Work Text:
“Ei!?” Katsuki calls out in the cold and quiet apartment, no reply. He looks back at the entry way and Eijiro’s red velcro sneakers are there. And his keys with the chibi Fatgum charm are on the rack. Katsuki steadies himself and his alert alpha. He takes a deep breath, he can smell Ei’s fresh spiced scent over the older lingering mix of them both that perfumes their residence. But there’s a cutting board with half sliced vegetables left on the kitchen counter, somethings up.
He follows his nose over to Eijiro’s bedroom door but the pit in his stomach grows again as the sweetness of Eijiro’s scent fades into a burnt bitterness. Katsuki knocks gently, “Ei? You in there?”
The only response is a loud sniffle and Katsuki’s heart picks up. He doesn’t care if it’s improper to barge into an omega’s room. “Ei, I’m coming in!” He calls out before he’s exploding the lock of the door. His previously rapidly beating heart feels like it just stops.
Eijiro’s beautiful nest, which Katsuki has only had the privilege of viewing a handful of times, is in complete disarray. In the middle is a quivering Eijiro shaped lump, a loud whining sound emanating from it. Katsuki rushes forward without thinking. Stumbling to a stop when he realizes he’s not been invited inside. It's inelegant for a top pro hero but he doesn’t care, something in his heart feels like it's breaking.
“Eijiro?” At the sound of his voice the whining picks up. His alpha screams to do something, omega is hurt! “Ei, please answer me? Are you hurt?” Katsuki doesn’t even notice he’s pleading but at his begging and worried scent, a mess of red pops out from under the covers.
Eijiro’s face is turned away from him. His voice is broken and dry, in a way Katsuki hasn’t heard in years, not since the war. “Please leave Katsuki, I don’t… I don’t want you to see me like this...”
“You shouldn’t have… have…” he sobs, “to see the ugliest omega in Japan!”
“What?! Bullshit!” Katsuki shouts, he sees hell fire red, “that's bullshit! Ei, tell me who said that?!”
Eijiro looks shocked at his screaming for the first time. And Katsuki’s on his knees at the foot of the messy nest. Sweaty palms gripping Eijiro’s face to meet his eyes. Its out of his mouth before he even knows it, and his alpha howls, “You’re the most fucking beautiful fucking perfect Omega in the whole fucking world! Whatever dumb fuck told you otherwise can get fucked with a cactus!”
Eijiro’s shocked face transforms, he’s choking on his spit, snot and tears as he laughs, face still held in Katsuki’s hands. Katsuki snaps out of his rage at the sight. “What the fuck? Why are you laughing?”
Eijiro shakes his head, but Katsuki doesn’t let go. “What the fuck are you saying?” Eijiro asks back, tears in his already puffy red eyes.
“That you’re the most beautiful omega ever,” Katsuki answers plain as day and this time Eijiro really does choke.
“You don’t mean that,” Eijiro says, he pulls Katsuki’s fingers away from his face, “thanks for trying to cheer me up anyway, Kats.”
Katsuki shakes his own head in disbelief and grabs Eijiro’s face once more, “What the fuck? You think I’m lying?! I would never lie to you! You are the most perfect amazing omega I’ve ever met!” He’s not quite sure whats not clicking here. He was confused and angry and he still is.
Eijiro’s face reddens and he starts to tremble once more, “But…but…”, he looks around as if this isn’t real. “But… Katsuki… you’ve never said that before?” Eijiro looks at him with a mix of emotions, fear and a bright flicker of hope.
“I said it now!” Katsuki says, determined, realizing that he just told his omega room mate and secret crush of years that he’s beautiful because he is. “I said it and I’ll say it again. Look I don’t know whats going on but Ei you are the most incredible omega. And I’ve always thought that.” Katsuki thinks there’s no time to hesitate, a hero is honest and brave. He hasn’t been but he can be now.
An instant later Eijiro is tackling Katsuki in a hug, Katsuki grunts in surprise genuinely not expecting that. Eijiro’s rubbing his snotty face in Katsuki’s black shirt and he can’t complain as a bursts a of hopeful happy scent flood his senses. Katsuki got through to him.
“Katsuki?” Eijiro asks from where he’s hiding in Katsuki’s collar.
