Chapter Text
A stack of books is dropped on the counter in front of Kirishima and he looks up over the rim of his black framed reading glasses. His ruby eyes meet dark garnet ones set in a handsome face. Well, he assumes handsome under the scowl and furrowed brow. A whiff of caramel smoke hits his nose and his nostrils flare before he can stop them. Even though it’s an unspoken rule to wear scent patches in the library, scents still happen.
Kirishima swallows and smiles warmly.
“Can I help you with something?”
The blond man huffs and sounds highly annoyed when he answers. Unfortunately, Kirishima can’t read minds so had to ask.
“Need to rent a study room.”
Kirishima doesn’t know what comes over him but teases the young man in front of him.
“Say please.”
The blond's reaction is a sneer, showing his cute omega fangs.
“Fucking please.”
Kirishima chuckles and hands him a clipboard with the form to fill out and a pen. The blond huffs again and quickly but neatly fills out the form. Handing it back, he impatiently holds out his hand for the key. Handing the young blond the key and pointing to the study room across the hall, he moves to put the info in the computer. The blond stomps off to the room, grumbling something about ‘dumbass alphas’.
It’s not often that a cute male omega comes in the library so Kirishima takes a closer look at the rental form. Usually he just half pays attention as he inputs the info but this time he wants to know all about the younger man. Bakugo Katsuki. Undergrad student. Not much to go on but that doesn’t stop Kirishima from texting his boyfriend.
Ruby: Shin.
Ruby: Shin.
Ruby: Baby.
Ruby: You’re not going to believe this.
If asked, Kirishima will tell anyone that he loves his mate Shinsou with all his heart. But them both being Alphas, they have discussed at length about adding an Omega to their relationship. It’s not something that they have actively ‘looked’ for but they are both open to the idea. But it’s not every day that an Omega’s scent let alone his looks makes Kirishima’s mouth water. He hates that some stereotypes are true and he is often led by his nose. Kirishima’s inner Alpha rolls over on its back, showing its belly and Kirishima groans because it is not helping. He turns back to his computer with a grin, knowing that Shinsou is on shift at the cafe and will answer when he can.
His phone pings about ten minutes later.
Amethyst: Kiri.
Amethyst: My favorite gold retriever boy.
Amethyst: What’s got you so excited?
Kirishima snorts out his nose. Shinsou constantly teases him about his inner Alpha just being a giant puppy.
Ruby: Babe. The cutest, sexiest Omega just rented a study room here at work.
Amethyst: Ah, okay. Gives me an excuse to bring you lunch. Want your usual?
Ruby: Please. Like you need any excuse to come see me.
Amethyst: I know.
Bakugo remembers he is in a library and quietly closes the door to the study room. He’s very unhappy that the front of the room is a giant window but at least it's sound and scent proof. Slamming the stack of books onto the table, he sits down with a huff. He’s upset and is having trouble processing it. His super quiet, respectful Beta roommate had to drop out and return home for a family emergency. Bakugo had hoped that he would have just had the dorm suite to himself until the end of the semester but the Resident Advisor had other ideas.
Another Omega had moved in. A bouncy, full of energy blond. Bakugo is assuming that the guy must have some form of ADHD or something the way he buzzes and bounces around the dorm. And the Omega never.shuts.up. So Bakugo has resigned to study during most of his free time at the library. It’s a pain in the ass and a big change to his routine but at least it’s quiet. Movement catches his eye and he glances up from his text book.
Bakugo freezes.
Since the day he presented, Bakugo has swore up and down he’s too busy for his secondary gender. Graduating high school at the top of his class, he’d gotten into his dream University on a full scholarship. It’s not that he isn’t interested in being pursued by an Alpha, he just finds most of them stupid, insufferable or just plain annoying. A lot of Alpha’s want him to give up his education and be their cute little home husband Omega. Not interested. Bakugo will reluctantly admit that he would love to be courted, protected, taken care of but still has a fairly deep independent streak.
