Chapter Text
The society divided into alpha, beta, and omega not only shaped the hierarchical structure but also each individual’s perception of their own worth. Betas were by far the most numerous group: people who did the daily grind, paid their bills on time (or almost), and lived life without much drama. If there was a “team of normality,” Beta was the captain. No irresistible pheromones, no overwhelming strength. They were just... useful. And bland. Let’s face it: functional? Yes. Memorable? Not even close.
The alphas, on the other hand, were on another level. Strong, with egos in the stratosphere. They believed they owned every room they entered. Did they need to? No. But try explaining to an alpha that they’re not the center of the universe. They thought they could have everything, especially when it came to omegas. Correction: they were always chasing omegas, almost drooling, like dogs spotting a roasted chicken. Maybe without realizing that, in the end, they were the ones ending up on the leash.
But omegas… they were the crème de la crème. Rare enough to become legends. Beautiful enough to make even stones cry out of emotion. One fine day, someone decided they’d have pheromones capable of turning anyone’s head — even the “bland” betas. And to crown this parade of allure, there were the slightly pointed ears that made everyone think of them as some divine, “elven” creation. The fact was that people like this usually had the world in the palm of their hand. Despite their seemingly fragile bodies, they had a scary ability to twist alphas around their finger like modeling clay. And it wasn’t a myth: they truly commanded, exuding an improbable mix of sweetness and tyranny, earning the nickname “devilish angels.”
The bond between alpha and omega worked like something no one could explain. It was legendary, unbreakable, and magical, elevating both — especially the idiot alpha, who thought they were coming out on top — to a level beyond normal. While the “dominant” puffed themselves up even more, the omega secured everything they needed: safety, a decent provider, and, of course, power in their hands. To top it off, the descendants of this mix were almost always a success, being born strong, healthy, and ready to keep the species at the top of the food chain.
The whole setup was a major headache, at least in Katsuki’s opinion. Omegas went through heats every month — and God, what a nightmare that seemed to be — but were incredibly picky about their partners. They had the luxury of choice, and they made sure to rub it in everyone’s face. They could spend years rejecting alphas, and who could blame them? They held all the damn power. Meanwhile, alphas, those desperate fools, did nothing but chase the sweet, intoxicating trail of omega pheromones like starving dogs after a bone.
And the displays of devotion? Laughable. Alphas competed with each other, leaving gifts that ranged from soft blankets and plush toys marked with their pheromones to imported chocolates, ridiculously expensive bouquets, designer clothes, and jewelry that sparkled brighter than the sun. It was a full-on show of who could flaunt the most. And if, by chance, more than one alpha decided to go after the same omega? Well, in modern times, physical fights were rare, but now it became a battle of power, prestige, and, of course, who could put on the best show of being “worthy.”
But the true prize was when the omega finally gave in. Returning a gift with a formal letter of acceptance was the equivalent of hitting the jackpot. It meant the alpha could move on to the “heat share” stage and, with luck, form that inseparable bond. An implicit contract of “I’m yours and you’re mine,” for better or worse.
Because, deep down, he had one certainty that made him walk with his chin held even higher. When the time came, when his subgender finally revealed itself, he knew he’d be an omega. And not just any omega. He’d be the damn best omega this world had ever seen. He wouldn’t need silly letters or cheesy gifts. He wouldn’t chase after anyone like a desperate fool. In fact, it would be all of them, those alphas with their inflated egos, crawling at his feet. Because Bakugou Katsuki wasn’t born to be average. He was born to dominate. And the show, of course, would always be his.
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— But Kacchan, you’re always the omega! — Deku complained, his cheeks puffed out like an angry squirrel. The damn kid had those big green eyes narrowed and his eyebrows furrowed, which made Katsuki mad because of the confusion it stirred inside him.
Bakugou narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms with enough force to almost rip his shirt — or at least, that’s how it felt in his mind. He had to remind himself that Deku was just an idiot who would grow up to be a good-for-nothing alpha.
— ‘Course I am! ‘Cause I’m gonna be the bestest omega ever when I grow up! — Katsuki replied, puffing out his chest and flashing a smug smile, showing two missing teeth.
Bakugou watched Deku blink, and the expression on that freckled face shifted from stubbornness to funny confusion. It was like the kid wanted to open his mouth and argue but thought better of it at the last second, swallowing the words before they slipped out. Probably because he already knew that with Bakugou, any poorly chosen word ended in yelling. At least he’d learned something, Katsuki thought, letting out an irritated sigh.
— Hmph! But you always say I’m bad at bein’ an alpha! — Deku grumbled, a pout forming on his lips as if that would be enough to make the other boy reconsider his attitude.
Bakugou rolled his eyes, watching Deku closely. He was wearing a brown overalls with a bunny printed on the chest over a white shirt. His usual messy hair was hidden under a bucket hat with a smiling frog stitched on the front. The sight should’ve been silly, even ridiculous, but for some reason, Katsuki couldn’t look away. It was as if something about that image kept poking at the back of his mind, annoying him even more.
What the hell was wrong with him? It was confusing.
— Because you are! — he shot back, frowning and looking away as if the ground had suddenly become very interesting. — But I’ll teach you how it’s done. Then, when you grow up, you’ll be a real alpha who knows how to take care of the best omega ever! You won’t stay a dumb Deku!
For a moment, silence took over, but it didn’t last long. Deku’s eyes widened, his cheeks puffing out even more as he pressed them with his chubby hands, his mouth slightly open.
That’s when Katsuki realized what he’d just said. Damn it!
— Oooh! Kacchan’s going to let me court you when we grow up?
Katsuki felt the heat rise fast, even the tips of his ears were burning. He pressed his lips together, trying to hold back any stupid reaction. Why did that nerd have to say things like that? And why did it feel like his stomach had butterflies now? He wanted to scream, push Deku, do something to change the weird feeling, but instead, he just stood there, frozen, with the words stuck in his throat and his face redder than a tomato.
The blonde, at the grand age of 6, with a pride bigger than himself, stood still for a moment, the words trapped like they were playing hide-and-seek inside his head. But the heat in his ears and the knot in his stomach only made him more irritated. He frowned, trying to hide his embarrassment behind a furious glare.
— Tch! As if you’d be good enough for that, Deku! You’re quirkless! — he snapped, crossing his arms tightly, seeming like he wanted to crush his own shame. — If I let you try, you’ll have to be the best alpha in the world! And even then… maybe I won’t want you! — he finished, looking to the side with a pout, trying to hide the blush giving him away.
The words came out fast and sharp, but the way he averted his gaze and the little pout on his lips betrayed his embarrassment. Katsuki still felt the butterflies in his stomach, and that only made him angrier at himself. Why did he feel this way because of Deku, that dumb, whiny nerd? He couldn’t even explain it, but one thing was certain: he wouldn’t admit it, not even under torture.
— I’m not Deku! — the freckled boy grumbled, puffing out his round cheeks.
But Bakugou had had enough of the whining, even with the strange and cute behavior of the other boy. All he wanted was to start the game already. After all, he had important things to teach. Puffing out his chest and raising his chin, he looked around the playground, searching for something that would serve the day’s mission. His eyes lit up when he saw an ice cream cart parking near the entrance, with people already starting to form a line.
— Yes, you are, until you learn to be a real alpha! — Kacchan declared, with the tone of someone who thought they knew everything about everything. He pointed at the ice cream cart with a chubby finger, a gap-toothed grin lighting up his face. — Now come on! I want you to bring me… hmmm… ice cream!
He looked very pleased with his choice, crossing his little arms as he waited. But when he glanced to the side, he saw Deku fidgeting with his fingers nervously, his green eyes glued to the cart and his brow furrowed in doubt.
— B-but I’ve never done that without momma… — Izuku mumbled, his green eyes wide and his voice trembling softly, the very thought seeming scary.
Katsuki huffed, but instead of exploding, he puffed out his chest even more, as if about to deliver the greatest lesson in courage of all time. The determined glint in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t going to take any excuses.
— That’s no problem because I already know how it’s done! — Katsuki announced, his chest puffed with confidence. He raised his little hand, shaking two shiny coins like they were a newly discovered treasure. — My mom gave me money today! We’ll go together, and I’ll show you. Just watch and learn, Deku! This is how an alpha does it!
Without leaving room for more excuses, Katsuki grabbed the smaller boy’s hand and started pulling him toward the ice cream cart. He walked with such determination that you could almost hear a victory theme playing in the background, while Deku stumbled behind him, alternating between anxious glances and a shy little smile.
It was a small heroic act for two six-year-olds, but for Katsuki, it was another chance to prove that he was, as always, the best. And maybe teach that crybaby nerd something in the process.