“Yeah,” Katsuki answers back, arms hesitantly raised to return the hug. Its not their first, not after so many years of friendship but this feels different.
“I think you’re incredible too. I always thought you were. Well maybe not at first, I thought you were feral in our first training exercise.” Katsuki snorts and wants to argue but then Eijiro pulls back to look at him, despite the puffiness of his face he looks determined. “But after that, we fought together at the USJ, and the sports festival. I thought you were pretty cool. Then, at Kamino, you took my hand. You trusted me to catch you. We flew through the sky but I fell for you.”
“I did too,” Katsuki wants to say. But Eijiro continues on, “Then when I needed you, when I thought I couldn’t be a good hero. You told me I was stupidly strong, you gave me the strength I needed. Then I knew I loved you.”
Katsuki’s alpha howls in pride and joy, a smile blooming on his face. Love!
“Do you really think I'm a good omega, not just a good hero? A good mate, not just a good hero partner?” Ei asks, sounding so hopeful. The hope that makes Katsuki’s heart feel like bursting, mate!
“You’re a fucking amazing hero! Get it right,” Katsuki grumbles. “And your a fucking amazing omega and anyone should be proud and happy to have you as a mate!” Katsuki reaffirms before asking a question, he never thought he would be asking. But he isn’t scared.
Katsuki takes Eijiro’s wet cheeks into his sweaty hands, pulls him close, foreheads together. Two sets of crimson red eyes meet for the thousands time, it feels familiar and warm but like its just the start. Katsuki speaks the words and he can only hope to bring Eijiro the happiness he deserves. “I would be proud and happy to be your mate. I love you, Eijiro Kirishima, be mine?”
Eijiro’s lashes flutter, his crimson eyes crystal clear. “Yes,” Eijiro says in a whisper. Its so quiet, so different from when he screamed,“Come!” And Katsuki leapt. He takes that leap now by connecting their lips in a first kiss. Its like a years long ache is quelled.
He pulls back only to kiss Eijiro again. The ache has returned, like he can’t bear to part them. Pulling Eijiro closer to his chest, feeling Eijiro’s arms circle his waist. Lost in the comfort and joy of their scents, fresh spiced cinnamon, warm firewood, a undercurrent of sweet.
“I’m so damn lucky,” Katsuki breathes out, before he gasps smelling the scent of tears, unsure whose they are.
Eijiro is all over him, kissing away the tears from his eyes, his cheeks, his forehead. “I’m the lucky one, Kats. I can’t even believe this is real.”
“Well it is,” Katsuki says with a proud smirk. Eijiro smiles through his own tears which reminds Katsuki of what he’s doing in Eijiro’s nest. With Eijiro in his lap. “But… Ei what started all this? Why were you crying and what happened to your nest?”
Eijiro sighs before taking a deep breath to explain, “I want to say its nothing but people online said some really nasty shit about omegas. And I know that they were being unmanly! What you look like and your quirk is don’t make you more or less anything.” Katsuki nods allowing Eijiro to explain even as his alpha start to growl in anger at those who upset his mate. “They were saying things about Shoji and I commented telling them to fuck off. Cuz Shoji’s an ace hero and a great omega! Him and Tokoyami’s bonds strong, ya know?”
Katsuki nods, he respects the pair immensely. Not only for being an alpha omega team but what any team of heroes should be like. Tokoyami’s never taken the spotlight away from his more introverted mate. Always giving credit to their teamwork when his quirk and alpha status made him the press favorite. Katsuki experienced the same issues with his partnership with Ei. But Eijiro deserves to shine like the star he is. He’s the center of Katsuki’s universe.
“How could people say that!?” Eijiro practically growls. But his scent shifts from sour and angry to something much more dull and aching, a sadness that has Katsuki ready to move the earth and sun for him. “But then… people started talking about me and… you.”
“Look I know not the ideal omega. I haven’t been since middle school,” he sighs like its rehearsed, “An ideal omega should be petite, soft and light. I’m broad, rough, and I make craters in the ground when I jump from buildings to catch villains,” Eijiro chuckles weakly.
As much as Katsuki would like to argue, to say Eijiro is amazing, beautiful and who gives a shit about “shoulds” he doesn’t get the chance
“I’ve heard it all before you know and it hurts but I let it roll off my back cause it shouldn’t matter,” Eijiro continues.