Bakugo swallows and realizes he’s staring at the tall Alpha who is leaning against the counter and speaking to the other Alpha sitting down. But Bakugo can’t look away. His stance is deceivingly relaxed, a smirk on his mouth as he hands the redhead behind the counter a paper bag and an iced coffee. Bakugo can’t stop staring as the two Alpha’s talk, noticing the lean muscle beneath his fitted shirt and jeans. His purple hair is cut into a tight undercut with the top slightly wild. Kirishima says something to Shinsou and Bakugo is met with very pretty violet eyes as Shinsou glances over quickly. Bakugo immediately looks down, pretending to look for his earphones and grumbles when he hears his inner Omega whine.
Fuck.
Kirishima stands from his chair and gives Shinsou a soft kiss to his cheek and even though they are wearing patches, rubs their wrists together in affection.
“Thanks babe. You spoil me.”
“Like I need a reason to spoil you.”
Kirishima grins, showing all his sharp teeth.
“You aren’t going to get into trouble? I know how your dad can be.”
Shinsou waves a hand.
“Aizawa just acts like a grump. You didn’t hear it from me but he’s a big softy.”
Kirishima nods.
Shinsou leans on one elbow.
“Now, where’s this super cute Omega that you’re so excited about?”
Kirishima discreetly points at the study room right across the hall. Shinsou glances at the same time that Bakugo is looking up and briefly meets deep garnet eyes. Forget cute, the blond is just plain pretty. Chiseled jaw, golden skin. Shinsou’s inner Alpha, who seems to get more sleep than him, actually stirs and sits up for once. Down boy. Shinsou looks back at his boyfriend and watches Kirishima flush in real time. He chuckles.
“He smells like caramel.”
Shinsou raises an eyebrow and decides to tease his mate.
“Couldn’t resist and ripped off his patches huh?”
Kirishima puts his hand to his chest in mock offense, teasing his boyfriend back.
“I would never. Besides, you know how my nose is.”
“I do. You tracked me for what? Ten miles?”
“Not my fault you smell like lavender and lemon balm. It’s so relaxing.”
Shinsou smiles warmly at Kirishima. He wouldn’t trade him.
“So are we just going to just stare at the Omega or do you want to attempt courting him?”
Kirishima blinks and then gets a worried look.
“Are you sure babe? I know we’ve talked about this….”
Shinsou beckons Kirishima closer and nuzzles him in reassurance.
“My inner Alpha actually woke up for once. I would say it’s worth exploring.”
Kirishima nuzzles back.
“I dunno babe, he was pretty surly when he came in earlier.”
“So was I when you and I first met and you won me over, remember?”
Bakugo’s inner Omega whines again, this time more plaintive and Bakugo sighs to himself before looking up again. This time he notices the red head a little more. Kirishima is animatedly talking to the other Alpha and then they nuzzle each other gently. Bakugo’s eyes widen for a second when he realizes that they are a mated pair and then he really notices the red head. Kirishima is dressed in straight dark jeans and a blue button down with the sleeves rolled up. His bright red hair is long and half pulled back from his face.
Bakugo notices how built he actually is. Almost like a personal trainer hiding out as a librarian. Kirishima’s smile lights up his face when Shinsou says something and Bakugo’s inner Omega is now purring at seeing the mated Alpha’s and their affection. Bakugo huffs and desperately tries to concentrate on his text book. But his Omega refuses to stay quiet, wondering what both of them might smell like.
Shinsou shifts in his stance while he still leans against the counter, so he can still see the Omega out of the corner of his eye. He gives his boyfriend another wry smile.
“I do believe you are being watched Kiri.”
Kirishima feels his ears go warm and his inner Alpha croons in triumph. Again, not helping and he shakes his head.
“Nah, babe. He’s watching my very handsome mate.”
Shinsou rumbles deep in his chest and this time manages a full grin, showing off his sharp canines. Kirishima teases him more.
