Chapter Text
Oh, won't wave my white flag, no
This time I won't let go
I'd rather die
Then give up the fight
Artwork/Commission by Mochi
Artwork/Commission by nottspocket
Izuku placed a single object on the bathroom counter, slid down the opposite wall, and waited.
His heart was beating out of his chest, racing just like his thoughts. His palms felt sweaty and he wrapped his arms around his knees, dragging them to his chest. His scent was coming off of his wiry and small form in waves; the bathroom filled with the scent of honey and vanilla. He tapped on his smartphone sitting on the floor next to him and set a timer for three minutes.
His day started off as any, ordinary morning. He had woken up, spent an hour stretching and preparing his body for the day, showered, and eaten a breakfast that was already prepared for him. He strolled through his shared, large apartment suite with a duffle bag in hand and headed out the door and toward HQ. He was greeted on the streets, faces smiling brightly his way as he passed them. The omega hero simply grinned back, pumping his fist and causing several folks to cheer in response.
It had been a little over two years since the war had ended with All For One, and it took everything the world had to offer in order to rebuild all that was lost. Monuments were built to honor the fallen heroes and civilians all over the city of Musutafu and to those who had survived to tell the tale of the end of a reign of terror and evil, they were celebrated. Hope finally was restored not only in their city but around the entire world.
Tomura Shigaraki had been placed in a high-security facility overseen by All Might himself, his heart feeling the need to reach the other after All For One's hold was shaken loose. Izuku felt his own chest constrict at the thought—but knew deep in his heart he had always wanted to save Shigaraki. He knew what it felt like to lose control. He understood more than most. Toshinori Yagi had always had such a good heart and Izuku was grateful the man was still with them and had survived. He was a major contributor to their plight to fight for peace.
All of them were.
Izuku was greeted by familiar faces when he entered HQ, their center of operations that was the heart and center of their city as well as the agencies that surrounded it. It took months to years for several of those in the battle with All For One to recover, and while they did recover, not all did fully. Pieces of each hero were lost that day, but good always triumphed and Izuku was confident in the strides they had all made.
Shouto Todoroki, a beta, became a bright light that was once smothered by his father's dark shadow... now, he was guiding the man into the light after the emotional toll the war had taken on their family. They had reunited, and Touya Todoroki had survived and was in the very facility as Shigaraki.
The Todoroki family pressed through the most horrific trauma to save their son and brother and yet, they endured and somehow it brought them closer as a true family.
Tenya Iida, an alpha, and Ochako Uraraka, an omega, had gravitated to each other by their shared passions and need to reach others through the darkness. Tenya's tenacity was burning bright and the world wasn't blind to it. Ochako had risen through the ranks with her perseverance alone, her voice a beacon to those who were lost. The two of them were an unstoppable force and often spoke on HQ's behalf at the forefront of the agency.
Eijirou Kirishima had become a symbol of protection and his presence was enough to set anyone at ease. He was the shield to their operations—a strong alpha willing to place himself between a civilian and danger.
Other heroes from that day, as well as his graduating class, moved directly to support. Mina Ashido was Eijirou's sidekick and the two of them worked effortlessly together. Patrols often shifted and partners were switched based on the situation, secondary gender, or their quirk.
Momo Yaoyorozu worked alongside Shouto as the two of them, without even having to say the words, could read each other like a map in the direst of situations. Tsuyu Asui, Denki Kaminari, Kyouka Jirou, and several others of their classmates spread to different agencies based on their own individual skills and quirks alone.
Upcoming heroes from other classes followed in their footsteps and despite their past rivalries, they all become one solid unit fighting a common enemy. It brought them all closer than ever and Izuku was pleased to have each of them fighting by his side. Hitoshi Shinso was one of theirs at HQ, the alpha assisting in both direct battle and off-field support.
These people—these heroes—were his family. A part of his heart.
Speaking of his heart...
It had taken nearly half a year for Katsuki Bakugou to recover from the very injury that nearly took his life. It shattered Izuku in more ways than he'd ever be able to explain to see the very man, alpha, friend, and person he adored the most in this life just... gone. With Best Jeanist and Edgeshot's help and sacrifices, Katsuki was given a second chance. A second chance to do things differently and set his crooked path straight.
And he did.
After decades of miscommunication, repressed emotions, and love that was threatening to spill over—the two of them had found mutual ground and a moment of clarity with each other. Izuku was by Katsuki's side during his entire recovery, and the alpha never let the omega out of his sight as he also went through his own rehabilitation. During those months of being at each other side the near loss of each other—
—Death had somehow brought them closer than ever before, made their souls ignite and their instincts go wild.