Finally, it was their turn. Katsuki stopped right in front of the ice cream cart, planting his feet on the ground. He raised one chubby arm with determination, waving dramatically to make sure the person in the cart noticed him.
— Hey! Down here! — he called, stretching his neck to look taller.
The ice cream seller, a kind man in a white apron with a warm smile, leaned down to look at his little customer. Katsuki didn’t waste any time, examining the menu stuck to the side of the cart, his eyes running over the colorful flavors. Strawberry? Looked like a Deku choice. Vanilla? Too boring. Then he saw it: chocolate with caramel drizzle.
— I want that one! Chocolate with caramel! — he announced with a grin. He held out the money in his little hand, clearly proud of being responsible for this.
Izuku, standing beside him, watched everything with wide, sparkling eyes. He seemed nervous, fidgeting with his fingers and swaying slightly, but he also had a small smile on his face, as if impressed by how naturally the blonde boy handled everything. Katsuki caught his friend’s gaze out of the corner of his eye and lifted his chin even higher, clearly pleased.
When the ice cream seller handed over the chocolate and caramel ice cream in a perfect cone, Katsuki carefully took it, holding it like it was a trophy. He gave it a quick lick before looking at Izuku, who was still standing in the same spot, hesitant.
— And you, Deku? What do you want? — he asked, tilting his head to the side as impatience began to creep in. But his eyes shone with curiosity.
Izuku hesitated for a second, opening and closing his mouth as if the words were stuck. Katsuki rolled his eyes dramatically but waited. Because, as much as he wouldn’t admit it, he wanted Izuku to choose. After all, it was his mission, and no mission was left incomplete when Katsuki Bakugou was in charge.
Deku blinked a few times, staring at the menu with a furrowed brow, as though he was about to make the most important decision of his life. Taking a deep breath, he timidly pointed at one of the flavors.
— I-I want… strawberry, please… — Izuku said, almost in a whisper, his cheeks flushing like a ripe tomato.
Katsuki raised his eyebrows, the corner of his mouth curling into a mischievous grin.
— Strawberry, huh? Knew you’d pick something like that! So Deku! — Katsuki said, letting out a small laugh, not mean-spirited, just enough to tease.
The ice cream seller handed over the strawberry cone, and Izuku took it carefully, his eyes lighting up as he stared at the pink scoop. He gave it an experimental lick and immediately broke into a sweet, messy smile.
— It’s so good, Kacchan! — he said, swaying slightly with joy.
— Of course it’s good, it’s ice cream! — Katsuki replied, already diving into his own chocolate caramel cone with big licks.
They walked back to the playground together, Katsuki leading the way with firm steps, clearing the path of anything that might bother him or Deku. Izuku followed close behind, making sure not to let the ice cream drip onto his fingers.
— See? It wasn’t that hard, was it? — Katsuki asked, glancing over his shoulder. — Now you know how it’s done. I taught you, so you can thank me.
Izuku stopped, looking at Katsuki with that shy, sincere smile he always had.
— Thank you, Kacchan. You’re the best! — he said, with so much honesty it made Katsuki freeze for a second.
The blonde quickly looked away, trying to hide the blush creeping up his round cheeks. He puffed out his chest and took an exaggerated lick of his ice cream, as if nothing had happened.
— Of course I am! — he replied with a smug grin. — Now stop dawdling and eat that thing before it melts, Deku!
They laughed together, the sound echoing across the playground as the other kids played around them.
The days followed a pattern: Katsuki was the teacher, and Deku was the dedicated — though somewhat dumb, in Katsuki’s opinion — student. Katsuki taught with the confidence of someone who had all the answers, explaining to Deku how to be a real alpha and the proper way to impress an omega (because, in his mind, only he knew what an omega really wanted).
They were at Deku’s house, surrounded by toys scattered across the floor, when the conversation took an unexpected turn. Deku held a scruffy bunny plushie, staring at the ground as if the answer to all his insecurities was there.
— B-but, Kacchan… I don’t have a quirk to protect you… — his voice came out small, laden with that sadness Katsuki hated to see on his face. The green eyes, always bright, seemed dim, and it made the blonde’s chest tighten in a weird way. It wasn’t anger. It was something else, something that made him want to punch the air for not having a way to erase that expression from Deku’s face.
— Tch! — Katsuki grumbled. He stretched out his small hands, palms up, as a few sparks crackled from his fingers like tiny fireworks. — I’ve got a strong enough quirk to protect myself. I don’t need you to do it, Deku. Look at this.
The sparks flickered in the air, each pop echoing softly through the room. Katsuki knew Deku loved this — “Kacchan’s sparkles,” as he called them. It was one of those things that made him stare with wide eyes and an open mouth, pure awe written all over his face. And, as expected, it worked again.
— Oooh! Kacchan is so amazing! — Deku exclaimed, his cheeks flushed and his green eyes sparkling again with the genuine admiration only he could show.
Katsuki pretended to roll his eyes but couldn’t stop the small smirk that crept onto his face. He loved that look, even if he’d never admit it. And, at least for now, it was enough to quiet that strange feeling in his chest.
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In middle school, things had changed. Deku, the damn green-haired nerd, now drew attention wherever he went. He had more friends — or followers, as Katsuki preferred to call them — and it drove the blonde insane. Everyone wanted to be around him, laugh at his jokes, and listen to his voice. And Deku, the damn traitor, was loving it. He didn’t even look at Katsuki anymore, as if the blonde was just another one of those useless extras.
It was unbearable.
The confusion inside Katsuki bubbled more each day, but the only emotion that could outmatch the internal chaos was rage. And so, the bullying began. Cruel, relentless, and without mercy. Katsuki made sure Deku knew who was in charge, marking his presence until it was practically engraved into the damn nerd’s skin. And, in a way, it worked. Deku started looking at him again — even if it was with fear — and some of the idiots hanging around him began to drift away. But it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough. Katsuki wanted more. He wanted everything.
That day, in the school hallway, Katsuki’s patience finally snapped. Golden light streamed through the windows, illuminating the tiled floors and reflecting in Deku’s wide, green eyes, jade-like and impossibly bright in a way that both irritated and mesmerized him. Katsuki moved forward, grabbing Deku by the collar and slamming him against the wall with enough force to make him gasp.
— You piece of shit, what the hell do you think you’re doing? — he growled, his voice heavy with rage and something else he refused to name.
Deku stared at him nervously, his breathing uneven. He tried to speak, but the words took a moment to come out.
— I-I just said I’m applying to U.A. — he finally replied, his voice trembling.
Katsuki snarled, gripping the collar of Deku’s uniform tighter. Who the hell did this damn nerd think he was? Just because everyone praised him, just because he had a damn army of fawning idiots, didn’t make him anything but a quirkless loser. A useless nobody.
But, damn it, something about Deku drove him crazy. It was... almost addictive. Over the past few months, it had only gotten worse. Katsuki could swear he smelled something coming from Deku — sweet, tempting, maddening. Like the nerd had some kind of secret power, something that messed with him in a way he hated to admit.
Deku hadn’t grown much over the years; he was still small. But, damn, he was impossible to ignore. Those big, almond-shaped eyes framed by dark lashes; fair skin dotted with freckles; the small button nose; the messy green hair that somehow always looked... right. Katsuki hated how everyone seemed to think Deku was attractive. He hated even more that he couldn’t disagree.
And then there was himself. Katsuki knew he was damn attractive. Tall, his body getting stronger every day, tanned skin, sharp features, and spiky blonde hair that seemed made to grab attention. He’d lost count of how many confessions he’d received just that month. Of course, he was Katsuki Bakugou, and soon the whole world would know he was a real omega, the best one there ever was.
But, damn it, why wouldn’t Deku give him the attention he deserved? Why did this idiot keep surrounding himself with those lame extras when Katsuki was right there?
He growled again, pressing his arm against Deku’s chest, making him gasp in response.
— Bullshit. — The word came out sharp, cutting through the air between them. Katsuki leaned in, his voice dripping with venom. — How does a useless loser like you think you can be a hero when you don’t even have a quirk?
Deku’s eyes wavered, but he didn’t answer. Katsuki hated that. He hated how the nerd’s silence was almost as infuriating as his overwhelming presence. He wanted to scream, to hit him, to... to make Deku look at him the way he used to. Only at him.
— You damn... — Katsuki growled, his voice low and heavy with fury, as the hatred inside him boiled over. He felt control slipping through his fingers, his nails digging into Deku’s collar. But before he could move, something hit him like an invisible wall.
A smell. Sweet, strong, and overwhelming. Vanilla and caramel, something absurdly addictive, but... something was wrong. It was threatening. The sweet notes carried an intensity that made Katsuki’s skin crawl. The entire hallway seemed saturated with the fragrance, heavy and impossible to ignore.
— STOP! — Deku’s shout cut through the air, filled with a strength Katsuki had never heard before.
