. "As a senior trauma surgeon and head of the emergency department in this hospital, to whom alone you owe your temporary work permit in our hospital, because I asked your superior to join and certainly not you, it is my right to exclude you from a case that concerns my patient. Especially since you have nothing useful to contribute and are even causing trouble, even though I pointed out at the beginning that this is a difficult case which requires a great deal of sensitivity."

"But-"

"If you don't want me to issue a complete ban for this hospital, please leave my office now." Dr. Yaguchi remained adamant.

Izuku was glad of that.

The budding doctor looked to his mentor for help, but he shook his head. "Your behavior was inappropriate, Sugimoto. We'll talk about it later."

As the young alpha walked past them towards the door, he scowled at Katsuki. He only raised his eyebrows challengingly.

The door slammed shut behind the student. Dr. Yaguchi broke the brief silence. She gave Izuku a mild smile. "Better, Midoriya-san? Please stay. There's a good reason for this appointment, isn't there?"

The greenette hesitated. "I'm not s-sure yet." He watched the other doctors. It was hard to read them.

"What else is the matter?"

Izuku gave his alpha a sidelong glance. "How safe i-is this non-disclosure a-agreement?"

Katsuki grinned diabolically. "Absolutely watertight. If so much as a word leaves this room, I'll sue their asses to the ground."

"Good." The omega had to release some pressure, which his partner seemed to sense.

Katsuki clasped their hands together and pressed a kiss to the back of Izuku's hand. "Give it to them, babe."

Pent up frustration burst out of Izuku. "It took me a l-lot of effort to come here today. I'm h-here because I'm hoping f-for help. Instead, I have to listen t-to one of your staff members openly offering m-my mate sex in my presence and next thing I kn-know, an alpha who is a stranger to me is trying to t-tell us how to deal with my PTSD. He insults my mate a-at the same time. If this is the standard o-of how patients are treated here, we'll look for a-another hospital. I've been through hell and b-back. If you are n-not able to help me properly, b-but make it more difficult for me, we'll g-go."

Dr. Yaguchi, who was the only person besides his therapist who knew his medical records, looked contrite. "I sincerely apologize that you got off to such a bad start in our facility today and assure you this is certainly not our desired standard of patient care. Please let us prove that we are better than that. Please stay, Midoriya-san."

Izuku let her words run through his mind. This hospital was the closest one with the appropriate qualifications and state-of-the-art technology. They wouldn't have to travel that far to get here and his previous treatments had been good. It was the logical decision to try here. Besides, it was questionable when the greenette would next be able to get himself together to make an appointment at another hospital.

Two of the doctors had put their heads together and were whispering. "Mate? Did he really say mate?"

"Yes, he did," Katsuki spoke up. "The symbol of peace, conqueror of All for One and hero who ended the war is an omega - my omega. If anyone present has a problem with that, they're welcome to fuck off now."

Several heads were shaken hastily.

Izuku gave his alpha a mild smile. "Well, f-fine. We're staying. F-for now. If Kacchan speaks for m-me or makes a decision, it's b-because I let him. If I disagree, I'll let y-you know."

Dr. Yaguchi bowed. "Thank you very much, Midoriya-san. We will not betray your trust. And of course Bakugou-san may accompany you, unless there really is no other way."

"Agreed." Izuku sat down again and Kacchan did the same.

The doctor also sat down and looked at the two heroes expectantly. "So, what brings you to us today?"

"I have p-problems with my arms and which makes i-it difficult for me to control m-my quirk. They also s-sore or sometimes feel numb, even if I d-don't do anything."

"Have you broken anything recently? Especially in the shoulders, upper arms or ribs?" asked Dr. Watanabe, the orthopaedic surgeon.

"Yes," Izuku answered simply.

"Which part of the body exactly?" asked Dr. Itou.

"All of them."

Kacchan reached for his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. The room fell silent. After the orthopaedic surgeon had recovered from the shock, he asked, "Have these injuries been treated?"

Izuku took a deep breath. "Partially. Sometimes it was splinted or bandaged, more rarely a quirk was used."

Dr. Kobayashi adjusted his glasses. "The first thing we should do is an X-ray and a CT of the entire torax and both arms so that we can see what we're dealing with, along with a complete laboratory examination. It sounds like an arm plexus lesion to me."

The other doctors nodded in agreement.

"What does that mean?" Katsuki asked the neurologist.

"The nerves responsible for the functioning of our arms run from the spine in a cord between the shoulder blade and the collarbone to the arm, where they branch out further. Injuries caused by external force in this area often result in nerve damage, which can lead to the symptoms mentioned."

Meanwhile, Dr. Yaguchi had picked up her phone and booked him in for a CT scan.

It was going to be a long day ...

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Katsuki was about to explode. If he couldn't blow something up, he would go crazy! He needed to calm down - and urgently. He knew that his anger was getting to Izuku. At least since he sensed his omega's increasing nervousness.

A hand was placed on his shoulder and Katsuki flinched. Dr. Yaguchi stood next to him in the cramped room, where the neurologists and orthopaedists were also waiting for the examination results, and looked at him sympathetically. "I understand that it's difficult for you, Bakugou-san. You're holding up bravely - both of you."

The alpha grumbled discontentedly. There was a hint of his pissed-off pheromones in the air and he found it hard to hold them back. The sight of the x-rays had done him in. "I'm about to jump down someone's throat. And instead of calming down, I'm making it worse and unsettling my mate."

"But you're not doing it," Dr. Yaguchi countered. "You're controlling yourself."

At the moment, Izuku was undergoing a CT scan to examine the surrounding tissue and the nerves around the fractures in his bones more closely. He was wearing a thin hospital gown for the examination. So his courting bite and some of his scars were visible to everyone involved. For the past fifteen minutes, the alpha had been squeezed into the room with the five doctors, which was actually only designed for two people.

Katsuki snorted. "Only on the outside, and that's the problem." It was easy for the alpha to talk to the doctor. He had already liked her after Izu's rescue. Ever since she had sent the cocky student packing, her popularity had risen a few points.

"What do you mean?" the doctor asked.

Katsuki pushed up his sleeve and showed her Izuku's bite. Before she could say anything, Dr. Watanabe's voice rang out. "His pulse is elevated and he's moving too much. We can't get a clear picture."

Frantic breathing sounded through the loudspeaker that was transmitting the sounds from the CT scanner to the observation room. The alpha jerked his head around and watched the two orthopaedic surgeons in front of the screens. Fuck! This was his fault ...

Dr. Itou pressed the button for the microphone. "Midoriya-san, please try to calm down. You've almost made it."

"K-Kacchan?" Izuku's voice rang out through the speaker. "Are you s-still there? What's w-wrong?"

Without waiting for permission, he pushed his way forward to the control panel. He raised an eyebrow challengingly and the older doctor hurried to press the button for the microphone. "I'm here, babe. Everything's okay. You're doing great," he said gently.

"Then why are y-you so angry?"

Of course his partner had felt it through their connection. They were very close and the feeling was too strong. "I'm sorry - headcanon. It's all good. I promise. I'm trying to think of something else, okay? I didn't mean to upset you. Just hang in there for a few more minutes, okay?"

Izuku's breathing calmed down a little. A glance at the screen showed that his pulse had also lowered. "O-Okay."

Katsuki took a step back and Dr. Itou took his finger off the button. "How did he know you were...?" The doctor swallowed and stopped speaking as soon as he noticed the alpha's scowl.

"Why do you think?"

Dr. Kobayashi, the only other alpha in the room, took the floor. "Neither of you wear a mark on your neck, and even then it's extremely rare to have such a connection. So how can it be?" There was a curious glint in his eyes. It seemed to Katsuki as if the doctor was pleased to have discovered a particularly interesting lab rat.

"We both have each other's mark, just not on our necks - not yet." The blond couldn't help but feel pride for their intimate connection.

Dr. Takahashi, the second neurologist, leaned over to his colleague and whispered something in his ear while pointing to Katsuki's exposed wrist.

"You're also wearing a courting bite? How unusual! And you can really sense each other's emotions? Already? May I perhaps-?"

The hero interrupted him. "Yes, we can, and no, we're not volunteering to be lab rats. Don't one of you get the idea to harass my mate in this regard. As we can all see, he's got more than enough shit done to him."

A beeping sounded from the surveillance monitor. Izuku's heart rate was up again.

"Fuck!" Katsuki closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He finally had to come down. He wasn't helping his omega like this, he was only making things worse.

Dr. Yaguchi's voice sounded next to him. "Perhaps you could go into the corridor for a moment, Bakugou-san? Dr. Nakamura and Recovery Girl are also waiting there. We have almost everything now. As soon as we're done, I'll tell you and you can go straight next door to your mate. How does that sound?"

"And what if Izu asks for me again?"

"Then I'll bring you straight back in and you can talk to him. It's okay to go outside the door for a moment. It won't make you leave him. You're still here by his side. But this whole situation is understandably not easy for you either."

Katsuki opened his eyes and met the doctor's encouraging smile. The woman really had a talent for putting him at ease. "All right, but just because I trust that you only want the best for him, too."

"Of course, Bakugou-san."

Katsuki pushed past the other doctors and made his way to the door. As soon as he stepped into the hallway, he took a deep breath, dropped into a chair next to Recovery Girl and tried to compose himself.

"Is something wrong, my boy?"

It was strange of the old heroine to be called a boy when the alpha was almost twice as tall as Grandma. Still, he didn't take offense. It brought back memories of a simpler time and Katsuki felt nostalgic.

"It's okay," he pressed out. "I just had to get out of there for a bit. It's worse than I imagined. His bones ... those bastards hurt him so much."

The old woman patted his shoulder. "That's tough. I'm glad he's got you by his side - after all, it took you long enough."

"How am I supposed to understand that?"

Dr. Nakamura, who had kept to the background until now, took a curious step forward. Katsuki was grateful that the therapist was also present today to provide moral support for his mate.

The heroine smiled mischievously. "I realized back then how you two were meant for each other. Only you blockhead didn't want to see that." She slapped him lightly on the back of the head and the alpha winced.

Katsuki grumbled discontentedly. "I didn't know the truth about his secondary gender back then. Besides, I was a stupid teenager with a god complex."

The old woman's laughter sounded tinny, but it helped him to relax. Hopefully Izuku would notice it at his end of their connection. As soon as the laughter had faded, a comfortable silence spread between them. For the moment, everything had been said and all they could do was wait.

It wasn't long before the door to the observation room opened and Dr. Yaguchi stepped out. Katsuki looked at her expectantly. "We have everything we need. You can go in and see him. Midoriya-san can get dressed again and then we'll meet in my office once my colleagues have made an assessment and worked out a treatment plan."

The alpha was relieved. "How long will that take, roughly?"

The doctor grimaced. "I'll be honest with you. The damage is more massive than we thought, so the decision on which approach is the right one can't be made so easily."

Katsuki grumbled discontentedly, even though he knew it wasn't doing him any good. It was not for nothing that he and the surgeon had requested specialists from this hospital as well as others from a clinic on the other side of the country. "So, how long?"

"Why don't you two go to the cafeteria for a while or, if you prefer, to the garden and I'll meet you back in my office in an hour."

With a sigh on his lips, the blonde stood up and headed for the door to the CT. "See you in an hour then."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

They had spent the waiting time in a secluded part of the garden with a drink from one of the vending machines. There, the two heroes had remained reasonably undisturbed. One or two people had tried to approach them, but Katsuki had literally growled them all away.

Now they were standing in front of Dr. Yaguchi's office again.

"Are you ready?" Katsuki asked.

"Let's get this over with." This time it was Izuku who reached for the door handle and entered first.

The surgeon's office was bustling with activity. On one side, several X-ray images had been hung in front of illuminated panels. The two orthopaedic surgeons were discussing in front of them.The therapist and Recovery Girl sat on the sofa again in silence and the other three doctors leaned over the large computer screen on Dr. Yaguchi's desk.

"What results have you come to?" Katsuki spared himself a greeting. He didn't have the nerve for pointless, polite banter.

Dr. Yaguchi looked up from the screen. "We have to operate," she replied straightforwardly.

One of the neurologists snorted. What was his name again? Oh yes, Takahashi. "Yesterday would be best. If this malpositioned fracture of the right collarbone is not repaired soon and the bone continues to compress the nerves, there is a risk they will die. That would result in paralysis." The doctor looked up and examined the couple seriously. "The damage to the left arm is not quite as serious and has a little more time to go, but we really can't wait any longer here."

Dr. Watanabe spoke up from the other side of the room and pointed to one of the X-ray images. It showed a bulging area on the humerus. "Unfortunately, this affects the entire arm. We have to break the bone again at this point so that it can grow together straight this time." Her finger ran along the bone. "The healing process is fine here and we don't need to do anything else."

She took a step to the side and pointed to the X-ray image next to it, which showed the ulna and radius of the right forearm. "However, we have several problems here. There are several bone splinters in the tissue that we should remove to eliminate the pain they cause. We also need to correct this," she pointed to a crooked part of the radius, "and this fracture." This time she pointed to a brittle area from which the bone splinters of the ulna had apparently originated. "The other fractures are older and have already healed well."

The doctor looked at them with an unreadable expression. "To be honest, I'm surprised you can still use your arm at all. If we act quickly now, we should be able to keep it functioning and significantly reduce the pain once it's healed."

Katsuki would have liked to tell her to stop babbling and get straight to it instead, but it wasn't his decision to make. Frustrated, he bit his lower lip and remained silent. He didn't notice any measurable emotion from Izuku.

"What do you say?" the alpha asked his mate.

The greenette inhaled audibly. "What's your s-suggestion?"

Dr. Kobayashi spoke up. "We find the fastest possible surgery date and treat the necessary areas in one go. Recovery Girl has kindly agreed to support the healing process as much as possible. Nevertheless, a subsequent hospital stay of one week must be expected, followed by a period of rest at home. That's why we have to take something else into account when scheduling the appointment."

"What?" Izuku asked.

The neurologist was fumbling around and didn't get to the point. Why was the guy having trouble finding words now?

The old heroine giggled. "What the gentleman is afraid to ask is this: When was your last heat, sweetheart?"

Izuku blushed. Now Katsuki understood why the other alpha wouldn't come out with it. Asking an omega about his heat - and in the presence of his alpha - was never a good idea. Not even if it had a medical reason. The blond instinctively pulled up his upper lip and showed his fangs.

The greenette swallowed visibly and focused solely on the school doctor. "It stopped n-nine days ago."

"Is it still irregular?" the old woman inquired.

Izuku nodded. "There are usually a-at most twenty-five days in between."

"Then we should find an appointment in the coming week," Dr. Watanabe thought aloud. "Otherwise everything will be delayed too much or we run the risk of your next heat setting in while you're still recovering in hospital, which we don't want to put you through."

In the end, they agreed on an appointment in three days' time. The necessary operation on the left arm would then take place six weeks later. After that, Izuku would at least be able to put some of his torment behind him.

Hours later, the couple walked silently through the lobby to the elevators. As soon as the metal doors closed, Katsuki reached for his omega's hand and squeezed it reassuringly. The greenette gave him a weak smile in return.

In the elevator on the way to the underground garage, Katsuki's cell phone vibrated in his pocket. Since he had nothing better to do, he pulled it out. A new message from Kiri was displayed.

Shitty Hair💩: Hey bro! Why were you at the hospital? Is everything okay with Izuku? 😳

Blasty💥: How do you know that? Did Tanaka talk to you?

Shitty Hair💩: I haven't even seen him today ...

Shitty Hair💩: You're trending again. 🫣 That's how I know. *sends link*

Katsuki clicked on the link and ended up at the article of an online magazine. There was a photo of the two of them and Tanaka at the hospital reception when they had just arrived. Once again, the article contained the wildest speculations. Halfway through, the alpha broke it off. Growling, he stowed the smartphone in his pocket.

"What's going on, Kacchan?"

"Some of those extras at the hospital thought it would be a great idea to photograph us on arrival, and post the picture straight online. And of course, now half the internet has nothing better to do than speculate about why we were here."

Izuku grimaced. "Will they ever lose interest? Will the dust eventually settle and I'll be at peace?"

Katsuki would have loved to say something comforting to his omega, but they both knew that it would only have been a well-intentioned lie. They were each too famous on their own. When they were seen together, it was far worse and spiked the interest of countless people.

"Maybe it will help if we throw them a hunk. There hasn't been an official press release from your agency about you since you were kidnapped. If there's a statement, they might jump on it first and then shut up for a while," Katsuki suggested.

"And what will it say?" Izuku asked skeptically.

"No details, of course. You could imply that your disappearance wasn't voluntary, that you're taking a break for an uncertain period of time and that you're asking your fans to give you the space you need now."

The elevator had arrived at the underground parking garage and they walked to the SUV.

"Do you think it will h-help?"

"It won't do any harm either. If you want, I can discuss the possibilities with my PR consultant. But the announcement would have to come from your agency, because too many people are already speculating about the two of us anyway," Katsuki said.

The blond unlocked the car and held the door open for Izuku. Then he hurried around to the driver's door and got in as well. He just wanted to get home and make the rest of the day a little more pleasant for his Omega. He started the car and backed out of the parking space.

"Maybe it's time to meet up with the others," the greenette mused.

Katsuki's ears perked up. "Who exactly?"

"Ochako, Tsu, Tenya and also y-your friends from your agency: Kirishima, Denki, Sero and Mina."

"Do you really want to meet everyone at the same time? Isn't that too much for you?" The alpha wanted to avoid any stress. The upcoming surgery was already enough to get him upset.

"I want to tell o-our friends about us. A-also a little about what I have been through. Then we c-can think about the content of the press release together." Izuku averted his eyes and looked out of the window.

"Okay, if you're sure, I'll invite the extras to our house. If it does get too much for you, at least you'll be in familiar surroundings and can retreat if necessary," Katsuki explained.

"Sounds good," Izuku murmured.

They spoke very little during the rest of the ride. There were too many things on both of their minds.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Blasty💥 has created group "Extras🙄".

Blasty💥 has added Shitty Hair💩.

Blasty💥 has added Pinky👾.

Round Face🌝: Huh? 😲

Pinky👾: Are the squads being also merged now?

Round Face🌝: Hi Mina! Why ALSO? 🫨

Pinky👾: Don't tell me you don't know yet?

Four Eyes👓: Good evening, Bakugou, what's the purpose of this group?

Shitty Hair💩: Hello everyone! 👋

Pikachu⚡️: Hiiii!!! 😊

Soysauce Face🩹: Evening!

Frog🐸: Hello! Ribbit!

Round Face🌝: Mina???

Blasty💥: Shut up and listen up! You're coming to dinner tomorrow night.

Shitty Hair💩: Really, bro? You haven't invited us for ages. 🤩

Pinky👾: It really has been a long time ...

Soysauce Face🩹: Well, you can't blame him. 🤷‍♂️

Four Eyes👓: As much as I'm happy about the invitation, Bakugou ... Tsuyu and I have patrol tomorrow night. We can't.

Blasty💥: Then find a replacement or skip it. I don't give a shit either way, but you all get your asses here tomorrow night at 6pm! We have something to discuss.

Frog🐸: I don't even know your new address ... 👀 Ribbit.

Blasty💥: *sends address*

Frog🐸: Why are we invited too, ribbit? Since high school, we've only seen each other at reunions or an event.

Pikachu⚡️: Will Izuku be there too? 😯

Blasty💥: Of course, he lives here now. You extras have your reason.

Round Face🌝: Does it mean Deku finally wants to see us all together? 😍 How is he??? Why were you in hospital? 😢

Blasty💥: Good keyword!

Blasty💥: There are a few rules for your visit.

Four Eyes👓: Rules? 🤔

Blasty💥: You should be on there ... 🙄

Shitty Hair💩: What rules, bro? 🫡

Blasty💥: 1. you do NOT call Izuku Deku.

Round Face🌝: That's what I've been calling him since we were 15. It's even his hero name. 🤷‍♀️

Blasty💥: And I've been calling him that since we were 4, and I still got out of the habit. So should you be able to do that too or are you too stupid?

Frog🐸: Will you at least tell us why, ribbit? ❓❓❓

Blasty💥: It's not my decision to make, it's Izu's.

Blasty💥: Let's continue!

Blasty💥: No comments on the following topics: Izu's hero career, his return to active duty, his costume, the kidnapping, secondary genders, and any innuendo of a sexual or other intimate nature in general and concerning Izuku in particular. Even one wrong word and I'll blow you up. 💣💣💣

Four Eyes👓: That seems a bit arbitrary ...

Pikachu⚡️: Believe me, Iida, the last point in particular is very important. 🤐🤐🤐

Soysauce Face🩹: Yep ... 🙈

Shitty Hair💩: Bro, that line was really inappropriate either way. 🤦‍♂️

Pikachu⚡️: I know that now, after not being able to speak properly for a week. Also, I apologized! 🥹

Blasty💥: And I've apologized too.

Round Face🌝: What happened?! 😨

Pinky👾: Actually, the story is quite sweet. 🤭

Soysauce Face🩹: If it didn't end with Denki almost dying. 🫠

Frog🐸: Sounds like we have a lot to talk about tomorrow, ribbit.

Blasty💥: Next point: no loud screeching or other unnecessary noise, no touching or sneaking up on him. If Izu wants to hug you, let him do it, but you'll keep your grips on you if he doesn't take the initiative. You should also stay in his field of vision if possible. He is traumatized, has PTSD and is jumpy when someone is suddenly behind him. And to the alphas among you: Keep your pheromones to yourselves! Anyone who pollutes our house with it will be kicked out! 👿☠️💣🧨🗡️⚔️🪓🔪

Four Eyes👓: Why isn't Izuku part of this group?

Blasty💥: Because I obviously don't want him to know about this conversation, but I still need you to know what to look out for when dealing with him.

Round Face🌝: And how comes you are deciding all this for him? 😑 Please don't get me wrong, you seem to really care about him, but unlike you, we were friends with him before the kidnapping, whereas he only ever had to swallow stupid comments from you. 😡 He's our friend and a founding member of our agency.

Pinky👾: Oh, believe me, Bakubabe has a lot to say in the meantime. 🤭😏💞

Blasty💥: Shut up, crazy alien! Izuku will tell them himself tomorrow.

Blasty💥: Which brings me to the next point... He may not speak much, at least at first. He stutters again and it makes him uncomfortable. So don't bring it up to him. Just ignore it. Give him time to find the words and say them.

Frog🐸: Sticking to it shouldn't be a problem, ribbit. 👍

Blasty💥: Well, that's the most important things sorted. So, 6pm tomorrow at our place. I'm cooking, so I advise you not to be late.

After the last message, Katsuki put his smartphone aside. The extras were already getting on his nerves, but he would put up with his omega's friends and pull himself together.

After returning from the hospital, Izuku had retreated to his nest while the alpha prepared dinner. Today, however, they wouldn't be eating in the kitchen or the living room. It was time to get everything ready and fetch the greenette.

Chapter Text

CW: Flashback / Memory of violence

POV Izuku

The omega tossed and turned restlessly in his nest. Although he had told Kacchan that he wanted to rest after the exhausting day, he didn't get to rest. Instead, his thoughts raced and made him relive the last few months.

The x-rays had triggered him. Izuku remembered exactly how each of the fractures had occurred. He had feared that the examination results would upset him, but he hadn't expected to end up back in the underground arena in his thoughts.

He heard his bones crack once more as he thought of how Giant had stepped on his forearm just weeks before Izuku's rescue. In that moment, the former hero had almost given up. Only one last tiny spark had spurred him on and ensured that he had even tried to free himself and continue fighting.

He had barely managed to defeat the giant fighter. Not to mention afterwards ... Izuku squeezed his eyes shut and tried to calm his breathing. If he thought of what he had done after his narrow victory, he would drift off completely. He stretched his right hand towards the ceiling and looked at the scars, which were barely noticeable in the backlight of the ceiling lamp.

Izuku clenched it into a fist. The pain in his forearm made itself known and he loosened his fingers with a sigh. He loathed himself for what he had done... How could the omega ever dare to call himself a hero again? He was no better than the villains.

A knock snapped him out of his gloomy thoughts. "May I come in?" Kacchan asked through the door.

Izuku cleared his throat. "Yes."

His alpha opened the door and entered their bedroom. Soon he would have to tell Kacchan what else had happened in this arena. Maybe he could bring himself to do it after the first surgery. After all, the first month of the courting phase would be over shortly after. After that, he only had two more months to tell Kacchan the truth.

Part of him wanted to wait until the last day. At least he would have a little more time with the blond hero before he would want nothing more to do with him.

Katsuki sat down on the edge of the bed - careful not to damage the nest. He gave the omega a mild smile. "Dinner's ready."

The greenette grumbled. "I'm n-not hungry."

The alpha held out his hand. "May I?"

Izuku nodded.

Kacchan brushed the curls out of his face and tucked them behind his ear. Then he gently nuzzled his neck. "You need to eat, babe. At least a little."

That didn't motivate Izuku just yet.

"I promise you'll like it," the blond tried to convince him.

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because we're both going to need swimming trunks," his alpha replied with a grin.

Izuku raised an eyebrow. He couldn't remember seeing a pool in the garden or in the house. "I d-don't want to leave the house today."

Kacchan's grin widened. "Strictly speaking, we won't. Come on, Izu. I swear it'll be worth it."

He thought about it. Had he even packed bathing clothes when he'd packed his things in his apartment a few weeks ago? He could dimly remember stuffing all sorts of things into the travel bags in order to be as well equipped as possible.

After taking a deep breath, he groaned, "All right."

"Let's go then." Katsuki beamed at him, went to the closet, pulled out a swimming trunks and disappeared into the adjoining bathroom.

Izuku pulled himself together and searched through his own clothes. He actually found a pair of swimming trunks at the bottom. He changed as quickly as possible and waited for Kacchan. He refrained from covering his upper body with his hands. The blond had already seen him naked and knew his flaws.

As soon as he had finished, his alpha came out of the bathroom. Wordlessly, he grabbed Izuku's hand and pulled him along.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see in a moment." Instead of going downstairs, Katsuki led him further through the upper floor of the mansion.

So far, Izuku had only gone as far as the room he had spent the first few nights in, as he had assumed that there were only other bedrooms up here. Obviously, the omega had been wrong.

Kacchan opened a door. Cool night air flowed towards them. The alpha pulled him out onto a small balcony, where a short flight of stairs led further up. They climbed the steps and Izuku's eyes widened as soon as they reached the roof.

From below, it was impossible to see what was hiding up here. They were standing on a beautiful roof terrace. There were flowering trees everywhere, decorated with bright lanterns. There was a small bar at the edge. Various sun loungers and other seating were placed around the main attraction - a large pool.

A tray was placed on the ground next to the pool. On one of the deckchairs, the omega spotted a pile of towels and bathrobes.

"Do you like it?"

"It's w-wonderful, Kacchan." They walked to the pool. "Thank you."

Katsuki rubbed the back of his hand with his thumb. "No need nerd. I figured you could use some relaxation today."

Once at the pool, the blond hero slipped off his flip-flops and Izuku did the same. A Roman staircase led into the water. Kacchan pulled him with him until they were both up to their chests in water. Well, for the alpha it was up to his chest, for Izuku it was almost over his shoulders. It was pleasantly warm, although it was still a while until summer.

Katsuki turned to him, grasped Izuku's waist and set him down on the edge. The omega hadn't even realized there were seats under the water. They remained in this position for a moment. Izuku sat in the water while the alpha stood between his legs, scrutinizing him closely.

Izuku swallowed nervously, which didn't escape his partner's notice.

"Relax, babe, and let me spoil you a little, will you?" Kacchan gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

The omega nodded hesitantly, "Okay."

His alpha beamed at him in response. But then his gaze took on a wicked look. "Do you remember what I promised you this morning before your appointment?"

Izuku wasn't sure what his partner was getting at and shook his head slowly.

Kacchan leaned forward to his ear. "After you put that meddlesome omega in her place, I told you that I'd love to show you how much I liked your behavior, but that we'd have to put it off until later. Well... Now is later."

A shiver ran down Izuku's spine. Katsuki nibbled on his earlobe and kissed his way down Izuku's neck. As soon as he approached the omega's scent gland, he groaned. "I want to show the world that we belong together. So that no one will even dare to think about coming between us." He licked the gland, causing Izuku to whimper and bury his hands in the blond's spiky hair. He wanted this too.

The omega was on the verge of begging Katsuki to make him his and mark him. His own fangs were already pressing almost painfully against his gums. Instead of saying the request out loud, Izuku bit his lip. It wouldn't be fair to Kacchan until he knew all the facts. So Izuku kept silent and enjoyed his alpha's attentions instead.

"Do you want to eat first, or do you want me to drive you a little crazy first?" asked Kacchan with an erotic rumble in his voice.

Izuku swallowed. "I'm still not very hungry."

"Then we'll eat afterward," the alpha stated. "May I kiss you?"

"Yes, please."

Tenderly, Kacchan kissed his way back up his neck until he reached Izuku's lips and sealed them with his own. The kiss started slowly, but quickly became more passionate. Their tongues lapped at each other and the omega pressed himself tighter against his partner. He enjoyed the security that his alpha's strong arms offered him.

Kacchan interrupted the kiss, breathing heavily. "Can I touch you too?"

"Yes."

"Even if I have to take off your clothes for what I'm about to do."

Izuku purred contentedly. The primal part of him was pleased and happy that his chosen partner desired him despite everything - him as a person, not just his body.

"Yes, you may undress me," Izuku allowed.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Katsuki reached under his thighs and lifted him up. The omega wrapped his arms and legs around his partner and waited to see what would happen next. The alpha carried him back to the Roman stairs and placed him on the top step.

Now Izuku's upper body was no longer in the water and his hips were only half covered. Katsuki kissed him again and stroked his nipple in a circular motion. The omega gasped and pressed himself against the touch. His alpha's caresses felt so good that he forgot his worries.

Katsuki kissed his way down Izuku's neck. "You were so brave today," he praised. To which Izuku purred. "I'm so proud of you, babe. You're much braver than I could ever be."

A tingle ran through Izuku's body. He groaned as soon as Kacchan's lips found his second nipple. The omega let himself sink back and held on to the edge of the pool behind him. This brought him even closer to the blond.

Katsuki ran his hands over his body until they remained on his hips. Izuku lifted his pelvis to confirm to his alpha once more he was okay with him touching him there. Slowly, he slipped the trunks off Izuku's hips. He did not take his eyes off him.

The sight of the blond hero was pure sin. Drops of water hung in the ends of his hair and beaded over his muscular chest and broad shoulders. But the best part was his gaze. Most people found the alpha's bright red eyes intimidating - and yes, they could be, for sure - but at this moment, they looked at Izuku as if he were the most beautiful and precious thing this stunning man standing between his legs had ever seen.

Now Izuku was completely naked, his lower body being mostly covered by the water helped him to not have any negative thoughts. A shiver ran down his spine, which was not solely due to the cool night air.

Kacchan let out a low growl and his caramel scent surrounded them both. Izuku's own pheromones reacted to it and mingled with the alpha's. This time he wasn't afraid at all. He was safe with his partner.

"May I touch you here?" He rubbed his thumb tenderly over Izuku's entrance.

The omega bit his lower lip to stifle a moan as he nodded.

"And here?" Katsuki's other hand gripped his shaft and slowly ran up and down it.

"Yes~," Izuku gasped. Even now, his alpha's touch felt incredibly good.

Katsuki lowered his head and encircled Izuku's tip with his lips. At the same time, he penetrated him with one finger.

The omega let out a hissing breath. "Oh gods..."

The touches were slow, caressing, and Izuku managed to let himself fall. Through their connection, he felt Kacchan's lust and a great satisfaction. His partner's feelings intensified his own.

He lapped at his glans with his tongue. Where Katsuki's warmth touched him, the omega's skin tingled. When he curled his finger and hit Izuku's spot, it was almost over for him. "Kacchaaan~"

His hands clawed at the edge of the pool, seeking support, while Katsuki slid another finger inside him, rhythmically thrusting against his prostate again and again. At the same time, he accelerated the play of his tongue.

Izuku was panting heavily and it wasn't easy for him to hold himself upright. Fortunately, his alpha supported him with one hand on his hip. The greenette was on the verge of release and felt like he was seeing stars.

Another thrust against his sensitive spot made the omega come with a loud groan. Katsuki took it all in and slowly licked over his tip when the orgasm was over to clean him up.

Once Izuku had calmed down, Kacchan pulled the trunks back up and sat him down in the area of the pool where Izuku had been sitting in the very beginning. The alpha sat down next to him and the greenette cuddled up to his shoulder. He was still a little dazed.

Behind them, Katsuki pressed a few buttons on a small faucet. Izuku flinched as soon as a loud humming sounded and the water around them began to stir. He hadn't even realized this part of the pool was equipped with massage jets. Sighing, he snuggled even closer to the blond, who began to feed him chocolate, fruit and mini quiche.

Izuku also grabbed one of the snacks and held it in front of Katsuki's lips. The latter opened them willingly and let Izuku slowly push the apple wedge into his mouth, the alpha licking his fingertips seductively.

"I want to give you p-pleasure too," Izuku said.

Katsuki eyed him insistently. "You don't have to."

"No, I don't have to, b-but I would like to. I can feel your lust a-and your unsatisfied desire, which is gradually becoming painful. Let me d-do something about it too." The omega searched his partner's gaze.

A faint doubt could be felt from Katsuki. "Are you sure?"

Izuku nodded gently and lowered his gaze. "I want to lose the fear of it. I want to enjoy being t-together with you without being fearful in between because the m-memories overwhelm me."

"Okay," Katsuki replied. "What do you want to do?"

"Can I touch you?"

"Of course. Should I leave my swimming trunks on or take them off?" The alpha tilted his head questioningly.

"Take them off."

Katsuki immediately complied with the request. In the bubbling water, it was hardly noticeable that he was now naked. Izuku was torn as to whether he wanted to see what he was about to do or not.

"What now?"

The omega swallowed. He could do this. He wanted to. This was Kacchan, whom he had loved his whole life, and who had sworn to love and protect him as well. Izuku had done it once before - though admittedly it had been in the aftermath of his heat.

"Would you s-sit on the edge, please? I want to s-see you."

Wordlessly, the alpha pushed himself up and sat outside the pool. Only his lower legs were still in the water. Izuku knelt between his legs, supported himself on his thighs and looked at Katsuki's manhood. It stood out stiffly and was imposing, just like his partner himself.

Very slowly, he moved his hands to Katsuki's middle and grasped his shaft. He barely managed to close his fingers around it completely. As soon as Izuku touched him, Katsuki moaned with pleasure.

The omega liked the sound and purred contentedly. This intensified Kacchan's feelings that reached him. Izuku felt his alpha's arousal and his love.

The greenette slid his hand up and down carefully. He did not take his eyes off Katsuki and observed his reactions very closely. The alpha's gaze was filled with lust and directed at him.

Izuku increased the pressure and made the blond groan deeply. "That feels good, babe."

Spurred on further by the praise, the omega sped up the movement. He literally had his alpha in the palm of his hand and he couldn't deny that he liked it. Rubbing his thumb over the reddened tip, he spread the drop of precum.

"Fuck~!" Kacchan's breathing quickened and he twitched in his hand. It probably wouldn't last much longer now.

Izuku was mesmerized. He had never seen the blond like this before.

Groaning, the alpha burst himself out onto his stomach and over Izuku's hand. The greenette moved up and down a few more times before he let go. Katsuki gasped and grabbed one of the towels on the deck chair. He cleaned Izuku's hand first and then himself. Then he slid back into the water, pulled the omega close and kissed him gently. "Thanks, babe."

He got dressed and they went back to cuddling with each other. The couple enjoyed the closeness, feeding, talking and kissing or silently gazing at the stars in the night sky. Only when they were completely wrinkled did they leave the pool and go to the shower cubicle next to the bar. After washing off the chlorinated water, they went back inside and made their way to bed.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

A little later, they lay in bed snuggled close together. The day had been exhausting. At least it had ended really nicely and it was actually time to sleep. But something was keeping Izuku awake.

"Thank you for this a-amazing evening. It was very nice," the greenette murmured against Katsuki's chest.

"It was the least I could do after your day. You must be tired? We should get some sleep." Kacchan stroked his back reassuringly.

While that was true, the omega needed to talk after what they had just shared in the pool. He thought hard about how to broach the subject. "I want to sleep with you!" he finally blurted out.

Katsuki stiffened and looked at him in astonishment. The faint glow of the bedside lamp made his eyes look like dark, heavy wine instead of shining rubies. His alpha's pheromones smelled seductive and lured him in. "Are you sure?" His voice sounded strained.

Izuku swallowed hard. He was embarrassed that his mouth had once again been quicker than his mind. "Not now, b-but soon."

"Okay." Katsuki loosened up. Was he as nervous as the green-haired man?

"Dr. Nakamura h-has advised me to talk to you beforehand," Izuku continued.

"And you want to have this conversation now?"

The omega nodded.

"What's it about?" Katsuki asked.

"I'm supposed to tell you what we should avoid if we try. S-so there's less chance of me panicking." Izuku avoided his alpha's gaze. It made him nervous to talk about all the things that had been done to him.

Katsuki's hand went up and stroked the back of his neck reassuringly. Izuku closed his eyes for a moment and relaxed.

"Then tell me when you're ready. I'll listen to you."

The former hero took a deep breath before he began to speak: "I'm sure you've a-already heard that, but I'll mention it again to be on the safe side. I need to s-see you while doing it. Not from behind or in the dark, and certainly not on all f-fours. I have to make sure it's you. Your eyes, your smell a-and your voice will help me. But please ... d-don't say anything degrading." Izuku's voice trembled as the rising tears choked his throat at the thought of the insults and abuse he had already heard during the rapes. "Please n-no mean dirty talk," the omega choked out.

Kacchan hugged him tighter and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Of course not," he murmured into green curls. "You are precious. My beloved mate. You will hear nothing but praise and compliments from me."

"Thank you."

"What else do I need to pay attention to?" asked Katsuki once his partner had calmed down a little.

"My hair o-or my head. Please don't pull it o-or hold it. Maybe it's best not to touch it at all at the beginning. I'm not quite sure a-about that. Don't bite or be too rough. Please b-be gentle and kiss me. I love it when you kiss me," Izuku admitted. He risked a glance. His alpha regarded him with a faint smile and sad eyes.

"I love kissing you, too." Katsuki leaned forward. His lips sought Izuku's. The kiss was slow, tender - a show of love that wasn't driven by passion. After a few minutes, they parted. "Anything else?"

The omega nodded weakly. "Please let us u-use condoms first. I don't know if I'll be able to endure the feeling when... when it's over..." He bit his lower lip, simply unable to say it. From the look on Kacchan's face, however, he seemed to have understood. "Since I'm not taking any contraceptives a-at the moment, that would be better anyway ... and no knot yet. You'd have to stop b-beforehand or not so deep that..." Izuku wanted to sink into the floor in shame.

Katsuki sensed his discomfort. "It's okay, I understand what you're getting at. Anything else?"

Izuku thought hard. "I can't think of anything e-else at the moment. That was enough." He sounded dissatisfied with himself. That were so many rules ... Kacchan probably didn't even want to sleep with him now. Izuku felt bad for being so complicated.

"I understand and can memorize it. Can I ask you for something too?"

In response, the omega nodded timidly.

"Talk to me. If you get scared or I do something you don't feel comfortable with, tell me straight away. Don't wait for me to find out myself. I don't want to risk missing one of your reactions because I'm too aroused myself. It's okay to stop. Taking breaks isn't a problem either. We'll stay at your pace the whole time. I've told you before."

"Are you r-really okay with that?" Izuku scrutinized his mate's face carefully and also listened to their connection inside him. He had to be sure.

Katsuki ran his thumb over his cheek. "Babe, I'm not going to make you do anything. We won't do anything, which makes you uncomfortable. And if you can't or never want to sleep with me, then I'm fine with that too. Of course I want to be close to you and be with you - it would be hypocritical to say otherwise - but none of that is a prerequisite for this relationship. You are simply too important to me. I love you, Izuku - with or without sex."

The omega was touched. He had never thought it possible the quick-tempered blond would remain so calm in his presence and have so much understanding for him, always finding just the right words.

Tears formed in the corners of Izuku's eyes. He was deeply moved. "Thank you, Kacchan, I love you t-too."

Katsuki pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Let's go to sleep, nerd."

~~~~~

At the same time

POV ???

He hadn't seen his omega for weeks. He had longed for him so much ... He scoured the internet for news every spare minute, but the reports had become fewer and fewer.

Was his omega hiding from him?

But today he had finally seen him again. He had been so happy, had wanted to run to him and hug him. He hadn't been able to, because he had been at the side of another alpha. Now he knew his omega wasn't hiding from him by choice. He was being held captive again - there was no other explanation! Otherwise he would come to him if he could ...

It had taken everything he had to remain hidden.

If he had shown himself, his omega would have had to pretend they didn't love each other. He didn't want to put him in that situation. Didn't want to hear the lies his omega would be forced to tell him so as not to infuriate the other alpha who now held him captive.

Yet he was so worried about his omega! Why had he been in hospital? Had another alpha hurt him again? Maybe even the one he was with! How bad was it? The worry was almost killing him! If only he could finally have him with him ... He would make sure he was safe from other alphas this time and hide him somewhere no one would ever find him again.

He had had to share his omega with others before. He hadn't liked it then either, but he hadn't been able to change it. His own quirk was too weak to stand up to a stronger alpha. He hadn't been able to free his omega from his old prison, but maybe this time there was a chance.

He had to remain patient and not rush things.

What could he do to free him? Maybe he was hiding from his alpha after all? No, that couldn't be ... But what if he did? Perhaps he was afraid because he hadn't been able to remain faithful to him?

His eyes fell on the screen in front of him. He had seen the video so many times that he knew every moment by heart. But it still wasn't enough. The beautiful moans of his omega sounded from the laptop speakers. This was the last time they had been able to make love before he had been taken from him. The longing almost tore him apart.

He pumped his hard cock faster and faster as he imagined being reunited with him. The feeling of being able to sink himself into his warm flesh was unparalleled. He wanted to feel the soft skin under his fingers, to smell his delicious pheromones. His omega should finally belong to him and no one else!

The video was coming to an end and so was the alpha. With a suppressed moan, he spurted into his hand at the same time as his omega's cry of pleasure sounded out of the speakers.

Breathing heavily, he closed the media player and searched through his video collection. Maybe there was one in there that could help him get his omega back?

He wanted to keep the one from just now to himself. This intimate moment was nobody's business but theirs. His omega was shy and didn't like to show his face in any of the videos. He missed his eyes so much ... The seconds during which the camera was able to capture his face were the most precious of the entire recording.

The mouse pointer came to a standstill over an old recording. This could work. If the world knew the truth about his beautiful broken hero, it would cast him out and he would come back to him. Perhaps the other alpha would then let him go, unable to appreciate his true beauty.

But the doubt remained. What if his omega was really hiding from him? He should give him a gift so he understood his alpha forgave him and wasn't angry. If he could, and if he wasn't a prisoner, he would definitely come back to him afterwards.

If he was still with the other alpha then, at least he knew his omega wasn't staying away from him by choice. Then he would implement his other plan.

Be patient, my omega, not much longer and you will be MINE for good.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

A glance at the clock confirmed to him that the extras should show up here in ten minutes - provided they were on time. He hadn't prepared a big feast for today. He would have had to spend the whole day in the kitchen for that, which the alpha honestly didn't feel like doing. Instead, he had made two large pots of curry, one spicy and one rather mild. Katsuki stirred the pots one last time and turned down the temperature on the stove.

He then joined his omega in the living area. Izuku stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows behind which the terrace lay and looked out into the garden, lost in thought.

Not wanting to startle him, Katsuki spoke to him before hugging him from behind. "Hey babe."

A noticeable shiver ran through Izuku's body and he took a deep breath. "Hey."

The alpha gave him a gentle kiss on the neck. "You don't need to be nervous. They're just our friends. If any of them misbehave in any way, I'll kick them out myself, no questions asked."

The omega turned around with a gentle smile on his lips. "Thank you, Kacchan, but I'd r-rather it didn't come to that at all."

"Me too," Katsuki admitted and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

Izuku seemed to want to say something back, but he was interrupted by the ringing of a cell phone. Snorting, the blond pulled the smartphone out of his pocket. The security service was calling. At least the extras were on time.

He picked up the phone. "Yes?"

"Bakugou-san, your guests are here. However, there are two more than you told us," replied one of the women on the night shift.

"Who?" The alpha could already feel the tension rising inside him.

"Shoto Todoroki and Hitoshi Shinsou. Can I let them in or should I send them away again?" The young beta sounded slightly overwhelmed. You couldn't blame her. Who liked telling the current number 2 in the hero rankings to go away again?

"Wait a minute." Katsuki lowered the phone and held his hand in front of the mic.

Izuku, who had noticed his irritation, watched him. "What's going on?"

"The extras have brought Icyhot and Brainfucker. Can they come in or should they fuck off again?"

Izuku didn't have to think long. "Let them in. Two more or less doesn't matter n-now."

Nevertheless, the alpha sensed his partner's growing unease. Grumbling, he held the cell phone to his ear again. "They may stay."

"All right, Bakugou-san. I'll let them through the gate now."

"Thank you." With that, he hung up. "I'll let the extras in. Do you want to come with me or wait here?"

"I'll w-wait."

Katsuki leaned over and took the time to kiss the greenette profusely. "Don't worry about it, babe. You'll be fine. And if not, I'm always ready to kick ass."

Izuku snorted in amusement. "I love you, Kacchan."

The alpha pressed a kiss to his temple. "Me too, nerd."

The doorbell rang and Katsuki rolled his eyes. Let's go then ... "I'll be right back."

"O-Okay."

His partner's uncertainty was palpable through their connection. With long strides, he walked to the door and opened it without looking at the camera again. There were several vehicles in the yard and the extras themselves blocked the entire entrance area.

The first thing Mina did was pull him into a tight hug. "Hey Bakubabe!" She had a bottle of wine with her.

The alpha pushed her away again after a few seconds so that he could welcome the other guests. Shitty Hair came next. He was cradling a small gift box in his hands and had a frown on his face. "Uh... Here!"

Katsuki took it from him without giving it another glance and placed it on the shoe cabinet. Denki and his partner came next. The blond alpha stood up straight. "I don't remember inviting you."

Shinsou had his arm around Pikachu's waist possessively and growled menacingly. "Do you seriously think I'm going to let my partner near you again since you've attacked and seriously injured him?"

Denki looked helplessly back and forth between the two alphas. Then he placed a hand on Shinsou's chest. "Hito, we've already sorted that out."

"Maybe you did, but I still feel the need for you and me to settle it again," the underground hero hissed. He emitted aggressive pheromones.

Katsuki bared his fangs. "If you insist, tell me when and where. But here and now, you can get your shitty pheromones under control or you can wait outside for Pikachu. I'm sure I've been pretty clear on that point."

Denki became increasingly nervous and did his best to put some distance between the two angry alphas.

Katsuki and Shinsou both received a blow to the back of the head at the same time. "Get a grip!" Mina snapped, "Today isn't about you two, it's about Izuku, isn't it?"

Shinsou had the decency to look contrite, and his pheromones dissipated. The two continued into the entrance area and waited there for the rest.

Round face pushed through the door at the same time as the frog. It looked like they had brought chocolate. "Where's De- Izuku?"

Katsuki gave Izu's best friend credit for trying. "In the living room. We're about to go next door together."

Four eyes stepped forward and pressed a bouquet of flowers into the blond's hand before stiffly bowing. "Thank you very much for the invitation, Bakugou."

He grumbled in reply. His gaze fixed on Icyhot, who was the last one standing on the front steps. "What do you want here?"

Before he could reply, the round face intervened. "Shoto is Izuku's best friend. When I told him we were going to visit him at your place today, I invited him to come along."

Katsuki grimaced. He didn't want the other alpha anywhere near his mate - friendship or not. The two had already been unusually close on the UA.

Shoto inclined his head in greeting. "Please excuse my unannounced appearance, Bakugou. I was slightly injured during yesterday's patrol and was also hospitalized for safety. I heard the commotion about Midoriya's appearance, but unfortunately I didn't have a chance to talk to him, as you probably know. That's why I joined Ochako, Tenya and Tsu today."

"Did the extras at least inform you of the rules?"

The other alpha nodded. "Yes, I know and will of course abide by them if it makes Midoriya feel better."

"Then, fine."

Once everyone had removed their shoes, Katsuki led the way and ushered the visitors into the living room.

Izuku hadn't moved from the spot. He stood with his back to the terrace and watched the new arrivals as they entered the spacious living area. The omega's tension reached new heights and Katsuki tried to counter it with calming emotions.

"H-Hey." The former hero waved somewhat awkwardly.

"Izu darling!" Mina squealed happily.

The crazy alien stormed in the direction of his mate. Izuku visibly flinched.

But the blonde alpha was quicker, grabbed Mina by the back of the neck and yanked her back. "What the hell, Pinky?! Seriously?"

"Oh crap," she groaned. "I'm so sorry. I was so excited to see him..."

Katsuki growled menacingly and bared his fangs. He had gone from zero to one hundred to protective mode.

"It's o-okay, Mina. I'm glad to see you a-all again," Izuku's soft voice rang out. "Please let go of h-her, Kacchan."

The alpha gave his colleague a warning look and loosened his grip. In the meantime, Izu's teammates had moved forward. At least they were keeping their distance.

"You look good, De- Izuku."

"Th-thank you, Ochako."

"I'm so happy to see you, ribbit." The frog blinked hard.

"We've missed you, Izuku. It just wasn't the same at the agency without you." Iida cleared his throat several times.

The former hero's eyes were wet and he sniffled. Katsuki could feel his mate's relief and a part of him was grateful for the reaction of his friends so far.

Round face, meanwhile, was howling openly. "May I give you a hug, please?"

Izuku nodded, tears streaming down his cheeks as well. His best friend walked towards him at a measured pace, but she picked up the pace on the last stretch until the two of them were in each other's arms, crying. Tsuyu joined them and Iida also walked to them with stiff steps until they had a full-blown group hug and were crying for each other.

Katsuki held back and was glad to see his own troop of idiots doing the same.

Icyhot seemed to want to join the reunion, but hesitated. The blond didn't take his eyes off the other alpha. He didn't like the fact that the bastard was in his house.

At least Izuku was happy. All that remained was to hope it lasted the rest of the evening. The quartet of heroes hadn't calmed down yet. Even before he smelled it, Katsuki sensed how his mate was losing control of his pheromones. His vanilla scent was already in the air. Jerkily, the heads of all the alphas present turned towards him. Except for Mina and Kiri, who already knew what was going on, the rest looked confused and checked the air.

Fuck!

Izuku now realized what had happened as well, and his pheromones turned bitter. Before any of the extras could ask questions or make a comment, Katsuki said, "Come on, sit down already. I didn't cook so everything would burn now. We'll have plenty of time for sentimentality later."

The guests hesitantly complied with the request. Izuku formed a silent thank you in his direction as soon as their eyes met. The alpha shooed his own friends towards the dining table and then hurried to the stove, not wanting to leave his mate alone with the others any longer than absolutely necessary.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Fortunately, their friends were distracted with food. Sero had joined them a little late, as he had witnessed a car accident on the way here and remained at the scene as a first aider until the police and ambulance had arrived. The atmosphere at the table was good and fell into the category of ravenous silence.

Izuku sat relaxed next to his mate and was eating his second portion of the mild curry. Hardly any of their guests had reached for the spicy version. It must have been because they had known Kacchan and his penchant for spicy food for some time.

Tsuyu was the first to break the silence. "I would like to thank you again for the invitation, Bakugou. Your new house is really nice, ribbit."

Hitoshi snorted. "Even if you have it guarded like a state palace. Has your rank gone to your head like that by now?" The alpha exuded a certain tension since his arrival.

Izuku wasn't quite sure why. He and Hitoshi had once been good friends. What was wrong with him? Then the omega noticed the uncertain look Denki was giving his partner and Kacchan, and the penny dropped. The blond alpha had attacked the electric hero because he had made a stupid remark. No wonder his partner was angry.

Izuku felt the mixture of anger and guilt boiling up in his mate and placed a hand on his thigh under the table. "It i-is because of me."

At the greenette's reply, Hitoshi relaxed. "Why is that?"

Kacchan rolled his eyes. "Tch, tell me, how deep underground have you actually been for the last few weeks? Before I brought Izuku to me, the paparazzi vultures tried to storm his apartment block for days. Since then, they've been laying siege to the property and haven't even shied away from flying a shitty camera drone over the garden. If I hadn't hired someone to keep the fuckers off our backs, they'd probably be ringing the bell since you arrived to take a photo of what I've cooked and served you today."

The friends at the table exchanged concerned glances. They had all had their own experiences with the press, but none of them to this extent over such a long period of time.

"That's a-another reason why I want to talk to you today." Izuku had lowered his head and plucked at the long sleeve of his shirt.

Kacchan placed a hand on his, interrupting the nervous tic. Izuku gave his alpha a grateful smile. He didn't know if he could handle this conversation without him.

Ochako had raised her eyebrows to her hairline. "Wow ... The chemistry between you two is really different than before."

"You have no idea, sister." Mina grinned all over her face.

"What do you want to talk about, Izuku?" Tenya asked before the women had a chance to respond to the pink-haired girl's comment.

"We'll talk about that after dinner," Kacchan explained with a certain finality, bringing the conversation to a halt.

~~~~~

A little later, the heroes had gathered in the living area. Izuku sat next to Kacchan in one of the two-seaters. His alpha had maneuvered him there before one of their friends could have taken Izuku. He was very grateful for his thoughtfulness. One by one, her friends made themselves comfortable with a drink.

"Do you need anything else?" asked Kacchan quietly.

Izuku shook his head.

"Do you want me to tell them what we invited them for or do you?"

"If you could explain to them about the p-press release...? T-then I'll tell them about u-us and maybe a-about the two years," Izuku explained.

"Okay." Kacchan smiled a little. He rested his arm on the back of the sofa and gently ran his fingertips over the back of Izuku's neck. The omega relaxed. The touch was soothing. He bit his lip to keep from purring in front of the whole team.

"So..." Ochako began. "What are we here for?"

Kacchan turned his attention to the beta. A quick glance around confirmed that everyone had gathered. "In short, we need help with the damn press."

"How can we help?" Tenya asked.

"Since the fuckers are constantly ambushing us and Izu can't even get a break in the hospital, let's try to throw them a hunk. Maybe then the assholes will give it a rest."

"What did you have in mind, bro?" Kiri asked.

"A press release from his agency. But we're not sure what it should and shouldn't say," Kacchan explained.

Tsu tapped her finger on her chin. "This could really help, ribbit."

Ochako leaned forward from her seat and thought about it. "In any case, we should discuss it with the PR department."

"They'd be very pleased," Tenya said. "We also get requests for a statement every day and it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore them."

Izuku lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry about that. I really d-didn't mean to cause you such p-problems."

Katsukis turned his head jerkily in his direction. "Tell me, are you crazy? Did you seriously just apologize for being kidnapped? Not to mention all the other shit you've been through..."

Tenya adjusted his glasses and shifted uneasily on the sofa. "That's not what I meant, Izuku. I'm sorry if you took it that way. Bakugou is right. You're the last person who needs to apologize for anything. Rather, we need to apologize to you for not being able to protect our teammate."

Tsu and Ochako nodded in agreement. Their eyes were shimmering wet again.

Mina eyed Izuku's fellow heroes and took the floor. "How much and what information do you want to include in the announcement?" It was a valid question and Izuku understood why the alpha was asking. Kacchan's teammates already knew more about his time at Overhaul.

The blond grumbled discontentedly. "Izu has a surgery next week and another one in four to six weeks. I think it would be okay to mention that, and at the same time point out to his fans and the paparazzi how nice it would be to leave him the fuck alone and give him room to breathe while he recovers. In short: to finally fuck off!"

"Why do you need surgery?"

It sounds like a logical approach." Tenya and Ochako spoke at the same time.

Izuku looked thoughtfully at his hand and avoided their gazes. "I need to h-have a few badly healed fractures r-repaired."

Those present turned pale.

"What kind of fractures, ribbit?" Tsu looked like she was on the verge of tears again.

"First m-my arms. I-I don't know about the rest yet. We didn't g-get that far yesterday."

Kacchan stiffened beside him. "What do you mean by that?"

"You h-have seen the pictures. Y-you've seen me. Do you think i-it was just the arms?"

"I'm going to tear that asshole apart! When I finally catch that son of a bitch, there won't be anything left of him to arrest afterward!" Katsuki growled deeply.

"That wouldn't be very heroic, Bakugou."

The blond hero bared his fangs. "Are you seriously trying to lecture me, Four-Eyes? In my house? When it comes to defending my ma ..." He interrupted himself. "Tch."

