Archive of Our Own

Izuku drops the bag to the ground, his brows furrow deeply as he stares into the chest. To his eyes the contents look less than what they were just yesterday when he put away half of the roots he’d collected. Now he might need to get something from the closest town to really be prepared for the winter. There can’t be more than a month left until the first snowfall. There’s still so much to do, grains to blow, berries to turn into jam, vegetables to preserve…

Izuku sighs, opens the bag up and carefully lays the contents down into the chest before closing it. The empty bag gets left on the ground as Izuku moves towards a tiny table on the side, grabs his pen, opens the ink, and dips the pen into it. He writes down all the stock he managed to fill up today. All of the potatoes are out of the ground, so are most of his root vegetables.

He groans, back cracking as he flexes. He still needs to feed the sheep and probably schedule the Fall shearing to the end of this week so he has things to trade in town.

Izuku looks at his shelves, content that most of what he has will easily last him the whole winter. He can always travel to the town in a pinch in heavy snow too but he prefers not to. His hut, hunting, taking care of the sheep and making sure no predators eat them is what winter is all about for him. He needs nothing else. Almost six months of solitude, then when he can start cultivating again he makes the journey, buys most things he’ll need, lets his ram Pouta carry them back and start his year again.

He turns around to the stairs, climbing up from his underground cellar. When he gets back out, the sun has already started to set. Quickly, Izuku feeds his sheep and hurries inside to warm up his home for the night. The weather is slowly getting colder, yet only nights require him to actually keep the fire going.

“Crap. The wood,” Izuku grimaces. That he forgot to do, replenish the wood needed for the fireplace. Luckily, it's just back out and into the shed, but he has already taken off the outermost layer of clothing.

“Eh, I'll be quick,” Izuku says to himself as he puts the boots back on and sets out into the chill evening air. He hums while walking towards the shed. His eyes roam over his lands, framed by thick forest all around. On the other side is his large enclosure for his sheep, with two compartments. He hardly ever needs to contain them into the smaller one, but there are times for medicine and shearing, sometimes in case of predators.

He chuckles lightly, thinking about Pouta chasing out any that have dared to try. Or if he’s not been enough the ram always calls Izuku in for help.

Izuku strays from his straight way to lean on the fence. He frowns, trying to locate Pouta. Usually, it’s still close by since Izuku just fed all the sheep and it. Yet the big fluffball is nowhere to be seen.

“Did a sheep run off again?” Izuku muses to himself, shrugging and leaning off. Just as he does so he finally sees his precious ram. His shoulders sag in relief, mouth opening for words that don’t have time to come out as his eyes catch something else.

Bright yellow eyes right at the edge of the forest, right by the fence. And his ram? It’s just standing there, barely five meters away, staring straight at the wolf.

Izuku doesn’t know what to think. Usually Pouta stomps and bleats very loudly whenever there’s any predator near, sometimes it even gets angry at harmless animals that dare to try and close in on his territory. Why not this wolf? It is a pretty one, light grey fur with a few white and brownish areas. It’s large, looking to be very close in height to his giant ram. And it’s staring right at Pouta.

Before Izuku can even ask himself more questions, he sees movement in the corner of his eye. His head snaps to the side instantly, gaze locking in with a red pair of eyes, bright and clearly shocked.

“Wha—” Izuku doesn’t even get a chance to ask before the person emerges fully from his cellar and bolts.

“Hey! Get back here!” Izuku yells, taking a few running steps. He stumbles on the slightly wet ground, cursing the fact he didn’t even tie his shoes properly. He has to kneel down and tie them, his chase continuing after.

The shape is already at the treeline and from the corner of his eye, Izuku can see the wolf getting up. For a second Izuku thinks the wolf might eat the mysterious guy but instead when they meet, the guy stops, his steps slightly stumbling while he leans onto the beast.

“Come on Pouta, we can catch them!” Izuku yells, keeping his eye on the thief. When his ram doesn’t appear on his side like usual he has to turn to look. The damned thing is sitting still on the same spot, just observing and looking at the pair disappearing into the woods.

He can’t believe this. What the hell is going on?!

Izuku sighs, slowly approaching his ram, hand disappearing into its thick and soft wool. “Hey, what’s up with you? I mean sure they couldn’t have stolen much, I didn’t see a pouch on the guy or anything but, still, usually you don’t let wolves this close, you even dash towards squirrels.”

Pouta only huffs lightly, leaning into his touch now that the pair is nowhere to be seen. “I did wonder why my shelves seemed a little emptier than they should’ve been…” Izuku mutters. He’s sure it’s not the first time this has happened. He’s just very curious how did the pair get Pouta to trust them, to let them in. Izuku should’ve noticed the ruckus the first time they approached, surely. There was no way Pouta would’ve let them in without a fight first.

“Well, if you’re not coming with me, I guess I have to go by myself before it gets too dark. You know who to blame if I get hurt,” Izuku says and Pouta huffs at him again. Izuku chuckles, getting back inside to put on his jacket, grab a knife and his bow, just in case he needs them, before heading out again.

Once he’s at the treeline, he feels a poke on his shoulder, Pouta letting him know it's got his back. “Thank you, friend.”

Izuku really doesn’t like going to the forest at night. It’s not yet fully dark but the sun is quickly going down. It doesn’t help that the trees grow thick, their foliage blocking almost all the remaining sunlight. Luckily for him, Pouta is a good tracker, despite its species. It doesn’t take long till they’re close to the river, the ground getting more and more muddy as they go and even Izuku sees the prints now. Fresh, deep, a clear sign they’re on the right track.

When Izuku spots a clear light from a fire he slows down. He orders Pouta to stay still as he continues closer, tightening his jacket over his neck gland, wishing he would’ve grabbed a scarf when he left.

Close enough to hear the fire crackling, Izuku stops, closing his eyes for a moment to get a whiff. Firstly he smells the forest, then the distant scent of the campfire, there’s barely anything else, but some parts of the fire smell sweeter. He opens his mouth, slightly tasting the air. Clearly the guy's scent has firewood and smoke in itself, only scent not fitting the current setting is the fresh scent of rain pushing through.

Izuku senses the guy is anxious, the scent is sadly too weak for him to catch much else. It’s also a little troublesome that he doesn’t know if he’s dealing with an alpha or omega. From the build he saw he’d say alpha. In any case, he needs to prepare for aggression. Alphas don’t like other alphas getting to their territory and omegas? They get fierce when cornered. Izuku definitely doesn’t want a fight tonight, just to get the guy to go on his way and not steal from him.

The scents spike, Izuku opens his eyes to look straight into a pair of red, angry orbs. The fire glistens behind the guys blond spikes, making Izuku swallow quickly as he scrambles back.

“Easy,” Izuku starts, raising his hands in placatingly. “I’m not here to hurt you. Just want to talk.”

The guy snarls, flashing his teeth and raising a spear towards Izuku’s chest. Luckily there’s still some distance between them but Izuku doesn’t dare to move. He pumps some calming scent out, most of it getting absorbed by his cloak.

“I really need the food you’re taking. Winter is coming fast and me and my herd can’t survive if you keep taking them,” Izuku tries.

