Chapter Text
Katsuki had always taken care of her, even before when they were just partners. His protective instincts had been apparent from the start, but since entering Ignis, something had undoubtedly shifted. His attentiveness had taken on an almost possessive quality, one that made her heart flutter and her mind race.
He kept his arm wrapped around her waist as they walked toward the dining room, his touch soothing. When they arrived, he pulled out her chair with ease, waiting for her to settle before gently guiding her hand into his. His thumb brushed over her knuckles, and then, to her surprise, he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her skin.
Rosie felt her face burn as her blush deepened, her pointed ears twitching uncontrollably at the public display of affection. She wasn’t unused to his care, but moments like these still caught her off guard, especially with an audience. While she didn’t mind, it always left her flustered when he was so openly affectionate.
Glancing at the others seated around the long, ornate table, she noticed Katsuki’s mother, Mitsuki, glancing their way with an approving smile that sent Rosie’s blush deeper. On her left, Momo and Uraraka were chatting quietly, their voices light with amusement. On Katsuki’s right, Shoto and Izuku seemed engrossed in conversation with Masaru, who spoke with the same calm, steady warmth he had shown earlier.
Turning back to Katsuki, Rosie found his intense crimson gaze fixed on her, his brows knitting slightly.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that only she could hear.
“Just tired,” she admitted, letting out a small sigh. “I’ve been using my magic more than usual lately.”
His hand shifted from hers to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. “I’ll take you to your room after we eat,” he said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
She smiled softly. “Thank you.”
The dining room doors opened, and servants filed in, carrying ornate trays of food and pitchers of wine. Rosie glanced at the spread, her eyes widening as an array of dishes was placed before them. Some of the foods she recognized, but others were entirely foreign, their rich aromas unfamiliar yet tantalizing.
When goblets of wine were set before each guest, Rosie watched Katsuki immediately reach for her plate, his movements deliberate.
“Katsuki,” she said softly, watching as he began piling her plate with a mix of familiar and new dishes. “I can get my own food.”
He snorted, not even looking up as he selected another dish for her. “I know your eating habits and what you like and don’t like.”
She opened her mouth to argue but quickly closed it, realizing there was no point. He wasn’t wrong—he did know her preferences better than anyone, sometimes even herself.
With a resigned smile, she leaned closer, her voice teasing. “You’ve been a lot more affectionate lately. Care to explain?”
He finally met her gaze, smirking slightly as he leaned back in his chair. “I’ll explain later,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for debate.
She was really curious but she knew that he wouldn’t explain, though her ears betrayed her by twitching once again. She reached for her goblet, taking a sip of the sweet wine to steady herself.
As the room filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and quiet conversation, Rosie couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth settle over her. Or perhaps it was the wine.
From across the table, Mitsuki’s voice broke through the moment. “Katsuki, if you continue, I think she might become a puddle,” she said with a knowing grin, her crimson eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Mind your business, old hag,” Katsuki snapped back without missing a beat, though his hand stayed protectively on her.
His mother just rolled her eyes, “selfish brat.”
The door to Rosie’s rooms closed with a soft click behind them, the dim glow of enchanted lanterns casting a warm light over the luxurious space. Katsuki lingered by the door, his sharp eyes fixed on her as she walked further inside. She reached up to loosen the braided crown in her hair, her movements slow with exhaustion, her hands grabbed the jeweled pins in her hair and set them on the vanity table. The crimson and black silks she wore hugged her figure in a way that had left him distracted all evening, and now, with no one else around, his gaze followed her every move unabashedly.
Rosie turned back to him, her tired yet content smile softening the sharp edges of his thoughts. “Are you joining me for bed?” she asked, her voice quiet but tinged with warmth.
For a moment, Katsuki didn’t respond. He simply stared, taking in the sight of her—her tousled hair, the faint flush on her cheeks, and the way her silken skirt swayed around her legs. Something primal stirred in his chest, urging him forward.
Without a word, he closed the distance between them in a few long strides, his crimson eyes never leaving hers. She tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her gaze, but it quickly shifted to surprise as he reached out and grabbed the back of her neck, his touch firm yet careful.
“Katsu—” she began, but the rest of her words were lost as he dipped his head and claimed her lips in a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs.
It wasn’t gentle—it was heated, demanding, and full of the emotions he struggled to put into words. His fingers splayed against her neck, holding her in place as his other hand rested on her waist, pulling her flush against him. Her hands instinctively rose to grip his shoulders, steadying herself as her heart raced.