Izuku didn't need their connection to sense his alpha's anger and helplessness. He leaned his head against his shoulder and instantly felt Kacchan calm down. The omega drew circles on the inside of his wrist with the tip of his finger. Exactly over the spot where Izuku had bitten him.

Sero broke the awkward silence. "We've gotten a little off topic."

"Right," Kiri replied.

Mina clapped her hands busily. "Let's discuss what makes sense for this press release, and what Bakubabe and Izu darling would rather not make a big deal about yet."

"Good i-idea." Izuku was happy his partner had such good friends. He knew Kacchan wasn't having an easy time at the moment either, but out of consideration for the omega, he kept his own worries to himself. He supported him, but his own grief fell by the wayside. Izuku didn't want his alpha to be consumed by his suppressed feelings and was glad he had friends who understood him and with whom he could talk.

The greenette took a sip of water in an attempt to swallow the lump in his throat - it only helped a little. "I s-should tell you w-what happened then. Then you'll u-understand why I keep quiet and avoid p-people, and w-why I don't want the public to kn-know about it."

Kacchan took his hand and intertwined their fingers.

"Please k-keep it to yourselves w-what I'm about to t-tell you. We'll discuss what m-might be appropriate for the a-announcement afterward."

"Of course, Izuku."

"Of course."

"I'll be silent as the grave."

The friends smiled at him encouragingly and Izuku lost some of his fear. Hopefully they would still be as devoted to him when he had told his story. "First of all, I have to c-confess something. I have kept something important f-from you and almost everyone else. You could e-even say I've been lying to you. The whole t-time. I was a-afraid I wouldn't be a h-hero otherwise."

"What did you lie about, Midoriya?" Shoto asked.

Izuku narrowed his eyes. He was afraid of his friends' reaction and would have preferred not to see them at all. "I'm n-not a beta, I'm an omega."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Izuku was trembling and had his eyes tightly shut. Katsuki, on the other hand, kept a close eye on the extras. If even one of them reacted inappropriately, he or she would be out the door faster than they could finish their insult.

His teammates were calm. They already knew this part of the story. Round-Face wasn't surprised either. Katsuki had told the beta shortly after Izu's rescue. The only ones for whom it was really news were Brainfucker, Four-Eyes, Frog, and Icyhot. To the blond's chagrin, all four were alphas and he wasn't sure what antiquated opinions they had about omegas, if any.

None of them said anything. Apparently, they were tongue-tied. There was a mixture of fireside on a winter's night in the air - alpha pheromones. What the? Katsuki jerked his head around. The half-half bastard was looking at Izu with a hungry gaze, his cheeks flushed. He had leaned forward in his chair and seemed hypnotized.

The blond alpha made himself taller and shielded his mate. "Mine!" Katsuki growled. His fangs lengthened menacingly. "Don't even think about it, Icyhot!"

With that, Shoto was snapped out of his trance and he sank back in his chair. The pheromones evaporated and he lowered his eyes in embarrassment. "Sorry." The murmur was barely audible.

Izuku had opened his eyes and looked at the two of them with irritation. His head was tilted. Did he really not understand what switch his confession had flipped on Icyhot? The blond huffed. Izuku had always been far too naive when it came to his best friend.

Katsuki wasn't satisfied yet. His alpha was on a rampage, wanting to mark his territory and kick out all the alphas present. He lifted their clasped hands and pulled Izuku's sleeve up a little. Fittingly, he held the hand that bore his mark. He pressed a tender kiss to the red bite mark, simultaneously presenting it to those present.

"When did that happen?" Round-Face squeeked.

"But-" Four-Eyes didn't get far.

Brainfucker looked like he was about to make a stupid comment, but they were all interrupted by Pinky's squealing. "Isn't that great? I'm so happy for them!"

"Congratulations, ribbit. Even though both revelations are surprising. I never noticed anything, ribbit."

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. "I'm s-sorry I didn't tell you the truth. At the time w-when we met, I was so used to it I a-almost believed it myself in everyday life. As for Kacchan and me ... It's developed o-over the last few weeks. A few d-days ago, he asked me to court m-me and I accepted." His cheeks were glowing in a dark red.

The faces of their friends looked neutral or approving - good for them.

Katsuki grinned wryly. "Over the last few weeks ... I wouldn't say that" Izuku looked at him questioningly. "I realized I loved you almost two years ago, and according to your own words, you've had those feelings for me for much longer."

His nerd was red and the extras were speechless. Very good! "As you can hopefully imagine, our relationship status is not to be part of the press release. Until Izu is openly comfortable with the topic, I expect you to keep your mouths shut to outsiders. If anyone asks you, we're childhood friends - nothing more, nothing less."

"Of course we won't gossip about our friends' private lives. Mutual respect and trust dictate that." Four-Eyes made jagged movements with his arms and Katsuki rolled his eyes.

Round-Face held out her hand. "May I?"

Izuku nodded, whereupon his best friend placed a hand on his thigh. "We'll keep your secret. It doesn't matter what your secondary gender is. You're our friend and partner. That doesn't change. The fact you didn't dare to tell us the truth makes me a little sad, but I can also understand it. I can't imagine if villains found out about it."

Bitter stress pheromones were in the air and his mate stiffened. The alphas looked at Izuku in surprise.

Ochako looked around in wonder, "What's going on?" The beta couldn't smell it, of course.

Izuku exhaled the air and shivered. "I-it's a little too l-late for that."

"What do you mean?" the heroine asked.

"W-When I fought Overhaul, m-my heat kicked in. That's why he was able to o-overpower me. It w-was my own fault, b-because I thought I still had a c-couple of days."

Katsuki hissed angrily. "It wasn't your fault. None of it! If you want to blame someone, blame me because I wasn't fast enough and I missed you by a few centimeters before that shitty portal closed."

His omega's eyes widened in perplexity. "I would n-never, Kacchan. It i-isn't your fault. I-I haven't thought that once in a-all this time."

Tears burned in his eyes and the alpha tried to blink them away. Izuku's grip on his hand tightened and he nuzzled his shoulder. "It i-isn't yours to b-blame, Kacchan."

He couldn't stop tears from running down his cheeks and wiped them away indignantly. Izuku sat down on his lap and hugged him. The extras had enough tact to keep their mouths shut.

They snuggled together and buried their faces in the crook of each other's necks near the scent gland. The two gave each other comfort and slowly they calmed down.

"Do you want to tell them more or leave it at that, babe?"

Izuku visibly struggled with himself. "I don't k-know if I can get the w-words out."

"Should I say it?"

His omega nodded and buried himself deeper into the alpha's embrace. Katsuki took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. "In those two years, Overhaul not only had Izuku locked away and physically abused, but a lot more."

"What else?" asked Icyhot in between.

Katsuki pressed his lips together. It wouldn't help Izuku if he snapped at the other alpha for interrupting him. "You were all there during the raid, saw the underground beneath the club..."

Those present nodded and no one dared to interject. As the blond spoke, he ran his hand reassuringly over his omega's back. "Izuku was forced to fight in this ring. In the process, his heroism was exposed in the most disgusting way and he sustained numerous injuries. When he wasn't fighting, they suppressed his quirk. Kiri and I found him in one of the back rooms where all the other omegas were staying. I don't think I need to tell any of you what happened there. You know what that area was used for."

In his arms, Izuku trembled and sobbed quietly. Katsuki made every effort to exude as much assurance and calm as possible, contrary to his usually explosive temper. While he comforted his partner, he kept an eye on their friends. They all looked affected and shaken.

Tsuyu was the first to speak. "I'm sorry for what you've been through, Izuku. If there's anything we can do to help, please tell us, ribbit. Like Ochako said, it doesn't change anything about our friendship."

Four-Eyes nodded jerkily. "Of course nothing changes. Izuku, you're still the person we've grown to love and are proud to call our friend and partner."

The others murmured in agreement. None of them radiated anything negative. There was only understanding and friendship mixed with quite a bit of sorrow in the air.

Izuku's sobs grew louder, but Katsuki sensed his partner's relief through their connection. He himself relaxed and settled deeper into the sofa. They talked for a while longer, but they all felt it was enough for today and each of them had to process the news first.

~~~~~

In the end, they agreed they would announce Izuku's abduction in the press release without giving any further details. They would also ask that the green-haired hero be given some space to process the physical and mental strain in peace. Finally, the usual blah blah blah how the hero Deku is of course happy about the sympathy of his fans and so on and so forth. Gag!

It was getting late and the omega urgently needed some rest. Katsuki sensed his partner's growing tension and declared the evening over. They said goodbye to their friends one by one.

Pinky and Shitty Hair were the last. Izuku retreated to the living room after all the hugs. Katsuki walked Mina and Kiri to the door and accompanied them to the redhead's car, with whom they had come together.

Kiri pulled him into a quick hug. "It was a good night, bro. We should do it more often."

The blond grumbled indistinctly in reply.

Mina pressed a wet kiss to his cheek as a farewell, whereupon Katsuki grimaced in disgust and rubbed the sleeve of his hoodie over it. "I'm so happy for you both," the pink romantic announced. "You make a great couple."

The alpha wanted to finally send his friends on their way home, but the words got stuck in his throat. Chaos erupted inside him. Katsuki clutched his chest, on the verge of drowning in a whirlwind of emotions. He was overwhelmed by fear, panic and ... guilt?

Izuku?!

"Is something wrong, Kat?" Kiri noticed the change in mood.

"I..." Katsuki didn't take the time to explain, turned around and sprinted back into the house. His omega needed him!

"Katsuki?!" Mina called after him.

The hero dashed back through the hallway into the living room. He only marginally heard the footsteps of his best friends, who also hurried back into the house.

Once in the living room, he looked around in all directions. Where was his mate? What had happened in the few minutes he had been out? A choppy sob made him look towards the sofa. Katsuki walked around the piece of furniture and found Izuku.

The greenette was crouching in front of the sofa, trembling, hugging his knees and burying his face in them. He could hear quiet mumbling between the sobs, but he couldn't understand it.

"Babe, what's wrong?" Katsuki knelt down next to him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Mina and Kiri were also standing in the living room again, but were holding back.

"Izuku, can you hear me? Please calm down, I don't understand what you're saying."

His mate was too deep in a panic attack and didn't respond to the alpha. Instead, he trembled more and more and the panicked mumbling became even faster and more indistinct.

"I'm touching your hand now, Izu. No one here wants to hurt you. You're safe at home, with me, Katsuki." Slowly, he reached out and gently ran his knuckles over the back of Izuku's hand.

The reaction was instantaneous. One For All activated and green flashes of energy danced across his mate's petite body. In a split second, he jumped up and rushed to the opposite wall so fast Katsuki's gaze could barely follow.

The omega pressed his back against the wall and looked around with wide eyes. Katsuki couldn't tell if his mate was seeing familiar surroundings or something far worse - one of his memories.

Fuck. It hadn't been this intense since the first night in the hospital. What had upset him so much? Had the visit from the extras been too much after all? Katsuki noticed the gift box Kiri had pressed into his hand when he arrived. Izuku had knocked it over during his escape. Next to it was a black bracelet.

The alpha reached for it and froze. It was an electronic handcuff for suppressing a quirk. From the looks of it, it was exactly the same model as the one Izuku had been forced to wear during his captivity by Overhaul, and which Katsuki had had removed with the help of the technician when he was freed.

What the...!

Katsuki reached for the box and put it down again. Inside was a second cuff and a card. The side which the blond hero could see was inscribed with two words: My Omega.

He reached for the card and turned it over. As soon as he read the words, a deep rumble made its way across his lips.

My gift to you.

Please wear the bracelets again for me as a sign of our love.

I miss you.
Your Alpha

Izuku let out a whimper from the other side of the room and slid down the wall. He looked like he had lost all his strength in one fell swoop.

"He knows where I am."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

The omega ruffled his hair and pulled at it roughly. "He knows where I am. He knows where I am. He knows where I am. He knows-"

"Izuku!"

His hands were grabbed and gently released from his hair. A pleasant smell filled the air, which the omega couldn't place at first until he spotted the golden-black eyes in front of him. Mina crouched in front of him and emitted calming pheromones that smelled like a summer meadow.

"Please calm down, Izuku. We're all with you. You're not in da-" Mina was interrupted by a deafening roar.

They jerked their heads around. Kacchan emitted wave after wave of aggressive pheromones. "What the fuck! How could you, Shitty Hair?!" With those words, he lunged at his best friend, pulling him to the ground to punch him again and again.

Izuku didn't understand what was going on. What did Kiri have to do with it? Kacchan's outburst finally snapped him out of his panic attack.

Mina stood up and walked over to the two wrestling alphas. "No sooner has one calmed down than the next one goes crazy ..."

Kiri tried to keep the blond away from him without hurting him or himself too much. "Bro, what's going on? I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"You brought this fucking box!" Katsuki roared and lashed out again.

"Wha-" Kiri turned his head to the side and dodged the blow. By now, the redhead had hardened his entire body in self-defense. "It was in front of the door. I just picked it up and gave it to you. It's not mine."

Izuku struggled to his feet. "Kacchan, s-stop ... Please..."

His true Alpha froze in mid-motion and looked to him. Whether his words, pheromones, or emotions had gotten through to him, the omega didn't know, but he was glad he had gotten through the tantrum to him. "Kiri has nothing t-to do with it. I don't know his n-name or his face or h-his quirk, but I remember what he s-smells like. It's n-not Kiri. Please, stop it."

"Fuck!" The tension left the blond's body and he slumped in on himself.

The redhead loosened his hardening and let go of his best friend, who was still sitting astride him.

"Has everyone calmed down?" asked Mina. "Can we please talk about what's going on now? I'd like to help, but I have no idea how. What's this box all about?"

Kiri cleared his throat. "It was outside the door. I swear to you, Kat. I just wondered why there was a present and picked it up. Since it was addressed to My Omega, I thought maybe it was from you and you forgot it there."

"Obviously that shit isn't from me!" growled Katsuki.

"Now I know," Eijiro replied contritely.

Mina stood between the three men with her arms crossed. "This raises the following questions: What is it anyway that has upset Izu darling so much? Who is it from? And how did it get outside Kat's door if we can assume security didn't let anyone but us onto the property?"

Izuku let out a rattling breath. "I can a-answer the first t-two questions."

The pink heroine turned to him. "That's right, you were talking about a he, and that it's not Eiji. Who is he?"

He looked to Kacchan with a pleading look. Part of him knew it was nonsense, but he felt guilty and insincere towards his partner at the moment.

The blond alpha seemed to sense this. It took him a visible effort to gather himself before he said calmly, "Whatever it is, Izu, you can say it. I would never blame you for anything you had to do to survive this shit. To answer your first question, Pinky: Those are manacles that suppress the wearer's quirk, thus depriving them of the ability to use their own. Those scumbags made Izu wear this exact model most of the time so that he could put up as little resistance as possible."

The omega took a deep breath and mentally prepared himself to answer the second question, but Mina spoke up first: "That means the sender of the box knows about Izuku's imprisonment and presumably what happened to him there."

The greenette could not suppress a soft whimper. Their mutual friend came to him again, settling down beside him and pulling Izuku into a side hug. Kacchan joined them and sat down on the other side of the omega, where he intertwined their hands.

Kiri sat down on one of the chairs around the dining table, keeping a little distance. Whether he wanted to give him some space or was afraid of provoking Katsuki should he come closer, Izuku couldn't tell.

The former hero cleared his throat. "Most of the a-alphas who paid for me had only one thing i-in mind: to hurt me or humiliate m-me and in the process... to get relief as soon as I c-could no longer defend myself. Actually, that w-was the case with all but one of them."

Izuku closed his eyes and fought against the images of his memories, not wanting to have to relive it, not wanting to hear his voice whispering in his ear. "I never knew his n-name - he only ever called h-himself alpha and called me omega. E-every time he wore a half-mask over his eyes. That's why I don't r-recognize his face. Unlike o-others, he never used his quirk, so I don't recognize that either. He w-was downright o-obsessed with me, came as often as he c-could and told me every t-time he was a big fan ... said h-he loved me."

Izuku fought back the tears that were choking his throat. Kacchan stroked the back of his hand tenderly with his thumb and emitted soothing pheromones. The omega took a rattling breath and continued, "He t-talked about making me h-his mate, about looking for w-ways to free me. He talked a-about how he i-imagined our life, a-and how I should have his ... k-kids."

Katsuki growled softly. To outsiders it was probably threatening, but to Izuku it was reassuring. His true alpha was with him and would help him protect himself this time. The omega was no longer helpless and had his quirk back. Still, at that moment it just felt good to be able to let go.

He closed his eyes and rested his head on Kacchan's shoulder. After the excitement of the day, Izuku was exhausted. There was nothing he would rather do right now than snuggle up in bed with his alpha and simply shut out the rest of the world. Forget for a night how tonight had ended ...

Obviously, the blond had other plans. Izuku noticed his mate rummaging in his trouser pocket with his free hand and heard his voice shortly afterwards. Reluctantly, the omega opened one eye and saw Katsuki who had picked up his smartphone and was talking on the phone.

"I need the footage from the front door. Sometime during the day, a gift box appeared there before our visitors arrived. Search this moment and save it for evidence." Katsuki fell silent for a bit and paused. "No, I'll call my contact at the police station myself. Yes, thank you, see you later."

"The police? Who are you going to call?" Mina asked in surprise.

Kacchan looked at her as if he seriously doubted her intelligence. "A deranged stalker is after Izu, who has somehow managed to bypass my security service. Of course I'll contact the police. If only to secure evidence and hopefully make an arrest soon. Not only because these are clearly criminal offenses, but to eliminate the danger to my mate as quickly as possible."

His alpha was right ... Heroes worked with law enforcement almost all the time. They were not allowed to make arrests without the presence of police officers. If they foiled a crime, they had to wait until the police arrived to arrest the villain or petty criminal, if they weren't already on the scene anyway. Calling the police was the right thing to do. Still, the omega didn't feel comfortable telling his story again and letting outsiders in on the shadows of his past.

Katsuki typed on his cell phone and held it to his ear again. "Tsukauchi, I need you at my house. So far, trespassing and stalking ... no, I can't name the suspect, just give a rough description. Do me a favor and handle the matter as discreetly as possible. Yes, Sansa is okay. And bring someone from forensics with you to secure the evidence. I don't want any more of you in my house right now. No, it's not about me ... It's about Izuku."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Tsukauchi, Sansa and a forensic scientist had barely arrived when Katsuki's cell phone rang. It was the security service. They had found the spot in the footage. "Come in, I want to see it." He hung up and eyed the two detectives. "Izu and that shitty box are in the living room."

Shitty Hair and Pinky were still there. They were giving his mate emotional support. Kiri was also the one who had brought the box into the house. Just as the four of them were about to go into the living room, the doorbell rang again. After a glance at the screen, Katsuki opened the door. It was the employee who had called him to announce the visit earlier and her boss. The alpha nodded to them in greeting and turned away.

Together they went into the living room. Izuku and the other two sat on the armchairs in front of the terrace, where he usually sat with his therapist. He probably felt safest there at the moment.

"Good evening," Tsukauchi greeted and greetings were murmured on all sides. He turned to Katsuki. "What exactly is this about?"

He sighed and walked to the couch in the center of the room and pointed to the floor. "About this."

Police and security gathered around the spot. Tsukauchi put on his gloves and picked up the card. He read it with a furrowed brow. The forensic scientist next to him was already holding out a bag and took it as soon as the detective had finished.

"Are the bracelets used to block a quirk?" Sansa asked.

Katsuki nodded and the forensic scientist started to secure the evidence.

"What can you tell me about the stalker?" Tsukauchi asked.

The alpha looked around the room. "We'll get to that when there's less of a crowd here."

"Do you want to see the footage first, Bakugou-san?" the head of security asked.

"Yes, I want to know how this shit got here."

His coworker held out a tablet to him. The blond alpha pressed play and saw his front steps. Just seconds later, the gift box was there, with no indication of how it had suddenly appeared. He looked at the time stamp: 3:42 pm. "You're sure nothing was done to the recordings?"

"Yes, they definitely haven't been tampered with," the head of security replied.

"May I?" his employee asked.

Katsuki nodded.

She tapped the controller and the fast-forward started. A good two hours later, she let the recording continue at normal speed. Cars appeared at the edge of the screen and his friends gathered in front of the stairs. While they waited to be let in, Kiri noticed the box and lifted it. He could be seen reading the front of the card. Then the door opened and Katsuki let them in.

The head of security spoke up: "We're just checking the fence to see if there's been any intrusion."

"Good," Katsuki replied.

"M-may I see it too?"

The alpha flinched in surprise. He hadn't noticed Izuku had gotten up. Katsuki handed him the tablet after he put the video back where the box had appeared.

Izuku looked at it intently. He tapped the screen several times. Apparently he looked at the spot a few times. "Either a teleportation quirk o-or invisibility which can make n-not only the wearer, but a-also objects carried by him i-invisible," he muttered.

Tsukauchi listened up. "What makes you think that?"

"If it were f-for example, a wind quirk, you would have seen the d-direction from which the box c-came. With invisibility a-as in Hagakure, it would not be p-possible to influence objects as well. Here, as well, you would see s-someone had carried and p-placed the box. The same a-applies to telekinesis. The fact the box is f-first visible after it has been p-placed indicates that it was e-either teleported or, in the c-case of invisibility, the carrier w-withdrew his quirk only after h-he no longer touched it, which is why it n-no longer moved."

The people present looked at him in amazement and Katsuki felt pride swelling inside him. If there was one thing his nerd could do, it was create comprehensive analyses of quirks with just a few clues.

"That sounds plausible and narrows down the circle of suspects," Tsukauchi said.

"However, I don't know the quirk o-of the alpha who sent the box. Maybe he also had h-help."

"It's possible," Sansa replied.

The forensic scientist spoke up. "I'd like to take the fingerprints of everyone who was in contact with the box so I can rule them out. After that, I'll take a look at the landing outside and be done if nothing can be found at the perimeter."

Katsuki, Izuku and Kiri agreed. While the forensic scientist was still at work, the head of security's cell phone rang. "Okay, thank you. We'll be right back out." Turning to Katsuki, he said, "There's no evidence to suggest a forced entry. I'll discuss with my team what further measures we can take. I am very sorry this incident could have happened."

The alpha growled. "Get in touch with me tomorrow. Then we'll discuss what you've come up with."

The two from security and the forensic scientist said their goodbyes. Now only the friends and the two detectives were left in the living room. Katsuki could feel his mate's growing nervousness and exhaustion.

After a brief exchange with Izu, the blond hero took over most of the narration of his experiences and he did his best not to go into too much detail. Occasionally, they would ask Izu a question, who tried to remember as many of the unknown alpha's physical features as possible. He also told them he had discovered the box in the hallway while saying goodbye to their guests. Like Kiri, he had assumed it was a courting gift from his mate and had opened it without further ado.

Katsuki found it difficult to remain calm. Especially because he could sense his mate's fear and unease.

Tsukauchi looked as if he had aged a decade in the last half hour. Sansa looked pale, even if it was hard to tell under the fur.

The older detective cleared his throat. "Now I understand why this box has you so worried. We'll see what we can find out and stay in touch. I'll try to keep it as discreet as possible. No information to the press. If anything comes up again, get in touch with me."

"We will," Katsuki replied.

They said goodbye to each other and Mina and Kiri finally went on their way, having promised Izu and Katsuki they would be there if they needed them.

The alpha had brought everyone to the door. He sat down with his mate. "We should get to bed. You look tired, babe."

Izu only replied with a vague grumble. Katsuki sensed something about their connection that he couldn't place at first. It burned in his chest and almost made it hard to breathe. It was ... guilt and ... self-hatred?

"What's wrong, babe?"

The omega was shaking. "I didn't tell you e-everything. While the others were still h-here, I couldn't."

"Does it have to do with the stalker?"

Izuku nodded wordlessly.

"Tell me about it. I'm listening to you."

"I'm s-scared."

Katsuki sat down by him and pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you today like I swore I would. I'll do everything in my power to keep that guy away from you."

"That's not what I mean. I know you've done that so far." Izuku sounded like he was fighting tears again.

The alpha was confused. Did his mate doubt him? "What do you mean, so far?"

"You w-will leave me when y-you know it," the omega muttered. Katsuki wanted to object, but he didn't get the chance. "I'm a terrible omega a-and you won't want m-me anymore."

That was too much. "Babe, you mustn't even think that," Katsuki countered. "I love you. That's not going to change."

Izuku looked up at him. There were unshed tears in his emerald eyes. "But I ha-have ... killed my own child... W-what kind of omega does that?"

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Kacchan sat frozen next to him and looked at him with wide eyes. Izuku sensed his confusion.

The Alpha swallowed hard before he started to speak. "Phew... okay, I need more context on that. There's a lot more to this, isn't there?"

Izuku's lower lip quivered. He wanted to hold it together for as long as possible. After everything Kacchan had done for him, he owed him the truth. "They didn't want u-us to get pregnant - was probably bad f-for business. Once a week I got a shot with a contraceptive. I never objected to that. I didn't want to get p-pregnant either, not like that, a-at that place, from one of them ..."

The omega interrupted himself and took a deep breath. The bad part of the story was just about to come.

Katsuki exhaled audibly. "As fucked up as the whole thing is, it actually makes sense under the circumstances."

"This alpha who's so obsessed with me c-came into that room for the first time sometime in second year. As with everyone, I f-fought back, but without my quirk and barely an o-opportunity to move enough, let alone exercise, I was physically i-inferior to him too. He wrestled me down and h-held me down. As soon as I could no longer defend m-myself, he ..." Izuku found it difficult to say the next words.

"... raped you for the first time," Kacchan finished the sentence.

The omega nodded and fought back tears. He owed Kacchan the whole story before he had to leave. "He wasn't as brutal as the o-others, didn't enjoy torturing me. What he did instead was much w-worse in other ways." Izuku swallowed the lump in his throat and continued speaking before Kacchan had to ask. "He just... touched me in a way that m-made my body react. I didn't want th-that, I resisted it mentally, but at some point ... at some point I couldn't stop i-it any more. Afterwards, I felt so dirty and d-disgusted with myself."

Katsuki clasped their hands together and squeezed gently. The alpha was surprisingly calm, even if he couldn't completely suppress his pheromones and they made Izuku's nose tingle. "It was a physical reaction, just like you said, babe. You can't help it, even if you didn't mean to."

The former hero felt a little better, but he was not yet at the end of this story from his time in captivity. "After that, h-he came regularly. He told me how much my supposed d-death had affected him, that he was a big fan and so happy to be with me in this w-way. The first time he had seen me down there was in a fight. He swore h-his love for me and wanted to make me submissive with w-words, but I resisted. I didn't want th-that - not what he did to me, n-none of his future fantasies and also not his l-love.

But sometimes, when I was too h-hurt or too exhausted because there were already others that day ... then I fought back a little l-less against the one hand which didn't just want t-to hit me, I broke my resistance faster a-and let it get the better of me." Izuku let out a shaky breath. Kacchan was still holding his hand, but who knew for how much longer.

"In hindsight, that alpha probably thought I w-was developing a Stockholm syndrome towards him. Maybe it was e-even a bit like that. I don't kn-know. It was a couple of weeks before m-my rescue when he came to see me during my h-heat. He told me how long he had to wait to save the necessary m-money and about the ... waiting list."

Katsuki let out an angry growl and Izuku winced. When he noticed the omega's reaction, he quickly regained his composure. The alpha pressed a kiss to the back of his hand. "Fuck! I'm sorry, babe. I didn't mean to scare you. Just...this idea how these sick fucks got themselves put on a waiting list to commit such a heinous act...disgusts me and I want to rip every last one of them to shreds."

Izuku looked up at him hopefully. Maybe, just maybe, Kacchan would stay with him after all. So far, his disgust hadn't been directed at the omega. Katsuki clasped his cheek with his free hand and wiped away a tear. "What happened then? Can you talk about it or do you want a break?"

Izuku shook his head. He had to get it over with or the guilt and remorse would consume him. "I don't know how he did i-it, but sometimes he had something with him which he sh-shouldn't have had. Apart from the clothes on his body, n-nothing was allowed in that room."

"What did he have with him?"

"Sometimes something to eat or drink, which I o-only accepted if it was still wrapped, or his cell phone ... When I think about it like that, it speaks for my t-theory about his quirk ... During my h-heat, it was a medicine bottle. I didn't know what it was and didn't want to take it, b-but he force-fed it to me before he then ... When my heat was almost over, he told m-me it was a fertility enhancer which was so highly c-concentrated it could even n-neutralize the effects of contraceptives. He was hoping to get me p-pregnant ...

He succeeded.

I noticed this about a week later. Everything felt d-different. My body was sensitive in places where I hadn't been hurt and a few other things. There w-was only one explanation for this and I got scared. I didn't want to b-be pregnant. I couldn't love my own child f-for fear of always seeing that man when I looked at it. Besides, I d-didn't know what would happen to me or my child as soon a-as the others found out. My emotions were going haywire. I was s-so scared ...

Another week later, they picked me up again t-to fight. I was superior to my opponent. When he was on the g-ground, I realized he wanted to kick me. I could have d-dodged. My reflexes w-would have been good enough for that, but I deliberately didn't do it. I w-waited and allowed him to kick me in the stomach. It hurt like crazy, m-more than it should have. Shortly afterwards, I finished the fight a-and while I was still in the ring, I felt blood running down my l-leg.For a brief moment I felt relief, but then came the shame. I couldn't l-love my child, even though i-it was also a part of me, not just part of the alpha. I am a t-terrible omega."

It was over ...

Izuku could no longer hold himself together and cried uncontrollably. He almost choked on his tears and could barely breathe. Katsuki picked him up and sat him on his lap. The alpha said nothing, just stroked his back reassuringly and waited.

After a few minutes, things got better. Part of Izuku was relieved about this secret was no longer weighing on him, even if he still feared the consequences. What would his mate choose? Surely Katsuki would prefer a gentle and child-loving omega, not a broken one like him. He kept his gaze lowered, unable to bring himself to look into those piercing red eyes.

"Look at me," Katsuki said quietly.

Izuku swallowed and didn't move. Gently, the alpha cupped his face and slowly bent it around. "I want you to listen to me carefully now. Can you do that, babe?"

The omega nodded silently. Now Katsuki would tell him he could pack his things."I love you."

Izuku gasped. He hadn't expected that. "R-really?"

"Really."

"Still?"

"Still!" Katsuki leaned over and kissed his forehead.

New tears welled up inside Izuku. The alpha pulled the sleeve of his hoodie over his hand and cleaned his face tenderly. By now, he had to look terrible. He had literally cried snot and water and now Kacchan voluntarily smeared it on his hoodie.

The blond smiled gently. "What I'm about to tell you is the truth. Maybe more the truth from my point of view, so when you get right down to it, probably more my opinion, but still ... Do you want to hear it?"

Izuku nodded hesitantly.

"You're not a terrible omega. You're a strong, lovable omega and braver than any other person I know. Should you decide to have children one day, they will be lucky to have you as a parent. You alone have the right to decide what happens to your body. No one else, not an alpha, no gods, not society and certainly not any of those horrible Karens!"

Izuku chuckled softly, which made Kacchan smile even bigger.

"It's perfectly fine that you decided against this pregnancy and didn't fight it once there was a risk it would be forcibly terminated. It was forced on you against your will. Children should be conceived in an act of love, not as a result of a violent assault.

Call me an asshole for all I care, but after two weeks it was nothing more than a tiny clump of cells. Of course, even at this early stage, a pregnancy is fundamentally valuable. But that doesn't mean you can't still decide against it. At that time, you had already been in a physical and psychological state of emergency for so long. I can understand that you didn't want to find out what would happen to you or this child if anyone found out.

No embryo is worth the person who conceived it dying mentally or physically from the pregnancy. Every life is valuable, yes, even the unborn, but that does not make it more valuable than the life of the mother or the omega who would carry it to term. Abortion is still better than forcing yourself to give birth to a child that you cannot love with all your heart and are unable to care for. In my eyes, that would really be something cruel which no child deserves.Don't worry about my love, Izuku. It's just as strong as before and I won't leave you as long as you want me by your side."

Izuku's bottom lip quivered and he wrapped his arms around his alpha. He was so relieved he still wanted him and didn't want him out the door. "Thank you, Kacchan. I love you t-too."

The alpha returned the hug. They remained like that in silence for a few minutes until Katsuki's voice cut through the silence of the living room. "Was that what you were talking about?"

"What do you m-mean?"

"When you allowed me to court you, you said you had something else to tell me during the courting phase - something you would have done during your imprisonment. Something you didn't want to keep from me before we made a permanent bond. Was that it?"

Izuku stiffened and bit his lower lip. "One o-of it," he replied quietly.

"There's more?" The alpha sounded surprised.

The omega nodded. "One more thing."

"Okay, I see. But not today. Now we'll make sure you calm down and rest a bit. We'll wait for the reaction to the press release and I won't do anything but pamper you until the day of your surgery next week. After that, when you feel ready, you can tell me or wait. How does that sound?"

A faint smile crept onto Izuku's face. "That sounds g-good."

"Then I'll take you to bed now." Katsuki stood up with him in his arms and Izuku quickly folded his arms and legs behind his back to make it easier for the alpha.

Kacchan carried him into the bedroom and carefully set him down on the bed. He was about to turn around, but Izuku grabbed his sleeve. "Please don't leave me."

Startled, his partner turned back to him. "I won't, I just wanted to go clean up before I joined you in bed."

It only calmed him down a little. Izuku wanted to reassure himself of his alpha's love and at the same time prove to him how much he loved him. "Don't go now. P-please sleep with me."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

The alpha froze. He had not expected to hear these words from his mate so soon. Even less had he expected his answer to be any different than he had originally assumed.

Through their connection and proximity to each other, Katsuki sensed exactly what was going on inside the omega. Izuku's feelings reflected many things, none of which felt like lust. Instead, the alpha felt despair and fear. Izuku was terrified of being abandoned.

Tears gathered in his beloved emerald eyes and the omega's breath came in gasps.

Katsuki knelt down in front of him. "Babe..." He reached out and pushed a stray green curl behind his ear. Izuku leaned into his palm. "I don't want you to get carried away and have our first time together happen out of a skip. I won't leave you even if you're not ready to sleep with me. I love you - with or without sex."

The tears overflowed and Izuku hiccupped. "I'm s-scared. Please show me how it can be when you love each other. Please let m-me forget."

The alpha expelled his breath. "We're both exhausted and upset. I don't want you to regret it in the morning."

Izuku bit his lower lip. His uncertainty was palpable even without their connection. "I w-want it."

"Okay, I believe you. Still, I want to compromise with you," Katsuki replied.

"What k-kind of compromise?"

"It's late. We're both tired and a bit out of it. I want to take my time when I make love to you for the first time and these are not good conditions for that. I'm not leaving you alone for tonight. The tidying up can wait. We'll take a bath and then go to bed. Then we'll cuddle and sleep. Tomorrow is my day off. Which means we have the whole day. If you still want me after you've slept on it for a night, then I'd be honored to do it with you. But no more tonight, not like this."

Izuku's face was filled with conflicting emotions. Katsuki saw his mate's self-doubt was trying to convince him that his partner was rejecting him.

In fact, the opposite was true. Before the omega got too deep into this spiral of thoughts, Katsuki added with a smirk: "Morning sex is better anyway."

Izuku frowned. "Why d-do you say that?"

"Because you're freshly rested and full of energy. It's a great start to the day if you do it right. Plus, it makes showering twice as worthwhile."

The omega chuckled. His mate was glad to have eased his partner's tension a little. He kissed Izuku's forehead gently. "Let's go take a bath and if it's still your wish tomorrow, I'll seduce you by every trick in the book. Agreed?"

Izuku thought about it for a moment. "Agreed."

Together they went into the bathroom. They didn't stay long in the bathtub before they got ready for bed and cuddled up as close as possible. Katsuki cuddled his mate in his arms. Izuku snuggled up to him and purred softly. The alpha listened to the sweet sound and gradually calmed down. A little later, the purring stopped and was replaced by steady breathing. Shortly afterwards, Katsuki had also fallen asleep.

~~~~~

Pale morning light fell through the curtains and woke the alpha. Katsuki blinked and cleared his vision. He yawned and scratched the back of his neck with his free hand. His left arm felt numb. Izuku had curled up and was lying with his head on his upper arm. He had snuggled up as close as possible to Katsuki.

The omega looked peaceful. The blond enjoyed their intimacy, even if the feeling in his arm had to suffer as a result. Slowly, he stretched his fingers and closed them into a fist again. He repeated this a few times until the blood flow was stimulated again and made his arm tingle.

He contemplated his mate as the events of the previous evening forced themselves relentlessly into his consciousness. Icyhot's inappropriate first reaction aside, things had been going really well until Izu had found the fucking box.

Katsuki suppressed the growl that rose in his throat. He didn't want to scare his partner by growling him awake. Hopefully the police would track down the crazy stalker quickly. Maybe he had been stupid enough to leave fingerprints.

Katsuki had thought he had more than covered his need for sick wankers with the search for Overhaul, but the stalker's attack had taken him completely by surprise and thrown him off course. He had promised Izu a safe home and yet this bastard had managed to break through the protective walls he had built.

It was frustrating.

But his feelings in this regard were probably only a faint echo compared to how his mate must be feeling. The omega had looked so broken last night ...

And yet, it still wasn't all.

Katsuki wondered what secret was still on Izu's mind that he was convinced could be so bad the alpha might leave him because of it. He couldn't think of anything the omega could have done which would make him turn his back on him now or ever.

His mate had suffered for years and had had to fight for his survival. In his eyes, this exceptional situation excused almost everything that could have happened to the former hero's tormentors.Izu grumbled in his sleep and stirred. His eyelids fluttered and he looked at the alpha with glassy eyes. "Morning," he mumbled, burying his face in Katsuki's chest.

"Good morning, babe. How did you sleep?" Katsuki asked, pressing a kiss to the top of his mate's head.

"Good." It was obvious Izu wasn't awake yet.

Seconds later, he froze and jerked his head back. He sought Katsuki's gaze and bit his lower lip. "Please tell me I w-was just having a nightmare."

The alpha's heart sank. He stroked Izu's cheek with his thumb. "I'm afraid not."

The greenette let out a strained breath and narrowed his eyes. As soon as he opened them again, Katsuki noticed they gleamed wetly. He swallowed audibly. "I had hoped s-so much to leave that part of my past b-behind me soon ... To be able to start over."

Katsuki's hand moved lower and nuzzled the omega's neck. "You already have. You're working through it and healing. If you let me, I'll remind you every day how much I love you and nothing will make me happier than the day you decide to become my mate permanently and I can wear your mark proudly on my neck."

There was a hint of skepticism in Izuku's gaze. Did he still doubt the alpha's words?

Silence reigned for a while, during which they enjoyed each other's presence and fingertips glided gently over tender skin.

"Kacchan?"

"Yes?"

"You said I-I should sleep on it," Izu said.

The warmth rose in Katsuki's face, he already suspected what his mate was getting at. "Yes...?"

"I was sleeping."

The alpha said nothing in reply and waited for the greenette to continue.

"I still want to," Izu whispered barely audibly. A pretty blush spread across his freckled cheeks. Sweet pheromones filled the air.

Katsuki was intoxicated by the vanilla scent and was about to bend over his mate and take him, but he controlled himself. It was going to be good for Izu - as good as it could be after his experiences before. The omega had said how much he liked kissing him, which the blond didn't want to keep from him.

That was one of the disadvantages of morning sex. You had to disappear into the bathroom beforehand if you didn't want to run the risk of smelling like a dead animal from your mouth.

Katsuki stroked his partner's tender back. "Okay, let's do it then. If you change your mind, you can always tell me and I'll stop. No matter when. I won't be angry or disappointed in you for it, understand?"

Izuku nodded in reply.

The alpha pressed another kiss into green curls. "Then we'll freshen up a bit and then go back to bed."

"Okay," the omega whispered.

Katsuki released the embrace and stood up. He did a shortened morning routine and was back in the bedroom about ten minutes later.

Izu sat on the edge of the bed and waited. As soon as the alpha was back, he went to the bathroom himself.

The blond climbed again into bed and leaned back in the middle of the pillows. He waited there. It took a while for the omega to return. When the adjoining door opened, Izu stopped and leaned against the doorframe.

He had taken off his sleep shirt and was only wearing boxers. Katsuki bit his lower lip and cooed softly. His mate was sexy. "Come to me, babe~."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Kacchan's voice was rough and velvety at the same time. A pleasurable shiver ran down the omega's spine. He made himself finally start moving and stop standing in the doorway like a deer in headlights.

Izuku took a deep breath. He had done everything he could think of: gone to the toilet, brushed his teeth, washed his face and ... other parts of his body.

The alpha shouldn't be disgusted by him.

Once at the bed, he climbed up and crawled to Kacchan, who was sitting at the headboard waiting for him. Ruby eyes watched his every move hungrily. His mate craved him. It was something that both relieved and frightened Izuku in equal measure.

The greenette sat down on his partner's pelvis. But not so deep he could feel his manhood. With trembling fingers, he reached for the hem of the tight shirt the alpha was still wearing. "Take that off."

Kacchan bent over wordlessly and let Izuku help him out of the garment. Now they were both wearing only their underwear. A satisfied growl escaped the blonde's seductive lips.

It went into every fiber of Izuku's body. The caramel smell of Katsuki's pheromones did the rest. The omega trembled and bit his lip to keep from moaning. His nipples stood up and he felt himself getting wet.

He leaned forward and planted a kiss on Kacchan's lips, then another, and another, until their lips no longer parted, but remained connected. Izuku held on to his mate's broad shoulders.

Katsuki stroked a nipple with his thumb, causing Izuku to moan into the kiss. He felt good and wasn't afraid. Almost without him doing anything, his hips began to move and he rubbed against the alpha's hard abs. By now, more and more slick was wetting his underpants and the fabric felt sticky on his skin.

The blond growled excitedly. One hand remained on his chest while the other massaged his ass. Izuku whimpered needily. He was aroused. He wanted this with Kacchan.

The alpha broke the kiss and sought his partner's gaze. Both of their breaths were heavy and they blew warm clouds in each other's faces. "I'd like to turn you on your back and bend over you. Is that okay? I don't think you should ride me the first time. It might be too much."

Izuku nodded and allowed Kacchan to switch positions. His head was pillowed on soft cushions and he followed his mate's every move with an astonished look.

After another kiss, Kacchan broke away from him again. "I love you, Izu. Let yourself go. I'll take care of you if you still want this."

From their connection, the omega sensed it was the truth. Besides, the blond's gaze was clear. Love and desire spoke from the red eyes. "Yes, I w-want to make love to you. I love you too, Kacchan."

The alpha smiled softly. He placed tender kisses on the greenette's neck and caressed his body at the same time. He paused at the waistband of his underwear. "Can I touch you here?" His mate's hot breath brushed over Izuku's ear.

"Yes."

Instead of sliding his hand into his underpants, the alpha played with the waistband or massaged Izuku through the fabric. He rubbed the ball of his thump over his crotch or kneaded his bottom. He licked and sucked on Izuku's nipples. It felt good and the omega was on the verge of asking his partner for more, but he held back.

That was probably Kacchan's goal: to tease and stimulate Izuku so much that he would lose his fear before the actual act.

The plan worked. The greenette became impatient and pressed against his mate's every move. "Kacchaaan~" he groaned breathlessly.

Katsuki looked up. "Yes, babe?" His tone was innocent, but his mischievous look belied him. Not to mention his hands, which didn't let go of him.

Izuku pressed his forearm to his mouth to keep from groaning out loud. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. "You... You can go ahead... Ah~!"

"What can I do, babe?" Now the alpha was grinning cheekily.

The omega wanted to sink into the ground in shame, but they had already gone further than this. "You ... can undress me," he said quietly. "If you want t-to," he added uncertainly.

"Of course I want my sexy omega naked in front of me." Katsuki placed kiss after kiss on Izuku's upper body as he slowly slid the underpants off his hips.

The greenette lifted his hips to make it easier for his partner.

"Stay like this for a moment," the alpha demanded, pulling one of the pillows over and placing it under Izuku's bottom.

Katsuki's hands ran over his body. "You are so beautiful. So sexy." One hand slid between Izuku's legs and the alpha rubbed his fingertip over the slippery ring of muscle. "So wet for me."

The omega shivered. "Mmm~"

The blond leaned over him, seeking his lips. He entangled Izuku's tongue in a hot kiss. Izuku was so intoxicated he almost didn't realize when Kacchan slid the first finger into him. He moaned into the kiss. It wasn't painful, but it was a little uncomfortable.

Katsuki gave him time to get used to the new sensation before slowly sliding the finger in and out. The alpha broke the kiss and kissed his neck. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." Izuku's breath came shakily over his lips.

A second finger slid into him. Izuku hissed and tried to stay relaxed. If he was going to take Kacchan inside him, he needed to be stretched a little more before that.

Katsuki's fingers curled and thrust unerringly into the omega's sensitive spot.

Izuku cried out and moaned. "Kacchan~!"

With his second hand, the alpha gripped Izuku's shaft and slowly rubbed up and down. "You're beautiful, babe. I'm so happy to have you with me."

The omega's eyes glazed over and his breathing became intermittent. Not much longer and he would find release.

Meanwhile, Kacchan stretched him with three fingers and thrust relentlessly into Izuku's prostate. Izuku moaned uncontrollably and clawed at the pillow for support. Kacchan was everywhere and it felt intoxicating.

The alpha straightened up. "I think you're ready. Shall I continue?"

Izuku nodded.

"Tell me, babe. I want to be absolutely sure."

The omega took a shaky breath. "Yes."

Katsuki took off his underpants, leaned to the side and opened the drawer of the nightstand. When he bent over Izuku again, he had a condom and lube in his hand. He slipped the protection on and applied some additional lubricant to his manhood.

Then he pushed himself between Izuku's legs again. "Ready?"

"Yes," the omega replied, although he was becoming increasingly nervous.

The blond propped himself up on the mattress next to Izuku's head with one hand and positioned himself at Izuku's entrance with the other. The greenette took a shaky breath and tried to stay relaxed.

"If it gets too much for you, I'll stop. Please tell me if it is. Okay, babe?"

"Okay..." Izuku felt Katsuki's manhood press against his muscle ring. Moments later, the resistance gave way and the Alpha penetrated him.

The omega hissed painfully and narrowed his eyes. It pulled at his insides and it hurt. Memories replayed before his inner eye and Izuku panicked.

He was afraid.

"Izu, look at me."

One for All activated. The omega felt the power pulsing through his body.

"Babe, can you hear me? Look at me!"

At the edge of his perception, he noticed the familiar voice and he opened his eyes. He gazed into ruby red irises that were like no other ... that he loved ...

Izuku took a deep breath. The tugging had eased.

"Kacchan..."

The alpha pressed a quick kiss to his lips and Izuku's quirk, which had shown itself in the form of green flashes of energy, withdrew. The blond's Adam's apple twitched. "Did I hurt you? Do you want to stop?"

Shakily, Izuku took a breath before speaking, "It w-was just a little bit, I'm fine now."

"So you want to carry on?"

"Yes, just give me a m-moment before you move," Izuku asked.

"Okay."

Kacchan didn't take his eyes off him. The omega reached out and ran his hand through his partner's soft hair.

"Please kiss me."

The alpha instantly complied with his request. The air was filled with caramel and soft sighs. As soon as Katsuki played with Izuku's nipples, vanilla joined in.

Thanks to the help and caresses of his alpha, the omega felt at ease again. He wanted to stay in the here and now and leave the darkest part of his past behind him. All his life, Izuku had wanted the man who was currently holding him in his arms and kissing him with love.

Breathing heavily, they parted their lips and Kacchan smiled at him. It was a genuine smile full of love and sincerity. They lay chest to chest, the alpha propped up on his forearms next to his head. Izuku felt the weight of his partner on top of him without feeling crushed by it.

Izuku felt secure with Kacchan. Safe. "You... can move now."

Katsuki kissed him on the cheek. "Okay."

The greenette felt the alpha move inside him. It was slow and loving. It didn't feel very good yet, but it didn't hurt anymore either. The thoughts in Izuku's head were racing. He found it difficult to simply let go and surrender to Kacchan.

Soft lips pressed against his forehead. "Try not to brood so much, babe."

"I'll try my best."

Kiss after kiss Katsuki placed on his face. After each kiss, he whispered caresses to the omega. When he placed a kiss on the tip of Izuku's nose, the latter giggled.

"I love you, Izuku."

"I love you too, Kacchan." As soon as he said the words, the omega felt something change inside him. Katsuki had changed position slightly and was now thrusting directly into his prostate. Izuku groaned.

"How do you feel, Izu?"

"Good ... You make me f-feel good. Ngh~"

Spurred on by his words, the alpha moved a little faster. With each thrust, the omega's glans was stimulated at the same time as Katsuki's six-pack rubbed over it.

Fear gave way to desire. Izuku wrapped his arms around Katsuki's neck and pulled the big alpha even closer to him. He sought his lips and entangled Kacchan in a wild kiss. They both moaned and gasped. Again and again their lips lost contact with each other due to the faster thrusts and each time they chased after each other.

Izuku barely noticed that he was meeting his mate's thrusts and thrusting his hips towards him.

"Kachaaan~!" The omega felt his abdomen tighten. The muscles in his legs began to tremble.

Katsuki kissed his neck and chased towards both of their climax. "You feel so good~. Such a good omega. So beautiful... I love you. I love you." He purred sweet words into Izuku's ear without pause.

He felt loved.

Never again did Izuku want to be touched by another like he was by Kacchan. Almost desperately, he clawed at his spiky hair. "I... ah~ I'm coming," he groaned breathlessly. "Mhm, aah~!"

With a soft cry, the omega came between them. Katsuki's thrusts became erratic. "Fuck!" After a few moments, the blond jerked and a passionate rumble made its way across his lips, swollen from kissing. He continued to hold his weight with his forearms and breathed heavily.

Izuku was in a daze. This orgasm had been more intense than any other his mate had given him so far. He was slow to return to reality. The blond had caught his breath and carefully rolled off him. His shaft slid out of Izuku and for the first time in his life, the omega felt a sense of emptiness instead of relief.

Kacchan pulled him into his arms. Izuku was happy to lay his head on his muscular chest. The alpha pressed an affectionate kiss to the top of his head. "That was incredible ... How do you feel, babe?"

The omega turned his head and sought his mate's gaze, a soft smile on his lips. "It ... felt good. With you it felt good."

Katsuki's subsequent smile rivaled the sun.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

"Is the water temperature okay?"

"Yes."

"And you really feel fine ? No pain? Are you sore? Or stupid memories?"

His mate chuckled softly. "Everything's okay, Kacchan. It was n-nice."

Katsuki pulled him a little tighter into his arms and pressed a kiss into the damp green curls. After their first time, they had cuddled a little and then the alpha had run them a bath. Now they lay here and relaxed together.

Although the blond found it a little difficult. Why? He didn't really know himself. He was almost more nervous afterwards than he had been before sex. Part of Katsuki still feared he had overtaxed his mate, that it had been too soon.

Izuku had always said he was fine, even when he was just breaking inside and fighting back tears. Through their intimate connection, he knew what was going on in the greenette's mind, but he still had the irrational thought that even on this deeper level of their relationship, the omega could placate him and hide his own feelings.

Which was bullshit, strictly speaking. No one could manipulate a mate's emotional connection if they were one of the few couples who had such an intimate bond.

Rationally speaking, Katsuki knew that. But that didn't help him against his inner alpha, who on the one hand was vibrating with happiness and threatening to burst because of what they had shared, and at the same time feared that he had further traumatized his mate and felt guilty about it.

The scent of vanilla filled the air and Katsuki inhaled deeply. The omega pheromones instantly calmed him and left him humming contentedly.

"Don't overthink a-anything. I'm in charge of that," Izuku joked.

The blond sighed. "I just want to make sure you're okay and that you liked it, too."

"I did. Did you... enjoy it, Kacchan?"

He looked at his omega with a furrowed brow. "Of course I liked it. It was great."

"And you didn't think it was too..." Izuku bit his lip.

"Too what?" Katsuki asked.

The greenette turned his head away and mumbled, "Too boring?"

The alpha thought he had misheard. His partner didn't really think so, did he? "Where did you come up with such nonsense? I've gotten my money's worth, if that's what you're worried about."

Izuku, who was sitting in the tub snuggled between his legs against the blond, shifted restlessly. "Well, I'm n-not keen on experimenting, you have to pay attention to s-so many things and, even though I liked it and felt c-comfortable with you, it w-will still take a lot of time and work before I can really let myself go when I m-make love to you. It wasn't always easy with me before and you were always annoyed b-by me. That hasn't gotten any better - quite the o-opposite. I'm exhausting and-"

Before his omega could get lost in the torrent of words, Katsuki interrupted him. "Stop. Stop beating yourself up. You're not exhausting, you're traumatized. That's a huge difference. As for being annoyed: yes, maybe that used to be the case. But that was more down to me than you. I was immature, ignorant and perhaps a little too convinced of myself. But I'm not entirely sure about that last part. After all, I was and am simply great."

Izuku giggled with amusement. "And soo modest at that."

Katsuki smirked. "One of my best qualities." There was silence between them for a moment. "All joking aside, nerd. You're not too exhausting, too boring, too annoying, too complicated or whatever else your pretty head might want to tell you. I love you and want to stay by your side. Until we're both old and gray and trying to beat each other at bingo so we can outdo the other and wind each other up for the rest of the day. I will not leave you. Our life together has only just begun and you've taken a huge step forward. It's been beautiful for me and I'm proud of you for getting over yourself. I'm honored you gave me your first time."

A contemptuous snort that he didn't recognize from his cute mate escaped his lips. "That wasn't my first time, you know that."

Katsuki ran his hand over Izuku's back, up to the nape of his neck, where he circled his thumb near the scent gland. "Yes. It was the first time you wanted it - and with me. Anything before that doesn't count in that regard. That was rape, not sex, lovemaking, or whatever else you want to call it."

Izuku grumbled to himself.

"Now shut up and let me wash your hair. We have more on the agenda today."

The omega threw an irritated glance over his shoulder. "You said you were off today and we'd have the whole day to spend together."

"Yes, today and tomorrow for the surgery. After that, I'll have to see. I'll probably do some night patrols. Then you'll be asleep anyway and I can visit you in the hospital during the day with a clear conscience. As for the rest of the day, an extensive pampering program awaits you."

Izuku leaned back and relaxed. "That sounds nice. I'm looking forward to it. Thank you."

Shortly afterwards, they washed each other's hair. Still in their bathrobes, the alpha made breakfast for them both, which they ate together in bed. After the meal, they pampered themselves. It was more of a beauty date. They sat opposite each other. A fluffy headband kept their hair out of their faces and they applied a moisturizing mask to each other's skin. They giggled and the alpha had great fun spreading the sticky mask on his mate's snub nose.

Then it was time for a massage, during which Katsuki took the opportunity to rub a few places on Izuku's body a little harder than others. A massage with a happy ending, so to speak.

In the afternoon they took a walk through the garden and in the early evening they had a light dinner on the roof terrace to meet the requirements for Izuku's surgery. They stayed there for a while and watched the stars in silence.

It was a quiet day, cozy and intimate. They had shut themselves off from other people, dramas, news and disasters for a day and spent it in their own little world. It was peaceful. Katsuki resolved to spend their days off like this more often in future.