The guy keeps growling, but doesn’t come closer. Izuku’s gaze lowers for a second when he realizes the guy is slightly shaking. His brows furrow, taking a better look at the blond. He looks exhausted, even a little sickly.

Izuku takes half a step closer, which is a mistake as the guy snaps his teeth, poking the spear almost to his chest. Izuku nearly falls but Pouta catches him from behind. When he gets his bearings, the wolf has appeared next to the guy.

It seems the guy is having a real hard time standing up.

Izuku’s shoulders sag as he raises his hands in surrender. “Okay okay, I’ll leave.”

With that Izuku takes steps back, not saying anything more about not coming back to his lands. He doesn’t dare to. For some reason, his alpha whines slightly for the fact he left a clearly unwell person on his own.

He’s a thief. No concern for me. Mama always said that your own survival is the priority.

He does his best trying not to think about the guy while he returns home, takes off his muddy clothes and prepares tea. When he stops to read and sit in front of the fireplace he can’t help it though. Flashes of red eyes and blond spikes, damaged hands and shaky legs flash in his mind.

With a long sigh Izuku closes his eyes and shakes his head. Nothing else he can do right now than hope the guy heeds his warning and leaves when he can.

—

Izuku did reinforce his stash with a sturdy lock. Two nights later he observes the same guy coming to his lands, leave the stash he can’t open, and take aim at one of his sheep. Izuku is ready to run from the window and go outside, but it seems Pouta and the wolf both get in the guy's way.

It gets Izuku insanely more curious as he watches the guy clearly yell things, frustrated before giving up and leaving, leaning on the wolf.

Izuku does see the wolf also limping which is not a great sign.

And Izuku does try his best not to care, he really does. But in the end, he decides to leave food by the door to his underground stash. He’s also packed in a few salves and bandages. It would be inconvenient for someone to die so close to his lands. It would entice predators to cross the river in search of food which Izuku really doesn’t want.

Clearly the only reason he’s doing this. To keep his own home and herd of sheep safe.

He can’t stop waiting by the window, making sure the things he left are taken. Sadly, he can’t see too well from his window what expression the guy is making. At first he throws the neatly wrapped package away. It only takes him six minutes to limp his way to it, grab it and throw a middle finger towards Izuku’s house.

Izuku grins, starting to leave a package to the same spot every other night. He even gives up some of his better meats, fresh from his hunts. Slowly but surely, both the wolf and the guy seem to walk better, look healthier even in the darkness. Izuku is glad. Maybe they’ll be leaving his lands soon and he can do his usual things after finishing work instead of sitting by his window and watching.

Some part of him will miss it, he knows. It’s been approximately two weeks since he followed the guy to his camp and to the riverbank. Observing him has been fun and Izuku can’t help but think that the guy is kinda pretty, especially when the moonlight hits just right.

Winter is quickly getting closer and closer. Today the air is heavy and the wind is picking up so Izuku has to work to reinforce everything and moves the sheep into a more secure location from their more open field. It takes him so long that the sun is already set when he gets to go inside and by that point the wind is already throwing water to his face.

“Gosh, I need a hot bath,” Izuku groans, rolling his shoulders to relax his aching muscles. He still needs to eat too, stomach growling in protest, so first he starts making a quick meal for himself. Some potatoes and vegetable stew, with some dried meat. He can’t wait too long for a proper dish and this will keep him well fed till morning anyway.

By the time Izuku is done eating and starting the process of heating himself a bath, the wind outside rattles his windows and the howl is terrifying.

“Wouldn’t want to be stuck out there tonight… Hopefully Pouta is smart this time, don’t want to deal with the damned matted fur—”

Izuku’s eyes go wide and he drops the firewood he was carrying. One of them hits his toe and he yelps, cursing while he jumps on one leg towards the door. “Shit shit shit, the guy—!” Izuku grinds his teeth, puts on his shoes and jacket, grabbing a scarf and a hat too in case. He’s not going to freeze in case he can’t get back to his home.

He might be stupid to do this, he already knows as he whistles for Pouta and the ram struts towards him. It’s very idiotic to risk your life in a storm like this for someone he doesn’t even know, but he can’t leave it like this. There’s no way the storm won’t make the river go wild and the stranger's tent had been way too close to it when he saw it.

Izuku jumps on Pouta’s back this time, wanting to be in and out as quickly as possible. “Alright boy, let’s go!” Izuku instructs and then they are off, into the dark woods where he can barely see anything. No fire would stay lit in this weather so all he can do is trust Pouta to know exactly what to do. The ram is smart, always in tune with Izuku and surely the light distress scent spurs the animal on.

He can hear the raging river and before Pouta even stops Izuku jumps off from it, stumbling down and rushing towards the tent that’s moving dangerously in the wind.

Izuku doesn’t think, he just storms in, grabs the guy from behind.

He’s hit with an elbow to his chin and the tent instantly fills with the intimidating sound of growls and snarls. Izuku snarls back instinctively while fighting to keep hold of the guy, trying to drag him out of the tent.

“Ah, stop it!” Izuku yelps as he’s struck in the stomach this time. He winces, not letting go. “I’m trying to help, you die if you stay!”

Izuku isn’t sure if the guy understands but he has to try. It’s a struggle to get him out of the tent. In the end, he’s got the guy fangs deep in his wrist as he pulls him out and into the storm.

“Don’t struggle, I’ll get you to safety,” Izuku growls, hissing from the pain. If there’s alpha venom in there he’s going to need more than one day of bed rest which isn’t great at all. But he’s not quitting, not now when he’s so close.

He uses all of his strength to take advantage of the guy not letting go with his mouth and moves towards Pouta.

To Izuku’s surprise the wolf isn’t helping the guy, rather it's curiously walking a few steps to the side, at the same pace as Izuku is.

When the guy lets go Izuku can see his mouth is all bloody, canines shining with red and dripping down his chin. His mouth opens but then both of their heads snap towards the tent.

There’s a rumble, a large wave of water approaches in a matter of seconds and with it, the tent is gone.

“I’m sorry. I told you this would happen, I wanted to save your stuff too but you kept resisting,” Izuku sighs. “You can sleep at my place, you know it’s not far, and we’ll be safe, well, more safe than here—”

Izuku stops as the guy's red, piercing gaze snaps to him. They’re staring at each other, Izuku gulping with the intensity of the other’s eyes. Then as suddenly as the staring contest started the guy collapses in his arms and Izuku has to fight to keep them both standing.

“W-woah, are you okay?” Izuku asks, but there’s no reaction. He quickly checks the blond’s forehead with the back of his hand, wincing. He’s burning hot.

“Pouta. You carry him. I’ll walk beside you.”

The ram huffs, kneeling slightly for Izuku to be able to maneuver the guy up on its back. When he is done they’re ready to set off but as Izuku taps Pouta in the flank as a mark there’s a nudge on his shoulder.

Izuku turns and his eyes meet the wolf’s. It’s bright, brown eyes look into him almost the same way as the blond did just a few minutes ago before the animal barks, and mimics Pouta by kneeling down.

“Huh?” Izuku is shocked by the behavior. “You want me to…? Really?”

The wolf huffs again and barks impatiently. Izuku laughs a little, think I’m going crazy, as he closes the distance between him and the wolf. He touches its fur tentatively, and when the wolf doesn’t object, Izuku lifts his other leg over it and hops on its back.