“A good hero needs a manly spirit and a manly spirit means living without regret. I spent forever accepting my quirk as a part of me. Forever strengthening it to be a part I could be proud of. Forever to become the hero I wanted to be and I’m still working. But I’m proud. You and me, we’re partners. We kick ass and protect the people. Thats what matters,” Eijiro finishes.
Katsuki can’t help but smile. Dynamight and Red Riot are the best hero duo out there. He wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his life beside the incredible Red Riot.
“An ugly imperfect omega like Red Riot doesn’t deserve a mate like perfect alpha Dynamight.” Katsuki’s smile falls. And his heart breaks watching the pride and joy fade from the person he’s grown to love.
“That was the comment, I don’t remember who. But my fingers dropped the knife and my omega cried.” Eijiro looks up at him, eyes hazy with a pain that strikes Katsuki’s very soul, a pain deeper than any wound. “Because…you’re what I’ve always wanted… but you deserve bet…”
“Stop!” Katsuki roars, he won’t let Eijiro finish that sentence. His alpha will not allow his omega to hurt any longer. Eijiro stares at him in shock, as Katsuki pants but his eyes burn with an untamed fire.
“You choose me didnt you?! You want me don’t you!?” Katsuki demands an answer.
“Yes, more than anything,” Eijiro answers honestly, he couldn’t lie to Katsuki. He is manly enough to admit his love but… He’s not able to complete the thought.
“Then, I’m yours.” Katsuki says, voice shaking with something deep and powerful. The kind of power that binds. It brings Eijiro back. The two of them here together, no one else ever mattered.
“Mine?” Eijiro asks, hope filling his lungs.
“Only yours,” Katsuki reassures.
“Alpha…” Eijiro whispers. Katsuki humms with a soft smile. “Alpha!” Eijiro cries as brilliant smile grows on his face, embracing Katsuki once more.
“Omega, my omega…” Katsuki replies, holding Eijiro tight.
It takes them a while to come apart, too busy scenting each other, comforting each other with spice and warmth. But when they do, its with contented smiles on their faces. Until Eijiro looks around his nest, or what's left of it. “Shit! My nest, I have to fix it!”
Katsuki is quick to act, taking Eijiro’s hand. He’s relieved when it seems to calm him. Katsuki knows nests can be one of the most important places for comfort, and how much Eijiro loves his. Its filled with scents of their friends, like a family. Eijiro takes a deep breath, “I’ll fix it later, I’m tired and honestly a little gross now. Will you help me?”
“Fucking course,” Katsuki says, suddenly feeling a bit shy at the prospect of helping his omega with his nest. “How about you shower, we can eat and then clean up?”
“Sounds good, thanks Kats,” Eijiro says placing a shy kiss to Katsuki’s cheek before getting up.
Katsuki opens the window allowing the cool night air into Eijiro’s room, while Eijiro goes to rinse off in the bathroom. Katsuki does a quick change and grabs his favorite t-shirt. He wonders if Eijiro is done yet. He knocks but doesn’t get a response so he pokes his head in. Too early… His face warms seeing Eijiro’s broad back and wide hips, obscured by the steam in the shower.
“Kats…” Eijiro call over the sound of the water and Katsuki knows he’s been caught, no doubt the smell of his surprise and hopefully not arousal catching Eijiro’s attention.
Katsuki stutters out a response, still frozen, “Yeah… I just… I brought you a shirt!” ‘Cuz you always forget to wear one’ is what he wants to say but the truth is he hopes his scent will comfort Ei as they clean his nest.
“Um…thanks man! I’ll be done in a minute!” Eijiro replies before Katsuki throws the shirt on the counter and slams the door shut. Katsuki leans back against the closed bathroom door, and sighs as he hears Eijiro’s humming something soft and happy.
Katsuki sighs and wills his blush away, heading into the kitchen to get a head start on dinner. He’s just pressed the button on the rice cooker when Eijiro enters. There’s Eijiro, towel around his neck to catch the drips from his deep burgundy wet hair. And he’s in Katsuki’s shirt. It hugs the curves of his strong arms, it’s stretched over his pecs and tight at his thick waist. It fits him so perfectly that Katsuki never wants it back. But at the same time, he knows its his… but Eijiro’s wearing it. Wearing his scent. He meant it to comfort. And judging by the warmth of Eijiro’s cheeks it does, and the quiet way he says, “thanks.”
