Bakudeku
Pirate/fantasy AU!
Omegaverse!
Smutty and angsty

Izuku hummed softly, chopping up herbs within the comfort of his shop. A knock of the open door brought up his attention and who he saw made him smile. "Kacchan! Wow, two visits in one day. I feel pretty special," he sang, looking back to his herbs.

"Yeah, well... I'm about to leave."

"Leave? You just got here?" Izuku shook his head, still smiling.

"I mean I'm leaving, Deku."

His hand paused after slicing through the stems of lavender, entire body going still. "When..?" His voice had fallen to a whisper and he hadn't dared look back to the Pirate.

Katsuki licked his lips and closed the door behind himself. "My crew sets sail before the first light of dawn... the drafts are being sent out."

Izuku inhaled sharply, setting his knife aside. His eyelids fluttered as tears swelled and stung his eyes.

"I know you cannot come with... so I came to say goodbye." Katsuki set his cap aside and slowly approached the Omega, head low.

This is different than all their previous goodbyes. Sure, Katsuki has sailed the seas before without Izuku, but he always came back. However, there is a war threatening to rain down hellfire over their heads at any second- hence the draft. If Katsuki is drafted before he leaves, he'll be sent to fight and possibly die. If he's caught running, he'll be killed. If he's captured by the enemy while on the run, he'll be forced to fight for them and likely die, or be tortured and killed for information. However, if his sail is successful, he'll be on the other side of the world, running illegal trade between the western countries, and Izuku will still likely never see him or speak to him again.

Izuku sniffed and rubbed his nose, turning fully to face the pirate. "Do you have everything you need?"

"Of course, I'm not fucking stupid," Katsuki scoffed and crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes.

The greenette smiled slightly and nodded. "Right, of course. The other's know they're leaving, yes?" A short nod confirmed. "And you all understand the risks-"

"Deku, yes." Firmly, Katsuki grabbed Izuku's shoulders, carefully shaking him. "Yes, we know it all. We are prepared." As tears began to slip down Izuku's cheek, lip starting to tremble, Katsuki sighed and brushed his knuckles over Izuku's freckles. "We will be fine. You shouldn't worry your stupid nose off."

Izuku giggled softly and rubbed at his face, gently pushing Katsuki off as he turned back around. He shuffled into the storage room and opened an overhead cabinet. "You should take some herbs with you. I have plenty for preventing infection, preventing scurvy, salves for sunburns, salves for-"

"Deku, you don't need to send us off with anything-"

"But I want to." He turned around, holding some of the jars to his chest. "I want to make sure I can help as much as I can, Kacchan. This will make me feel better because then I know you are less likely to get sick on the sea."

Katsuki sighed once again, approaching Izuku and taking the jars carefully. "Alright, I'll bring 'em."

"Make sure you use them."

"I will if I have to." Katsuki flicked Izuku's nose, startling a squeak out of the Omega. He smirked and ruffled his messy green curls, turning back to set the jars by his cap.

Izuku followed after, wringing his fingers together. "Do you think you'll be able to write me?"

Katsuki paused for a moment, then looked back to Izuku over his shoulder. His eyes were big and glossy, brows upturned and teeth worrying into his lower lip. "No." Though it hurt to say and watching more tears cascade down Izuku's cheeks made his chest twinge, it was true. "It will be too dangerous. My crew could be caught by them tracking my letters. You may not get them at all if I did write."

The greenette dropped his head but nodded. "Right, of course... I'm sorry, I won't ask you to-"

"Hey." Katsuki grabbed his face, accidently scrunching his cheeks together. "I'll be back... no matter what, I'll see you again."

"You can't promise-"

"Yes I can. I can and I am, so shut up," Katsuki growled, backing Izuku up against the wall and leering over him. "They'll want me dead for resisting, even after the war is over... but once it is, I'll be back for you. It'll be safer to bring you with me then, and hopefully your mother will no longer be sick then as well."

Izuku hiccups, his tears wetting Katsuki's palms. "I can sail with you..?" After all... that was all Izuku ever wanted...

The pirate nodded, relaxing his hold on Izuku's cheeks, letting his hands drop to Izuku's sides. Their foreheads rested together, Katsuki inhaling Izuku's earthy scent. Herbs and fresh dirt, wild flowers and a hint of storm rain. He'll miss that while on the sea. "Yes, Izuku... you can sail with me. I swear on my life, once we are safe enough, I'll will come back to you... and drag you on my damn ship if I fuckin' have to."

Izuku laughed, his hands placing on Katsuki's chest. "I may even run to your ship... if I see your sails before you port..."

Chuckling, Katsuki took one of his hands, entwining their fingers. "I would never be surprised if that happened..."

"You wouldn't even have to dock. I just get on and we sail away."

Katsuki grinned and shook his head. "You are an idiot."

Izuku huffed, but still smiled. "You wouldn't have me any other way, would you..?"

No, Katsuki wouldn't. He wanted Izuku like this always. This Izuku is perfect, in Katsuki's eyes at least. Honestly, if he could have his way and guarantee Izuku's and Inko's safety, he would bring them with now.

Breathing deeply, Katsuki leaned down, gaze flicking to Izuku's lips. Never did he think he could show Izuku his true affections. It was his strange way of protecting the Omega. Yet... knowing there is a possibility he may never see Izuku again, he wanted to be just a little selfish.

Their lips met carefully, Katsuki's chapped and Izuku's soft. The pirate was almost surprised the Omega returned his kiss, pressing their bodies closer together.

Once they broke apart, Izuku reached up quickly, tangling his fingers in Kaysuki's hair. "Stay tonight... please... just until you must leave."

Katsuki glanced down between them, then back into Izuku's pleading, watery eyes. He caved too easily. Katsuki knew this may not be a good idea and this will make leaving so much harder, but he could never refuse the Omega.

As the sun fell beneath the mountains and the stars lit the sky, in the back of Izuku's shop, Katsuki's hands traveled his body, each dip and curve and movement, memorizing it all. He listened to every little gasp and soft moan, each call of his nickname from Izuku's lips.

He propped himself on his elbows, panting softly as he looked down to the Omega. His cheeks tinted red, eyelids low and lips parted. His skin shown silver in the moonlight streaming in through the window.

Izuku is everything.

Everything and more.

Katsuki leaned back in, sliding an arm beneath Izuku's back to press their bare bodies closer as he took Izuku's swelling lips into another deep kiss.

"I'll come back to you," Katsuki murmured quietly, keeping his hip movements slow and steady, letting his lover move with him. "I swear on every God and on my own watery grave, I will return for you... and give you the life you deserve... a good life..."

Izuku smiled, tears once again brimming his eyes as he cupped Katsuki's cheek. "I'll hold you to it..."

~

Izuku breathed deeply as he woke, rubbing his face and sitting up. He winced, realizing how cold he was and quickly grabbed for his covers. He then realized, he never made it to his bed last night. Never even got home.

The greenette swallowed, fingers curling tightly into the fabric of his shirt covering his lower half. Katsuki and his belongings were no where to be seen. The bright light of the sun above the horizon made his chest sting and he pursed his lips, realizing Katsuki has been gone for a while, now.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, hugging his knees to his chest.

Katsuki will return to him. He promised.

~

Katsuki had his arms dangled over the railing, leaning into it with his chest as he stared off at the distance. The land was but a blip on the horizon, only noticeable when he squinted.

Boot steps approached from behind, a hand clapping on his shoulder before his first mate leaned on the railing beside him. "We're making great time despite leaving later than we had agreed."

The blond rolled his eyes, shifting his weight. "I had shit to do, shitty hair," he grumbled, dropping his gaze to the water sloshing up the side of his ship.

Eijirou hummed, resting his chin in his hand. "I know, you said that before you left. However, you also said you'd be back before the moon reached it's peak."

"So my errands ran longer than expected. We're on the sea now, get over it."

The younger frowned, glancing to his friend through the corner of his eyes. His jaw tightened and he turned, leaning on the railing sideways. "You went to that Omega, didn't you?"

"No." Katsuki stood quickly to hide the way his shoulders stiffened. He turned his back to the disappearing land, glaring at the hull of his ship.

However, the redhead was far too good at reading him. "You did! Bakugou, you could have been caught! That could have ended terribly!"

"Well, it fuckin' didn't! Besides, I only got herbs and serums and shit, so-"

"That is a bare-faced lie and I know it!" Eijirou, ever the brave man, jabbed at Katsuki's chest, leaning closer to him. "Did you fuck him, Bakugou? Is that what took so long for you to come back? Had to say goodbye, and you fucked him?"