When the large animal gets up, Izuku can hardly believe what is happening. The wolf struts next to Pouta and then they’re off.

This is officially the weirdest thing to ever happen to me.

While they walk Izuku keeps eyeing the guy. He seems to be doing better than a few weeks ago and Izuku really hopes he’s doing the right thing by taking him into his home. It’s not like the guy is entirely wild. He’s wearing proper clothes, has a tent, knows well enough to make fire and frustratingly, realizes when hurt the easiest way to feed is by stealing.

He could house the guy with his sheep but in the end when they arrive Izuku is already taking the guy inside. The wolf stays with Pouta in their separate, a bit more open shelter. For some reason, he trusts that he won’t be waking up to his sheep eaten in the morning.

The storm is not letting up at all, but when the door finally closes Izuku sighs long and deep. He’s so exhausted he might pass out if he stops even for a second.

Acknowledging this he gets into a work mode, ridding him and the guy of most of their clothes. Getting them into his bathroom, cleaning himself and the guy methodically and quickly, not bothering with scalding hot water this late. He’ll reserve that for tomorrow evening.

When all is done, he clothes the guy in one of his largest shirts and sets him into his bed.

Izuku takes some furs and blankets, a few pillows and makes himself a bed on the floor. He would’ve really liked to feed the stranger, get him meds, but he’s still out cold and Izuku is too tired from the day that the second he even smells his soft furs his eyes are closing.

He gives up for now. Making sure to pick up in the morning. The wound in his arm stings and the loose wrap he used barely does anything but his limbs are numb and his mind drifting off to sleep.

—

Izuku woke up tired and sore all over. Yet he had to get up to feed the herd and check what damage the storm managed to cause.

When he’s dressed, he slowly walks towards his bed where the guy sleeps, snoring softly. Izuku doesn’t get to step closer than where he slept the night before there’s a snarl and Izuku has to step back. The guy huffs and bundles himself up into a ball, hugging the furs and pushing his face fully into one of Izuku’s pillows.

At least he’s alive. Izuku chuckles and rolls his eyes. When the guy stops moving Izuku gets a good peek of the soft, pale legs and he has to turn away. His cheeks are heating up and he coughs, quickly stepping towards the door.

He has to feed the sheep, not get distracted by beautiful, angry blonds.

The sky is still dark, light rain falling down so he wears warm clothes and sets out to gauge the damage.

The shelter for Pouta and the stranger's wolf seem to be okay, both animals still snoozing about. At least most of his bigger structures held fantastically, the only thing he finds broken on his rounds is the fence.

Shit. Izuku punches his stomach, you stop growling right now, this first. Then breakfast.

He gets to work, the fence needs fixing so he can get his sheep back out there to feed. He’s of course bringing hay to them first but he needs to get them to the pasture earlier rather than later. The clovers and fresh grass are way better. Soon it’ll be winter and they won’t have such foods available.

Izuku works, getting sweaty as he does. He rids himself of his jacket, praying he won’t get sick from the chilly air while sweating but this is faster. The sooner he’s done the faster he gets to have breakfast. And get back to work after.

He groans, lifting a plank up. Izuku has nails between his teeth, as he juggles the hammer and plank with his hands, using his body to keep it up. It’s a little hard, that one ends up a little crooked but it’ll do its job.

As soon as Izuku turns to grab the next plank, he drops the hammer in shock, mouth opening and the extra nails scattering. There’s a snarl and a tip of a spear poking at his chest that’s only covered by a thin undershirt. The stranger is up and about, clearly doing way better than last night.

“Good morning,” Izuku tries, raising his hands beside his head. “This again? How about you put it down?”

Izuku continues his words, other hand lowering just enough to touch the tip of the spear. The guy clearly doesn’t like that since his eyes flash dangerously. He throws the spear to the side and jumps Izuku.

They stumble to the ground, the guy pinning one of Izuku’s arms and trying to use his teeth. Luckily Izuku is fast, he lifts a hand to shield his face and the teeth only scratch him. Sadly, it’s the same arm that he’s already bandaged so even a small puncture stings.

Izuku hisses, eyes turning into angry slits. “That’s not nice.” Izuku bares his teeth to the stranger for the first time. He lifts his hips, uses his legs and flips their positions. His captured arm twists painfully in the process but now he has the upper hand.

The guy tries to fight back, when Izuku pushes his upper body down to be more intimidating, he’s hit by a powerful headbutt. Izuku groans, shaking his head and focusing on keeping himself on top. He can’t help some scent from leaving his glands as he tries to get the guy to submit. Izuku is not having any of this.

The stranger does get his body up, they’re sitting face to face now, Izuku on his lap. Most of the fighting is their hands pushing against each other, the guy clearly also trying to hit his teeth wherever he can and Izuku is moving his hands and face to dodge.

Izuku is done with this though, he’s hungry, frustrated and has a job to do. A low rumble reverberates from deep in his throat and he snaps his teeth. “Stop.”

It’s been years since Izuku’s had to use any kind of command. Not like they’re too powerful, omegas and alphas have both evolved and gotten used to such measures. All it merely does is shock the system of the other party which in this case is good enough. The guy stops, and Izuku uses that time to use all his strength to push the guy down from his wrists and hold him down.

Izuku is panting, keeping his hold and the guy’s slightly shocked expression turns into a snarl. That quickly turns into a pout and the red eyes avert his gaze, head falling to the side. Baring one's neck is a clear sign of giving up. Still, Izuku doesn’t dare to lighten his hold, even if he lets out a long sigh.

“Well that was something,” he mutters. Izuku cocks his head and observes the guy under him. He’s breathing heavy too, face sweaty, cheeks slightly flushed. He’s still wearing Izuku’s clothes. Izuku can’t help but grin wide once the bigger rush of adrenaline rush settles down.

“Wow. You’re really strong. Bet you could’ve beaten me if you were at full strength.” Izuku hums, loosens his hold and gets up. Both of his arms still hurt, the other from the bite, the other from the harsh twist. He grimaces but still offers his other arm towards the guy to help him up.

“Guess the sheep can wait an hour more inside. Let’s get breakfast. I’m starving and after that? I need a break.” 

To no surprise, the guy doesn’t take his hand, instead he huffs and gets up by himself. Izuku shrugs and starts to walk back towards the house.

He only takes one quick glance behind him to make sure he’s being followed. The blond looks suspicious, figures. Izuku still hopes that some hospitality will help smoothen the edges of whatever the guy has against him.

The breakfast goes in complete silence. Izuku tries to start a conversation a few times, introduces himself and asks questions, but the guy still doesn’t say a word. Izuku almost thinks he can’t, but so far it’s been clear he can somewhat understand what Izuku is babbling about. There are grunts and huffs here and there after all.

After eating, he needs to get back to work and he leaves the guy on his own. Of course he first gives him all the usual stuff to take care of his injuries. Izuku made sure not to cross too many boundaries last night with the washing up and sleeping, so he still isn’t sure what even is wrong with the guy. But he’s sure he’ll take care of himself with the same equipment as he’s previously done.