He stopped. As if something inside him had shut off. Katsuki’s eyes widened, surprised and, for the first time in a long while, unsure of what to do. Deku was standing there, glaring at him, anger etched across his usually gentle face. Those green eyes glowed with an intensity that seemed to cut him in half, the hatred and... disgust in that gaze hitting him like a knife. Katsuki’s chest tightened, something inside him cracking with a snap he couldn’t name.
— Get away from me! — Deku growled, his voice low and dangerous. Small fangs appeared when he opened his mouth, just enough to make it clear who was in control.
Katsuki stumbled back, his feet obeying before his mind could even register the command. He let go of Deku like he’d been burned, the heat of his rage replaced by the chill of confusion. The scent lingered in the air, irresistible but unforgiving. There was no doubt about it. Deku could kill him right there if he wanted to.
And Katsuki would let him, gladly.
Before he even realized what he was doing, Katsuki felt his knees give out. He dropped to the cold floor of the hallway, tilting his head to the side, baring his neck without resistance. A gesture as instinctive as breathing. Submission. Loyalty. Something he’d never do for any other living being.
The rare and unmistakable sign of an alpha bowing before a strong omega they wanted to bond with.
The sounds around them slowly returned, the entire school finally breathing again. Murmurs filled the hallway, the shocked stares of the students witnessing the scene. No one seemed to believe what they were seeing. Bakugou Katsuki, kneeling, submissive, baring his neck to Midoriya Izuku.
— Midoriya! Bakugou! — A teacher’s voice cut through the crowd, filled with urgency.
Before Katsuki could pull himself together, firm hands yanked him back to his feet. He saw Deku being grabbed by another teacher, his green eyes still blazing with anger, but his expression starting to shift into something that looked like... fear? Exhaustion? Pain?
The commotion in the hallway was enough to draw the attention of the entire school. Katsuki and Deku were rushed off to separate infirmaries. One for alphas and another for omegas.
And that’s how Bakugou had the bitter revelation.
He was never an omega.
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Katsuki was sitting at the edge of a rooftop, legs crossed in his lap, watching the sun set on the horizon. The sky was a mix of orange, red, and purple — colors that held his attention for the moment. The cold breeze passed by, brushing against his dirty face, further messing up his blond hair and cooling the sweat from the earlier battle. He was chewing on an onigiri, his delayed lunch, savoring the rare moment of silence. Being a pro hero was a hectic life, but at 25 years old, as the fifth hero on the rankings (and still climbing!), Katsuki could say life wasn’t as bad as he’d imagined.
Even with all the recognition, there was one thing he refused to do: court any omega. Never. Not because he lacked opportunities. Hell, they came to him with shining eyes and easy smiles, waiting for any sign of interest, but Katsuki could never bring himself to feel tempted. No matter how beautiful or desirable they were, none of them seemed... enough. In fact, only one omega had ever caught his attention, but the idea of courting them was too absurd to even consider.
Midoriya Izuku.
The damn Deku was now fourth on the hero popularity rankings, above Katsuki, as he always seemed to be. He’d graduated at the top of the U.A. class, and honestly, that hadn’t surprised anyone. With a ridiculously powerful quirk inherited directly from All Might, plus his natural strength as a dominant omega, Deku was almost a joke in how perfect he was. And not just that — omegas were already rare and valuable, but a dominant omega? That was a legend. Something you only read about in old books or heard about in exaggerated tales. At least, until Deku came along.
And Deku was everything people said and more. Strong, capable, smart as hell, and... annoyingly handsome. The kind of beauty that made any alpha’s blood boil, no matter how much self-control they had, and made every omega seethe with jealousy. But what really pissed Katsuki off was how Deku seemed to bend alphas to his will with nothing but a look or a few words. Even Katsuki, as much as he hated to admit it, felt something strange crawl up his spine when Deku spoke with that firm, authoritative voice.
During their years at U.A., Katsuki had done everything to keep his distance. He only spoke to Deku when absolutely necessary, and even then, his words came out sharp and filled with anger, just to keep the bastard away. He never left a gift for Deku during his heats, not even once. While all the other alphas (and betas) in their class took turns trying to impress him with expensive chocolates, ridiculous plushies, or heartfelt letters, Katsuki just laughed. Because Deku rejected all of them. He always gave the same excuse: “I want to focus on my studies.” It made Katsuki laugh internally every time, satisfied with the idea that no one could get close to him.
But now, watching the sun disappear over the horizon, Katsuki couldn’t get the damn Deku out of his head. The bastard had grown up well. Maybe too well. He hadn’t gained much height, stopping at his “impressive” 1.67 meters, but he made up for it in every other way. His body was lean, but the curves he’d gained from intense training seemed designed to provoke anyone.
A slim waist, wide hips, thick thighs that drew attention effortlessly, a round, firm ass. And that face... Pale skin, freckles scattered across his small, upturned nose, those huge, shining green eyes that seemed to pierce whoever he looked at. Even his messy green hair somehow always looked... perfect. And, of course, the ears. Slightly pointed and hidden by soft, wavy hair, something Katsuki knew was common for omegas, but on him, it just seemed more... fitting.
Katsuki finished the onigiri with a low growl, irritated with himself. What the hell was he doing, thinking so much about Deku? He wasn’t going to court the bastard, ever. That would be a sign of defeat, and Bakugou didn’t lose. Not even to himself.
Still, the sweet scent of vanilla and caramel he remembered from the U.A. hallways insisted on invading his memories.
— Dynamight! — The voice came from a distance, scratching at the edge of Katsuki’s patience like nails on a chalkboard. He turned his head, irritated, and saw Sero landing beside him with an easy grin that only served to annoy him more.
— What? — he growled, crumpling the empty onigiri wrapper into a ball in his hand.
Sero raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, but the grin stayed.
— Hey, I heard you were in a fight this afternoon! — he said, his tone casual but with that hint of disguised concern that Katsuki hated.
The blonde scoffed, narrowing his eyes.
— So what? — he replied bluntly. The last thing he needed was Sero playing babysitter.
The beta sighed, shaking his head as if he’d expected that reaction. Of course, he had. Everyone did. Nobody knew how to handle him, and that was exactly how Katsuki liked it.
— Just came to check if you’re okay, man. You still haven’t shown up at the agency. — Sero spoke as if that was news, as if Katsuki wasn’t already known for disappearing for hours after missions.
— Go mind your own damn business. — Bakugou hissed, standing abruptly. The cold breeze hit his face, messing up his hair even more as he glared at Sero with pure disdain.
But the beta didn’t seem intimidated. He just chuckled softly, already used to the alpha’s corrosive temperament.
— Right, right. Well, Jeanist asked me to let you know… — Sero hesitated for a moment, something in his tone shifting. He seemed to be choosing his words carefully, which only irritated Katsuki more.
— Spit it out, dammit! — the blonde growled, impatient.
Sero scratched the back of his neck, casting a cautious glance at Katsuki before finally dropping the bombshell:
— Your patrol tomorrow… it’s with Deku.
The silence that followed was palpable. Katsuki stood still, his jaw clenched and his eyes fixed on Sero.
— You’ve got to be kidding me, right? — he finally said, his voice low, dangerous, and laced with a tone that would make most people back off. — I made it very clear that I’m NOT doing patrols with Deku!
The beta shrugged, maintaining a relaxed posture, but Katsuki could see the tension in his eyes.
— It’s not my decision, man. Orders from Jeanist. Apparently, Deku’s pup-sitter had to leave, so his mom is watching the pup while he tries to find someone else. — Sero spoke with a nervous smile. — You’re the only one who can keep up with him… you know… he just gave birth… it’s… complicated, heh…
Katsuki gritted his teeth, the sound of his jaw cracking echoing in his head. As if everything about Deku wasn’t already infuriating enough, now this. The bastard had a pup. He’d given birth four months ago and was already back on patrol, like the stubborn idiot he was. Katsuki’s blood boiled just thinking about it. He never would have allowed Deku to return to work so soon if he were his alpha. If he were… If he wanted to be.
— So why doesn’t the brat ask the bastard who pupped him for help? — Katsuki growled, his voice thick with rage and frustration.
Sero took a step back, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. Even he knew he’d hit a nerve.
— Hey, man, you know how it is! Midoriya wants to raise the pup on his own…
“Of course he does,” Katsuki thought, scoffing loudly, his fists clenched at his sides. Of course, he wants to raise the pup on his own. Deku had always been the damn “I’ll do everything myself” type. He’d done a heatshare with some random alpha and didn’t even bother forming a bond. Katsuki knew how it worked. Deku only wanted to be a parent, and to hell with everything else. That bastard.