When they were both released from the hospital with clean bills of health, Katsuki didn't hesitate to grab either side of Izuku's face and drag him to his lips. It was desperate, hungry, and fierce and Izuku had never felt such ferocity from the alpha before and they had faced each other through conflict so many times.
That was when Izuku figured out their love, which festered for years from something indescribable, was like a battle. Katsuki's scent and tongue and love were wild and engulfed Izuku in an inferno. However, in the stillness of his arms wrapping around the omega and marking him with his scent that Izuku had found enticing and alluring for so many years, he felt an overwhelming sense of calm that came after the fiery storm. Katsuki was attentive, he was supportive, he was quick to anticipate his needs, and would kill any other alpha with his gaze alone if they dared look at the omega.
Together, they made strides toward not just their dreams, but each other.
They become an ultimate symbol of both victory and peace—together. The civilians and individuals of not just the city, but of the world, instilled their trust in them just as they had All Might. They made each other better, always pushing each other to new levels that would ultimately continue to keep their world safe.
Izuku felt pride swell in his chest that this alpha, this man—was his. While they had not mated yet, Izuku knew that at the age of eighteen, it may have been too soon. They rose through the ranks faster than they could blink from sheer determination and commitment alone and found a stunning and luxurious home together.
Izuku felt too humble while Katsuki simply wrapped an arm around his shoulders, kissing his messy locks while saying, "We deserve this."
And they did.
Izuku couldn't picture life going more smoothly after the absolute hell they had overcome.
Which led him to this moment.
A shrill noise snapped Izuku out of his thoughts. He lifted his head and noted the timer on his smartphone was vibrating against the tile floor. Exhaling shakily, he swiped the noise to silence and stood up. As he did, he felt another wave of nausea hit him and he placed a hand against his mouth as he dry heaved. Tears trickled down as he leaned over the toilet for the fourth time that day and emptied the contents of his stomach.
He inhaled noisily and exhaled again, his body shuddering in distaste. He quickly flushed the toilet, washed his mouth and face, and took a single moment to take in his appearance. He looked paler than usual, the glow from his face fading away. His eyes held dark circles under them and he hadn't put the pieces together until the middle of his patrol that morning. He got through his communications and left the field rather quickly, knowing if he wasn't at his best, he could hinder and endanger his team.
Katsuki was debriefing a mission from a week prior and Izuku hadn't contacted him, not wanting him to worry as he tended to do. Instead, Izuku slipped out of his costume and equipment, rushed to the nearest pharmacy, and picked up a single item.
The item was currently in his peripheral vision.
Gathering his resolve, the omega swiped the item off the counter and brought it up in front of his eyes. As he did this, his gaze widened substantially.
"Oh..." he whispered, his heart thumping like a drum. "Oh, wow..."
His hand instinctively placed itself on his lower abdomen while the other held the pregnancy test.
Clear as day, it read positive.
Izuku's eyes couldn't tear themselves away from the test in his hand and his fingers splayed against his flat stomach. This couldn't be. He did everything right—suppressants, birth control, both he and Katsuki were careful during his heats yet here was the proof right in front of him. What did this mean for his career? For all that he's ever worked for?
What would it mean to Katsuki? The two of them had never even had a conversation about children before. They were both still so young and careful that the omega supposed there was never a need to bring it up. Now, however, Izuku wasn't sure what to do. He'd have to confirm with a doctor, and then with HQ—and of course, with his alpha. Even if they weren't officially mated, they would figure something out.
Right?
Taking a deep breath, Izuku braced himself and mustered his strength into remaining calm. Panicking wouldn't do anything.
Those words were much easier said than done when he heard the front door fly open along with the heavy and concerning scent of cinnamon and sandalwood. Hastily, Izuku shoved the pregnancy test into the side pocket of his sweatpants and ran a quick hand through his sweaty hair.
"Izuku!" Katsuki's voice echoed through their apartment, laced with worry. "Where the hell are you?"
Izuku slid out of the bathroom and found the alpha didn't even bother kicking his boots off before he ran up to the omega, placing his hands on either side of his face. He was already back in his civilian clothes.
"Hey, Kacchan," he greeted quietly, his nerves rattled. He did his best to control his scent but it was going to betray him one way or another.
"Little shit," Katsuki scoffed, peering at Izuku carefully. "You called off early and didn't bother telling me? What the fuck? I had to find out from Round Face."
Izuku shook his head, chuckling out, "I think I just have a stomach bug. I feel better right now."
Katsuki studied him, and Izuku sometimes couldn't stand it. Those intense, ruby eyes could penetrate your soul. "Are you sure that's all it is? You still should've told me. I could have been here with you and taking care of you."