He was moving rather well during the fight. Hopefully he’s not too sick anymore, though maybe a fever from the storm… He was rather flushed earlier…

Izuku keeps working all day. Fixing the fence, getting rid of branches and leaves that the wind blew all around, feeding the sheep, getting them back out for a cleaned pasture and making sure the wolf was fed too.

“I must be going crazy,” Izuku groans, sniffing the air as he brushes Pouta’s wool. He can clearly smell some meat cooking and his stomach growls loudly. He’s been at it way too long, it must be a hallucination.

“Sorry Pouta. I got most of the leaves out, so you should be at least able to walk comfortably,” Izuku hums, scratching the ram’s chin. “I’ll do a better job tomorrow. Now I gotta head inside and get a bath. And eat. You get that right?”

The ram only stares at him and Izuku rolls his eyes, chuckling. The wolf rolls around to its back, clearly getting very comfortable in Pouta’s sheltered space. Even this is insane. Must be a dream. Ram and a wolf being friends? Ridiculous.

Izuku starts towards the house, every muscle in his body fighting against him. It’s really been a rough day combined with last night's endeavors. He really needs to take it easy the rest of the evening and tomorrow hopefully only take care of necessary chores.

When he gets inside the smell of food only gets stronger and his mouth waters instantly. Izuku can barely take his shoes off before he’s already walking further in, following the delicious scent.

What he sees makes him stop and do a double take. The stranger is hovering over his stove and countertop, a lot of different ingredients and utensils spread on it. Before Izuku can say anything the guy turns, scrunches his nose and huffs.

“Coat off. And wash up. You stink.”

Izuku’s mouth gapes. So the guy can talk after all?! He was sure he was from some tribe that spoke an entirely different dialect or even different language. But there he is, speaking a bit roughly, but understandably.

“Stop starin’ and go. ‘s soon done,” the stranger grumbles.

“R-right,” Izuku hesitates a bit, not wanting to leave now that they’re talking but the stranger is right. He does stink.

So Izuku gets rid of his jacket first, then goes to wash himself properly and efficiently. He’s not risking the food getting cold and he wants to maybe talk a bit more. Hopefully get the guy’s name at least.

When he gets back, fresh, hair still damp and in a clean set of clothes, the table is set. There’s two plates filled with stew and the smell makes Izuku’s stomach growl loudly. He sits down, following the strangers lead.

Izuku watches as he grabs bread, rips it with his hands and dips into the stew. Izuku is about to open his mouth, but the guy glares at him, swallowing his mouthful.

“Eat.”

“Ah, but—” Izuku doesn’t dare to finish since the guy’s glare tightens. He smiles awkwardly and grabs some bread for himself and starts eating.

The food is heavenly. It’s almost better than what his mom used to make. Izuku can’t help but moan when he gets a first good spoonful of the meat and vegetables into his mouth.

When he’s done he doesn’t even get to take the dishes out. The guy starts to gather everything but Izuku jolts up quickly. “Wait! At least let me do the dishes. You made the dinner so—”

“Tch, I can do this much. ‘s no big deal. You’ve been out the whole day.”

“Well, yes, but—”

“No buts. Go be useful somewhere fucking else.” With that the guy continues with his endeavors and Izuku is left sitting in his place, dumbfounded.

Guess I’ll wrap the wound for the night then…

Izuku leaves to fetch some gauze and medicine herbs. Then he settles down in front of the lit fireplace. The bite wound he got from the fight still stings and Izuku hisses as he lays some herbs on top of it and adds pressure.

You got this Izuku. Don’t be a baby. What did mom use to say? Count to hundred, turn it around, count again, add salve and hide.

Izuku does just that. Eyes closed he counts, then flips the dry leaf around, hisses again and takes a deep breath before counting again.

When he opens his eyes he nearly jumps into the air from the fact that the stranger is sitting right next to him. Izuku sputters with his hands, the herb dropping down and he starts to scramble to catch it.

“Ah, sorry, didn’t know you were there… Caught me a bit off-guard—”

The next thing catches him even more and he sputters in his words. The stranger leans forward, mouth open and starts to lick at the edges of the bite. Izuku blinks a few times before his cheeks turn scarlet. His mom used to always clean his wounds like this. Omega’s saliva has healing qualities in it for most wounds on alpha’s and vice-versa. 

If the guy is an alpha though? It might make the wound worse. Yet Izuku doesn’t dare to stop him. He’s mesmerized by the gentle and meticulous way the guy makes sure to get every bit of the wound with his tongue. Then he moves back, eyebrows scrunched, lips forming a slight pout.

Izuku thinks he looks adorable.

Maybe that’s why he doesn’t even say anything, just keeps staring at the guy all up until the blond turns to look away.

“Ugh. Don’t make it weird,” the guy huffs and stands up.

“Wait! Um, thank you!” Izuku hurries to say.

“‘s nothing. Was my fault anyway.”

“Ah, guess you're right.” Izuku watches as the guy continues to walk away, his mind racing and before the guy can disappear into the bedroom Izuku quickly continues. “Um, if you want to make it up to me, how about you tell me your name?”

The stranger stops. His fists clench a few times, he doesn’t turn, but one word leaves his mouth before he continues his walk. “Katsuki.”

Katsuki.

Izuku hums as he turns back around and forgoes the salve for now and adds gauze for his wound for the night. He mouths the name a few times during the rest of his evening activities before he sets to bed too. Even if the possibility of getting murdered during the night isn’t zero, Izuku still sleeps like a log that night, feeling very safe on the floor on his make-shift bed.

—

The next morning is a bit awkward as Katsuki is clearly gearing up to leave. Izuku stops him and tells him he can stay until he’s fully healed. That conversation doesn’t quite go how Izuku expected.

“Just being alone out there is dangerous you know and—”

“Haaah?! You sayin’ I’m weak?!”

“Wha— no! I said being alone is the danger—”

“Then you sayin’ a lone omega like me can’t handle myself?!”

“No!” Izuku almost cries out in frustration. “You’re not listening—”

“And you go out there alone almost everyday,” Katsuki scoffs.

“Oh. Right.” Izuku furrows his brows, “Wait, how do you know that?”

“Tch, not much to do out there with this shitty thing,” Katsuki lifts his leg. To be fair his leg seems to work fine inside, short distances, but as soon as Katsuki uses it more he starts to limp.

“Oh, okay. Well, even more the reason. I’m just saying till you’re all healed up. You can stay here, no use in risking your life when I’m offering.” Izuku sighs, trying his best to get through to Katsuki.

Somehow he does get a scoffed out “fine” in the end, which is good enough for Izuku.

Katsuki does demand to do part of Izuku’s chores though. Mainly being responsible for food and well, laundry after Izuku tried to take the bedding for washing and got an angry growl from Katsuki in return. So now it’s no longer on him what gets thrown into the laundry pile and what gets spread somewhere on their— um, his bedroom.

Only later, while doing chores, does Izuku realize what Katsuki had said. Omega. Katsuki is an omega. A feisty, beautiful, strong omega.

Perfect mate.

Izuku groans, blushing at his stupid instincts. “No. Bad alpha.”