At night, they cuddled up close to each other. After all, they wouldn't be able to do that next week. The alpha didn't even want to think about having to spend his nights without his mate. They had both got used to their beloved togetherness so quickly.

~~~~~

Katsuki watched his omega move his toothpaste from left to right over the small sink, still not looking satisfied.

"You've got everything, babe," he said as calmly as possible. "And if there's anything missing, I'll bring it to you or have one of the extras do it for you."

Izuku sighed. He slumped his shoulders. "I know... I'm nervous."

The Alpha stroked his cheek and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I know, but I'm sure everything will be fine. You have capable doctors. As long as I'm allowed, I'll be with you and after that, when you wake up, I'll be there. Let's go back to the room. The preparations should start soon."

"Okay, Kacchan."

The hospital room was similar to Izuku's last stay after he was rescued. In this hospital, there were almost only single rooms with private bathrooms, as only heroes were treated here and they wanted to give them as much privacy as possible. Izuku had placed the Dynamight cuddly pillow in the middle of the bed. The alpha carefully picked it up and rubbed it over the scent gland in his neck to freshen it up. He then placed it back between the soft cushions of Izuku's nesting material, which they had also brought with them to make him more comfortable.

The omega sat down on the edge of the bed. They didn't have to wait long and Dr. Yaguchi came in followed by a nurse.

"Good morning, Midoriya-san and Bakugou-san."

The pair returned the greeting.

"We're preparing for the surgery now and then we'll start straight away so you don't have to wait any longer than necessary."

"Thank you, I a-appreciate that."

The two women began their work. They went through a few more questionnaires with Izuku, set up an I.V. and discussed the procedure, the possible complications and the expected recovery time one last time.

After the information session, Izuku agreed to the surgery once again and put his name stamp in the space provided on the form. Shortly afterwards, he was wheeled out of the room on another bed used for transportation.

Katsuki went as far as he was allowed to go. They had to separate in front of the large double doors leading to the operating rooms. Dr. Yaguchi gave them a moment and withdrew a little, and the blond felt his mate's unease inside.

"I'm really n-nervous, Kacchan."

The alpha smiled softly and gave him an affectionate kiss. "I know, but look at it this way: now you're almost there, because you're about to sleep and leave the field to the professionals who will take you another step forward in your recovery. I'll wait out here for you, okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you. You can do this."

"I love you, too. And ... you'll be really h-here when it's all over?"

Katsuki nodded. "I promise. No villain or disaster will manage to drive me away from here during the next few hours."

"Thank you, Kacchan." Izuku smiled shakily. His eyes were moist.

"Nerd, it goes without saying."

The omega sighed in surrender.

Katsuki straightened up and waved Dr. Yaguchi back over. "We're ready."

The doctor returned and swiped a key card through the slot provided to open the swinging doors. She herself pushed the bed where his mate was lying. "Let's do this then, Midoriya-san."

Katsuki took a step back and watched them until they disappeared around a corner. He then made his way to the waiting room for the relatives.

Now it was time to wait and hope for the best.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Kacchan had kept his word. When Izuku regained consciousness, the alpha was at his side, their hands intertwined.

"There you are again," he said softly.

The omega mumbled something unintelligible. He wasn't really awake yet, his head was foggy from the anesthetic and his tongue was just so heavy ...

A warm hand brushed the tousled curls from his face. "Rest a little longer, babe. Everything went well, no complications."

The greenette sank into a half-sleep. It was far too exhausting to keep his eyes open. He noticed a few voices in the background, but he couldn't make out the meaning of the words. This was how you had to feel after a Detroit Smash. Shortly afterwards, Izuku felt rough lips on his forehead and his consciousness sank into blackness.

~~~~~

Groaning, the omega opened his eyes. The evening light of the setting sun fell through the slits in the blinds.

"Hey, babe. Did you sleep well?"

His gaze wandered further and met red eyes that scrutinized him lovingly.

"H-hey," Izuku interrupted himself, coughing, "Kacchan."

His mate stood up and reached for a water bottle that was on the bedside table and a glass. "Have a drink first," Katsuki said, holding the glass of water out to him.

Reflexively, Izuku wanted to stretch out his right arm, but he paused, whimpering. That's right, he wouldn't be able to use it for a while ...

"Slow down." Kacchan pressed the glass into his left hand. "Here."

Izuku drank. The water tasted delicious and helped the parched throat. "Thank you."

The alpha took the glass back as Izuku held it out to him empty. "What time is it?"

"Just before eight o'clock."

"I slept in all day?" The omega was horrified.

"You had a five-hour operation and as soon as you came to, Recovery Girl gave you a kiss. After that, you were knocked out again."

"Sounds logical," the greenette muttered.

"How do you feel?" Katsuki asked, reaching for his hand.

"Okay. Were those after-effects of the m-medication and I just imagined it, or did you say earlier things were going well?" Izuku really couldn't tell.

The alpha pulled up one corner of his mouth. "I wasn't sure if you were receptive yet, but yes, that's what I said. The doctors are happy with the results. If you take it easy on your arm as prescribed, you'll hardly have any - and in the best case, no - problems with it after rehab."The news reassured the omega. At least all the effort had been worth it.

They talked for a while longer, while Dr. Yaguchi checked on him in between. The sun had set and Izuku was finding it increasingly difficult to keep his eyes open. When he yawned again, Katsuki stood up and gave him a quick kiss. "Get some rest, nerd. I can't see you fighting sleep any longer when you need it so badly."

"But I want to see you s-some more," the greenette mumbled sleepily.

"And I don't want to jeopardize your recovery. I'll be right back tomorrow morning. You'll hardly notice that I'm not here."

Izuku grumbled, but he was too tired to fight it any longer. After a kiss on the forehead, the alpha said goodbye. By the time the door to the room closed, Izuku was almost asleep.

~~~~~

Katsuki was in a bad mood. Izuku didn't know why, but he could feel it even before his mate entered the room. He was also later today than yesterday. It had been two days since the surgery. Yesterday he had spent the whole day with Kacchan. They had cuddled and talked about the reactions to the press release, which had been pretty good.

As soon as Deku's fans had gotten wind that he was in the hospital, gifts had been dropped off for him every minute. His room resembled a mix between a flower store and a supermarket sweet shelf. The whole thing was rounded off with balloons, cards and cuddly toys.

From today onwards, he would be receiving visits from his friends, but what he longed for most was his alpha, whose mood was getting noticeably worse. What was going on? Had there been problems during his patrol last night?

There was a knock and immediately Kacchan came in, closely followed by Tsukauchi. Izuku noticed that his mate was trying to keep his pheromones under control, but he was only moderately successful.

"What's going on?" the omega asked.

The alpha's brow furrowed a little. "I can't fool you anymore, can I?"

Izuku smiled wryly. "I've been sensing your bad m-mood for a while now. Besides, I'm afraid that the detective has better things to do than visit a sick person. What's happened?"

Kacchan pulled out a box that looked all too familiar to the greenette. Only now did Izuku notice that his mate was wearing thin rubber gloves. His heartbeat quickened and he exhaled shakily. The box looked exactly like the one that had been left outside their front door.

"What have you got there?"

Sighing, Katsuki came closer and opened the gift box. "I'd prefer not to burden you with it at all, but we need to know what's inside to make sure it's from the same person. Can you take a look at it, please?"

The former hero's whole body was trembling. Nevertheless, he nodded. The two alphas approached the bedside. Tsukauchi held a card out to him. It looked like the last one, but the text was different.

The detective held it out to him so as not to cover his tracks and Izuku did not touch it. It said:

My Omega,

I will take you on a real picnic soon.
Until then, we'll have to reminisce.

Your  A lpha

Izuku took a deep breath and swallowed hard. "What i-is in it?"

Kacchan held the box out to him. By now, his mate's sheer murderous rage had gone out of him. The greenette hesitantly took a look inside. The box contained a packet of pre-wrapped sandwiches and a small tetrapack of green tea, the kind you get in any conbini.

The omega closed his eyes and turned his head away. "That's f-from him."

Kacchan took him in his arms and hugged him tightly. No words were needed between them. The pair understood each other just as well. The alpha not only supported him mentally, but also his quivering body. It frustrated the greenette not to be able to hug his partner properly because of his splinted arm. He wanted to be even closer to him. Izuku opened his eyes and saw that his mate had pressed the box into the detective's hand.

Tsukauchi cleared his throat. "Can you tell us what it means?"

He nodded. "Whenever he brought me something t-to eat, it was always these two things, because I refused to a-accept anything that wasn't wrapped. Then h-he brought the sandwiches and tea. The same thing every time."

"Thank you, Midoriya. Even if that probably won't get us anywhere. We'd have to investigate every supermarket and convenience store in the city and the surrounding area. Since both are popular brands and flavors, it won't just be the culprit buying it, but hundreds more."

"How did the box get here? Did you see who brought it?" the omega asked.

Once again, it was the detective who answered: "Unfortunately not. It appeared from one moment to the next on the reception desk in the foyer. The staff didn't know who the gift was for at first, as there was no explicit name on it."

Before Izuku had to ask, his alpha spoke up: "When I arrived, I saw the two chicks at the reception desk handling the box. Because it looked familiar, I looked at it and called Tsukauchi as soon as I read the card."

"I see," Izuku mumbled.

The detective turned to leave. "I'll take this to forensics."

Katsuki growled lightly. "And then what? Do we just twiddle our thumbs and wait for the next piece of shit that deranged asshole sends?"

"At the moment, we have little choice. We don't have any clues. The perpetrator is very careful not to reveal his identity. Only your fingerprints were found on the last box and, unfortunately, no foreign DNA. I can try to organize police protection for Midoriya while he's here, but it will probably take until tomorrow."

His mate's mood sank further. Izuku only wanted one thing right now: to cuddle. He said goodbye to Tsukauchi and let the alpha go his way. Katsuki hadn't let go of him the whole time.

When they were alone, Izuku relaxed. "Will you lie with me?"

For answer, the blond grumbled, slipping off his shoes and climbing onto the bed with him. The omega snuggled contentedly against his partner's broad chest and enjoyed his scent. Kacchan stroked his back. Gradually, they both relaxed and the inner turmoil subsided somewhat.

~~~~~

Ochako and Tsu visited him around noon. Kacchan withdrew, grumbling, and left the omega to his friends. Izuku was happy about the change. Tenya wouldn't be able to visit him until tomorrow, but Shoto had also announced his arrival for the afternoon.

They talked for a while and enjoyed the chocolate and pralines that Izuku had been given.

"It makes me jealous," Ochako said, smacking her lips and immediately shoving another chocolate into her mouth.

Tsu hummed in agreement.

The greenette chuckled. "It's n-not like you never get s-something from your fans. When I think of what was going on at the a-agency when one of you had a birthday, it's not inferior to m-my gifts here."

The green-haired alpha put a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "That's right again, ribbit."

Now all three of them were laughing. It felt good and almost like before.

Izuku played nervously with his fingers. "D-did it get better?"

"What do you mean?" Ochako asked.

"The press. Do they s-still want to storm the agency?"

"It's been a little less for a few days, ribbit."

"Yes, they're no longer blocking the entrance," Ochako agreed. "However, we get interview requests for you by email or phone every day. Everyone wants you to give them the exclusive story about the background to the kidnapping. Of course, we refuse everything and won't comment on anything other than the press release."

Izuku smiled sadly. "Thank you."

A little later, the two heroines left. They said goodbye warmly and promised Izuku to come by at least once more during his hospital stay. As soon as they left, Kacchan came back into the room.

About half an hour later, there was a knock. Shoto was standing in the doorway. This time, his mate didn't leave the room. Instead, he sat down a little away from the bed. Izuku wondered a little about this, but he blamed Kacchan's lowered mood on the fact that he didn't get on particularly well with Shoto and thought nothing more of it.

When it was time to say goodbye to Kacchan that evening, the omega found it difficult. He wanted to have his mate with him and not have to sleep alone in a strange bed again. However, he did his best not to show it to the alpha. Katsuki had always wanted to be a hero. Izuku didn't want to spoil it for him with his fears of loss.

Since he had freed Izuku, the blond had probably already taken more days off than the entire last year combined. The omega knew people deserved the protection of their number one hero and kept silent.

Katsuki kissed him tenderly. "I have to go. Shitty Hair and Tape Face are probably already waiting for me."

"Take care of yourself."

"I will. I'll be back in the morning." He kissed the omega goodbye and left.

After dinner, Izuku leaned back. He was tired. The day had been exhausting. Fortunately, his visitors had distracted him and he had almost stopped thinking about the other alpha.

~~~~~

Something wasn't right. Not at all! Izuku was still half asleep and didn't know what had woken him. Danger Sense sounded the alarm and became more and more urgent.

The mattress moved. Someone was climbing into bed with him. The omega opened his eyes. It was dark in the room, only the dim light of a street lamp shone through the window. Nothing could be made out except for outlines. It was the middle of the night. A figure leaned over him. The greenette felt its weight on him and panicked.

Then Izuku smelled it.

A mixture of sandalwood and thyme.

He was here.

He had found him.

Izuku cried out, but a large hand was pressed over his mouth, muffling his cry for help.

"Shh, it's me. You don't have to be afraid anymore, omega. I'm here to finally take you home." The voice which haunted Izuku's nightmares purred against his ear.

He could feel the alpha's breath on his neck. Izuku had to get out of here! He squirmed and tried to free himself, but he was pinned down. Unbridled pain shot through his right shoulder as the alpha grabbed him there and pressed him into the mattress.

"Calm down. Don't you recognize your alpha anymore?"

Izuku did not get free. He was afraid - so terrified that it almost paralyzed him. The alpha was sitting on his thighs, blocking his legs. In addition, the pain in his newly operated arm almost robbed him of his senses. Nevertheless, the omega continued to fight him.

One for All activated itself. Before Izuku could do anything, an alpha voice thundered through the hospital room: "Calm down!"

Izuku's body went limp. The green flashes faded. Inside him, there was only chaos and panic. You couldn't see it on the outside of the omega. He lay completely still, unable to move, paralyzed. Tears ran uncontrollably from his eyes and robbed him of his sight.

His cheek was stroked. Izuku shuddered. He didn't want this. Only Kacchan was allowed to touch him.

"Much better. What have they done to you?" the alpha asked. "Before I take you with me, let's do what we've both wanted to do for so long and haven't been able to. So that no power in the world can separate us. You'd like that too, wouldn't you?"

A tiny part of Izuku wondered what he could mean. The other man had already done everything with his body that he had wanted to do. What was left now?

The hand on his cheek pressed harder. The pressure on his shoulder remained unchanged. The alpha turned Izuku's head aside, exposing the crook of the omega's neck.

No!

The alpha leaned forward, licking over Izuku's neck. A whimper was all the greenette could manage. His muscles quivered with effort, but he couldn't fight his nature, submitting and remaining motionless - no matter how much he tried to fight back.

"At last, you will be MINE." The alpha sucked on his scent gland.

No, no, NO!!!

Should he be bitten there, his connection to Kacchan would dissolve. Instead, he would be inseparable from his stalker and his body would only accept him as a mate.

Izuku almost choked on his tears.

By the gods, no! Please don't...

Sharp fangs pierced the skin at his most vulnerable point and his consciousness faded.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

It was the first time in a long time that Katsuki had been assigned to night patrols. Normally their agency operated in daylight, as their quirks were usually too conspicuous for underground missions.

That night, Kiri, Sero and he had mainly broken up bar fights and thwarted a few assaults. The most exciting had been the thugs who had tried to blow up an ATM. The police had arrested the perpetrators and taken them away.

It was now just after 3 o'clock in the morning. Now they were on their way back to the agency. Only the mission reports and paperwork left over from the day separated the blond alpha from a few hours of sleep before he could rejoin Izuku at the hospital.

He missed sharing a bed with his mate, missed his scent, his warmth, his smile and the nightly whispered conversations between them. Fortunately, the end of this week was already in sight. They had already completed half of the recovery phase in hospital.

They had almost reached their goal. While Sero and Kiri had been talkative at the beginning of the night and had annoyed Katsuki with their chatter, they were now both rather quiet, almost silent, just like their surroundings. At this time of night, even the villains seemed to be asleep. The streets they were walking through were deserted.

The alpha looked over his shoulder at the two, who were not only his teammates, but also his best friends. Sero was yawning profusely and Kiri had visible dark circles under his eyes. Hopefully the redhead wouldn't look like Brainfucker by the end of the week - not that Pikachu would accidentally mistake him for his partner.

Katsuki cleared his throat. "I tell you far too seldom, but ... thank you."

Kiri immediately looked up and Sero choked on a yawn. The redhead patted him sympathetically on the shoulder.

As soon as he had caught his breath, he pinched his arm demonstratively and asked: "Did I hear wrong or did Bakugou really just say that, Eijiro?"

The man addressed grinned all over his face and spread his arms. "Awww! We love you too, Kat. Give us a hug!"

The blonde growled. "And you wonder why I so rarely have kind words for you when I get made fun of as soon as they cross my lips." If he wasn't wearing his hero costume, he would have buried his fists in his trouser pockets.

Kiri put an arm around his shoulders and Sero joined them both. The extras were still grinning stupidly.

"Oh, come on, Kat. Don't be offended now," the redhead said.

"Right, we're happy to help. Besides, it's been ages since our last night shift. It's obvious that you'd rather be off during the day at the moment. How is Midoriya?" Sero asked.

"He came through the surgery without any complications and had a visit from his friends today. From that point of view, everything is fine. I miss him terribly, but everyone at the hospital is taking good care of him."

Kiri hummed thoughtfully. "Sounds good, I'm happy for Midobro. Are we allowed to visit him too or will you get snappy again?"

Katsuki snorted. "He was happy about the other extras, so fine by me."

"Great! Then I'll ask Mina when it's convenient for her," the redhead replied, beaming with joy.

"Just don't ambush Izu all at once. Too many people at once will overwhelm him. Besides, it'll distract him better if you come over the course of the day," the blond replied.

"What does he need to be distracted from?" Sero asked.

Katsuki glanced back and forth between his friends. He stopped at Kiri and said to him, "A box turned up at the hospital this morning."

The redhead frowned. The moment he realized what Katsuki was talking about was clear to see. "You don't mean about...?" He looked uncertainly at Sero.

"Unfortunately, yes. That asshole will curse the day I get my hands on him." He couldn't help the aggressive pheromones he emitted as soon as he thought of the sick weirdo stalking his mate.

"Who are you talking about?" Sero asked. "I feel left out."

They had reached the agency. With a sigh, Katsuki replied. "One of the alphas who ..." he couldn't bring himself to say it at that moment, "... one of those assholes thinks Izu is his mate. He started openly stalking him the day we had dinner. I don't know who the fucker is, but he's going to suffer, I'll make sure of it."

Sero said something back, but Katsuki didn't hear it. Blood was rushing in his ears and his head was pounding. The alpha clutched his chest and panted heavily. It felt as if his heart was being ripped out.

He was roughly grabbed by the shoulders and shaken. "Kat, what's wrong?" Kiri asked in a panic.

"Izuku ..."

His mate was scared to death and he wasn't with him.

The blond turned away and ran in the opposite direction. Running was too slow! Explosions broke the silence of the night and he catapulted into the air. He had to hurry. Izuku needed him. He sensed it.

He came to an abrupt halt in the air. Tape had wrapped itself around his body and prevented him from using his quirk properly. As he broke his fall with small downward explosions, he let out a warning roar. "Tape face, if you don't let me out of here right now, I'll rip your head off!"

Sero seriously wanted to argue with him now and opened his mouth. The alpha had no time for that, raised a gauntlet and sent an explosion in his direction.

Kiri jumped in between and the explosion fizzled out on his hardened body. "Kat, calm down! What's going on? We want to help you, but we need to know what's going on!"

"I have to get to Izuku! Let go of me! He needs me!" the blond yelled.

Kiri raised his hands placatingly. "It's too far to the hospital. If you get there at all and haven't already exhausted yourself. We'll be quicker by car." He pointed to his car, which was parked at the side of the road not far away. "I'll drive. Come on!"

Katsuki growled, forcing himself to calm down. Yes, his friend was right. Bloody hell! "Okay, now let go of me. I'm in a fucking hurry. Don't you dare stop at a fucking red light!"

Sero pulled his quirk back and the trio ran to Kiri's car. The redhead started the engine, turned in one go and floored the gas pedal - well, at least.

"Can you tell us what's going on now?" the other alpha asked.

Katsuki breathed intently through his nose. This unspeakable feeling in his chest was making him feel sick and he was afraid he was going to throw up in his friend's footwell. "It's the connection to Izu. His emotions are going haywire. There's panic, fear of death, despair, pain and disgust." He closed his eyes and swallowed the rising bile. "It feels like he's fighting for his life right now ... And that he's losing."

"Shit!" Sero groaned behind them. The Beta was sitting in the middle of the back seat, holding on to the two front seats.

"You said it," Kiri said and pressed the accelerator pedal down further. "Hold on tight!"

They shot across the city streets at night. Katsuki was grateful they hardly encountered any other road users. Twice they had to dodge another car, but Kiri had made it in time both times.

The blond had an idea. He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and pressed his mate's contact. Maybe it was just a bad nightmare and Izu was actually fine. If that was the case, hopefully the cell phone ringing would wake him up and he would soon hear the sleepy voice of his omega.

It rang ...

... and rang ...

... No one answered.

"Fuck!" Katsuki tussled his hair with his free hand. He was on the verge of blowing up the useless device.

"Try the reception," Sero advised him.

"Huh?"

"Call the reception. They'll get to Midoriya faster and can see what's going on with him, if they don't already know," the beta explained.

"Good idea!" Kiri said.

With shaky hands, Katsuki searched for the right number and tapped it. It rang. That was better than a tape message.

After the fifth ring, the phone was answered. "Hello, this is-"

The alpha interrupted. "What's wrong with Izuku Midoriya?"

"Excuse me? With whom? Who is this?"

Katsuki growled. "Deku!" he barked. "This is Dynamight and it fucking feels like my mate, who's in your fucking hospital, is dying right now. So tell me what the fuck is going on!"

"Uh... what?"

"You've got to be fucking kidding me ..." Katsuki rubbed his face with the flat of his hand. "Now again for idiots: You or someone else move into Deku's room right fucking now and tell me what the hell is going on there!"

The woman on the other end of the line took a shaky breath. "Everything's quiet here. He didn't even press the call button. Everything's fine."

"Maybe he can't! I'm connected to him and I assure you everything is not fine. So get off your fucking ass and check it out!"

After a moment's hesitation, she replied, "I'll send someone over. Please wait."

Katsuki looked to his best friend at the wheel. "How much longer?" he asked, holding the smartphone's microphone slightly to one side.

"Five minutes."

The blond nodded. The intensity of Izu's feelings had increased once again. Panic and despair dominated his omega and his hands were tied.

"Well?" he snarled into the phone.

"I-I've informed the night nurse. She's on her way to Deku's room. I'm waiting for her to get in touch."

A few kilometers away, the hospital was perched on a small hill. They had almost reached their destination. The alpha pleaded in his mind for his mate to hold out for a few more minutes. He absently rubbed his aching sternum. A whimper escaped his lips in desperation and tears stung his eyes.

They were taking too long.

They would be too late.

As if some higher power had sensed his doubts and taken it as a challenge, Izuku's feelings changed again.

They subsided.

The intensity decreased, like turning the volume knob on a radio. It faded and the sound faded until it was almost inaudible; panic and despair faded until they shrank to a background noise.

They reached the hospital. Kiri drove right up to the high front doors and even picked up a flowerpot on the way.

Katsuki didn't wait for the car to stop. He jumped out of the still moving car and rolled off. He dropped his cell phone, but paid no attention to the device. He no longer needed the useless woman on the phone.

He was finally there.

As quickly as he could, the alpha ran to the electric front door and stormed into the hospital.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Blind to his surroundings, the alpha ran through the deserted lobby of the hospital.

"Hey! What-"

Katsuki ignored the woman at the reception desk. She made no move to run after him either. She had probably just recognized him, after all, he was wearing his full costume. He had to hurry. Something was wrong with his mate.

As he ran, he pulled down the glove of his costume. Izuku's mark was there as usual. So why was he barely feeling his omega after being in such turmoil just a few minutes ago?

Finally, he reached the corridor where his mate's room was. The door was open. Light fell through the frame into the dark corridor. Soft voices could be heard, but the blond couldn't understand them.

With a final effort, Katsuki accelerated once more and stormed into Izuku's room. He almost ran over a nurse in the process. She shrieked. The hero supported her with one arm without looking at her.

His full attention was on Izuku. The greenette lay motionless in bed. His chest rose and fell. He was breathing.

Thank the gods, he was breathing.

"Dynamight?" In addition to the nurse, there was also a doctor in the room, who was bending over the omega and apparently examining him. Katsuki didn't know him. It wasn't one of Izuku's doctors.

He paid little attention to the man and walked purposefully to the bed. The blanket was rumpled and small drops of blood stained the pristine white sheets. Izuku's gaze was glazed over and did not focus on him, even though Katsuki was standing right in front of him.

The alpha leaned over and stroked his mate's head. "What happened?"

The doctor cleared his throat uncomfortably. "To be honest, we're not sure."

"What do you mean?" the blond asked indignantly.

The nurse spoke up. "After Horii paged me, I went to Deku's room. I heard a loud crash and splintering. When I opened the door, I saw his quirk was going crazy and was about to wreak havoc on the room - those black tendrils, like in the video the other day. I used my quirk to stun him and prevent further damage."

That probably explained Izuku's apathy.

Footsteps could be heard in the corridor and shortly afterwards Kiri and Sero came rushing into the room. "Whoa!" the redhead exclaimed and looked around the room.

Only now did Katsuki pay attention to something other than Izuku and looked around as well. One of the windows was broken. It looked as if Black Whip had wreaked particular havoc there - or as if something large had flown through the pane. Furniture had been knocked over or smashed and some of the plaster was missing from the wall.

Katsuki's nostrils flared. The smell emanating from Izuku's bed wasn't right. Strange alpha pheromones surrounded his mate. The blond had to pull himself together not to growl out loud.

Instead, he glared at the nurse. "Can you take back your quirk? I want to talk to him and find out what happened."

The beta nodded and a few seconds later, Izuku's eyes cleared. Katsuki crouched down to be at eye level with his mate. He hadn't interrupted his petting in the process.

"Kacchan? What are you-" Before the omega could finish his question, his eyes snapped open and he shot up. He looked around frantically. Then he grabbed his neck, looked at his hand and cried. "No-no-no-no!"

The blond leaned forward to see what had upset Izuku so much. There was blood in the palm of his hand and in the crook of his neck. Apparently it were from the two long parallel scratches that were ... directly over his scent gland.

Oh fuck!

Izuku's despair could be felt again and the alpha felt sick. Still, he had to pull himself together for his omega. He placed his hand over Izuku's, covering the blood. "Can you tell me what happened, babe?"

The former hero looked up. Tears overflowed from his emerald eyes. "He w-was here. He was ... he did ... he w-wanted to ... I don't know, i-if-" He spluttered and could only manage slurred words.

Katsuki took him in his arms and pressed him protectively against his chest. Izuku clutched him. He seemed to unconsciously use his quirk, considering how the alpha's upper body was almost crushed. He fell silent and allowed his partner to cry it out.

The blond's gaze fell on the omega's pale neck. The wound didn't look like a typical mating bite. Instead, it was two long scratch marks running from the crook of his neck towards his shoulder. Izuku's despair spilled over to him and Katsuki tried to stay calm so as not to agitate him further, even though he wanted to scream and punch something.

Izuku's storm of emotions threatened to sweep him away, as it had just before. Then the alpha noticed. He sensed his mate's feelings. Their connection was still intact. Izu's emotions had probably felt faded by the nurse's numbing quirk.

Katsuki checked his wrist again. Izu's courtship bite was still visible, even if it had faded a little due to his age - but it had been before. After all, the first month was already over and he only had two more to convince the greenette to accept him as a partner for the rest of their lives.

Gently, he pushed up the sleeve of Izuku's sleep shirt, which wasn't easy when he was clutching it. His own bite was also still prominently emblazoned on the omega's wrist. Katsuki wasn't entirely sure, but he thought he knew that courtship bites faded as soon as an omega was claimed and bitten into the gland on the neck.

Tenderly, he cupped Izuku's cheeks and made him look into his red eyes. The former hero had bitten his lips bloody, apparently to disguise his sobs. Katsuki ran his thumbs over his tender skin. "I can still feel what you're feeling. Can you do the same? The bites are still there. Our connection hasn't disappeared."

Izuku's expression changed. He looked focused. His gaze was turned inwards. "I can still f-feel your presence too," he whispered.

So far, the extras had thankfully held back, but now the alpha beckoned the doctor over. He needed his expertise. The beta approached hesitantly and Katsuki forced himself to look a little less threatening. "Look at his neck. Has there been any bonding?"

The doctor leaned forward. Turning to Izuku, he asked, "May I?"

Reluctantly, the greenette let go of his partner and turned to the doctor. A visible shiver ran through his body before he turned his head to the side and presented the crook of his neck.

Katsuki bared his fangs in warning and let out a low growl. Even if the man was a beta and thus not capable of a true bond like alpha and omega, he should still know what he was in for if he made even one wrong move.

The doctor put on gloves and felt the parallel scratches, pressing and pushing the skin back and forth. Izuku whimpered softly, but held still. Next, the man pulled out a small flashlight, pulled the torn skin apart and shone a light into it. The wound began to bleed again.

Katsuki growled as soon as he saw his mate's fresh blood and felt the pain.

The doctor hurriedly stepped back from the bed and took off his gloves. "The gland is unharmed. Only the layers of skin above it have been torn open."

"That means this crazy weirdo didn't bind Izuku to him?" Katsuki asked, just to be sure.

The doctor shook his head. "No, Deku is still unbound."

The relief felt by those present was palpable. Tears welled up in Izuku's eyes again, but this time they were tears of joy. Katsuki sat down on the bed with him. No sooner had he parked his butt on the mattress than his omega climbed onto his lap and snuggled up to him. The alpha cuddled him in his arms and rested his chin on his uninjured shoulder.

The urge to bite and claim the omega grew with every second they spent nestled so close together. He wanted to make sure no one could take his mate away from him and that nothing could separate them. But he wouldn't ambush Izuku like this after everything he had just been through. Katsuki wouldn't bite him without his consent anyway.

To distract himself, he asked, "Can you tell me what happened?"

Izuku nodded hesitantly. "I was asleep. I don't know what w-woke me up. Danger Sense went completely c-crazy - it probably did - and th-that's when I realized I wasn't alone." He swallowed audibly. As the omega continued, his voice shook. "Before I knew what was h-happening to me, someone was on the bed and above m-me. He was here, Kacchan. I couldn't see a-anything, but I recognized his pheromones. The alpha wanted t-to take me away. I resisted, th-then he used his alpha voice and I couldn't move. He wanted to force the bond and bite me."

Izuku took a deep breath. He cried again and clutched his mate even tighter. "I was s-so scared, Kacchan."

The alpha emitted soothing pheromones, stroking his mate's slender back and cooing comfortingly. "Then what happened?"

"As soon as his teeth pierced m-my skin, it was like I was running on autopilot. Black Whip b-burst out of me, grabbed him and threw him o-off me. The window broke i-in the process."

"You threw him out of the window?" So that's why the long scratches instead of a clean mating bite.

Out of the corner of his eye, Katsuki saw Sero walk over to the broken window and peer out. Then he opened it and swung himself out with the help of his quirk.

"Yes, Daigoro helped me b-break out of the spell and protected me with his quirk. Shortly a-afterwards, I was suddenly very tired and could hardly think c-clearly or move, and Black Whip withdrew."

Not for the first time, the alpha was grateful Izuku was not always alone in his mind and that the previous users of One for All supported and protected him. "Give him my thanks."

The omega hummed indistinctly in reply.

Katsuki buried his face in the greenette's intact scent gland and savored his vanilla scent. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner."

Kiri laughed with a snort. "It really couldn't have been any faster, bro. I don't want to know how many red lights we ran where I got flashed."

The blonde rolled his eyes. "I'm paying for the tickets and the repairs, so stop crying and shut up."

"Repairs?" Izuku asked.

Kiri scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. "Could be that I overlooked a large flowerpot near the hospital entrance and ran over it. Oh, I picked up your cell phone and pocketed it. Here." His friend placed the device at the foot of Izu's bed. The display was cracked. Fuck ... Mina would definitely chew his ear off again for that.

The blond glanced at the doctor present. "I'm paying for the fucking bucket too. No need to make a fuss about it."

A melodic giggle sounded on his chest and Katsuki's heart warmed. "How's your arm?"

"I'm not sure. He g-grabbed my shoulder and squeezed it. It hurts."

The growl the alpha let out was quiet, but no less threatening. Those present instinctively took a step back.

The tense atmosphere was interrupted by Sero's return. The beta had swung back into the room through the window. "Apart from blood and broken glass, I couldn't find anything down there. Whoever ambushed Midoriya managed to get away."

"Too bad the bastard didn't break his neck," Katsuki growled. He closed his eyes and thought about what he could and had to do now. "Kiri, can you call Tsukauchi? He'll be happy about the DNA sample."

"Sure thing, bro." The redhead stepped into the hallway to make a phone call.

To the doctor, he said, "I want the directors of this place here as soon as possible so they can explain to me what kind of shitty security management they have which allowed an attack like this to happen. I also want Dr. Yaguchi to examine Izu's arm."

The beta bowed and scurried out of the room as well. The nurse hurried after him.

About half an hour later, the people Katsuki had ordered had arrived. Meanwhile, the morning sun bathed the sky in orange light. Izuku had to tell the police once again what had happened. Tsukauchi promised to get back to them as soon as they had run the blood sample through the database and had the results.

Katsuki listened to the hospital management's empty phrases with growing anger. Nothing like this had ever happened before. They couldn't explain how someone could sneak in unnoticed. They were terribly sorry. Blah, blah, blah!

Luckily, Izu's doctor came and took him for a CT scan. Katsuki glanced at his friends. They understood him wordlessly and accompanied his mate so that he wasn't alone.

As soon as the omega was out of earshot, Katsuki vented his frustration and unleashed the wrath of a bound alpha whose mate had been harmed on the suit wearers. As long as their security measures were this shitty, his omega wasn't going to stay in this shitty place one minute longer than absolutely necessary.

Only Dr. Yaguchi and Recovery Girl could calm him down. Izu's aligned bones hadn't been damaged, only the surrounding tissue was swollen and covered in hematomas, which set the healing process back a bit. With another kiss from the old heroine, the bite wound and most of the bruising disappeared.

As soon as the excitement subsided and the healing quirk was applied, Izuku could barely keep his eyes open and kept yawning.

They agreed Katsuki could take his partner home with him. His bones were now strong enough for that. Recovery Girl would come by every evening and at the end of the week, Izu would have a check-up appointment with Dr. Yaguchi at the hospital.

By the time the couple were finally able to leave the hospital, it was already lunchtime. Kiri and Sero had stayed with them the whole time, providing moral support. Perhaps they just wanted to make sure their colleague didn't jump down anyone's throat from the hospital staff. After all, it wouldn't be the first time ...

They had had Kiri's car towed away during the morning. Instead, Mina came and drove them home. The alpha was surprisingly quiet and kept a low profile. Izu finally fell asleep during the drive.

Once home, Katsuki carried him from the car to their bedroom. It wasn't until they were both alone and the alpha was snuggled up to his sleeping mate that he was able to relax a little.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

It had taken a few days for Izuku to really relax at home. Since the attack in the hospital, the stalker had not become active again. Unfortunately, the blood test hadn't yielded any results. It was probably because the alpha had not committed any known crimes. The rather unlikely possibility was that the entry in the database had been deleted.

Either way, it was another dead end.

Izuku's arm had healed well. The bones were almost stable enough to bear full weight again. Thanks to Recovery Girl, the injury to his neck had disappeared on the same day. Nevertheless, the omega's thoughts had been going round in circles ever since. He could hardly think about anything else.

His next heat was coming up, which was why Kacchan had worked overtime during the week so that he could stay with him the whole time. Izuku was grateful to his partner for that, but it didn't ease the longing for the alpha that kept boiling up inside him. The omega longed for the security he felt when his muscular arms held him and made him forget all his worries.

Izuku wanted no one else but the blond alpha as a partner, but the self-doubt remained. There was still a chance Kacchan would leave him once he knew the full truth.

That afternoon, the greenette decided he could no longer live with this uncertainty. For many reasons, he wanted to be claimed and marked by Kacchan. The security aspects which such a marking entailed played no small part in this. He had enjoyed the courting phase so far - there was no question about that - and he had needed it. Nevertheless, he didn't want to wait another two months before they made a final decision.

Izuku paced restlessly around the living room, thinking about the best way to talk to Kacchan about it. At the moment, he was often tired when he got home after working overtime.

The omega glanced at his watch. His mate should be off work in about an hour. Since Izuku couldn't manage anything edible in the kitchen with the best will in the world, Kacchan cooked every evening. They went to bed shortly afterwards. Not much time to have a long conversation, especially if it was going to be unpleasant.

An idea came to the forefront of his mind and he pulled out his cell phone.

Izuku: Hey Kacchan! I hope you had a quiet patrol. Could you please pick up dinner on the way home instead of cooking today?

He didn't have to wait long for an answer.

Kacchan: Hey Izu! It's been quiet today, just doing some paperwork and then I'll be home. Why don't you want me to cook? Are you sick of my food already?

Izuku: No, that's not it...

Izuku: I want to tell you something, and it's going to take a while. So I've been thinking about how we can save time beforehand.

This time, the alpha took longer to write a reply, even though he was online the whole time.

Kacchan: Is this about what I think?

The omega grimaced unwillingly. He didn't want to have this conversation via chat, but face to face.

Izuku: If you think it's about the second reason that makes me a terrible person and mate, then yes.

Izuku: I can't take it anymore and I need to know where I stand.

Katsuki: It's okay, babe. I'll order something now and pick it up later. Then we'll talk in peace. Don't drive yourself crazy until then. I love you.

He really hoped Kacchan would still say that when he knew the whole truth.

Izuku: I love you too.

~~~~~

It was just after 5 p.m. when the omega heard the door lock. Now he would soon be able to get it over with. He had spent the past hour brooding and setting the table. He didn't have much else to do, as he still had to take it easy and not put too much strain on his arm.

Kacchan came into the living room. In one hand he held a white plastic bag containing their dinner. He clasped Izuku's waist with his free hand and kissed him hello. "Hey babe, how was your day?"

"Boring," he grumbled. On the one hand, he didn't want to go out for fear of his stalker, the press and people in general, but at the same time, sooner or later the ceiling would fall on his head at home.

Izuku escaped the hug and grabbed the handles of the bag. "Give me that."

"I'm going to freshen up. I'll be right back." The alpha left him the food and went upstairs.

With the bag in his hand, the greenette went to the dining table and arranged the polystyrene boxes there.

A few minutes later, Kacchan came back downstairs in a tank top and sweatpants. "How do you want to do it? Eat first, then talk, or both at the same time? "

"Eat first, otherwise I won't be able to do one or the other properly."

"Okay." His partner pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.

They didn't talk much during the meal. The blond hero talked about his patrol, but otherwise there was a slightly tense silence between them.

After they had cleared the table together, they sat down on the sofa and made themselves comfortable. Not long ago, Izuku had been so eager to confess everything to his partner, but now he didn't know where to start.

"You don't have to be so nervous, Izu. I'm sure it's not as bad as you think, and I still want to make you my mate afterwards."

The omega snorted. "You say that now."

"Tell me and let me decide for myself, agreed?"

Izuku nodded. For moral support, he reached for a sofa cushion, which he held in front of his chest and rested his chin on. His legs were drawn up, his feet on the seat. Instinctively, he made himself as small as possible.

"It has something to d-do with the fights in the arena," the omega began. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and tried to block out the images rising up inside him. But it was pointless. If his nightmares weren't about the attacks by the alphas, then it was the faces of his victims that plagued him. "Mainly it was about b-bets. Some days, however, they came up with something else to make it more exciting for the audience." Izuku thought about the best way to describe what had happened.

Katsuki moved a little closer to him and comforted the omega with his closeness. He was careful not to touch him, giving Izuku enough room to breathe. "What did they do?" he asked when the former hero still hadn't found the right words.

"In duels, one of them sometimes had a handicap, so f-fighting without quirk or with one arm tied behind his back and things like that. Once a month there was a battle royale where the last one standing won or some other kind of tournament. It was really tough e-every time, but not the worst." Izuku took a deep breath before uttering the following words: "The gladiator fights were the w-worst."

A tear leaked from the corner of his eye. The omega wiped it away roughly. He didn't want to cry now.

Katsuki looked at him with a furrowed brow. "I have an idea what that was about. Tell me if I'm wrong, but ... I guess that means fight to the death?"

Izuku nodded jerkily. He couldn't bring himself to say it out loud.

"Fuck... those bastards..."

The former hero listened inwardly. Kacchan's feelings towards him were grieved and he felt sympathy ... the alpha didn't loathe him yet.

"How many of these battles have you had?"

"Six," Izuku croaked past the lump in his throat. The blond didn't bother to ask if the omega had won them - it was obvious, otherwise he wouldn't be sitting here.

"Fuck," Kacchan commented. "I'm really glad we took this shithole down." He reached for Izuku's hand and squeezed it tightly. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

That was all? Had Kacchan not understood correctly?

The omega pulled away from him and stared at the blond, stunned. "How can you still want to hold m-my hand?"

"What do you mean?" He sounded seriously confused.

Izuku looked at his hands. "I killed six people with t-these hands, Kacchan. I am a murderer. You should call Tsukauchi and have me arrested. As a hero, I swore t-to myself and the people that I would use my quirk to save lives. Instead, I killed for selfish reasons. I am n-no longer a hero and never will be again."

"Selfish reasons? Do you mean your desire to live on? Izu, that's not selfish. It's human." Kacchan ran a hand through his spiky hair.

"Human p-perhaps, but certainly not heroic."

The alpha reached for his hand again. "I wasn't there, and it's hard to judge in hindsight, but tell me this: would your opponents have been afraid to kill you if it had been the other way around?"

"They almost succeeded a few times," the greenette muttered.

"I understand why you feel guilty. But please don't forget that you weren't the perpetrator in this situation, you were the victim. Those bastards gave you and the others a heinous choice. Overhaul and his henchmen are to blame, not you."

Izuku looked at him thoughtfully. The red eyes radiated compassion and sorrow. A sad smile graced his lips. They were not contorted in the way they were when Kacchan uttered his famous tch. 

"Do you really think th-that?" The greenette couldn't believe it.

"You tell me. You should be able to feel what I feel, that I'm being sincere with you. What you've been through is fucked up on so many levels, babe. If you had another choice, you would have made it, but you didn't. Kill or be killed - that's all there was to it. Ultimately, everyone fights for their own survival when there is no other way out. There's nothing fundamentally wrong with that."

"Babe? Is that still me?"

Katsuki tenderly embraced his face. "Yes, as long as you want to be."

As if of its own accord, the omega nestled into the touch. He still felt guilty, but relieved at the same time. Over the past two months, his former childhood friend had grown even closer to his heart than he already was. Kacchan meant everything to him. He hoped so much the feeling was mutual.

"That's what you had to tell me before you could fully commit to me?"

Izuku nodded in reply.

"No more dark secrets weighing you down?"

Now he shook his head.

Kacchan reached for his right hand, the joint of which was emblazoned with his bite, and pressed a loving kiss to the spot. "I love you, Izuku. If I have my way, I'll never give you back. If you feel the same way, will you do me the honor of forming a full mating bond with me? Will you be my omega?"

There were tears in Izuku's eyes. Kacchan didn't think he was irredeemably lost and broken or even repulsive. Katsuki loved him, wanted him. And he felt the same way. All his life, Izuku had emulated and chased after the blond hothead. Kacchan was his hero. He always had been.

There was only one answer the omega could give him, wanted to give him.

"Yes."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Rice fields stretched as far as he could see. Since an hour ago, the towns they drove through had gotten smaller. Izuku had rolled down the window and enjoyed the breeze that knotted his curls. But that didn't bother him. He felt free. The sun warming his skin, the fresh air filling his lungs and the wind running through his hair all made the omega taste the sweet taste of freedom.

His gaze slid from the increasingly hilly landscape to the man beside him. Kacchan looked intently at the winding road. His hand rested on Izuku's thigh. The gesture was familiar, intimate. They did not speak to each other, which was not necessary at the moment. The couple were in harmony. No words were needed. Only the soft music from the car radio could be heard.

The mountains were getting closer. Izuku didn't know what to expect. According to the navigation system, they still needed a good hour to reach their destination. Kacchan had said it was a surprise and that was okay. The omega trusted his partner.

He looked at his wrist. Would this mark disappear soon? He hoped that was what awaited him at the end of this journey. For the first time since his rescue, Izuku was truly at peace with himself. He hadn't expected this when they spoke three days ago.

~~~~~

"Will you be my omega?"

"Yes."

Kacchan beamed at him with joy. The green ette  had rarely seen him like this.

"Can I kiss you?" the alpha now asked.

Instead of answering him with words, Izuku leaned forward and pressed his lips to those of his mate. The blond returned the kiss. It was slow and tender - full of love.

Izuku felt like crying with relief, but he pulled himself together. The moment was too precious to spoil it with tears. Kacchan gripped his waist and lifted the petite  o mega effortlessly onto his lap. He wrapped his left hand around Katsuki's strong neck. His right rested over his heart. Izuku could feel it beating. The feeling calmed him, promised him security.

After a few minutes, the alpha pulled back and let out a possessive growl. "Mine."

They touched foreheads. The tips of their noses brushed against each other. "Mine," Izuku replied as he emitted delicate pheromones.

Their lips found each other again. The omega was so intoxicated he barely noticed his partner changing the grip of his hands. Instead of his waist, they were now under his thighs.

Without breaking the kiss, Kacchan stood up with him in his arms. Izuku still had his eyes closed. He didn't care where the alpha took him. Shortly afterwards, he felt the sway in Katsuki's steps. He was carrying him up the stairs.

A few meters further on, the alpha pushed open a door with his foot. As soon as they were inside, he pushed it shut again in the same way. Izuku felt himself topple to the ground and squeaked in surprise. But instead of falling, he was lying between soft blankets. Kacchan had taken him to  their  bedroom. Their kisses became more and more passionate. The blond's lips traveled over his neck, leaving a trail of kisses in their wake. He let out a sigh as his partner arrived at the crook of his neck.

Izuku was nervous. Was Kacchan going to mark him directly? A shiver ran through his body. His heartbeat and breathing accelerated. An inner restlessness filled the former hero. He wanted Kacchan to bite him. At the same time, he was terrified of it, and as far as  a lpha  b ites were concerned, it was like sex. He had had so many bad experiences with it that the very idea frightened him and he almost had a panic attack. After all, he had almost died once from an alpha bite and had suffered from the injury for months, which his scarred thigh reminded him of every day.

Katsuki pulled away with one last quick kiss on Izuku's lips. The alpha  watched  him with a wistful smile. "I'm not going to bite you right now."

The relief  which  the omega felt annoyed him. Why was this all so hard? Tears of anger gathered in the corners of his eyes, which he tried to blink away.

Katsuki caught one of the tears with h is  thumb. Izuku's inner turmoil was probably not hidden from him. "What's wrong, babe? I can feel your feelings, but if I'm honest, I don't quite understand them."

They lay down in bed next to each other and looked at each other. "I'm frustrated," Izuku admitted.

"Because of me?"

He shook his head. "Because of me."

"Why is that?" asked Kacchan.

"All day long I couldn't think  a- about anything other than wanting to enter into a mating relationship with you. I don't want to wait any longer,  n- not after ... " he sighed, "and now I'm afraid of getting bitten and ruining everything."

"You're not ruining anything. I didn't want to mark you now anyway. The bathtub was enough for me during the courtship, but it can be a bit more special for our  lasting mating  bond," the alpha explained.

Izuku's eyes grew wide. He hadn't expected that. "Do you want a ceremony?"

"Only if you want it."

The  o mega shook his head. "Not yet. Maybe a small celebration later." In the past, pair bonds were often celebrated like weddings and the bond was entered into in front of a large audience. Nowadays, this custom still existed, but  for  Izuku  it  was too intimate to share it with anyone other than his partner. It was more common to have a celebration after the bond had been formed. That was also more to his taste.

"Your heat starts in a few days, right?" Katsuki asked.

Izuku nodded hesitantly, feeling his cheeks grow hot. "In three, five days at most. I can't say  e- exactly because it's irregular."

A thoughtful hum could be heard from his partner. "Can I spend it with you or would you prefer to be alone and I'll provide you with enough food and drink s  in between?"

He was getting even hotter now. He couldn't hold the penetrating gaze of those red eyes. "I want to spend it with  y- you," the green ette  murmured.

Happy pheromones filled the air. "Thank you, babe. What do you say we do it then? During the heat, your fear of being bitten should be less and your omega would probably enjoy being claimed too. Last time, you also told me to bite you."

Izuku buried his face in his pillow. Yes, he could still remember that .  The experiences the  o mega had had with Kacchan during his heat were slightly hazy in his memory, yet he could still remember most of it, even if his rational thinking hadn't influenced his actions.

Calloused fingers stroked his cheek. "Don't be embarrassed. You had no control in that moment."

Izuku peeked out cautiously. There was no trace of mockery on Kacchan's face. Although Izuku was afraid of the bite, he still wanted to be able to remember it. After the experiences he had had with the blond alpha, he should be able to do so even during the heat.

H e took a deep breath. "Okay, you may m-mark me during my next heat. You can also make love to me. But please ... even if I  s- say something else while befuddled by pheromones ... stick to the things I've  d- discussed with you."

A hint of excitement emanated from the hero. "Of course, Izu. I respect your boundaries. I realize that you're not quite yourself in this state. But I will never take advantage of that. You don't have to be afraid, okay?"

"Okay," Izuku breathed. There was still one thing on his mind, though. "What do you have in mind to make it special?"

Now a smile spread across Kacchan's face. "I already have an idea."

"And what?"

"Let me surprise you."

~~~~~

That had been two days ago. This morning, Kacchan had told him he had to pack. At first, Izuku had been frightened and feared his partner had changed his mind and would throw him out after all.

Then the alpha had explained he needed laundry and hygiene products for a few days. He had already taken care of everything else.

Now - about two hours later - they were driving up a few hairpin bends into the mountains in Kacchan's sports car.

Would they stay longer? Why else carry the luggage? However, this would mean Izuku would not spend his heat at home in the shelter of his familiar four walls, but in a place unknown to him.

The omega wanted to calm down, after all, he had felt so good just a few minutes ago, but he was only partially successful.

"What's going on?" Katsuki asked next to him, without taking his eyes off the road.

"I," Izuku cleared his throat, "I won't be home during m-my heat, right?"

"Right."

His heartbeat quickened.

"I promise you, you don't have to worry. It's okay, even more than that. Couples spend the heat together there almost all the time. You could say they specialize in it. And if you can believe the reviews on the internet, they are absolutely discreet. Which is what I expect for the price."

Izuku was no smarter than before. Instead, he was even more confused.

"Don't overthink it. It'll be good and you'll like it. I'm sure of it." Kacchan squeezed his thigh encouragingly.

The omega forced himself to calm down. He trusted his partner. Kacchan knew better than anyone what he could and could not be expected to do. He would not knowingly put him in a situation which was too much for the former hero. A glance at the navigation system told him they would reach their destination in ten minutes. Where was Kacchan going with him? They were now in the middle of the mountains.

Around the next bend, the surrounding forest opened up into a small town Izuku hadn't expected to see so suddenly. He looked around with astonished eyes. Most of the houses only had a few floors. They drove over a bridge which spanned a small river which made its way down into the valley. There were trees everywhere and sometimes it was difficult to tell where the forest began and where it ended.

They drove past a busy road with lots of people milling about. Many of them looked like tourists. Izuku instinctively ducked his head.

After a few minutes, they reached the other end of the village. Kacchan drove past an imposing traditional-style building and parked the car a little behind it. That way it would not be directly visible from the road.

As soon as he had switched off the engine, he turned to Izuku. "We're here."

"Where are we?"

The alpha's smile widened. "You'll see in a minute." With those words, he got out, walked around the car, opened the door for the greenette and next hurried to the trunk to take out their bags.

At that moment, Izuku was glad they were both wearing sunglasses. He could really do without a stampede of Dynamight fans. On the other hand, no one would suspect them in the mountains of Hakone.

Katsuki placed his free hand on Izuku's lower back and pushed him towards the entrance. The door was impressive, as were the many wooden carvings. The omega was amazed and barely noticed as they entered the building. At the end of a classically decorated reception room was a small counter, behind which a young woman in a kimono stood and smiled at them in a friendly manner.

The omega finally realized where they were. Kacchan had brought him to a ryokan - a rather expensive one, from what he had seen so far.

They reached the counter.

"You're very welcome. What can I do for you?" the beta asked politely.

Katsuki pushed the sunglasses up into his spiky hair. The young woman's eyes widened for a tiny moment, but she didn't let it show and remained professional.

"I've made a reservation, for Bakugou."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Together, they walked after the young beta. Izuku was sure she had recognized Kacchan. Apparently the staff at this ryokan really was as professional as his alpha had promised him. Whether she had also recognized Izuku, he didn't know.

Before he could think about it further, the woman stopped in front of a door and unlocked it. "This is the suite you booked."

The greenette had no idea what was waiting for him on the other side of the door and his eyes widened accordingly after they had taken off their shoes and passed through the anteroom. He didn't even get a chance to take a close look at everything before the beta asked for their attention.

The woman pointed to the entrance area, which had another door separating the suite they had just entered. "This is where we will place the dishes at the times of day you require, as well as fresh towels each day. At the same time, you can leave dirty towels and linen here and they will be taken away and replaced next time. Additional clean bed linen and towels can be found in the cupboard in the bedroom if required.

No staff will enter the area behind the second door for the duration of your stay. If you need anything or would like your room to be cleaned, please contact us by telephone or at reception. To ensure your privacy, the doors and walls are soundproof and pheromone-proof."

At the last sentence, Izuku felt heat rise in his cheeks. He was probably red up to his ears. Luckily, unlike the blond, he hadn't taken off his sunglasses yet. Now he understood why Kacchan had said the place they were going to was specialized for couples to spend the heat together.

"Do you have any questions or requests?" the beta asked.

Katsuki waved her off. "No, not at the moment."

The woman bowed. "If there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask. I hope you have a pleasant stay." She left the suite after handing the alpha the key and closed the door behind her.

Izuku finally got to look around. The suite was probably bigger than his apartment. Thinking about it, it occurred to him it was time to give notice and pack his things there. If he and Kacchan were a bonded pair by the end of this trip, he no longer needed it.

The alpha gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to disappear into the bathroom for a moment. Why don't you take a look around?" He disappeared through a door, through which Izuku could make out a large bed. Presumably the bathroom was adjacent to it so that the distances were as short as possible.

The omega stood in a kind of lounge area, if not its own living room. There were armchairs, a sofa, a television and a desk. But that wasn't what caught his attention.

He went to the opposite window front and opened the patio door. The floor was covered with bamboo tiles and there were high walls and plants all around to provide privacy. The highlight of the outdoor area was a stone basin, the size of a garden pond, from which white steam rose.

Izuku moved closer. He noticed a washing area in one corner with a bench and bowls of various sizes, as well as a tap and shower head. This confirmed his suspicions. Arriving at the basin, he knelt down and held his hand in the slightly murky water. It was pleasantly warm.

"Do you like it?"

The greenette straightened up, a smile on his lips. "Did you really book us accommodation with p-private onsen?"

"Yep." Kacchan let the p pop at that.

With slow steps, Izuku walked over to him. "Do I want to know how much it costs?"

The blond smiled wryly. "No."

The omega rolled his eyes.

"I told you I'd come up with something special. You can think of this as a mini honeymoon. If there's anything you want or need, tell me and I'll make it happen."

Now they were standing chest to chest. "I wouldn't know what. Apart from school t-trips, I've never traveled. My mother couldn't afford it. I would have had enough money afterwards as a pro-hero, but not enough time. You know h-how it is."

Katsuki cupped his cheek and stroked it with his thumb. "All the more reason to enjoy this trip."

"How long are we staying?" Izuku asked.

"Five days."

In reply, the omega hummed thoughtfully. "What if my heat isn't g-gone by then?"

"If it hasn't began by tomorrow evening, we could try to start it. Last time we cuddled on the sofa before you stormed off. If that doesn't work, we can stay a few days longer. I warned the extras that might be a possibility."

"Okay. What are we going to do until then?"

"First of all, turn off the cell phones so we can have some peace and quiet." Kacchan smiled fondly at him. "I've ordered dinner as a picnic in the garden for tonight. Until then, we can relax or go for a walk. The garden is big enough for guests. After dinner, we'll end the evening in the hot spring. What do you think?"

Izuku thought about their options. He had liked the village they had driven through. Maybe they would both pass as tourists. No one was expecting them here. He wanted to be brave and dare to do something he was still afraid of. "I'd like to go for a w-walk. If you don't mind, through the town so we can have a look around. Can we d-do that?"

The alpha thought for a moment. "With sunglasses, a mask and something that at least covers your flamboyant hair, it shouldn't be a problem. I'd have everything in my bag."

"Then let's do this."