But Katsuki doesn’t stop staring until Eijiro waves a hand in front of his face. Katsuki jumps, “huh?” Oh right, dinner.
Eijiro hestates seeing his phone on the counter top. ‘Damn phone… damn assholes.’ Katsuki thinks with a scowl. But Eijiro picks it up, turns it off and sets it aside. He smiles over at Katsuki and Katsuki smiles back. They work together preparing dinner, it’s easy as always.
Katsuki lights a candle on their small square kitchen table, and they say their thanks. The candle wax drips slowly, as they eat in comfortable silence. Katsuki always has candles since he finds the low lights calming. But Eijiro can’t help but think its kinda romantic.
“So this is like our first date?” Eijiro says, dreamy and soft.
Katsuki chokes on a piece of lettuce.
“Woah!?” Eijiro’s half way out of his chair, patting Katsuki firmly.
Katsuki chugs some water before looking up at Eijiro with tears in his eyes, “The hell? This isn’t a date!” Eijiro pouts, soft lips pushed out. Oh how Katsuki regrets it. Once he’s settled down Katsuki explains, “We always eat together Ei, and this is our apartment.” Eijiro hums, “Yeah, but doesn’t feel a little different? Now that we are gonna be mates.”
Katsuki thinks about it, he is happier than he thought he could have the chance to be but their home feels much the same, comforting and warm.
“I think it’s because I have your scent close…” Eijiro asks hand outstretched, “Can I scent you?”
Katsuki without hesitation reaches his hand out, Eijiro rubs their wrists together gently and Katsuki feels it. It feels nice, stronger, more intimate… It feels almost as good as their first kiss. Like Eijiro’s soft lips, sweet cinnamon scent, and warm embrace.
“Yeah… Its good,” Katsuki says with a swallow.
Eijiro giggles, “Yeah, its good for me too.” He can’t help but want Eijiro closer, to embrace him again. The heat that colors Katsuki’s cheeks doesn’t fade until long after dinner, only to return as they start fixing Ei’s nest.
Having the window open helped to clear the scent of sadness. It’s absolutely wild to Katsuki that 4 hours ago, he came back to see his roommate and best friend absolutely torn apart. And now, he is helping build Eijiro’s nest. His omega’s, his mate’s nest. Katsuki helps change out the sheets for a fresh set, they are red of course, while Eijiro sorts through all the special scented items. Katsuki can tell which items came from which friends. Their little pack had some eclectic taste, lots of color, pattern and prints. The teal sequenced number is obviously Mina’s. A huge pile is from Denki, whose taste Katsuki has grown to distinguish from Eijiro’s own funky style.
Katsuki pauses, he recognizes that blue sports jacket. Its his from third year at UA. He knows because he embroidered a small orange x at the collar, tired of getting it messed up with the other students in the laundry. He gave it to Ei when he outgrew it and the group finally decided to form a pack. He gifted the others simple store bought items with his neutral scent. He felt bad at the time but he was minimalist in his personal goods. Now that he thinks about it, he hasn’t given them much.
Actually, he is shocked that Eijiro has held onto this, its been a couple of years. How could he not have realized? His scent had nearly faded from the old jersey. “I haven’t been a good alpha have I?” He doesn’t realize he said it out loud or how his smokey scent burns.
“What do you mean?” Eijiro, is at his side instantly, hand at his shoulder to guide him into the half built nest. Katsuki grips his old worn blue jacket. His teeth grind and jaw clenches but Eijiro is a constant presence at his side as he finds his words.
“This is all you have from me Ei? And everyone else…? I haven’t given you anything, I haven’t once scented you or the pack back directly. I haven’t been a good pack leader, I didn’t do what I needed to,” Katsuki admits feeling the weight of the failure for his responsibility.
Until the weight shifts, Eijiro guides his chin up to face him.
“Even if you don’t scent us all or give us gifts you are still our pack leader, an awesome one man!” Eijiro insists with a frown on his face. Eijiro’s tiny eyebrows are squished cutely, normally that would make Katsuki smile. But he knows he doesn’t look convinced.