Katsuki snarled and shoved Eijirou back. "Shut up! Leave it, Shitty hair!"

The entire ship went silent, each crew member freezing in their spots. Sure, their captain is often volatile and loud, but not like this, especially towards his right-hand man.

"We're off now, so it means shit!"

"It does mean something, Bakugou!" Eijirou followed Katsuki as he began to storm to the captain's quarters, leather coat flaps fluttering behind him just as angrily. "Bakugou, you can't just run away from me! You know I'm right! Don't you realize how much harder you've made it on him!?" Eijirou blocked the door from slamming in his face and threw it wide open. Katsuki pivoted and snapped his jaws. "You've made him a promise you can't keep... Taken the virginity supposed to be reserved for his mate, and likely even made it more difficult to move on from you to find someone else!"

Katsuki slammed his hands on his desk, kicking the chair away. "No one has to know-"

"They'll know!" Eijirou grabbed the door and threw it shut, hitting the desk just as hard as he got level with Katsuki, matching his glare. "What will happen to him if he doesn't bleed on his wedding night, Katsuki? What will happen if his heat doesn't come? What will happen if he has a pup just a few short months after being married?"

The blond narrowed his eyes, hands curling into fists and teeth grinding harshly. "That won't happen."

"You seem so sure. How can you be sure?"

"He wasn't in heat!"

"And yet there are Omegas getting pregnant outside of their heats all the time." Eijirou straightened his back and folded his arms. "Did you consider that at all, Bakugou?"

Katsuki slammed both fists on his desk again. "Shut up, dammit! Get out! Get out of my fucking cabin! I'll cut your fucking tongue out if you keep yapping your mouth!"

Eijirou clenched his jaw, raising his chin. "Should have had a midnight wedding... made him a pitied widow instead of a scorned whore." He turned and opened the door, slamming it once more as he left.

Katsuki groaned and rubbed his face, stepping away from his desk.

Fuck him. Fuck Eijirou, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

~

No one bothered Katsuki with what happened between him and Eijirou. They knew better. They'll be yelled at regardless of whether or not they bother him, it'll just be worse if they do. Eijirou is the only one that knows of Izuku, even then, he doesn't know his name. All Eijirou knows is Katsuki sneaks off to spend time with him. Hides away with him, and returns smelling of content Omega.

Katsuki had known Izuku nearly his entire life. He always knew Izuku would someday be his mate, and at times regrets his pirate life. If he had abandoned ship, he could have a life in the city with Izuku. A peaceful and quiet one. They may even have a pup by now. Their own little family. Yes, there would still be the issue of this war, but who knows how that life would have gone. That life so far from Katsuki's grasp. That life does sound horribly boring, though... a life he would not be content with... Which is why the plan always was for Izuku to come with him instead. Izuku longed to travel the seas, he always had. He wished to see the world. Katsuki would love nothing more than to show him the world- once it is safe.

For now, it isn't safe. And this war has only made it worse. Then of course, due to his life style, he cannot participate in the land's war. He will only be cannon fodder. Can't exactly give Izuku the life he promises when he's blown to slivers across a fiery battlefield. So, he'll go west. He'll run trades and protect the routes and earn his money to provide Izuku and their future family with a more-than comfortable life. Izuku deserves only the best. Better than a pirate can typically give. Still, Katsuki is determined he'll make that dream a reality.

~

Winter months were the worst on the water. His men huddled beneath their coats, several layers beneath still not quite enough. The wind whipped around them, sharp and stinging. They coasted along a smaller ship, protecting the precious cargo aboard. They themselves had their own cargo, but the other ship took priority- for this is for the King of this land. Silks and gold and Omegas.

"Captain!"

Katsuki raised his head from the wheel he gripped, leather gloves stiff with the biting cold. He looked to the man in the crows nest, Denki Kaminari. The man frantically gestured to the open ocean. The captain turned his head, jaw clenching as he spotted the shadows amongst the fog. They weren't too close, but their own ship was to surely be spotted.

These ships appeared large, and he could only vaguely make out the shape of three. There may be more, cannot assume with this fog. However, the shape of the sails and the upward curve of the bowsprit were frustratingly familiar. Mustafu searching for any who have escape their war efforts and hoping to gain another ally to aid them in the Kings of the west.

Katsuki and his crew are surely to be recognized if any high-ranking are among these crews and will be taken and forced to war.

And he's managed to evade them for several months now. He'd just gotten comfortable, too.

"Eijirou, alert the tradesman. He may need to travel ahead, pick up speed. He'll be able to sail faster than them and make it to the mainland before sunset." Katsuki adjusted his cap, squinting as ice-cold droplets began to drizzle sharply over them.

Eijirou nodded and leapt down from the poop deck to the main deck. He shouted over the winds to their fellow crewmates, then secured a rope around the main mast before leaping over the edge with it. As long as the line remains taught, Katsuki has no reason for concern of his first mate.

He began to turn the wheel, mechanisms creaking weakly. He needed to slant away, put some distance between them and the Mustafu ships. Once Eijirou was back on the deck, he nodded in Katsuki's direction.

The little ship tilted as it turned, cutting easily through the choppy waters.

Katsuki glanced back to the thick fog, teeth grinding as he could make out more ship details.

Eijirou approached, brows creased as he also looked to the ships. "Bakugou..?"

"Ready the men for battle..."

"The cargo-"

"May be late. All we need to do is keep them off of us." Katsuki finally looked to his first mate. "But be prepared for the worst."

Eijirou's expression grew grim as he nodded curtly. "Think we've reached the line?"

"Won't say we have until we're on the field, Shitty hair. Get out there."

Giving a quick salute, Eijirou leapt down once more, shouting to the crew.

Katsuki gripped the wheel tighter and tighter, gloves squeaking. Doesn't seem like the fog was the worst of their worries this day after all...

~

Katsuki coughed and gasped, fists curled tightly, wrists stinging with fresh wounds as his abdomen throbbed from a fresh hit. His breath returned forcefully, arms trembling as they bore his entire weight.

"Great Pirate Captain..." Steady boot falls would not make Katsuki look up. Still, the man would not be ignored. His face was pinched, head forced up so he could glare into bemused violet eyes. "I'd heard much about you, Katsuki Bakugou, and your crew. I'm not in the slightest impressed."

Katsuki spat and jerked away. The hold on him fell, Hitoshi Shinsou's eyes closing as he wiped the bloody spit from his cheek. "Fuck off!"

The other man sighed, waving the soldiers behind himself out of the cell. "Regardless of what you do here, your fate is the same, along with your men. You all are headed straight for the front lines. I'd wish you luck, but I don't believe luck will do you any good in a place so burnt, there is no air to breathe." Hitoshi sighed and shook his head in mock sympathy, turning to leave the cell. "I do hope that Omega you left behind will be able to cope with your death."

His breath caught in his throat, eyes flicking to the cell beside him where Eijirou and Mina watched him with wide eyes. "Fuck you mean, eyebags?"

Hitoshi smiled as he turned back around, shutting and locking his lone cell. "Oh, Captain... Many nobles and Knights know of your fondness for the herbalist. After all, he is desirable and his eyes are only for you. You are well known and hated, and not only because of your pillaging. Many find courting the Omega simply impossible. I suppose you should take pride in that fact."

Katsuki snarled and kicked out, knowing it would do nothing other than make his wrists burn in agony. "Fuck off! Leave him out of this!"

"He is quite well, Captain. No one would dare harm the herbalist as the entire citadel and city surrounding is far too fond of him." Hitoshi flipped the key in between his fingers and he sighed. "Maybe once you are dead, he'll finally settle with a noble... someone more deserving of him. Someone who will give the Omega the life he was born to have. Not one of seas and sickness and thievery." His tone became sharp, eyes hard and glinting in the dim candle-light.

Snapping his jaws and thrashing in his binds, Katsuki growled threats and curses as Hitoshi and his soldiers left up the stairs, even well after the hatch was shut and locked.

Katsuki heaved for breath, sweat dripping from his brow despite the frigid temperature.

"Omega..?"

"Don't, Mina," Eijirou muttered, grabbing her arm.

She looked up to him, eyes wide and brows upturned. "You knew..? Captain has an Omega?"

Eijirou sighed through his nose. "Not for much longer."