Katsuki gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Okay."

~~~~~

Half an hour later, they were standing in the entrance area. Both wore their sunglasses again and a black mask each. Katsuki had helped him hide his wild mane in a beanie. The alpha himself was wearing a baseball cap. Hopefully no civilian would recognize them dressed like this and they could enjoy their time together in peace.

Holding hands, they set off. They passed other inns, a public onsen and small stores. The place was obviously targeted on tourists.

At the edge of the forest, Izuku spotted a large torii which looked a little weathered. "Shall we go there? I can't r-remember the last time I visited a shrine." 

"Of course, if that's what you want." Kacchan changed direction.

A narrow path led through the torii and wound its way up the mountain between trees and bushes. The wind rustled the leaves and the birds chirped. It was peaceful.

After a while, the forest thinned out and they reached an open area where the shrine was located. The sound of several wind chimes filled the air. They went to the pool of water to cleanse themselves. They took off their sunglasses and masks. Fortunately, there was hardly anyone here at the moment. The few other people who visited the shrine kept to themselves.

Afterwards, Katsuki bought a few incense sticks from a small stall on the edge to light them together with Izuku in the designated basin and finish the ritual cleansing. As they entered the main hall, they threw a few coins into the containers for donations. They then rang the bell one after the other and clapped their hands.

Izuku thought of his mother and hoped that she had found peace. What would she say to the fact he and Kacchan were about to enter into a bond? He tried to remember her smile. She would probably take him in her arms and say a few words of encouragement before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

The omega felt melancholy rising inside him. He missed his mother. A tear ran down his cheek. Before he started crying too much, he opened his eyes and took a step back. Kacchan had already finished and was watching him. The greenette gave him a shaky smile.

They left the main hall and walked across the square. The pair hadn't exchanged a word since they'd been here. But it wasn't awkward, it was intimate, and Katsuki led him to a bench a little way off. "Wait a minute, I'll be right back."

A few minutes later, the alpha returned. He had bought sweet sake and mochi at another stall, which they now shared. Izuku's head leaned against the blond's shoulder. It was good to be outside for a change, without having to worry about being surrounded by reporters.

A thought occurred to the omega and he was almost ashamed he had only just thought of it. "How are your parents doing?"

Katsuki sat up in surprise. "What made you think of my old people?"

"I was thinking about my mother and I realized I h-haven't heard anything about your parents since I've been living with you."

"They're fine. I talk to the old hag on the phone regularly. If you're willing, she'd really like to see you. She bugs me about it every time, but so far I've always brushed her off."

"Hmm," Izuku said, "does she know that we're...?"

"No, I haven't told her yet." Before the omega could get too lost in his thoughts, Katsuki added, "Not because I'm ashamed or any of that shit, but to be considerate of you. So don't bullshit yourself, okay?"

Izuku nodded hesitantly. "What will they say? Will they be okay with it? "

The Alpha snorted. "Are you kidding me? They'll freak out with joy and complain I kept you to myself for so long. Sometimes I think my old hag loves you more than me and wouldn't have minded swapping sons with your mother."

A smile spread across his face. "I think I w-would like to see themwhen we get back home."

"If that's what you want, I'll invite them."

"Thanks."

"Not for that, nerd. At least they won't keep bugging me."

They sat on the bench for a while longer, enjoying the peace that the shrine offered them. Later, they walked around the town for a while. Fortunately, no one recognized them. When it was time for dinner, they returned to their ryokan. The picnic in the garden was beautiful. Before going to bed, they relaxed together in the onsen.

At night, Izuku lay snuggled up close to Kacchan in the big bed. It had been a really nice day.

He was happy.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Restless movements in bed roused the alpha from sleep. Next to him, Izuku squirmed and was in the process of kicking the covers off. Which was understandable, the heat had really built up underneath.

The omega let out a whimper. Izuku's sweet vanilla pheromones hit him and suddenly Katsuki had awoken from his half-awake stupor. Izuku's heat had started - the reason they had come here.

Katsuki reached out for his partner. The pale and scarred skin was positively glowing. He cuddled his omega in his arms, whereupon Izuku buried his face in the crook of his neck. There, he licked over Katsuki's scent gland, stimulating the production of pheromones. As soon as they filled the air, Izuku purred contentedly.

The alpha growled possessively. His fangs pressed painfully into his gums. He wanted to bite the greenette so badly he found it hard to concentrate on anything else. It was still too early. He didn't want to mark Izu until tomorrow. At least that was the plan he wanted to stick to so far. Hopefully, at the height of his heat, the omega would be less afraid of the bite.

Katsuki drew reassuring circles on his partner's slender back. "You still there, babe?"

"Yes." Came back the curt reply. Izuku whimpered. "It hurts, Kacchan."

"What can I do to make you feel better?"

"Hold me tight."

"Okay." They lay arm in arm in the big bed. The omega had his nose buried in his partner's scent gland. Katsuki kissed his cheek and neck as he continued to nuzzle him.

Izuku relaxed a little and purred contentedly. "I'm so glad you're with m-me."

"I am too, Izu. I had almost given up hope of being able to experience this with you one fine day. I'm incredibly happy about that. You make me happy and at the same time ensure that I find peace."

The greenette raised his head. "Kacchan..." His eyes gleamed wetly.

The alpha wiped a tear from his partner's cheek with his thumb. "Hey, if you cry now, I'll start too."

Izuku chuckled. "I can't d-do anything about it. I'm just happy right now. You kn-know I'm a crybaby."

Katsuki let out an amused snort. "Right."

In response, he got a punch to the chest. "Hey!"

"What? You said it yourself," the blond defended himself.

"Yes, but then you have to contradict me. That's just l-like asking you if I have a big butt in new jeans."

Katsuki groaned in annoyance.

Izuku looked at him seriously. "I think I need to reconsider o-our bond if you don't even know the basic rules of a f-functioning relationship."

"No fucking way!" Katsuki exclaimed, rolling the omega onto his back and looming over him. Izuku's pheromones remained as sweet as ever. He wasn't afraid of him. "I think I should put my naughty omega in his place."

Izuku's eyes grew wide. "What h-have you got in mind?"

"This." Katsuki's fingers traveled along the seductive body beneath him, up to Izuku's waist. There he let them dance over the sensitive skin.

A loud laugh bubbled over Izuku's full lips. "Ka-Kacchaaan! That's u-unfair."

"Take it back and I'll stop."

The omega bit his lower lip but continued to chuckle. His body shook. "I give u- up. You may bind me to you."

"You got it." Katsuki gave his partner a quick kiss. Almost simultaneously, they realized the position they were now in.

Izuku's skin radiated warmth. His cheeks were flushed and his breathing quickened. The emerald eyes veiled with lust. A wave of aroused pheromones filled the room.

A needy whimper escaped Izuku's lips. "It hurts, Kacchan. Can you ... can y-you please...?"

The alpha pressed a kiss to his forehead and rolled off Izuku. He pulled him back into his arms. He ran his hand over the omega's leg up to his thigh. Katsuki lifted it and placed it over his hip.

The arm on which Izuku lay had little room to move. Therefore, he supported the greenette's lower back with his hand and pressed him even closer to him. His other hand stroked and massaged Izuku's thighs and his seductive ass.

The feeling of the soft skin under his fingertips was incomparable. None of Katsuki's previous hook-ups could compete with Izu. The omega pressed into his touch, panting, to which the blond grumbled in encouragement. He liked it when his partner could enjoy their closeness. It had been a long way to get here, but it was worth every step they took to form a lifelong bond within the next twenty-four hours.

The pheromones lay heavier and heavier in the air. Katsuki ran his free hand further over the heated skin to the tantalizing crevice of Izuku's butt. As his fingers approached the ring of muscles, they poked into the moist slick which was already spreading there. His omega was wet for him. The alpha growled excitedly and slid his fingers into the slippery cleft.

Izuku groaned and pressed himself against him. "Stop teasing me Kacchan~."

Katsuki pressed a kiss under his partner's ear and licked and sucked on his neck. "Though that's one of my favorite things to do." Despite his words, he listened to his mate. After all, he didn't want Izu to have to endure unnecessary pain. He circled his entrance and within seconds his fingertip slipped inside him. All the while, he kept eye contact with him.

"Kacchaaan~!" Izuku's breathing was rapid. His cheeks were so deliciously flushed from the heat that the alpha wanted to pinch or nibble on them.

Katsuki swallowed hard and breathed through his mouth so as not to perceive the seductive pheromones so intensely. It wasn't easy to keep this urge under control. His fangs squeezed uncomfortably in his jaw.

The instincts deep inside him wanted to bite his chosen mate and finally mark him, to make him his own and protect him from others. An omega bonded to an alpha reacted less strongly to foreign pheromones and only listened to his mate's alpha voice; he was immune to others. Katsuki wanted Izuku to get this protection from him. That way, the omega would be able to assert himself safely without having to worry about becoming a victim of his own nature.

Izuku lay relaxed in his arms and let him pamper him. He was loose enough by now for the alpha to slide a second finger inside him. At the same time, Katsuki kissed his way down his neck to his chest. There he sucked and licked at his mate's sweet nipples.

The omega gasped and clawed at his blond hair. Katsuki quickened the rhythm of his fingers and curled them a little. A hoarse cry escaped Izuku's throat and the alpha knew it wouldn't be long now.

He poked the sensitive nerve node a few more times. The greenette quivered and moaned uncontrollably. He tightened around Katsuki's fingers and poured himself between them.

The alpha gave his mate a moment to catch his breath before slowly withdrawing his fingers. The scent of Izu's slick hung heavy in the air alongside the pheromones. The blond wanted to taste his omega and put the fingers that had just been pleasuring him into his mouth.

Izu's taste exploded on his tongue and the alpha let out a satisfied growl.

The greenette didn't take his eyes off him, which made it even better.

"Thank you, Kacchan, I feel b-better now," the omega breathed.

Katsuki gave him a kiss on the top of his head. "Would you like to rest or eat something? Breakfast should be here by now."

Izuku stretched. "We slept until just now. I'm not very h-hungry though, just a little."

"It's okay, wait a minute." The alpha swung his legs out of bed, left the bedroom and went to the intermediate door. He opened it a crack and peeked into the anteroom. He didn't want any of the staff to drop their breakfast in horror at seeing him naked. The anteroom was empty except for a large tray with various light dishes and fresh laundry. Katsuki took everything into the bedroom.

His mate had curled up in one of the blankets and watched him come in. Izuku looked so cute he wanted to grab him and never let him go again. Katsuki put the tray on the mattress and placed the laundry in front of it. They fed each other and enjoyed the peaceful moment.

When half the food was eaten, Izuku said, "I'm full. I can't take any more."

"Okay." The alpha set the tray aside. "What do you want to do now?"

"Cuddle."

Katsuki smirked. "How about we provide a little extra relaxation while we do it?"

The greenette obviously had an idea of what he meant. "Sure, I'm still at the beginning of my heat. It w-will only get more intense and strenuous with the next waves."

The blond stood up and took his mate in his arms. He took Izu outside and sat him down on the bench in the small washing area. The air was still a little chilly as the sun had only just risen. Goosebumps spread equally over them both.

"I'll be right back." The alpha hurried back to the bedroom and fetched towels and bathrobes from there. Then he was back with his omega.

They hurried to clean their sweaty skin and were already sitting in the hot spring a few minutes later. In the onsen, Izuku climbed onto the blond's lap and snuggled up to him. For the moment, they forgot all their worries and had no doubts. Instead, they enjoyed their love for each other and the relaxation they felt in each other's presence.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

"Alpha~, more... Please~." Izuku's moan filled the bedroom.

Katsuki kissed his neck and gently nibbled on the tender skin. He didn't approach the tantalizing scent gland yet. His omega wasn't ready yet, but the blond was only too happy to make sure his mate was ready for what they were finally going to do today.

Slowly, Katsuki slid his finger in and out of Izuku's entrance. The omega squirmed beneath him and whimpered needily. Since the second wave, the greenette had lost himself in the heat and his alpha was delighted to help him take care of his needs. The feelings he felt through his mate since then were a blurred mixture of desire and pain.

Izuku pressed his hips towards him. "More~, it hurts ... please, alpha, I need you ... Ngh~!"

"In a minute, babe, you're not ready yet." A second finger slipped into Izuku's wet tightness. His partner groaned. "Such a good omega. Let me hear your voice." Katsuki licked over his neck and buried his face near the scent gland. "You smell so good~." He curled his fingers and it only took him seconds to hit Izuku's most sensitive spot.

"Alphaaa~!" The omega arched his back and emitted another wave of pheromones.

Katsuki, whose nose was still close to Izuku's scent gland, got the full blast. His head was buzzing with sweet omega pheromones. His fangs pressing into his gums, he was on the verge of losing control. The alpha squeezed his eyes shut and breathed through his mouth. He couldn't let his nature get the better of him now.

With one last kiss on Izuku's jawline, he straightened up. It was a little better this way. He knelt between his mate's seductive thighs. With his free hand, he reached into the back of Izuku's knee to spread his legs a little wider. By now, the alpha was so hard it hurt. As soon as he could move his fingers a little more freely in Izuku's entrance, Katsuki slid in a third.

Lust-filled emerald eyes widened. The omega gasped and squirmed on the mattress. "More! Please, alpha, take me! Bite me!"

An excited growl escaped Katsuki's throat. Not much longer and this beautiful omega, the love of his life, would finally and irrevocably be his. Just a few more minutes of patience until their bond was complete.

Izuku's hands dug through the numerous pillows from which he had built a nest the day before. His pale skin was covered in a light film of sweat. The slick from his entrance ran down his crevice and thighs. "You're so beautiful, so sexy, babe." Katsuki grumbled possessively, to which Izuku responded with a satisfied purr.

"Are you ready for me, babe?" Once again, Katsuki flexed his fingers, unerringly hitting Izuku's most sensitive spot.

"Yes~!" the omega moaned loudly.

The blond carefully withdrew his fingers. He grabbed a pillow and pushed it under Izuku's pelvis to support his back. Then he took off his boxers and took one of the condoms and lube which were waiting for him. Although Izuku was more than wet for him, the blond wanted to make it as easy as possible for him to take Katsuki inside him.

While Katsuki prepared himself, his omega didn't take his eyes off him; hunger and desire were in his gaze. No fear could be seen in his eyes or felt in his emotions. He was aware of a slight ache, but it was from the heat and the cramps which came with it.

A needy whimper sounded. The sound brought the blond out of his trance. His mate wanted and needed him. Katsuki pushed himself back between Izuku's legs. He leaned forward so that their bodies lay on top of each other. Then he licked the omega's swollen lips, begged for entrance and entangled him in a kiss.

With one hand, he supported himself next to Izuku's head; he didn't want his mate to feel smothered or trapped by him. With the other, he held his shaft and positioned himself in front of the slippery hole. Carefully, Katsuki pushed his hips forward and penetrated him.

For a brief moment, the greenette stiffened and let out an uncomfortable gasp.

The alpha kissed his way along his jawline, down his neck to his ear. "Everything's okay. It's about to get better, Izu. Then I'll make sure the pain stops and you feel good."

The omega breathed deeply and relaxed. Katsuki took it as a sign to push deeper into him. He wanted so much to thrust hard into his mate, to make him moan and bury himself completely inside him, to finally become one with him. But the alpha kept control of his instincts. Izuku shouldn't be afraid of him - ever. He should feel loved and valued, not used.

When he had entered Izuku completely, he paused. Katsuki kissed his neck and cooed words of praise. The omega wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him even tighter against him. He lifted his pelvis towards him. "Please, alpha..."

Katsuki groaned. His mate's velvety insides felt fantastic. He withdrew a little and slowly let himself slide back into him. Izuku held on to his shoulders.

Their lovemaking was slow and tender. The alpha littered his mate's skin with kisses as he gently moved inside him.

"More~," Izuku moaned out. "Yeah, right there~!"

Spurred on by the greenette's words, Katsuki sped up a little. He looked up, not releasing his lips from the delicious nipple his tongue was playing with, and his omega looked at him with veiled eyes and bit his lower lip. The blond sucked a little harder on the pink bud in his mouth. Izuku gasped for air and pressed against him even harder.

They were so tightly entwined it was almost impossible to tell where one began and the other ended. It was a wonderful feeling. Their connection made their lust soar. It felt so good Katsuki didn't know how much longer he was going to last.

Izuku's body shook. His muscles twitched. His partner was almost ready too. The alpha shifted his position, wrapping his arms around the omega's delicate back and supporting him. Then he sat up, pulling the greenette up with him so that he was sitting on his lap. Katsuki slided even deeper in him. Izuku groaned loudly at the change in position. His muscular thighs trembled.

Katsuki held him by his hips and butt. The omega literally clung to his broad shoulders. As soon as he got used to the new position, he moved his hips and rubbed against his alpha.

The blonde growled excitedly and thrust into him from below. Their movements became more urgent. The greenette grasped his partner's face and pressed their lips together. The kiss was wet and was repeatedly interrupted by the moans of both of them.

Izuku broke away from his lips and continued to hold Katsuki's head. He pressed the alpha's face into the crook of his neck and pressed his own close to Katsuki's scent gland. He licked and sucked at the tanned skin, making the blond growl and moan. As he did so, he rocked his hips faster and faster. Their pheromones filled the room and literally drenched it.

"Bite me, alpha!" No sooner had he gasped the words into Katsuki's ear than he felt a brief pain on his neck. His omega had sunk his fangs into him and was claiming him.

The blond groaned loudly. Heat shot through his veins and ignited fireworks inside him. His fangs lengthened and his saliva production ran at full speed. He placed himself at his omega's scent gland and bit down hard so that Izuku wouldn't have to feel the pain for too long before their permanent bond manifested in them.

He tasted his partner's sweet blood, heard him whimper and gasp against his neck. They didn't let go of each other, rubbing against each other faster and faster until their climax exploded.

Something shifted in Katsuki's soul. He felt Izuku's presence even more strongly than before. His omega became a permanent part of him, of his heart, his scent. They merged together, becoming one on every level possible.

A brief burning sensation on his wrist snapped Katsuki out of his stupor. Gingerly, he withdrew his fangs and then licked the wound on Izuku's neck. His omega did the same as he purred contentedly. "Mine!"

With great care, Katsuki placed his mate back on the mattress, pulled out of him and lay down next to him. He couldn't take his eyes off him. He tenderly embraced Izuku's cheek and stroked his freckles with his thumb. "Mine!" he replied hoarsely.

The omega nuzzled into the touch. They lost themselves in each other's eyes, only averting their gaze from each other when they wanted to admire the fresh mating bite on their partner's neck. They smiled tenderly at each other.

They were one.

At last.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

The mark had changed something in him. That was a good thing, even if it worried Izuku a little. He didn't know these feelings. They were unfamiliar and new. The omega wasn't known for being good with the unknown of any kind.

Ever since he and Kacchan had bonded, nothing had held them back, and they had literally fallen all over each other. And it had been good - more than good, to be honest. Izuku had lost his shyness towards his partner. With his alpha, physical closeness felt nice. Not something he had to endure and put up with, but something he craved.

They had spent the last day of their vacation snuggled close together, though Izuku's heat had already been gone by then. They had even slept together again. The omega was still a little sore from what they had done together during the heat.

An urge rose up in him which the greenette could hardly quell even now - he honestly didn't want to. He bit his lower lip and squinted inconspicuously to the side.

Kacchan was fully focused on the road. He wore a tight shirt that left nothing to the imagination. Izuku's gaze lingered on his muscular upper arms. Every time the blond steered or shifted gears, the muscles under the tanned skin moved and fueled Izuku's daydreams. He wanted to be held by those arms and claimed by his alpha.

Since when had he been so instinct-driven? Was this still normal?

Very slowly, he reached out and placed his hand on Kacchan's thigh. For a brief moment, he felt his partner's surprise, which quickly turned to satisfaction.

Izuku's pheromones filled the interior of the sports car. This was followed by a deep rumble from Kacchan's throat. The omega let out a needy whimper. He loved the sounds his alpha made for him. His grip on Kacchan's thigh tightened.

"Do I want to know what's going through your pretty head, babe?"

Izuku gave him a crooked smile. "I think you can smell and even feel it."

Kacchan growled in agitation. "How am I supposed to concentrate on driving like this? Do you want us to crash?"

The greenette pushed his hand a little higher, causing his alpha to let out a hissing breath. "You ... could pull over somewhere if we're n-not in too much of a hurry."

Katsuki pressed down on the gas pedal until they reached the next exit. They were still in the more rural part of Japan, where the mountains were covered in forests. The sat nav protested and kept wanting to turn around. The blonde resolutely switched it off and concentrated on the winding country road ahead. After a few kilometers, they drove through a small wood. As soon as Kacchan spotted a narrow path into it, he put on the turn signal and turned off.

The sports car was not at all suited to the bumpy surface, but neither of them was interested in that right now. The only thing that mattered was that they found an undisturbed place to stop as quickly as possible. By now they were in the middle of the forest and there was nothing to see except trees and undergrowth.

They slowed down and came to a halt. Kacchan switched off the engine and turned towards him. "I pulled over to the right. Now what?"

Izuku didn't need to be asked a second time, unbuckling his seatbelt and climbing over to his partner until he was sitting on his alpha's lap. It was cramped, the car rather unsuitable for what Izuku had in mind, but it would be fine. He leaned forward and kissed Kacchan. He didn't start slowly, but kissed the blond greedily. The omega wanted to feel that high again which only his alpha could trigger in him.

He nibbled on Kacchan's lower lip until he willingly opened his lips for him. Izuku moaned into the kiss as soon as their tongues met. His arms wrapped around his partner's head and shoulders.

Kacchan gripped his waist and pulled him tightly against him. The omega loved digging into the blond's surprisingly soft hair. During their kiss, he rubbed his hips over Kacchan's lap. His large hands moved lower and gripped his bottom, increasing the friction even more.

Izuku could feel Kacchan's erection through the fabric of his jeans. He didn't feel any better, his pants were getting too tight for him too.

Breathing heavily, the blonde interrupted the kiss. "Babe, if you keep going like this, I'm really going to have a hard time holding back."

Izuku gave him a quick kiss, grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head. "I don't want you t-to hold back."

The ruby eyes glowed with desire. The omega undid his partner's seatbelt, grabbed his shirt and tugged on it impatiently. As soon as they were both topless, he purred contentedly. Their lips found each other and they kissed again. But this time it was just a quick kiss.

Kacchan kissed his way down his neck to his ear. "Do you want to stay in this position?"

The greenette buried his face in the crook of his partner's neck and breathed in the arousing pheromones. The scent of melted caramel was addictive. "Yes, please," he returned, panting.

He liked sitting on Kacchan's lap while they made love. Izuku had realized it when they had made their bond. When the greenette was on top, he had more control over the situation. He could set the pace and snuggle close to his alpha at the same time. It gave him security.

The blond's warm lips traveled lower to Izuku's chest. There they kissed and licked over his nipple. "You taste so sweet."

The greenette pressed himself against the caress. He enjoyed being kissed in this way by his alpha to the full. By now he was so wet he could feel it in his boxers. The smell of his slick was in the air. He sat up a little and opened his pants, which was really difficult in this position. Kacchan helped him and after some back and forth, they had managed it and were both naked.

It was getting hot in the car. Out of the corner of his eye, Izuku saw the windows fogging up from the inside. Izuku kissed his mate, but he turned his head to the side far too soon.

"Wait a minute." The alpha reached back into the narrow backseat, which was more of a jump seat than anything else, and pulled his duffel bag close. With one hand, he unzipped it and rummaged around in the side compartment until he pulled out a condom. He continued to search. His expression became pinched.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't find the lube."

Izuku licked his lips. "We ... don't need any."

Kacchan eyed him in surprise. "No?"

He shook his head gently. "I think I'm w-wet enough." Heat rose in his cheeks.

Kacchan grinned crookedly. "Are you? Before we go any further, I'd better check." He sat back down properly in the seat, wrapped both arms around Izuku and grabbed his butt. One hand massaged him while the blond played with his entrance with the other and teased him. He carefully penetrated with his first finger and Izuku moaned.

His alpha took his time. But Izuku didn't want to wait. He wanted to feel his mate inside him. As soon as he got used to the finger, the omega came towards him with his pelvis. "Kacchan~, more please..." His breathing quickened.

A second finger found its way inside him. The slight pain disappeared as quickly as it had come. The omega's muscles were still soft and loosened by his heat.

Kacchan licked over his mating bite. An electric shock of pleasure shot through Izuku's body from his neck to the tips of his toes.

"I think you're right and you really are wet enough for me. Such a good omega," the blond cooed.

Izuku whimpered devotedly. Before his relationship with Kacchan, he had never liked being reduced to his secondary sex; with his mate, it was different. With Kacchan, so much was different.

"Are you ready for me, babe?" he breathed against the greenette's ear.

"Yeah~."

Kacchan reached for the condom, grabbed a corner of the wrapper with his teeth and ripped it open. With only one hand, he slipped it on. His other hand continued to massage and stretch him.

Izuku lifted his hips, his mate supporting him and helping him to position himself. Carefully, the omega lowered himself down. He grimaced and hissed as soon as Kacchan entered him.

His mate kissed his neck and whispered caresses in his ear. Slowly, Izuku let the shaft slide deeper inside him. It took a while, but eventually he was sitting on his alpha's lap again. He breathed deeply and relaxed his muscles as best he could.

The omega felt filled out. He grabbed Kacchan's chin and pulled him away from his neck. Rubies locked on emeralds. "Look at me."

The alpha gave him a quick kiss. "Okay."

Izuku lifted his butt a bit and lowered himself back down. He shifted his weight until he found a comfortable position and his mate finally hit that spot inside him which triggered this wonderful feeling in him. "Yess, there~."

His hips moved a little faster. It felt so good to be connected to his mate. They both chased towards their climax. Sweat ran down their heated skin, intensifying the scent of their pheromones. The inside of the car was filled with their panting and the sound of skin on skin. They made stormy love.

"Fuck~, I'm almost ready, babe."

"Me too~," Izuku replied with a groan. His insides tightened and the orgasm built up inside him. Kacchan's grip on his hips tightened.

Just before they both came, a thought flashed through the omega's mind which made him wish they hadn't just skipped the lube. Izuku quivered and came between them. After a few thrusts from below, the alpha came with a deep growl.

They slumped together, gasping for air.

"Damn, that was hot," Kacchan groaned.

Izuku giggled and wiped the sweaty curls from his forehead. "I think I made your fancy car d-dirty."

His alpha laughed and pressed a kiss behind his ear. "That way, you get to dirty my car anytime you want."

The omega snuggled up to his mate. He was satisfied on every level and now pleasantly exhausted.

They enjoyed the closeness for a few more minutes before they separated, cleaned themselves up and got dressed again. About an hour after they had entered the forest, the car rolled out onto the country road again.

Kacchan turned on the GPS again and this time willingly followed the directions until they were back on the highway.

Izuku enjoyed the aftershock and the pleasant heaviness of his muscles. After a while, the part which wanted to reunite with his newly bound mate woke up again.

This time Izuku wanted to control himself - otherwise they would never get home. To distract himself, he pulled out his bag and fished out his cell phone. Perhaps the internet would help him better understand their fresh bond, his instincts and the needs which were hard to satisfy.

He pressed the button on the side and waited. He hadn't turned the device on for almost a week. It came to life, vibrating and ringing. Izuku thought nothing of it. Of course, after a few days, various messages had accumulated.

The vibrating, ringing and beeps from various apps did not stop. The notifications flew across the display faster than the greenette could have read them. The number of missed calls rose into the three-digit range. It was no better with his friends' line messages. Again and again, messages popped up in which Ochako, Tenya or Tsu asked him to get in touch with them as soon as he could. Even Kacchan's friends had written to him. However, most of the notifications came from news apps and social media channels that kept mentioning his name or tagging his account.

Izuku became restless. Distantly, he noticed how his pheromones were changing.

What had happened while they were away from home?

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

The alpha had been fully focused on the road. In passing, he noticed Izu's cell phone was ringing and wouldn't stop. His mate's mood changed. His previously cheerful pheromones smelled stressed. Katsuki glanced quickly to the side. Izu's brow was furrowed as he stared at the display. Lost in thought, he chewed on his thumbnail.

"What's wrong, babe?"

The omega winced and snapped out of his trance. "I don't know. All our friends want me to u-urgently call them."

Katsuki gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Did they say why?"

"Not yet. Just that I should check in b-before I look at anything."

"Look at what?"

The omega's nervousness grew. The blonde didn't like it at all. Especially not after they had spent such wonderful days together and had not only taken their relationship to the next level, but had cemented it for the rest of their lives.

"I don't know, there a-are," he cleared his throat, "there are thousands of tags for my social media."

The alpha growled softly. What had the fucking press done now?

"Do you have that many messages too?" the greenette asked.

"I don't know, I haven't turned my cell phone back on yet. I'd much rather deal with you," he replied with a grin.

A pale blush shot into his mate's cheeks, which disappeared again far too quickly. "Can we p-please check?"

The alpha sensed how important it was to him and agreed instantly. He didn't want his omega to feel bad and they would end up in an uncertain situation as soon as they were back in the city - from which they were only an hour away, according to the sat nav.

"Sure, it's in the back in the side pocket. Take it."

"Thanks." Izuku turned in the car seat and reached his arm through to reach the blond's duffel bag. After a quick rummage, he found the smartphone and lowered himself back into the seat with it. The cheerful ringing that sounded when it was switched on rang out.

Before the greenette had to ask, Katsuki said. "It's your birthday."

Izuku looked up and tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

"The pin."

Green eyes widened in surprise. "Oh." Judging by Izu's pheromones, he seemed to like this realization.

Unfortunately, the joy didn't last long when his own cell phone emitted the same whirlwind of vibrations and beeps as Izuku's a few minutes earlier. "It's even worse with you," the omega muttered.

"What do the extras say?"

"They want us to call and meet them a-as soon as possible."

The alpha exhaled in annoyance. He clicked into the hands-free menu of his paired smartphone using the buttons on the steering wheel and was about to call Kiri when he paused. Whatever had happened probably concerned Izuku more than himself. He should be allowed to choose the bearer of bad news himself. "Who should I call?"

The omega played nervously with his fingers. "D-do you have Ochako's number? I get most of my calls and messages from her."

"Yeah, hold on." He scrolled through the address book until he got stuck on the Round Face entry and called.

It rang twice before a breathless voice answered: "Bakugou? Where's De- Izuku?"

"He's sitting next to me in the car, listening in." He tried hard not to sound too annoyed. The beta meant his mate no harm - on the contrary.

"Hello Ochako," the greenette greeted quietly.

"Have you seen the video yet?" Round Face asked.

"Video???" Izu exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. His lower lip quivered and Katsuki felt the panic rising in his mate.

The alpha reached out and placed his hand on his partner's thigh. "Whatever it is, I'm with you, okay?" he whispered. Louder, he asked, "What kind of shitty video? We haven't dealt with the outside world for almost a week. I miss the fucking mountains and the peace and quiet already."

The beta on the other end of the line inhaled noisily. "I'll go to a quieter place and get Tenya and Tsu to join me. Give me a moment."

In the background, they heard rustling and muffled voices. It wasn't long before the extras came forward. They began to exchange greetings, but the alpha lacked the nerve for that. "Can we get to the point and you guys finally enlighten us as to why our cell phones were about to explode as soon as we turned them on?"

"Of course, ribbit."

Four Eyes cleared his throat. "You're right, Bakugou. Sorry."

"Yeah yeah, well, what's going on?" he growled.

"Two days ago, a video of Izuku surfaced on the Internet and television, which was supposedly leaked to the media by an anonymous source. Since then, there's been non-stop discussion about it and experts agree that it's real. According to the time stamp, it was taken ten months ago," Round Face explained.

Izuku let out a soft whimper. His lips quivered and those beautiful eyes, which had looked at him playfully and excitedly just an hour ago, shone wetly and were full of sorrow. His pheromones were completely out of control and made breathing difficult.

Ten months ago, Izu had been held captive by Overhaul and had been mistreated and abused in so many ways, - there could be nothing good on this fucking video.

The alpha could barely stand the state of his mate and let out a comforting growl.

"Want me to stop for a second?"

Izuku shook his head. "I want to g-go home."

The frog spoke up. "That's a good idea, ribbit."

"Yes, you shouldn't watch the video while driving. Such a distraction is irresponsible in traffic," Four Eyes instructed.

Katsuki rolled his eyes. "Can you finally tell us what's on it so that Izu can prepare himself mentally?"

"It shows a fight in the underground arena of the club where you found Izuku," Round Face continued.

"Who did I f-fight?" His omega was noticeably nervous and frightened. The blond sensed this through their connection. In addition, the stuttering that had almost disappeared in the conversations between them was becoming more noticeable again.

"Your opponent had an earth quirk with which he could stir up the ground and manipulate it to some extent," Round Face replied.

"You can sometimes hear the commentator in the background," Four Eyes added. "I seem to remember him calling him Groundbreaker."

The alpha looked from the sat nav to his mate. By now, they were only half an hour from home. They could already see the skyscrapers of their home city on the horizon.

Izuku squeaked nervously. Tears ran down his cheeks. He closed his eyes. "How m-much of the battle i-is there to see?"

"The beginning of the fight wasn't filmed, ribbit. So it's hard to tell how long it's been going on. You both look a bit battered already, ribbit, so it was probably a few minutes. From then until the end to your victory, after you ..." The woman with the frog quirk didn't speak any further.

His mate was sobbing by now. "... After I broke his neck with Black Whip."

"Yes," Round Face confirmed. You could tell she was trying to keep her tone neutral.

"Fuck!", the blonde gasped. The greenette whimpered and Katsuki forced himself to calm down. "Sorry, babe, I'm not mad at you, okay? I already knew that. This is one of the six you told me about, right?"

The agitated omega barely managed to get out two choppy words: "The f-fourth."

"Six, ribbit?"

"The fourth?" Round Face asked at the same time.

Shit, he'd forgotten all about the extras on the phone. "We can discuss that later. How are the reactions?"

"Mixed with a negative tendency," Round Face replied.

"Our agency hasn't issued a statement yet, as we naturally wanted to talk to Izuku first to find out the background and then explain it better," Four Eyes said.

Katsuki swayed his head back and forth. "Give us a few hours. Let's come home first and get an overview of the situation. Then we'll have a crisis meeting at our house. I don't want to make Izu go to your agency when he'll most likely be besieged by the press."

"Understandable, ribbit."

"Okay, see you tonight, Izuku," his best friend said goodbye.

The alpha exhaled in exasperation. "See you later. I'm going to call my extras next." With these words, he ended the call. He patted his mate on the thigh. "It's going to be okay, babe. We'll get through this together. You're not alone."

Izuku gave him a weak smile and breathed through the flowing tears, "Thank you."

The sight nearly broke the blond's heart. "I'm going to call Kiri now. Is that okay or should I wait until we get home?"

"It's okay."

"Good." Katsuki dialed his best friend's contact and started the call, which was answered after the first ring. "Kat, at last! Where are you right now? Have you already-?"

The blonde interrupted him: "Seen that shitty video? No. We're almost home now, then we'll watch it. Izu's extras have just told us what to expect."

"Okay..." the redhead replied slowly. "That's good ... well, obviously it's not good, it's really bad, but it's good that you've been warned. Um..."

"It's okay, Kiri, I know what you mean. Can you join us tonight?"

"Sure thing, bro! We'll help where we can. "

"Thank you," Katsuki replied. They had just crossed the city limits. They were almost home. He thought of something that was bothering him. "We'll talk later. I have to call my security before we get home."

"All right, bro! See you tonight!"

The alpha ended the call and started the third call of the trip. He was already fed up, but that wasn't the point. Instead of letting the turmoil get to him, he wanted to stand by his mate and be a support to him. As lost as Izu looked, he desperately needed it right now.

"Bakugou-san," the head of his security service greeted him. "What can I do for you?"

"We'll be home in twenty minutes. What's the situation?" the blond asked.

It took him a moment to answer. This was quite unusual for the otherwise so efficient man. "After you and Midoriya-san left, things were a little quieter for a few days and most of the reporters gradually disappeared. Two days ago, however ... the situation escalated somewhat."

His mate whimpered softly. Through their connection, he felt shame and a guilty conscience wash over him.

"It's not your fault," Katsuki whispered to him, louder he asked, "What does that mean?"

"The number of reporters has multiplied. It's worse than when we started our assignment. My coworkers are constantly being asked about you and Deku. Of course, they don't comment at all. However, a few of the photographers tried to get past the fence yesterday and trespassed on the property. We noticed it in time, escorted them off the premises and have already filed a trespassing complaint. I have doubled the staff until further notice to ensure incidents of this kind can be nipped in the bud."

Katsuki pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fucking fantastic," he growled. "Don't these vultures ever get enough?"

The question was rhetorical, they all knew that. "We'll be home in ten minutes. Will it be possible to get to the gate without incident?"

"Of course, I'll inform my staff straight away. They'll make room for you."

"Good. Besides, we have visitors tonight," Katsuki replied.

"Do you want to tell me the names now or send me a list later?" the head of security asked.

"They're the same as last time, all pro-heroes from my agency and Deku's. "Izu winced slightly at the mention of his hero's name. The blond hadn't forgotten what that did to his mate, but it was difficult to talk to others about him in his position as a hero without using his official name.

Sorry, he silently formed with his lips.

His omega gave him a faint smile, which faded as soon as they turned onto the street where their home was located. Izu should have been looking forward to home and feeling safe, not additionally worried. For that alone, he wanted to rip the heads off the press wankers.

"We're here now," Katsuki said calmly.

"Drive slowly along the driveway. You should see my first employee in a moment. Please try not to run over any of the photographers, even though I can understand how tempting that would be in the current situation. It's not worth the paperwork, believe me," the other alpha said dryly.

The blonde laughed hoarsely. Until now, he hadn't thought the man had a sense of humor. "I'll try, but no promises."

"Goodbye, Bakugou-san."

Katsuki ended that call as well and put on the turn signal to his driveway. Izuku's stress pheromones reached a new high. The alpha refused to let on how the smell was getting to him and how much he wanted to roll down the window. He didn't want to give his mate this exposure to the reporters by letting the vultures smell his omega's discomfort. He breathed shallowly through his mouth to soothe the burning in his nose and eyes. When they were about to sit on their sofa, he would finally have time to comfort him. Until then, it had to work.

A woman in the black clothes of the security service beckoned to them. Katsuki raised his hand in greeting and drove on slowly. A little further on, on the other side, he spotted the next one. Now they were flanking the car.

Izuku fumbled with his bag, pulled out a hoodie and his sunglasses and hurried to put them on. With the hood over his head, he sank deeper into the seat.

"Babe, you have no reason to hide. None of those assholes would have lasted a week and put up with what you've been put through for so long. You're strong and beautiful, please don't forget that. You have every right to walk away with your head held high."

His mate's pheromones lost some of their intensity. "Thank you, Kacchan. "

He gave his omega a mild smile. "Always. I'll always side with you."

Izu wanted to say something back, but closed his mouth again. They had almost reached the fence and there were a dozen camera cars and their crews in front of them.

They quickly realized something was up, as the security personnel gathered and pushed them back. Numerous cameras focused on the sports car, all the windows of which were mirrored except for the windshield. This meant they could see the couple until they had driven past them.

A flurry of flashbulbs broke out and the crowd surged forward. The security staff held them off - but only with difficulty. More than once, there was a rumble inside the car when one of the reporters managed to touch it.

They finally reached the gate, drove through it and arrived at the garage a minute later. They could no longer be seen from the fence.

Katsuki parked the car and got out. Before Izu could move, he jogged around the hood and opened his door. The alpha leaned forward, arms outstretched, and his mate threw himself into the embrace. Katsuki gripped his slender waist and pulled him up until Izuku pulled himself up and the blond was able to carry his partner into their home. They both desperately needed to be close to each other.

It was going to be a long day.

Chapter Text

POV ???

It had worked! His omega had returned. After the failed attempt to free his partner from the hospital, he had to lick his wounds first. He had dislocated his shoulder when he fell out of the window. Despite the pain, he had run away and hid in some bushes nearby.

He had been able to see into his omega's hospitalroom through the broken window. Shortly after his fall, the blond alpha had arrived, who had obviously brainwashed his partner. How else could the greenette's behavior be explained?

His broken hero had wanted to fight him off instead of rejoicing that his alpha had finally come to his rescue. Instead, he had thrown himself into the blond's arms. The sight had made his blood boil. When one of the heroes had examined the area where he had hit the ground after his fall, he had retreated with a heavy heart.

He had to save his omega!

If they just spent enough time together, he would surely realize again how much he loved his alpha and be able to shake off the brainwashing.

After the blonde alpha had disappeared with his omega shortly afterwards and hadn't returned for days, he had lost patience and switched to plan B, as neither his gifts nor his rescue attempt had gotten him anywhere.

Soon the blond would give up his omega and release him. He would see to that. Sending one of the videos to various recipients had been the first step. The press had immediately pounced on what they had found and exploited the story. Immediately after the first post of the video, he had started to incite the other readers.

It hurt him to write these things about his beloved omega, but it had to be done. As soon as he was back in his arms, he would whisper sweet words in his ear all the more. But now he had to make sure that the cute hero's reputation was damaged. If he lost the support of the general public, the blond alpha would definitely break away from him to save his own reputation.

Even if it was hard for him, he had to wait now. Hopefully it wouldn't be long before he could take his stranded omega in and embrace him again.

~~~~~

POV Izuku

The greenette sat on the sofa, conflicted with himself. He wanted to see the video, needed to see it to know what to expect. At the same time, he already knew, after all, he had been there and had tried hard to forget it since the fight.

Kacchan had dropped him off here a few minutes ago. Then he had quickly gone back to the car, picked up their luggage and disappeared into the kitchen to get them both something to drink.

The whole time, Izuku had sat rigidly on the sofa, hugging a cushion for comfort. His mate came back and sat down next to him. He placed two teacups on the table.

"Are you ready?"

"No, but I want to get it o-over with," Izuku replied.

"Okay." Kacchan took his tablet from the table and unlocked it. All he had to do was tap a few times and he was on a news page with the video on the front page. The thumpnail showed the omega with a bloody face and empty eyes. The headline read: "Shocking truth about the hero Deku."

Izuku couldn't suppress the whimper. His alpha pulled him to his side and hugged him tightly. "Doesn't matter what I'm about to see. I won't think any less of you for it, and I won't leave you either. We'll get through this together." He gave him a kiss on the head.

The greenette took a deep breath. "Okay, Kacchan."

Katsuki pressed the screen and the video started. It showed a female presenter in a digital studio setting. She looked uneasily into the camera before she began to speak: "Dear viewers, we have received a video that may be very disturbing to some people. Before we show it to you, I would like to ask you to think about whether you really want to see it. Children in particular should leave the room, as it could traumatize them.

Since the hero Deku's surprise return, he and his agency have remained silent, as they did after his disappearance. It was recently revealed that a kidnapping by the villain Overhaul took place two years ago. What happened during those two years has been the subject of heated debate ever since, as there has been no statement on the matter to date. Now the video in question, which was recorded almost ten months ago, has surfaced.

Our editorial team has reviewed it together with experts and they agree on its authenticity. I would like to point out once again that you should only look at these recordings if you are sure the following images will not affect you negatively." The woman visibly breathed a sigh of relief. "So here are the recordings that were leaked to us by an anonymous source."

There was a cut and you could see the club's arena. Judging by the angle, one of the spectators had managed to smuggle his cell phone in and was filming. Shadows of other people could be seen at the edge of the picture. The cheering was almost deafening.

Izuku got goose bumps. He really hadn't missed the roar of people who wanted to see blood for their personal entertainment. Kacchan squeezed his hand reassuringly.

The shot briefly lost focus as it zoomed in closer. Now Izuku was visible. His right arm hung limp and blood ran down his face from the cut on his hairline. He was breathing heavily. The costume they had forced him to wear was torn in places. You could tell he wasn't in good shape. The circles under his eyes were obvious and the clothes were too loose on his body.

Groundbreaker had also taken a few hits. He was bleeding from a cut in his thigh and was limping slightly. The video shook as the arena floor began to shake, and with it the stands. The black-haired beta used his quirk and literally plowed the ground.

Shards of concrete flew through the air and inflicted numerous new cuts on Izuku. He kept his arms crossed in front of his face to protect himself. At the same time, he activated Float and Smokescreen. He could just be seen hovering a good meter above the ground, no longer directly affected by the quake, before the thick smoke enveloped him.

His opponent looked around, cursing. Izuku shot out of the smoke behind him and gave him a hard kick to the side of the head with Full Cowl. It happened so quickly Groundbreaker was unable to dodge and was hit full on.

The beta flew a few meters through the air until he crashed heavily against the arena wall and lay motionless. The crowd went wild and screamed for blood. The omega had deactivated his quirks and stood in the middle of the fighting ring. There he stared at the ground and did not move.

As with every gladiator fight, he had hoped to avoid the final blow if he waited long enough, but this time it had been in vain - just like before.

The spectators became more restless. The mood changed. They did not like Izuku's inactivity. They whistled and shouted insults. The former hero stubbornly stood still.

The camera panned to show a close-up of the unconscious beta. A voice that drowned out everyone else called after him: "What are you waiting for, Deku?"

The camera zoomed out and now not only the two opponents could be seen, but also part of the stands. Overhaul lounged on the seat of his private box and smiled mockingly. He had never missed one of these fights. He raised his arm, clenched his fist, spread his thumb and then pointed it downwards.

In this arena, he was the highest authority. The villain clearly enjoyed his position - like a Roman emperor watching the games in the Colosseum, he decided over life and death. "Have you forgotten what you have to do now, hero? Do I have to make sure you don't forget again?"

Izuku remained silent. The fist of the uninjured arm was clenched. That was the only indication that he knew what was happening around him.

The drooling crowd was on the verge of losing its temper. Various things were thrown into the ring. One of the snacks served hit the greenette in the head.

He remained silent.

Overhaul became angry, knowing he had to prevent an escalation. "Do it or you'll be the one to suffer this fate!" he ordered angrily.

A clear shudder ran through the greenette's body. Then Black Whip shot out of him and shot in Groundbreaker's direction. The crowd held their breath in joyful anticipation. Black Whip wrapped himself around the beta's head and twisted. A loud crack rang out and the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.

Izuku sank powerlessly to his knees and pressed his uninjured hand to his face. His narrow shoulders shook.

One of the guards came running to him and put his handcuffs on, ignoring his broken arm. Then the former hero was dragged to his feet and the recording ended.

The presenter could be seen again. She was paler than before. Just as she started to speak, the blonde alpha tapped the screen and paused the video.

"Fuck..." Katsuki mumbled barely audibly.

A drop fell onto the tablet. Then another one.

Izuku cried silent tears. He had forced himself to look. He had done that with every opponent who had fallen victim to him.

Kacchan placed the tablet on the table, pulled Izuku onto his lap and emitted soothing pheromones. "Come here, babe," his mate cooed at his ear.

Izuku let it happen, but everything inside him was cold. He needed comfort so badly, but it was he himself who denied it and loathed himself in his mind.

He was a murderer ...

... and now the whole world knew it.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

It had taken hours to halfway calm his mate down. After Izuku had cried himself out, he had been downright lethargic. Even now, the greenette was still sitting on the sofa, scrolling on his cell phone. He had been reading the comments on social media for hours.

Katsuki came back with a fresh cup of tea for him. "You should take a break and stop doing this to yourself."

"I know I shouldn't be reading t-this, but I can't help it."

The alpha snorted. "Half of these assholes are either bots or utterly pathetic assholes who can't get anything together in their own lives and pose in the anonymity of the internet so they can at least feel big for once by putting others down."

Izuku gave him a shaky smile. "I know that in theory, but there are s-so many..."

Katsuki took the cell phone from his hand and placed it on the table. "True, but we'll find a solution for that. The extras will be here soon and then we'll see."

"Okay, you're right. I'm just so r-restless and don't know what to do."

He pulled his omega onto his lap and hugged him. "Then maybe it's not a bad thing we're about to see the two PR idiots too." At Round Face's suggestion, the two people who were responsible for PR and press releases at their respective agencies had also been invited for this evening.

Izuku snuggled up to him. The blond did the same. Following his instinct, he tilted his head and rubbed his scent gland on his mate's neck. As he did so, he ramped up his pheromone production and enveloped his partner in his scent. Whoever wanted to mess with Izu would smell against the wind to see who else he was making an enemy of.

The greenette relaxed and let him hear something Katsuki hadn't heard since his heat. Izu purred for him. The alpha answered him with an affectionate growl. Encouraged by this, his mate mimicked the possessive gesture and rubbed his scent gland over Katsuki's neck as well. "Mine."

Damn, why did that excite him so much when Izu claimed him? Without conscious effort, he arched towards him and rocked his hips. His omega groaned. He would love to devour his partner now, but unfortunately they didn't have the time.

The sex in the car had really surprised Katsuki. He hadn't expected his sweet mate to be so open and seduce the alpha without fear. Actually, he had wanted to talk to Izu about it. Since they had entered into the pair bond, the greenette seemed to have become bolder, if not more demanding.

The blond certainly wasn't going to complain about it. He liked it and had hoped Izu would be ready one day. He urgently needed to fight the growing bulge in his pants. Katsuki didn't want a quickie on the sofa now, but to make sweet and slow love to his mate in their bed later.

Besides, he didn't want the extras to smell Izu's arousal. That was really none of the idiots' business and he didn't want his partner to feel embarrassed and possibly take steps backwards in healing his traumas just because someone couldn't help making stupid comments.

The blond pulled back a little. "If we don't pull ourselves together, I'm going to greet the extras with a huge boner."

His mate's reaction surprised him once again. Katsuki had expected embarrassment or discomfort. Instead, he smelled the sweet pheromones of his omega, who looked at him with lustful eyes while biting his lower lip.

"Babe?"

Izu shook himself slightly and blinked a few times. A cute blush spread across his face and he hastily climbed off of him. "Sorry."

The alpha snorted. "I know you tend to apologize for all sorts of shit, but not for your newfound sex drive towards your mate."

The freckled face darkened even more. Izu cleared his throat. "I don't kn-know what's wrong with me either."

Katsuki patted his thigh reassuringly. "Hey, it's nothing bad - quite the opposite. When we're done here, let's snuggle up in bed and see what happens, okay?"