Izuku smiled as Katsuki leaned and scented him thoroughly, and as he did, he paused and pulled back.
"What's wrong? What's going on? You smell... fuckin' weird."
"Stop smelling me, then."
Katsuki rolled his eyes. "Cheeky," he commented before leaning in to kiss Izuku. The omega placed a hand against his mouth, grimacing.
"You... may not want to do that. I told you, I might have a stomach bug."
Katsuki nodded, making a face. "Fine. Brush your teeth so I can kiss you properly and get your ass on the couch. I'm going to make you some ginger tea and order from the place up the street so you can have something light later."
Izuku was surprised. "You hate ordering out. You, and I quote, think it's a fucking waste of money and destroys the nutrients we need for our bodies."
"I know it's your favorite when you're sick and I'm not a complete jackass. Whatever you want until you're feeling better. I already called Shouto and he's taking my place for the day so I'm all yours."
Always taking care of him. Izuku's omega preened at how thoughtful their alpha was. Katsuki shooed him while Izuku went about brushing his teeth, even going as far as taking a quick shower to rid himself of the sweat he accumulated earlier from vomiting, changed into a clean pair of leggings and one of Katsuki's large t-shirts, and plopped onto the couch. He carefully took the pregnancy test and slipped it into one of his jackets in their joint closet.
They ate their take out and Izuku indulged in ginger tea, which helped settle his stomach nicely. While outwardly he was calm and content, snuggling close to Katsuki, his insides were raging and his mind was going over a mile a minute.
Izuku wasn't sure how to approach the situation about the pregnancy and he bit his lip, trying to keep up with whatever sitcom they were wasting their time watching at the moment. All his focus seemed to hone in on the fact there was a life growing inside of him and that no matter what path he walked down, his and Katsuki's life was about to change forever.
Katsuki's arm tightened around Izuku's shoulders, his head resting above a messy mop of hair. "Your scent keeps changing. What's wrong?"
Izuku frowned, clearing his throat. "N-Nothing... Just trying to watch the movie."
Katsuki sighed. "You're a terrible fucking liar." The alpha reached for the remote, pausing the show and turning fully to face Izuku. He grabbed his hands, rubbing soothing circles over his knuckles. "Seriously, what's wrong?"
Izuku averted his gaze for a short moment and decided to approach this situation carefully. "Alright, fine. There's something we haven't... um... talked about. Since we've been together."
Katsuki's eyes studied him before saying, "Alright... what? You're being vague."
"Kids," Izuku rushed out before he could stop himself.
Katsuki's eyes widened and his digits stopped moving. "Kids," he repeated.
"Um... yes. Kids. Pups. We never... talked about it."
The silence was heavy between them and Katsuki's expression went from concerned, loving, and comfortable to sharp, edged, and hard. His lips formed a thin line.
"There's nothing to talk about. We ain't having any."
Izuku was taken aback by the alpha's response.
"What?" he asked, dumbly.
Katsuki sighed heavily, standing up from the couch to gather their empty take-out containers and Izuku's teacup. "I said we ain't having—"
"No, I heard you the first time," Izuku clarified, standing up as well. His hand almost went to his stomach again, knowing now there was life beneath his palm. "When did you decide this?"
"A long time ago," was Katsuki's gruff reply. His back was to Izuku as he cleaned up their kitchen. The omega walked up behind him, his expression trying to remain hopeful.
"Don't you think that's something we should decide together?"
"That's different."
"How is that different? We're a team in just about every aspect of our lives and I think this is worth talking about together."
"Drop it, Deku," Katsuki warned. "We've got too much going on to be worrying about something that'll just distract us."
"Is that what you think... a pup would do?" Izuku asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"What do you think? Shit, we've come too damn far to even be talking about this. We're pro heroes now ranked with one of the largest agencies in the nation. We are out there day in and day out fucking busting our asses so that we hardly have time to even see each other unless we're working together. You worked too fucking hard and sacrificed too much to get here and my goals haven't changed a damn bit just because we're together now."
Izuku gazed at the floor, his heart breaking in two. What the hell was he supposed to say to that?
"Kacchan..." he tried reasoning, just wanting to say the words so Katsuki could understand—understand why this was so crucial. "Please... we need to talk about—"
Katsuki suddenly slammed his fist against the kitchen counter, causing even the dishes in the cabinets to rattle together. His scent nearly suffocated the omega with how quickly it had changed. It was... hostile. He whipped around and narrowed his eyes at Izuku.
"I'm fucking done talking about it. It doesn't matter. We're not even mated yet, Izuku."
"And who's fault is that?" Izuku suddenly cried out, throwing his hands in the air. "I'm right here, Katsuki. Completely devoted to you and I always have been. You keep using our status as an excuse but there are plenty of heroes out there who make it work because they work hard to do so. They work together."