To make matters worse, Izuku hadn’t told anyone who the father was. Worse still, he didn’t seem to care. He didn’t appear to have the slightest desire to reveal it, as if the sire of the pup was irrelevant.
For some reason, that made Katsuki even angrier. No, actually, it made his alpha furious.
He knew how the world worked. Omegas with pups, especially without mates, were seen as treasures. They were even more coveted. Alphas went crazy, competing like starving dogs to form a bond with an omega like that. Izuku probably had a line of idiots at his door, begging for his attention, trying to prove they could be good providers. And that damn Deku? He seemed to thrive on it, basking in the attention, pretending it was all normal. It was so obvious, so blatant, that it made Katsuki want to punch a wall.
Deku just wants more attention. More power. The thought spun in his head like a mantra. It was as clear as day. Izuku liked being the center of attention, having the spotlight on him. And everyone fell for it because he was damn good at it. But not Katsuki. He saw Deku for what he really was.
Or, at least, that’s what he told himself. Even though the sweet scent of caramel and vanilla was still etched into his memory. Even though thinking about Deku holding a pup in his arms brought a strange warmth to his chest that he hated.
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There were only a few hours left until the end of this damned shift with Deku, and Katsuki was counting every single second. Literally. He kept glancing at the clock on the corner of his device’s screen, willing the minutes to pass faster by sheer force of will. The day had been unbearable. A few incidents had popped up — nothing out of the ordinary — but Katsuki made it a point to handle everything himself. He didn’t let Deku step in for even a second. Stupid omega, what did he think he was doing? Trying to get himself killed? He had a pup at home, dammit!
Bakugou had consciously and deliberately chosen to cut off any unnecessary contact with Deku. He had his reasons, even if he’d never admit them out loud. Deep down, he didn’t think he was worthy of being near Izuku. Not after everything he’d done.
The memories still haunted him. The harsh words he’d thrown without thinking, the cruel taunts, the shoves and yelling that were more about his own insecurities than anything Deku had ever done. Katsuki had poured all the hatred he felt for himself onto the boy who had always looked at him with unwavering admiration. And even later, at U.A., he’d kept being the same asshole as always.
It didn’t matter that Deku had tried to maintain a friendly relationship. Katsuki knew his actions had gone too far. Deku was just an idiot kind enough to still try to have a connection with him.
Now he looked at the Izuku of today — the shining hero, the strong and independent omega who seemed to carry the world without faltering — and he couldn’t see how he could ever measure up to that. He was an alpha, strong, imposing, and respected, but it didn’t matter. Not when he knew how much he’d failed as a person in the past.
That’s why he’d chosen to keep his distance. Avoiding Deku meant avoiding facing the parts of himself he hated the most. Because deep down, Katsuki knew that every look from Deku carried a reminder of who he’d been. And he wasn’t ready to deal with that. Maybe he never would be.
So Katsuki forced himself to stay focused on the patrol, but Deku’s scent didn’t help. He’d noticed early on that the bastard was wearing suppressor patches on his neck, covering his scent glands. It was rare to see omegas using those. It didn’t make sense, and Katsuki couldn’t stop thinking about it. Was Deku trying to keep him from smelling his pheromones? What was he trying to do? Pretend he didn’t exist? As if Katsuki wouldn’t notice anyway.
Even with the suppressors, the scent was still there, subtle but present. Vanilla and caramel, the same as always, sweet and wonderfully good. But now there was something different, something new. A creamy undertone, like warm milk. It was because of the pregnancy; he knew that. Deku was still breastfeeding. Katsuki hated how that thought stuck in his mind, like an annoying tune he couldn’t get rid of.
He also noticed — or rather, his alpha noticed — that Deku’s chest seemed a little fuller, slightly swollen. Male omegas usually didn’t have that part of their bodies so developed, but his... “Damn it, stop thinking about this!” he growled to himself, biting his tongue to push the image out before it settled in.
— Dynamight? — Deku’s voice pulled him back to reality.
Katsuki blinked, turning to the omega, feeling irritation rise like a wave. He clenched his teeth, biting his tongue again as he tried to ignore the heat in his face.
— What? — he muttered.
Deku, of course, ignored the tone as he always did, keeping that annoyingly calm and formal demeanor that only made Katsuki’s mood worse.
— I said our shift is almost over. — He shook the phone in his hand, showing the screen full of notifications. — Looks like little bean’s getting restless. My mom’s been messaging me to come back soon.
Little bean.
Right, he still didn’t know the pup’s name. And honestly, he shouldn’t care about that. Katsuki tried to ignore the thought, but before he could stop himself, his alpha instincts took over.
— What’s the kid’s name? — The question came out faster than he wanted, the tone direct and rough.
The reaction was immediate. Deku blinked, his green eyes wide with surprise. Katsuki cursed under his breath, looking away toward the horizon as if the sunset might offer some explanation for his stupidity. The silence between them stretched for what felt like an eternity until Deku finally relaxed, and Katsuki noticed something strange — a small smile playing on the omega’s rosy lips. That bastard, was he… amused?
— Kaito. — The answer came in a soft, careful tone.
Katsuki looked at him again, feeling something tighten in his chest. He repeated the name, almost without realizing it.
— Kaito... — The sound seemed to fit easily in his mouth, as if it was already familiar, even though he’d never heard it before. The pup’s name was... light. Beautiful. Just like his mother.
But the persistent thought wouldn’t stop. The name was so simple, so straightforward, and somehow, it fit Deku. Katsuki hated to admit it, but it made sense. He looked at Izuku again, his eyes betraying a hint of curiosity he was trying to bury under layers of irritation.
— It’s written with the kanji for "ocean" and "fly." 海翔 (Kaito). It means freedom and strength, an indomitable spirit. — Deku explained, his tone calm and controlled, but Katsuki could hear a faint pride in his words. — I thought it suited him.
Katsuki scoffed but couldn’t tear his eyes away. "Flying ocean." The idea seemed absurd and, at the same time... right. How did this bastard always manage to make things seem perfect? He hated it. But the image of a little pup with that name, running around Deku, formed in his head, and he clenched his fists at his sides, trying to push it away.
— Hmph. Better than I expected from you, nerd. — Katsuki growled, his voice low and dripping with sarcasm, the armor he always wore. He quickly turned his face away, trying to hide the heat rising to his ears. Damn it, why was he reacting like this? It was just a name, and he had better things to think about. — Now go before the brat gets even more worked up. I’ll cover for you.
He expected nothing more than a basic thank-you, maybe even an apology, but Deku, of course, always managed to push the limit. The omega smiled, but it wasn’t just any smile. It was that smile. That damned, brilliant smile that seemed to light up everything around it, that had the irritating power to make Katsuki’s chest tighten and the world feel quieter for a second.
The smile he hadn’t seen since they were pups.
— Thanks, Dynamight! — Deku replied in that polite tone that made Katsuki want to punch a wall, bowing briefly. Always so proper. Always so... Deku.
Before Katsuki could growl out another reply or tell the bastard to stop smiling like that, green lightning began crackling around him. The energy shimmered like tiny electric sparks, outlining the omega’s slender figure. And in an instant, Deku launched himself into the air, disappearing toward the sky like a shooting star.
Katsuki stood frozen, his eyes following the trail of energy Deku left behind. He clenched his fists at his sides, his teeth grinding.
— Bastard. — The curse escaped as a low murmur, more to himself than anyone else.
Silence returned around him, but Katsuki could still feel the weight of Deku’s smile lingering in the air. As if the bastard had left an invisible mark he couldn’t ignore. He huffed, kicking a small rock on the ground before returning to work, walking through the busy, lively streets of Shibuya. Deku was gone, but Katsuki knew he’d still be in his head, in the most annoying way possible, until the shift was finally over.
Damn it. What a nightmare.
.
.
.
Days had passed since Bakugou and Izuku started patrolling together. On the surface, nothing seemed to have changed much since the first day. Their interactions were still awkward as hell. Exchanging more than two words was as rare as snow in the desert. But something had changed, even if Katsuki didn’t want to admit it: the silence of his inner alpha. That ever-restless, ready-to-fight instinct was strangely calm. Relaxed. And that was uncomfortable as fuck.
Maybe it was because now it was him accompanying Deku, not some extra who wouldn’t know what to do if things got out of hand. Katsuki knew Izuku was safe with him, and, damn it, that brought a feeling he couldn’t quite explain. It wasn’t relief. It was… something. Something he didn’t want to think too much about.
Deku didn’t seem to share the same calm. The omega was visibly irritated every time Katsuki took control of a situation, but screw him. Katsuki wasn’t going to take any risks. Not now, not ever. Deku had a pup waiting for him at home, and that made everything more serious. If it were up to Katsuki, Izuku wouldn’t lift a single finger.