"Okay."

~~~~~

About half an hour later, his cell phone rang. It was security announcing their visit. Katsuki went to the door and let the extras in. They were their friends who had recently visited them, minus Icy-Hot. Instead, there was Himari, the PR consultant from his agency, and a beta he didn't know. The guy had to be in charge of PR for Izu's agency.

He stepped forward, beaming with joy, and held out his hand to him. "Katou Akio, very pleased to meet you, Dynamight. Thank you for allowing me to be your guest, even if the circumstances could have been better."

Katsuki shook his hand silently instead of ignoring him as he would have done otherwise. At best, the guy was in a position to help his mate, so he didn't want to antagonize him right away.

Mina pushed past the others, pulled him into a hug and squeaked his eardrums.

Katsuki grabbed her by the forearms and freed himself from her embrace. "Fuck, Pinky! How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not in the mood for tinnitus?"

"But I'm so happy for you. Congratulations! We should throw a party. I'll do the planning!"

The blonde growled, annoyed. "Shift down a few gears, that's not what today is about."

"Unfortunately," Kiri spoke up. He gave him a friendly fist to the shoulder in greeting. "Congratulations anyway, bro."

Before any more could focus on the mating bite on his neck, he waved it off and walked back into the living room. There, the extras greeted his mate. At least they stayed calm and didn't upset Izu any further.

Then they sat down at the large dining table. The two from PR sat down opposite the couple. Their friends took the other seats.

"Let's get started then," Katou began.

His omega nodded reservedly. "Okay."

"In order to respond properly, we need to know what exactly we're seeing on this video, to know and understand the background. Despite the current smear campaign, Deku still has loyal fans who believe in him and who publicly stand up for him. To keep it that way, we have to give them something."

Himari spoke up: "I work with a lot of influencers. I'm sure something could be arranged so that those who stir up trouble against Deku get less attention."

Izuku cleared his throat. "Please call me Midoriya. I'm currently n-not working as a hero. "

The red-haired PR consultant smiled broadly. "All right, but only if we're on non-formal terms. I'm sure we'll be dealing with each other more often in the future."

"Agreed."

"Does anyone know where this shitty video came from?" Katsuki asked.

"Unfortunately, no. The media won't release anything. I've contacted our IT department and other contacts of mine. The video was sent from a one-time e-mail address via various VPN encryptions to various broadcasters and publishing houses." Himari replied immediately. He liked her efficiency, even if she sometimes came up with really strange collaborations.

Katsuki grumbled discontentedly.

In the meantime, Katou had pulled out his pen and notebook. "So, Midoriya, how did this fight come about and why this outcome?"

The alpha sensed his mate's uncertainty boiling up inside him. Izu had lowered his gaze and was fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

"Shall I?" he asked gently.

"Yes, p-please."

"Okay." He squeezed his thigh under the table and left his hand there. His omega was shaking. "I'm only going to tell this shit once, so I advise you to listen. If you have questions, ask them."

Katsuki took a sip of water and began, "Most of the time while Izu was gone, Overhaul had him locked away in the underground of his shitty club that we raided two months ago. Yeah, it was Izu I carried into the ambulance that time, after I made sure they took that fucking choker off him."

"The one you see in the video?" Katou asked in between.

"Yes."

"What's that all about?"

"It was an explosive device, GPS-controlled. If the choker were opened by force is removed from the set radius, it goes off and kills the wearer. That's also the reason why Izu didn't try to escape. As long as he had the thing around his neck, it would have been his death sentence," the blond explained.

"I see, that's good," said the PR idiot thoughtfully, taking notes.

"Good?!" Katsuki's mood dropped and he emitted pissed off pheromones. "What about this shit is good in any fucking way?!"

The beta looked at him in shock and began to sweat under the piercing gaze of his counterpart. He swallowed hard. "Of course it's not good what happened to Midoriya, none of it. Please don't misunderstand. However, in the current situation of dealing with the public, this is another point that will help us paint a better picture of him, as some are trying to ruin his reputation."

"What are the other points?" asked Kiri in between.

"We've been researching using the information we've been able to pull from the video so far. Groundbreaker is one of the villains who broke out of Tartarus at the start of the war. He was sentenced to life imprisonment because he preferred to attack public facilities with his quirk and caused the buildings to collapse. He was responsible for numerous deaths. Even hospitals and a kindergarten were among them. At the time, he was stopped and arrested by Mount Lady and Best Jeanist.

It can also be seen that Midoriya acted under duress, apart from the injuries from the fight, he is not in good physical condition and the costume he was wearing is not his real one."

Katsuki was a little calmer now, but the subject still made him angry. "At this point, Izu has been tortured, abused or paraded around the ring like a circus bull and forced to fight for over a year - every day! I don't know anyone who could have endured that for so long. No wonder his physical condition wasn't the best. After I got him out of there, he was in a coma for a few days and was barely able to keep anything edible in his stomach."

"Dynamight," Himari said quietly to get his attention. "All of us here want to help Midoriya. If we sound uninvolved as we plan our next steps, it's because we're doing our job, which is currently to stop a shitstorm and not let it turn into a lynch mob. Instead, we want to remind people of Midoriya's past exploits and his innocent character, with which he has already won over the whole country. This will be easier if we can work with facts that make Midoriya's situation at the time more understandable and relatable."

The alpha forced himself to calm down. "All right ... What do you need?"

Katou jumped right back into it. "That just sounded like there were several fights in this arena."

"Right," the alpha replied.

"How many?" the beta asked.

Izuku let out a shaky breath. "I don't k-know anymore. There were too many to count."

Katou made a note again. "How many resulting in death?"

"Are we planning a trial here, or what?" Katsuki asked in between.

"Yes, and a pretty big one that will be held in public in our hole country," Himari replied.

Izuku squeezed his hand under the table. "It's o-okay, Kacchan." After a short pause, he added, "There were six of them."

"Not good ... Whoever the source of the video is either wants to cause trouble or destroy Midoriya's reputation, maybe both. What do we do if more fights are leaked?" the beta pondered aloud.

"We can work that out later. For now, let's put out the fire that's right in front of us," Himari replied.

"That's right. Just as a precaution, so we can plan for it later: Are there any other incidents that could harm Midoriya should they become public?"

Katsuki bit his lip. He wasn't sure how much Izu was willing to share.

An unexpected determination emanated from his mate. Izu looked up and the alpha noticed the old fire in the emerald eyes. "I am a-an omega who h-has posed as a beta so I could go to the UA. After my abduction, I was not o-only forced to fight, but also ... abused in other ways. There is a possibility that there are recordings of this as well. One of the alpha has been stalking me for a couple weeks, leaving gift boxes reminiscent of my c-captivity and attacked me in the hospital to claim and a-abduct me against my will. I was able to f-fend him off and throw him out the window. Unfortunately, he escaped. The police have b-been investigating since th-the first box.

Now that I think about it, it's p-possible that this video is from my stalker. Weapons, cell phones and other e-electronic devices were strictly forbidden down there. Nevertheless, I often saw h-him with a cell phone when he ... was with me."

It was quiet in the room. You could have heard a pin drop.

"Oh fuck," Himari groaned breathlessly.

Izuku had left everyone speechless with his direct words. Katsuki leaned forward and let out an affectionate growl in Izu's ear. "I'm insanely proud of you right now, babe." He whispered. What the couple discussed between themselves was none of the extras' business.

His omega was trembling. Some of the old insecurity was back. "I don't want to hide m-myself anymore. That doesn't help, as you can see. If I w-want to overcome it, I have to take a-away the power of my past and talk about it, says Dr. Nakamura."

"So we're not preparing for a storm, but a natural disaster," Katou muttered to himself. "Ideas?" he asked, addressing Himari.

"First a press release that sheds light on the background to the video, nothing else about the kidnapping. Then preferably a diversionary tactic."

"Good idea."

"Diversionary tactic? What's that supposed to be?" Round Face asked.

Himari smiled at her. "We'll throw the press another scoop to pounce on, and interest in the video will wane abruptly."

"What kind of scoop is that?" asked Katsuki. "We can't just produce one, otherwise those nutters will scream 'fake news', and rightly so for once."

Katou straightened up. "That's where our other heroes come in. Who is secretly planning a wedding, is pregnant or has recently broken up? The tabloids love to report on personal dramas and secrets. Especially when it comes to the love lives of our heroes."

The friends looked at each other, perplexed.

"I don't know anything like that," said Denki.

"Neither do I, ribbit."

"Damn, even I have no idea if there's something going on," Mina pondered discontentedly.

"If even Pinky doesn't have something from the rumor mill, there's nothing," Katsuki said. "Any other suggestions?"

His PR advisor's smile widened. "Can we please stop ignoring the elephant in the room and talk about your obvious mating bites?" Himari literally vibrated in her chair.

Fuck ...

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

It was obvious that his PR advisor wouldn't leave their fresh bond uncommented. "I'm not sure we want to share this development in our relationship with the public just yet. Not until Izu is comfortable with it."

"But that would be perfect!" Katou exclaimed. "The vultures would pounce on it immediately."

"So that means it would help to announce our pair bond?" Katsuki asked skeptically.

Himari thought for a moment. "In the context of a press release or conference, it might seem too deliberate. Maybe in an interview."

Katou intervened. "It would be best if it came out accidentally and a few paparazzi could boast about having discovered the bite. That would make the sensation a lot bigger and the coverage more extensive than a simple announcement."

His PR consultant's face brightened. "Good idea! If Midoriya feels comfortable with it, you could go for a walk holding hands. Beach photos always work too. People love secret beach photos of their stars!"

The beta's eyes took on a slightly crazy gleam and he turned to Himari enthusiastically. "What if, during a fight against a villain, Dynamight's costume broke and you could see the bite that would otherwise be covered by the collar? The speculation about his mate's secret identity would go on for days or even weeks."

The red-haired beta, meanwhile, was grinning just as maniacally. "Ooh, that's good!"

"Isn't it! When they're not in the immediate vicinity of the fighting themselves, the masses love to watch it on TV. When the costume rips, the bite and, in the best-case scenario, some of Dynamight's impressive muscles can be seen - all sweaty and dusty - the press and fans would go crazy and everything that was reported beforehand would be forgotten."

Katsuki's left eye twitched. Himari would explain to this putz right away that this was totally stupid, right?

Instead, the consultant from his agency seemed completely euphoric. "I can already see the headlines: Who has managed to win Dynamight's heart?"

"Exactly, or: Which omega is tough enough that the number one hero let them bite him?"

"Or: Who has claimed the hottest bachelor in Japan?"

The blond hero's mouth fell open. They're serious!!! An indignant growl rose from his throat. "Please tell me you're fucking kidding me right now! We're heroes, not fucking circus horses or wankers!"

Himari didn't look the least bit impressed. "And that's where you're wrong, my dear."

The alpha searched for the right words and couldn't find any that didn't end in a roar.

Mina intervened in the conversation. "They're both right, Kat. Of course we're heroes and our main aim is to protect the general population and keep the country safe, but we also have a lot of fans because we're public figures. You can't tell me that people don't regularly throw themselves at you on patrol. We both know that's not true."

"Maybe so. But that doesn't mean I'm going to go for that shit. I've never been involved with a fan."

Himari's smile scared him. "Maybe you haven't, but I don't want to know how many of your fans have hooked up with you ... during certain hours ... in their fantasies."

Suddenly, a strong feeling of shame filled him, which was not of his own making. Katsuki blinked a few times to focus. His head turned jerkily to his mate. The omega was bright red and had lowered his gaze. "You're not serious, Izu..."

The emotions transmitted from his mate reached new heights. "Your determination in b-battle is qu-quiet attractive, Kacchan."

Katou turned to him happily. "You see, your mate knows what we mean. Besides, you're a fine specimen of an alpha in every aspect. No wonder you top numerous rankings."

"According to surveys, over 70% of women and omegas in Japan in the 18-25 and 26-32 age groups would go straight to bed with you if you asked them."

Shinsou rolled his eyes. "I thought we were putting on the whole circus here to help Izuku, not to further inflate Bakugou's already above-average ego."

"I never thought I'd agree with you of all people, especially not while you're dissing me, Brainfucker, but he's right. When did the discussion drift in this crazy direction? "

"Aww, Bakubabe, I was just about to tell you how many fanfictions you star in." Mina grimaced artificially.

"What the fuck are fanfictions?"

Izuku coughed. "You ... You don't want t-to know, believe me."

There was that sense of shame on his omega's part again. He would ask him later, when they were alone. "Whatever."

Himari smiled encouragingly at him. "What we're trying to say is: You're insanely popular, Dynamight, and coveted by numerous fans. Since the beginning of your career, you've had a reputation for focusing solely on your work as a hero. I've been working for you for four years and in all that time I haven't even had to smooth over any relationship rumors about you because there's been absolutely nothing to find. If it's now discovered by chance that you're not just dating someone, but that you've entered into a relationship in which you yourself consider your partner to be your equal and have therefore let him mark you, then the media will go berserk. All the more so because you are generally known for your pride and your hard shell. We have the desired distraction and Midoriya has a breather."

"At least until it comes out that he's the mysterious mate of Bakugou, ribbit."

"The frog is right. Then Izu will be the center of attention again," Katsuki said.

"However, for a much better reason. We'll try to drag out the mystery and guesswork for a few weeks before it becomes official. Even though some will probably suspect that it could be Midoriya, since Dynamight's house is under round-the-clock surveillance by the press and only a few visitors are filmed," Katou replied. "And as sad and stupid as it sounds, it will give him further popular support if their beloved number one hero holds him in such high esteem after everything that's happened to him that he let him mark him."

The alpha didn't understand why the two PR idiots kept emphasizing that. "Why do you guys say it like it's something special?"

"Because it is, Dynamight," Himari replied unexpectedly seriously.

Katsuki frowned. It had never occurred to him not to be marked by Izu should he agree to a bond with him as a partner and give in to his courtship.

"How many alphas bonded to an omega do you know that have a mating bite?" Katou asked to the group.

They all thought. The blond immediately thought of someone, but apart from that...? "One, if I don't count myself."

His PR advisor raised her eyebrows. "That's one more than I expected."

Kiri spoke up: "Another one, but I'm sure Kat and I mean the same one."

"Likewise," said Izuku.

"Do you know the percentage of alpha-omega bonds where the marking is mutual?" Himari asked him.

Katsuki shook his head. "Unlike you, I'm not a walking statistic."

"2.8%, as of last year, and falling. The fact that it's so normal for you is refreshingly different and will do your mate a great service in the long run. Perhaps it will also open the eyes of others to the fact that omegas should be an equal part of our population and do more than just bear children and cook. Midoriya himself is the very best example of this. So we will exploit that if you give us your consent. If you really want to help your mate with his PR problem, then let's tell your love story." Himari didn't take her eyes off him.

He stroked his hair thoughtfully. "Agreed, as long as Izu is too."

The greenette nodded reservedly.

The couple had obviously made their PR advisors more than happy with this decision. The two idiots grinned like crazy. Katou even squealed enthusiastically.

The alpha tried hard not to roll his eyes. "That means, after the new press release, we're waiting for me to meet a villain who at least has some skill and manages not only to hit me, but also to batter my costume in the process. How long is that supposed to take?"

Katou waved it off. "With that strategy in mind, such an opportunity should present itself soon."

Himari nodded like a bobblehead. "As our number one hero, you should be able to get yourself hit in such a way that we can get a camera to capture the desired effect. Even if you're totally superior to your opponent, you could dodge with a little delay without hurting yourself too badly, couldn't you?"

The PR consultant really knew how to push his buttons. "Of course I can manage that. "

"Very well, after that we'll let the rumor mill churn for a few weeks and in the meantime we'll think about the best way to announce your relationship. Perhaps a joint appearance on a talk show would be good?"

Katou gathered his things and pulled a business card out of his pocket, which he gave to Himari. "Let's work it out together as soon as Dynamight drops the bombshell."

Himari handed over her business card as well. "I'm looking forward to a good cooperation. This is going to be fun!"

Fun, my ass ... Katsuki snorted in annoyance. He had never liked dealing with all that PR crap. He just wanted to work as a hero and do his best - and as you could see from his ranking, he was doing a damn good job.

The extras seemed to realize they were beginning to overstay their welcome.

Kiri was the first to stand up. "Now that we have a plan, let's give these two some rest. After all, they only got home from their short trip a few hours ago."

The others agreed and goodbyes were exchanged in all directions.

Peace and quiet at last!

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

The day had been exhausting and had worn him out in more ways than one, which is why Izuku had gone to bed shortly after dinner. There he read on his smartphone and waited for his mate to join him in bed.

Izuku only had to wait a few more minutes before he heard the door handle being pushed down and his alpha entered. He sat down on the edge of the bed with him. "I told you to stop watching this shit. Let's wait for the press release until we get back to the fact that the internet and its countless weirdos exist."

"I wasn't on one of my channels," Izuku replied.

"No?"

He shook his head. "I was reading s-something."

Now the blond raised his eyebrows. "Like fan fiction?"

The omega choked on his spit, heat rising in his cheeks. "Wha- no! I would never ... well ... uhm, it's not that I've never have, but ... I d-d-didn't think you knew what that was?"

His mate met him with a broad grin. "I still don't know what that nonsense is, but your reaction is really interesting every time. So, nerd, who knows better about this, enlighten me."

Izuku let out an annoyed whimper.

"So it's that bad?" Katsuki asked.

"Not exactly bad, just maybe a l-little embarrassing?"

"Why is that?"

"Please don't make me explain it to y-you. Ask Google!" Izuku buried his face in his hands, only to jerk his head up again as soon as he realized what Kacchan was guaranteed to find in such a search. "Although, no! Definitely don't a-ask Google! You really shouldn't do that. Who knows what you'll f-find there. Some are quite nice, others are m-more than that. However, some are really questionable! And anywa-"

"You're mumbling, Izu," the alpha interrupted him.

"Oh! Sorry..."

"So, what will it be? You decide. Do you want to explain it to me or should I let the internet traumatize me?" The blond grinned challengingly and once again the omega cursed himself for not being able to refuse this face.

"Then... I guess I'll have to explain it t-to you." Izuku avoided his mate's piercing gaze.

Katsuki sat down on the bed with him and waited. The silence put the greenette under even more pressure than any teasing from the blond could have.

"Soo ... Fanfictions are stories written by fans about th-their favorite stars or heroes - sometimes they're even about fictional characters from TV shows or books. There are entire p-platforms on the internet where the stories are shared, rated and commented on." Izuku risked a glance into ruby red eyes that looked at him uncomprehendingly.

"I don't quite get it yet," the alpha admitted.

"Basically, the plot of most of them is a fantasy the au-author has for themselves or with another character."

"Izu, I'm still not any smarter. Speak plainly."

The omega wanted to sink into the ground. To get it over with as quickly as possible, he took a deep breath and rattled off the explanation as fast as he could: "Fanfictions about heroes are usually about b-being dramatically rescued by your favorite hero and said hero falling madly in love with you at first s-sight. Then there are a few ups and downs, but in the end they are overcome and there is a happy ending - often with a d-dream wedding and children."

Izuku could still feel his partner's confusion inside him. "Okay ... cringe, but I still don't understand why it makes you so uncomfortable."

He bit his lower lip, not wanting to say it and knowing at the same time Kacchan wouldn't give it a rest before then. "You remember w-what Himari said about the fantasies of many of your fans?"

Now the alpha grinned smugly. "You mean the dirty fantasies a certain someone in this room seems to have about me as well?"

His face was burning hot with embarrassment by now. "I told y-you a while back that I used to fantasize about sharing my heat with you."

"Okay, right. What do my fans' sex fantasies have to do with these fanfic ... Oh fuck, no! Are you serious?!"

Izuku felt a sense of second-hand embarrassment boil up inside him.

"You're seriously telling me there are people out there who not only put their sex fantasies with celebrities into words, write them down, but also share them publicly on the internet where everyone can read them and get horny?"

The greenette found his fingers insanely interesting and fiddled with them, avoiding his mate's gaze. "That or scenes with your respective favorite ship. I told you right away that you didn't want to know."

Katsuki ran a hand through his spiky hair. "I'm about to kick myself in the ass for even asking, but let's get this over with and then we'll never talk about this topic again, okay? What the hell is a ship?"

"It's what you call a-a couple who aren't together in real life but you wish they were."

"And then you make up a love story for them?"

"Yep."

"I wish I hadn't asked ..." the blonde grumbled.

"I wanted to preserve your innocence, but you w-wouldn't listen," Izuku replied jokingly.

"But there are much more fun things we could do with my non-existent innocence." The dirty grin on his mate's face was clearly audible.

The omega raised his head and looked into red eyes, many people trembled in fear when his mate's gaze focused on them. He himself was not afraid, but had a much nicer feeling. "Like what?" he asked cheekily.

"It's much more fun to show you than to just talk about it."

Izuku licked his dry lips. "Then show me."

"With pleasure." Kacchan climbed fully onto the bed, towering over the petite omega.

He felt the warmth rising inside him and the tugging in his stomach caused by hundreds of butterflies, which he simply couldn't get enough of. His alpha leaned forward and captured his lips for a passionate kiss. Izuku literally melted away. He relaxed and all tension left his muscles.

Kacchan licked his lower lip as he pushed his hips against the smaller man. Sighing, the omega granted his partner entry and wrapped his arms around his muscular neck. Their kiss intensified and hands wandered, exploring each other and caressing the places they knew made their partner weak.

Izuku's breathing quickened and he rubbed his legs together needily. Slick wet his underpants and the smell of their lustful pheromones was heavy in the air. Katsuki interrupted their kiss and instead ran his lips along Izuku's jawline until he reached his slender neck. There, he kissed and licked the mark he had left in the crook of the omega's neck, claiming him as his own.

A large hand slid over Izuku's stomach and reached the waistband of the loose sweatpants. Before the greenette lost himself completely in a lustful frenzy, he had to get something off his chest. "Kacchan, wait..."

The alpha immediately paused and stopped moving. "Are you okay, babe? Is it too much? "

The omega smiled. He still couldn't believe how gentle this loud blond was with him when he wanted to blow everyone else up most of the time. "No, it's not that. Rather i-it's not enough yet. I ... want to try something."

"Anything you want," Kacchan replied instantly.

"I want you to d-don't use a condom this time," he replied quietly.

Ruby eyes searched his gaze and held it. "Are you sure? I thought you weren't using a contraceptive at the moment."

"True, though my heat has only just passed. The chances of getting pregnant n-now are close to zero." The omega paused, struggling with whether to utter the next words and finally decided to do so. "And if it d-did happen ... would you have a problem with that?"

The blond blinked a few times until he followed up: "You mean, would I have a problem getting you pregnant?"

Izuku nodded slowly.

"No, I wouldn't," the alpha answered honestly. "I can imagine raising a few brats with you one day." As he spoke, Kacchan ran his fingertips over the greenette's stomach. "I just don't want to overwhelm you right now. Our relationship is still fresh, even though we've known each other for a lifetime. You're only just coming out of your shell when it comes to physical closeness and are slowly finding your former self again. Then there's all the shit that's going on out there ... When it gets to that point, I want you to be able to relax and enjoy the time. I want to spoil you and our biggest concern should be what color to paint the nursery." His mate gave him a gentle smile.

Emerald green eyes gleamed moistly. Izuku was touched and he longed for this vision of the future. A soft purr escaped his throat and he rubbed the side of his neck against his alpha, bathing him with his scent and claiming his mate along with the future he described. 

The need to unite with Kacchan grew in him until Izuku could hardly stand not being connected to him. He wanted to become one with him - completely and without resistance. The bound omega within him wanted to feel the seed of his mate inside him.

With a needy whimper on his lips, he bent towards the blond, crossed his arms over his broad back and pulled him against him. There was far too much fabric between them. Izuku fiddled with his mate's shirt and pulled it over his head with a tug. Then he half straightened up and made it easier for Kacchan to take off his top as well.

They caressed and kissed each other's bodies lovingly and it wasn't long before they were both completely naked and his alpha was preparing him for more. Izuku pressed himself against him. "I'm ready, Kacchan. Please more~." He groaned out as his partner hit just the right spot inside him.

The blond kissed his neck. "You're sure about the condom?"

For an answer, the omega nodded jerkily. "Yes, absolutely sure." He would explain to his partner sometime later where this change had come from and what he had read when Kacchan had joined him in the bedroom earlier.

"Okay. If you change your mind between now and then, tell me and I'll stop."

"Mhm."

His alpha engaged him in a kiss full of sensation as he positioned himself between the greenette's legs and entered him very slowly. Izuku gasped for air. The tugging inside him was a little uncomfortable, but bearable. Kacchan was considerate and always waited until Izuku was ready and the union of their bodies didn't overwhelm him.

He pulled back a little and pushed himself a little deeper into the wet tightness of the omega the next time. With a gentle rocking of his hips, he pushed deeper and deeper into him and finally paused. "You feel insanely good, babe," he breathed against full lips that trembled slightly in anticipation.

As soon as the tugging subsided and the pleasant feeling of being filled spread through him instead, the greenette man lifted his pelvis and came towards his partner.

Kacchan understood him without words, they felt each other on a deeper level and knew what the other was feeling. The alpha began a slow rhythm, fingers and mouths teasing and caressing each other. They made love slowly, tenderly. As if they had no cares in the world, except to bathe in the happiness that came from being united with their soulmate.

The pleasure built up in them both in waves and their movements increased in speed, becoming more urgent.

"So good~ hah... yes, Kacchaaan~" Izuku accommodated his alpha's thrusts, causing the blond to thrust even deeper into him. They clung to each other. The air filled with sweet pheromones and sighs until the omega finally came with a strangled cry and poured himself on his stomach.

His orgasm caused his muscles to tense and his legs to tremble. Katsuki was also at the limit, thrusting firmly into the little omega one last time and spilling himself deep inside him with a possessive rumble.

Izuku crossed his legs and held his partner where he was. He didn't want to break away from him just yet. He purred contentedly as he licked over the mating bite on his alpha's neck and nibbled gently at the skin.

His omega was deeply satisfied and the feeling inside him was anything but alienating or even disgusting, as it had always been with the other alphas, but much more fulfilling. His raging instincts were appeased and he enjoyed the feeling of deepest fulfillment.

As soon as Izuku released his mate, the alpha pulled out of him and lay down next to him on the mattress. They snuggled up together and spent the night entwined.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

This one was a bad joke ... It just had to be. There was simply no way that Katsuki would encounter such a villain three days after the press release for the video. Especially after the PR clowns had decided to reveal his mating bite and show skin in the process.

The blonde hero jumped to the side and dodged the attack. The tentacle hit the asphalt next to him. The suction cups tore up small pieces of the pavement. Katsuki hurled a blast at the writhing body part of the villain with mutation quirk. "Go to hell!"

The charred tentacle retreated.

"Watch out, Dynamight!"

Out of the corner of his eye, the blond saw something flying in his direction. He was pushed roughly to the side and landed on the ground. Kiri had placed himself between him and the approaching car. Their opponent wasn't weak if he could throw cars around with just one tentacle and the asshole had eight of them.

"Everything okay?" his partner asked.

"Yeah, yeah!" Katsuki braced himself, growling, and fired another blast at the villain. The bastard was getting on his nerves!

They fought a man with an octopus quirk on his excursion to indulge his own perverted desires - that's how hentais started, not mission reports.

Ten minutes ago, they had received a radio call from a shopping street in their patrol area. A man was harassing passers-by and using his quirk to rip their clothes off. Neither of the two alphas had expected what they were about to see.

When they arrived, the villain had an omega and a beta in his grip and was groping them with those disgusting tentacles coming out of his back. The two heroes had quickly managed to free the victims, but this pervert hadn't taken it too well and attacked them as a result.

Katsuki aimed the next blast downwards and catapulted himself into the air to prevent his legs from being pulled away. The tentacle on the ground narrowly missed him. Another one in the air, however, hit him and hurled the blond against the nearest house wall.

Oh yes, now he was pissed. The alpha picked himself up and took his opponent under constant fire.

Kiri came to his side. "Are you hurt?"

"Do I look like this asshole can seriously hurt me?" he growled back.

The redhead laughed. "No, of course not. Don't go off on me now, but don't you think this could be the opportunity Himari was talking about?"

Katsuki looked at his friend in amazement. "Are you seriously suggesting that I let that freak grope me until my costume breaks? I'm going to puke!"

Kiri parried the next attack with a well-placed punch. "Urgh, who's talking about groping? So unmanly ... Disgusting, bro!" He pointed at Katsuki's upper body. "Mind you, the guy's already pretty good at it with his attacks. So if you'd go for it just a little bit ..."

The blond looked down at himself. The top of the costume had a long tear down the side. "Fuck!"

Yes, he really did love Izu, with all his heart and more than his pride. Still, he wrestled with himself for a moment.

"Look at it this way, if you go through with it now, you won't have to go through the fuss when Midobro has the next surgery and you can stay with him instead."

"Argh! Shit! It's all right, Red. I'll do it. Watch my back." Katsuki ducked away from under an attacking tentacle and rolled forward towards his opponent. As soon as he was standing again, he shot a blast at the tentacle closest to him. It retreated, fuming like a beaten dog.

The alpha tried to wait for a favorable moment to be hit by the villain. What Katsuki hadn't expected? That the bastard would grab another hostage.

One of the reporters had gotten too close and one of the tentacles wrapped around her ankle. She screamed and was pulled off her feet. The accompanying cameraman stumbled back a few steps, but kept shooting and broadcast his colleague's fate live.

He sighed inwardly, but at least this way the blonde hero could be sure of getting the media attention he needed. With the help of his explosions, he shot forward, feinted to the right, dodged a tentacle and attacked from the left instead.

The screams of the beta rang in his ears. Meanwhile, the villain held her upside down at a height of about two meters. If she fell from there onto her head, she could seriously injure herself.

"Red!" Katsuki shouted loudly and made a gesture behind his back, pointing to the other side. His colleague understood him and helped the blond hero to encircle the villain.

"Hey!" Kiri called out to the villain. "See if you can catch me too!" The octopus man responded and half-turned towards the red hero. However, he did not take his eyes off Katsuki.

Kiri made an attack and the villain dodged. The reporter dangled headfirst helplessly. Now their opponent's concentration was on Kiri. The blonde hero had been waiting for this. He catapulted himself into the air, grabbed the beta and simultaneously hurled an explosion at the tentacle holding her.

The resulting shockwave pushed them away from the villain. Katsuki slowed down and stabilized himself and the beta in the air before spinning the woman around again. With another explosion, he moved further away from the action and landed a safe distance away, directly in the camera's angle of view.

As soon as he let go of her, the beta stumbled a few steps away towards her colleague. "Thank you, Dynamight!" she cried, howling.

Katsuki only gave her a quick glance. "Yeah yeah, it's my job. Now make sure you extras stay out of the danger zone."

Octopus Man let go of Kiri and turned his attention back to the blond hero. Could the guy and the perverted grape have actually become good friends...? Possibly.

"Son of a bitch!" raged the villain, who only now seemed to realize his hostage was gone.

"Come and get me, asshole!" Katsuki snarled back and waited for the attack.

Two tentacles shot in his direction. He skillfully dodged the first and waited for the second. There was only a split second between them and nobody would notice the number 1 hero deliberately hesitated to get hit.

The second tentacle hit his right side, attaching itself to his skin and clothes and flinging him away. The feeling of the suction cups on his skin almost made the alpha want to vomit.

He was thrown against a car and hit his head. His vision was a little blurry, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. A glance down at himself showed him that it had worked. Half of his costume was in tatters and the collar was broken.

At last he could blow the lights out of this fucker!

Katsuki stood up, set off explosions from both hands and shot towards the villain. He dodged a tentacle and gave the bastard a powerful right hook. Next, he put his palms together and fired a double explosion right into the staggering octopus man's face.

A few meters away, the hero landed on the ground. Yes, he had made sure to land near the rescued reporter. It had become relatively quiet. The smoke subsided, revealing the unconscious villain. At last!

Kiri came jogging in his direction. "You okay, bro?"

Katsuki looked down at himself and plucked at one of the shreds of his top. "Everything's fine, Red."

The reporter and her cameraman ran to the heroes as soon as they were sure there was no more danger. The beta looked a little deranged, but tried to do her job anyway.

"Dynamight, Red Riot, that was an incredible fight!"

Katsuki looked up and in her direction. He didn't want to stare at the camera too obviously. Besides, it was better for a good shot of his mating bite if he stood to the side. Hopefully this whole circus was at least worth it and these fuckers would leave his mate alone for a bit afterward.

"Dynamight, what would you say is-?"

The blond hero demonstratively wiped the sweat and blood from his face, drawing attention to his head.

"O! My! God!" the beta shrieked, waving her hand and indicating to her colleague to zoom in on the blond alpha.

So, the PR's plan had worked so far. The only thing left to hope for was that the reactions would be correspondingly large and thus flush Izu and the fight video out of the coverage.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

Since the TV broadcast of the fight, he could hardly save himself from reporters and curious fans. Katsuki was glad he was able to finish his shift after his encounter with the octopus ass. After he had been checked out medically, he was allowed to go home. There, the number of paparazzi had reached a new record high.

His security service had again had to help him get the car to the gate. Now he stood in front of his front door and typed in the number combination that, together with his fingerprint, opened the lock.

As soon as he had taken off his shoes, a green flash raced around the corner and headed straight for him. Izuku braked to a halt just centimetres away from him. His emerald eyes gleamed with concern. "Are you okay, Kacchan? Are you badly h-hurt?"

The blond smiled lovingly at his omega, having just realized again what he was doing all this for. "No, just a few scratches, mostly."

"Come in first." Izuku took his hand and pulled him into the living room, where he sat him down on the sofa. The television was on and the presenter of a tabloid magazine was evaluating a poll in which viewers had been asked to vote on the identity of Dynamight's mate. Most of the suggestions were more than absurd. He didn't even know half of the celebrity omegas named personally. His mate switched off the TV and sat down with him.

Izuku grabbed his chin and turned his head to the side. There he inspected the neck and chest area, which was clearly visible through the deliberately chosen tank top. With the tip of his finger, he gently stroked one of the red circles that dotted his skin. "What i-is that?"

Katsuki sighed. "The suckers from that disgusting guy. It'll be a few days before they're gone."

His mate grumbled in displeasure, leaning over and kissing one of the red spots before moving on to sucking and nibbling on the blond's skin.

Katsuki groaned. "What are you doing?"

Instead of answering him, Izuku climbed onto his lap and moved on to the next spot.

"Babe?" Katsuki wouldn't mind a little intimacy after the stressful day, but part of him wondered about his mate's new exploratory nature.

"I don't like that someone o-other than me has left marks on your body. You're mine." His lips were already back on Katsuki's skin.

He growled excitedly and slowly hardened. Izuku's rocking hips did little against his growing hard-on.

His cell phone rang, snapping them both out of their trance. The ringing didn't stop and the alpha reached into his pocket, annoyed. It was security. Katsuki picked up and hoped there were no dramas outside his house after the revelation. "Yes?"

"Hello Bakugou-san, there are two unannounced guests here for you. Their names are on the visitor list. May I let them in?" The beta on the phone sounded nervous.

"Who is it?"

"I assume it's your parents," the man replied.

"Of course we're his parents!" he heard his mother screaming in the background.

Katsuki ran a hand over his face. He had just missed his parents after today's circus. "Yes, let them in," he said and hung up. The alpha didn't want to put them through his mother's tantrum any longer than necessary so as not to completely annoy the security staff.

"What's going on?" Izu asked.

The blond smiled gently at his partner. "We have visitors. Your in-laws are at the door."

The omega drew his eyebrows together. "My in-laws ... oh! Your parents are here?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Oh no, I'm not at all prepared for visitors. Especially n-not from your parents. What will your mother say when she sees I'm your mate? After all, we haven't seen each o-other since I've been back. Will she be disappointed? What do I look like anyway?" Izu frantically smoothed his wild curls. "I don't know w-what to say. Do I hug them or shake hands? What if-"

Katsuki interrupted the panicked mumbling with a kiss. "Babe, my parents love you. They always have. What the old hag will think? She'll probably be totally relieved that you're my mate. I'm sure she's thinking I made the worst decision of my life in a hormonal frenzy or drunk and bit an omega I didn't know, since she thought I was single until a few hours ago."

Before Izu could answer, the doorbell rang. A loud knock also sounded. The alpha sighed, set his mate down from his lap and stood up. "Wait here."

He wasn't in the mood for a confrontation with his mother, but he hoped she'd calm down as soon as she saw Izu. However, if she got too close to him and his mate felt uncomfortable in her presence, he would kick her out.

His old hag's nagging could already be heard through the closed door. Katsuki opened it and leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed. "What do you want?"

"What do we want?" His mother stormed towards him. The alpha smelled pissed. Her pungent pheromones burned in his nose. She was already hitting him on the head with her flat hand. "What do we want?!" Next, she roughly grabbed his chin and bent his head to the side. She looked at his mating bite and smelled him. "It's really true."

Katsuki let out a low growl and broke free from the witch's grip.

Before either of them could say anything, his father stepped forward and pulled him into a hug. "Hello Katsuki, how nice to see you."

"Bullshit!" his mother spat out and tried to push past him, but Katsuki held her by the arm. She growled dangerously. "Where's that gold digger who double-crossed you? And Izuku! It's a shame the poor boy can even stand being under the same roof as you. It's a real shame that we haven't been allowed to visit him after all this time. Instead, you get a mate and don't even introduce them to your own parents. We found out from the TV, Katsuki. From the damn TV! Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?"

"Can you shut your big mouth for once?" the hero snapped back. "If you shout any louder, we might as well hold a press conference. With your volume, those fuckers up there will have heard every word."

"Let's go inside first, shall we?" his father now joined in the conversation. That was typical of his old man, always trying to mediate between the two arguing alphas.

Katsuki let go of his mother and took a step back, silently showing his agreement.
His parents kicked off their shoes and Katsuki blocked their path again. He sensed Izuku's nervousness about their connection and didn't want the nagging witch to upset him any further. He was feeling better than he had a few weeks ago, but there was still a long road ahead of them both, which the alpha was only too eager to travel with him.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. "Mother, you calm down now and you get your pheromones under control," he said in an effortlessly calm tone. "This isn't about you. Hell, it's not even about me. Everything I've done over the last few months has been for my mate. Including today's show. As soon as you've calmed down, you can see Izuku and I'll be happy to introduce you to my mate. I can assure you will be thrilled. If you are unable to do so, I will have to ask you to leave and come back another day. My mate has had enough stress, I don't want them to be upset by your nagging."

His mother puffed out her cheeks and was about to say something when his father put his hand on her forearm. "Mitsuki darling, you know our son. He will have his reasons for his behavior. We should all calm down a bit, because I'd love to meet his mate and see Izuku, and I know you feel the same way."

The old witch slumped a little and her pheromones calmed down. "Fine."

"Thank you, dear."

Katsuki waited another moment. Then he gave in and went to the living room. "Come with me, but slowly. Don't you dare fall all over Izuku. He still has a bit of a problem with touching and unexpected physical contact. So do me a favor, old hag, and give him room to breathe."

His mother had certainly wanted to say something in response, but they entered the living room at that moment.

Izuku had gotten up and was waiting for them by the sofa with a shaky smile. "Hello Aunty Mitsuki a-and Uncle Masaru, shall we sit down? I've made s-some coffee in the meantime."

"Izuku!" His mother clapped her hands over her mouth. Her eyes gleamed wetly.

"Oh baby..." She was visibly fighting back tears. "Can I give you a hug, please?"

The encounter did not leave the omega cold either. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He nodded and stretched out his arms. The alpha rushed towards him and hugged him tightly. His mother was a head taller than Izuku, which was why she rested her chin on his head. They cried for each other.

Katsuki and his father stayed in the background. The blond felt how good the hug was for his mate. He was probably longing for some motherly affection. No wonder, considering that his own mother had died so young and how close the two of them had been.

His father's gaze shifted from Katsuki to Izuku and back again. His eyes grew wide. He looked around and smelled carefully. Then he looked at his son with a raised eyebrow and pointed his head in Izuku's direction.

Katsuki nodded curtly. He wanted to find out how long it took his mother to catch on. He wasn't surprised that his father had understood so quickly. His old man had always been much more sensitive than his wife.

"It's so good to see you," his mother said, sniffling as she smiled lovingly at Izu.

"I think so t-too."

The alpha tousled through his mate's green curls before turning back to her son. Her expression turned serious. "I think I'm ready to meet your mate now. Where is he or she anyway?"

Katsuki grinned and fell silent. She really hadn't figured it out yet.

His father let out a soft laugh. "Turn around, honey."

Visibly astonished, his mother did so until she almost twisted her neck. "There's no one here but Izuku."

Was it really so absurd that she didn't understand?

Izuku shifted his weight uncertainly and lowered his gaze. "Um... Aunty Mitsuki, it i-is that..."

Her head turned jerkily towards the greenette. "No way!" she exclaimed in disbelief, leaning forward and looking at Izu's neck. Her pheromones flooded the room. She was downright euphoric. "But I thought you were..."

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. "Well, after m-my secondary gender revealed itself, I asked my mother not to tell anyone. Being quirkless w-was bad enough. Being an omega on top of that? I don't know i-if I would have been able to go to school then."

Katsuki felt a pang in his heart. Yes, he probably would have made Izu's life even worse back then.

His mate searched his gaze. He smiled gently. "It's okay, Kacchan."

"Why didn't you tell us?" his mother asked. "We would have liked to celebrate with you."

"We'll make up for it," Katsuki explained. "Provided Izu wants to and it's not too stressful for him. So far, only a handful of people know that he's an omega and even fewer know that we're bonded. It should stay that way for a few more weeks."

"Why is that?" his mother asked. "After all, this is good news."

"It's quite a long story," Izuku continued.

His father smiled kindly. "You've made coffee and we don't have any more plans for today. How about we sit down first?"

His mate smiled cautiously at his old man. "I'd like that."

Katsuki slumped his shoulders and walked over to the table. "We won't get rid of you before then anyway."

His mother punched him in the neck. "You ungrateful brat!"

"Yes, yes ... Sit down, old hag, before I change my mind and throw you out after all."

She literally dropped onto the sofa and pulled Izu with her so that he was sitting next to her and the two-seater was occupied. "You wouldn't dare. Right Izuku-chan?"

The blond pulled up his upper lip in warning. "Leave Izu out of this, you manipulative monster-in-law." He could feel his mate's amusement boiling up inside him.

"Come on, Kacchan. We'll continue o-our conversation from earlier tonight." Izu blushed slightly and his emotions suddenly took a completely different direction.

Katsuki grinned wryly and winked at his mate. Suddenly, it wasn't so bad that his parents had ambushed them now that he had the prospect of continuing their sofa activities.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Izuku stepped out of the shower, grabbing two towels and rubbing his body and hair dry. Once most of the water was dabbed from his skin, he wrapped one of the towels around his waist and placed the other over his shoulders to catch the falling drops from his curls. He habitually spared himself a glance in the mirror.

Katsuki's parents had spontaneously stayed until dinner. The afternoon with them had been lovely. He had enjoyed the touch of family life, even if it had made the omega painfully aware of his own mother's death. He wished he could spend afternoons like this more often.

Izuku applied lotion to his face and body. Then he left the bathroom. His mate was waiting for him in the adjoining bedroom. The alpha had already showered before him. Now the blond was sitting in their bed, dressed only in his sweatpants. Kacchan had stuffed the pillows into his back and was leaning against the backrest. His eyes were fixed on the smartphone in his hand.

As soon as Izuku entered the room, the alpha looked up and the greenette was greeted with a lustful look of fiery rubies. Kacchan pulled his lower lip between his teeth and let out a possessive growl.

A pleasant shiver ran down Izuku's spine. Yes, it was that look and that growl that helped him feel more comfortable in his own body again. If Kacchan could look at him with such craving, then there was no way the omega was as repulsive as he still felt at times. Right?

"Come here, babe," the blond demanded, carelessly setting the cell phone aside.

Izuku walked over to the bed, continuing to dry his hair. "What were you looking at?"

"The reactions to my revealed relationship status."

"So?"

Katsuki puffed. "The PR clowns should be pleased."

"Good." The omega nodded and climbed onto the bed with his mate. His gaze fell on the bruises covering Kacchan's neck and upper body. Subconsciously, he emitted pheromones. The urge to mark the blond hero as his own grew furiously within him.

He climbed onto Kacchan's lap, leaned over and licked one of the spots where a suction cup had attached itself to the tanned skin. The alpha exhaled the air hard and put his head back, giving Izuku more room. The omega set to work, covering the villain's marks with his own.

Kacchan placed his hands on his splayed thighs and ran them up under the loose-fitting towel. He growled loudly as soon as he realized Izuku hadn't put anything on after his shower.

Encouraged by this, the greenette circled his hips and rubbed himself against his partner. He didn't have to wait long for a reaction and he could feel Kacchan's arousal through his trousers.

"Fuck," the blonde gasped. "If you keep that up, babe, you're going to drive me crazy."

A smile crept onto Izuku's face and of course he continued. He pushed his pelvis firmly forward while simultaneously nibbling on Kacchan's skin.

The alpha gasped. But instead of the large hands pushing deeper under the towel, which was almost loosened, they paused. The mood in the room changed, and Izuku let go of his partner and looked up. "Is something wrong? Should I st-stop?"

"Fuck, no!" the blond hero groaned. "I just need to talk to you about something before I can't do it with my foggy brain."

The omega straightened up stiffly. Talk? What could Kacchan want to discuss with him? Had Izuku done something wrong? Perhaps embarrassed him in front of his parents? Had they said something when he hadn't been in the room for a moment? What if-

"Hey, calm down, Izu. It's okay." Kacchan cupped his cheeks and stroked his skin with his thumbs. "I talked to my parents. Next week, a few days after your second surgery, I'm going to spend a few days with them."

Izuku swallowed the lump in his throat. "Alone?"

"Yes."

"W-why?" Was Kacchan sick of him already? Did he need a break? Had the omega become too clingy and pushy since their bonding?

Kacchan pulled him close and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. "You didn't do anything wrong," he said, as if he had read Izuku's anxious thoughts. It probably even came across that way, judging by the turnaround in the omega's pheromones. "I ... My rut is due," he explained. "I don't want to risk you facing me in this state, so I'll make sure there's enough separation in time."

"Your rut..." Izuku repeated slowly. When he thought about it like that, it really was about time. Kacchan had freed him almost three months ago and hadn't shown any signs since. Unlike him and his monthly heat, alphas only got into a similarly agitated state once every three months.

Goosebumps covered the petite omega. Yes, he had encountered more than one alpha in rut during his captivity. Unpleasant memories rose up in Izuku's mind. His eyes grew moist at the thought of what those alphas had done to him in the near delusional state of rut.

Katsuki wrapped him in his arms and hugged him close. "Shhh, it's okay, babe. I won't touch you during this time and you don't have to see me either. I'll sit it out with my parents and then come back to our home."

Izuku pushed against the broad chest and pushed himself off a bit. He had to look his mate in the eye. "Are y-you..." He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and tried again. "Are you going to find another partner for this?" Like the heat of an omega, alphas felt pain during their rut when their body didn't do what their instincts demanded.

"Wha-? No, of course not! How come you ...? Babe ... I'm not going to hurt you or be unfaithful to you. That's exactly why I'm leaving the house during this time. I don't want to risk anything and attack you unintentionally."

"But ... then you'll be in pain," Izuku replied.

The alpha shrugged his broad shoulders. "It's not the first rut I've spent alone."

"I don't want you to be in pain, though." The omega shifted uneasily in his mate's lap.

"What's that supposed to mean? You're not going to tell me to find a rut partner? Because I'm definitely not going to do that." The blond's pheromones became sharp and tingled in Izuku's nose.

His head shot up. "No! I don't want you to f-find someone else. But I also don't want you to be in pain and alone."

Kacchan sighed and brushed a damp curl behind his ear. "One kind of excludes the other."

"Not if I-"

"No!" the alpha said harshly. "I'm not sane in this state. There's no way I'm going to risk traumatizing you any further. If my hormone-driven self messes up, you'll be afraid of me in the worst case scenario and all your progress will be wiped out in no time. Yet you've achieved and overcome so much in the last few weeks."

Izuku chewed nervously on his lower lip. Kacchan was not wrong. Still, the omega didn't want to leave his mate to his own devices when he was in a position to help him. "I trust you."

Blonde eyebrows raised mockingly. "I don't, though."

"Your alpha w-won't do anything to me I don't want," Izuku replied firmly.

"We don't know that."

The omega placed a hand on his partner's muscular chest - right above his heart. "Yes, I do know. Since y-you saved me, you haven't done anything that has harmed me in the slightest, quite the opposite. You do everything for me. During m-my first heat here, you showed unparalleled self-control. You won't hurt me. I know that."

Katsuki turned his head to the side, avoiding his gaze. "Even if there's some of my self-control left during my rut, I'll want to impregnate you."

Heat shot into his cheeks. Now it was the omega who lowered his gaze. "That ... would be okay from my side."

The blond jerked his head around and stared at him in surprise. "Hah?!"

Now, for better or worse, he had to reveal to his mate what thoughts had been haunting his mind almost constantly since they had bonded. "Maybe you've noticed that since our vacation I've been ... more open, more demanding?"

"Yes, I've noticed that."

Izuku crossed his hands and played nervously with his fingers. "Ever since we bonded, my omega has been restless."

"Restless?" Kacchan asked, because the greenette hesitated.

It didn't help, he had to get it over with. "I've felt this urge ever since. That I want to give you a family and bind you even closer to me at the same time."

"Is that what you want as well, or is it just your omega talking?" Kacchan asked.

Izuku pondered and finally shook his head gently. "No, it's not just my omega." He took a deep breath before he aspirated the following words, "Kacchan, I want a child from you."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

After the alpha got over his initial surprise, he grinned mischievously. "Babe, you sound like one of my groupies."

An absolutely cute blush adorned his mate's cheeks. "Don't make fun of me ... I'm serious, Kacchan."

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Izuku's temple. He ran his lips over the soft skin until he reached the omega's ear. "Then we should probably practise it. What do you think?"

A shiver ran through the petite body in his lap and sweet vanilla flooded the room. "Does that mean you'll let me share your r-rut with you?"

The alpha exhaled a strained breath. "Let me think about it for a bit, okay? After all, we still have over a week to go."

"Okay," the greenette agreed, leaning forward and giving him a quick kiss. But, instead of pulling away, Izuku stayed where he was, looking up at him through thick lashes. From this angle, his emerald eyes were huge. "Then... Let's do some practicing now." His lips brushed over Katsuki's as he spoke. His mate kissed his jawline and worked his way down to his neck. From there it continued to his chest.

Katsuki leaned back into the pillows and enjoyed the caresses of his omega. Izuku slid deeper and deeper down his body and finally knelt between his legs. Tender kisses were placed on his lower stomach. An excited tingling sensation spread through the alpha and he enjoyed his mate's brash approach.

It was hard for him to lie still and relinquish control completely, but part of him understood that the greenette needed that now. Even though Izuku was more open and the deep-seated fears in him were hardly noticeable anymore, the alpha knew that his partner was far from over his trauma. Were they really ready to start thinking about family planning now?

Before Katsuki could think about it any further, Izuku brought him back to the here and now. His slender fingers reached into the waistband of his sweatpants and pulled them down far enough so that his semi-erect cock slipped out.

A satisfied hum came from Izuku's throat. He pumped it a few times, filling his erection further. Soft lips met heated skin. Katsuki tilted his head back and growled softly.

Excitement built up inside him. His breathing quickened. "Oh fuck, that feels good."

The omega began to purr at the praise. The new stimulus almost made him come, but Katsuki didn't want to end their lovemaking just yet. Izuku moved his head up and down even faster. His curls had fallen into his forehead. The alpha would like to brush them aside and see his mate's shining eyes or run his hand through the soft waves.

He stopped himself at the last moment. Touching him now was a trigger for Izuku that could cause a flashback or a panic attack at worst.

"Let me see your eyes, babe." If he didn't distract himself from those thoughts, his mood would tip. He didn't want to do that to his omega, who was spoiling him so well right now.

Izuku quickly brushed his hair behind his ear and looked up at him. He loved Izu's eyes. Those shining emeralds that seemed to contain an entire universe, the alpha could look at them all day and lose himself in them. "You're beautiful."

With a wet plop, the greenette released his mouth from his cock and continued with his hand instead. Izuku gave him a bright smile and pushed himself a little higher again. Now he was sitting on Katsuki's lap with his legs apart. He straightened up and reached behind him for his erection.

The blond frowned. They just skipped a few steps here. "What are you up to?"

A playful giggle bubbled from Izuku's lips. "I think it's pretty obvious. Alpha~"

"Fuck~!" The word drove straight into his cock and Katsuki felt it twitch in the greenette's hand. Warmth enveloped his tip and the alpha groaned. His partner slowly lowered himself onto him. "Izu, I still have to prep you."

The omega breathed intently. His eyes were half closed. "I ... Already did in the shower. Hah~"

With small movements of his pelvis, Izuku took him in bit by bit until he was finally sitting on his lap again.

"You okay, babe?"

"Mhm."

Katsuki rubbed small circles on Izuku's hips with his thumbs. As soon as he got used to the alpha inside him, he straightened up a little and moved on him with small up and down movements.

Since their bonding, the omega liked to be on top when they made love. And who was Katsuki to complain about that? On the contrary, he found it quite hot when Izuku mounted and rode him with a glowing gaze, as he was doing now.

He leaned forward and sucked one of the pink buds into his mouth, which bounced up and down in front of his face. Izuku groaned, causing Katsuki to growl in excitement. The inside of his omega tightened. The feeling was wonderful, and a very primal part of him liked the fact Izuku was accepting him without the thin layer of a condom between them.

Their sweaty bodies rubbed against each other and the blond found it hard to think straight. Who could blame him when his sweet mate was moving on top of him, chasing his climax while making the sweetest sounds?

He ran his hands up Izuku's strong thighs to his waist. He ran his thumbs over the flat belly of his omega and imagined how it stretched. How it continued to swell from week to week as a sign of their love and connection.

The thought of it made him growl possessively. He wanted this - needed it. Gently, he licked and nibbled at Izuku's scent gland in the crook of his neck. The greenette shivered and moaned. Katsuki sensed that he was almost ready. He was no different.

The orgasm built up inside him and his knot swelled at the root. The blond took his hands off his mate and clawed them into the mattress beneath him instead. He didn't want to risk gripping the petite omega too tightly in a frenzy of lust and pushing him down onto his knot.

Izuku gasped and moved more and more urgently. With a soft cry, he spilled between them. His insides tightened, causing Katsuki to come with a loud growl as well. "Fuck~"

His mate continued to move on top of him. A forceful lowering of his hips caused his knot to enter Izuku. Before the alpha had processed what just happened, the greenette repeated the motion, pressing himself deep into Katsuki's lap. Their bodies connected inseparably. They both came once more as the blond's knot pushed into the omega's entrance and continued to swell until it became entangled.

Izuku cried out and breathed heavily. His fingers clawed at the alpha's shoulders and tears shimmered in his beloved emerald eyes.

Katsuki had just had the best orgasm of his life as he still poured deep into his omega, but he worried about his mate at the same time. "Wha- ... Babe?" he asked, breathless and disoriented.

The greenette let himself sink forward against his chest and gave him a small kiss on the scent gland before all tension left him. Katsuki embraced him and and didn't move anymore. Under no circumstances did he want to hurt or even injure Izuku with a sudden movement.

Through their connection, the blond felt the slight pain of his omega, but at the same time he was filled with love and contentment. Katsuki was at a loss for words. Fortunately, Izuku also sensed what was going on inside him.

The alpha stroked the greenette's lower back and cooed lovingly into his ear. It worked and Izuku's muscles relaxed a little more.

"I love you, Kacchan. Please let m-me spend your rut with you. I'm sure we can do it - the both of us."

Katsuki was filled with deep love. Right now, his life was just perfect.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

"How are you, Midoriya-san?" Dr. Nakamura sat in front of him with a clipboard and pen in hand.

Izuku let out a harsh breath. "I don't even know where t-to start. On the whole, I'm w-well."

The therapist looked at him over the rim of her narrow glasses. "I'm sure you are. The last time we saw each other was before your vacation with Bakugou-san. Let's start with that. After all, I can see that something big has changed for you on a personal level in the meantime."

The omega reflexively touched the mating bite in the crook of his neck. He didn't hide it. After all, he had no reason to do so at home. Dr. Nakamura had also known about Kacchan's courting bite. Besides, he still didn't leave the house. "The vacation was really g-great. Kacchan pulled out all the stops. If I'd had any doubts beforehand, they w-would have vanished into thin air by then at the latest."

The beta in front of him smiled gently. "That sounds nice. What did you do? Apart from the obvious?"

Izuku told her about the ryokan, the onsen, their visit to the temple and the picnic in the garden before his heat had set in the next day.

Dr. Nakamura's smile grew even wider. "I'm very happy for you that you've come so far."

"I have Kacchan to thank f-for that."

"I won't deny Bakugou-san has played a major role in your recovery. Nevertheless, all his efforts would be in vain if you didn't dare to open up and get involved. What about the bond? Have you coped well mentally with the bite?"

Izuku thought for a moment. His memory was slightly blurred by the heat. "I bit Kacchan f-first, so it wasn't so b-bad for me at that moment."

"That's a good keyword. First of all, I'm glad you've found an alpha in Bakugou-san who puts you on an equal footing with himself. However, how are you dealing with the press hype since his mating bite was revealed?"

The omega looked exhausted. "Honestly? Aside from the villain himself, the whole thing was just as planned by our PR consultants."

"Really? Why is that?"

"To d-distract from the video," Izuku replied tonelessly. "We only found out about it on the w-way back from the mountains. Two days had already p-passed since the leak."

Dr. Nakamura made a quick note. "Judging by the change in the focus of the reporting, it seems to have worked. Would you like to tell me about what happened while this video was being recorded?"

The greenette glanced sideways at the clock. They still had time. To make up for the missed session during the short vacation, they had one twice as long today. He had told Kacchan, Himari, Katou and their friends about it. It probably wouldn't hurt to let his therapist in on it too. So he talked to her for the first time about the fights in the underground arena and what he had done in that place.

"I'm sorry for what you had to go through. Thank you for letting me in on it," the beta said afterward. "Do you have anything else you want to talk to me about? If you need a break or want to call it a day, I understand. It's exhausting to face the demons of the past."

There was indeed one more topic he needed to talk about. Izuku chewed on his lower lip and agonized. "Something has changed in me s-since the bonding."

"What has changed?" his therapist asked.

"It ... I'm a bit embarrassed," the greenette confessed.

"I think we've long since passed the point of embarrassment, don't you think, Midoriya-san?"

Izuku grumbled indeterminately. "Since I've been with Kacchan, he's e-encouraged me to listen more to my instincts, not to suppress m-my omega's needs, but to allow them."

"Good advice," the beta interjected when he didn't continue.

"To be honest, I had a hard time d-doing that at first. All my life, I've suppressed my secondary g-gender, taken strong blockers and even denied my omega to myself. I now recognize these needs a-and act on them whenever possible."

The therapist nodded in affirmation.

"Since the bonding..." Izuku felt warmth rise in his cheeks. His pheromones flooded the room and he was grateful that the beta could barely detect them. He took a deep breath and tried again, "Ever since th-the bonding, I've had this desire... or rather a n-need. I keep thinking about m-making love to Kacchan, which we do."

"More often than before?" the beta asked in between.

"Yes."

"That's not unusual, but a very common phenomenon for newly bonded couples," Dr. Nakamura assured him.

The greenette nodded. "I've read about that too. But it's not everything yet."

"What else?"

"I want a child with Kacchan, a-although I'm not sure I should h-have one after what I've done. Besides, I can't bear the thought of Kacchan w-wanting to spend his next rut alone." Now it was out.

His therapist's face was pensive. "Okay, one thing at a time. Why do you think you shouldn't have a child?"

How many more dark revelations would he confide in the beta today? With a sigh, he began the recounting of another chapter of his captivity and the abuse he experienced there. Dr. Nakamura looked seriously distressed as the omega told her about how his stalker had impregnated him against his will and what he had allowed to happen in his desperation during the next fight.

"I understand why you're blaming yourself, but I completely agree with Bakugou-san. It doesn't make you a bad person or a bad omega. A wanted abortion does not disqualify you from getting pregnant again at a later date - with your chosen partner at your chosen time. How does your mate feel about the desire to have children? Have you already talked to him about it?"

Izuku nodded. "He doesn't seem to have any objections. I'm not sure if Kacchan thinks it's too early, though. Is it too soon?"

"I'll pass that question right back to you. Do you think it's too soon?" Dr. Nakamura didn't take her eyes off him.

"Yes and no," the omega replied.

"Could you explain that to me in more detail?" The therapist took a sip from her coffee cup.

"Yes, because we've only been together for a short time and our relationship in general h-hasn't lasted very long. Besides, we have so many other things to worry a-about at the moment: my next surgery, the stalker, the press ... On the other hand, Kacchan and I have known each other all our l-lives. I've wanted to have a relationship with him and start a family for so m-many years. He is so loving towards me ... I can't wait to see him as a father. My omega wants n-nothing more and I am in agreement with him on this. Is it wrong if I say that I want t-to try my hand at family planning now, because besides Kacchan, it's the only thing I know I want f-for sure in the future?" Izuku had lowered his gaze and was playing with the hem of his shirt.

"I can't advise you on one or the other. That would be presumptuous. Ultimately, you have to make this decision with your partner all by yourself. You've already thought about it at length. Whether you should wait or go for it - you have good reasons for both. As for your last question, there's nothing wrong with taking on the role of parent. Many people do and make it a big part of their lives for years. As long as you don't just want a child to provide you with occupational therapy, I don't see a problem. You are still so young. If one day you want to go back to work as a hero or pursue another profession, that's fine too. Omegas with kids are allowed to have jobs. That doesn't make them bad parents if they've made sure they have adequate care."

"I'll think about it a bit m-more," Izuku replied. At the moment, Izuku really didn't know what the future held for him. Sooner or later, he would become restless if he just stayed at home. He still wanted to help people. That was certain. But being the hero Deku again? He didn't know.

"You mentioned Bakugou-san's rut. What's that all about?" Dr. Nakamura asked.

The omega sighed heavily. "A few days ago, Kacchan t-told me he would go to his parents' house for a few days after my s-surgery to spend the rut there. I didn't like that."

"Why not?"

"I don't want him to be in p-pain. Besides, there's the matter of d-desiring a child," the greenette explained.

The beta scribbled something on her clipboard. "Why doesn't your partner want you there?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

Izuku winced at the deep voice. His alpha had entered the living room and frowned. "Kacchan!"

The therapist turned in his direction and sent him a stern look over the rim of her glasses. Before she could say anything, the blond raised his hands defensively. "I wasn't eavesdropping. I've just come home and was about to greet you when I heard the question."

"All right." Dr. Nakamura pursed her lips. "I'm anything but a couples therapist, but since this issue concerns both of you, perhaps it would help to discuss it together. Provided you agree to do so, Bakugou-san?"

The greenette could see his mate struggling with himself before he finally nodded and gave in. "I'll be right there." With these words, he disappeared into the kitchen.

He could feel Kacchan's exhaustion. Since the public display of his mating bite, the hero had been besieged by press and fans worse than ever. Nevertheless, he had worn the mark openly ever since and stood by it. Izuku was glad and really happy about that, even if he was sorry his partner had more stress as a result. Especially since the alpha didn't like it when people interfered in his affairs and he literally tended to explode as soon as things got too much for him.

Kacchan came to them with a large glass of water in his hand and sat down next to Izuku. He looked up at him uncertainly and bit his lower lip. A flick against his forehead made him flinch. "Don't think so much, nerd, it's okay." Turning to the beta, he asked, "What exactly should we talk about?"

Dr. Nakamura straightened up in her chair. "What do you think are the obvious reasons why Midoriya-san shouldn't get to see you during the rut?"

"Tch!" Katsuki groaned. "Shouldn't his therapist know that for a fact?"

"I have my suspicions, but I won't to jump to conclusions and make assertions just like that. It's better if my patients find their own answers by asking specific questions instead of having them imposed on them by me."

The alpha slumped his shoulders and lowered his gaze. "I don't want Izu to be afraid of me. I don't want him to associate me with bad memories in this state and exacerbate his trauma. I'm afraid of hurting him and doing something against his will because I might not be able to stop myself." His tone was calm. The words chosen carefully.

"Those are well-founded objections. How do you see it, Midoriya-san?" His therapist turned to him, but Izuku only had eyes for his partner.

The omega took Kacchan's calloused hand, which was clawed into the fabric of his sweatpants under the table, in both hands and looked at him insistently. "I'm happy that you're worried about this and thinking of m-my needs, even though in this case it's your own. But I'm sure you won't l-lose control just like that." He placed his mate's hand over his heart. "Your alpha knows me. He won't h-hurt me. My instincts and my omega are begging me n-not to leave you alone during this time. I w-would gladly listen and try to see you through the rut, as you did for me during my heat."

A battle raged in the red irises, which did not take their eyes off him.

"Together we can do this. We are the wonder duo or have you forgotten a-about that?" Izuku looked at the blond expectantly.

Kacchan let out a hoarse laugh. "How could I?" He paused and licked his lips thoughtfully. "Are you really sure?"

The greenette smiled broadly. "Absolutely sure!"

With a sigh, the alpha admitted defeat. "Then let's give it a try."

Chapter Text

POV ???

The blond alpha had dared to force his mate into a bond and now wore his mark for all the world to see. How could that bastard do that to his omega! His green-haired hero must have been in despair because he thought he could no longer be with his true mate.

And as if to mock him, the damn tabloids hadn't had another topic for days. He had wanted to make sure that the other alpha rejected the omega. Instead, he had forced him into a bond.

His blood boiled just thinking about it!

He had to free his mate.

The house where he was being held captive was too well guarded. He had no chance of getting in unseen and escaping with his omega. Especially as he had to assume his mate might resist him due to the brainwashing and bonding by the blond. He didn't want to have to hurt him. He couldn't hope for help from his clueless superior either. In the worst case scenario, he would steal his omega himself if he managed to get his hands on him.

He still had other options.

There was one thing he could do to free his omega. It had taken him days to prepare and he had barely slept, but that didn't matter. When the spell on his hero was broken, he would realize the truth and return to him. All he had to do was get to the root of the evil and eradicate it.

Fortunately, he knew that there was another thing besides his omega which the blond alpha was obsessed with. Everything was ready. He just had to make sure he got to him.

With the stolen smartphone in his hand, he walked into an alleyway in the industrial area. Not much longer and his omega would be free again. The alpha could hardly wait to receive his thanks.