"Yeah, and they're not in the top ten, are they? Also, we already talked about mating. I thought we decided we'd wait until—"
"—Until when? First, it was until we went pro. Then, it was after we recovered from the war. Then, it was when we were eighteen. Next, it'll be some other excuse you pulled right out of your ass because you can't commit to anything, can you?"
"I'm fucking committed to you," Katsuki growled, closing the distance between him and the omega. The alpha's eyes were intense when he continued, "I've always been committed to you. You don't understand what you're even asking."
Izuku knew this wasn't fair to either of them. His mood was swinging like a pendulum and his heart was going to burst out of his ribcage. Still, Katsuki also wasn't being fair. He didn't get to decide everything when it came to their relationship. They were supposed to be equals.
"So stop bringing up this shit about kids. Fuck, we're too young. If it actually did happen, we'd have to get your ass to a clinic before it became public. Could you imagine how many villains would try to come after you while you're pregnant?"
Izuku felt Katsuki's hands at the base of his neck but he pulled away, suddenly feeling sick again. "A clinic... for what?"
Katsuki huffed, "You're not stupid, Izuku."
Bile rose in Izuku's throat and it burned. "What if... What if I'm—"
Something flashed across Katsuki's eyes then and it sent a frigid and violent shiver straight up Izuku's spine. Katsuki's mouth formed a vicious snarl and his canines were exposed for the first time in months. Izuku's eyes widened and his scent rose in distress.
"You're going to fucking drop this shit right now, omega!"
The tone alone was enough to have Izuku fall onto one of his knees, his eyes widening and his ragged breathing cutting through the stunned silence that followed Katsuki's voice. Katsuki's eyes widened as well, peering down at Izuku with his chest feeling heavy. Izuku gritted his teeth and tears began to freely flow from his viridian eyes.
"Shit..." Katsuki rushed out, bending down to help Izuku stand. "Fuck, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"One of the things you promised me when we got together was you'd never use your alpha tone to order me," Izuku whispered while unsteadily standing. Damn, his instincts. "You swore to me from the very beginning that we were equals in this."
"We are, Deku. It fucking slipped out because you relentlessly felt the need to continue a conversation that shouldn't even have taken place, to begin with. Why are you suddenly pressing the issue of pups? Unless you're pregnant then—"
"—You'd just march me to a clinic if I was, right? Keep it hush hush so you can protect the image you worked so hard to create?"
Katsuki snapped his mouth shut, sensing the shift in Izuku's scent. It became just as hostile. Through his tears and bitter anger, he suddenly pushed Katsuki away from him. The alpha looked stunned, stumbling back from the omega's strength.
"You don't get to dictate this relationship and I won't let you, Kacchan. You're right, I've come too far to get here and we all suffered great losses to reach this point. That doesn't mean that the beautiful things life has to offer us outside of our lives can't be embraced or are found to be inconvenient."
"What the fuck does that mean?" Katsuki asked. "Deku... are you pregnant?"
At that moment, Izuku wanted to be honest. He wanted to tell Katsuki the truth because he knew somewhere in the depths of his heart, this alpha was his soulmate. They had been tied together since they were children and even through death. Still, the words burned a hole into Izuku's memory that would never be forgotten and despite the strides they had made together, Izuku couldn't help but remember the small presence that was inside of him at that moment.
So, he made a choice.
A choice he wished he didn't have to make.
"...No, I'm not."
Izuku swallowed the heavy lump in his throat and closed his eyes briefly.
"I think you should stay with Eijirou or Shouto tonight. I need some space right now."
Katsuki's face fell at those words, reaching out to the omega. "Izuku..."
Lips trembling, Izuku ran a quick hand through his hair as he attempted to compose himself. He was the number five hero, he wasn't the weak child he was when he entered UA, and he was an omega for God's sake—he wasn't going to allow Katsuki to walk all over what very well could be a blessing to them both.
Izuku felt that maternal instinct curling inside of him just at the thought of their child and maybe if he weren't so angry and Katsuki had answered differently, he would have told the truth. This wasn't just about Izuku anymore and the sooner his brain snapped to that mindset, the sooner he could formulate a plan.
Izuku's heart splintered into pieces as he stepped away from Katsuki's touch.
It splintered when he watched Katsuki pack and bag and leave for the night.
It cracked at the seams as he wrote a letter and left it on the pillow of their bed, tears flowing over the pain pinching his heart.
And it absolutely shattered when Katsuki came home the next day, noticed half of Izuku's belongings were missing, read the note, and howled in both turmoil and fury.
Izuku was nowhere to be found.