Katsuki hissed and swung forward, kicking the cell door. "Fuck! Fuck!"

~

Hitoshi was right. The air truly was missing from this place. Katsuki trudged through the ashes, smoke disguised as fog clogging his senses.

The tip of his dulled blade dragged across the scorched earth as he limped towards the direction he had come from.

He was numb to the ache that surely coursed through his entire body. Blood stained his skin with black ashes. Gashes marred his arms and chest, feet torn from overuse. His shoulders were slumped forward, head hung in exhaust. How he was still going at this point, months of fighting every day with no real rest and no real food.

"Bakugou!"

"There he is- grab him!"

Familiar soldiers bolted through the edge of the ash and smoke, two men grabbing his arms to drape over their shoulders. He slumped entirely, unable to carry himself anymore. His feet dragged as they took him to the ruins they camped in.

"Get the water-"

"Bandages, hurry!"

"Someone get his blade-"

"Clear a space, here! Blankets-"

"Take off the shirt!"

As Katsuki was lain carefully on a makeshift bedroll, his torn shirt was parted from his body.

Mina knelt beside him, dipping a rag into a bowl of lukewarm water and began carefully tending to his wounds. He was distantly aware of the care, but the buzzing in his head kept him plenty distracted.

He swears he can see an angel when he closes his eyes. Careful hands caressing him beneath the moonlight, warm smiles and soft, curly green hair framing his rounded face. Gentle and kind and adoring viridian eyes gleamed with joy at seeing him. What Katsuki would give to hold that angel. What he'd do to inhale their scent - drown out the stench of blood, smoke and fried skin. He needs the angel. Probably more than the angel needs him.

Maybe he's moved on by now... maybe Izuku is starting a life- a family with a far more worthy Alpha. One that can drown Izuku in spoils and feathered mattresses. One that can take Izuku to balls so he can dance the night away. One who can show him the world in luxury. One that can provide their pups with a comfortable, safe life.

Steadily, the image of his angel began to fade away, and he peeled his eyes open. He must have fallen asleep while being tended to. The camp was silent, sleeping bodies scattered about. The rays of sunlight no longer fought to break through the thick smoke.

Katsuki pushed himself to sit up, wincing at the stinging and throbbing. His arms and chest were bandaged tightly, blood having already seeped through the meager binding. As he felt his head, he could feel the bandages there as well. His battle really did a number on him.

"Hey..."

The blond jerked his head to the side, relaxing only because it was Eijirou.

The redhead rubbed his face, smearing the soot, as he sat up. "You're awake... ya had me worried there..." His smile was strained as he also attempted a playful shove to Katsuki's shoulder.

Looking down to his hands, Katsuki hummed as his response.

They were quiet for several moments, sleep now far from Katsuki and Eijirou as they looked among their friends.

"He'll believe I am dead," Katsuki finally spoke, voice hoarse and broken. Eijirou tried to meet his eyes, but didn't open his mouth. "Even if I manage to survive... I would not be able to provide a life for him... Izuku will be better off with a real Alpha..."

Sympathy filled Eijirou's eyes as he reached out a hand and grabbed Katsuki's uninjured shoulder.

"You were right, Eij," Katsuki muttered, fingers curling into his palms. "I shouldn't have lain with him... I shouldn't have made promises... I need you to ensure he believes I am dead... Tomorrow, when you return with report, tell them to announce my death."

"But you are not-"

"They won't care. I am as good as dead, anyway. Just announcing it earlier than usual." Katsuki grunted and grit his teeth as he pushed himself to his feet, careful not to use his right arm. "Besides... the only one they'll tell is Izuku..."

~

Ears ringing and limbs numb, his blades arching through the air. Katsuki blindly fought through the never-ending waves of bodies armored in steel and blue. No faces, no voices. That helped him sleep at night.

Though maybe, he won't be sleeping tonight. Might not even make it to sundown. That'd take a miracle and a second.

His sides bled unchecked, head throbbing, hands barely clinging to his blade hilts. Blood not his own splashed across his face and torso, staining him entirely red. He must be simply unrecognizable at this point. He's a madman, vying for death and destruction.

He doesn't notice the difference in this man as he tears him off his horse. Doesn't notice the difference in his voice or the way the men around scream. He hardly even noticed his blade slice through flesh and bone, purely by force as the blade is too dull to cut cleanly.

Once the body was still, head rolling to the side, Katsuki stopped. He blinked slowly, blades dropping at the royal crest.

The King. He's killed their King- their leader.

"Bakugou..?"

He looked up at his name, seeing a face he hadn't thought he'd see ever again.

Hitoshi Shinsou. The man looked worse for wear, but certainly not as bad as Katsuki himself. He at least had the luxury of armour.

"That's the King... you've slain their King." Hitoshi spun on his heel, raising his blade and shouting much louder than Katsuki ever thought him able, "Their King is dead!"

~

"I hear you were once a pirate captain," mused a man draped in riches. Fur lined his red cloak, his boots heavy, but not worn. His crown sat polished on his head, glinting in the dim dawn light as he waltzed passed the man knelt before the throne. "You had tried escaping the war efforts."

"It was not my war," Katsuki muttered, glaring up through his lashes. The King chuckled, grasping the arms of the throne as he sat.

Waving, the King dismissed the statement. "Nevertheless, my entire kingdom knows of the thief who has slain our foe, and I cannot simply toss you to the ocean. I, quite unfortunately, have to reward you. If you disappear too soon, my people will not like that very much. They enjoy an underdog story, and you are quite that."

"I don't want your gold."

"You will recieve land and a noble estate. That family has passed on. It is just through the valley, out of my hair, fortunately. You'll revieve title-"

"I want none of that!" Katsuki snapped, jumping to his feet with a snarl. Guards jumped forward, blades drawn, but the King held up his hand. "That is all worthless to me!"

The King smiled. "What about your crew?" Katsuki froze at that. His crew? What has the man done to them? "Don't you want them to also have a life they dream of? You could provide that with your estate, and your ship is being escorted to the port by your estate as we speak. Including everything that had been aboard when you were taken all that time ago. You'll want for nothing, Bakugou..."

Katsuki swallowed hard, fingers flexing into fists.

The King clapped and stood. "I can't wait to have another Naval Captain! Ah, this is great! You'll head for your new estates at once! Your crew will meet you in the courtyard this eve. Good luck, Captain."

~

"Holy shit," Eijirou gasped, his sack slipping from his shoulder to hit the hardwood floors. He spun on his heel, taking in the grand entrance all at once with wide eyes. He was the one in the least amount of shock of the outside, so the only one to venture into the main estate with Katsuki.

The blond looked around with far less wonder and awe. Yes, this is far more luxurious than he ever thought possible for him. But it is cold. Unfeeling. Empty.

However, it was worth it. Eijirou ran up the stairs, shouting and laughing at his own echo. The rest of his crew that made it through the hard months of war wandered outside, exploring the entirety of the estate. Katsuki walked back out the grand doors, looking out to the bay, sighing at the familiar sails hoisting and tying to the masts. Thankfully it doesn't seem his ship needs many repairs. Sides definitely need to be scraped free from barnacles and checked for worms. He's sure it may not make a large voyage after having sat for several months. From winter to the next fall.

He sighed lowly, closing his eyes and letting the cool sea breeze ruffle through his hair and brush across his cheeks.

This is the life he wanted. Freedom and low risk. He wanted to provide for everyone he cares about. At some point he'll thank their tyrannical King. Maybe on his death bed.

~

Katsuki slouched in his booth, chuckles slurred and muffled with his drink in hand. Eijirou and Denki shouted as they danced on the table, their own mugs in hand. The entire tavern laughed and clapped along to the music, cheering the men on the tables.

The Captain huffed and squirmed to get out from the booth. His name was called, but he waved back and got laughed at. He swayed as he left the tavern, nursing his rum.

"Oh, Captain," a soft voice chirped, raising Katsuki's eyes from his steadily emptying mug. A small Omega, dressed in common clothes. Her brunette hair pulled over her shoulder and tumbling in waves with her big, green eyes batting up at him. "I did not know you would be in my uncle's tavern tonight."

Katsuki stared at her eyes. Green. So green and clear, despite his hazy mind. "Name..?"

She smiled and gave a balanced curtsey. "Hanaka, Captain."

She's a pretty little thing, he has to admit. Especially in his drunken state. Slim waist, accentuated by her apron, soft and feminine features...