“See? You never do that unless you see an Omega you really like.”
Shinsou holds up both his hands in mock surrender, making Kirishima laugh.
“Fine, you got me.”
Inside the study room, Bakugo puts his forehead against his textbook with a soft groan while his inner Omega continues to purr. He doesn’t have time nor the patience for this.
Weeks pass steadily, Bakugo is still surly but not as much now that he has established a new routine. Most of his classes this semester are late morning or early afternoon so every morning he is at the library to study. Almost every morning, Kirishima is behind the circulation desk. Everytime Kirishima is there, Bakugo is met with a warm smile and a chipper ‘good morning’ from the Alpha. Everytime Bakugo asks for a key to a study room, Kirishima always manages to give him the same one. Kirishima is more observant than he lets on and realizes pretty quickly that the Omega likes it that way. He also likes that with the same room, Kirishima gets to watch him every day. He’s not creepy about it but desperately wants to get to know Bakugo better. Golden retriever boy indeed. So he asks Bakugo questions. What is he majoring in? Does he live on campus? Does he need any books pulled?
It’s disarmingly sweet and Kirishima will argue that he is just doing his job. But in spite of Bakugo’s general feelings about the librarian’s secondary gender, he tolerates his chatter and questions. Even if he usually just gives one word answers or a grunt. Finally one morning Bakugo asks a question back.
“I almost always see you behind this desk Red, do you ever fucking go home?”
Kirishima wrinkles his nose with a grin and Bakugo immediately shies away from how cute that is. He will -not- entertain the cuteness of this handsome Alpha. Wait. Fuck. His Omega purrs. Look at those pretty sharp teeth. Nope. Nope. Not doing this. Kirishima breaks him from his inner monologue.
“I’m actually one of the head librarians so it’s kinda my job to be here a lot.”
Kirishima leans back in his chair and pushes his glasses back up, looking as relaxed as possible. He knows that there’s more behind Bakugo’s question and frown even if the Omega refuses to admit it. Kirishima tries to be friendly and open to all the University students but that’s not going to stop him from laying it on a little more thick since it’s someone he’s very attracted to. Especially since Shinsou keeps asking for details about the blond.
Bakugo is impressed and desperately tries not to show it. He cracks a slight smile and then quickly schools his face back into his usual scowl. Being a head librarian takes at least a bachelor’s degree if not a master’s. Maybe Kirishima is different. Again even if his Omega is definitely interested, he shies away from his instincts. Nodding, he takes the key and his thermos from the counter and heads to his study.
One Wednesday, Bakugo’s early afternoon class was canceled so he has decided to just stay in the library until his evening class. He is neck deep in universal gas laws and equations when he hears a peal of bright laughter that makes him look up before he can stop himself. Shinsou has brought Kirishima lunch for the second time this week and has said something to make his mate laugh. The purple haired Alpha has a cocky grin, showing off his canines and wiggling his eyebrows at his mate. Kirishima lightly pushes Shinsou in the shoulder, not completely unhappy about the blush on his cheeks.
Bakugo finds himself intrigued. These two aren’t like the Alpha’s he usually runs into and it’s got him and his Omega curious. Something that is difficult to admit let alone ignore. Here he is, twenty one, a year and a half from his Bachelor’s and now he has all these domestic feelings and instinctual urges hitting him. He’s kept them under wraps since he presented at fifteen because he has bigger plans. Plans to get his Master’s in Thermodynamics and join the biggest research facility in the city. He doesn’t -need- distractions. With a soft sigh, he drags his eyes away from the two Alpha’s and puts in his earphones. They are starting to be a distraction.
About twenty minutes later, there’s a soft knock on the window of the study room and at first Bakugo doesn’t hear him, so Kirishima knocks a little louder. Pulling out an earphone, Bakugo waves Kirishima in, figuring maybe the library is closing early or something. He tries his best to not look like he is irritated but his garnet eyes are narrowed. Kirishima gives an apprehensive smile.