Rosie melted into the kiss, her earlier exhaustion forgotten. The world around them seemed to blur and fade, leaving only the two of them in that moment. When he finally pulled back, it was only enough to rest his forehead against hers, his warm breath mingling with hers.
“Don’t ask me like that,” he muttered, his voice rough and low. “Like there’s any way in hell I wouldn’t.”
Her smile returned, softer this time, as she gazed up at him. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she whispered, her hands sliding from his shoulders to rest on his chest.
Katsuki’s lips quirked into a rare smirk, and he pressed a final kiss to her forehead before pulling her closer, his grip on her never wavering. “Good,” he murmured, his voice softening. “Now get some rest. I’ll be right here.”
Settling into the comfort of the plush bed, he leaned against the bedframe, as she laid her head on his lap, his fingers brushing through her hair.
Rosie woke to the sound of growling, low and dangerous, cutting through the silence of the room. Blinking sleep from her eyes, she sat up in the plush bed, her pink hair falling over her shoulders as she tried to focus. The sight before her made her pause: Katsuki and Mitsuki, their foreheads butting together, glaring at one another with the intensity of two dragons ready to fight, their crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
“What is going on?” Rosie asked, her voice heavy with sleep but laced with curiosity.
Both of them snapped out of their standoff, their heads turning toward her. Mitsuki was the first to act, smacking Katsuki upside the head hard enough to make him flinch. He growled low under his breath, but she ignored him, stalking over to the edge of the bed.
“My husband and I will be hosting a ball,” Mitsuki declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. “In honor of Katsuki’s return home, and as a chance for our people to see their future king and to introduce you properly.”
“She’s not getting anywhere near them,” Katsuki growled, his tone protective and sharp.
“You intend to bond with her, do you not? She will be queen one day, so she shoul—”
“I don’t mind,” Rosie interrupted, her voice soft but steady as she looked between the two of them. “I think it’s a lovely idea.”
Both Katsuki and Mitsuki turned to her, surprised. Mitsuki’s expression shifted to a wide grin of approval.
“Good! Then I’ll handle your attire,” Mitsuki said, already spinning on her heel. “You’ve nothing suitable to wear for such an occasion, but don’t worry—I’ll choose something perfect for you.”
Rosie blinked. “You don’t have to go to so much trouble—”
“Nonsense!” Mitsuki waved a hand dismissively as she reached the door, practically vibrating with excitement. “I’ll leave the final details to my husband. This will be perfect.” With that, she swept out of the room, muttering to herself about fabrics and jewels as she disappeared.
The door shut with a soft click, and silence fell. Katsuki turned back to Rosie with a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair.
“You don’t have to agree just to get my mom to like you,” he muttered, his crimson eyes softening slightly as they met hers.
“That isn’t why I agreed,” Rosie admitted, her cheeks flushing as she averted her gaze. “I agreed because she’s right. If we intend to bond, it’s best that I grow familiar with your people, yes?”
Katsuki growled under his breath, moving to the edge of the bed, his crimson eyes flickering with annoyance.
Rosie crawled forward, her soft movements drawing his attention. His eyes darted down toward her exposed cleavage, lingering for a moment as an unmistakable gleam entered his gaze. By the time she reached the edge of the bed and sat back on her legs, his expression was unreadable, though his body was taut like a predator ready to pounce.
“Won’t it be nice to go to one together anyway?” Rosie asked, her voice teasing yet genuine as she peered up at him.
Katsuki snorted, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he crossed his arms, his sharp features softening.
Rosie tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes as she peered up at Katsuki. “Will you answer my question from dinner?”
Katsuki’s jaw clenched slightly, his gaze flicking to the side as if debating whether or not to speak. Finally, with a resigned exhale, he muttered, “I’ve been scent-marking you.”
Her ears twitched in confusion. “What…?”
“By covering you in my scent,” he explained, crimson eyes locking onto hers, “it acts as a warning to others that you belong to me, that you’re under my protection.”
“Oh,” Rosie blinked, the words sinking in, and then her face flushed a deep shade of red. “I didn’t realize…”
Before she could ask more, Katsuki leaned forward and grasped her face in his hands. His rough palms cradled her cheeks as his thumbs caressed her flushed skin, and he bent down to capture her lips in a firm kiss. The question died on her tongue as his warmth consumed her, her body leaning into him instinctively.