~~~~~

POV Katsuki

Kiri and he were on morning patrol together. The city was just coming to life. Today their route took them to the outskirts of the city. Crooked things were regularly done between the numerous warehouses and villains on the run hid in the sprawling area.

Katsuki was grateful they had a quieter route today. There would be fewer fans and reporters to get on his nerves.

Of course, the comfortable silence didn't last long and his best friend broke it: "Have you heard that you're being framed for a relationship with that TV starlet who's all the rage right now? Coincidentally, she was also found to have a mating bite a few days ago. Now everyone is going crazy and hyping you as the next all-time favorite celebrity couple because she's also keeping the identity of her mate a secret."

The blonde snorted. "No. I'm not interested either." That was the truth. He had never cared about the tabloids, even when the headlines concerned himself.

"Don't you think it would be a good way to throw all the speculators off the scent?"

"Tch! And risk hurting Izu with it? Certainly not." Katsuki glowered at his partner.

"That's not what I meant," the redhead replied meekly.

The explosive hero stopped. "How else could you have meant it, except that I'm denying my real mate and hinting at being involved with some extra?"

Kiri bit his lower lip and mumbled an apology.

"If you're so desperate to talk about relationships, why don't you tell me when you're finally going to ask Mina out?"

The hero turned as red as his hair. "What makes you think I might want to date Mina? "Katsuki doubted his best friend's intellect for a moment. "Maybe because you've had a crush on her since high school and haven't dared to try your luck for years?"

"You know that?!" Now the redhead turned pale.

"The question is rather: who doesn't know? You're so unsubtle in your fascination with the alien that even our short-circuit Pikachu noticed it years ago." Katsuki grinned wryly, enjoying the sight of his partner for this patrol squirming uncomfortably. His own fault!

"Do you think Mina knows too?" Kiri looked downright panicked.

The blonde shrugged his shoulders and walked on. "If she's not as obtuse as you, then she probably does."

"But-" Kiri was interrupted by a crackle from their headsets, "Dynamight, Red Riot, come in!"

Katsuki pressed the button on the side of his explosive hair ornament that doubled as a communication device. "Dynamight here. What's going on?"

The control center promptly reported back, "We've received a distress call from one of Shoto's sidekicks. You're the closest. "

Their agency shared the central department, which reported directly to the Hero Commission, with a few other agencies. That's where their shifts and patrols were planned and organized. They also helped them coordinate an acute emergency, like the one they were facing right now.

"This is Red Riot. What's the emergency call about?" Kiri's voice sounded simultaneously next to him and a split second later in his ear. They had both switched directly to professional mode.

"Kido just contacted us with a sighting of an S-class villain. We're pulling the nearby heroes together, but you guys are the closest. Go to the indicated point and scout the situation until reinforcements arrive. Maybe we'll finally manage to capture him today," the voice in their ears explained.

The blond hero tapped the screen on the side of his gauntlet. The map of their surroundings lit up there and seconds later a flashing dot very close to them. "We've received the coordinates. Which villain are we dealing with?"

Katsuki and his partner were already running in the direction they had been pointed. It was only a mere kilometer. Even without the use of their quirks, the well-trained heroes only needed a few minutes to cover the distance.

"Overhaul is making a deal in one of the warehouses. Be prepared for a lot of enemies. Wait for the reinforcements and discuss the situation you have scouted on site. Only open the fight beforehand if it can't be avoided."

Katsuki's insides turned ice-cold before his blood began to boil. He had been waiting for this moment for months! He would have liked to use his explosions to move faster, but they were too loud and were considered a typical sign of his arrival. This time he couldn't let the asshole get away again. They had to sneak up on him, otherwise the villainous alpha would disappear again - as he had done so many times before. He ran even faster.

"Wait for me, Kat!" Kiri called out from just behind him.

But the number 1 hero had tunnel vision. He had to avenge his mate, protect him from the threat that Overhaul still posed to him! He only noticed in passing how his scent glands were running at full speed and pumping aggressive pheromones into the air.

The redhead demanded everything of himself and caught up with him. "Kat!" he groaned.

The blond growled in reply. The bound alpha inside him rebelled and tore at his chains, wanting to take control and eliminate the threat with claws and fangs until there was nothing left of the other alpha.

"Shit, Kat! Calm down! You can't just rush in there headlong. We need to wait for reinforcements so we can really apprehend him this time." Kiri exhaled hard as he ran, but his partner barely noticed. His own body was on high alert. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins, helping him to ruthlessly demand whatever it took to achieve his goal.

They were very close to the blinking dot. In front of them was a large warehouse that had seen better days. Some of the windows were smashed and it looked abandoned. It looked as if it hadn't been used regularly for years.

"Kat!" the redhead hissed in warning.

Stone-hard arms closed around his upper body from behind and abruptly slowed Katsuki down. Despite the resistance, he wanted to continue. The other hero planted his hardened feet into the asphalt and tried to slow down the raging alpha in his grip. The pavement cracked and the blond hero managed a few more meters before he could go no further.

"Let go of me, Shitty Hair!" He huffed and puffed like an old steam engine. Drool spurted through his mighty fangs, which had elongated to the point where he could no longer close his mouth properly.

"Don't make me knock you out for your own safety, bro!" You could hear the effort Kiri had to put in to stop the alpha in his rampage.

Katsuki growled warningly and snapped his fangs towards Kiri's face. "You wouldn't dare! Then you're dead to me!"

"Kat," the redhead pleaded chokingly. "I don't presume to claim that I can understand what's going on inside you right now. But I can assure you Overhaul will escape again if you rush in there now without a plan. At best, we'll arrest a few of his subordinates and no one else."

The words resonated with him. Katsuki's pheromones withdrew. They were still present, but no longer so strong as to choke you off.

"Please let us look for Kido and wait for the support. Once we have reinforcements, you may unload your righteous wrath on Overhaul and I will happily support you. Okay, bro?"

"Shit!" The blond hero gave up resisting. The tension left his muscles and his partner's grip loosened.

"I'll let you go now and then we'll sneak up on them. Can I trust you not to run off again right away?"

"Yes, yes! Now get your fucking hands off me."

His best friend released him and took a step back. "I'll do everything I can to help you finally catch Overhaul. I promise."

Katsuki made a sound that was a mixture of a growl and a disgruntled grunt. "Go on then."

Cowering, they crept to the warehouse and kept below the windows. Once there, they pressed themselves against the brick wall. It was cold against Katsuki's back and a stark contrast to his sweaty skin. If he wasn't careful, his body would become a walking bomb, causing uncontrolled explosions.

Carefully, he pushed himself up and squinted through one of the milky windows.

The warehouse was ... empty? That couldn't be right. Where were the villains?

"I don't see anyone," he muttered.

The red hero at his side also straightened up. With a furrowed brow, he looked through the window. "Me neither ..."

Katsuki looked at the electronic map on his wrist. They were only a few meters away from the indicated spot. "Let's find this fucking extra so he can show us where the fuckers are."

"Right now, I don't see any acute danger." Kiri turned his head in all directions. "I don't smell anyone either. You?"

The blond concentrated on his surroundings. "I don't smell anything either."

"If there's a yakuza deal going on here with several participants, we should be able to smell someone. It's impossible all of them can suppress their pheromones in such a tense situation."

With a hum, Katsuki agreed with him. "We'll split up and find Icy-Hot's extra. Then we'll see what happens."

The redhead nodded. "Agreed. Keep your channel open so we can coordinate."

"Yeah, yeah, let's go!" Katsuki turned to one side and Kiri to the other. He crept through the narrow alley next to the warehouse. There was nothing to be seen or heard here either. No sign of Overhaul or any other asshole. Where was everyone?

Arriving at the other end of the long building, the hero discovered a side entrance. Very slowly, he pushed the door handle down. It gave way. The door was not locked. He pushed it open just a crack and squeezed through into the dark building. He didn't want to draw attention to himself with squeaky hinges or changing light conditions.

The hero stood between covered machines. The air was stale and dusty. No one had been here for a long time. Were they in the wrong place after all? His map confirmed it was the place the control center had sent them.

"I've been around the building and haven't found anyone. Where are you, Dynamight?" During missions or in public, they always called each other by their official hero names. How they related to each other in private was nobody's business. Besides, it would be unprofessional and Katsuki didn't want to be accused of that with his rank.

"I'm inside. Side entrance to the east. There's no one here." He didn't even bother to whisper anymore.

"I'll be right back at the main gate," the redhead replied.

"I'll join you." He jogged through the deserted hall. His heavy steps kicked up dust and other dirt.

There was a whiff of pheromones in the air. Alpha ... Katsuki jerked his head around. Someone was behind him and very close to him! In the dark, he could only make out blurry shadows.

A jolt went through his abdomen. The blond alpha looked down at himself, blinked a few times, but the image he saw did not change. The handle of a knife peeked out of him. Katsuki jerked his head up and staggered in the direction from which he could perceive the pheromones. His attacker had to be in that direction.

The stab wound just above his pelvic bone burned like hell, but he wouldn't let that stop him. As long as the blade stayed in, he still had time. Katsuki looked down at himself. Yes, the knife was still in place. He blinked exhaustedly and fought against the pain.

Then the knife was gone.

Where had it gone?

He hadn't seen it before it hit him, nor afterwards, when it was suddenly removed again.

Blood poured from the wound and ran down his leg until it finally pooled in his boot. He pressed a hand to the wound and took a step forward. His foot made a smacking sound as soon as he lifted it.

He felt dizzy and had to stop to avoid falling.

"Kiri...?"

It cracked in his ear. "What's going on, Dynamight? Have you discovered Overhaul or Kido?" 

Katsuki coughed hard as he dropped to his knees. He rattled and tasted blood. He kept his hand pressed to the stab wound, but it didn't help.

"Dynamight? Is everything okay?"

He took a gasping breath. "Help..."

The blond hero could no longer hold himself up. He fell face first onto the cold concrete floor, but he barely felt it. The pain subsided. Shadows danced before his eyes, wanting to drag him into the darkness with them.

Katsuki was so tired. He wanted to go with them. His body felt so light. Panic and despair exploded inside him. Why? It didn't hurt anymore... Green emerald eyes, overflowing with tears, appeared in his mind's eye.

Izuku ...

It was a last gasp before the darkness won and took him away.

~~~~~

POV ???

The feeling of happiness which flooded through him as the blond alpha collapsed was overwhelming. He looked at the bloody blade in his hand. Just don't leave any marks.

With this wound, it would only take a few minutes for the wanna-be hero to bleed to death. Even if he was still breathing, if the other hero called an ambulance, the trip to the hospital would take too long. By then he would be long dead.

He didn't want to miss the moment when the other alpha, who had forced himself on his omega, breathed his last. Too bad the redhead was storming through the main gate. "Kat!"

Light spilled into the hall and he ducked behind one of the machines. His ecstatic pheromones had spread and would betray him if he stayed. Besides, he had to expect reinforcements at any moment. If anyone noticed that he wasn't where he was supposed to be, he could find himself in need of an explanation.

"We need an ambulance. Now!" Red Riot shouted.

The volume hurt his ears and he pulled out his headset. He could hear the hero either way. 

"Dynamight has been severely injured! He's unconscious and bleeding profusely. No, I didn't see what happened. Shit! I can't stop the bleeding ..."

With a broad grin, the alpha turned away and crept back to the side entrance. His plan had worked.

Just a few more minutes, my omega, then you'll be free again.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

He collapsed in the kitchen with a whimper. Tea leaves trickled to the floor along with him. For minutes he had felt Kacchan's seething anger and a whole truckload of overwhelming emotions, until now Izuku was struck down by a sharp pain in his side. Tears burned in his eyes and he could barely breathe.

His alpha was injured.

Badly injured - or so it felt.

With trembling fingers, he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and pressed his mate's contact. He had to make sure Kacchan was all right. He felt pain, fear and panic from him with an intensity that Izuku would not have thought possible.

The blond alpha didn't answer. The call went to voicemail. "Leave a message, extra, or don't. I probably won't call you back either way." Beeep!

Izuku hung up and tried again. The pain subsided. The feeling inside him became dull. The omega picked himself up and ran to the large mirror in the hallway. The cell phone rang forgotten in his hand. He twisted his neck. His mating bite shone fresh and still reddened in the crook of his neck.

It was still there ...

Thank the gods it was still there.

Kacchan was still there.

"Mido?!" The call snapped him out of his panicked spiral of thoughts. He glanced at the cell phone in his hand. It was shaking. Why did he hear Kiri? Why didn't Kacchan answer the cell phone himself? "Shit! Mido, are you still there?"

His lower lip trembled. Izuku forced back the tears and lifted the cell phone to his ear. "Kiri? Wh-where's K-Kacchan?"

"I don't know what happened. We had split up. One minute everything was fine, and then..."

Subconsciously, the omega realized that he was breathing too fast. He didn't have time to collapse now - not yet. "Then w-what?" Izuku was running on autopilot. He slipped off his slippers and put on his sneakers, not perfect like his boots, but at least a little more support.

The redhead alpha let out a hoarse sob.

"Then what, Kiri?!"

The omega left the house.

"Kat has a stomach wound. He's bleeding heavily and isn't conscious. I've called an ambulance, but I don't know if they'll be here fast enough ... I'm so sorry! I'm so terribly sorry!"

"Where are you?" Izuku asked. He stood on the landing and looked into the distance.

"The old industrial area to the west of the city. In one of the warehouses," the alpha replied.

The greenette looked in said direction. Even though it had been over two years since his last patrol, he knew his city. He knew exactly which district Kiri meant. It was over ten kilometers from here.

He could feel the connection to his mate weakening. Every second counted. "Okay, I'll be right there."

He carelessly dropped the cell phone and ran to the edge of the property. "Full cowl 100%." The power of One For All flowed through him. Green flashes of energy danced around his body and made his hair stand on end. With one leap, Izuku jumped over the high fence and ran straight west.

Nothing could stop him now. His surroundings raced past him in a sea of blurred colors. His senses were heightened and Danger Sense helped him to avoid obstacles in time. He sensed his alpha, knew exactly where he was and literally flew to him.

Izuku reached the industrial area. Warehouses of various sizes lined the area, but the omega had his destination clearly in sight. The connection to his mate was calling him, showing him the way.

He stormed through wide entrance gates and braked abruptly in front of the two alphas on the ground. The cell phone still in Kiri's hand. His face was strained with tears. "Mido ...?"

There was no time for that. Kacchan was pale as a sheet and the smell of his blood hung heavy in the air. "Help me get him on my back."

"What?"

Izuku crouched down in front of Kacchan. He kept his quirk activated the whole time. "Damn it, Kiri, help me!" Strong omega pheromones flooded the room. Whether it was because of them or because of Izuku's tone of voice was hard to tell, but the red hero finally moved.

He pulled the other alpha to his feet and heaved him onto the omega's narrow back. There was no sign of life from Kacchan, neither a cry of pain nor a muscle twitch.

As soon as his mate's muscular arms hung over his shoulders and Izuku had grasped his thighs, he straightened up and sprinted away. It wasn't that far from here to the hospital - certainly closer than from their home to the industrial area.

He was a little slower with Kacchan on his back. Still, Izuku made no compromises in his sprint through the city. Tears burned in his eyes and it wasn't just sweat running down his back.

The green hero was out of practice. In his prime, he would have been faster. As it was, he could only hope it was enough. They reached the hill on top of which the hospital was located. Izuku ran across the surrounding forest, leaving deep tracks in the soft ground.

The large building loomed in front of him. Instead of charging through the main entrance, he turned to the side and ran up the driveway to the emergency room. Unchecked, he ran through the swinging doors.

Izuku went down panting. Katsuki slid off his back and lay motionless. One For All faded along with the green flashes. "We need help!"

Numerous doctors, nursing staff and other patients scurried around him.

"Midoriya-san!"

Izuku looked up. Dr. Yaguchi came running towards the couple. Her stethoscope dangled wildly around her neck. "We need a stretcher!" she called over her shoulder before coming to a skidding halt beside him. "What happened?"

"I don't kn-know. Red Riot said it was a stomach wound. He's bleeding out." The adrenaline left his body, leaving nothing but despair. There was hardly any sign of Kacchan left through their connection.

Dr. Yaguchi examined the wound. The blood kept pouring out of the long stab wound, making it hard to see anything more clearly.

Hurried footsteps approached. They were accompanied by the squeaking sound of the wheels of the hospital bed that a nurse was pushing in front of him. A young doctor came running from the other side. "OR is ready. We weren't expecting Dynamight yet because the ambulance is still on its way."

"Which OR?" The head of the emergency room stood up.

"OR 3."

"Transfer to the stretcher and bring to OR 3 immediately, prepare the patient, do a cross-match for the blood transfusion and radio Yamamoto from general surgery to me!" The beta turned to the other doctor. "Misawa, get yourself sterile. You're assisting today."

Izuku watched as two orderlies lifted Kacchan onto the bed and hurried away with him. His legs were shaking. They wouldn't carry him if he stood up now. He couldn't lose his alpha. The greenette wouldn't bear it.

"Midoriya-san." He looked up and met the senior doctor's gaze. "Are you injured as well?"

The omega looked down at himself. His right hand was bloody and so was the shirt he was wearing. "That..." he swallowed hard, "is not m-my blood."

"Okay." The beta nodded. "Can I leave you alone?"

"Yes, I'll be o-okay." Izuku couldn't hold back the tears any longer. "Please save him. I can't ... He d-doesn't..."

Dr. Yaguchi squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. Then she stood up. "We'll take care of him. You can wait in the corridor. It will probably take a while, but as soon as we know more, I'll send someone to you."

"Th-thank you." The words came out in a hiccup and were so quiet that he wasn't sure the doctor had understood him.

Without another word, she ran after the others. Izuku remained sitting on the floor. He felt like a puppet whose strings had been cut. The hum of an engine sounded behind him, brakes squealed and a car door opened.

"Mido!" Kiri got out of the ambulance and ran to him. "Where's Kat?"

Izuku swallowed his tears. "They took him t-to the operating r-room."

The redhead attempted a smile - it was more than shaky. "That's good. Come on, let's get up. It's probably best if we go and get cleaned up first, huh?"

Only now did he notice that they were both covered in blood. The omega looked at his palm. It was covered in crusted blood, which was already in the process of drying. He fought the tears again and clenched his fist. Deep inside, he felt Kacchan's presence. He couldn't break down yet, he had to be strong for his mate first.

Without resistance, Izuku let the alpha pull him to his feet and after him. Kiri maneuvered him into the men's room to the washbasin. Mechanically, he did what was necessary to wash Kacchan's blood off his hands. The white soap lather turned pink, as did the water, which disappeared down the drain.

The alpha regarded him with a frown. "I'll inform the others and ask them to bring us some fresh clothes."

Izuku merely nodded. He didn't trust his voice. He didn't want to know how much of his mate's blood was really on his skin. Together they went to the waiting area. There, Kiri was on the phone with Mina. The omega wasn't listening. His thoughts were with Kacchan.

The two men waited in silence. Every now and then a doctor or nurse came by, but they hardly paid any attention to those waiting. Each time, Izuku lifted his head, hoping to get news about his mate's condition - just as Dr. Yaguchi had promised. It had been over an hour since they had taken Kacchan with them.

The footsteps of several people echoed through the corridor. He looked up and spotted Denki, Mina and Sero. Kiri stood up and went to meet them. Part of Izuku was grateful that his partner had such good friends. However, he wasn't in the mood to deal with them at the moment.

He had lost control of his pheromones a while ago. The omega lacked the energy to worry about that as well.

A swinging door was pushed open. This time, the nurse didn't seem to be in such a hurry. Her gaze swept over Izuku and finally lingered on the heroes from Katsuki's agency. She straightened her shoulders and headed in their direction.

The greenette stood up from his chair and blocked her path. "Do you know h-how Dynamight is doing?"

The young beta bit her lower lip. "That's confidential personal information."

"I realize that," Izuku replied. "I brought h-him here."

"I'm only allowed to talk about it with family members or heroes from his agency," the woman replied meekly.

"I'm a hero, too." The omega had never expected to say those words again - especially not in a situation like this.

"Yes, but you have no connection to Dynamight. I'm not allowed to tell you anything. There are protocols I have to follow." She tried to walk around Izuku, but he immediately blocked her path again.

"Dr. Yaguchi promised m-me she would keep me i-informed."

"I'm afraid I don't know anything about that. Please let me through, Deku. I need to talk to Red Riot. Since no relative is here, he's the next person to contact. If his mate were here, he would get all the information and make decisions if necessary, but this way..." she replied.

"I'm standing d-directly in front of you!" Izuku became loud and snorted angrily. He no longer had any patience for this. He had been worried about Kacchan for hours and this woman was clinging to formalities as if her life was at stake and depended on it. She was even worse than Tenya.

Before the beta could say anything back, Kiri was at his side. "Is there any news? How is Kat?"

Emerald eyes fought back tears - but this time of frustration. He had folded his arms in front of his chest to hold himself and in an attempt to calm down. "She won't tell m-me because I wouldn't be in a-any connection with him. She only wants to talk to y-you or his mate."

The red hero blinked a few times and looked back and forth between the two. Then he cleared his throat. "Look at Mido's neck. Believe me, you really should talk to him."

The beta lowered her gaze and her eyes went wide.

Izuku did his best not to shout at her. "Now, would you please be s-so kind as to tell me the state of m-my mate's life?"

She licked her lips nervously and nodded briefly, as if to encourage herself. "For the moment, Dr Yaguchi and Dr Yamamoto have been able to stabilize him. However, the blood loss is critical and they're still stitching everything up."

"What kind of injuries does he have?" Kiri asked.

The beta lowered her eyes. "The abdominal aorta was almost completely severed and the small intestine was injured in several places. It's impossible to make a prognosis at the moment."

Roughly, Izuku rubbed the tears from his face. "What about Recovery Girl? Has she been informed?"

"Not yet. She can't use her quirk on patients with such severe blood loss. If Dynamight can make it through the night, she can help him heal faster."

The omega went cold as ice. They weren't sure if Kacchan would survive this injury. If he died now ... They had only just found each other again!

The nurse took a step back. "I have to go back to the operating room. If there's anything new, I'll let you both know." With that, she turned around and hurried back through the door.

Kiri grabbed his shoulder reassuringly. "Kat is tough. He can handle it."

Izuku couldn't do that now.

It was all too much.

Without saying another word, he pulled away from the redhead's grip and sat back down on the chair against the wall.

Hours passed and no one came. That had to be a good sign, right? Again and again, Izuku felt inside himself and checked whether he could still feel his alpha. His leg swayed nervously. The Bakusquad had tried several times to engage him in conversation. Apart from a meaningless hum, the heroes had received no answer from him.

Izuku gasped for air and clutched his chest. He couldn't breathe. The pain under his ribs was so intense it paralyzed him. The omega slid off the chair and gasped for breath. It felt as if his heart was going to stop and be ripped out of his body with all its might at the same time. A tortured sound escaped his lips. Lips that had been kissed lovingly this morning. Kissed by the man who had just died.

"Mido?"

"Izuku?!"

The crook of his neck burned like fire and he gripped the spot above the scent gland with his other hand. Bent over, he knelt on the floor and tried to bear the pain.

The burning subsided.

The pain in his chest remained.

In a fit of sheer panic, Izuku tore at the collar of his shirt and twisted his neck. The prominent red of his mating bite had faded. In its place was an almost white scar.

His tears overflowed and he screamed.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

In a fit of sheer panic, Izuku tore at the collar of his shirt and twisted his neck. The prominent red of his mating bite had faded. Instead, an almost white scar was emblazoned there.

His tears overflowed and he screamed.

His world collapsed and Izuku with it. Apart from the pain inside him, he was no longer aware of anything else. Neither his heart-rending screams nor the loss of control of his quirks. One For All and Black Whip erupted from the body writhing on the floor, causing panic among his friends and the hospital staff.

The floor beneath the omega cracked and black energy whips kept anyone who tried to approach him away. Caught up in his despair, Izuku held himself and was blind to his surroundings. So he didn't even notice Kiri approaching with his body completely hardened and resisting his attacks until the alpha finally knelt in front of him.

A sting in his throat. Seconds later, the greenette lost his strength and fell over. He was caught and held. By this time, the anaesthetic had long since taken effect and Izuku had lost consciousness. He was no longer aware that four other heroes were cowering on the ground next to him, crying.

~~~~~

The comforting blackness receded. The omega clung to it. Izuku never wanted to wake up again. He felt so terribly empty. Not the slightest hint of his mate remained inside him. He felt nothing. Part of him wondered why he had even lasted this long. Nothing Izuku had endured during Overhaul's captivity had been as terrible as losing his connection to Kacchan, and the omega wanted to die too.

What was keeping him in this cruel world, where there was no one left to love him? Why should he continue to live? He no longer had a reason to. His consciousness cleared and Izuku began to perceive his surroundings.

His head was resting on something warm, as was his left hand. He heard murmured words in the background. The voices were familiar to him. Still, he didn't want to deal with them. It was not the voice he wanted to hear. He would never hear that voice again.

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

Izuku moved his head. With his ear turned towards the warmth, he heard a much more pleasant sound.

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

He snuggled in a little tighter. The sound calmed him. What on earth was it?

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

His breathing calmed and he took deep breaths.

There was a very faint hint of caramel in the air. It smelled like ... Kacchan. Again, the omega fought back tears. He longed for comfort, even though the pain in his heart was inconsolable. No one would ever be able to fill this hole again.

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

He listened to the sound and instinctively turned to the smell of caramel. The tip of his nose now also touched something warm and the scent was stronger here.

What was that?

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

Izuku opened his eyes. He looked at a prominent jawline, followed by the tip of a nose and behind it ... spiky blond hair! His gaze swiveled to his hand. It was resting on a ribcage tucked into a hospital gown.

With renewed vigor, the greenette pulled himself up, ignoring the dizziness that was coming on.

It was Kacchan!

They were lying together in a hospital bed.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Izuku jerked his head around and stared at the steady line on the green screen. Tubes were hanging from his mate's arm. Likewise, a narrow tube had been fed through his nose and a wider one was stuck in his mouth.

The voices in the background fell silent. Instead, he noticed the hissing whistle of the ventilator next to him.

Tears ran down the omega's cheeks. This time, however, with relief. Could it be true?

"Hey, Mido." A soft voice sounded behind him.

The greenette couldn't tear himself away from the sight of his partner and hummed in reply. Shoes squeaked across the linoleum floor and a familiar alpha stepped up to the bed from the other side.

"How are you?" Kiri asked.

Izuku's gaze jerked to him only briefly. "Is ... is Kacchan r-really still alive?" he asked a counter-question.

"Yes, it was damn close, but with every hour that passes, the chances are better that Recovery Girl will be able to treat him tomorrow," Kiri explained.

The omega clutched his neck. "But why...?" He couldn't finish the question.

The alpha understood him. "Kat went into cardiac arrest in the OR. He was dead for forty-two seconds, but they were able to bring him back and stabilize him. It took long enough to sever your bond. I'm sorry, bro."

"We can e-engage it again. I heard we could," Izuku muttered.

"Definitely!" Kiri beamed at him, only to bow deeply immediately afterwards. "Thank you, Mido. If it hadn't been for you, Kat wouldn't have made it. You saved his life. Please forgive me for not taking better care of your mate and for giving you an anaesthetic."

Darkly, Izuku remembered the loss of control. If Kiri hadn't stopped him, the omega might have torn down parts of the hospital. "It's okay, it was b-better that way." He yawned. He just couldn't shake off the tiredness.

The redhead laughed nervously. "Maybe you should get some more sleep. I could have put an elephant to sleep with that medicine. Dr. Yaguchi had arranged for you not to be separated to avoid a reaction like in the hallway as soon as one of you woke up. So Kat will still be there when you wake up."

Izuku yawned once more. "Mhm." He laid his head back on Kacchan's chest and listened to his heartbeat, soothing and lulling him.

~~~~~

A knock roused Izuku from his slumber. This was followed by other sounds: the scraping of chair legs across the floor, footsteps, the opening of a door and greetings being exchanged quietly.

"Is there anything new?" Kiri asked.

"We were able to prove Kido's innocence. It wasn't him who made the false emergency call," detective Tsukauchi replied.

Izuku straightened up as soon as he had made sure Kacchan's heart was still beating and looked towards the door. He gripped his alpha's hand so as not to lose contact with him. "What are you t-talking about?"

"You're awake," Kiri stated. "How are you?"

The omega listened to himself. "I'm fine." He looked at his mate. "How's Kacchan d-doing? Did the doctors s-say anything?"

The redhead smiled wearily. "He's stable and they expect him to make a full recovery."

The burden which had made Izuku's heart heavy fell away from him. Tears of relief burned in the corners of his eyes. To keep from crying in front of the others, he asked, "What about Kido?" The omega remembered the Flaming Sidekickers that Shoto, Kacchan and he had worked under during their internship with Endeavor.

The alpha emitted nervous pheromones. "Try to stay calm, okay?"

Izuku swallowed. Nothing good had ever come after asking his counterpart to stay calm. Izuku nodded stiffly.

Tsukauchi spoke up, "According to our investigation so far, it looks like Bakugou was lured into an ambush and Kido's identity was misused to do so."

His heart beat faster. Someone had deliberately wanted to kill Kacchan? It wasn't a random attack by a villain? A wild mixture of fear and anger flowed through him, which was also reflected in his pheromones.

"Mido..."

He took a few deep breaths. "It's okay, I w-would never hurt Kacchan. What exactly h-happened?"

The red hero took over the explanation: "Kat and I were on patrol in the industrial area. It was quiet, then the control center radioed us. They had received an emergency call from Kido, who had reported the sighting of an S-Class villain very close to us. We were to support him and investigate the situation until further reinforcements arrived. We were given the coordinates and set off.

Then we were told the villain was Overhaul..." Kiri didn't take his eyes off him, which the omega couldn't blame him for. The name alone made him nervous. "You can probably imagine how Kat reacted to that. Shortly before we reached our destination, I finally managed to calm him down enough to stop him completely shutting himself off from rational arguments and to bring his bloodlust down a little. We crept up to the warehouse where the deal was supposed to take place, but there was no one inside. The whole area seemed deserted, so we decided to split up and search the area. We kept in radio contact.

Kat found another entrance on his side and entered the warehouse. I had almost circled it in that time. There was no sign of life anywhere apart from us. I radioed Kat and he told me he was inside and would come out to me now. A few minutes later, I heard him calling me for help over the headset. I immediately rushed into the warehouse. He was already unconscious and bleeding on the floor. There was no sign of the perpetrator or the weapon used. I called an ambulance. Shortly afterwards, Kat's cell phone rang and I answered it when I saw it was you."

"I sensed th-that something was wrong with Kacchan," Izuku muttered. "What makes you think it's an assassination? Has a-anyone confessed to it?"

"Not yet," the detective replied.

"And you're sure Kido didn't make the report? " Izuku really couldn't imagine it, but he had to be sure.

"For sure," Tsukauchi replied. "He was on patrol with Burnin at the time. When we questioned him, it turned out his cell phone had been stolen, as well as his ID for registering with the system."

Izuku's mind was racing. He tried to recall the warehouse, but all he could remember was Kacchan's wounded body and the smell of blood. He was missing something, but he couldn't figure it out. What had the warehouse looked like? "Kiri?"

"Yes?"

"Were there really no clues about the perpetrator?" the greenette asked.

The alpha scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I'm afraid I was too distracted for that."

"We've examined the area," the detective reported. "As the ground was quite dirty, we were able to make out Bakugou's footprints. There were other footprints in the far corner near the side entrance. We think that's where the perpetrator was hiding. Bakugou had turned around in the middle of the warehouse and taken a few steps back in that direction before the first drops of blood fell on the floor. Then it suddenly became more blood and he collapsed.

The attacker did not approach him physically. A hunting knife is suspected to be the murder weapon, but unfortunately there is no trace of it."

Izuku chewed on his lower lip. "So the assumption is that Kacchan wanted to go to Kiri's exit, but he turned around because he noticed his attacker."

"Maybe he made a noise or something else that gave him away," the policeman suggested.

"Pheromones!" the redhead suddenly exclaimed. "When Mido took Kat, his scent was less present and I looked around the warehouse while I waited for the ambulance to arrive. They were almost faded, but I smelled a different alpha."

The omega got a really bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. "What d-did they smell like?"

Kiri thought hard. "I'm not that good at naming pheromone scents."

"Please try to d-describe it," Izuku asked.

"It was two components. Something woody and herbal."

The omega began to tremble. His stressed pheromones flooded the small room. "Sandalwood a-and thyme?"

The alpha's face brightened. "Right, that's it." Only now did he notice Izuku's reaction. "What's going on, Mido? Do you know anyone whose pheromones smell like that?"

"Better than I'd l-like." Izuku blinked away the rising tears. "My stalker w-wanted to kill Kacchan."

"Shit!" Kiri groaned breathlessly.

Tsukauchi pulled out a pad and pen. "You're absolutely sure Midoriya?"

The greenette snorted. "As if I could ever f-forget that smell. Even if I stayed i-in therapy for the rest of my life."

His eyes fell on his partner. The blond had almost died just because of him. It was his fault it had come to this. He felt terrible about it.

Izuku made a decision. He had to protect his true mate - no matter the cost.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Hardly any news had spread faster than the tragic and completely unnecessary death of the beloved number 1 hero Dynamight. A nation mourned, while villains everywhere sensed an opportunity and went about their business. Luckily, hero agencies across the country had been informed before the information was released to the general public. As a result, they were prepared and were able to nip almost all criminal activity in the bud.

Izuku had left the hospital that afternoon without a word. He had ignored the press and made his way through the curious people until he was finally alone. After packing a small bag, he had gone to the park.

For about an hour he had been sitting on one of the benches, which was in a less crowded area among many trees and bushes. His faded mating bite visible to all. To anyone who approached him and asked what he was doing here, the omega replied the same: he was waiting to be picked up. The people instinctively sensed that the former hero didn't want any company and quickly retreated.

The setting sun bathed the land in an enchanting evening glow and Izuku's heart sank. He had not yet arrived.

The pebbles of the path crunched under heavy boots. The greenette looked up and shielded his eyes from the low rays of the sun with his hand.

Had he finally arrived?

A man sat down on the bench next to him. He was broadly built, had to be an alpha. He was also wearing a hero costume, which the omega couldn't immediately recognize. Izuku looked the hero in the face and finally recognized him. "Onima," he said in greeting. How ironic that the omega had had nothing to do with the Flamin Sidekickers for a long time before his disappearance and had now more or less met two of them in the space of a single day.

The older hero didn't say anything back, just looked at him. Izuku looked around. "Is Shoto around too?"

Onima smiled wryly. "No, just the two of us. It's just you and me at last, omega."

That voice ... He had been waiting for this! Izuku emitted joyful pheromones. "You're coming to p-pick me up, alpha?" He searched his counterpart's eyes for something he could recognize. Today, the alpha was wearing the mask which framed his face as part of his costume. Usually it had been a half-mask which he had worn when he had come to Izuku. But the eyes... they were the same dark eyes. It was him - no doubt about it.

The hero answered him with his own pheromones, which enveloped and permeated the greenette. A shiver ran down Izuku's spine. He leaned towards him.

"I'll take you home." Onima reached out and grasped the back of Izuku's neck. He rubbed his thumb over the faded mating bite. With light pressure, he pulled him even closer.

The omega lifted his hand and placed it on the trained chest. "Please wait, alpha."

The other man growled unwillingly. "Why?"

Izuku lowered his gaze, only to give the black-haired man his best puppy dog look afterward. "It makes m-me uncomfortable if anyone could see us doing i-it. Besides, I might want t-to ... afterwards..." He didn't speak any further and instead turned his head to the side in shame. With the tip of his finger, he drew circles on the chest of the alpha Izuku had been in contact with the whole time.

Onima sighed, but then smiled mildly. "Alright, I know you're shy." Before the omega could have responded, the alpha rubbed his wrist firmly over the scent gland in the crook of his neck.

An intense scent of thyme and sandalwood enveloped the two men on the park bench. Onima marked Izuku as his property with his pheromones. The omega snuggled into the touch and purred.

"Mine!" the other hero growled possessively. Slowly, he withdrew his hand and stroked Izuku's cheek. Then he stood up and held his hand out to him. "Come on, omega."

The greenette didn't have to think about it a second time and took the proffered hand. The alpha helped him up and clasped their hands together. Izuku gripped the shoulder bag tighter and followed him willingly. After a few meters, they had left the protective trees and bushes behind them and were freely visible among the greenery.

"Is it t-true?"

"Hm?" Onima said.

Izuku licked his lips. "Was it you who struck d-down Dynamight?"

"And if I was?" the alpha asked lurkingly.

The omega submitted to the other man and tilted his head slightly to one side. He looked at him from below and observed his face very closely. "Please, I-I need to know. Was it you who freed me and k-killed Dynamight, alpha? "

The black-haired man's chest visibly swelled and he let out a deep growl. "Yeah, I lured that self-absorbed bastard into a trap and finished him off. He never earned his place as number 1. If anyone should claim it for themselves, it should be you, my omega."

Izuku hummed in reply and stretched out his arms. He wrapped them around Onima's neck and slowly pulled the taller man down to him. His gaze bounced back and forth between his eyes and lips. The alpha understood his intention, closed his eyes and leaned forward further.
All the while, the greenette stroked his neck.

The black-haired man did not notice how Izuku slipped a small needle out of the long sleeve of his shirt. Just before their lips met, he stabbed him. Directly into the jugular vein.

Onima cried out and tried to get away from him. He wanted to use his quirk and stared at him in horror as soon as he realized he couldn't. The green hero was quicker. Black Whip and One For All burst out of him at the same time. Izuku ducked away, locked onto his opponent and swung behind him. Knee first, he crashed between the alpha's shoulder blades and knocked him to the ground, pinning him like a butterfly in a display case.

Izuku pulled quirkblocking handcuffs from his pocket. With little effort, he pulled one of his opponent's arms back and snapped the handcuff around his wrist, then grabbed the other arm. The green hero had successfully caught and arrested his stalker.

"Why are you doing this, omega?" Onima exclaimed desperately.

Izuku growled and pressed his knee a little deeper into the other man's back. "Don't call me that!" he hissed dangerously. "You never had the right. You're not my alpha and you never will be. I don't love you! I loathe you - for what you've done to me time and time again and for attacking Kacchan. Katsuki is my alpha. I've loved him my whole life and that will never change. I hope you rot in Tartarus!"

The alpha beneath him whimpered and emitted stressed pheromones. Izuku didn't want to have to see him anymore. He shoved a hand behind his ear and pressed a button on the headset his curls had hidden. "Tsukauchi? Did you hear e-everything?"

"Loud and clear, Midoriya," the detective's voice rang in his ear. "We're already on our way."

Izuku continued to hold the alpha on the ground. Onima was sobbing, but the omega had no sympathy for him. "Why, omega? Why? You love me, don't you? I know you love me!"

The greenette growled threateningly in reply and was glad as soon as he saw Tsukauchi and his colleagues running across the meadow towards him. The policemen reached the two heroes and two officers took Onima into custody.

Tsukauchi cleared his throat. "Hero Onima, you are hereby taken into custody. You are accused of attempted murder. In this context, you are also charged with identity theft, faking a crime and false accusation. You are also charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault, multiple counts of sexual assault and witnessing and participating in the criminal activities of an illegal organization. And I'm sure we'll find a few more charges for the judge once we start looking.
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. You have the right to have a defense attorney present at every interrogation."

The policemen led the hero away. The omega stayed behind in the park with Tsukauchi. "Good work, Midoriya. Do you want to come with us for the initial questioning or take part in a later interrogation?"

"Later, please. I really don't w-want to see him anymore today." Izuku just wanted to take a shower and wash the foreign pheromones off his skin. It had taken everything he had to hide his true feelings and pretend to return and welcome the affection for so long.

"Okay, I understand. I'll get back to you when I have news," the detective said.

"Thank you."

The beta followed his colleagues and Izuku was left alone. Only now did he really realize that he would soon be able to put it behind him; as soon as the stalker's crimes had been proven and he was convicted, the memories would hopefully fade bit by bit.

A smile crept onto his face. Izuku had faced the past and fought for his future at the same time. With relief in his heart, he also turned away. He really needed to take a shower now!

~~~~~

"Uno!" Kiri exclaimed happily just as Izuku opened the door to Kacchan's hospital room.

The blond hero growled and threw a handful of playing cards onto the narrow table by his bedside. "I'm fed up! First Izu has disappeared and it's driving me crazy that I can't feel him right now. Then Recovery Girl forbids me to get up and leave the room and next thing I know, the filthy TV is broken! I'm bored! I want to get the hell out of here!"

The omega chuckled softly. Kacchan had woken up and was completely in his element.

The alpha's posture immediately changed and his head shot in the direction of his mate. The pheromones in the air changed from annoyed to delighted. "Izu! There you are at last! Shitty Hair said he didn't know where you were."

"Did it work?" Kiri asked before Izuku could say anything back. The redhead looked at him expectantly.

Izuku nodded. "Yes, you can let Himari p-publish the revocation, please."

The blond looked from one to the other. "What are you talking about? And why do you smell so funny, babe?" Red eyes bored into the omega like a precision laser. "Come to me." Katsuki growled more than he spoke.

The greenette approached his mate's bed willingly. The closer he came, the more indignant his partner's reaction became. Nevertheless, Izuku was not afraid - he had nothing to fear from Kacchan.

Kiri stood up and pulled out his cell phone. "I'll call Himari. I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about." He left the room as quickly as if he were fleeing a burning building.

The blond pulled him close and buried his face in the crook of his neck. "Why do you smell ... like that guy in the warehouse?" Kacchan pushed him away a little and looked at his neck. "What happened to your skin?"

Izuku climbed onto the bed with his alpha. To get rid of the other man's pheromones, he had scrubbed his skin almost bloody over the gland. Unfortunately, a residue remained. "Can you please sc-scent me? I want to smell only you, Kacchan."

He immediately complied, stretching out his arm and pressing his wrist to the irritated area. The room was filled with the smell of caramel and vanilla answered him. Purring, Izuku snuggled even closer to his mate and finally relaxed. He never wanted to let go of Kacchan again.

"What happened?" the alpha asked softly.

The greenette didn't have a chance to answer him, as the door was pushed open at that moment. Kiri marched to the bed and half sat on the edge of the bed on the other side, earning a growl from Katsuki.

"Scoot over to me for a bit, Kat." Kiri held up the smartphone and tried to find a good angle.

"Why would I do that? I want to cuddle with Izu, not you." The blonde sounded irritated and pissed off.

"You can do it in a bit. We're both going live now. No talking back! After that, I'll leave you alone."

"What the fuck?! Have you run your thick skull into the wall one too many times or what?" Kacchan frowned deeply.

"It's time to announce to the world that you're still alive," the redhead replied. "Himari's orders."

"Do we have to do that now? I'm not up for this shit!" He snuggled closer to Izuku and looked sulkily at his best friend. Then he sniffed and smelled their pheromones. "What did you do?" A deep rumble escaped his chest.

"A few hours ago, we put out a press release declaring you dead. Don't give me that evil look. That was your mate's idea. Anyway, the plan worked out, so now we can safely announce that you're still alive. It's about time. Most people are weeping and mourning for you and the villains think they're particularly good at causing trouble at the moment."

Kacchan growled and glared at his partner. "Is that why you weren't here when I woke up?"

Izuku nodded.

"Is that also the reason for the broken TV, being banned from leaving this room, and having to play fucking UNO with Shitty Hair all fucking day?"

Kiri shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Yeah?"

With an angry snort, he loosened his grip on the omega. "Let's get this shit over with and then I want answers - no excuses!"

"Okay, bro. Let's do it," Kiri assured him.

"Ready?"

"Whatever."

"All right, live in 3, 2, 1! Hey guys! Red Riot here! I have a message for you that will hopefully make this unpleasant day better for most by the end. Dynamight's death was a hoax. I'm with him right now." He waved the cell phone over to the blond. Izuku, meanwhile, had slipped a little to the side. "Say hello, Dynamight!"

"Am I a fucking parrot or what?"

"Come on, we've all had a bad day today," Kiri asked, smiling nervously. The comments and likes flooded the cell phone screen.

Katsuki rolled his eyes demonstratively, then raised his hand briefly in greeting. "Hey extras! What's up?"

Kiri pushed his way into the picture. "As you can see, we really are in the hospital. It's true that Dynamight was attacked yesterday and suffered life-threatening injuries. It was only thanks to Deku that he was taken to hospital in time. Most people should have seen his sprint through the city by now. So that part of the press release is correct. We declared Dynamight dead to lure out his attacker, which worked. Again, it was Deku who, together with the police, tracked him down, convicted him and finally arrested him."

Katsuki jerked his head to the side. "You did what?!"

The redhead waved the cell phone back and forth between the two of them.

"Kacchan, you're st-still live," Izuku said uneasily. He smiled painedly at the camera he was pointing at.

"Turn that thing off, Shitty Hair!" his mate barked.

"Yeah, okay ... Well, you'll get more information later. Have a look at our agency's account. As you can see, Dynamight is well and will soon be back on patrol in our streets after a full recovery. Bye!" Kiri waved goodbye, then ended the stream.

"Answers. Now!"

Izuku immediately buckled and told Katsuki how he had come up with the idea to lure out the attacker, whom the omega had recognized as his stalker because of the pheromones. Dr. Yaguchi, Kiri and the other heroes of the agency, as well as Himari, and the police had helped. Each of them had played their part successfully and made sure the blonde hero was not aware of the outside world and vice versa. "I waited in the park nearby. Of course, o-only after the police had wired me and taken up position. I was convinced h-he would have to show up sooner or later if he thought his attack had been successful and he c-could get to me more easily now. After a while he really c-came and I pretended to b-be happy to see him. After all, I needed his confession before the arrest a-and had to talk to him for so long." The thought of being so close to Onima still made Izuku shudder.

"Who was it?" Kiri asked in between.

"Did you know him?"

"Unfortunately," Izuku replied quietly.

"Who's the wanker? Who do I get to blast to kingdom come?" A small explosion popped in Katsuki's palm.

The omega grimaced. "A pro-hero."

"What?!" both alphas shouted simultaneously.

"A member of the Flamin Sidekickers f-from Endeavor's days, still working at the agency now, with Shoto a-as their boss. His hero name is Onima." Izuku snuggled closer to his alpha. He would have loved to move even closer, but he was afraid of getting too close to the injury and hurting him.

Katsuki didn't seem to share these concerns. He pulled the omega close and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "While I don't like it at all that you had to face this asshole alone and get so close to him that he had the opportunity to pollute you with his filthy pheromones, I'm proud of you, babe."

Izuku sighed comfortingly. The warmth of his alpha's body and the bed they were sitting on made him sleepy. He never wanted to have to experience days like the last two again. "I'm still a hero, Kacchan, it's part of the job."

Blonde eyebrows shot up. "Been saying that all along, nerd!"

"You owe your life to him alone, by the way," Kiri interjected with a grin and stood up.

"Don't worry, I'll be too happy to show my gratitude to my lifesaver in one way or another." The alpha's grin spoke volumes and butterflies fluttered in Izuku's stomach.

"And that's the cue for me to leave!" Kiri announced. "I'll be back tomorrow."

The couple enjoyed being close to each other and hadn't even noticed their friend's presence and farewell. Their feelings for each other were too strong.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

There was a good chance the blonde alpha would commit murder today. Tsukauchi was standing in front of them and had just reported on what they had learned from the search of the bastard's apartment. Katsuki's anger swelled with every word. Although the blond was not yet really fit again, he would support his mate today.

For the first time since the connection to Izu had been severed, the alpha was glad his mate didn't have to share these feelings in him. Even if he could hardly stand this state at any other time. After Katsuki had experienced what it felt like to be connected to Izuku, he didn't want to miss it any longer than absolutely necessary.

The air in the small observation room became heavier and heavier due to the couple's various pheromones. Fortunately, their counterpart was a beta and hardly noticed any of it.

"Do you really want to keep listening to this, Midoriya?" the detective finally asked.

He gripped Katsuki's hand tighter. "I need to kn-know."

Tsukauchi sighed and turned a page in his notebook. "Well, fine. You can always break off if it gets too much for you. Even later."

Izuku nodded in understanding.

"As I said, most of the apartment was unremarkable. It became disturbing in a chamber-like room adjacent to the bedroom. We can safely say that Onima's obsession with Deku began years ago. The oldest pictures and reports we've found are from just before the war. You had just received your provisional licenses."

"At the time, we w-were at Endeavor with Shoto for our work st-studies," Izuku murmured.

"We were only 16 then!" Katsuki exclaimed indignantly.

His omega emitted stressed pheromones and he pulled him closer to him.

Tsukauchi cleared his throat. "That seems to fit. We found pictures of you which were obviously taken secretly in a locker room. According to the analysis so far, these are the oldest."

Katsuki growled dangerously. "If I get my hands on that pedo bastard..."

"Bakugou," the detective warned. "None of us want you to jeopardize your license. We've arrested him and I promise you he'll serve a very long time for what he's done. Our entire department is working closely with the DA's office and the Heroes Commission to make sure it happens."

There was silence for a moment, which was finally broken by Izuku. "What else have you f-found?"

"Lots of pictures and articles about you, either printed out or digitized. Then there are interview recordings or broadcasts of your fights. We haven't gone through all the hard disks yet, but we can already assume there will be more." Tsukauchi lowered his eyes and swallowed visibly. "Other video footage has also been secured. Including the video that was recently leaked. We can assume it also originated from Onima, as we have found other battle videos from this arena."

"How many?" Izuku asked.

"Just over fifty so far."

By now, the omega's whole body was trembling. "And of the o-others?"

"Others?" Katsuki asked in between.

The detective's nervousness reached a new high. "About twenty. Listen, Midoriya, we're handling the case as discreetly as possible. Whether it's securing the evidence or viewing it. Only a few people are involved. However, we have to pass it on to the DA's office so that they can press charges. I can't imagine how hard it must be to know about the existence of these videos, but if they don't become part of the indictment, Onima's sentence could be significantly reduced."

Izuku took a shaky breath. "It's o-okay."

Katsuki turned him to face him and clasped his omega's cheek. Tears burned in the beloved emerald eyes. "Babe, what other videos?"

The tears overflowed and the alpha wiped them away with his thumbs. Izuku bit hisr lower lip and didn't answer. Once again, Katsuki wished for their connection to be back. He wanted to share his omega's grief and comfort him.

Then he remembered what Izuku had told him about his stalker's visits. The other alpha would have brought him food, tea, that unspeakable drug once, and regularly... his cell phone.

A dangerous growl escaped Katsuki's throat and he felt his fangs pinch his gums. "I'm going to  kill the bastard!" Protectively, he pulled his mate to his chest and held him tightly.

Izuku snuggled tightly against him and the trembling of the smaller body subsided somewhat.

The detective was about to say something, but was interrupted by a knock. "Come in!" he called out instead.

The door opened and Icyhot stood behind it. The alpha seemed a little out of breath and leaned against the doorframe. "Am I too late? I'm sorry I'm late, but since Onima's arrest, the agency and I have been besieged by the press."

Tsukauchi looked at his wristwatch. "No, just on time. I'll let my colleagues know that we can start the interrogation as planned." The beta pushed past Shoto and the three heroes were left alone in the room.

"Hello Midoriya," the half-half-bastard said. After a moment of silence, he added, "Bakugou."

What was this guy doing here?

Katsuki pulled up his upper lip in warning and hugged Izuku a little tighter. "What do you want, half-and-half?"

The alpha bowed deeply until he was almost at a right angle. "I came to apologize - to both of you - and to witness the interrogation. I had no idea what Onima was up to outside of his work at the agency, otherwise I would have done something about it and arrested him myself. I'm sorry I didn't notice anything. It shocked me when I found out it was him who attacked you, Bakugou."

"Tsk! You should be much more sorry for the other shit he did to Izu." The room was pumped full of Katsuki's pheromones now - a clear warning.

Shoto screwed up his face a little and tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

The blond looked at him in disbelief. "You're telling me you don't know what that damn asshole did to Izu for months?"

"What are you talking about-?" Shoto was interrupted by the door opening.

"We can get started. My colleagues are taking him next door now," Tsukauchi said, standing in the middle between the heroes. Had he noticed the tense atmosphere?

The blond didn't have time to think about it any longer, as the door in the next room opened at that moment. They could see the whole room through the one-way mirror which took up most of the wall. Two policemen led a man in handcuffs and leg irons in and to the single chair at the table in the middle.

The bastard was unremarkable, black disheveled hair, dark eyes, normal build for an alpha, probably around forty. Katsuki growled softly. He wanted to hurt the bastard ...

"Kacchan." His mate's call brought him back from his murder fantasies. "Stay with me. I can't d-do this alone."

He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. Then he turned Izuku around in his arms so he could watch without wrenching his neck the whole time. He pressed his muscular chest against Izuku's back and wrapped his arms around him. Finally, he pressed a kiss to the top of his omega's head and carefully rested his chin on his head. Now he embraced the smaller man's body and they were as close as the situation would allow. "Is it okay like this?"

"Mhm," Izuku hummed in reply.

The officers attached the handcuffs to a hook provided on the table top.

"I'm going next door now." Tsukauchi looked back and forth between the two alphas. "Do I have to get someone here so you don't bang your heads, or can I do without?"

Katsuki growled discontentedly. "Don't worry, I've got better things to do here than punch Icyhot in the face because he's obviously going through life blind as a boss." Perhaps it was unfair to blame the other hero, but the blond didn't know what to do with his anger at the moment and needed an outlet.

"Well, fine, I'll go now. If you have a specific question you'd like me to ask, you can press this button and I can hear what's being said here with my radio."

"Thank you," Izuku mumbled.

The detective left the room and immediately entered the next room. "Detective Tsukauchi, I will be conducting today's interrogation. For the record and to preserve evidence, we will record the entire conversation. You have the right to refuse to answer questions which could incriminate you. Is your defense attorney coming to this interrogation?"

Onima laughed. "I'm not aware of any guilt. Everything I've done has been to protect my omega. Of course, a beta like you can't understand that. The only one I want here is my omega. Where is he?"

"Who are you talking about when you talk about your omega?"

"Deku, of course!"

"There is no pair bond between you and Midoriya. He's not your omega. He made that pretty clear when you were arrested, I'd say. Just because you're obsessed with this idea doesn't make it true," Tsukauchi replied.