“Um, sorry I disturbed you but my boyfriend brought an extra iced green tea from his cafe’ and I thought I would offer it to you? Since you’ve been here longer than usual?”
Bakugo frowns, trying desperately to look unhappy about it. This Alpha is too nice for his own good.
“My first class today got canceled. I’ll take it since it’ll save me from having to leave to get something.”
Kirishima visibly brightens, placing the iced tea on the table and then quickly leaves, not wanting to disturb the Omega any further. Bakugo grumbles out a quiet thank you. He waits until Kirishima is back behind the circulation desk and is distracted before picking up the tea to take a sip. Just as he gets the straw to his lips, his nostrils are assaulted by a scant scent of lavender and…..lemon balm? He finds himself suddenly humming and stops in surprise before trying to take another sip of the tea. Now it’s a scant scent of blood orange and…..vanilla musk? One soothing, one spicy.
Things seem to click suddenly in Bakugo’s brain and realizes that he is smelling both Alpha’s. He puts down the tea with a start. They were wearing patches. He shouldn’t be able to smell them at all. Even if they did this on purpose, Bakugo realizes that he’s not upset about it. His Omega whispers about being courted and thumps its tail. Could they be wanting to court him? Nah. No way. Even as Alpha’s they are a mated pair and it’s obvious they love each other. Why would they want to court him? Maybe Bakugo can make his independent streak take a back seat and find out for sure.
Next time, it is Bakugo who surprises Kirishima. Bakugo isn’t completely sure what possessed him to buy an extra latte on his way to the library but here he is. After getting his key for the study room, he offers the coffee to Kirishima who takes it with a warm smile, ruby eyes glinting behind his glasses. Trying to ignore how excited his Omega is –Alpha took our gift– and his ears warming up, he also pushes a piece of paper across the counter.
“I have a stupid presentation coming up and I need these stupid books for research.”
Kirishima waves a hand and takes the list.
“Sure! I can pull these for you. No problem.”
Bakugo grunts his thanks before turning to walk away.
“And thanks again for the coffee!”
It’s all Bakugo could do to keep his gait steady as he walks to the room. Once inside, he leans back against the door and pulls at his shirt, trying to cool himself off. Thankfully, Kirishima didn’t see how flushed he had gotten. His Omega purrs and a growl leaves his mouth before he can stop it. He’s already been through his heat four months ago, so it’s not that. Bakugo thunks his head back against the door with another soft growl. He is really starting to tolerate the red headed Alpha and doesn’t know what the fuck to do with that. One day at a time? Baby steps? See what happens? Ugh, the thing he hates about his instincts is they never have a plan past getting knotted or mated. A sudden picture of him laying beneath either Kirishima or Shinsou with his neck bared flashes in his head.
Fuck.
Okay, Bakugo doesn’t want to admit it but the redhead is starting to grow on him. Even though Bakugo now knows the Alpha’s name, Kirishima, he has gotten into the habit of calling him Red. Couldn’t help it thanks to that bright red hair and those pretty ruby eyes. Eyes that Bakugo is starting to have trouble not staring into. Kirishima is earnest and enthusiastic about anything and everything. Pick a subject and he will gladly talk about it. Even though Kirishima admits that he barely knows anything about thermodynamics, he has no issues trying to talk about it with the young Omega.
Another thing that Bakugo notices is that Kirishima does his best to keep his Alpha at bay most of the time. Sure, Kirishima likes to show off his sharp teeth and towers over Bakugo when they are standing but he doesn’t loom. Kirishima doesn’t push up on Bakugo and respects his space, unlike most Alpha’s he has encountered. The most Kirishima has done is step a little closer into his space or gently touch his arm but even that has a disarming manner to it. Almost like Kirishima cares more about Bakugo being comfortable around him first and foremost. Which has led to the situation he is in now.