Katsuki set his mug aside, not minding as it fell and rolled across the cobblestones. He approached the Omega, eyes raking up and down her body a few times. Her cheeks stained red, but her scent gave away the fact she enjoyed his attention. A flowery sort of smell. He took her hand, calloused by hard work. "What do you say I take you to my estate, Hanaka..?"

The Omega simply lit up at the idea.

It didn't take long to reach his estate, and they only made it as far as the formal foyer, fire lit as their clothes shed easily. Hanaka was vocal about what she wanted and moaned for the entire valley to hear. Katsuki wasn't sure how much control he had, but she liked when he growled in her ear, liked that he fucked her hard. She liked his scars and she liked when he'd bite her.

He avoided her neck, of course. Steered clear of her glands.

Once his knot deflated, Katsuki sat back against the sofa, watching the Omega dress, picking up the pieces of her clothing scattered about the room. He didn't lean away as she kissed his head, carding her fingers through his hair. "Maybe again one day," she whispered with a little smile, shy and embarrassed compared to her unabashed moaning and screaming just minutes before.

She left quietly, leaving Katsuki with just the fire crackling and the breeze carefully rattling the shudders. He tilted his head, looking to the flames.

~

Throughout the winter, there wasn't a week that went by that the estate wasn't filled with whores. Even if it wasn't everyday, it was most.

During his untimely rut, Katsuki's room was never lacking in Omegas and Betas to fuck.

All the sex, all the drinking and the parties, it all drowned out the sound of the past. It drowned out the war and the long days on the sea. Drowned out his prison days and silenced his nightmares. He was free. Entirely free, and not.

He can't seem to figure out just what is missing. Just what is gone. He can't remember why he decided green was his favorite color and needed to surround himself by it...

~

Spring was wet, but warm, clouds spotting the sky. Katsuki let Eijirou use him as support as they unboarded his ship, slight smirk curling his lips as his men sang and jeered, thrilled to be back on land.

The marketplace buzzed with renewed spring life, crates and barrels being unloaded with vigor to be carted and toted along to the market stalls.

People slid out of Katsuki's way, the new title and estate coming with respect of the people. Some even gave a slight bow. Better than the spitting and curses and kicking and shoulder-checking when he was just a pirate.

His eyes swept the crowd, tuning out the chatter and shouts. The bargaining and complaining. The laughter of children rang through the air. This town was peaceful, and Katsuki was quite glad he could call this place home.

Still, his heart stopped and his breath caught as green flashed in the corner of his eyes. He halted, straightening his back and craning his neck up to peer over heads and through the sea of people.

Green hair bobbed by a stall of fruit, back turned to Katsuki.

His brows drew together as he shoved Eijirou's arm off his shoulders. The redhead hardly protested. Only turned to shout to Denki and Hanta. Katsuki pushed through the crowd, most people apologizing to him. He inhaled sharply, trying to catch a whiff of their scent, but there were simply too many mingled scents in the pollen-poisoned air to catch the one he wanted.

"Hey-" He called, grunting as a child crashed into his legs. He nearly buckled, but easily caught himself as well as the child.

"Oh- I'm so sorry, my Lord," the child squeaked out, scrambling back to bow quickly.

Katsuki blinked down at him as he scampered off, then looked back to the fruit stand.

The green hair was gone.

He spun on his heel, jerking his head and standing on his toes as he rushed to the edge of the crowd.

There-!

Katsuki broke into a sprint, jumping over barrels and boxes. Does he call his name? Catch his attention? It's got to be him, it has to-

The green hair stopped at another booth, admiring the fine silks swaying in the breeze, draped from the strings framing the booth.

Katsuki panted heavily as he slowed, only a few steps away now. His nerves suddenly spiked, gut twisting and throat closing. However, he forced himself forward, no matter how his strides shortened the closer he got. His hands trembled, voice lost somewhere behind him.

The man before him turned, and Katsuki froze.

Brown eyes. Roman nose, long face-

"Oh, my Lord." The man bowed, before smiling to him. "May I help you?"

Katsuki stood stiff, lump caught high in his throat as his hand he had begun to reach out with fell to his side. "No, sorry... I thought you were someone else..." He was breathless for an entirely different reason, now.

The man smiled and bowed once again before shuffling back into the masses.

The pirate was left there, wallowing in the darkness that suddenly overwhelmed him. He didn't even notice the townsfolk anymore. Silence seemed to cup only around him, encasing him in a tight, dim bubble.

He hasn't thought about Izuku in a long time. He hasn't allowed himself to. How has one head of green hair ripped those memories to the surface like it was nothing? Clawing at his chest, screaming to be heard.

"Yo, Bakugou?"

Katsuki actually jumped, startled as Eijirou slapped a hand on his back. The redhead quickly withdrew, shocked himself he had scared his Captain. "Are you... okay?"

The older glanced around, then to his trembling hands.

"What happened? What's going on? Bakugou, talk to me, man..." Eijirou carefully grabbed his shoulders, leaning down to attempt eye contact to ground his Captain from whatever headspace he had somehow trapped himself in.

Katsuki swallowed hard and inhaled deeply through his nose as his eyes pinched shut. He raised his head and waved Eijirou's hands off. "Back to the estate... I need to travel back to the Capitol."

~

Two years since Katsuki has last walked this cobblestone road. It hasn't changed much, for that he is grateful. Still, his heart leapt to his throat as he halted in front of a familiar shop to see it closed and empty. Denki plodded around, peeking in any crack and window he could find to ensure it's lack of hosts.

Katsuki cleared his throat and dismounted.

"Sire, there is no one here-"

"His house in around back, you fool," Katsuki muttered, tossing his cap to the younger blond before shoving his hands in his pockets. "Stay here until I come back."

Despite the whining, his men obeyed.

Katsuki walked through the slim, short alleyway towards the housing hidden behind the shops. Rows of little houses surrounded by gardens and animals, quaint and quiet. He paused at a familiar fence, swallowing hard as he placed his hand on the crooked gate. He glanced around the garden, spotting familiar sprouts of herbs he likely couldn't name to save his own life. The tenderness and love poured into this garden had Izuku's name written all over it.

He looked up to the door, feeling those damned nerves crawling back, begging him to turn and run back. How can he face Izuku? How could he show up after letting him believe he's dead?

Katsuki licked his lips and steeled his nerves, unlatching the gate and ignoring the pitiful voice in his mind. The gate bounced and latched behind him as he was careful to walk only on the stone path leading to the door.

One, two, three stairs and he was on the little porch. His fist hovered in front of the door.

What if Izuku had gotten himself an Alpha? What if he did move on as Katsuki wanted him to? Would Izuku be angry with him? Will Izuku shun him and turn him away for daring show up after convincing him he had perished? Will Izuku welcome him with tears and smiles and open arms, thanking God he's alive? What if Izuku hadn't gotten an Alpha? What if he still held out hope for Katsuki..?

What if he held out hope that Katsuki would return to him and Katsuki had just been a day's ride through the valley for months, fucking and partying after promising to return to Izuku?

The door creaked open, snapping Katsuki out of his thoughts. The Omega gasped and halted before he could run into Katsuki, dropping his bag.

"Oh my-" Izuku jumped back, jerking his head up and eyes wide.

Both stood frozen, Katsuki's hand still hovering as if to knock and Izuku with his hands to his chest to keep his heart from leaping from his chest as his eyes only widened.

Tears sprung to Izuku's eyes in an instant, gasping sharply and covering his mouth. Katsuki's hand fell to his side as he took the Omega in.

His sweet, earthy scent, his darker skin and more freckles he didn't recognize. Longer hair, bleached at the tips from his time in the sun. Bags beneath his eyes from exhaust, nails shortened to the beds, wraps around each finger to protect his skin from the thorns in his garden, broader hips- and a black patch over his scent gland to cover the mark of a deceased mate.

"Kacchan..?" His voice broke as he spoke, a trembling hand reaching out and carefully touching Katsuki's cheek- as if a touch could make him disappear.

Katsuki didn't realize just how overwhelmed he was until Izuku's fingertips grazed his skin. Tears stung his eyes, breath shuddering in his chest.

"You're alive..?" Izuku's lip trembled, his own tears falling freely as he stepped closer. "You're alive," he whimpered in relief, both hands clasping around Katsuki's face.

The pirate wrapped his hands around Izuku's wrists, but didn't remove him. He leaned into the touch, closing his eyes to take in Izuku's scent properly, grounding himself to this moment.