Eijiro on the other hand looks ready to convince him, he starts with putting up 1 finger. Katsuki just knows he’s in for it. The first example is a surprise.
“You helped Denki with his taxes, and nearly beat up the tax guy that called him a lazy scatterbrained omega.” Katsuki’s teeth clench remembering the rude accountant and Kaminari’s crying. And spending time figuring out an organization system that worked for him.
“You stayed with Mina in the hospital. And you drove her to physical therapy for months.” Katsuki nods, he remembers the long car ride conversation, seeing a different side of his normally bubbly friend. How happy he felt to see her back on her feet.
“Hanta wants you to give his best man speech. Because Denki’s definitely going to say something super embarrassing and Endevor might kill us if Todoroki’s wedding isn’t perfect!” Eijiro looks exasperated and frankly scared.
Katsuki breaks down, shoulders shaking with laughter.The mental image of a beautiful wedding hall covered in poorly tapped craft paper flowers and cold soba served instead of cake. And an ice sculpture of something highly inappropriate. He snorts, “Oh they don’t need Sparky! I’m sure Icyhot and Soy Sauce can ruin their own wedding!”
“I’m being serious!” Eijiro says stubbornly, while Katsuki cackles.
“Katsukiii!” Eijiro deep voice pitches into a whine that causes him to pause. He looks up at Eijiro, whose pout transforms into a gleeful smile. His eye shine, the way Katsuki’s always loved. Today's been a trip, but it feels like they’ve finally started figuring it out.
“Well then, if I’m the best alpha,” Katsuki’s grin turns soft and lazy, “then you’re the best omega! Anything I can do to be the best mate, I’ll do it.”
Eijiro’s mouth turns into an O, and his cheeks start to color pink. “So manly…” he whispers and Katsuki feels so damn good. He sees how Eijiro’s eyes focus and he rams right through the insecurity, speaking clearly with a deep breath. “I want a bunch of your stuff for my nest!”
“How much?” Katsuki hopes its a lot, knowing Ei…
“All of it!” Eijiro answers with a sharp tooth grin.
Katsuki smirks and says, “You got it.” Placing a light kiss to Eijiro’s lips before heading to his room.
He picks up his comforter, along with a big armful of shirts he tends to wear at home. They should have his deep saturated scent. He struggles to open his bedroom door with the amount of stuff. But it's whatever, he’s gonna be the best mate ever. Eijiro deserves this and so much more. More. The world. He thinks briefly that his and Ei’s wedding is gonna blow Seroroki’s out of the water!
When Katsuki returns the nest is nearly finished and he swears it's even bigger than before. It makes sense, Ei is big and nests are supposed to be comfortable. But it takes up most of the room. Extra large pillows build up the sides, layers of soft well loved blankets cover the center, clothes from their pack are tucked in carefully. Eijiro is seated in the middle, small eyebrows scrunch in concentration and sharp teeth nibbling his plump lower lip. He tucks another piece of colorful fabric, a Crimson Riot shirt, in with a hmm. Katsuki doesn’t want to ruin his concentration but he’s still holding an armful. He clears his throat and Eijiro perks up like a happy pup!
“You’re back!” With a lot of scented stuff (goes unsaid) as Eijiro’s crimson eyes narrow like a greedy dragon spying a pirates treasure, ready to swoop in and steal it. Katsuki smirks and offers them up happily. Eijiro snatches up a bundle and, to Katsuki’s amazement, buries his face in them.
A loud purr vibrates from Eijiro’s chest, happily inhaling the sweet smokey scent. Almost like cherry bombs. Katsuki can feel himself flush cherry red, ears hot. Alpha rumbling proudly in his mind.
Omega loves scent.
Scent Omega.
Cover Omega!
MINE!
Katsuki wants to tell his alpha to fucking chill out. But how can he when his mate is so cute!?
Eijiro is quick to add everything to his nest like he knew exactly where the alpha’s scent should be. Katsuki would gladly offer his own chest for Eijiro’s head to rest. Eijiro gives a satisfied purr when he’s finally finished. “TADA!” He says arms spread wide, big smile on his face, before he flops back into the nest.
“It looks good Ei,” Katsuki says appraisingly. Everything Eijiro does is perfect to him. But it does look incredibly cozy.