Not like his alpha is wrong, but they just met. Katsuki is hurt, Izuku is helping him with food and shelter and after that Katsuki will be on his way. There’s no time for stupid instincts, not when Izuku doesn’t even care about secondary genders. He’s had his fair share of crushes over the course of his life, be it alpha, beta or omega.

Besides, he’s good on his own. Has been for years now. It’s calm here, far from the town, days pass comfortably.

At least that’s what he tries to tell himself as he keeps doing his chores and pushes his alpha to stay silent.

Days turn into a week and Izuku loves how his days go by now. He still does most of the same chores but it’s so nice to come in for a ready-made meal. Katsuki’s cooking is also way better than his. There’s something about the way he uses spices and makes up something totally different from the same ingredients Izuku has used for years.

Tonight, there’s fresh fish that Izuku caught yesterday, some rice and vegetables. Izuku doesn’t know what Katsuki has put on top of the fish but it’s so good he can’t help the moan escaping his lips.

“Gods Katthhan ‘is fwo gooof.”

“Stop talking with your mouth full. Gross.” Katsuki sneers, but Izuku can see the red on the tip of his ears. Did he like the praise? Or the name?

Izuku swallows the rest of his food and decides to try it out. “But I mean it! Your cooking is always amazing, can’t believe I got so lucky that I get to have this as long as you stay.”

Katsuki scoffs and averts his gaze. So he likes the praise at least. Izuku hums and loads his mouth full of food again.

“Mm-hmm, Kacchan is amazing,” Izuku sighs corners of his mouth up in a smile.

“What did I just tell you?!” Katsuki growls, cheeks and ears both turning red.

Izuku grins, way too happy over the reaction. He does apologize but he notes all of Katsuki’s reactions into his brain. Could be anger but Izuku doesn’t trust it, not when he’s seen Katsuki actually angry before, when they were merely strangers.

Over the next few weeks Izuku starts using Kacchan more as a way to call for Katsuki. At first, it does get a reaction out of the other but soon it just becomes day to day. Izuku loves it. To him it’s cute, and paired with any type of praise it still seems to get Katsuki to blush slightly.

Today seems to be a different day already when Izuku gets back from outside doing his first morning chores. Usually, Katsuki has breakfast almost ready when he gets back but there’s no sight of him today.

“Kacchan?” Izuku asks, frowning into the empty kitchen. As he continues walking towards the bathroom he listens to an answer that doesn’t come. 

In the end, he finds Kacchan still in bed, buried under a pile of blankets. The air in the room is a bit stuffy, headier, and it catches on Izuku’s throat. It wasn’t like this a few hours ago when I left.

“Kacchan? Are you okay?” Izuku questions, slowly approaching the bed. He doesn’t dare to touch the nest of the omega. The first few times he always got snarls and snaps of teeth whenever he tried and then he didn’t even know yet that Katsuki was an omega. It is his den originally, but well, Izuku knows he’s likely not welcome there still, even after nearly three weeks.

Izuku stays a few steps away, cocking his head from side to side. “Kacchan?”

There’s some movement under the blankets, a few huffs and groans, until Izuku sees blond hair peek out. The glare towards him is sharp but Izuku still smiles widely. “Morning, Kacchan! You’re in bed unusually late. Everything okay?”

Katsuki rolls his eyes and wiggles under the sheets. His head peeks out as he huffs, “are you stupid?”

“Oh, is Kacchan sick? Your face is all red…” Izuku’s eyebrows furrow in concern.

“Idiot. Useless alpha,” Katsuki grumbles, burying himself back under the blankets with a pout.

“Huh?” Izuku blinks, scratching his head. What did he do now? 

There’s a low whine emerging from under all the blankets and finally Izuku catches it. It’s been so long since he’s last dealt with anyone in pre-heat. Last time being his mother, and he hasn’t taken care of her in almost a decade now.

“Ahh, shit,” Izuku hisses. “You’re going into heat, um, do you need anything? I mean I know what to do, generally, but is there anything specific? Like my mom couldn’t deal with meat at all during hers and—”

“Not yet. Just,” Katsuki whines again, “cramps.”

“Oh okay. I got you. Be right back, Kacchan!” Izuku chirps and leaves the room.

It’s truly been ages since he’s done this, but all of it is luckily in muscle memory. He fills a big skin pouch with hot water for Katsuki’s cramps, he makes their breakfast light and nutritious. Katsuki eats in bed, Izuku keeps washing the sweat from his body whenever it’s been too long.

Overall, he thinks he’s juggling doing his chores and taking care of Kacchan pretty well. By the evening he’s already in full blown heat and Izuku has to munch on a cassava root to not go into rut. That would definitely be a bad outcome.

Izuku starts to gather his own blankets from the corner of the bedroom. Maybe it’s better for him to sleep somewhere else over these few days so Katsuki’s omega doesn’t get fuzzy over too much alpha scent around.

“Yell at me if you need anything, Kacchan. Good night!” Izuku hums as he walks arms full towards the door.

“Where the fuck you think you’re going?”

Izuku turns to look and sees Katsuki’s red eyes peeking from the blanket pile again. Ah he’s so cute like that…

“Um, to sleep? I think in front of the fireplace is a good spo—”

“Put those back,” Katsuki says and then he’s under the pile again. Izuku watches him, looks at him shuffling under the pile and move there, pushing a few pillows out. Then his head pops up again.

“Bring the pillow you use. The old one is losing its scent.” Katsuki reaches with his arms, grabbing the air with his fingers.

Izuku drops everything else from his hands and approaches the bed with his pillow. When he hands it to Katsuki, it’s placed neatly down and Katsuki nods in approval.

It took a long while for Izuku to even realize Katsuki had taken most of his used bedding to his nest before washing them. Which makes sense now that he knows Katsuki is an omega, somewhat. Thinking that Katsuki likes his scent still gets him blushing so he tries not to get too lost in the idea. Maybe it’s just a comforting thing for omegas, like it used to be for his mother. Izuku is just safe. Yea. That’s it.

“Um, all good now?” Izuku asks.

Katsuki frowns, looking at his nest, then to Izuku. Then he scoots to the side a little, “no, get in here.”

Izuku is shocked to say the least. Not even her mother ever wanted him into her bed in heat after he presented. “Are you sure, that’s a little—”

“Sit,” Katsuki growls.

He can’t say no to that and sits down at the edge of the nest. Katsuki’s hands are on him in a second, pushing him down, turning him to his side, moving a blanket around. He looks very concentrated in what he’s doing so Izuku doesn’t dare to interrupt him.

Finally Katsuki lays a blanket over both of them and lays down himself. They don’t snuggle together or anything, there’s a small distance between them, but this seems to be good for Katsuki. He nods in approval and closes his eyes.

“So I get now is…?”

“Mm-hm,” Katsuki barely answers. Izuku takes it as a yes and closes his eyes. His heart is pounding being this close to the omega. He really wants to reach out and pull Katsuki into his arms, but he doesn’t dare. All on Kacchan’s terms.

When Katsuki’s soft snores fill the air Izuku finally relaxes and falls asleep.

Katsuki’s heat lasts two more days and each night Izuku sleeps in the nest. Sometimes Katsuki demands naps after food too which Izuku can’t deny him. They don’t cuddle, only on the last day does Katsuki ask for some subtle wrist scenting but that’s it.