Izuku sobbed and hiccupped, shaky fingers stroking back spikey hair. "You're alive," he repeated once more. "You were dead... They said you had died, Kacchan..."

Katsuki shook his head, twisting his wrists and entwining their fingers, pulling their hands to his chest. "I'm alive... I'm right here..."

The Omega cried and stumbled forward, collapsing into his chest. Katsuki wound his arm around Izuku's waist, pulling him close and supporting him at the same time. The Omega shook terribly with each sob, grasping Katsuki tightly- afraid he'd vanish. He lifted his head, tilting forward and nosing Katsuki's scent gland.

"I'm here," Katsuki muttered, tilting his head and releasing his scent for the Omega. Their hands were uncomfortably twisted together between them, but neither were willing to let go. "I came back..."

Izuku sobbed out a wet laugh, looking up to Katsuki. "You came back..."

Katsuki wasn't sure how he ever kept himself away from Izuku after returning from the war. He raised his hand from Izuku's waist, gently pinching a curl between his thumb and forefinger. Izuku leaned into his touch, closing his eyes as he relaxed.

He never imagined them reuniting like this... more than two years later, both hardly capable of speaking.  Yet here he is, speechless as he admires the Omega he once wanted to spend the rest if his life with.

No, he never stopped wanting Izuku by his side.

"Are you thirsty?" Izuku broke the silence, snapping Katsuki out of a trance once more. "You must be thirsty. Are you hungry? I've just made fresh bread. Here- inside!" The Omega pulled on Katsuki, shutting the door behind them, and ushered Katsuki to the table.

The Alpha didn't struggle. He allowed himself to be sat, watching Izuku shuffle to the counter. "I don't need anything-"

"Just some water, then. You must have traveled pretty far, huh?" Izuku flashed a smile, pouring cleansed water into a cup before bringing it back to Katsuki. He sat, eyes big and smile bigger. "Did you have much trouble getting here? The Knight's usually aren't too busy this time of day, but you can never be too careful. Where is your ship, I never saw your sails in the port today? How is your crew, are they okay? How did you escape the war? How did you-"

"Hey, hey." Katsuki reached over, taking Izuku's hands and squeezing. "Too many questions." Izuku smiled and blushed heavily, ducking his head. "I... I didn't come on my ship. My ship is on the other side of the valley."

"The valley?" Izuku's nose scrunched as he sat up straighter. "That is quite possibly the worst place to leave your ship. A new Lord runs that port. He doesn't let any outside ships dock there for long."

Katsuki winced. "Yeah, I... I know..." He swallowed the incoming lump. "But my crew is fine." Izuku smiled and gave Katsuki's hands a squeeze in return. "They're enjoying their new life."

Izuku giggled softly, scooting closer. "How did you get out of the war..? How were you proclaimed dead?"

He doesn't quite know how to answer. Give him the honest truth? That would break his heart. Honestly, Katsuki is sure no matter what he says, today will end with him breaking Izuku's heart.

"I thought I was going to die... So I had Eijirou tell our Commanders I had died."

Izuku blinked slowly, smile steadily falling. He hands went lax in Katsuki's, but didn't pull away. "So... then you were able to escape..?"

Katsuki licked his lips and dropped his head. "Ahh... no... no, I wasn't... we didn't get out until I killed their King..."

Silence fell suddenly and heavily over them. Katsuki felt the shift in Izuku just in his hands before he looked back up to meet his eyes.

Izuku's brows drew together, eyes watery all over again with the color draining from his face. His eyes pleaded, begging Katsuki to say he's lying. Begging Katsuki to tell him that what he had just realized wasn't true.

Katsuki felt his throat dry up and he couldn't maintain eye contact. Once he turned his head away, Izuku gasped and withdrew his hands as if he'd been burnt.

"My crew and I were rewarded for killing the King and winning the war," he confirmed, voice quieter than he ever remembers using it. He's never felt so guilty about winning in his life.

Izuku's broken sob was gut-wrenching. "You-" He choked on his own words, jumping to his feet and shuffling backwards to get away as Katsuki reached out to him. "You're the Lord! The Captain through the valley!" Ahh, he hadn't heard that one yet. He raised his head, meeting Izuku's eyes, and it only caused the Omega to cry harder. The greenette held himself, trembling once more with grief and hurt and betrayal. "You promised... you swore you would return to me!"

"Izuku-" Katsuki stood, halting only as Izuku hissed at him, scent souring in anger and distress. Izuku scuttled back, bumping into the counter. "Izuku, please, listen to me-"

"Listen-" Izuku shouted back in disbelief, clutching his tunic over his chest. "To what!? Excuses!? You promised you would return to me once it was safe! It's been safe! You're a Lord, you were rewarded, you have been safer than ever for months! And-" Izuku's words caught as he covered his mouth, tears pouring down his cheeks as anguish filled his eyes.

Katsuki's gut tightened, stomach dropping cold as his heart throbbed. "Izuku, please-"

"You've bedded so many Omegas," Izuku whimpered, voice cracking, pain and heartbreak flooding his voice. "Is that what you had wanted..? Was I not enough..?"

"No," Katsuki forced out, gripping the edge of the table. "You're enough... you're more than enough, Izuku-"

A wail ripped through the air as Izuku fell to his knees. He cried horribly, leaning back against the wall. "Don't lie to me! I was here! I was waiting for you! I had mourned you! I didn't want another - even in death!"

Katsuki grit his teeth. "And what about that mark, hah!?"

Izuku's face fell, looking up to Katsuki in disbelief. Katsuki stiffened, knowing instantly what truly lie beneath that black patch.

The Omega pushed himself to his feet, tugging to collar of his tunic aside to rip off the patch and slap it on the table in front of Katsuki. Katsuki's lips pressed together, chest clenching as he looked to the unmarred gland on Izuku's neck, only slightly red from the forceful removal of the patch that had kept it covered.

"Take it with you," Izuku muttered, hand slipping off the table to fall limp at his side. "My reward to you for winning the war, my Lord..." Izuku turned away, swerving around Katsuki. He opened the door, picking up the bag he had dropped. "Now, if you could please see yourself out... I have errands I need to run..."

Katsuki turned to face him, but didn't move towards the door. Izuku couldn't even look at him... "Please... Please, let me just-"

"Just what," Izuku snapped, shooting a sharp glare at the Alpha. "I heard of the party just the passed weekend at the Lord's estate! I heard the Omegas gossip about your handsome looks and argue over which had been fucked better by their great Lord."

The pirate winced at that one.

"It is only mid-week now. Have you come to me now because you grow bored of the parties and sex? You need to come to the other side of the valley to crush my soul, is it? Need to add variety to your boring, luxurious life, my Lord?" His voice dripped with venom, but his tears and trembling hands betrayed him.

Katsuki, though, had no rebuttal. No, he hadn't intended to hurt Izuku, but he knows now there is no redemption for him. Still, he approaches Izuku, holding his hands with his palms up and his head lowered to show he means no harm to the Omega. "I never... I never wanted to hurt you. I just wanted to see you again-"

Izuku scoffed, grip tightening on the door. "Oh, is that all? Just wanted to see me? Thank you, the gesture is greatly appreciated-"

"Momma..?"

Both whipped their heads to the side, Izuku gasping and tossing his bag back to the ground as he dove towards the child that had just shuffled into the main room, falling to his knees and shielding the child from Katsuki's view. "Pup, what are you doing awake? You had just gotten to sleep! Come, let's get you to your bed!"

As Izuku gathered the little pup into his arms, Katsuki watched with wide eyes and a slack jaw. His mouth ran dry as he spotted fluffy blond hair on the child's head. "Izuku..?" The Omega froze, gripping his child. "Izuku, is that..?"

Izuku snapped his teeth and snarled, scent heightening in threat as he guarded the pup. "Leave!" He demanded, glare murderous. "Get out of my house!"

Katsuki jerked back, stumbling into the doorframe. Izuku shouted again, Katsuki spinning on his heel and sprinting down the path of stones. He burst through the gate, gasping for breath as the door to Izuku's house slammed shut.

More shouting came from in front of him as Eijirou and Denki stumbled out of the alleyway, blades drawn.

The blond had clutched his chest,  shaking with his eyes blurring and burning with tears. He stood in the middle of the street, Eijirou catching his eyes.