As expected, the bomb went off when Katsuki took the reins in yet another confrontation. The villain was a bastard with a quirk that doubled his strength with every blow he took. One punch — just one — would have been enough to seriously hurt Deku, and Bakugou wasn’t going to let that happen. Not ever. Not since he’d been a complete idiot to the nerd years ago.
— Dynamight! — Izuku’s irritated voice echoed through the area, cutting through the sound of distant sirens. The omega was marching toward Katsuki with the angriest expression he’d ever seen. — I had everything under control! You didn’t have to step in again!
Katsuki was standing over the unconscious villain, breathing heavily as the metallic smell of blood and sweat filled the air around him. He looked up at Izuku, his face marked with cuts and dirt, but the crooked, defiant smile was still there, as always.
— Hah. Too late! — He replied, his tone laced with sarcasm even though his voice was hoarse as he struggled to his feet. His whole body ached, every muscle screaming in protest from the blows he’d taken, but he didn’t care. Not now. Not when Deku was okay.
Izuku stopped in front of him, his green eyes blazing with frustration and concern, his chest rising and falling quickly as he caught his breath. Katsuki ignored it, trying not to let his gaze linger on the freckled face or the messy green hair.
He wiped the blood dripping from the corner of his mouth with the back of his gloved hand and let out a low growl, straightening his posture.
— If that bastard had hit you, you wouldn’t be standing right now, Deku. — Katsuki said, his tone firm. Damn it, he was one of the most resilient heroes (if not the most), and Izuku knew that. He cast a quick glance at the fallen villain before looking back at the omega. — So shut up and leave it to me.
Deku opened his mouth to retort, but the expression on Katsuki’s face made the words die in his throat. Katsuki knew he was filthy, injured, exhausted, but who cared? He’d deal with it later. Because, damn it, the only thing that mattered was that Izuku was whole and safe. That was all.
Then, suddenly, Bakugou felt a sharp pain in his stomach, and before he could react, he doubled over involuntarily. The metallic taste of blood rose in his throat, and he vomited, staining the ground in front of him with scarlet splatters.
— Shit… — he murmured, his voice weak and raspy, as he tried to stay upright, but his legs began to give out.
— Kacchan! — Izuku’s voice echoed, loud and full of panic, cutting through the noise around them like thunder.
Kacchan? The sound hit Katsuki like a punch to the chest. It had been years since he’d heard that name, years since Izuku had called him that. He thought he’d never hear it again. And for some reason, it made him smile — or at least he tried to. His lips trembled in an attempt to react, but everything around him was already spinning.
He saw Deku running toward him, his green eyes wide, his expression etched with something that looked like pure desperation. Katsuki tried to say something, a sarcastic remark, a taunt, anything, but the words wouldn’t come out. He felt the world begin to fade, his vision blurring as the sounds around him turned into distant echoes.
Darkness consumed him quickly, but, surprisingly, Katsuki felt satisfied. He could still hear Deku’s voice, the sound of that nickname he thought he’d never hear again. It was... almost comforting.
And with that, Bakugou let his body relax, surrendering to unconsciousness with the last image in his mind being Deku’s face rushing toward him, like a shooting star on an endless night.
.
.
.
— Two weeks? That’s ridiculous! — Katsuki growled, standing up so fast his chair almost toppled over. He was in Jeanist’s office, and the damn beta behind the desk didn’t even flinch at the alpha’s outburst. He remained seated, impassive as always, which only irritated Katsuki more.
— You suffered severe injuries, Dynamight. If it weren’t for Deku, you wouldn’t be here today, and you know it. — Jeanist spoke calmly, sliding a piece of paper to the edge of his desk. — You need at least two weeks to recover. These are medical orders.
Katsuki felt his blood boil when he saw the prescription and medical leave form placed in front of him like some divine decree. Hell. He’d already spent enough time in the hospital. Another two weeks? This was absurd. He was fine enough to work. More than fine. He just needed to move. To get back into the field.
— There’s nothing you or I can do about this. — Jeanist continued. — Your body can’t handle it. You know that. Going out now would only be a burden.
— A burden, my ass! — Katsuki snarled, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white. — I need to keep working!
The blonde struggled to suppress the urge to smash the beta’s desk with his bare hands. That idiot Deku was still out there, patrolling. He needed to be out there, too. Who else was going to make sure that bastard didn’t get himself killed in the middle of a fight? Who else had the right to protect him, if not him?
But Jeanist didn’t budge, not even for a second. He simply crossed his arms, giving Katsuki a cold, calculated look.
— Your dedication is admirable, Dynamight, but reckless. The work continues, with or without you. And right now, without you is the only viable option.
Katsuki growled, his teeth grinding as he searched for a response. But he knew Jeanist was right. He knew his body wasn’t ready yet. Every sudden movement made the pain resurface. But admitting that? Never. He kicked the chair aside before turning toward the door, his blood boiling in his veins.
— Screw this. — That was all he could manage before storming out of the office, consumed by rage like a wildfire.
The walk back to his apartment was hell. Every step reminded him of how battered he was. His ribs ached, his arms were bandaged, and his torso felt like it had been run over by a train. Damn it, how many bones had the doctor said he’d broken? He couldn’t remember, and frankly, who cared? It wasn’t like that was going to stop him.
Even so, he walked almost normally — or at least convinced himself he did. Katsuki was a strong, healthy alpha, the kind any omega would look to as a provider. He knew that. So why…
He bit his tongue before that pathetic thought had room to grow. No. He wasn’t going to dwell on that crap now. Already standing in front of his apartment door, he reached into his pocket for his key, but the object slipped from his hand, clattering to the floor and echoing through the empty hallway. Great. Grumbling, Katsuki bent down, his body protesting every movement. Before he could grab it, the sound of a door opening behind him caught his attention. It wasn’t the sound that made him freeze, though. It was the smell. That damn smell.
Vanilla. Caramel. Creamy like milk. Sweet, seductive, impossible to ignore.
— Konnichiwa, Bakugou-san! — The accompanying voice was soft, almost melodic, and Katsuki felt his muscles stiffen before he even turned around.
Slowly, he stood up, turning to face the owner of that irritatingly familiar fragrance and voice.
— Deku. — He said, the word coming out with difficulty. Izuku was standing in the doorway of an apartment directly across from his. What the hell?
The omega’s expression was trying to seem casual, but Katsuki recognized the worried look hidden behind the dark circles under his eyes.
— What the hell are you doing here? — he asked, narrowing his eyes.
Izuku hesitated for a second before responding with a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
— Oh, I moved in recently. — His voice was so calm it was even more irritating. — It’s closer to the agency, you know how it is.
Silence. Katsuki blinked, trying to process the words. Deku moved? Here? Right across from his damn apartment? The bastard was already taking up too much space in his head, and now this? This had to be a joke.
He took a deep breath, crossing his arms and shooting an irritated look.
— Shouldn’t you be on your damn shift? — he asked, breaking the heavy silence.
Izuku looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to the other before answering.
— I took a few days off. I… well, I had an accident. — He averted his gaze, as if trying to avoid the weight of Katsuki’s stare.
Immediately, Katsuki felt his blood boil. He clenched his teeth, his fists tightening at his sides.
— What accident? — he growled.
Izuku bit his lip before answering quickly.
— It was just a minor injury. — He paused briefly, as if trying to choose his words carefully. — When I went to help you, the villain managed to land one last blow. I got you out of the way, but he hit me instead.
Katsuki’s growl deepened before he realized it. Damn it, he would’ve finished that bastard off sooner if he’d known. His inner alpha roared inside him, demanding that he move closer to Izuku, check every inch of the omega, make sure he was okay. But he wasn’t going to act like some knothead. No. He stayed where he was, his eyes scanning Izuku’s body carefully, searching for any sign of injury.
Izuku seemed to notice.
— Just scratches. — He said quickly, trying to ease the tension. — Recovery Girl already took care of everything.
Katsuki frowned, his jaw tight. Injuries like that normally didn’t justify so many days off. Something wasn’t adding up.
And then he heard it. A soft crying sound echoed through the empty hallway. Izuku turned his head, casting a quick glance inside his apartment before looking back at Katsuki.
— Little bean’s sick. — He explained, his voice lower, heavier. — I think it’s because I haven’t been able to spend much time with him. Pups need a lot of contact with their mothers in the first few months to strengthen the bond.
Katsuki wanted to scream. Damn it, he wanted to yell in Izuku’s face. But he took a deep breath, gritting his teeth as he tried to control the storm inside him. He didn’t know much about omegas and their pups, but it was common knowledge that pups needed constant, direct contact with their mother during their first year of life.
Damn it, he wanted to kill Deku for his stubbornness.
— And why the hell aren’t you staying home? It’s not like money’s a problem for you. — He paused, analyzing Izuku’s expression. — …Or is it?