When he pulled away, Rosie was left staring at him, her blue eyes dreamy and half-lidded, her ears twitching uncontrollably. Her face was a vivid red as she murmured, “Why’d you stop?”
Katsuki smirked, his lips brushing against hers as he whispered, “Because if I don’t, I can’t promise I’ll keep my claws to myself.”
“And who says I want that?” she replied softly, her breath hitching.
His smirk widened, a mischievous gleam in his crimson eyes. But before he could close the distance again, the door creaked open, and in walked Momo and Uraraka, their bright smiles lighting up the room.
Rosie yelped in surprise, pulling back slightly, while Katsuki growled low in frustration.
“Mitsuki asked us to come get you,” Uraraka chirped. “She wants us to join her for preparations.”
Katsuki swore under his breath, low enough that only Rosie could hear. “Old hag stealing my bride.”
Rosie couldn’t help but giggle, covering her mouth with her hand as her shoulders shook.
Katsuki’s sharp gaze snapped to her, his lips twitching. “You find that funny?”
“Yes,” she admitted, still giggling.
He leaned down swiftly, his mouth claiming hers in a kiss that left her breathless. When he pulled away, he effortlessly lifted her from the bed, his hands firm yet gentle as he set her on her feet. “Now leave before I kick those two out and keep you in bed.”
“But my hai—” Rosie began to protest, but Katsuki cut her off with a sigh.
“I need to leave,” he said, though his voice was filled with reluctance. He leaned down again, kissing her hard, his lips stealing her breath for a second time before moving to place a lingering kiss on her neck. Rosie shivered at the sensation, her hands clutching his shirt for balance.
“I’ll steal you back later,” he promised, his voice low and gruff, before reluctantly stepping back and turning to leave.
As the door closed behind him, Momo and Uraraka squealed in unison, rushing toward Rosie with excitement.
“Your hair’s perfect already, but let’s make it stunning!” Momo said, pulling Rosie toward the vanity.
Rosie smiled, moving to sit before the mirror. Her hands deftly began braiding her hair into an intricate crown, leaving a few soft strands to frame her face. Uraraka handed her the diamond and ruby flower pins, which she carefully arranged throughout the braid, adding a touch of elegance.
“You look incredible,” Uraraka breathed.
Rosie caught her reflection and blushed, but the soft smile on her face didn’t falter.
“Sorry for the interruption,” Momo smirked. “If we had known that you two would be getting intimate so early in the day, we would have waited.”
“We weren’t…we haven’t,” Rosie stood from the vanity and crossed the room with both girls following her. “Anyway, let us go meet Mitsuki.”
Rosie walked alongside Momo and Uraraka through the grand corridors of the castle, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished obsidian floors. The high ceilings were adorned with intricate golden carvings of dragons entwined in flames, and the tall windows let in streams of sunlight that painted the hallway in warm hues.
“It’s so beautiful here,” Uraraka marveled, her wide eyes taking in the artwork and ornate sconces that lined the walls.
“Agreed,” Momo said with a nod. “The craftsmanship is incredible, and the history of Ignis must be fascinating. You’re lucky, Rosie, to experience this firsthand.”
Rosie smiled, though her nerves lingered from everything that had happened earlier. “What do you think of Ignis so far?”
“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Uraraka replied, her voice filled with awe. “The heat takes some getting used to, but everything is so vibrant and alive. I’m glad the enchanted clothes Mitsuki gifted us have helped stave off the heat.”
“The people here seem strong-willed,” Momo added thoughtfully. “You can feel the pride in their culture just by walking through these halls.”
Rosie chuckled, listening as the two women chattered excitedly about the details they’d noticed—the tapestries depicting fierce dragons mid-flight, the glowing embers that seemed to hover in the air, and the distant hum of life within the castle.
They turned a corner, still smiling and laughing, when Rosie suddenly collided with someone. She stumbled back slightly, blinking up at a taller woman with fiery red hair cascading down her back. Her golden eyes burned with intensity, and her tan skin shimmered faintly, as if she had been dusted with embers. She was dressed in a black bralette and baggy black shorts adorned with intricate golden detailing, her figure practically dripping in jewels that sparkled in the light.
“I’m so sorry,” Rosie said quickly, her cheeks coloring.