Bakugo is leaning back and sideways in his chair and Kirishima is sitting next to him going over the books that Kirishima had pulled for him. Not only did he pull everything from the list, but he also made a small stack of books related to the subject that Bakugo is needing to research. Bakugo is doing his best to explain gas laws and how they relate to chemical engineering and Kirishima is doing his best to understand. Physics just isn’t in his wheelhouse and he admits that with a soft chuckle.
For once, Bakugo doesn’t get impatient when he explains it. Maybe because Kirishima is actually listening. Maybe because Kirishima seems genuinely interested. Maybe because Kirishima didn’t immediately glaze over in boredom when Bakugo went off on a particular tangent. Instead Kirishima was listening so raptly that they at first didn’t hear the soft knock on the open study room door. Both men look up and Bakugo bites back a gasp when they see Shinsou leaning against the doorframe, holding a to-go bag. Shinsou looks tired as hell but his violet eyes are bright when they fall on his mate and the Omega. He gives a smirk.
“Since you didn’t answer my texts, I figured I would bring you a late lunch. It’s pretty slow at the cafe today.”
Kirishima pats his pockets and gives his mate a sheepish smile.
“Sorry babe, I left my phone sitting on my desk.”
Shinsou shrugs, his smirk turning into a slight smile and his voice takes on a teasing tone.
“I know how you have a habit of getting lost in your work. It’s just not usually a cute Omega that distracts you.”
Kirishima levels his mate a look even if he knows that Shinsou is just teasing and Bakugo growls in his throat as he folds his arms defensively.
“I am -not- cute.”
Shinsou shrugs again as he sets the bag on the table and takes a seat, stretching out on purpose. Unlike Kirishima, Shinsou likes to let his Alpha show itself, sprawling on the chair and deliberately meeting Bakugo’s eyes.
“Would you prefer handsome?”
Kirishima deliberately nudges Shinsou’s leg under the table. He loves his mate dearly but Shinsou has a tendency to be blunt and the last thing he wants is for him and Bakugo to start off on the wrong foot.
“Shin. Be nice.”
“I am being nice.”
Bakugo, on the other hand, is struggling. While his Omega is enjoying the attention and is purring up a storm, the overly rational part of him is freaking out. He deliberately tries to avoid this kind of attention from anyone, not just Alpha’s. It’s not like he hasn’t been told he’s handsome or cute. He has. But usually by someone wanting to get him on their knot. This feels different and he’s not sure what to do with it. Bakugo shifts in his chair, trying to make himself smaller without realizing it. Both of the other men sense it and look at him, Kirishima’s face morphing into concern before he looks at his mate again.
“Shin.”
Now Shinsou notices the change in Bakugo and blows air through his nose before moving to open the bag in front of him. Lifting out a small bento box, he offers it to Bakugo with an apology.
“I apologize for being so forward. Lunch?”
Bakugo huffs and bares his teeth before reluctantly taking the bento from the Alpha.
“Apology accepted I guess.”
Kirishima pretends to huff and look offended at his mate.
“Okay, I see how it is. Bring a stranger lunch but not me?”
This time Shinsou gives Kirishima an exasperated look and hands him a bento as well.
“I brought three because they are small and you always have an appetite the size of Japan.”
Before Kirishima can react, there’s a soft chuckle from Bakugo and then an outright laugh. He really needs to stop assuming things about people because of their secondary genders. He hates when people do that to him because he’s a male Omega so turnabout is fair play.
He pointedly looks at Shinsou.
“You two sound like an old married couple.”
This time Kirishima laughs and Shinsou gives a soft chuckle.
“Well, we’ve been mated for…what? Six years now?”
“Try eight.”
“Damn, time flies dealing with your golden retriever energy.”
“Or my dealing with your insomnia and coffee addiction.”
Bakugo laughs louder this time before he can stop himself and flushes when both men look at him. He shrugs.
“Yep, old married couple.”
After that, they soon fall into eating and easier conversation. Bakugo isn’t quite sure what it is about these two but they are definitely starting to put cracks in his defenses. Maybe he has time for friends.