Izuku is glad it doesn’t go further than that. It’s been hard enough to keep his scent and heart in check sleeping so close. The scenting gets his brain reeling, his alpha howling for Izuku to do more.

It’s the way Katsuki pouts, silently asking Izuku to offer his hand. When he does Katsuki is there already, making their wrists meet together in gentle touch.

When the heat is over Izuku is banished from the bed early in the morning, Katsuki grumbling and getting to work even earlier than Izuku. Which works since Izuku is still thinking about the past few days, the scenting especially, trying to get his alpha to settle down.

You just helped an omega in heat. Nothing more. Your mom wanted a shirt from you too. It’s just scents, nothing else, not special.

He finally gets up, does his morning routine before catching Katsuki fiercely cleaning the kitchen.

His leg seems to be doing a lot better so it wouldn’t surprise Izuku if Katsuki would leave the next week.

Admittedly, the idea stings since he doesn't really want Katsuki to go. He’s been here nearly a month, first snow has fallen and sharing his space with someone else has been… fun. Katsuki is snarky, difficult, but also sweet in his own way and very helpful. Their dinner and late night talks are also very calming, making Izuku just fall for the omega so much more each day.

And the heat?

It definitely didn’t help his feelings at all. Seeing Kacchan accept more help, still be his grumpy and determined self was amazing. Izuku loved every second of it.

But the truth is Katsuki is just stuck here with him until he heals. That time is coming to a close. It is very evident from the confident steps Katsuki takes the day after his heat.

Izuku gets to work and all he can really think about is Katsuki leaving. He doesn’t know how he could ask him to stay a bit longer, at least over the winter. The winter usually lasts at least four months, even longer. He’d really like that time with Katsuki and who knows, maybe in the end he could ask to even court him and—

Izuku blushes, dropping the bucket of water he was carrying to the house. He groans, picking the thing back up and walking back towards the well. He’s being stupid. He’s only known Katsuki for a month. Thinking about courting this early? He really must be going crazy.

Except his mind settles into the plan to court even more over the next week. Katsuki says he is bored and that he wants to join Izuku on a hunt. And oh how amazing Katsuki is with a spear. Izuku even gets to teach him to work with a bow. It only takes a few days until Katsuki is confidently shooting down a deer while Izuku can do nothing but stare in awe.

Izuku knows Katsuki likes soft blankets and pillows, Izuku’s scent, spices, but he also sees Katsuki fiddle with his earrings often.

His first plan is to make a new pair but in the end Izuku can’t decide what pieces to use. So he’s collecting bear claws, wolf teeth, deer antlers, bones, pretty stones and such he owns. He carves them into different shapes, settling them in order from the middle so the colors match. It makes a pretty necklace.

When he’s done he feels a bit dumb, raising it up and examining his work. It is pretty, fitting for Katsuki in his opinion, but there’s no way the omega would accept it. After all, it would be from Izuku. The dumb alpha.

So Izuku leaves it hidden. Maybe, if he gets Katsuki to stay over the winter he’ll give it when spring proceeds to show itself. That’ll be months away. The first thing is to get Katsuki open to the idea of staying.

“I think Tani and Pouta get along really well.” Izuku starts as he sits on the table, waiting for Katsuki to finish breakfast.

Katsuki only grunts in answer, so Izuku continues. “Tani is good on hunts too, definitely quicker than Pouta.”

“Obviously. I trained her,” Katsuki scoffs. Izuku does see how his posture straightens in pride. Cute.

Katsuki sets the food down and they start eating. As usual the food is amazing and Izuku lets it be known. He’s not ashamed at all to praise Katsuki’s cooking or work whenever he can.

“It’s amazing how you kept working despite the injury. It was a pretty gnarly one too. I obviously got my own scars, as you know,” Izuku blushes slightly. Katsuki has seen most of them since both of them walk around in only towels after showers. “But I’ve always been useless while healing.”

“What a surprise,” Katsuki snorts.

“Kacchaaaan. It’s hard to do anything when one of your arms isn’t working! Or when you have to hunt with only one eye!” Izuku pouts.

Katsuki rolls his eyes, “Wouldn’t stop me.”

“Mm, Kacchan is amazing like that,” Izuku sighs.

All seems good so far, so maybe it’s okay to bring up the topic of Katsuki staying here longer, maybe permanently now. The words are stuck in Izuku’s throat as he really fears rejection. Katsuki has time to get up before Izuku can even start.

“I didn’t think you’d still be here after being healed though,” Izuku says. He looks at the rest of his food, not even daring to take a peek at Katsuki. “There’s still not too much snow to travel and all…”

Izuku takes a deep breath, cursing in his mind. Why is he stalling? Just get on with it!

“So, I was thinking—” Izuku raises his head up and notices that Katsuki has left the kitchen. Huh? When did he? Izuku groans and stuffs his mouth full and swallows. “Okay I'll deal with the dishes today!”

He gets up and starts cleaning up, trying to calm himself while doing it. He has to get to Katsuki and say what he wanted, hope the moment isn’t gone. He can’t deal with this kind of anxiety for longer, he’s been stressing over this for days, maybe even weeks.

When he’s done he rushes to find Katsuki. He frowns as he’s nowhere inside. Maybe to feed Tani? Katsuki has helped more outside after healing so maybe he’s feeling like helping today too.

Izuku grabs his jacket and notices that the spear is gone, so is the hunting bag Izuku had made for Katsuki.

“Kacchan, wait up!” Izuku yells as he opens the door. “I wanna hunt too!”

He rushes through the door, stumbling on his feet. He catches Katsuki walking next to Tani and towards the gates. It’s not just the hunting bag on his hips, he’s also got one of Izuku’s big travel bags on his shoulder.

“Ahh, if you want to go for an overnight hunt further we have to get someone to look after the sheep!” Izuku yells as he jogs towards Katsuki. For some reason, he isn’t stopping and Izuku looks at Pouta on the field and then back to Katsuki. He’s not really ready to go hunting like this so fetching his ram wouldn’t do him good right now so he keeps running beside Katsuki.

“Jeez, Kacchan,” Izuku pants. “It’s horrible to run with a full stomach,” he groans. “Can’t you wait for me? I mean it’s fine if you want to hunt on your own, totally, but why didn’t you say anything? I have emergency torches, in case something happens—”

“Just stop it,” Katsuki snarls. He gestures for Tani to kneel and starts climbing her back. Izuku quickly grabs Katsuki's sleeve, stopping him from climbing up.

“Kacchan! You’re not making any sense!”

“Let go of me,” Katsuki snaps his teeth towards Izuku. For the first time, Izuku sees his face and his eyes look red and glistening. Like he’s about to cry. Izuku is even more confused and he almost lets go, but luckily decides otherwise and holds on even harder.

“No! I won’t until you at least tell me where you’re going so I can come with you!”

“Hah! What a load of bullshit! You wanted me to leave so here I am. Fucking leaving! So.” Katsuki reels his head back and hits his forehead to Izuku’s. “Let me go!”

Izuku yelps and his hold loosens enough for Katsuki to be able to hop on to the wolf’s back. He’s not done yet though, he leaps forward just in time, grabbing Katsuki by the back of his jacket. Katsuki comes tumbling down and Izuku can’t keep his balance.