“Hehe, I know!” Eijiro giggles. He wiggles a little, grabbing Katsuki’s comforter and wrapping it up around him. Katsuki is content to watch the omega, snug as a bug in a rug. Still he is surprised when Eijiro lifts the covers, and reaches out to him. “Come on in.”
It’s an invitation that Katsuki accepts with glee. A crooked surely sharp smile on his face as he climbs into the new nest.
Eijiro pulls him in and Katsuki lays beside him. The moment his body hits the sheets he sinks in. The nest smells like home, soft and warm. It smells like their pack. And like Eijiro. Like his perfect omega. The world is quiet, just two steady heart beats and whispered breaths. Eventually he feels a soft touch from battle worn fingers and hears a quiet snicker. He finally turns his head to Eijiro. “So?” Eijiro sing songs.
Eyes drowsy, Katsuki blinks. “Best. Nest. Ever.” He responds sleepily, a deep rumble resonates from his chest. Katsuki’s roused from his half sleep when Eijiro rolls over to hug him.
Eijiro’s face is buried in his plush chest. Eijiro purrs back, and Katsuki’s hands come to run through soft crimson strands. “Thanks Kats,” Eijiro says into the fabric of Katsuki’s shirt.
“What for?” Katsuki asks. For the nesting materials? For being a comfortable pillow? He hopes.
“For accepting me, for loving me…”
Katsuki guides Eijiro’s face up, to look at him, to really see…
“How could I not? It had to be you.”
Eijiro laughs, shaking his head, bright eyes crinkling at the edges, “How can you be so damn manly?!”
“Its for you,” Katsuki answers simply.
His manliness earns him a peck on the lips. Katsuki leans forward because that's simply not enough.
Eijiro knows it too, sitting up properly to kiss Katsuki into the soft nest. Lips melding together, connected and afraid to pull apart. When they do it’s in a puff of air and giggles. Eijiro kisses his cheek.
Katsuki loves feeling manly. Especially when Ei’s lips travel down kiss by kiss to his jaw. Hot breath against his neck.
“Is this okay?” Ei asks, sounding like a sweet sin.
“Yeah,” Katsuki responds. The innocent kisses are now teasing with a hint of razor sharp teeth making him shiver. “Eiji…”
Katsuki can’t help the deep animalist groan when Eijiro sucks his neck, leaving his scent gland hot. The fire only grows with Katsuki’s scent growing more and more powerful. To his delight, the sweet scent of cinnamon swirls around him in response.
“Ei…” Katsuki groans
“Mmhm…” Eijiro hums but doesn’t pull away from where he’s indulging in Katsuki’s scent, hot tongue tasting the alpha’s love and desire.
Katsuki shivers, and tries again, voice edging on commanding, “ Omega. ” Eijiro picks up his head, looking as dazed as Katsuki feels. “Can I pleasure you?”
“Huh?” Eijiro sighs with a slow blink.
He looks so sweet. Katsuki can’t help but place a kiss on his soft lips and asks again, “Do you want me to pleasure you?”
Eijiro bites his plump lower lip. “Yeah...yes… You’re sure I’m not dreaming?” He asks softly.
Katsuki chuckles low, “I fucking hope not… cuz I’ve been dreaming of making you feel good.”
Katsuki awakes with a start at a piercing whine!
"Holy shit!"
Holy shit, Katsuki thinks too. Stunned at the sight before him. The symbol of strength and protection. The Unbreakable Red Riot is covered in bruises and bite marks. Katsuki’s bite marks.
"How am I supposed to go on patrol like this!?” Eijiro turns to ask him, hair a mess, face flaming, the blush covering him head to toe (and nothing else).
Katsuki has no answer, instead, he howls practically falling back into the soft nest. Getting a whiff of his own smoke and a delectable sweetness proving last night was definitely not a dream. Especially not when the omega is pouncing on him, pinning him down. Gorgeous and furious crimson eyes glaring down, somehow contrasting his furiously red cheeks. "What am I suppose to say?!”
Katsuki flips them over, he wipes away his tears. And wipes away Eijiro's frown, transforming it into the smile he’s always loved.
“Easy. Tell them to fuck off. Cuz the most perfect omega in the world is taken!”
Eijiro is perfect. Katsuki is going to prove it to him, each and every day.