The redhead sheathed his blade, rushing to his Captain. "Hey, hey, what happened? What's going on, man? Hey, look at me." He grabbed Bakugou's head, forcing eye contact. He didn't mind as Katsuki grabbed onto him as if his life depended on him. "What happened? Who was yelling, Bakugou?"

Katsuki choked, eyes pinching shut. "He hates me- he knows... He waited, Eijirou... Waited even after death..."

~

Katsuki slouched in his leather chair, chin in his palm as he stared out the window. It has been a week, now, since having seen Izuku.

Denki laughed as he stumbled in, only catching himself because he held onto the door. His rum sloshed and splattered over the floor. "Hey! Hey- the party started forever ago, man! You coming?"

The Captain waved, not removing his gaze from the window. "No. Shut my door."

"Come on, Bakugou! The Omegas are asking for you."

"That's too bad. Get out."

Denki whined, leaning onto the door. "Man, the party is no fun without you! And all the Omegas want you, anyway-"

"I said get out," Katsuki snapped, shooting to his feet and whipping a glare so harsh in the younger's direction, it had him stumbling backwards, eyes wide.

The door slammed shut in Denki's haste to run away, leaving Katsuki alone once again. He sighed, running his hands down his face. He turned back to the window, looking to the setting sun.

He breathed deeply and approached the window, leaning onto the sill.

~

Katsuki fully expected the scowl and the glare pointed at him as Izuku had opened his door. He gripped the gate, not daring enter.

Izuku shut the door forcefully, yet was careful not to slam it. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to see you..."

"How wonderful for a Lord of your stature to grace my peasant life with your presence," Izuku ground out, sarcasm sounding foreign on his voice. Yet, it was entirely warranted. Izuku grasped his bag tightly, stepping off the porch and into the garden, facing away from Katsuki as he knelt beside the blooming herbs.

Katsuki swallowed hard. "Izuku... I just want to talk to you."

"Funny, I don't want to hear from you." Izuku prodded gently at the soil, pinching it between his fingers.

"Izuku, I have messed up, I know, I am trying-"

"Messed up?" The Omega echoed in disbelief. He laughed dryly, shaking his head. "Messed up? Great way to say you've broken every single promise you have ever made to me. Wonderful cover for having decided I wouldn't fit in with your new lavish lifestyle." Izuku scoffed and stood back up. "How kind to phrase it that way after having sworn to me you'd come right to me when it was safe and deciding to romp around with every accessible Omega first instead." He patted his dirtied knees down, flicking off the dirt.

"That isn't what happened, Izuku."

Izuku smiled bitterly, folding his arms as he finally looked back to Katsuki. "Then enlighten me."

Katsuki swallowed hard. "It is I who was not good enough for you... I heard of the Nobles vying for you. Alphas capable of giving you a life I never could. I needed you to believe I was dead so you would no longer wait for me. I didn't come back because I had hoped you had a life you deserved. I was a broken man- I still am. Broken and beaten by war and the title never fucking mattered. It was for my crew, Izuku... they deserved a good life, too... but I needed to see you..."

Izuku bit back the tears in his eyes, glare never faltering. "All I knew was the Lord was a simple thief who was granted a title and estate for ending the war. All I knew was my pup's sire had died in the war, and as far as I am concerned, that is still true."

The greenette then huffed and turned away, rubbing at his eye. "Please leave me be..."

Katsuki's breath caught, wincing as he accidentally pushed against the gate. "Izuku- Wait! Wait, please... please let me see him... tell me his name..."

Izuku sighed, staying silent as he walked away, swerving around the side of his house to check the back gardens.

The Alpha cursed and shoved off the gate, jaw clenching tightly. "What can I do!? How can I prove to you that you are the most important thing to me!? How can I express how sorry I am!?"

The Omega never came back around the house. Katsuki couldn't see him, nor did he ever hear Izuku speak up.

~

Izuku snapped his head up and smiled as the door to his shop opened and an unfamiliar woman walked in. "Good afternoon! How may I help you?"

The woman grinned back to him, a carefully wrapped box in hand. "Hi! Are you Izuku Midoriya?"

"Yes, that's me. I own the shop." Izuku patted his hands on his apron, turning to face her fully.

She held out her hand and he shook it carefully. "My name is Mina Ashido! Hey, do you happen to have any tonics for skin? Ugh, I had the worst oil spill come out of my face yesterday."

Izuku chuckled and nodded. "Yes, I do have a few different skin tonics. Are you producing more oil possibly because of environmental change? Are you not from here?" He lead her to a shelf towards the back, closer to the counter and the backstock to start looking through his tonics.

"Maybe. I think my skin was starting to get used to the drier air up in the mountains, and now that I'm on the water more, my skin is not happy."

The greenette smiled and held up one of his tonics. "Here you are ma'am. How else can I help you?"

Mina hummed happily, holding the little glass bottle up in the light let in through the windows. "That is all I need! Here-" Mina took his hand, placing a little coin sack in his hand and he blushed heavily.

"That's much more than-"

"Oh, this too!" She held up the box and he stuttered as he took it. Mina then paused as she heard soft coos and happy squeaks. She shuffled to the counter and gasped as she leaned over, grinning. "A little pup! Oh my goodness, look at you!"

Izuku cleared his throat, clutching the little sack and box as he followed her.

Mina beamed up at Izuku. "He's precious! What's his name?"

"Tadaaki..."

"Who's pup is he?"

Izuku swallowed hard. "He's mine."

The pink-haired woman paused again, slowly looking back down to the child.

Tadaaki giggled and waved to her, standing with some of his toys in hand. "Hi!" He bounced and gasped as she waved and smiled back.

Mina stared a few moments more before abruptly pushing herself up and plastering on a now-strained smile. "Thank you for the tonic! And don't be too hasty to throw away the gift." Her smile softened, brows turning upwards as she touched his arm in a comforting manner.

Izuku's brows furrowed as he watched her leave. He looked back down the the box and sighed. He stepped over the make-shift fence, keeping his infant behind the counter, and dropped the sack into a drawer. He licked his lips as he set the box down, suddenly nervous.

Breathing deeply and glancing down to Tadaaki, Izuku began carefully tearing open the box.

His breath caught, tears springing to his eyes as a familiar and warm scent reached his nose. Izuku slammed the box shut, closing his eyes. He pursed his lips, hands starting to shake.

"Ahh! Momma!"

Izuku sniffed and rubbed his nose, looking down to Tadaaki. The child grinned as he raised his toy, giggling. Izuku smiled at him. "Oh, yeah, I see. That's a good toy." Tadaaki babbled happily, kicking his legs as his attention averted back to his toys.

Izuku looked back to the box, breathing out slowly as he reopened it. He took the fabric out watching as it unfolded easily. A simple bandana, fabric light and soft. He raised the bandana to his nose, closing his eyes as he inhaled Katsuki's scent. Campfires and rainy days. Sweet sugar and the sea. Such a comforting scent he had so deeply missed for two years. His eyes stung with unshed tears, biting his lip to keep it from trembling.

He sniffled and lowered the bandana back into the box with a sigh. He turned and tucked the back onto a shelf, smiling as he returned his focus to his son.

~

"Well?" Katsuki stood quickly the moment he spotted Mina.

She hummed, closing the door. "I didn't wait to watch him open the box, Bakugou..." she crossed her arms, approaching quietly. "And you didn't tell us about the pup..."

Katsuki sighed and turned away, running his hand down his face. "Yeah, well..."

"I got more information, too," Eijirou muttered softly, slumped in his chair with his hands folded in his lap. When both turned to look at him, he breathed deeply. "His mother died... around the time we had been found in the west. It's been just him and the pup, since even before the pup was born..."

Leaning over and grasping the table, Katsuki's teeth grit harshly. "And when was he born..?"

"Mid-winter. Shortly after we joined the war and his mother died. Almost directly after." Eijirou rubbed his jaw, sighing softly. "The pup was about two months old when your death was announced... so he's believed you were dead for more than a year."

Katsuki sat back down, carding his fingers through his hair. He sniffed and pursed his lips, looking back out the window.

Mina hopped onto the desk to sit, swinging her legs. "He was very kind and sweet. Super cute."

Humming, the older closed his eyes and nodded. "Yeah... He's always been the kindest person I knew... what is the pup like, Mina?"

She smiled, tilting her head. "He looks like a miniature Captain. Oh, but he does have green eyes. He's also very friendly. Smiled right up at me and showed off his toys. Izuku said his name is Tadaaki."