"Pffft! What do you know?"

"Let's move on to today's questions. After we searched your apartment, a few more came up."

Onima shrugged his shoulders. "Fine by me."

"Is it true that the fascination with Deku started while he was working for his work-study at Endeavor's agency, where you were already working as one of his sidekicks at the time as well?"

"No."

"No? Then when?"

The alpha grinned. "After he defeated Stain. It was a shame to deny Deku that victory and instead award it to Endeavor, of all people. Just because your superiors were afraid of the reaction of the public and Stain finding even more supporters. But the man was right! If you only knew what Endeavor has screwed up in his career... What Dabi revealed was only from his private life and this was bad enough. Deku, on the other hand, was a real hero even back then."

"I see," replied the detective. "And it was during the work studies that you first got to know him personally?"

The black-haired alpha nodded. "After a patrol, Deku was sitting alone in the locker room. Shoto had already left and that blond bastard had once again thrown absolute nonsense at him. That's when I smelled his pheromones for the first time and realized he was an omega. He'd already cast a spell over me before, but at that moment I knew we were meant to be together. I went to him, reassured him and since then have sought his company as often as I could during this time."

Katsuki growled at what he was hearing. Yes, in their first year of high school he had been a real jerk and had taken out his frustration over his own complexes on his childhood friend far too often.

Izuku snuggled up to him and the alpha calmed down a little.

"Why are all these questions about Midoriya?" Shoto asked, seriously confused. "I thought this was about the attack on you, Bakugou."

Katsuki turned his head to the side, the jerk really didn't seem to have gotten the memo or was he even more slow on the uptake than the blond had previously thought? "Izu is, after all, the reason the bastard attacked me in the first place."

"Why is that?"

"So you're telling me no one has informed you that this bastard from your squad is one of Izu's rapists and to top it off, his stalker who attacked him in the hospital and tried to force a bond on him? That's why the asshole stabbed me. He wanted to get me out of the way so he could break our bond and get to Izu."

Icyhot had the decency to look shocked. His pheromones flooded the small room. They testified to his surprise and grief, but Katsuki didn't have time for that. He wanted to know what else this bastard had to say. Icyhot had made him miss Tsukauchi's last question.

"Yes, I was really sad when the work studies ended. The war broke out shortly afterwards and Deku disappeared for a while. I was very worried at the time. So I was all the more relieved when he reappeared and emerged victorious from the battle against Shigaraki and All For One. Once everything returned to normal and Deku was officially working as a hero, it was easy to follow him and his successes," Onima said.

"Did you want to bind him to you back then?" the detective asked.

"No, not yet. As you've noticed, my omega is young. I wanted to give him some time to develop his career before he settled down with me. But then he disappeared without a trace and a short time later everyone was convinced he was dead. I was desperate, after all I had lost my mate. The incompetence of the heroes became more than obvious and I considered returning my license. On the other hand, if he was still alive, I wouldn't have gotten any more news from my omega." The alpha's expression was disturbing. He seemed absolutely convinced of what he was saying.

"How did you come across Overhaul's club?"

"During a night patrol, I overheard two petty criminals talking about it and they had piqued my interest. I was really not myself at the time and it piqued my curiosity. That's why I went to the club. I wanted to finally feel something again after losing my omega. I went a few times and was about to stop it when I saw him in the ring one night. I was about to storm downstairs to see him, but I didn't want to blow my cover in front of the villains if one of them recognized me as a hero.

That evening I also found out what Overhaul had forced my omega to do. I would have liked to get him out of there immediately, but I couldn't do it alone."

Tsukauchi grumbled. "Good point. Why didn't you tell anyone you had found Deku? This raid could have taken place over a year ago. If you love Deku so much, you should have wanted to end his suffering by Overhaul instead of dragging it out unnecessarily."

Onima growled and slammed his hands on the table. "Because I wanted to be the one to save him! He should know he can rely on his alpha. Though I had to pay to see him and share him with others, I worked on a plan to free him. Until then, I went to him as often as I could to give him comfort."

It took everything Katsuki had not to jump through that mirror and go for the other alpha's throat. Hatred seethed inside him. If that weirdo hadn't been so deluded and had instead taken his work as a hero seriously, Izuku would have been nowhere near as long in captivity.

"By comforting, I assume you mean abusing," Tsukauchi growled indignantly. Apparently the beta was thinking similar thoughts to his own.

The black-haired man gave him an offended look. "Of course not. I wasn't like the others."

"Then Deku didn't fight back and didn't explicitly say no?"

"He's shy, you know. So it's logical he's a bit timid. I was almost ready with my plans. Then I found out about the raid. I adjusted my plans and wanted to rush to my omega in the commotion. Unfortunately, I was stopped higher up and it was this cocky bastard who found him first. After that, he wouldn't let my omega go and even brainwashed him and tied him to himself. I'm so glad I got rid of that problem." Onima laughed. He seemed really proud of himself. "Now my omega will soon realize he belongs by my side and come to me. Then we can finally bond and I can bring him home."

"Didn't anyone tell you while you were in custody?" the detective asked.

"Told me what?" Onima looked at him skeptically.

"Weren't you surprised that the charge was limited to attempted murder and not murder?"

The black-haired man turned pale and the stupid grin fell from his face. That's a good thing!

"No ..."

"Yes, Dynamight survived. Deku saved him. He's doing well under the circumstances and will make a full recovery." Tsukauchi seemed to take a sadistic pleasure in giving the alpha this information - Katsuki wouldn't have thought the beta capable of it. Or did the guy like working with him so much and was glad Dynamight was still alive?

Onima jumped up and growled loudly. The chair fell to the floor with a bang. His fangs were fully extended. Izuku jerked back in his arms, whereupon Katsuki cooed reassuringly and hugged him tightly. "Everything's okay. He can't hurt you anymore. I'll take care of you. Besides, you've proven you're stronger than him, babe. You're safe."

"Where is he?! He'll want to take my omega away from me again! Deku is mine! MINE!"

The commotion and screams attracted more policemen and they stormed into the interrogation room. Onima was subdued and taken back to his cell. Tsukauchi joined the waiting heroes in the observation room. He looked a little exhausted. "At this point, I'm pretty sure Onima is a case for preventive detention in a psychiatric ward, not prison."

Katsuki snorted. "Not that I doubt it, but why is that?"

"Everything he's said is true for him. My quirk didn't even respond to a lie. That means he's so convinced of his views that he doesn't even see how wrong and criminal his behavior is anymore."

The blond growled. "I don't give a shit where you lock him up as long as you make sure the bastard never sees daylight again."

During their exchange, Shoto stood silently in the corner.

"We're on it, Bakugou," the detective assured him. "I'll keep you informed. Right now, though, you should get back to the hospital. I'm sure they're already waiting for you there."

The beta was right, even if Katsuki didn't like to admit it to himself. He was exhausted and realized he would have to lie down again soon. Dr. Yaguchi had not yet discharged him, but had only given him permission to go out for the afternoon.

In order not to stress the couple with the broken bond any more than they already were, the senior physician had also suggested to bring Izu's surgery forward by three days. That way, they would be in the same room together and wouldn't have to separate. As if the alpha would allow that at the moment!

The day after tomorrow was Izu's second surgery. They would spend the subsequent rest period together. In addition, Katsuki had assigned two members of his security service to stand guard outside the room door around the clock. Although the crazed stalker was now behind bars, the alpha wanted to do everything in his power to ensure his mate's safety while they were both battered and under the weather.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

He had managed the second surgery well. Together with Kacchan, he had stayed in hospital for a few days afterwards. Thanks to Dr. Yaguchi and Recovery Girl, both heroes had made a full recovery.

There had been an initial hearing against Onima with a judge, but neither of them had attended. It was bad enough Izuku would have to attend the trial as a witness. After the interrogation at the police station, he and Kacchan had had enough of his stalker's crazy fantasies for the time being.

Shoto had visited them in hospital a few days later and apologized to them again. It had hit him harder than he had wanted to let on, but Izuku had seen it. No wonder, considering his friend had known Onima for so long - first as his father's sidekick and later as his own. Shoto had promised them to work closely with the authorities so that they could solve all of Onima's crimes.

Of course, none of this went unnoticed by the public. The omega had caused quite a stir with his sprint through the city to rescue Kacchan. Not only was his return as a hero celebrated with this action and Onima's subsequent arrest, but the footage also showed his mating bite.

The cat was out of the bag. Now everyone knew the truth about his secondary gender. Mainly because the press and fans had noticed that not only Izuku's but also Katsuki's bite had faded.

No one wondered who Dynamight's mysterious mate was anymore, even though official confirmation from their agencies was still pending. As a result, Izuku had withdrawn even further from the public eye - if that was even possible.

At the moment, he didn't have the energy to deal with it and preferred to leave it to their PR advisors to observe what was happening and plan the next steps.

Kacchan had not yet resumed his work as a hero. Although he had been cleared by the doctors to do so, he would not be able to return to work until after the onset of his rut.

Izuku was a little nervous, if he was honest with himself. Most of the time it was the good kind of nervous, but sometimes he was overcome with self-doubt and the omega wondered if he was really ready. Fortunately, these thoughts always disappeared quickly.

He was currently standing in the kitchen preparing a cup of tea. It would be starting soon. Kacchan had been sweating since last night and he barely let Izuku leave his side. Both were signs of his beginning rut.

His mate was in the shower. Since Kacchan's sweat was literally explosive and he didn't want to take any unnecessary risks, he showered for the third time today. Afterwards, they wanted to snuggle up on the sofa. Who knows, maybe Kacchan's rut would start then too, it had been the same with Izuku and his first heat which he had shared with the blond alpha.

The thought made him feel warm. Izuku's next heat wasn't actually due until next week. However, there was a good chance Kacchan's rut would trigger it prematurely. What would it be like then? Would they both fall over each other, ruled by instinct? This thought excited Izuku just as much as it unsettled him.

It was different with his mate. Kacchan had proven to him time and time again that he could rely on him and let himself fall and let loose. The prospect of the next three days made the butterflies in his stomach flutter nervously and hot anticipation spread through him. Would his inner urges be satisfied? If not by a shared rut, then probably by nothing else.

Lost in thought, Izuku chewed his lower lip. He had completely forgotten about his tea.

He smelled his alpha even before he saw him. Heavy pheromones hung in the air. It was a mixture of caramel and fire. Izuku's nose wrinkled slightly. He couldn't quite put his finger on the second note, but it promised fiery passion for the omega.

A shiver ran through his body and Izuku looked over his shoulder. There stood the blond in all his splendor. Kacchan hadn't put his clothes back on after the shower, but had only wrapped a towel around his waist, which was sticking out at his crotch. It took no imagination at all to know what the thin fabric was hiding. Standing there, silently watching him, Izuku was sure they wouldn't be cuddling on the sofa next. Blazing ruby eyes watching his every move, they seemed to literally glow from within. For the first time in his life, Izuku wasn't uncomfortable being viewed as prey by an alpha. Kacchan was allowed to look at him like that at any time.

The greenette whimpered needily and he emitted lustful pheromones in waves. Izuku felt slick wetting his boxers.

"Omega," Katsuki rumbled possessively. His voice was even deeper than usual, full and dominant. He approached Izuku with a measured step. He visibly restrained himself from simply pouncing on the omega, but gave him time to prepare himself for what awaited him.

Damn, that was sexy.

Izuku purred, waiting to be claimed by his mate one more time.

Now Kacchan was standing sideways behind him. It was okay. That way Izuku could see him. Besides, with the dominant pheromones, it was impossible to mistake him for anyone else.

The alpha leaned forward and licked over his scent gland as he rubbed his hips against Izuku. Kacchan inhaled audibly and exhaled with an approving growl. "Mine!"

"Yes, alpha, only yours," the greenette confirmed. His head was buzzing a little. Kacchan's aroused pheromones were making it difficult for him to think.

"Will you serve me?"

Izuku felt Katsuki's rock hard erection against his ass. "Yes, alpha~." A pleasurable tremor ran through his body.

The blond let out an affectionate growl. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you, omega."

A confirming hum came from Izuku's lips. Kacchan wrapped his arms around him as he kissed his neck and licked his skin.

"I want you to scream my name until you forget your own. I will pleasure you until you see stars. I will thrust my knot so deep inside you and bury it in your warmth until you don't even know what it feels like to be without it. I will pump my seed into you. So much and so deep that it will leak out of your sweet hole days later until you have no choice but to receive."

Izuku let out a high-pitched whimper. His slick flowed in streams. He wanted to get rid of the wet underwear and pants and give himself to his partner as quickly as possible.

Kacchan lightly pinched his scent gland with his fangs and Izuku moaned loudly. "Is this what you want, omega?"

"Yes. By the gods, yes. Please alpha~!" Izuku surrendered to his instincts and pushed against the blond's swaying hips.

Kacchan grumbled in satisfaction, grabbing Izuku's shirt and pulling it over his head. He hadn't even processed what was happening when his mate grabbed him by the waist and turned him around.

Izuku held on to the kitchen counter and let his partner have his way. Katsuki's gaze glowed on his skin and he grew hotter and hotter. Next, he pulled Izuku's sweatpants and boxers down in one go until they were hanging at the back of his knees. Only to lift him onto the counter the next moment, as if he weighed nothing, so Katsuki could pull the rest of his clothes off.

The granite under his butt was cool, but the omega found it pleasant in his overheated state. He couldn't wait to reunite with his true mate. His body needed this to understand that he hadn't lost his alpha, even if their connection was currently broken. Fortunately, he didn't have to endure this feeling of loss for much longer. Soon they would renew their bond.

Once the clothes no longer restricted his legs and Izuku was sitting completely naked in front of his mate, he opened his legs for him and put his head to the side. The invitation to take him could not have been clearer.

Katsuki pushed himself between his legs and captured his mouth. The kiss was rough and wet. Meanwhile, the alpha kneaded his thighs and ass.

Izuku leaned towards him and clasped his hands on the back of Katsuki's neck. After a few minutes, they broke the kiss.

"I want to taste a lot more of you, omega." He breathed the words against Izuku's lips before kissing his scent gland one more time, only to attend to his nipples afterward. He licked and sucked on one, while his calloused fingers played with the other.

The desire in Izuku was fed anew and it flared up under the caress. "Hah~, please more, alpha~." His body couldn't stop trembling. The omega was about to lose himself in the maelstrom of pheromones and sensations. Like electric shocks, every touch of his partner went under his skin and caused his brain to short circuit.

Katsuki growled and snarled, which excited Izuku immensely at that moment. If he had thought he couldn't feel any more pleasure, his mate proved him wrong when he licked his stiff shaft and then took it in his mouth.

Katsuki knelt on the kitchen floor between his legs and spoiled him with his mouth and fingers. Izuku was so wet by now he felt no discomfort at all when the alpha pushed the first finger inside him. A short time later, he added the second.

Both were no longer capable of clear words, but that didn't matter. Their bodies spoke their own language and the sweet sighs and moans did the rest. Soon Katsuki had prepared him and stood up again. Izuku had been on the verge of orgasm for a few minutes. It was like walking a tightrope, wondering when the moment would come when he would fall.

Katsuki slowly licked the remaining slick from his lips. They both used the moment to catch their breath - the calm before the storm.

"Are you ready for me, omega?"

That deep rumble was so hot. "Yes," Izuku breathed, stretching his arms out to him.

Without another word, Katsuki positioned himself and slowly penetrated him. The stretch only pulled a little and it didn't take long for the small feeling of discomfort to disappear. His alpha had prepared him well. As soon as he got used to the feeling, Izuku thrust his pelvis forward, giving his alpha wordless permission.

Katsuki understood, pulling almost completely out of him and immediately thrusting hard into him again. Izuku cried out in pleasure. The blond started in a fast rhythm. The omega had not wanted it any other way and bent towards him to be even closer to Katsuki.

They were both so aroused that it didn't take long for the orgasm to begin. Izuku moaned uncontrollably and clung to the blond's broad shoulders as their bodies slapped loudly against each other and they rushed towards release together.

The omega felt something wider bumping against his entrance and trying to push its way into him. With each thrust, Katsuki's knot pushed a little deeper until he finally found his footing and overcame the resistance. Izuku cried out. His movements became more jerky. The alpha thrust firmly into him once more and hit his prostate unerringly. With a guttural groan, the omega spilled his cum between them. His muscles contracted and ensured that Katsuki also found release and poured his seed deep inside him.

Izuku purred contentedly and sank against his mate's sweaty chest. The need to be filled by his alpha was satisfied for now. Katsuki kissed his neck, whispering words of praise into his ear. His muscles softened and Izuku hung in his mate's arms, breathing heavily. Their union had been overwhelming and fulfilling in so many ways. Katsuki's rut was only just beginning.

The alpha lifted Izuku and carried him up the stairs to their bedroom. He willingly allowed it to happen.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

His body was heavy, but at the same time, a deep contentment filled Izuku. Kacchan's alpha was no less caring than the omega had expected him to be. Yes, he was demanding, but not in an unpleasant way. It felt good for Izuku to surrender to his mate.

Kacchan was considerate of him even in a state of rut. Loved him instead of mindlessly pouncing on the greenette - not like the monsters Izuku had dealt with before.

If his alpha couldn't get enough of his taste before, it was even more intense now. He could feel his lips or tongue on his skin almost constantly.

Izuku lay on top of the taller man and kissed him greedily. He rubbed his hips over his partner's hard abs and whimpered into the kiss. It was the morning of the second day. Immediately after getting up, they had made love and briefly satisfied the burning need for merging with each other.

It hadn't taken long for desire to flare up again. Izuku didn't know how much longer he would remain lucid. He was hot and he didn't feel satisfied yet. He was almost certain it wasn't just because of Katsuki and what they'd been doing almost non-stop since yesterday.

Izuku couldn't remember how many times they had made love since the first time in the kitchen yesterday. They were both in a frenzy, even if the omega was at least halfway sane.

Breathing heavily, Izuku broke the kiss, his head was buzzing and he needed air. He straightened up and propped himself up on Katsuki's broad chest. Even when he was in rut, his alpha let him be on top - at least as often as it was the other way around.

The blond grabbed his ass a little tighter and squeezed. "Come closer, omega."

Although Izuku wondered what his mate was up to, he complied. With spread legs, he slid forward a little and was now kneeling almost over Katsuki's chest.

"Closer." The alpha emphatically pushed him further up his body.

The omega let it happen.

There was something challenging about his partner's grin. "A little closer." The growl with which he spoke made the greenette even wetter.

Before Izuku knew what was happening to him, Kacchan lifted his hips, pushing him higher and sliding a little lower himself at the same time. The omega held on to the headboard to keep his balance.

"Ahhh~!" Izuku felt the warm tongue of his alpha at his entrance. He hadn't expected it and was completely surprised.

Katsuki hummed contentedly, making the feeling even stronger. Now the greenette was holding on for another reason. His legs trembled from the arousal and the muscles in his thighs twitched uncontrollably.

"What are you doing~?" The question was rhetorical. The blond couldn't answer him even if he had wanted to. Izuku looked down and met his partner's smoldering gaze, looking up at him from between his thighs. Izuku got goose bumps.

It wasn't the first time Kacchan had licked him, but they had never done this before. Izuku literally sat on his alpha's face while he - obviously more than satisfied with himself - spoiled him with his tongue. The large hands kneaded his ass.

Izuku was mesmerized. He couldn't take his eyes off Katsuki's ruby eyes. What they were doing here was as naughty as it was hot. The tongue penetrated him and the omega moaned loudly. He quivered with desire and had to hold on to the bed frame to prevent himself from collapsing. It was pure sin and Izuku loved every second of it.

The lust inside him grew and grew. His stomach tightened and the greenette knew that he wouldn't need much longer if his mate kept this up. Meanwhile, he swayed his pelvis in rhythm with Kacchan's tongue movements. A small part of him wondered whether the blonde was still getting any air at all. The thought was quickly forgotten as a lightning bolt ripped through his body and the omega shuddered. "Alphaaa~!"

The tension inside him released and Izuku came with a loud scream. For a brief moment, his quirk flashed and the solid wood of the bed frame shattered under his hands.

Pheromones flooded the room and made Izuku dizzy. Katsuki's potent alpha pheromones went to his head. The omega was getting hotter and hotter. As the highs of his orgasm subsided, a sharp pain shot through his abdomen. Izuku whimpered. He felt so empty. He needed to feel Katsuki inside him to ease the pain.

His pheromones changed, becoming heavier and sweeter until they blended perfectly with those of his alpha. Gently, Katsuki lifted him from his face and placed him between the soft blankets. Izuku's nest had taken a bit of a beating, but at the moment it didn't bother him. After all, it was due to their previous activities that it had become a mess. His mate was with him and made him feel safe and secure, so it didn't matter that not all the pillows were in place.

Katsuki leaned over him. Izuku immediately stretched out his arms and pulled him close. At the same time, he opened his legs wide for his alpha, who grumbled contentedly in response.

"Strong omega." Katsuki placed a kiss on his jawline.

"Gorgeous omega." A kiss on his jugular followed. Izuku trembled, his pulse racing.

"My omega." The blond kissed the scent gland with the faded mating bite.

Izuku purred and lifted his hips. He couldn't be seperated from his alpha for another second. "Only yours," he assured. "Please..."

Katsuki heard his plea and shifted his weight a little until he had positioned himself between his legs. Slowly, he penetrated him. "You will give me strong pups. I will mark you, with my bite, my scent. Never again will anyone dare try to claim you for themselves. You are mine!"

Izuku gasped out. As soon as he heard those words from his mate, the heat took over his already fogged brain. "Yes, alpha~! Please~! Take me! Bite me!"

From the many times they had joined their bodies over the past twenty-four hours, Izuku's muscles were soft and stretched. He didn't have to get used to the alpha inside him first. They both knew that.

Katsuki pulled out of him and thrust right back into him hard. Izuku clutched his partner's broad shoulders and surrendered to his firm thrusts.

The time had finally come to reunite their souls. They were both filled with the same certainty. The omega stretched his neck and put his head to one side. He submissively presented his most vulnerable spot, while his body trembled from the hard thrusts and was mercilessly driven towards another orgasm.

Katsuki leaned forward, growling, licking and sucking on the scent gland he had already marked once.

Izuku stretched out towards him and sucked on his alpha's gland until it bulged under his skin. He wanted to take Kacchan inside him - all of him. At the same time, Izuku wanted to be devoured by the big man above him.

The fire in his belly blazed hotter and hotter, fueled by the tumultuous union of their bodies that everything inside him craved. Izuku was ready. Judging by Kacchan's excited growl, his mate was too.

His fangs pressed into his gums and lengthened. The omega had no doubts and took the plunge. Possessively, he sank his teeth into his alpha's neck and claimed him once more. The bond set in and yearned for completion.

At the same time, Katsuki sank his fangs and knot into Izuku's body. The omega gave a stifled cry and bit a little deeper, consolidating his claim to possession. The torn bond between them was reknotted - it was stronger than ever. They felt each other's frenzy and lost themselves in desire.

Once again, they completed each other.

They would never give up on each other and would fight for each other to the last. Again and again. As often as was necessary.

At last, everything was right again, just as it should be.

They were one.

This time for good.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

He wanted to taste his omega, to devour him completely. Although the alpha had only been awake for a few minutes, he was already filled with desire for the man next to him, who, like himself, had fallen asleep from exhaustion.

He inhaled deeply and rumbled with satisfaction at the density of their combined pheromones hanging over the nest they both lay in.

His omega had served him well so far during his rut and had willingly opened up to him. They complemented each other and the alpha was glad to have his partner with him. The urge to mate with him grew and could no longer be ignored.

He carefully lifted himself up and over his omega. He pressed his nose against his scent gland and inhaled deeply. His mate's pheromones lured him in, clouding his senses. The alpha licked over the gland and hummed contentedly as it emitted more of that delicious scent.

He had to be gentle, he didn't want to scare his mate by being too forceful. Tenderly, he kissed his way from gland to ear and let out an affectionate growl. "Wake up, my omega."

At the same time, he emitted plenty of pheromones to make sure his omega knew who was touching and loving him right now. The alpha trailed his lips down to his mate's nipples, pulling one of them into his mouth and sucking on it.

A soft moan came from the omega's lips and he writhed beneath him. The alpha now paid the same attention to the other nipple and his mate became more active. "Alpha?" came sleepily from the omega.

The blonde cooed in reply and licked the hard nipple one last time before kissing his partner's flat stomach.

That belly was still flat. If he had his way, the skin would soon stretch until his mate's belly became rounder and rounder with their growing offspring.

He growled possessively. This idea fueled his arousal. He wanted to impregnate his little omega and the sweeter pheromones of his mate proved to him that he wanted it too.

The alpha wanted to see his omega's belly so round and heavy that he could only waddle, or even better, let him carry him. His pheromones reached new heights and made his mate whimper needily.

"Please, alpha, I need you."

In response, he hummed and rumbled affirmatively. By now, he had become so addicted to his instincts he was barely able to form clear words. He turned away from his omega's belly and wandered lower, kissing his way down his shaft until he came to rest between his legs.

Strictly speaking, he didn't need to prepare him. His omega was soft and relaxed for him, but the blond wanted to taste him. Nothing was as delicious as the sweetness of his omega. He licked and kissed him between his legs until his mate's thighs quivered and twitched. His breathing was intermittent and he gasped for air.

"Alphaaa~, please ..."

He couldn't stand the restraint any longer himself, straightening up and positioning himself at his mate's entrance. The omega didn't take his eyes off him and tilted his head slightly, presenting the fresh mating bite and submitting to him. His mate trusted him completely, even in this situation, which gave him a strong sense of satisfaction.

His omega was strong and tender at the same time, something the alpha appreciated and loved about him. Slowly, he immersed himself in his warmth, leaned forward and kissed his mate greedily. He drank in his whimpers and moans, which further fueled his own arousal.

He sensed his omega's feelings precisely and knew when he was completely ready for him. As soon as he no longer perceived pain, but only desire and impatience, he moved inside him.

His omega clung to him and met his thrusts with his pelvis. "More please~" he gasped against his ear.

The alpha was happy to comply with this request. He thrust harder and faster into his mate, who came willingly until his legs trembled and he moaned uncontrollably. They both had only one goal: the complete union of their bodies and the fruits it would hopefully bring.

The omega gave a stifled cry as he came. His muscles twitched and pulled the alpha even deeper into him. His knot swelled and he shoved it into his mate, who gasped in response and clawed at his back. The slight burning of his skin spurred him on even more and the alpha poured himself into his omega with a growl.

His breathing was heavy and sweat dripped from his forehead. His mate gasped and whimpered. Although he had taken his knot inside him again and again over the last few days, it was still a challenge for him every time. The alpha knew this and leaned forward, taking care to support his weight, and kissed his partner's tender neck.

He cooed soothingly into his ear. "Such a good omega, taking me in so well. Strong, beautiful omega." He murmured more caresses until his knot flattened and he slowly withdrew from his mate.

After letting himself sink sideways onto the mattress, he pulled his omega into his arms and placed kisses on his sweaty skin. His mate bent towards him and purred contentedly. They lay there until their instincts and urges took over again and they gave themselves to each other once more.

~~~~~

Katsuki rolled onto his side and pulled the blanket over his head. He didn't want to get up, he was still far too exhausted. Why was he awake? What had woken him up?

The alpha felt a warm body next to him. Izuku. Fragmentary memories came flooding back to him. Of course, his rut. He had spent it with Izu, sending him into heat early.

Katsuki peeked out from under the covers and saw his beloved mate sleeping peacefully next to him. Here and there he spotted a few small hickeys on his tender neck. But that seemed to be all the marks he had left behind.

Unless ...

Warmth rose to his face. Izuku had been in heat. Katsuki couldn't remember how many times they'd slept together, but it had almost always ended with him coming inside his partner, knot and all. As for the math, the blond wasn't entirely sure, but there was a distinct possibility that Katsuki had left something else in his mate.

Perhaps he had impregnated Izuku.

The thought filled him with a primal satisfaction. They would both have sweet and strong babies.

Katsuki cleared his throat, embarrassed at himself. Apparently an echo of his rut was still there, even if he agreed with his inner alpha.

It would make Izuku happy. For that reason alone, Katsuki wanted it. Of course, he also wanted offspring with his sweet mate on his own. Now that Izuku was back and they were a bonded pair, the alpha wanted to settle down.

His gaze wandered to the fresh mark he had left on the greenette's neck. The red bite mark almost completely covered the first, faded bite. When he noticed a slight tug on his own neck, the realization made him happy. They were finally connected again, the crazy stalker behind bars and Izuku was making progress in his recovery from week to week.

Their lives were good.

...

Now he just had to catch Overhaul and take him down. Before Katsuki could lose himself too much in the desire for revenge, he heard a distant noise.

A phone was ringing somewhere.

With a grumble, he swung his legs out of bed and stood up. He didn't want Izuku to be woken up by the stupid ringing. Katsuki left the bedroom and headed for the stairs. He didn't care that he was completely naked, it was his home after all and there was no one here except Izuku.

Once in the living room, he found his cell phone on the coffee table. The ringing stopped, only to start up again a moment later. Annoyed, the alpha approached the table and wanted to growl an insult or two at the persistent caller.

Determined, he reached for his cell phone and stopped short. Himari was calling him. From the looks of it, not for the first time. Katsuki swallowed his anger and pressed the green receiver. His PR advisor wouldn't call him unless it was really important. "Yes?"

"Dynamight? Finally I reach you," the young beta replied.

Nevertheless, the blonde couldn't help but groan in annoyance. "I'm on leave, after all. You know what's been going on the last few days, right?"

Himari cleared her throat. "Of course I do, but it's over now, isn't it?"

He didn't like the direction the conversation was taking. "Yes...?" he replied slowly.

"Great! That means you and Midoriya are available this afternoon."

Katsuki took the cell phone from his ear and looked at it, stunned. She wasn't serious ...

"Before you get upset, let me finish."

The alpha grumbled discontentedly. "Then talk."

"Ever since your injury and Midoriya's intervention before and after, you two have been the talk of the town. Most people in Japan are sure he's your secret mate, which is true ... right?"

"Yes," he replied curtly.

"Congratulations on your new bond. I'm really happy for you," she replied.

"Himari, get to the point or I'm hanging up," Katsuki growled.

"It's all right. Because of the attack on you, our PR strategy didn't quite work out as planned. However, you and Midoriya as a couple are getting widespread approval in the polls and everyone is dying for an official statement."

"Meaning?"

"I have a great opportunity to announce your relationship and reach a large audience at the same time. We can clear up all the rumors right away and almost all the media will only want to report on your future together and no longer on the past. I know it's short notice, but we'll be waiting weeks for a chance like this. Even high-ranking celebrities like yourselves are put on the waiting list. It only worked out because the idol who was scheduled for today dropped out at short notice."

"Himari..." Katsuki said warningly.

"What I actually want to say is: I was able to get you on Jun and Aiko's show this afternoon for an interview. You'll be broadcasted live on television in five hours on the most famous talk show in Japan."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

He was nervous ... No, scratch that. Izuku was on the verge of openly panicking. Together with Kacchan, Himari and Katou, he sat in a private lounge of the television station.

His alpha held his hand and radiated calmness. Izuku had no idea how he did it. After all, his mate was anything but fond of television - especially not a talk show.

"We can go. You don't have to stay and sit in front of that camera and studio audience, babe. You always have the right to change your mind." Kacchan stroked the back of his hand with his thumb and emitted a few pheromones.

The omega calmed down a little. "I want to st-stay - I guess. It's just that I'm afraid they might a-ask questions I don't want to answer."

"Then you squeeze my hand and I'll tell them to ask something else or they can fuck off," Kacchan said with a cheeky grin.

"Dynamight..." Himari's tone was reproving.

The blond hero only gave her a quick sideways glance before turning his attention back to his mate. "If any of those assholes get stupid with Izu, they'll be lucky if I just tell them to fuck off and keep my shit together otherwise."

Izuku's eyes wandered over his mate. They were both wearing casual clothes. Although Katou and Himari had wanted to dress him in something figure-hugging to show off his assets even better, they had quickly abandoned the idea after a warning glance from Kacchan. Now he was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He felt more comfortable like that.

Kacchan was wearing loose-fitting black jeans and one of his classic tank tops. His alpha presented the new mating bite quite openly.

It wasn't that the greenette deliberately hid his own mark, but his curls were a little longer than before and fell down to his neck. You had to take a closer look at him if you wanted to see Kacchan's bite. It would probably be a good idea to visit a hairdresser.

In fact, it was a fantastic idea. He should go to the hairdresser ... Right now!

He stood up abruptly.

"What's wrong, babe? Do you want to go?" Katsuki asked.

Izuku nodded jerkily. "To the hairdresser!"

His mate frowned. "To the hairdresser?"

The omega nodded like a bobble head and grabbed his wild mane. "I haven't been to the hairdresser for over th-three years. It was already overdue then. Actually, m-my hair would be longer, but when it got too matted, they took a pair of scissors and ... Well, it's probably h-hardly noticeable because I always look a bit disheveled, but still. I really should g-go to the hairdresser, after all, I haven't had time for it yet. Don't take that as a re-reproach or anything. There was so much more i-important things to do and I didn't want to see anyone, but now..."

As Izuku continued to talk himself into a rage, he unconsciously wrapped one of his curls tighter and tighter around his index finger until his scalp tightened und hurt. Startled, he paused and froze. The trembling caused by the slight pain ran through his whole body. He gasped and shook off the memories.

"Izu!" Katsuki stood up from the sofa as well.

"I should d-definitely get my hair cut. I can't sit next to you on TV like this. You can't really see my mating bite. Besides, how d-does it look for the number one hero when his omega looks like a scarecrow? I don't w-want to damage your reputation and your ranking any more than I already have. Oh gods, I haven't e-even thought about that yet! This year's rankings will be announced soon. What if you lose popularity because of m-me and get relegated?"

"Izuku!" The loud call of his name interrupted the panicked torrent of words. Katsuki hadn't stopped holding his hand in the meantime. With his free hand, he released the omega's cramped fingers, which were still tangled in his green curls.

As soon as Katsuki had untangled everything, he also held Izuku's other hand, brought it to his lips and gave him a gentle kiss on the back of his hand. "We can go if that's what you really want. I'll order someone home to cut your hair. But if you think that's what it takes for me to be seen with you, I'll tell you one thing: bullshit! You are beautiful, with or without tousled hair. Before you start to panic: No, I don't think you look disheveled. I just want to tell you how much I love you and that you're adorable.

There is no reason for you to hide from these extras. You are my mate, my partner, my hero, not just a decorative accessory to adorn me. You're the new symbol of peace after All Might, and you deserve it. You didn't just inherit this title, you worked extremely hard for it. If anyone can attest to that, it's me. After all, I've been by your side every step of the way which made you the hero you are - albeit sometimes a little more in the background." He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head.

"What those stupid extras might think about our bond? I don't give a shit! The pissants who might be shooting their mouths off have no idea and can go fuck themselves. And if I don't end up in first place this year, I don't care. Because you're more important. Nothing is more important than you, babe. I don't regret a minute I've taken off work for you. If it really comes to that, I'll get the place back next year and that's that. I wouldn't even begrudge it to Icyhot for one year. Poor guy's gonna get depressed if he ends up behind me again." The alpha grinned conspiratorially. "Okay?"

Izuku nodded hesitantly. Thankfully, the others had held back.

"You still want to go?"

The hammering heartbeat in his chest had calmed somewhat during Kacchan's little speech. Izuku narrowed his eyes and shook his head yes. "If Himari a-and Katou think it's a good opportunity, we shouldn't let it pass."

The alpha stroked the back of his hand reassuringly with his thumb. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Kacchan. If you're with me, it's o-okay." He gave his mate a shaky smile.

"Aww!" Himari cooed. "I hope you've got all this down, and you can see them properly, otherwise no one will believe us if we let it be known that Midoriya is more important to this hothead than his ranking."

Katou snorted indignantly. "Do you think I'm such an amateur? Of course I have Dynamight's confession."

Izuku jerked his head to the side and looked at their PR advisors, speechless. The two betas stood shoulder to shoulder, not taking their eyes off the pair. Katou had pulled out his smartphone and held the camera in their direction.

The blond hero emitted pissed off pheromones. "Are you two fucking kidding me?!"

"And there's our Dynamight again," Himari commented, completely unmoved.

"It's going to be great, I promise!" Katou assured them with a broad smile. "You simply can't stage the kind of encouragement you've just shown your mate without it becoming totally unbelievable. As naturally as the words came out of your mouth, no one can think this is fake."

"You want to show that to a-anyone?" Izuku was getting nervous.

Himari waved it off. "Don't worry, we'll cut out the beginning. We'll just leave the last bit of your words in. It's guaranteed to go viral!"

Before any of the heroes could say anything, one of the production assistants approached them. "We go on air in ten minutes. Please get ready."

Izuku's heart was pounding again. In a few minutes, millions of people would be watching them live on TV.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

If Izuku had only just calmed down, the alpha could feel his nervousness growing again now. Together with the PR clowns, they stood at the side entrance to the stage. The faint background noise of the studio audience's conversations could be heard from here without the words being intelligible. The show staff hurried back and forth, giving final instructions, checking the lights, the cameras and the rest of the technology. The two presenters were already sitting in their chairs, getting their noses powdered one last time.

His mate's hand was sweaty. Katsuki gave him a reassuring squeeze and leaned down to press a kiss to Izuku's temple. "You can do this, babe. There's nothing to be afraid of in this studio. We've beaten a lot tougher opponents together than the extras in there. This is just another fight we'll come out of victorious."

Izuku gave him a shaky smile and squeezed his hand as well. "Okay, Kacchan. But as s-soon as we're done here, let's do what we w-were planning to do today, shall we?"

The corner of his mouth pulled up into a wry grin of its own accord. "And that would be?"

"Cuddle, then you cook f-for me, we take a bath, then cuddle again until I fall a-asleep in your arms."

The blond let out a satisfied grumble. "Sounds like a perfect plan."

Now Izuku's smile was a little more confident than before. Katsuki was grateful for their connection, so he knew how his mate was feeling, even if he couldn't smell his pheromones right now. On the advice of their PR advisors, they had stuck strong pheromone-blocking plasters over their glands so that no one could guess what was going on inside them from their scent.

Himari cleared her throat behind them. "You guys are cute together. Remember, this is exactly what we want to show people. So no false restraint when it comes to mutual displays of affection, that's what we're here for. As of today, your relationship will become public and the whole world can know that it's full of love and respect, okay?"

Katsuki rolled his eyes. The reminder hadn't been necessary, but after all, he was paying Himari for it, so he left it uncommented. However, either way, he was going to use this stupid interview to mark his territory in front of the world. Everyone should know who Izuku belonged to and who else they would mess with besides his already incredibly strong mate if someone was being a jerk to his omega.

A countdown started loudly and the audience began to applaud. Then the extras on stage were greeting the audience and babbling some unimportant shit which the alpha wasn't interested in. His complete attention was on his mate and their connection.

"Your turn is coming up," said Katou behind them. "Just stay calm and don't get upset, then you won't have to put up with anything. Jun sometimes likes to provoke with his questions. Don't let him get under your skin."

Katsuki snorted. He should try that. The alpha was known for his explosive temper and reporters and presenters had often tried to provoke him into blowing up. He had found it difficult at first and a few times the wankers had managed to get under his skin, but he had practiced self-control since then.

One of the staff approached them. "There will now be a two-minute commercial break, after which Aiko will announce you. You'll go on stage as we discussed and sit on the two empty chairs. All right?"

They nodded wordlessly.

Once again, Katsuki squeezed his mate's hand and gave him a smile. Their hands would not part during the entire conversation, that much was certain.

The audience applauded at the signal given by the director. The presenter waited a few more seconds before asking for silence. "Welcome back to Jun and Aiko. For those of you just tuning in, a friendly hello. Either way, I advice you to stay tuned and tell everyone you know to tune in. Our two guests today have been the hottest topic of conversation in our nation for months. Today, for the first time, they are speaking in person and not just via press releases. Let's hope we can clear up some rumors and finally find out what really happened and what their relationship is."

The blonde omega made an artificial pause to increase the tension. "Join me in welcoming pro heroes Dynamight and Deku!"

There was silence for a split second. Then the audience erupted into loud cheers and incredulous shrieks.

Katsuki brought his mate's hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to the back of his hand. "I got you, babe. We can do this."

One of the production assistants waved them impatiently onto the stage, whereupon the alpha just rolled his eyes. Nevertheless, he set off. Holding hands, they entered the stage. The two walked with deliberation and measured steps - just as they had discussed beforehand. Katsuki neither dragged his partner behind him, nor did he push himself to the fore. They were right up, one unit.

As soon as they entered the visible area of the television studio, the cheering grew even louder and the stage literally shook. Katsuki sensed a slight restlessness in Izuku, which he countered with a firm squeeze of his hand.

The heroes bowed their heads in greeting and sat down in their designated places. The blond took up as much space as possible with his posture. Not to hide or patronize his mate, no. Instead, Katsuki wanted to make it clear to all the extras that he was in no mood to joke around and let anyone who made a fool of one of them know what was in store for them.

Sporadic shouts from the audience could be heard more clearly, and the alpha noticed with satisfaction that more and more of the spectators were calling out to his omega how much they had missed him and were happy to see him.

Izuku waved timidly at them.

Aiko smiled broadly. The woman knew full well that she would be conducting one of the most important interviews of her career today. "Hello Dynamight and Deku. Welcome to our show and thank you for being our guests today. We're all really excited to hear what you have to tell us."

"Whatever." Katsuki rolled his eyes.

The woman remained unperturbed and made a motion with her hand in their direction. "Looking at you, there seems to be some truth to the rumors about your relationship. For my part, I'm not holding hands with my former childhood friend these days and I certainly won't let him bite me." She giggled playfully.

The audience murmured and Katsuki was sure the cameras were currently zooming in on both their clasped hands and their mating bites.

"Is there a problem with that?" The blonde alpha was already annoyed and just wanted to go home.

The presenter raised her hands defensively: "Not at all."

Now Jun joined the conversation: "So the rumors are true, Deku? You're really an omega and not a beta?"

Izuku straightened up and looked the other alpha in the eye. "Yeah, that's t-true."

Katsuki stroked the back of his mate's hand with his thumb. "And we're bonded." He lifted their clasped hands and gave his omega a gentle kiss on the hand. "Now you vultures finally know and maybe you can stop besieging our house. It's starting to get annoying."

Aiko smiled broadly. The omega was thrilled, which was confirmed by the sweet pheromones she spread. "That's great news. Congratulations!"

Izuku smiled tentatively. "Thank you."

The presenter slouched in his chair and propped his head in the palm of his hand. "One question for Dynamight: why did you let him bite you? Sure, Deku's really strong for an omega, but if I'm honest, I don't know if I'd want this public downgrading of myself."

A few boos and whistles sounded from the audience.

Katsuki grumbled in Jun's direction, pulling up his upper lip in warning. "Watch it, asshole. Insult my mate or our bond and we'll have a problem with each other. Izu is mine and I am his - it's as simple as that. We have a relationship based on respect and love, without a stupid pecking order, but as equals. I'm honored to bear his bite."

A collective sigh went through the audience. A glance at Izuku showed him his mate's moist eyes. Damn, when had Katsuki gotten so sentimental? His bond with Izuku really brought new facets to light that the alpha himself had not been aware of before.

Aiko wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "You said that really sweetly, Dynamight."

Jun raised his eyebrows. "Wow, didn't think our badass number one hero had a soft side."

There was definitely some tension between the two alphas. Katsuki had no idea what the asshole's problem actually was. "That side of me is reserved for my mate only. I still love to kick everyone else's ass or blow them to smithereens."

The blonde presenter also seemed to sense the tension and probably tried to counteract it with her next question: "Deku, what happens now?"

"In what w-way?"

"So, can we expect a dream wedding soon? What's the next step in your relationship? After all, you're already mated."

The omega blushed, which caused Katsuki to grin dirtily. His mate was probably also thinking about their last three days. They wouldn't know for a few weeks whether the joining of their bodies had led to the desired result. Even if Izu wasn't pregnant, he would happily keep practicing with him until they succeeded.

Izuku cleared his throat. "There's nothing planned yet. I'm still g-getting my life back on track. We still have plenty of time for everything e-else."

"Good cue," Jun intervened. "Let's talk about your kidnapping."

Katsuki felt his mate stiffen and squeeze his hand tightly. "No," he said menacingly quietly.

The presenter only gave the explosive hero a quick glance before turning his attention back to Izuku. "Then let me ask you something else: Deku, would you say Overhaul was only able to overpower you because he's an alpha and you're an omega?"

The audience grew restless.

"Boo hoo!"

"Sexist!"

"Ugh!"

At least the extras in the stands were in solidarity with the heroes. Katsuki let out a warning growl in the direction of the presenter, who was clearly having a tough time with his own audience. "Ask another question or this shitty conversation is over."

"It's okay, Kacchan." Izuku's posture tightened a little and he looked the presenter firmly in the eye. "The problem is not that I'm a-an omega, but rather that I was forced to hide it in order to pursue the career of m-my dreams."

"Did you hide it from All Might too? Did he choose you as his heir because you made him think you were a beta? He certainly wouldn't have given his quirk to an omega," Jun said.

The air around them began to crackle. Tiny flashes of green energy danced in Izuku's eyes. "I never lied to All Might. He knew the truth from the first time we met and still trained me to become his successor. All Might wanted to make me the new symbol of hope in more ways than one."

The alpha swayed his head back and forth. "Under the current law, omegas are not allowed to work as heroes. They don't get a license, nor are they admitted to the academies. Rightly so, considering what happened to you. No omega should try to take on an alpha villain. They can only lose."

"Wrongly so," Katsuki clarified. "On the contrary, Izu is the best proof of why the Hero Commission should change their guidelines. Do I really need to remind any of you that our country owes the peace we have today to my mate?" Regarding the prejudice against omegas as heroes, the alpha already had something planned. However, he would only tell Izu about it once they had succeeded.

"Does it mean you would work with omega heroes?" Aiko asked hopefully.

"Of course. It's not our secondary gender which makes us good heroes, but our dedication," Katsuki replied. "Solid training and gaining experience are also important. Everything else is of secondary fucking importance." He wanted to say more, but the alpha broke off.

The ground vibrated.

An earthquake?

There were plenty of them in Japan and most of them were quite harmless.

A dull bang could be heard.

It was still shaking.

The audience became restless.

Katsuki saw the presenter press the button in her ear harder and listen intently. Shortly afterwards, she stood up, swaying. "Dear guests, unfortunately we have to interrupt our show for today and evacuate the studio as a precaution. Thank you Deku and Dynamight for being with us today. I would have loved to talk to you longer.

Please follow the instructions of the staff. To our viewers at home: if you live in the southern part of the city, please leave the area for your own safety and gather at the designated assembly points.

We'll see you again next week. Take care of yourselves."

Staff from the program rushed onto the stage. Followed closely by Himari and Katou.

Katsuki could literally feel the unease and fear of his PR advisor. "What's going on?" he demanded to know.

"Red Riot has contacted me."

"About what? What did Kiri want? What's going on out there?"

Himari looked nervous. "Overhaul has been spotted nearby. A fight has broken out."

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Together with their PR advisors, they left the stage and went back to the waiting area. Izuku sensed his mate's unease. Kacchan was about to storm off.

"Where exactly did the bastard show up? What did Kirishima say?" Despite the pheromone patches, the air was filled with the smell of burnt caramel.

The omega stood in front of his partner. "Whatever you're up to now, Kacchan, I'm coming w-with you."

Kacchan blinked a few times and turned his gaze to Izuku. Apparently, the greenette had brought him out of his trance. The alpha grimaced. "Babe, I don't know if this is a good idea after we just ... Maybe you're ... Fuck!"

Nervousness rose in the omega, but he overcame it. "I know that, Kacchan. Still, I'm not g-going to let you storm off alone. Or do you also think I have no business being on a battlefield because I'm an omega?"

"What the hell? Of course not! Don't take what that fucker just said in there to heart. If I hadn't known it would make you uncomfortable, I would have happily told that asshole you bit me first both times, while you even rode me once." The alpha grinned smugly.

"Kacchan!" Izuku's face was hot.

Himari next to them coughed. "Too much information."

"Now all of a sudden ... but earlier you had to film a private conversation of us," Katsuki replied with a snort.

Before either of them could say anything, the ground shook again. The two heroes gave each other a knowing look. "You're physically fit?"

The omega nodded. "Just a little sore, but that doesn't affect me."

Kacchan held his hand out to him. "Go on then." Turning to their PR advisors, he said, "You and the other extras get out to a safe zone. I'll see you later."

Hand in hand, they walked through the deserted corridors of the television studio. They charged through the exit into a backyard. There was the sound of metal bursting and the rumbling sound of rubble behind them. They turned down a side street and ran toward the din of battle.

"What about y-your costume?" Izuku asked.

"There's no time. By the time we get to the agency, the bastard will have disappeared again. I'll get him this time."

"We'll get him this time. I need it as much as you do, Kacchan."

The alpha squeezed his hand. "Okay, Izu. Together we finish it. Overhaul won't get away from us today."

They reached the main street and found themselves in the middle of a battle. The heroes from Katsuki's agency were already on the scene. No wonder, their headquarters was the closest from here.

The road was torn up in numerous places. Water pipes and power lines had been severed, making for an even more dangerous battlefield because the utility company obviously hadn't turned them off yet.

In the midst of the chaos stood Overhaul. His quirk was raging, destroying the street and nearby houses. For a brief moment, fear wanted to overwhelm Izuku, but he fought it down. Kacchan squeezed his hand. "Together we'll get him. Today the asshole is due."

The encouragement helped and Izuku nodded gratefully to his mate.

Mina sprinted to Overhaul and hurled a torrent of acid at him. The villain fought it off and pushed the heroine away. Mina rolled across the floor and landed in one of the puddles, which also contained destroyed power lines. As soon as she came into contact with the water, she cried out and her body jerked.

"Pinky!" Kiri shouted.

Denki rushed to her aid and pulled her out of the puddle - the electricity didn't bother him. To distract from the two heroes on the ground, Kiri and Sero went into a frontal attack.

Without giving it a second thought, Katsuki and Izuku joined them. The Omega accelerated with Full Cowl while the blond hero used his explosions.

Izuku reached the villain first and hit him with a well-placed kick. Overhaul slithered across the ground until he managed to catch himself.

The other heroes came to a halt beside him. "Kat, Mido, what are you doing here?" Kiri asked.

"What do you think we're doing here, Red?" Katsuki returned aggressively.

"I informed Himari to keep you away from here, not to make you come running."

"We have good reasons for th-this fight. You know that," Izuku intervened.

The conversation had distracted them. Overhaul let a large chunk of asphalt shoot out of the ground between them, scattering the heroes in all directions.

"Are you okay?" Sero asked, coughing.

"Of course," Katsuki replied. "The fun is just beginning."

"My sentiments exactly," Overhaul said. "Finally, the two heroes I've been waiting for are here."

That didn't sound good. What was the villain up to?

"Don't get too excited, asshole. These two heroes will be your downfall." Katsuki stood at his side. He nodded briefly to Izuku and they both charged towards their enemy.

They threw kicks, punches and explosions until they had Overhaul backed into a corner. Kiri and Sero held back a little. After all, they knew that this moment was important for their friends.

The fight was going well for the heroes.

Then why was the villain grinning?

Overhaul dropped to his knees and pressed his palms to the ground. Around them, pillars of stone shot out of the ground and houses collapsed, only to pile up into mountains of rubble. The villain did not attack them directly. Instead, he molded their surroundings into a thorn-studded crater with only the three of them standing in the center.

"That's better," Overhaul said as he straightened up. "We don't need the other blowflies."

"I agree with you for once, bastard." Katsuki grinned in victory and cracked his knuckles.

The villain was not impressed. "Today I can finally settle my score with you."

"That's my line, asshole." Katsuki spat at his feet.

"Your damned raid almost bankrupted me financially!" the villainous alpha rumbled angrily. His pheromones flooded the area.

Izuku's breathing was shallow. The smell of burnt rubber hit his stomach.

"I'm really not sorry at all," Kacchan sneered back.

Overhaul smiled broadly and a shiver ran down Izuku's spine. "Just wallow in your arrogance. Number 1 hero - don't make me laugh! All the more reason for me to enjoy watching you fall."

Katsuki fired a blast in the villain's direction. "Stop talking and fight! At least today, for once, you're not turning tail and running off like you usually do."

Overhaul parried the attack with deformed asphalt. By now the street resembled a cratered landscape.

"You have something I want, Dynamight."

"Oh yeah, what's that supposed to be?"

The villain's grin took on a sadistic quality. He raised his arm and hurled chunks of asphalt at Izuku. "Him!"

The omega managed to dodge them or smash them. Had Izuku just heard correctly? Had Overhaul come back for him?

"Over my dead body, you sick bastard!" Katsuki growled dangerously. His aggressive pheromones poured out of him in waves. He let his explosions rain down on the other alpha.

The fight raged with renewed vigor. The two alphas gave each other no quarter. When Izuku saw a suitable gap, he attacked as well. However, he was less daring now that he knew Overhaul wanted him. He couldn't risk being grabbed by the villain.

A chunk of concrete hit Katsuki in the side and hurled him away. Overhaul laughed triumphantly. Now his full attention was on Izuku. The hero took a defensive stance and weighed his options.

"Now for you, omega. Are you coming voluntarily? Then we can end this and no one has to get hurt anymore."

"Forget it!" Izuku hissed.

"That's what I thought. I'll enjoy watching you break again all the more. Your customers have missed you. You can't imagine how much money I've made out of you," Overhaul said.

The omega shuddered at the memories that inevitably haunted him.

A deafening roar followed by explosions sounded next to them. Kacchan used his quirk to shoot at the villain, swung a right hook and landed a direct hit. "You and those fucking bastards will keep your filthy hands off my mate!"

A brutal melee broke out between the two opponents. "Just imagine, Dynamight, how they'll be lining up. Before that, your little omega and former number 1 hero was already popular. But now? How excited do you think they'll be to pay me so they can get their hands on the mate of the number one hero who's way too full of himself?"

Kacchan fought more and more ferociously, but Overhaul parried and was not so easy to overpower. He managed to pull the blond hero's legs away. The villain stomped on Katsuki's chest several times and pinned him down.

Grinning, he leaned down to him. "Are the rumors true? Can you sense what your omega feels? His fear? His pain? The despair and humiliation? The feeling of his bones breaking? Not to mention the excitement and arousal of another alpha fucking him?"

"You fucking bastard!" Katsuki blasted the villain away from him. He visibly lost his temper and fought more and more ruthlessly.

It was dangerous to lose your head in battle. The heroes had learned and internalized that, but this was about something personal, something intimate.

Overhaul launched another attack. Izuku started to move, jumped off and kicked him in the head with 20%. The hit landed. The force hurled the villain into the nearest building wall.

Izuku looked around for his mate and gulped as soon as he spotted him. He had never seen Kacchan like this before. His eyes glowed dangerously. His fangs had extended to their full length and his pheromones were almost unbearable.

"Kacchan!" The omega kept a few meters away. He wasn't afraid of his mate, but his angry pheromones made it difficult for him to approach the blond. "You h-have to calm down. He's trying to get under your skin and provoke you into making a mistake. I'm fine. We will defeat him together, so please calm down."

The alpha didn't hear him, or he simply ignored Izuku.

"Kacchan, listen to me! You m-mustn't let him provoke you like that."

An uneasy feeling rose in the greenette. Danger Sense became active and warned him of impending danger. Izuku looked around frantically, but he didn't see where the threat was coming from. Then the asphalt between his mate's feet cracked.

"Kacchan!"

It was like back then. Just like the day his journey as a hero had begun. When the mud villain had tried to devour Kacchan, Izuku's body had moved all by itself without him having time to think about it.

Izuku ran faster than ever before and rammed into his mate with full force. Kacchan flew a few meters away and somersaulted. The green hero was relieved. He had pushed the man he loved out of the immediate danger zone.

The omega had saved his mate. Kacchan had not been hurt. That was the right thing to do. It was good ...

So why didn't anything feel right?

A jolt went through Izuku's body.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

The alpha was hit from an unexpected direction and knocked to the ground. He managed to roll off after a few meters. Katsuki was pissed off. Who dared to interfere with him when he finally punched Overhaul in the damn face?!

Pain shot through his abdomen. Had he landed awkwardly? Katsuki pulled himself to his feet. What was going on? His explosions had caused fires to break out in various parts of the crater, the smoke from which obscured his view. Overhaul's swirling dust didn't make it any better.

The villain snorted indignantly. "It wasn't planned like this."

What was the bastard talking about?

"K-Kacchan..." Izuku's voice was quiet, broken. The sound of it deeply disturbed Katsuki.

The blond hero turned around and shuddered to the core. In the exact spot he had just been pushed away from was now Izuku.

No, no, no, no! FUCK!!!

Two narrow stone pillars protruded from the ground, like the ones Overhaul had spawned all over the battlefield.

They had impaled Izuku in mid-jump, literally staked him. He was hanging in the air, held up only by the asphalt that had pierced his body. Blood ran down the pillars and pooled in a puddle on the ground. Izuku was pale. An agonized whimper escaped his lips.

That couldn't be true.

His omega had saved his life, only to be hit himself. The pain in his abdomen made it difficult for him to stand upright. It had to be worse for his mate. Gravity didn't make it any better and pulled him towards the ground. Katsuki had to get him down without Izuku bleeding to death.

The alpha staggered more than he walked. He had almost reached his omega when the stone pillars retracted into the ground as quickly as they had erupted from it.

With a thud, Izuku fell to the remains of the road and came to a stop. Katsuki rushed to him. As gently as possible, he turned his mate onto his back and laid his head in his lap.

Izuku smiled at him, though his lips trembled as he did so. Blood ran from the corner of his mouth. "I'm glad you're okay, Kacchan. I l-love you so much. The last few months with you were the best of my entire life. You made me ... so h-happy."

Tears burned in his eyes and the alpha fought back sobs. "Stop saying goodbye. It's still far too early for that. I'm going to give this bastard the ass-kicking of his life and then I'm taking you to the hospital. You're not dying today. Do you understand me, Izuku?" He stroked an unruly curl out of his mate's face and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

"How touching," the villain sneered.

With great caution, he stood up and stood protectively in front of his omega. Katsuki would protect Izuku with everything he had.

"Let me see him and I'll put him back together," Overhaul offered.

Katsuki knew better than to accept. As soon as the other alpha got too close to Izuku, he was guaranteed to disappear with him and history would repeat itself.

His mate would rather be dead than be put back into a dark hole to be abused. Especially after what Overhaul had just said. Katsuki himself would make Izuku suffer even more.

And yet...

"Kacchan, p-please don't allow ... that." Izuku's breath rattled.

Katsuki risked a glance over his shoulder. "He won't get you, Izu. I'll take care of that. Just hold on a minute. I'll get you out of here soon."

His mate smiled weakly at him.

His eyes closed.

The corners of his mouth drooped.

He looked ... Peaceful.

No, that wasn't right!

Katsuki felt only a faint spark of their connection glowing inside him. He had to hurry. He didn't have time!

His alpha was screaming.

The beast inside him broke free and could no longer be stopped. Katsuki willingly surrendered to it.

He wanted to defend.

To destroy.

To protect

To hurt.

To save.

To kill ...

A deafening scream escaped his throat, a sound he had never thought he was capable of. He lunged at his opponent with all his might. Katsuki took the other alpha by surprise and knocked him to the ground. Again and again he lashed out and slammed his fist into Overhaul's face. Bones splintered and blood spurted, but that was not enough for him.

As soon as he stopped the attack, Overhaul would use his quirk and regenerate. Katsuki couldn't let that happen. The villain barely moved. The blond hero clasped his hands together and gathered his reserves for one last explosion. He poured all his energy and hatred into it.

It hit the unprotected villain at close range. The shockwave hurled the hero away. Katsuki managed to stabilize himself in mid air and land unharmed.

In the place where Overhaul had lain, there were only charred remains, from which foul-smelling smoke rose and curled in the warm summer air.

He had won.

After years of his desperate struggle and eternal search, Katsuki had defeated Overhaul.

But at what cost?

The expected feeling of satisfaction did not materialize. There was only pain and fear inside him ... A panicked fear that almost choked him off. It was accompanied by an all-consuming rage that drove him to carry on and not give up now.

He had to get Izuku to the hospital.

He had to protect his mate.

He had to save his omega!

But first he had to find a way out of this shitty crater. Now that the fight was over, the battlefield had fallen silent. Some distance away, the alpha heard voices. However, it was not possible for him to get over the spiky crater wall easily.

He had to destroy it!

He would eliminate everything that stood in his way until he had brought his omega to a safe place. The blond hero gathered his sweat once more and ignited it into an explosion, which he aimed at the crater wall. Lacking the support of his costume and armored gloves, the alpha felt the strain in his wrists and forearms.

The smoke from the new explosion cleared. He had blasted a path through the rubble. At the end of it, he spotted other people and vehicles with flashing blue lights. Hopefully an ambulance was there.

Katsuki lifted his omega in his arms and trudged through the rubble with him. If he hadn't sensed Izuku through their connection, he would almost have thought his mate was no longer alive. The green hero had lost all body tension and his blood left a trail on the ground.

People were rushing towards him. There were other alphas among them and Katsuki growled in warning. A small rational part of him knew they meant him no harm, but the blond was ruled by his instincts. Everything in him was out to protect his omega and keep him alive.

He emitted threatening pheromones and Mina and Kiri backed away with their eyes downcast. That was for the best. Katsuki couldn't guarantee anything right now. Denki and Sero cleared away debris lying in the way or kept onlookers away. He accepted the betas near his mate and accepted their help.

They spoke to him, but Katsuki heard nothing. He had a job to do and couldn't let anything distract him.

As soon as they had left the crater, the alpha spotted the longed-for ambulance. He mobilized his strength and hurried towards the paramedics. If he was fast enough, they could save Izuku.

He had to hurry, he had to be quicker. He couldn't be too slow again and lose his mate.

This time it would be for good.

Just the thought of it broke Katsuki's heart.

He finally reached the ambulance. It was hard for him to let go of Izuku, but he knew he had to put him on the stretcher if he wanted to save him. Fortunately for them, the paramedics and the emergency doctor didn't even think of refusing him a ride.

The medical staff worked quickly. As soon as Izuku was secured, the car sped away. In the meantime, they put an IV into his omega, gave him artificial respiration and tried to stop the bleeding.

"The emergency room wants to know what to expect," the driver called from the front.

"Pro-hero Deku has at least two heavily bleeding abdominal injuries. I don't have a clear view and can't determine the cause. He's bradycardic and urgently needs more blood transfusions," the emergency doctor replied. "Dynamight?"

Katsuki could barely keep up with the rapid exchange of words. He clung to the connection to Izuku with all his being, trying to reach him through it, maybe even strengthen him so he could make it to the hospital and an operation.

"Dynamight!" the emergency doctor called over her shoulder.

The alpha blinked a few times and raised his eyes. His face was wet and his eyes burned with tears. He didn't care that she saw him like this. Nothing mattered except Izuku's life.

"Can you tell me how Deku was injured? It would help us with his treatment and improve his chances."

Katsuki swallowed hard. His mouth was dry as dust and he tasted ash. "Izu did..." He cleared his throat, but it hardly made it any better. "Izu pushed me away, otherwise I would have ... Overhaul hit him. It was the asphalt. The bastard deformed it and made it shoot out of the ground in pillars. I was distracted ... Why didn't I pay more attention? Then Izu would have ... He saved my life. Please... He mustn't ... We've only just ..." The alpha couldn't continue. Tears choked his throat.

"I see," the emergency doctor replied. "Is it the two wounds we found, or are we missing some more?"

The image of his mate hanging impaled in the air and breathing his name forced itself to the forefront of his mind. Katsuki couldn't breathe. He clutched his chest and gasped for breath.

"Dynamight? Are you injured as well?"

The blond shook his head. He couldn't breathe, but he wasn't hurt, at least not in a life-threatening way.

"Good, so how many pillars were there?"

"Two," Katsuki croaked out. "There were two of them."

"Thank you, you did well," the emergency doctor said to him. She called louder in the direction of the driver's cabin: "There are two impalement injuries in the lower abdomen. Emergency, general and cardiothoracic surgery should stand by. His pulse continues to drop. How much longer?"

"We'll be there in two minutes," the driver called back, then repeated for the radio what the beta had just said.