The woman’s golden eyes narrowed into a sharp glare as she sneered down at Rosie. “Who the hell allowed an elf into the castle?”
Rosie’s jaw tightened, her ears twitching. Straightening her back, she met the woman’s gaze evenly. “I suggest you treat me with respect.”
The woman scoffed, crossing her arms as her golden bangles jingled softly. “I am Lady Varsas, daughter of Xynnos, lord of the fire dragons.”
Rosie blinked at her introduction but remained composed. “I rank higher than you and am a guest to this realm. You’d do well to remember that.”
Varsas leaned forward slightly, her golden eyes narrowing further. She inhaled sharply, her nostrils flaring as she sniffed the air around Rosie. Her expression twisted into one of disdain as a low growl rumbled in her throat.
“So,” Varsas drawled, her tone dripping with malice, “he’s brought home a whore. Looks like some things never change.” She gave a mocking smile as Rosie’s eyes widened in shock.
Before Rosie could respond, Varsas leaned closer, her voice lowering to a venomous whisper. “Word of advice: I was his first, and you’ll be old news soon enough. Enjoy your time in Ignis while you can, little elf, because it won’t take him long to crawl back into my bed.”
With that, Varsas turned on her heel, her jewels clinking as she stalked off, leaving Rosie standing frozen in place.
Momo and Uraraka, who had been silent during the encounter, immediately stepped closer to Rosie, concern etched across their faces.
“Rosie, are you okay?” Momo asked gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Rosie clenched her fists at her sides, trying to process what had just happened. Her jaw tightened, and she exhaled slowly, forcing herself to regain composure.
“I’m fine,” she murmured, though her voice was unsteady.
Uraraka frowned. “She had no right to say those things.”
“She didn’t,” Rosie agreed, lifting her chin. “But I won’t let her get to me. Let’s keep going.”
Though she tried to shake off the encounter, the venom in Varsas’s words lingered in her mind as they continued down the corridor toward the ballroom.
The words echoing in her mind like a poisonous mantra. I was his first, and you’ll be old news soon enough. It won’t take him long to crawl back into my bed.
Her stomach churned, and a cold wave of insecurity washed over her, leaving her heart heavy and her thoughts in turmoil. She knew—logically—that she had nothing to worry about. Katsuki had never given her any reason to doubt his loyalty or his feelings for her. Yet, despite that knowledge, the venom in Varsas’s words burrowed deep into her heart, sowing seeds of doubt she couldn’t ignore.
She knew Katsuki wasn’t a virgin; she had never expected him to be. It was foolish to feel threatened by something from his past, but this wasn’t just any woman—this was someone from his world, someone who fit here in a way Rosie feared she never could. Varsas was beautiful, powerful, and confident, with the kind of fiery presence that seemed to command attention effortlessly. Rosie couldn’t help but feel like an outsider in comparison, a fragile flower in a realm of dragons.
What if she’s right? the thought whispered in the back of her mind. What if I’m just a passing fancy to him? What if he grows tired of me?
Her ears twitched nervously as the doubts spiraled. She had never felt this way before—never so vulnerable, so small, so unsure of herself. It wasn’t just the weight of Varsas’s words; it was the fear that perhaps she wasn’t enough. The confidence she usually carried felt like it had been stripped away, leaving her raw and exposed.
Rosie clenched her hands at her sides, trying to steady her breathing. Katsuki chose me. He’s shown me time and again that he cares for me. That has to mean something.
But another thought nagged at her. What if she’s right about more than just the past? Varsas’s confidence, her history with Katsuki, and her presence here in Ignis all loomed over Rosie like a shadow. I don’t belong in this world, she thought bitterly. She does. She’s everything I’m not.
“Rosie?” Momo’s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts, pulling her back to the present.
She blinked, realizing she hadn’t moved. Uraraka and Momo stood a step ahead, their faces etched with concern.
“Are you okay?” Uraraka asked gently, her brow furrowing.
Rosie forced a smile, though it felt brittle and fragile. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
But the truth was, she wasn’t fine. She felt like she was suffocating under the weight of her insecurities. As they continued toward the ballroom, Rosie couldn’t stop herself from replaying the encounter with Varsas over and over in her mind, the words twisting like a knife in her heart.
Was she telling the truth?
The question haunted her, and no matter how much she wanted to brush it off, she couldn’t shake the gnawing doubt that had taken root.