"Tadaaki," Katsuki whispered into his hand, brows drawing together as his eyes stung once again. "A strong name... and he looks like me?"

"Almost exactly, Captain."

He inhaled deeply, looking down to his lap. Katsuki stood with enough force to bump his chair back, and walked to the door. "Cancel the party tonight. I don't want anyone in the estate."

"Oh, man. Denki is gonna be devastated."

~

Izuku sighed as he reluctantly accepted the fourth box to have been handed to him this month. Each box was wrapped the same. Each always ended up smelling just like Katsuki. Each were tucked high in a cabinet in his house, hiding away. He's not sure why he doesn't just toss the gifts, but he cannot stand to look at them.

He took the box inside with him, sitting on the floor near Tadaaki. "Hi, you made quite the mess," he cooed, the infant giggling and flopping to the floor. Chuckling, Izuku situated the box in his lap. He sniffed and tore it open as he had the others.

Izuku bit his lip, tears instantly springing to his eyes as he held up two twine necklaces, one smaller as if sized for Tadaaki. Luck charms were laced through the twine with shimmering ribbons of silver and gold.

"Momma!" Tadaaki pushed himself to his feet, grabbing for the necklaces. "I see dem!"

"Oh- No, pup!" Izuku shoved the necklaces back into the box and pushed it aside, pulling Tadaaki into his lap, squeezing him and nuzzling his hair. The child laughed, grasping onto Izuku's arms. "Not right now, okay?"

"Otay!"

~

"Hey, Bakugou..?"

Katsuki huffed, tossing his glasses to the side and shooting a glare to Hanta as he snapped his book shut. "Is it emergent?"

Hanta's brows pinched. "No, not really."

"Then what?"

"There's an Omega here to see you," the ravenette muttered, leaning into the door.

Katsuki groaned and rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "No. You know to turn away any fuckin' Omegas. I ain't fuckin' interested, tell them to fuck off-"

"He has a pup with him, Captain." Katsuki froze, eyes widening. "I don't think he's interested in snogging."

The blond leapt out of his chair and bolted out of his office, Hanta barely able to scamper out of his way. Katsuki rushed down the staircase, heart racing. He panted as he skidded to a halt at the entrance of the formal foyer.

Izuku stood by the window, smiling and talking to Tadaaki as the child squealed, pointing at the animals he saw outside the window, babbling words sounding vaguely like their names.

"You're here..."

The Omega twisted, looking back to Katsuki as his smile fell. He breathed deeply and set Tadaaki on the sofa, crouching in front of him and taking his hands, gaining the little child's focus. "Stay here and count the animals, okay? I'm gonna go talk to someone, I'll be right back."

Tadaaki squealed as he was given a wooden horse, hugging it to his chest and not at all acknowledging what his dam had told him. Izuku kissed his head as he stood, gathering his bearings before facing Katsuki again and approaching slowly.

Katsuki swallowed hard, fingers curling into nervous fists, eyes trained on the greenette. "Izuku..."

Biting his lip, Izuku shook his head. "Katsuki... I need you to stop..."

"Stop?" He echoed, raising his hand. He stopped when Izuku stepped away. "Stop what?"

"The gifts, Katsuki! Stop with the gifts!" Izuku threw his arms up, eyes glossy with tears. "I never asked for them!"

"That's sort of the fucking point, Izuku! You're not supposed to ask for gifts!"

"No! No, that's not-" Izuku groaned loudly, fingers curling tightly into his own hair. "That isn't the point!" Izuku swallowed and ran his hands down his face. "I can't- I can't handle it..." His voice cracked and Katsuki winced. "Nine gifts... why didn't you ever stop when I clearly was not reciprocating?"

Katsuki grit his teeth, taking a small step closer. "I'm not going to give up on you so easily, Izuku-"

"But you already have!" Izuku shoved Katsuki's chest, the Alpha not budging despite the suddenness. "You had made up in your mind that I had this amazing life after your supposed 'death'! Because of that, you didn't even check on me to see if it was true, did you!?"

Clenching his jaw, lips pressed in a thin line, Katsuki lowered his head.

Izuku rubbed at the stray tears beginning to fall from his cheeks. "It took too long for me to be okay..." Katsuki looked back up, trying to meet Izuku's eyes. "Mom died... Daaki was born very sick... and then the news of your death... it was all too much for me. My whole life was falling apart. I thought I would be crushed under the weight of it all. I had to remind myself to not hope you'd show up at the door one day. I had to force myself to wake from dreams where we sailed the world like we talked about. I couldn't allow myself to grieve the future I had lost because I had to put Tadaaki above everything else. It took me a long time, but I was finally okay. I could see a future for Tadaaki and myself. I thanked the Gods each morning and night for a piece of you to have with me always by giving me Tadaaki."

Izuku paused to sniff and rub at his eyes again, then glanced back to the child. He still sat on the sofa, gurgling as he waved his toy through the air.

"Then you were at my door," Izuku sighed, wrapping his arms around himself. "You were there and I was so happy because... because you were all I ever wanted. I was so relieved that it was safe enough for you to return and that we could have that future. For just those few seconds, I felt whole again..." His lower lip wobbled, voice beginning to strain as he tried not to break. "Then everything crashed again... I was being crushed and suffocated because you were the one who stole our future away."

"Izuku-"

"You took my future! You broke all those promises! You prioritized parties and prostitutes over us! All I ever wanted was you! I never cared for money or mansions or lots of land or silk clothes or multiple bedrooms! I never cared for a rich Alpha or even nobility! I was happy! I had everything I wanted! Everything I needed!" Izuku hiccuped, tears falling uncontrollably down his cheeks now. "You- you were it, Katsuki... just you..."

Katsuki swallowed the lump forming in his throat, blinking back his own tears. "Izuku, please..."

Rubbing furiously at his face, the Omega shook his head. "I can't just- I can't accept you coming back like this... I can't. You chose sex and drinks over me. You chose that over our future together. You chose to have this fantasy of my life to make yourself feel better about abandoning me. I have had to be here for myself and for my son while you had your parties and your Omegas. So, go back to your parties and Omegas. I reject your gifts and I don't want to see you and I don't want you around my son."

"Wait, Izuku please!" Katsuki reached out as the Omega began to walk away.

"No! You're the one who picked this life over us, so you cannot just have me now because it suits you!"

"Izuku-" Katsuki managed to finally grab Izuku's arms, yanking the Omega close. He gasped and tried to break free, but Katsuki wound his arms too tightly around the Omega, stuffing his face into Izuku's neck.

"Stop- let go!"

"I'm not letting go. Not again." Katsuki gripped him tightly. He felt as Izuku's resolve began to break and crumble, collapsing into his chest with heaving sobs. "I'm not gonna let you go..."

Izuku hiccuped between sobs, fists shaking as his fingers curled into Katsuki's tunic. The Alpha's scent swarmed his senses, wrapping around him too tightly. His inner Omega cried in relief to be reunited with the Pirate, to have his warmth and comfort and protection.

However, Izuku started to push again in weak, trembling attempts. "No, no," his voice cracked, pinching his eyes shut.

Katsuki pulled away, only to grab his face, pushing back his curls. "Izuku, please... I'm begging you to let me show you how sorry I am... I am begging to be given another chance... I know I don't deserve it, but please..." Katsuki released his face to drop his hands to Izuku's waist, lowering himself to his knees. Another sob burst from Izuku's lips as he slapped his hands over his mouth, their eyes meeting. "I still want to give you the future I had promised... I still want you by my side. I fucked up so much, I know I did... I can't take any of it back, I can't erase any of it and I can't keep throwing excuses. However, I can swear to you if you'll allow me... to pledge myself to you."

Izuku's muffled sobs trickled from between his fingers, tears never ending streams down his cheeks. His entire body trembled as he watched Katsuki, soaking in every word.

Licking his lips, Katsuki bit back his own tears. "I only want you... I only need you... and I will give you the life you always wanted... I will work every day for the rest of my fucking life making up for the time I took from you. I will apologize and work to earn your forgiveness however many times I need to. I want to court you properly, I want to take you on adventures. I want to relearn everything about you, and... I want to get to know our son..." His voice fell to a whisper, traitorous tears of his own breaking free as he blinked too quickly.

For several moments, Katsuki stayed on his knees, eyes on Izuku's face and hands on his waist, thumbs rubbing back in forth in an attempt to sooth Izuku. He knows it isn't much, but Izuku hasn't allowed any more.