The crying grew louder, filling the silence between them. Izuku averted his gaze, as if apologizing, before stepping back.
— See you later, Bakugou-san. Welcome back. — He said, his voice carrying something Katsuki couldn’t quite place.
And with that, Izuku closed the door, leaving Katsuki standing in the hallway. The blonde stayed there for a few seconds, staring at the door as if it could answer all the questions he didn’t know how to ask.
Damn it. What the hell was going on? Katsuki opened his apartment door forcefully, the sound echoing through the empty hallway. He growled loudly, his chest heaving as rage bubbled inside him. Deku. He always managed to piss him off, even without trying. It was the stubbornness, the reckless way he acted, the annoying habit of putting everyone else before himself. And that damn forced politeness. It was like a knife carving into his patience.
The alpha kicked off his shoes in the genkan, not caring where they landed. He stormed into the apartment and kicked the door shut behind him, the loud bang reverberating through the empty space. The apartment was silent, but the chaos inside him seemed to fill every corner. Katsuki ran a hand through his already messy blond hair, pulling at the strands as if that would help relieve the tension.
— What the fuck! — He exploded, his voice rough and heavy as he glared at the empty air.
He knew he was overreacting. He knew he was letting Izuku’s presence mess with his head more than it should. But he couldn’t help it. Deku had this damn power to worm his way into Katsuki’s thoughts, take up space in his mind, without even trying. And it was infuriating.
Katsuki threw his body onto the couch, the exhaustion finally weighing down on his sore muscles. But his mind wouldn’t stop. Little bean’s sick. Izuku’s words echoed like a cursed soundtrack. The sadness in his voice, the worry etched into every line of his face… It pissed Katsuki off even more.
— Idiot. — He muttered to himself, his voice low but dripping with frustration.
Deku was a problem Katsuki didn’t know how to solve. And, worse, he wasn’t sure he wanted to solve it. He ran a hand over his face, closing his eyes for a moment. But even in the darkness, Izuku’s bright green eyes were there, haunting him like a stubborn memory he couldn’t erase.
Katsuki woke up with his body aching and an irritating sound drilling into his ears. The incessant crying of a pup echoed through the hallway, cutting into the silence of his empty apartment like a form of torture. He grunted, opening his sleep-swollen eyes and looking around. Damn it, he’d fallen asleep on the couch. The position he’d slept in only made the pain in his battered body worse.
— Shit… — he muttered, his voice hoarse from exhaustion as he dragged himself into a sitting position.
The sound of the pup’s crying seemed to grow louder by the second, and Katsuki knew exactly where it was coming from. He didn’t even need his inner alpha to scream the answer at him. It was little bean. And, damn it, it didn’t take a genius to guess that Deku was on the other side of those walls, probably exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes so deep they looked like they’d been carved with a hammer. Katsuki had seen it on his face the day before, and now it was obvious the bastard hadn’t slept a single minute.
Grumbling, Katsuki got up from the couch, every muscle protesting the movement. His ribs throbbed, and the cut on his shoulder felt like it was about to reopen just to screw with him even more. But he ignored it. The sound of the crying continued, like a knife to his ears, and damn it, if Deku didn’t calm that brat soon, he’d probably end up getting kicked out of the building because of some idiot neighbor’s complaint. And that couldn’t happen. Not in the state Deku was in.
Opening his apartment door with an irritated bang, Katsuki crossed the hallway with firm steps, the crying growing louder and clearer with every step. He grimaced, his teeth clenched, and knocked on Deku’s door with force.
A few seconds passed. Nothing.
Katsuki huffed, irritated, and knocked again, this time harder, his knuckles practically threatening to break the wood. He heard a noise from inside, shuffling footsteps, and then the door finally opened.
Izuku stood there, clearly weighed down by exhaustion. He wore a loose white t-shirt stained with what looked like milk and wrinkled plaid sweatpants. The dark circles under his bright green eyes almost shone as brightly as the eyes themselves. He opened his mouth automatically, as if he’d repeated the same words a thousand times.
— Sorry for the disturbance. My pup’s sick… — His voice was soft but tired, and he blinked slowly, as if fighting off sleep was a monumental effort.
Katsuki let out a snort, crossing his arms as he stared at him. Damn it, how many times had that nerd already said that? He sounded like a broken record.
— I know that, Deku.
Izuku blinked again, trying to process Katsuki’s presence there. The pup’s crying still echoed from inside the apartment, and for a moment, Katsuki wanted to yell at the idiot for being so stubborn. But instead, he just stood there, staring at the omega, seeing the exhaustion written in every line of his freckled face.
— Kac… B-Bakugou-san? — Deku’s voice finally broke the silence, hesitant, almost stumbling over the words. His green eyes widened slightly, finally registering Katsuki’s presence standing at his door.
Katsuki rolled his eyes, huffing loudly.
— Damn it, Deku, you’re going to get yourself kicked out of the building. — He growled, his voice low and laced with frustration. It was all he managed to say, and even then, he felt like punching himself for sounding so stupid.
Izuku bit his lip, glancing down at the floor.
— I-I know that… but… well, it’s been a little hard to calm little bean down. — He murmured.
Katsuki opened his mouth to respond, but the words came out before he even thought them through.
— Let me see him. — He heard his own voice, rough, firm, authoritative, as if it had come from deep in his chest.
Immediately, Katsuki bit his tongue hard enough to taste the metallic tang of blood. Damn it. What the hell was he doing? He hadn’t had control over that damn inner alpha for days. It was like Deku had an invisible leash around his neck, tugging on it whenever he wanted. And the worst part? He didn’t even seem to be trying.
The only omega in the world who could mess with his head and bend his alpha into a knot. And it made Katsuki want to punch himself even more. He wasn’t some knothead idiot, but with Deku... He sighed internally. The bastard made him feel exactly like that.
Izuku blinked, his eyes wide again as he looked at Katsuki like he’d just asked for something completely absurd. For a few seconds, the silence hung between them, heavy, filled with something Katsuki didn’t want to identify. Deku looked surprised, but there was something else there — apprehension? Distrust? Of course. Damn it, everyone knew omegas got violent when it came to their pups. And Deku wasn’t going to let just any alpha get close, least of all someone like Katsuki. He knew that.
But then, to his surprise, Izuku looked away, taking a deep breath. He stepped back slightly, opening the door wider.
— O-okay… come in. — He said, his voice hesitant but clear enough.
Katsuki blinked, surprised, unable to hide his reaction. He hadn’t expected that. Not from Deku, and definitely not with little bean in the picture. But there was no time to hesitate. As he stepped through the door, the sweet, creamy scent of vanilla and caramel engulfed him completely. It was stronger inside, almost overwhelming, mixed with the sound of crying that now seemed to echo through the entire apartment.
His eyes scanned the space automatically. The furniture was in place, but there were still boxes scattered across the floor. The couch was covered with pup toys, packs of diapers, and a blanket that looked like it had been tossed carelessly. Even so, the place screamed Deku. He could see bits of hero merchandise on the shelves and the floor, and knowing Izuku, there was probably much more hidden in the boxes.
Izuku walked past him without a word, disappearing down a narrow hallway. Katsuki stood in the middle of the living room, his chest rising and falling slowly as he tried to ignore the uncomfortable tightness in his stomach. He didn’t know exactly what he was feeling, but he hated the idea of being alone in this place that seemed to scream "Deku" in every corner.
Before he could get lost in his thoughts, Izuku returned. Only now, he had a pup in his arms. Katsuki froze.
He didn’t know what he’d expected, but it certainly wasn’t this. His mouth fell slightly open, and he felt the air catch in his lungs. Little bean. The pup was… perfect. Tiny and chubby, with pale skin speckled with freckles that looked hand-painted. His round cheeks were rosy from the effort of crying so much, and his large, green eyes — exactly like Deku’s — still shimmered with tears. His short, fine hair was the same dark green as Izuku’s, as if the pup were an extension of him.
Little bean was an exact copy of Deku. But there were differences. The shape of his eyes was different, not as round as the omega’s, and his hair… it was hard to tell yet, but it didn’t look like he’d inherit Izuku’s curls. Katsuki couldn’t look away. He was completely captivated by the sight.
His inner alpha roared, but not with anger. It was something else. Something he couldn’t name. He felt the overwhelming weight of conflicting emotions crash over him like a bucket filled to the brim. Confusion, fascination, a tight knot in his chest that he didn’t know how to untangle. Katsuki tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. He just stood there, staring at little bean in Izuku’s arms, as something deep inside him shifted, like a turbulent current being redirected.
— Do you want to try holding him? — Izuku’s question snapped him back to reality with the force of a punch.