They end up on the ground, Katsuki on top of him and Izuku wincing from the harsh hit to the dirt. Katsuki tries to get up but Izuku is quick to take hold of his waist, trying to hold him down. The omega is growling, hitting his fists on Izuku’s chest.

“Kacchan, calm down!” Izuku tries, but Katsuki doesn’t stop. He growls back, snapping his teeth. “I don’t want you to leave! I never said that!”

“Liar! You clearly did!” Katsuki screams, snapping his teeth down, trying to make Izuku let go.

“You didn’t listen to me till the end! I was gonna ask if you wanted to stay!” 

That finally gets Katsuki to still for a second. He’s clearly not yet believing Izuku fully as he scoffs. “Like hell you were. Why would you want me to even stay? Stupid alpha didn’t even offer a knot…”

That makes Izuku blink and blush violently after he catches onto the words. “What?! Kacchan! That’s—” Izuku let’s go off Katsuki, his hands flailing in front of his red, flaming face.

“See? You’re disgusted,” Katsuki physically deflates. “So I’m making this easy for both of us and going.”

Izuku grabs Katsuki’s wrists, “No, don’t.” He tries his best to keep his eyes on Katsuki’s. He needs the omega to know he really doesn’t want him to leave. “Back there, I was going to ask you to stay longer. Over the winter at least,” Izuku takes a deep breath and continues, “then maybe, if you would’ve, somehow, started to like me, I uh.”

Izuku bites his lip, almost averting his gaze on Katsuki’s intense stare. He can’t back out now. “Would’ve asked to court you. I made a gift and everything,” Izuku mumbles. “Ah, it’s stupid, I know. And your heat? I um, really only have experience taking care of omegas, um, platonically? I didn’t even think you would’ve wanted anything else… If you would’ve asked—”

“That’s enough!” Katsuki turns his gaze. Izuku can see his face is reddening as he grits his teeth.

“Aaw, is Kacchan embarra—”

Izuku doesn’t get to finish his words as Katsuki yanks his hands back. Izuku is still holding onto his wrists so he gets pulled up. There’s not even time to fully yelp as his lips crash into Katsuki’s.

It’s not a sweet first kiss. It’s more teeth than anything else, Izuku even tastes blood which isn’t that surprising. Yet, he relaxes completely into it, his hold on Katsuki’s wrists loosening. He pushes against Katsuki more gently, tilting his head so Katsuki knows he’s definitely into it.

Katsuki seems to relax more as Izuku sweetly hums into the kiss and places his hands down on Katsuki’s hips. They keep their lips slotted for a while, slowly moving together.

Katsuki is the one pulling back first, gently licking Izuku’s bottom lip while at it. There’s a light sting and Izuku knows it must be where the omega’s fangs broke through.

He slowly opens his eyes, staring at the striking red staring back at him.

“So, uh, um,” Izuku clears his throat, “Kacchan will stay?”

“...Maybe.”

“Huh? Maybe? What does that mean?” Izuku nearly whines, trying to keep his voice steady and not get too desperate right away.

“It means what it means. Idiot.” Katsuki flicks his forehead.

Izuku is still confused, opening his mouth but his words cut out into a gasp as Katsuki grinds his hips down.

“Let’s just say that if I’m not back in the nest and knotted in the next five minutes I’m leaving.”

“Five minutes?! Kacchan I don’t think—”

“That’s what you get stuck on?! Fuck, fine I’m out of here—”

“No!” Izuku pushes Katsuki up so he can get up too. “Tani, free. Go play.”

The wolf is instantly trotting off towards the edge of the field where Pouta has been watching them all this time.

“Figures. Traitor,” Katsuki huffs after his wolf.

Izuku grabs Katsuki’s wrist. “Let’s go.”

He doesn’t ask anymore questions or let Katsuki leave. Even if Katsuki changes his mind about the knotting he won’t let him just leave like that. They still clearly need to talk but he needs a more calm ground for that. Not their feelings bursting out like wildfire in anger and confusion.

Maybe he also needs to kiss Katsuki again. Preferably very soon.

They get back inside, both quickly taking their outside clothes off and Katsuki leaving his bags by the door. Izuku almost wants to rip them open and spread the contents all over so Katsuki can’t leave quickly. He manages to let them be when he has much more pressing matters to get to.

Both of them stumble towards the bedroom, Katsuki sits to the edge of the nest first. Izuku slows down his steps, “um, I might stink from this morning and—”

“Shut up and get in here,” Katsuki growls.

Izuku blushes and nods, putting his knee on the bed right by Katsuki’s thigh. Their faces are super close, Izuku’s gaze flicks down to Katsuki’s lips before he leans forward, kissing him again.

They both sigh into it, the kiss starting way more sweetly than the one outside. Katsuki’s hands travel to the hem of Izuku’s shirt and he’s quick to pull away from the kiss.

“Off,” Katsuki huffs, while jerking Izuku’s shirt.

Izuku catches on and leans back enough to use both of his hands to pull his shirt off. He doesn’t have time to lean back when Katsuki nods towards his pants. “Those too.”

“Um, o-okay.” Izuku blushes as he stands up and shyly takes his pants off. He’s still in his underwear but Katsuki seems to be okay leaving them on for now as he scoots further into the bed.

“Kacchan that’s not fair,” Izuku whines. “You still got everything on…”

“Then do something about it. Alpha,” Katsuki smirks, laying down on his back.

Katsuki’s words make him shiver, his alpha getting overly excited. The little shyness is momentarily gone as Izuku jumps back into the bed, leaning over Katsuki. He hums, leaning back down into yet another kiss. He can’t get enough of Katsuki’s lips, not even while his hands roam to the omega's stomach, sliding up. Izuku only parts when he has to so he can pull the shirt off.

Even if he’s seen Katsuki without a shirt before he still stops to admire the sight for a moment. His hands lay down on his stomach, slowly moving up, stopping at the chest. Izuku can’t help it and he squeezes lightly, a delighted chirp escaping his throat. So firm, yet slightly soft… Perfect.

When Izuku flicks over a nipple Katsuki gasps and Izuku perks up. He does it again, listening to Katsuki’s sounds. “Sensitive…” Izuku whispers, leaning down. He barely gets his tongue out, ready to lick until he feels a hand grabbing his hair roughly.

“Hnn, get on with it you—” Katsuki’s hips buck up, “jerk.”

The scent hits Izuku then. Not Katsuki’s usual, not even his firewood scent, but something way sweeter. Something that gets his gums aching. He’s getting dizzy from it, there’s a slight taste of venom on his tongue as he swallows.

He’s painfully hard now and only Katsuki growling at him makes Izuku snap out of it, mostly. His nose twitches as he dives down, nosing over Katsuki’s pants. There.

Izuku bites into the fabric, whining in frustration.

“You really haven’t been with an omega before…” Katsuki snorts but there’s a loud purr emanating from his throat—clear sign that he’s very pleased despite his words.

“Nu-uh, not with anyone really,” Izuku answers, doing his best to raise his gaze to the omega.

“Here.” Katsuki reaches for his own pants, making sure he’s got the hold of the underwear too as he starts pulling them down. “Now you,” Katsuki continues, letting Izuku grab them midway and finish the job.