~~~~~

Izuku survived the two minutes to the hospital.

They were already expected there and were met by other doctors in the driveway. Katsuki wanted to follow Izuku, to stay by his side and support him, but he forced himself to hold back. He would get in the way of the doctors and worsen his mate's chances of survival. He was not allowed to take any risks or hinder the doctors in their work.

Instructions and data were shouted in jumble. It might seem hectic to outsiders, but the apparent chaos had a system. Out of the corner of his eye, the alpha spotted Dr. Yaguchi. She nodded to him briefly before concentrating fully on his mate again.

As they pushed Izuku away, Katsuki got out of the ambulance. He didn't know where he was supposed to go. He stood motionless in the driveway to the emergency room, staring at the door through which they had brought Izuku. Meanwhile, he clung to the smoldering spark of their connection. It could have been minutes or maybe even hours that he stood there. Katsuki had no sense of time anymore. Every second he spent fearing for his mate's life was a small eternity in itself.

"Dynamight?" A young doctor stood in front of him and looked at him carefully. "My colleagues are doing everything in their power to treat Deku. We can only wait. May I ... In the meantime, may I take a look at your injuries and treat them? You may think it's nothing serious, as you're only in a little pain, but adrenaline and shock can affect your perception of pain. Please let me check you over and I'll show you where you can wait until they have information about Deku's condition, okay?"

Katsuki nodded slowly and followed the beta into the hospital. The man led him into a separate room and called one of the nurses to him. Together they examined Katsuki's injuries and cleaned or bandaged them. The blond hero let it happen.

After they gave him the green light, they led the alpha into a hallway to a row of seats. Katsuki recognized the corridor. This was where he had said goodbye to Izuku both times before the surgeries on his arms.

He waited there.

Medical staff came and went. No one spoke to him. Katsuki had wrapped himself in a cocoon of pheromones that drove away anyone who got too close. Izuku was the only person he wanted to see and have near him now.

"Kat?"

He lifted his head. His gaze was blank.

His friends stood a few meters away from him. Mina and Kiri stood behind Denki and Sero. "May we join you?" the electric hero asked.

He nodded slowly.

"Mina and me too?" Kiri asked this time.

Again, he nodded silently. Right now, he didn't need to protect his mate from other alphas. It was okay to have the extras close to him. It felt good that his friends were standing by him, even though he was a total asshole to them sometimes.

Mina grabbed his hand and intertwined their fingers. Her smile was encouraging, if a little shaky. Kiri clutched his shoulders and patted him lightly on the back. They were a pack and they stuck together. They didn't need words for that.

Hours passed as the heroes sat close together, grounding the blond alpha. Izuku's spark smoldered within him. His mate was still struggling.

At some point, Dr. Yaguchi and a smaller man came through the swinging door. They looked exhausted. Their expressions were impossible to read.

Katsuki jumped up. "How is Izuku?"

The doctor pointed to the beta next to her. "This is Dr. Yamamoto. He performed surgery on Midoriya-san together with me. We've been able to stop the bleeding and repair the injured organs. He's stable at the moment and is currently being taken to the intensive care unit for further care and observation."

That was good news. Then why did the surgeon seem as if that wasn't all?

"Can I see him?" Katsuki urged.

The little doctor looked at him skeptically. "You're his mate?"

Apparently the man didn't watch TV. "Hell yes!" The alpha grabbed the collar of his new shirt and roughly pulled it aside. A stitch was heard ripping.

Dr. Yaguchi cleared her throat. "I'll take it from here, Yamamoto." She glanced briefly at the other heroes. "Walk with me for a bit, Bakugou-san. I'll take you to your mate."

As soon as they were out of earshot, Katsuki asked, "What's going on? What's being kept from me here?"

The doctor looked unhappy. "The injuries were serious and it was a really close call. One of the pillars had pierced Midoriya-san's uterus. It would have been easier and quicker to remove it, but we were able to preserve the organ. However, we have to assume that there is a lot of scarring."

The alpha went cold. "What does that mean?"

"There is a high probability that Midoriya-san will no longer be able to conceive and carry children due to the severity of his injuries. I'm sorry."

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

He longed for Izuku to wake up and at the same time he was afraid of it. It was entirely Katsuki's fault that his mate was lying in that hospital bed. It was only because he couldn't control his damn anger and fucking fears of failure that Izuku had been forced to push him aside.

If he had had better control of himself, it would never have come to this. Then his mate wouldn't be seriously injured. Then he wouldn't have lost the ability to have children.

Tears welled up in Katsuki's eyes. During and after his rut, those thoughts and the desire to have a child together with Izuku had grown. He had been looking forward to it. His omega had beamed at the thought. It would have been too early to tell if Izuku had gotten pregnant.

And now?

Now they would never know.

The alpha had messed up. He had failed. Katsuki wasn't worthy of being Izuku's mate. How could he have hurt his omega like that? The public might think Izuku was lucky the way Katsuki stood by him and considered him an equal. In fact, the alpha was grateful to be worthy of Izuku.

But he wasn't anymore.

His loss of control had robbed his mate of an important part of his future. How was he supposed to face Izuku? Would his omega ever give him his radiant smile again?

By now, tears were streaming uncontrollably down Katsuki's cheeks. His shoulders shook and he sobbed.

A knock sounded, but the blond hero ignored it. He didn't want to see anyone, hear anyone or feel anything. It hurt so terribly.

As a pro-hero, he should have gotten used to the fact that life was fickle - especially his own - and yet he had just wanted to allow himself to be happy.

There was another knock.

Was it presumptuous of him to have bound Izuku to him because he had believed he could make him happy - even with their complicated past? He didn't deserve Izuku. Because even now, when he only had the omega's best interests at heart, his temper and lack of impulse control was the cause of Izuku's suffering.

The door opened and footsteps could be heard. He wiped his face. As if of its own accord, Katsuki's upper lip pulled up and he let out a warning growl. Despite his failures, he was still Izuku's alpha and this time he would fill the role and protect him, even if there wasn't exactly any danger at the moment.

Katsuki recognized the pheromones. Eijirou approached him, keeping the appropriate safe distance. The blond alpha was grateful that his friend respected his territory and didn't get too close to his injured mate. The fear of another loss of control on his part was great.

"Hey bro, how are you?"

Katsuki only gave the other alpha a weary look and then looked back at Izuku. His mate was so terribly pale. No wonder with the blood loss. Recovery Girl had been there in the morning. She had barely been able to use her quirk. Izuku was so weakened.

"Okay, stupid question - I admit. Is there anything I can do for you? You've been sitting here for two days. Have you left the room since then?" Eijirou asked.

He just shook his head. That was the right answer to both questions. Katsuki couldn't leave here. What if Izuku came to at that exact moment and he wasn't there? He had to be the one to tell his mate what injuries he had sustained. Maybe Izuku would allow him to comfort him then, even though a part of him was sure the greenette would curse him and send him packing.

He deserved it.

"Come on, Kat. You need some fresh air. Midobro certainly wouldn't want that either."

"How would you know what Izu wants?" Katsuki hissed. "You have no idea! Since we've been a couple, there's only been one thing he's wanted, and it's never going to happen because of me." Tears gathered in his red eyes again and the alpha wiped his face gruffly. "Fuck! I'm so pathetic. Drowning in self-pity here while Izu ..."

"Kat..." Eijirou ran his fingers through his hair. "I can hardly imagine how you must be feeling, but you're both still alive. That's the most important thing. You'll get through this together, I'm sure of it. There are other options when you're ready."

"I don't want to hear about that now, Shitty Hair." Yes, they could pursue adoption or maybe even consider surrogacy, but the blond didn't want to know about that at the moment. He had robbed his Omega of an essential part of himself. Izuku had just started to accept his secondary gender and listen to his needs, and now Katsuki had ruined everything.

"It's okay, bro," Eijirou replied. He placed the paper bag he had brought with him on the table. "Please at least eat something. I brought you some spicy curry from your favorite restaurant. I'm going to leave you alone again. If you or Midobro need anything, get in touch. That goes for the rest of us too. We're all here for you, okay?"

Katsuki shrugged, grumbling. He had never been good at admitting to himself that he needed help. Accepting it was an even bigger challenge.

"I'll be back tomorrow. Eat something, Kat." Eijirou stood up and left the hospital room.

Katsuki was alone with his thoughts again and none of them were pleasant ones.

~~~~~

More hours passed, during which the alpha sat almost motionless at his mate's bedside. In the meantime, Dr. Yaguchi had checked on Izuku. Aside from that, the couple had been left alone.

The sun was about to set when Izuku's hand twitched. Katsuki sat up and did not take his eyes off his mate. The omega groaned and became restless.

"Izu?" Katsuki asked hopefully. "Are you awake?"

A jolt went through the petite body and green lightning crackled around him. Izuku was out of bed in one leap. He tore various medical accessories from his body. The green hero took cover behind the bed and clutched his abdomen with one hand, groaning in pain.

"Whoa!" Katsuki exclaimed and slowly stood up with his hands raised. "Take it easy, Izu. Your stitches are ripping open like that. You're in hospital. Please calm down. You're safe."

Izuku's gaze landed on him and his green eyes looked a little less rushed. "W-Where's Overhaul?"

That explained his mate's reaction, considering the kind of horseshit the villain had spouted just before Izuku had been injured. Because of those words, he himself had lost control and that was the only reason his mate had gotten hurt. Tears burned in his eyes as he became painfully aware of his own incompetence again. He had to tell Izuku. Had to confess to him what he had taken from his omega. But how could he? How to find the words?

"Kacchan, what happened? Where i-is Overhaul? Was he able to escape again?"

He shook his head. "After you lost consciousness, I lost control. I overpowered him and defeated him. To prevent him from regenerating, I fired a blast at him at close range. All I could think about was eliminating the threat to you. I killed him. And if I'm being honest ... I'm not even sorry."

"Okay," Izuku merely said.

"Okay? Doesn't that make me a bad person?"

Izuku stepped closer to the bed and propped himself up. "No, in a tough fight w-with strong quirks, sometimes there are casualties, both on the side of the heroes and o-on the side of the villains. And if I'm being completely honest, I'm glad Overhaul is no longer a threat. Does it make me a b-bad person?"

Katsuki snorted mirthlessly. "You could never be a bad person even if you tried."

"Then what's wrong?" Izuku asked.

"What do you mean?" Yes, the alpha was playing for time. This was wrong, but every second he could protect his omega from the truth was a good one.

"That's n-not all." Izuku had frowned thoughtfully. His gaze was turned inward. "My omega is crying... What does that m-mean, Kacchan?"

Fuck!

From the looks of it, his mate instinctively sensed what was going on. Katsuki swallowed the lump in his throat. He felt a tear roll down his cheek. "I'm so sorry."

"Kacchan?" Izuku extended his hand in his direction. "What's going on? Why don't you c-come to me?"

The alpha grabbed the proffered hand and walked around the bed. On the cracked knuckles, he pressed a gentle kiss. "Thank you, you saved my life."

"You would have done the same thing."

Katsuki smiled sadly. "Yeah, right." He ran his free hand through his hair. "Fuck, I'm so sorry."

Izuku's pheromones showed signs of unease. His scent turned bitter. "Kacchan, what's wrong? You're scaring me."

He looked deep into Izuku's eyes. His mate deserved no less. Those beautiful emeralds shimmered moistly. "Your injuries ... You'll recover, but ..."

"But what?" Izuku's lower lip trembled suspiciously.

"One of the pillars punctured your uterus. They didn't have to remove it during the surgery, but the doctors agree that you probably won't be able to have children because of the permanent damage. I'm so sorry, babe. This is all my fault."

The light faded from green eyes, replaced by infinite sadness and emptiness.

~~~~~

Izuku woke up ten days ago. After his breakdown, he had fallen into a catatonic state. He did not speak. He did not drink. He did not eat. Most of the time he stared into space.

The omega stayed hydrated with the help of IV saline solutions, but it was not a permanent solution. If Izuku didn't resume eating and drinking within the next two days, the doctors would have to consider force-feeding him through a feeding tube.

Katsuki hadn't left his mate's side the whole time, even though his condition was eating him up inside. The feelings of guilt grew with each passing day. He tried to keep his grief to himself so as not to burden Izuku with it. Instead, he cuddled up to him, talked to him and rubbed their scent glands together, hoping for a calming effect.

But Izuku remained silent.

He wasn't even releasing any more pheromones. The delicate vanilla scent which usually emanated from him had not been noticeable for days.

Katsuki was barely sleeping and the tension that had built up inside him was about to burst out of him. He felt so helpless.

The alpha sat on a chair in front of his mate's bed. The headboard was raised. Izuku looked past him out of the window. Katsuki held a bowl of pudding in his hand and made every effort to persuade his omega to eat. "Babe, please, you have to eat. "

Izuku continued to look past him.

"You like pudding, don't you? Please open your mouth, Izu. You don't even have to chew it. Huh?"

Katsuki bit his lower lip. He felt like crying. "Please, Izu, just a little. They'll put a feeding tube in you. Do you really want to let it go that far?" Again, there was no response.

Without further ado, the alpha stuck the spoon into the pudding and held it in front of his mate's nose. "Please eat." He wouldn't force him, but maybe his omega would get a taste for it if he tasted the pudding. He gently pushed the full spoonful to Izuku's lips.

Green lightning flashed and the bowl was knocked out of his hand. It shattered on the linoleum floor with a clatter. Katsuki didn't know what hit him.

"Leave me alone!" Lightning danced in angry green eyes.

The alpha didn't care that his mate was shouting at him. Even the smashed bowl wasn't that important. Izuku finally showed emotion.

The omega was shaking. Tears gathered in his eyes.

Following his instinct, Katsuki embraced him. Izuku fidgeted, slapped his chest with the flat of his hand and cursed. The blond hero let it wash over him, enduring the storm of emotions for them both. He cooed lovingly and drew circles over Izuku's back with his fingertips. His mate had lost a noticeable amount of weight.

At some point, the storm subsided.

Katsuki cradled his omega in a gentle rhythm, humming softly and waiting.

"I c-can't eat anything," Izuku said, hiccuping.

"Please stop punishing yourself, babe. It's my fault, not yours. If you want to hate someone, hate me."

A shiver ran through the tender body in his arms. "I could never h-hate you, Kacchan."

"Then why won't you eat?"

"Just thinking about it makes my stomach turn."

The alpha thought about what he should say, what he could try to convince his omega. He was breathing calmly and thinking hard when something suddenly struck him. For the first time since Izuku's condition began, he could smell his mate again, but something was wrong with his scent. "Your pheromones ... What's wrong with your pheromones? Why do you smell different?"

Izuku frowned in irritation. "What do you mean?"

Katsuki took a deep breath. Until now, he could have sworn he knew all the facets of Izuku's pheromones, but this one was new. The scent was unfamiliar, but very pleasant. He still smelled of vanilla, but ... there was more. "Cinnamon ... Why do you smell like cinnamon?"

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

Cinnamon? Izuku sniffed thoughtfully and tested the air. Kacchan was right. It smelled like cinnamon. "Maybe the smell is from the pudding?"

Kacchan buried his nose in the crook of his neck and inhaled deeply. "No, it's definitely you."

A memory rose up in him which the omega had actually preferred to suppress. He had been overwhelmed with emotion back then, too, and everything had become too much for him - albeit for a completely different reason.

Izuku had smelled like cinnamon before.

"It can't be ... You said I c-couldn't and so did the doctors."

Katsuki looked at him with furrowed brows. "What are you talking about?"

The omega let out a sob. He was afraid. Izuku thought he knew why his pheromones were changing. With the dawning realization came panic. It wasn't because he feared the change. It was the hope welling up inside him that scared him. If the omega was wrong, it would hurt just as much as the first day.

"Please talk to me. What's wrong, babe?"

Izuku looked up and met his mate's worried eyes. The omega didn't dare to finish the thought, let alone say it out loud.

"Can you p-please send for a nurse and maybe Dr. Yaguchi? I t-trust her and I'm sure she has a recommendation for one of her colleagues." Izuku's mind was racing. He needed to calm down.

"Should I be worried, Izu?" Kacchan's pheromones showed nervousness and unease.

The omega shook his head gently. "It's nothing bad, I promise."

The alpha took a deep breath. "Okay, what do you want me to tell them?"

"We need to do a blood test and could you get me something new to eat? Something easy to digest, please." If it was true, Izuku had to eat, even if he felt sick.

"I'll take care of it." Kacchan stood up. "Will you tell me what's going on afterwards?"

"Yes, as soon as I'm sure."

His alpha gave him a kiss on the top of his head. "I'll be right back. I love you."

"I love you, too."

Kacchan left his room and the omega looked out the window again.

While Izuku waited, he kneaded his comforter nervously. It was too early to hope. It could just as easily be a complication of his injuries. They were well in their healing thanks to Recovery Girl, but it could still be that.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Dr. Yaguchi entered the room closely followed by a nurse. "Hello, Midoriya-san. How are you feeling? What can we do for you?"

Izuku struggled with himself for a moment, then said, "The scent of my pheromones h-has changed. It ... has a new o-one come along."

"Oh." The doctor looked at him in surprise. Obviously she knew what that could mean for an omega - would have been sad if she hadn't known as a medic. "I see, then of course we'll do a blood test right away."

"Thank you," Izuku replied.

The nurse approached the bed and set to work. As soon as she had finished, she turned to Dr. Yaguchi. "What should I report to the lab?"

"You should determine the hCG level* as quickly as possible. This is a high priority. When the results are back, I want them immediately."

"Okay." The nurse left the room with the blood sample.

"I'm really pleased that you're responsive again." Dr. Yaguchi's gaze wandered around the room and lingered on the broken bowl and the pudding scattered on the floor. "May I ask what happened?"

Warmth rose to Izuku's face. Before he had time to respond, there was a short knock and Kacchan entered the room immediately afterwards. He held a bowl in his hand. The alpha looked back and forth between the two. When he noticed where the doctor was looking, he said, "I dropped the bowl, so I got Izu something new to eat. If you give me a rag, I'll clean it up."

Izuku's eyes widened, but he remained silent.

"You don't have to, Bakugou-san, it can happen to anyone. I'll send someone over." Then she turned her attention back to Izuku. "The results should be available in about thirty minutes. Depending on how it turns out, should I bring a colleague or do you already have a doctor, Midoriya-san?"

"Please bring someone with y-you."

"Of course. I'll leave you two alone again now. See you soon."

As soon as she had left, Kacchan joined him at the bedside. "I brought you some rice soup. Is that okay?"

Izuku gave his partner a mild smile. "Yes, thank you, Kacchan."

The alpha helped him position the folding table properly, and Izuku tasted the first spoonful of soup. His stomach began to rebel and somersault uncomfortably. He was probably complaining to him that he hadn't gotten anything for so long.

Izuku ate slowly. He didn't want to overwhelm his digestive tract right away. Kacchan watched him silently. He seemed more relaxed and the omega was sorry to have caused his mate such distress.

Fully focused on the food, Izuku remained silent. He didn't know what to say to Kacchan without bringing up the obvious subject. Fortunately, his mate respected this decision and didn't push him.

As promised, half an hour later there was another knock at the door. Dr. Yaguchi came in, closely followed by another woman. A mild scent of violets emanated from her. She was an omega. She was wearing a doctor's coat with a name tag that he couldn't read from a distance. Her dark blue hair was pinned up and she looked to be in her forties.

Izuku's heart was beating faster. If Dr. Yaguchi brought another doctor, did that mean...?

Kacchan noticed his inner turmoil and grabbed his hand. His alpha eyed the new doctor skeptically. "Who is this?"

The omega stepped forward. "Good afternoon, my name is Miyako Murakami. I am a doctor in this hospital and my specialties are omegan medicine and obstetrics. If Midoriya-san agrees, I would like to provide him with medical care."

"Does that mean...?" Izuku could not continue. His lower lip quivered and he felt his eyes moisten.

The alpha did not miss his mate's renewed outburst of emotion and he huffed indignantly. "Why should we change doctors?"

A warm smile spread across Dr. Yaguchi's face. "The test was positive. You're pregnant. Congratulations."

Kacchan was speechless, while Izuku was crying torrents of joy. He placed his hand on his lower abdomen. His scent glands were producing happy pheromones at record speed.

Still, the omega needed certainty. "But you said I c-couldn't get pregnant anymore due to the injury. Why am I after all?"

Dr. Murakami stepped closer. "The measured hCG level is over 10,000, so we can assume you are at the beginning of your 3rd week of pregnancy*. So fertilization occurred shortly before the injury."

Izuku grew warm and felt his cheeks burn as soon as he thought of the rut he had shared with Kacchan.

A clearing of the throat sounded at his side. "That ... That's about right." His mate's ears were red and so were his cheeks.

The doctor smiled mischievously. "I'm assuming the implantation took place in an uninjured area of the uterus, which miraculously meant it wasn't adversely affected. The hCG level is where it should be at the moment. Therefore, we can assume that despite the physical stress, there was no abortion.

We can't say any more at the moment. In a week's time, we will do an ultrasound and check the implantation and its position. Until then and even afterwards, however, we have to assume a high-risk pregnancy."

Katsuki had sat up in the chair next to him and listened intently to every word the doctor said. "What do we need to look out for?"

"I'm ordering bed rest for the next week until the ultrasound and Midoriya-san will stay in our house for monitoring until then. Unfortunately, the previous prognosis remains and it is most likely your only chance of carrying a child yourself, so rest assured that I will do everything in my power to ensure a successful pregnancy. If the ultrasound looks good, you can go home, but even then you will have to take it easy. I'll explain exactly what you need to look out for when the time comes, and we'll adjust Midoriya-san's medication and add a few vitamins. I'll also let the kitchen know."

Dr. Yaguchi eyed the omega appraisingly. "You're going to eat and take care of yourself again now, right?"

Izuku nodded eagerly. He would do everything the doctors asked of him. "Of course."

"Good, then we'll leave you two alone for a while so that you can process and discuss what you've heard in peace," Dr. Yaguchi replied. "I'm really genuinely happy for you. See you tomorrow."

As soon as the doctors had left, nothing could hold back Izuku's tears. He was overcome with so many different feelings at once that he couldn't help but process them somehow.

Kacchan climbed into bed with him and took him in his arms. He stroked the omega's neck reassuringly and cooed tenderly in his ear. "We're going to have this baby, babe. I will do everything I can to protect you and the little miracle." His alpha kissed his temple and held him a little tighter.

Izuku was afraid, but he wanted to hope.

Chapter Text

POV Katsuki

The week in hospital had felt miserably long and at the same time it had been far too short. Every day until the ultrasound was a rollercoaster of emotions. Izuku's moods changed to extremes within minutes. Sometimes he wanted to burst with happiness and smiled as broadly as he had done so often in the past, and shortly afterwards he was on the verge of a panic attack. Katsuki went through every emotional storm with him.

During that week, he never left Izuku alone for more than half an hour - and only when there was no other option. He let the extras do most of the work, and Katsuki excused himself by saying he had more important things to worry about than patrols after defeating Overhaul and due to his injured mate.

During the fight, the alpha hadn't noticed, but of course a world-weary reporter had boarded a helicopter and the fight had been broadcasted live. Fortunately, no one had overheard the conversation between the villain and heroes. The press vultures had been too far away for that.

Himari and Katou then reported almost positive press only and Deku fans posted their recovery wishes on all social media platforms. On the one hand this was pleasing, but on the other the paparazzi were almost constantly trying to find out about the omega's health.

Of course, there were also a few sexist assholes who thought that it would never have come to this if Deku hadn't entered the battlefield as an omega in the first place. Then he wouldn't have distracted his alpha and wouldn't have had to push Katsuki aside at the risk of his own life.

The blonde hero was just waiting for one of these bastards to say this shit to his face so he could blast it away with glee.

Their agencies had drafted a joint press release to throw a little nugget to the public. It was questionable when the couple would agree to be interviewed again. They wanted to keep Izuku's pregnancy a secret for as long as possible.

Of course, their close friends, who had smelled Izuku's pheromones before, noticed when they came to visit. Katsuki's parents had also made it a point to visit the couple in the hospital.

Katsuki had had to help the staff get his mother out the door at the end of visiting hours. The older alpha would have loved to crawl into bed with Izuku and stay there, but not with Katsuki. This was his place!

On the day of the ultrasound, they were both nervous wrecks. Dr. Murakami made every effort to reassure the couple, but she was only moderately successful until they were finally sure.

The implantation had been successful despite the injuries and in an intact part of the uterus. That way they had been able to eliminate the risk of a scar pregnancy, so Izuku could continue the pregnancy without endangering himself. The chances of carrying their child to term without major complications were good. Katsuki was not ashamed of the tears of joy he had shed together with his mate.

~~~~~

Now they were finally back home. Katsuki was in the kitchen preparing tea for Izuku. He had also baked a tray of cookies. The alpha guarded his pregnant mate like a watchdog. Whereby he guarded Izuku from himself most of the time, if you took it exactly.

It happened again and again that the omega wanted to go somewhere himself instead of being carried by Katsuki. Occasionally, Izuku even had the crazy idea of making himself something to eat. Although Katsuki was only too happy to fulfill his every culinary desire. Besides, the alpha had placed another large order, so his mate had enough material for another nest in the living room. Still, Izuku sometimes wanted to spend time away from one of his nests.

Ridiculous! As if the alpha would allow that ...

Katsuki put the cookies on a plate and took them to the living room next door along with the tea. Izuku lay snuggled up in his nest in front of the TV, watching an All Might movie. He almost sank into Katsuki's hoodie, which he wore instead of his own clothes. The alpha either put his clothes on his mate or marked the omega's with his pheromones. No one should dare come near Izuku uninvited.

He set the treat down for him and was rewarded with a delighted smile.

"Thanks, Kacchan."

Katsuki sat down next to him and put Izuku's feet in his lap. "Shouldn't you elevate your legs, for water retention and better vascular flow?"

The omega chuckled. "But not in the second month. They c-come later, Kacchan."

"We should play it safe." The alpha rubbed his thumb over the sole of Izuku's foot and massaged it.

His mate sighed and closed his eyes in pleasure. "That feels great."

Katsuki rumbled in satisfaction. "Is there anything else I can do for you? Do you want a bath? Are you hungry? Or-"

Izuku interrupted him. "Just cuddle."

"Okay." The blond massaged his partner for a few more minutes before sliding into the nest behind him and taking him in his arms.

Izuku snuggled his back against him and rested his head on his proffered upper arm. Katsuki clutched his stomach with his other hand. He was probably just imagining it, but he thought he could already feel a little bump there. His omega purred happily and he relaxed too.

They watched TV together for a while. When the movie was over, Izuku said, "Your mother wrote to me again."

Katsuki snorted and rolled his eyes. "If she annoys you, block her number."

Izuku searched his gaze and smirked slightly. "I would never do that. You kn-know that."

"Does she want something specific or just to bug you?"

"She wants to visit us. If you don't invite your parents over soon, sooner or later they'll be at the door unannounced."

"That's why we have the security service." That was a good idea. Katsuki mentally congratulated himself on how quickly he had solved this problem.

"Kacchaaan ..."

"The old hag just wants to fiddle with you all the time again and I'll have to throw her out by force at the end of the day. Better it doesn't even come to that," Katsuki decided.

"I don't mind sp-spending time with your mother or even your father. I know you think I need a babysitter, but I can manage. Also some company would be nice once in a while when y-you go to work."

The alpha ran his tongue along his partner's slender neck and kissed his scent gland. "Mine," he rumbled possessively. "I've licked you. You're mine. And why should I go to work?" Sometimes Izuku had really crazy ideas. As if he would leave his pregnant mate alone for half a day.

"Because you're the number one hero and our country n-needs you?"

"Nah, not good enough," Katsuki countered.

"Because this year's rankings will b-be announced soon and you could lose your rank?" Izuku asked.

"Doesn't matter, we've already been over this."

"Because your friends can't do double shifts all the time again?"

"The extras will be fine. Why do I get the impression you want to get rid of me, babe?" the alpha asked.

"That's n-not it."

"Then what?"

"I don't want you to regret it later if your career s-suffers," Izuku said quietly.

"The only thing I'd regret is not being there for you now," Katsuki countered.

Izuku turned in his arms and looked him in the eye. "You're there for me, Kacchan, even if you don't watch my every move and I might have to go to the bathroom m-myself without you carrying me there."

The alpha ground his jaws. "I don't want to mess it up again," he admitted in a whisper. "You and our child almost died because of me. Because of my anger, I lost control and stopped thinking clearly. As far as I'm concerned, this is the only chance you have. I can't risk anything happening to you. I would never forgive myself for that. What if you need me and I'm not there?" Unshed tears burned in his eyes and he blinked them away angrily.

"Kacchan..." Izuku reached out and rubbed his cheek with his thumb. "If anything happens, you'll feel it and I'll take very good care of myself. Besides, we could have other support if we let it happen. Apart from my mother, I had no family. I wish that o-our child has many people who will love and support them. Their grandparents, for example. Although my mother is no longer around to be a grandma, your parents are. I don't want to exclude them."

Katsuki sensed how serious his mate was. Basically, Izuku was right. The more people they had involved, the more would support and protect his omega and their offspring if the worst came to the worst. "Hmph! But if my old hag gets on my nerves too much, I'll kick her out."

Izuku chuckled. "Agreed, Kacchan."

He hugged his partner tightly and buried his face in the crook of Izuku's neck. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon mixed with a hint of his caramel filled his nose. Katsuki took deep breaths. 

Gradually, his restlessness faded, giving way to security and love.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

They had kept it simple. Neither hero had the nerve for the press hype it would have otherwise brought. So far, they had managed to stay out of the public spotlight as much as possible after the fight against Overhaul.

Izuku sat next to Kacchan in his sports car. His hand rested on the alpha's thigh and he smiled broadly when he saw the small golden ring on his ring finger. Izuku was happy.

Their visit to the registry office had been more of a formality than a ceremony, but that was okay. They hadn't wanted it any other way. Besides, Kacchan's romantic proposal to Izuku in the candle-lit gazebo by the koi pond in the garden under a breathtaking starry sky more than made up for it.

They planned to spend the rest of their wedding day at home in peace. The pregnancy went well. They had made it through the first trimester without any complications. By now, Kacchan was also allowing his omega to take a step without him accompanying or even carrying him. There was only one thing that gave Izuku a headache.

Kacchan no longer touched him.

During the first few weeks after his injury and the uncertainty of whether the pregnancy would last, the omega hadn't wanted it any other way. But now... It wasn't that there was no more closeness between the couple. Quite the opposite. Kacchan massaged him, they cuddled and scented each other with their pheromones. The alpha in particular insisted on marking his partner daily, even though Izuku rarely left the house, and when he did, Kacchan was with him. His alpha had accompanied him to every doctor's appointment.

They reached their home and security opened the gate for them. Today they didn't have to go through a wild mob of paparazzi. The press had kept a low profile. To keep it that way, they hadn't told anyone about their plans for today.

Izuku was looking forward to spending the rest of the day with his husband. Perhaps he would even manage to seduce Kacchan. What better day for that than their wedding day? By now, Izuku was finding it really hard to keep his hands off his mate.

They had both dressed up for the occasion today. Just because they didn't have any guests didn't mean they had to show up at the registry office in sweatpants and hoodies. And if Izuku had decided to order and wear silk underwear, then that was entirely up to him - and hopefully soon his mate.

Kacchan parked the car in the garage and hurried around the car to open the door for him. As soon as he had helped Izuku out of the car, he grabbed the back of Izuku's knees and lifted him into his arms.

The omega squeaked in surprise. A kiss from his mate quickly silenced him and he wrapped his arms around Kacchan's strong neck. "Welcome home, Izuku Bakugou."

He chuckled. The greenette would have to get used to the new name. Kacchan went to the front door and opened it. He carried Izuku over the threshold and into the living room. The couple couldn't have been happier. They both emitted joyful pheromones until ...

"Surprise!"

Izuku flinched in shock, burying his face in the crook of Kacchan's neck and holding onto him tightly. Fortunately, his mate had also tightened his grip and hadn't accidentally dropped him.

"What the hell?" the alpha groaned.

The greenette peeked out and couldn't believe his eyes. All their friends and Kacchan's parents were standing in their living room. They were all dressed festively and wore broad smiles.

"What's going on here?" Izuku asked, overwhelmed.

Mina stepped forward. "You don't really think you can get married quietly and secretly and leave us out?"

"But how...?" Izuku looked at his husband. He also looked surprised.

Kiri stood at Mina's side and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "No, Bakubro didn't reveal anything. However, he didn't enter your appointment today in his private calendar, but in the one shared with the agency. We couldn't possibly ignore that and now we're here."

"Fuck...," the blond mumbled and set him down carefully on the floor. "Sorry, babe."

In the meantime, Kacchan's parents had also stepped forward. "Sorry?" Mitsuki repeated incredulously as she slapped the back of her son's head with the flat of her hand. "What you should really be sorry about is that you're getting married without telling your parents. I thought after your bonding it would have been a lesson to you. Instead, we're being shut out again."

Katsuki snarled at his mother and the two blond alphas threw around the wildest swear words and curses.

Masaru stepped forward and slowly opened his arms. He seemed to be waiting for Izuku's reaction. The greenette pressed himself into the offered embrace. "Welcome to the family, Izuku."

His eyes grew moist again, but he managed not to cry this time. "Thank you."

One hug followed the next and soon the omega's head was spinning. Everyone really had come.

After the greetings and congratulations had been exchanged, Ochako took his hand. Mina grabbed Kacchan's and both women pulled the newlyweds behind them through the living room and across the terrace into the garden.

There were tables and chairs set up, a buffet, a small stage and flowers and decorations everywhere. Izuku gasped. "When did you d-do all this?"

Ochako and Mina grinned conspiratorially at each other. "We all pitched in and then it went really quickly. What's more, your security service was nice enough to help too," explained his best friend.

Mina held her index finger in front of Kacchan's nose. "Don't you dare give them a hard time about it."

His alpha rumbled softly. "I won't." He reached for Izuku's hand. His gaze softened. "Come on, babe, if the extras have already gone to all this trouble, we might as well enjoy it." He led him to his seat and pulled the chair forward for Izuku.

"Thanks, Kacchan."

Once they were both seated, some quiet came over the guests. Mina pressed a glass of champagne into Katsuki's hand and Izuku got orange juice. Then she held up her own glass and exclaimed, "To the newlyweds!"

Their friends joined in and they toasted together. Shortly afterwards, lunch was served and Kacchan took the opportunity to feed him. It was the same later with the wedding cake. Both times, Izuku blushed up to his ears, but he accepted his alpha's display of affection without complaint, even though they weren't alone. Izuku enjoyed being spoiled by his partner like this.

In the course of the afternoon, Jirou and a few of their other former classmates arrived. Together they provided the background music for the evening.

After dinner, Kacchan took his hand and winked at him. "Do you mind? "

Izuku was hit by a wave of nervousness. "I can't dance," he squeaked uncertainly.

The alpha sighed devotedly. "Neither can I, but otherwise the extras never rest. Together we can manage a few minutes. What do you think?"

"Okay, Kacchan." He let his partner help him up and lead him to the center of the terrace to the cleared area. Izuku's heart was beating like crazy. He felt the stares of his friends on him and was slightly overwhelmed.

"Ignore the others. Just look at me," Kacchan breathed in his ear.

A pleasant shiver ran down his spine. Izuku's heart was beating wildly. He searched for his partner's gaze and lost himself in his mate's ruby eyes. Then he crossed his arms behind the alpha's muscular neck.

Katsuki embraced his waist and together they swayed to the beat of the music. Suddenly everything felt easy and Izuku lost himself in the moment. Their guests were forgotten. It was just the two of them.

"Thank you, Izu," Kacchan said.

He tilted his head questioningly. "For what?"

"For making my life perfect. I love you."

A smile spread across his face. "I love you too, Kacchan." The omega stood on his tiptoes and pressed against his mate. "But you know what would make i-it really perfect?"

"What?"

"If we said goodbye to our friends soon and u-us took care of the wedding night." Izuku bit his lower lip and looked at his alpha expectantly.

Katsuki looked at him, conflicted, obviously struggling for the right words.

He said what had been on his mind for weeks: "Don't you want to sleep with me anymore? I miss you."

Katsuki's eyes widened. "Fuck, babe, that's not it. Of course I want to sleep with you. It's absolutly hard for me to keep my hands off you."

"Then why are you doing it?"

"Because I'm... afraid of breaking something," the alpha confessed.

"Oh," Izuku said in surprise. "Kacchan, you can't break our baby if we..." He interrupted himself, embarrassed. "Dr. Murakami a-also said it would be fine."

The blond took a deep breath. "Are you sure?"

"I'm quite sure." Izuku thought about the underwear he had ordered for today's occasion. Heat rose in his face.

"Do I want to know what you're thinking about?" Katsuki asked.

"I have a surprise for you later," the omega replied.

His mate gave him a wolfish grin. Hunger burned in his gaze. "I see."

The song ended and the pair came to a halt. Katsuki took his eyes off his husband and looked around. "The dance floor is open. You have one hour. After that, you extras are gone. I have more plans for tonight."

Denki and Kiri hooted and Izuku slapped his hands to his face.

"Kacchaaan!"

His mate pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You know me, babe, and you love me."

Izuku sighed exaggeratedly. "I do."

Smiling, he looked at Kacchan and their guests as he stroked his hand over his stomach. Their future still held so much in store. Izuku could hardly wait.

Chapter Text

POV Izuku

2 months later

Izuku was nervous. He was about to make his first public appearance since the television interview. Together with Kacchan and the other heroes from both their agencies, they sat in a spacious limousine that Mina had insisted on.

Except for himself, they were all wearing their hero costumes. It had gotten a little better to see his own costume, but Izuku wasn't ready to put it back on. It wouldn't have fitted him at the moment anyway. He was at the beginning of his sixth month and could no longer hide his pregnant belly. Although Izuku was wearing airy clothes that didn't show, it was still obvious what he was hiding underneath due to his otherwise very slim figure.

Kacchan rubbed his wrist over the omega's neck and covered him once more with his distinctive pheromones. This was the third time today, but Izuku wouldn't complain about it - on the contrary. He leaned into the touch and closed his eyes for a moment, blocking out the conversations of his friends. In a few minutes, the public would find out that the two heroes were expecting offspring. Hopefully the press wouldn't besiege them at home again as a result.

"We'll be there in two minutes," their driver said.

Izuku's heart fluttered nervously. Kacchan gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm not leaving your side, babe. The vultures won't get to you."

The omega smiled gratefully at his mate. Once they made it into the hall, the heroes would almost be among themselves. Of course, there were camera crews from a few select broadcasters, but they had a designated area that they were not allowed to leave. Interviews could also be conducted there if the hero in question agreed.

"We're here," Mina squealed happily.

The car slowed down. The red carpet could already be seen through the tinted windows. There had to be one or two limousines ahead of them before it was their turn to get out.

The limousine drove a little further forward and came to a halt. Someone approached and opened the car door for the heroes. Mina was the first to get out. The alpha wore a broad smile and was clearly at ease.

Next, the other heroes from Kacchan's agency got out. As soon as Kiri, Sero and Denki had made their entrance, the blond hero, who was still leading the hero rankings at the moment, got out and extended his hand to his mate. Izuku gratefully accepted it and let Kacchan help him out of the low car seat. The flurry of flashbulbs increased in intensity and questions were shouted at them from all sides, barely drowning out the screeching of the fans. They ignored them all and walked stubbornly towards the entrance to the festival hall.

Finally, the heroes got out of Izuku's agency. Their friends had arranged it so that the press wouldn't focus too much on the pair. Occasionally, Izuku waved or smiled at someone as he walked closer and closer to the entrance at Kacchan's side.

As soon as they stepped through the large doors, things quieted down. Izuku let out a relieved breath. Not long now until the ceremony. The omega was more nervous than his mate. It would only be another hour before they found out if the hero Dynamight was still leading the ranking or if someone else had knocked him off the pedestal.

Various factors played a role in the hero rankings. Firstly, of course, the number of hours spent patrolling, special missions and the respective success rate. Almost as important was the popularity among the population, on which a nationwide vote was held shortly before the ranking was announced.

There was therefore a good chance that Katsuki would have been able to keep his place. According to Himari, his popularity was at an all-time high, even though he had done fewer patrols and only accepted missions when there was no other way.

Various heroes approached them, but Kacchan and he only exchanged a few words with them. Izuku was glad about that. The event threatened to overwhelm him already. The many glances thrown at the omega - or rather his belly - didn't help.

Katsuki led him into the banquet hall to their table. According to his rank, it was right at the front of the stage. He pulled the chair forward for Izuku and pushed him to the table as soon as he sat down. Only then did he take a seat himself. The omega smiled gratefully at him. It meant a lot to him that Kacchan treated him with no less love and respect in public than he did at home.

The hall was getting fuller by the minute. Appetizers and drinks were served at the tables. Izuku enjoyed the company of his friends. They helped him to overcome his nervousness.

The stage lights went out and a few seconds later they all lit up at once. The conversations fell silent. Everyone waited spellbound for the show to begin.

Present Mic entered the stage with a broad smile. "Good evening to my colleagues, our members of the press and of course to the audience watching from home. Tonight we will announce the latest hero rankings and celebrate together. Who has been promoted? Who kept their place? Who was unfortunately relegated? And of course, we're all dying to know if Dynamight will claim the top spot for the third year in a row. But before we start picking the top 20, let's take a look at some highlights from the past year together."

Present Mic stepped aside to reveal a large screen descending from the stage ceiling. Various clips of Japan's top heroes were shown, accompanied by dramatic music. There were a few scenes of almost all of his former classmates.

Izuku grabbed Kacchan's hand when he himself appeared on screen, racing through the city in Full Cowl while carrying his unconscious alpha to the hospital.

There were a few more scenes after that, but Izuku barely noticed them. Afterwards, the heroes who had retired during the year were honored. At the end, the heroes who had fallen in the line of duty were shown.

Katsuki stiffened next to him. Had there also been a picture of him in the year of Izuku's abduction, after the official search had been stopped? The greenette man would rather not know.

Mic returned to the center of the stage. "Now we come to this year's rankings!" The places from 100 to 21 were shown in descending order in blocks of ten. Here and there, individual cheers rang out among the heroes present or someone shouted a congratulations to a colleague.

"Now we will announce and honor our top 20. These heroes have fought hard for their place and have proven through iron will and dedication that they have earned it." Mic paused for effect while an envelope was handed to him from the side. "I will now announce places 20 - 11. When I call your name, you will come up to the stage and each get thirty seconds to speak."

Izuku knew all the heroes who were called up. None of the graduates from the past two years, whom the omega did not yet know, had made it this far to the front. Instead, there were some familiar faces from his graduating class. Although he didn't know everyone from Class B as well as the friends from his former class, Izuku was just as happy when one of their names was called.

They reached the top 10 and Mic made it exciting again, as he does every year, by first calling out the rankings up to 4th place. The closer they got to the top 3, the more nervous Izuku became. Hopefully he hadn't cost his mate the ranking.

"Now we come to the big showdown of the evening," Mic called out.

Instead of cheers, there was a tense silence. Now only Hawks, Shoto and Kacchan were missing. It was obvious that these three heroes would make up the top three among themselves. It was impossible that one of them had fallen out of the ranking completely.

Izuku squeezed his mate's hand. It was a little sweaty. That was the only indication of the blond hero's nervousness. The omega himself was a nervous wreck and had to concentrate on not accidentally using his quirk and breaking his alpha's hand in the process.

"Congratulate with me on his stable 3rd place finish .... HAAAWKS!" Mic clapped his hands and the audience did the same.

The winged hero stood up and entered the stage, waving.

Izuku was so nervous by now that he didn't even listen and thus missed the acceptance speech completely.

Mic held the next sealed envelope in his hand. Clearing his throat, he tore it open. What name would he call out next?

"It looks like there are no surprises in second place this year either. Also unchanged, I present ... SHOTOOO!"

Katsuki's hand twitched. Izuku pushed back and searched for his alpha's gaze. With these results, there could only be one way who would take 1st place, right?

Shoto, meanwhile, had taken the stage and walked up to the mic. He bowed slightly and said, "Thank you for the support." Then he stepped back and joined the other heroes.

"And now! The moment we've all been waiting for." Dramatically, Mic tore open the last envelope to make it extra exciting. "At number one in the national hero rankings, we welcome for the third time in a row ... DYNAMIIIGHT!"

"Fuck, yeah!" Kacchan exclaimed beside him and spotlights shone around him.

Happy pheromones tickled Izuku's nose and he rejoiced with them. A stone fell from his heart with relief. His alpha leaned over and planted a quick kiss on his lips before standing up.

Kacchan walked to the stage with his back straight and his head held high. The crowd applauded. His mate climbed the few steps and accepted the award. Then he turned to the microphone. He didn't give anyone a glance - except Izuku. Their eyes were locked together.

With a confident grin, he said, "Told you, babe." Now he winked as well, which completely did it for Izuku. Fortunately, he didn't have to stand up there in the spotlight himself.

Present Mic stepped forward again. "Before we end the ceremony and move on to the informal part, there is an important announcement to be made by the Heroes Commission."

The room fell quiet and everyone waited in suspense to see what would happen next. Would the news be a good thing or a bad thing? With the commission, you could never really know in advance.

Meanwhile, Izuku sat alone at the large table, as the heroes from his and Kacchan's agency had all made it into the top 20 and were therefore on stage.

"With the coming school year, the academies and high schools which offer a hero course in this country will also accept applications from omegas and allow them to take part in the entrance exams. They are no longer prohibited by law from pursuing a career as a pro-hero."

The conversation in the hall exploded.

Izuku gasped for air. Could this be true? Did this mean he no longer had to worry a member of the commission showing up at his door any day to reclaim his ill-gotten license?

With the help of his quirk, Present Mic once again made himself heard. "In this context, we are awarding a special prize and this year we are also recognizing a hero who, despite all the adversity, has proven that he rightly bears the title of professional hero. We all know and love him for re-entering the battlefield with a smile after every injury and setback, each time stronger and more unyielding than before.

Applaud with me for ... DEKUUU!"

Spotlights caught him and Izuku froze. His eyes widened as he watched his colleagues in the hall clapping and shouting congratulations. One by one, they stood up and gave him a smile. The voices and cheers of his friends on the stage drowned out all the others.

Izuku felt like the famous deer in the headlights and didn't know what to do.

"Please join us on stage," Mic called over the noise.

He rose to his feet, his legs trembling. Izuku took a deep breath and tightened up. He could do this. No need to be nervous. It wasn't his first time up there on this very stage. Slowly, he walked to the steps. He chose each step carefully so as not to trip.

The omega had to pass the entire top 20 pro heroes before he finally reached Mic. He felt Kacchan's presence near him and relaxed.

His former teacher beamed at him. "We hereby crown you the first official Omega Pro Hero. Continue to lead by example. We are sure you have paved the way to a bright future for many promising talents with your dedication and consistency."

Speechless and with moist eyes, Izuku accepted the glass award. Mic pointed to the microphone with which so many other heroes had already addressed their words of thanks to the audience that evening.

The omega cleared his throat quietly and approached the microphone. His gaze swept over the crowd, all the way to the end of the hall to the camera teams. There was only one thing he had to say now: "I am here."

~~~~~

Afterwards, the evening had turned into a cocktail party. The heroes stood together in loose groups and engaged in casual conversation.

Izuku had just come back from the toilet. The pregnancy was also making itself felt in this respect and the omega had to go to the toilet constantly. He was met by a hero which Izuku had not expected at this event. His former teacher had no love for the limelight. So what was he doing here?

The omega bowed in greeting. "Hello Aizawa-sensei."

The black-haired alpha grumbled. "No need for formalities, Midoriya."

Another head popped out of his scarf, this one smaller and furry.

"Principal Nezu," Izuku exclaimed in surprise.

"If I'm not mistaken, it's Bakugou now, isn't it?"

He still hadn't gotten used to the fact that the chimera could appear anywhere. The omega cleared his throat and said, "That's right."

"Besides, congratulations are in order, I see."

Warmth rose in Izuku's cheeks. "Thank you."

Aizawa looked past him in the direction where Kacchan stood with their friends. His gaze softened. "How are you?"

"Fine, thank you."

"Really?" the teacher asked.

"Really!" Izuku replied with a broad smile. It was true. This time it was true. It wasn't like his school days, when the omega had hidden his problems behind a smile and played them down. His life was wonderful and he was happy.

Aizawa grumbled in reply and said nothing more. The eyes of the two UA members rested heavily on him.

Izuku looked at them expectantly. "Is there anything I can h-help you with?"

"Indeed," Nezu exclaimed happily, clapping his little paws together. "I want to make you an offer. Come to my office on Monday."

Before Izuku could respond, Aizawa reached out and tousled his curls. "I'm glad you're alive and back. I wish for you to be well, problem child."

Then his former teachers turned away and the omega looked after them in amazement. Did Nezu's offer have anything to do with the fact UA would officially accept omegas and train them as heroes from the next school year?

Possibly.

Izuku was eager to find out what opportunities the omegas in their society would now have. Surely there were many other children out there who, like him many years ago, wanted nothing more than to be a hero... Even if they were told they could never become one.

And who knows? Maybe Izuku could help them fulfill that dream.

The end