Katsuki shut his mouth and let out an incomprehensible grunt. He nodded hesitantly. Damn it, what was he doing? He didn’t know anything about pups. He’d never held one before, never even gotten close to one. Pups had never been part of his life, and until now, he thought they never would be. But his alpha was demanding this.
Izuku approached slowly, moving carefully as he adjusted little bean’s small body in his arms before handing him over to Katsuki. The alpha extended his large, maybe trembling arms. He tried to position the pup, but it was obvious he had no idea what he was doing. The nervousness was palpable, but before he could mess things up further, Izuku guided him with an irritatingly natural calm, adjusting Katsuki’s hands and showing him how to support the pup’s head.
Soon, little bean’s soft, round head was resting on Katsuki’s shoulder, while his strong arms cradled the tiny, fragile body. Katsuki took a deep breath, feeling the light, almost insignificant weight, but somehow… immense. His battered body didn’t even complain as he held little bean.
The scent hit him immediately, and Katsuki felt like he’d been punched again, but this time in the stomach. Little bean smelled like Izuku, the same sweet aroma of vanilla and caramel, but with a more pronounced note of milk. The scent was... calming. Warm. Damn, it was like it was made to relax him because his tense muscles began to loosen almost instantly.
And, to his surprise, little bean started calming down too. The loud crying gradually softened, turning into low, occasional sobs. The tiny chubby hands opened and closed slightly as the small body completely relaxed in Katsuki’s arms. The pup buried his round face into the alpha’s neck, right where his pheromone glands were.
Katsuki felt a light touch from the pup’s little hands against his skin, as if the baby was instinctively seeking comfort. The sweet scent of milk mixed with Katsuki’s own sharp, spicy pheromones, blending smoothly and evenly. The pup adjusted even closer, letting out a soft sigh as he rubbed his face against the alpha’s pheromone gland. His breathing evened out, and his body went completely slack.
In that moment, Katsuki realized the pup wasn’t just comfortable but completely calm — something Deku had clearly tried and failed to achieve countless times. The alpha felt an inexplicable connection, something that coursed through his veins, and he couldn’t move. He just held the pup. It was the first time little bean had found absolute comfort outside of his mother.
Damn it.
Katsuki froze entirely. He felt the blood drain from his face for a moment, and his eyes widened, taking in the impossible sight in his arms. His mouth fell slightly open, but no sound came out.
The realization hit him like a storm: the pup had imprinted. On Bakugou Katsuki.
And for the first time in a long time, he had no idea what to do.
.
.
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Things were strange. No, they were fucked up strange. But what messed with Katsuki’s head the most was the fact that he... felt good. Ever since that night he went to Deku’s apartment, everything seemed to have turned upside down. Little bean had imprinted on him, which was already absurd on its own, but what came after was even more unbelievable.
Izuku had started crying. Crying, as if someone had pressed a button on him. Not discreet tears — it was a full-on meltdown. And, damn it, before he could stop himself, the alpha inside Katsuki began cooing. Yes, cooing. That deep, soft sound he didn’t think he was capable of making, coming straight from his chest and throat, making him vibrate like a broken washing machine.
After long minutes of that irritating (but effective) rumble — because apparently, it helped Deku calm down — Katsuki finally managed to get the omega into his nest. Of course, Izuku tried to protest; he was a stubborn little shit, after all. But the sheer exhaustion won out, and the bastard passed out the moment his head hit the pillow. Katsuki, on the other hand, spent the entire night sitting in the armchair in the room, which he realized was where Deku breastfed little bean. The sweet smell of the nest around him relaxed his body more than he cared to admit, but he refused to sleep. He was too busy taking care of a pup that wasn’t even his and watching Deku sleep soundly in the perfectly arranged nest that looked so comfortable he almost yawned more than once.
After that, things started to flow in a way that felt... too natural for Katsuki’s liking. Whenever little bean cried and Deku couldn’t calm him down — which, honestly, happened way too often — Bakugou would go to the omega’s apartment, pick up the pup, and, like magic, the little shit would calm down instantly. It was weird as hell. Even weirder was the fact that Deku let him into the apartment without hesitation, even into the room where the nest was. Katsuki did his best to suppress his pheromones while he was there, but, damn it, little bean only truly relaxed when he could smell him.
That made everything even more complicated because, honestly, Katsuki didn’t know where to put his hands in a situation that was so fucking intimate.
That day, Izuku dropped the bomb so casually that it made Katsuki growl.
— I’m going back to the agency tomorrow. — Izuku said, carefully handing little bean over to the alpha.
Katsuki, who had already gotten the hang of holding the little guy (because he was the best at anything he tried), adjusted the pup with ease. But the omega’s comment made him grit his teeth. He shot him a glare that was meant to be threatening, but it probably lost its impact with little bean softly snoring against his shoulder.
— You’re a stubborn, irresponsible bastard, you know that, Deku? — He started, ready to unleash all his frustration.
But before Katsuki could spit out the rest of his speech, Izuku continued as if he hadn’t heard him.
— I’ll only be doing desk work for now. — The calm, innocent tone made Katsuki narrow his eyes suspiciously.
— And why the hell are you deciding to do desk work only now? — He hissed, keeping his voice low so as not to scare the pup. — And why do you insist on going to work at all, damn it? Is there no one in this building to hold you back?
Izuku took a deep breath, and Katsuki noticed the dark circles under his green eyes had faded slightly. They were still there, but it made a noticeable difference to his stupid face, which no longer looked as exhausted and worn out as before. The freckles, which had seemed dull against his pale, tired skin, were now standing out again.
— I volunteered to cover for you while you’re on leave. — Izuku said, looking directly at Katsuki with a serenity that only irritated him more. Those jade-colored eyes seemed to challenge him to argue.
Katsuki felt a vein throb in his forehead. He adjusted little bean in his arms, the pup letting out a soft sigh as he slept soundly, sucking on his pacifier, completely oblivious to the tension in the air. The blonde huffed, his jaw tight as he tried not to yell at the idiot in front of him.
— Why do you always have to be like this, Deku? You have a pup! A pup, damn it! You shouldn’t even think about leaving the house, let alone volunteering to work! — He growled, controlling his tone while glaring at him.
Izuku blinked, surprised, but stayed silent for a moment. It was as if he was carefully choosing his words. Katsuki hated it, hated how Deku was such a stubborn, reckless bastard.
— I… just want to help. — Izuku finally replied.
— Damn it, Deku. Is it about money? — Katsuki hissed, his eyes burning into the omega. To hell with formalities and any attempt at politeness. He was sick of this shit. — I’ll help you, damn it. But you need to stay with Kaito! Fuck, Deku, he’s getting sick!
Izuku frowned, his lips pressing into a thin line. For a moment, he didn’t respond, but Katsuki noticed the faint redness creeping up his face. Only it wasn’t embarrassment. From the scent now filling the air — a bitter, sour mix that irritated Katsuki’s nose but also made him restless, wanting to calm and soothe the omega — it was anger. And frustration.
— I know how to take care of my pup just fine! — Izuku shot back, his tone sharp, a low growl escaping his throat. — I don’t need the opinion of an alpha who never wanted pups!
The words hit Katsuki like a direct blow to the chest. He froze for a moment, his mouth slightly open in surprise. He didn’t know what he’d expected to hear, but it definitely wasn’t that. Damn it, that had struck deeper than it should have. He looked at Izuku, who already seemed to regret what he’d just said. The omega squeezed his eyes shut, running his hands over his face as if trying to erase the last sentence from existence.
— I… I’m sorry. — Izuku murmured, sighing before running his hands through his messy hair. He pulled it back slightly, briefly revealing the pointed ears — his physical symbol of power. — Look, little bean’s better. He doesn’t have a fever anymore, and his sleep schedule is back to normal, okay? I won’t be away for long this time. It’ll just be desk work.
Katsuki took a deep breath, his jaw clenching as he processed the words. He wanted to scream. He wanted to growl in Izuku’s face until the other finally understood how stupid this decision was. But the warm weight of little bean in his arms was the only reason he held back the explosion rising in his throat.
He adjusted the pup, who was sleeping peacefully, his tiny chubby hands relaxed over his chest. Katsuki tried to focus on the soft, creamy scent of little bean instead of his mother’s sour aroma. Damn it, he needed to stay in control. The pup wasn’t to blame for having the most stubborn and reckless mother on the planet.
— You’re a damn idiot, Deku. — He hissed in a low voice. — I mean it. This is a stupid, selfish decision. You think you’re some kind of hero for pushing yourself like this? You’re not. You have a pup, damn it! He needs you here, not sitting at some desk far away.
Izuku opened his mouth, but Katsuki raised a hand, silencing any attempt at a response.
— No. Don’t try to convince me because I’m not falling for that shit. — Katsuki let out an irritated sigh, adjusting the pup once more as he looked directly at Izuku. — But if you want to screw up your life, fine. Just know that if anything happens to little bean while you’re out playing hero, I’ll make you regret it.