Katsuki’s cock springs free and the scent of slick fills the air even more. His pants are placed somewhere as Izuku starts to quickly work on his own underwear. He’s also done with waiting, not wanting to fight his alpha over this. It keeps chanting in his head, all about breeding and mate. Izuku does plan to do both but later. Right now he just wants to do whatever it is Katsuki wants.

“Fuck,” Katsuki breathes when Izuku is naked and over him again. “Look at you. Can already see your knot,” Katsuki bites his lip, unable to stop his constant purring. His hips buck up again, eagerly. “Come on, alpha.”

Izuku knows Katsuki is teasing him with it, coaxing to be faster. And it works on him way too well. He would’ve loved a taste, to prolong this longer, but if he does a good job Katsuki might stay. That’s his goal. Keep Katsuki over the winter and… Hopefully forever.

Even with Katsuki raising his legs up Izuku slides over nothing more than a few times. The wetness is so good, stimulating him and making him pant. When the head of his cock finally catches Katsuki gasps, whole body freezing up.

Izuku stops his mindless movement, worried. “Kacchan?”

“Shit,” Katsuki grits. “Go slow, I’m—” Katsuki takes a breath, trying to relax over the intrusion. He’s so wet that the out breath makes Izuku’s cock slide even deeper on its own and Katsuki moans.

“I-I’m sorry Kacchan it’s… You’re so…” Izuku tries his best to not move a muscle.

“Good. Like this. So good,” Katsuki slurs out. His hands clench on the sheets and Izuku stays put as Katsuki breathes. In the end it’s Katsuki that keeps sliding ever so slightly with each breath and soon Izuku is all in, only his still growing knot stubbornly staying outside.

“Wow. K-Kacchan feels so warm, squeezing me—” Izuku moans, fighting not to move still.

“Good?”

“Y-yea. Perfect. Kacchan is perfect. Such a good omega.” Izuku answers, his glimmering, lovestruck eyes staring straight at Katsuki.

“Fuck.” Katsuki blushes. “You can move, I’m ready.”

Izuku is about to ask but Katsuki’s glare makes him get the hint. He pulls his hips back slowly, almost pulling out before moving back in. He manages to go slow for a moment, keeping a keen eye on Katsuki’s expression and sounds.

Katsuki relaxes more and more which makes Izuku quicken his pace. It takes most of his self-control to do this but he’s nothing but a dedicated alpha. Katsuki is not vocal except for some whines and moans, mainly it’s more open breaths and lip biting. Izuku doesn’t mind, he loves it nonetheless.

His knot tries to bully its way in and when it’s not happening Katsuki finally starts to get a bit pissy.

“Knot. Alpha,” he whines. There’s even a few starts of words that almost sound like pups or breed but Izuku decides he must be hallucinating those.

In the end Izuku pulls out. He doesn’t even give Katsuki time to protest as he turns the omega around, ass up in the air and pushes back in. This way he can get in much easier, his knot almost slipping in the first thrust.

“Ahh, Kacchan,” Izuku breathes, “y-you sure? What if— pregnant?” Even if he asks he doesn’t stop moving his hips, barely stopping his knot from slipping in. He knows it would only take one powerful thrust to slip in.

“Yes, fuck— Don’t care,” Katsuki answers.

“Okay.” Izuku leans over Katsuki’s back, pushing his face into Katsuki’s neck. He wants to inhale all that delicious horny omega scent he can. His teeth scrape the skin, teasing right at the edge of Katsuki’s scent glands.

Katsuki, starting to tremble a bit under him, tells Izuku he must be really close. So he pushes a few more times roughly, knot slipping in with only a little force. Katsuki gasps and Izuku bites into his neck, careful to do it right next to the gland.

He rolls his hips, Katsuki squeezing his knot so amazingly he comes almost instantly. Locked in, teeth still on pale skin.

Only when Katsuki’s hips hardly seem to stay up does Izuku let his neck go. The mark looks clean, albeit bloody. Izuku licks on it a few times before securing Katsuki’s hips into his arms. He gently rolls them both down onto their sides.

It’ll likely take a bit for his knot to go down.

Izuku sighs into Katsuki’s neck, taking in the pleased scent that’s coming off the omega in waves. Still he has to ask, “Kacchan? You okay?”

“Mm-hm.” Is all Izuku gets out of him.

“Did I… Did I do a good job?”

Katsuki snorts, Izuku is certain the omega is rolling his eyes. “Idiot.”

It’s enough for Izuku and he squeezes Katsuki even closer to himself, purring happily as he closes his eyes.

When his knot goes down Izuku leaves the bed quietly. He cleans himself up and comes back to clean Katsuki up with a soft towel. After that is done he leaves once more, despite Katsuki’s small whine in protest.

He goes to his workshop, opens the top drawer where the courting gift he’s crafted Katsuki is. He touches it gently, biting his lip. Izuku isn’t sure if Katsuki will want it but he’s made it for him. And Izuku really wishes Katsuki would take it.

With a deep breath he grabs it and gets back into the bedroom. He doesn’t want to leave the omega waiting.

When he returns Katsuki is sitting up, pouting. “Where the fuck did you go?” He looks a little wary and Izuku gets it, quickly getting back into bed.

“Sorry. Had to get something,” he mumbles, nuzzling against Katsuki. The omega seems to accept it with a slight grumble which encourages Izuku to keep going. “In fact. It’s for you.”

He turns around revealing his hand he’s tried to keep hidden. There lies the necklace, filled with green and red stones, carved bone and antlers, animal teeth and claws. “Like um, I said earlier. I did actually have a plan to ask if I could court you. This was supposed to be the, um, gift? I mean not the only one! Of course! Just the, you know, first one! To see if you’d—”

“I love it,” Katsuki interrupts softly.

Izuku blinks, stunned for a few seconds before he dares to smile. Kacchan loves it. “Can I put it on you?”

Katsuki nods and Izuku opens up the clasps, his hands go behind Katsuki’s neck, expertly clicking the necklace mechanism down. He lets go and lets it settle itself on Katsuki’s pale skin. It looks even better than Izuku imagined.

“Pretty,” Izuku sighs, leaning back slightly to admire Katsuki.

Katsuki looks down on the necklace, touching it with his fingers gently. He doesn’t speak for a while so Izuku clears his throat. “So, um, do you accept?”

“What?” Katsuki’s brows are furrowed as he raises his gaze back to Izuku.

“The courting. Can I court—”

“You just knotted me. What the hell do you think? Stupid, idiot alpha, useless—”

Izuku can’t help but burst into laughter over Katsuki’s tantrum. “Okay okay I get it Kacchan! I’m dumb. And very stupid,” Izuku grins and snuggles against Katsuki. The omega groans and Izuku can’t stop smiling widely. 

“You’re stuck with me though~” Izuku sing-songs and Katsuki pushes him away.

“Now shut it and cuddle before I take everything back!”

“Okay, Kacchan!” Izuku agrees easily, hands wrapping around Katsuki as he pulls them both down. He’ll happily snuggle with the omega as long as he needs. The lambs don’t need feeding for hours and well, he can definitely take one cheat day. He’s earned it.