Katsuki was growling at this point. How could this damn, reckless Deku be so negligent? Bakugou wasn’t going to let anything happen to his pup. “Yes, our pup,” his alpha repeated in his mind, growling.
Izuku didn’t back down. He didn’t try to argue or defend himself. He just nodded slightly, his gaze firm but tired. Katsuki could see he wasn’t going to change his mind, but at least he wasn’t trying to manipulate the situation. At no point had Deku tried to use his pheromones to sway or convince Katsuki, even though he could have and probably would have succeeded if he wanted to. There was something in Izuku’s eyes — a determination Katsuki didn’t know if he admired or hated. And, damn it, it only made him angrier.
— He’ll stay with me while your useless ass is out. — The alpha growled. He huffed again, shaking his head as he left the room with little bean in his arms, trying to ignore the feeling that this wasn’t over. Because, damn it, he knew he’d still have to deal with the consequences of Izuku’s stupidity.
.
.
.
Taking care of little bean was proving to be surprisingly easy. Too easy, and that made Katsuki suspicious. Damn it, he didn’t know if he should relax or wait for something to suddenly go wrong. The alpha was sitting on the couch in his own apartment because, frankly, he couldn’t concentrate properly in Deku’s place. The omega’s scent still clung to every corner, and it made his inner alpha roar, demanding to mark the territory as his own.
Deku, the bastard, had planned everything as usual. He left a bag packed with what he deemed essential: diapers, changing pads, bottles, and even the milk he’d pumped earlier, neatly stored in small containers. Before leaving, he’d also made a point to give Bakugou a quick tutorial. He showed him how to change diapers, how to hold little bean during feedings, and even the proper way to soothe the pup if he started crying.
And Katsuki? He didn’t remember a damn thing. But screw it. He was Bakugou Katsuki. He’d figure it out because that’s what he did. Always.
Little bean was in his lap, staring up at him with a fascination that was impossible to ignore. Big green eyes sparkled as the pup drooled nonstop, his toothless mouth stretched into a clumsy smile that made something tighten in Katsuki’s chest. He scoffed but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
— You little shit, what are you staring at? — He muttered, wiping the drool with the back of his hand, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably.
The pup let out a sound that was almost a laugh, an adorable gurgle that made Katsuki take a deep breath. The alpha looked at the tiny, freckled, radiant face and felt something primal ignite inside him. His inner alpha roared with satisfaction, a feeling of possession growing stronger by the second.
It didn’t matter that it was absurd, that technically little bean wasn’t his. None of that mattered to the instinctual side of Katsuki. He felt the warmth of the small body in his arms, the way little bean seemed to trust him completely, and his chest almost ached from how full it felt.
Katsuki adjusted the pup in his arms, holding him more securely but still carefully. Little bean reached out a chubby hand, trying to grab Katsuki’s nose, which made him scoff a short laugh.
— Trying to attack me now, brat? — He grumbled, but the tone came out softer than he intended. — Good luck with that.
The pup let out another cheerful sound, and Katsuki felt his shoulders relax more than he thought possible. He leaned back slightly, letting little bean settle more comfortably in his lap, the green eyes still fixed on him as if he were the most interesting thing in the world.
Damn it, what was this feeling? This unbearable warmth in his chest? This irrational urge to protect the pup from absolutely everything? He knew it was his alpha instincts, but it was more than that. It was a need so visceral it left him restless. Damn it, he actually wanted to mark the pup as his. Controlling that impulse was getting harder and harder.
Katsuki ran his hand over the short, fine strands of little bean’s hair. It was a gesture as natural as breathing, as if his instincts knew exactly what to do before he even thought about it. His large, calloused fingers, worn from hero work, moved with a gentleness he didn’t know he possessed, tracing invisible lines through the pup’s soft hair.
The small body in his lap was warm, and the light weight felt exactly right, as if little bean had been born to be there. Katsuki looked at the little face, almost falling asleep, with long lashes and round, freckled cheeks.
He let out a heavy sigh, leaning back on the couch, but his grip on little bean didn’t loosen. Damn it, this was messing with him in a way he didn’t want to admit. He knew his alpha instincts were in charge, roaring inside him like a satisfied beast. Taking care of little bean, protecting him, making sure he was calm and safe… it all felt natural, automatic. But how much of that was instinct, and how much was something more?
Alphas went crazy for unmated omegas with pups. It was a primitive instinct baked into their damn biology. And now he understood, at least a little, why. This drive to protect, to get involved, was hard to ignore. Hard as hell. Maybe impossible. But Katsuki convinced himself it was just that. Just instinct. A stupid reaction from his body, nothing more.
As he tried to push the uncomfortable thoughts to the back of his mind, little bean stirred slightly in his lap. The pup let out a low sound, almost a whine, before stretching his chubby arms in an awkward motion. Katsuki watched, unable to look away, as the little guy tried to reach what seemed to be the alpha’s nose. The chubby hands grasped at the air, the short fingers moving clumsily until one finally touched Katsuki’s jaw.
He huffed, but an involuntary smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
— Trying to knock me out, brat? Good luck. — He murmured, carefully holding the pup’s tiny hand, feeling the little fingers curl around his in response.
Little bean’s green eyes opened slowly, shining with curiosity as he stared intently at Katsuki. Drool trickled from the corner of the pup’s mouth, and Katsuki wiped it away with the sleeve of his shirt, letting out another short laugh. The pup responded with a gurgling sound, almost like laughter, and started wiggling his feet, his chubby legs kicking clumsily in the air.
Katsuki watched, his chest tightening with a mix of emotions he’d rather not name. Little bean’s small, round body and soft cheeks practically begged to be squeezed. Damn it, he was perfect. Too perfect.
Katsuki felt his inner alpha roar with satisfaction again, the deep rumble spreading through his chest in a ridiculous way. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside him. It was just instinct, he repeated to himself. Just his damn instincts.
But as he looked at little bean, whether it was instinct or not, something inside him told him there was no turning back.
When Izuku returned that day, the sun was still spilling its last rays into Bakugou’s apartment, casting soft shadows around the room. Katsuki felt immediate relief at the knock on the door. Deku hadn’t been away from little bean for very long, but even so… it was hard. Damn it, harder than he wanted to admit. Letting the pup go wasn’t something his inner alpha accepted easily.
Izuku stood at the doorway, carefully taking little bean into his arms.
— You’re coming back here tomorrow. — Deku’s voice was soft as he cooed at the pup, cradling him against his chest. Katsuki narrowed his eyes, watching him. For some reason, it seemed like the omega wasn’t just saying that to little bean.
The fact that Izuku didn’t step into the apartment bothered Katsuki more than it should have, but he swallowed the thought, keeping it to himself.
— Did he behave? — Izuku asked, his voice low and soothing as he let out a gentle purr that immediately calmed the pup.
In his mother’s arms, little bean let out a few baby babbles. He settled easily in Izuku’s embrace, his chubby hands reaching for his face.
— Tch. The brat behaves better than his mom. — Katsuki grumbled, crossing his arms as he leaned sideways against the doorframe, his eyes fixed on the two of them.
Izuku made a childish face, scrunching his nose in silent response. But before he could retort, little bean whined softly, moving his round head against Izuku’s chest. Katsuki glanced down at the pup, noticing he was making a little pout, his lips moving in the air as if he were sucking on something that wasn’t there, his chubby cheeks turning red with effort.
Izuku immediately flushed, his sweet scent becoming slightly agitated in the air. Katsuki could almost feel the wave of embarrassment rolling off him.
— Ah, looks like I need to head home. — Deku murmured, avoiding Katsuki’s gaze and looking anywhere else. He seemed genuinely uncomfortable, which only made Katsuki scoff.
The blond let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as he glanced at the pup.
— Seems like the brat’s just as demanding as his mom. — He teased, a faint, almost invisible smile playing at the corner of his lips.
Izuku glanced at him briefly, his green eyes shimmering with something Katsuki couldn’t immediately place. But then he saw it. A smile. Small, timid, but genuine, forming on the omega’s rosy lips.
For a moment, Katsuki froze, capturing the image in his mind. The alpha inside him roared, telling him to hold onto it because he didn’t know when — or if — he’d see it again.
— Hurry up, Deku. I don’t want the brat whining because you’re too slow. — He growled, looking away.
Izuku chuckled softly, adjusting little bean in his arms before giving a slight nod.
— See you tomorrow, Bakugou. — He replied gently, turning and heading toward the opposite door, opening it.
Katsuki stood there for a few seconds, staring at the now-closed door. The scent of caramel and vanilla still lingered in the air, and he let out a short sigh before stepping back inside.
— Idiot. — He muttered to himself, shaking his head.