Izuku hiccuped again, turning his head away. Lip wobbly, eyes squeezed shut, he turned away. He paid no mind as Katsuki's hands fell from him. The Omega made his way back to the child and lifted him up. He didn't say another word as he shuffled passed Katsuki, still kneeling.

The Omega didn't wait for someone to open the door. He hurried outside, desperate to get away. To escape.

Katsuki stared forward, slowly sitting back on his ankles and shoulders slumping. Sure, he wasn't expecting anything significant right away, but... nothing? Something would have been better. Izuku cursing him, Izuku slapping him, Izuku saying anything. Anything would have been better than silently leaving.

"Bakugou..?"

Eijirou approached carefully, and Katsuki didn't wonder if his friend had heard the whole thing. He hardly even registered him kneeling beside him. "Hey, man..? You there..?" He spoke so carefully, placed his hand on Katsuki's shoulder so gently.

Katsuki sniffed and ran his hands down his face. "Yeah... I'm here..." He shifted his legs out from beneath himself, turning towards Eijirou as he slumped against the wall. "I went too far..."

The redhead licked his lips, rubbing his neck as he sat on the floor. "You don't know that..."

"Eijirou, he didn't say anything. Couldn't even look at me. He's still trying to hide Tadaaki's face from me." Katsuki swallowed hard, rubbing at his eyes as they burned once again. "Fuck..."

"Just... leave it up to him, okay..?" Eijirou shuffled closer. "He knows your intentions, he knows you're trying to apologize, so maybe he just needs some time to himself to process everything and think about it before he makes a decision."

Katsuki finally looked to him. "How can I make him believe how sincere I am..?"

"You can't make him believe anything, Katsuki... he'll have to on his own. It's your job to believe he will."

The blond looked away, towards the place Tadaaki had been sat. He could only catch the faintest wiff of his son's scent. He closed his eyes and sighed lowly.

~

It's been about five weeks since Izuku had visited him. For the last two, Katsuki had been on the seas, basically doing border patrol while training new seamen. That's probably his favorite part of his new job. He gets to throw kids overboard and not have any repercussions. These last two weeks were especially satisfying, especially since for demonstration, he was able to throw Denki overboard.

Now they've returned and he traveled back to his estate. He swayed atop his mount, staring blankly forward as all energy had drained from him the moment he set foot back on steady ground. Now he had to remember he was entirely useless in seeking forgiveness from Izuku. Now he had to look in his foyer and remember being left in silence as he knelt on the floor, begging for a chance.

"Hey, Bakugou?"

Katsuki turned back to Eijirou with a hum in response.

The redhead shifted in his saddle and tilted forward. "You got pretty quiet. You okay?"

"M' fine." Katsuki looked back ahead, reins loose in his fingers.

"The Omega..?"

Katsuki swallowed, fist curling on his thigh. "Yeah..."

Eijirou breathed deeply, rubbing his neck. "It has been a while... but you know you can't force him, Bakugou..."

"I know that. I know I can't, and I'm not trying to," Katsuki growled lowly, clicking and squeezing his calves. With a snort, his steed broke into a canter, traveling as far ahead from Eijirou as he can get.

He just needs a moment. Just some time. Katsuki knows how terribly he fucked up. He knows that, and he knows he can't just make Izuku forgive him. However, he still needs time to process that Izuku might not be able to. He needs time to himself to accept that Izuku no longer wants a future with him.

The longer Izuku takes to respond, the more likely it is Katsuki will never see him again.

~

"Captain?"

Katsuki looked up from his desk, sighing as he let the parchment in his hands drift back to the mahogany. He looked up to Hanta as the ravenette opened his office door. "I'm a little busy."

Hanta grinned sheepishly and held up a box. "Sorry, Cap, but this was just delivered for you."

"From who?" Katsuki's brows furrowed as he leaned back, removing his glasses.

The younger approached with a shrug, placing the box on his desk. "I don't know. Post didn't say. Doesn't seem to be dangerous, I don't think, but I haven't opened it."

Katsuki carefully took the box, waving to Hanta to excuse him. The ravenette gave a slight bow before leaving. Katsuki ran his fingers along the seams of the wrapping. He licked his lips, carefully tugging at the twine keeping the package together. With a deep breath, he finally pulled to undo the careful knot. The package came undone slowly and with Katsuki's assistance.

Izuku's scent began to spill from inside, breath catching in Katsuki's throat. He tried to swallow the forming lump with tears in his eyes. A note rested inside and he took it with great care. He unfolded the slip, pursing his lips.

Katsuki,
If you will wear this, take it as my acceptance of your courting
~Izuku

Katsuki's fingers trembled as the paper slipped from his hands and he leaned forward. He leaned forward, lifting out the scented leather wrist guard. Twine and silk braided through the leather, encircling an embedded metal charm with rubies and emeralds inlaid.

He swallowed thickly, carefully latching the guard onto his arm. He admired the craftsmanship of the guard, running his thumb along the twine and silk. The care and thought that went into this gift nearly made his heart burst from his chest. He raised his arm to his nose and inhaled deeply, eyes fluttering closed.

~

Katsuki gently pulled his horse to a halt, sliding off her side with his eyes focused on the Omega in the garden.

Izuku stood, holding his herbs to his chest, nailbeds darkened by soil. He eyes flicked to Katsuki's arm as he placed his hands on the gate. He swallowed and approached Katsuki cautiously, reaching out to run his fingers along the wrist guard. "You put it on..."

"Of course..." Katsuki raised his hand.

Green eyes flickered to meet his own. He grasped lavender in one hand as he placed his other in Katsuki's. He watched the pirate gently curl his fingers around his wrist and raise his hand.

Katsuki closed his eyes, rubbing the back of Izuku's hand across his scent gland. A low croon rumbled from his chest, tilting his head.

Izuku twisted his hand so their glands would meet in a proper scenting. Katsuki paused, cracking open his eyes to look at Izuku.

"I meant it... I accept your courting... you can scent me..."

Katsuki inhaled deeply and nodded, gently squeezing his hand. "Okay... I swear I'll never stray from you again... I'd give you the world if you'd let me..."

A little smile graced Izuku's lips, thumb coming up to brush along Katsuki's jaw. "Just focus courting for now, Katsuki... I still need some time..."

Nodding, Katsuki brought Izuku's hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss to his palm. "Of course... all the time you need..."

~

The blistering heat of the transition from summer to fall was Katsuki's least favorite time of the year. The humidity clung to them, clogging the air as the grass and trees browned with the coming of a new season.

Katsuki was miserable in the trek back to his estate, hunched in his saddle. His poor horse was just as exhausted, sweat soaking through her coat and saddle pad.

However, the moment he heard a familiar squeal, Katsuki perked right up. He grinned and jumped down from his horse.

Tadaaki struggled with the gate, standing on his toes. Katsuki chuckled and jogged to the gate, reaching over to lift the child. "You!"

Giggling excitedly, Tadaaki clung to Katsuki. "You back!"

"I am back! How did you know?"

Izuku approached, biting his lip and wiping his hands off. "He's been checking the windows at my home everyday. He's been very excited for you to return and couldn't stop babbling the entire journey here..."

Katsuki smiled as he opened the gate, propping the boy on his hip. "You didn't have to come all the way here to meet me... I would have come to you..."

The Omega shook his head, taking Katsuki's offered hand and smiling as his wrist is brought to Katsuki's neck. "My friend Ochako is watching over the shop for me and Tadaaki really wanted to see you... he's... he's gotten very attached to you..."

"Might be all the toys," Katsuki muttered, looking down to the pup as his little head rests on his shoulder. "Am I spoiling you too much?"

Tadaaki pouted, shaking his head. "No!"

Izuku smiled fondly at the boy. "Let's get you inside. This heat is terrible today."

~

Katsuki chuffed as he stepped outside. "Hey, did you miss the clouds comin' in? A storm is about to hit!"

Izuku jerked his head up, looking to Katsuki before tilting his head to look at the sky. Tadaaki, however, was all-too happy to continue playing in the soil. He dug his hands in, careful of the plants surrounding him.

"Just a few more minutes! I need to prep the soil for winter!"

Katsuki growled lowly, stomping outside towards the Omega and pup. "You two will become drenched and I ain't dealing with you if you get fuckin' sick!"

Tadaaki squealed as he was lifted, laughing and squirming as he thought they were playing. Izuku gasped as Katsuki lifted him as well, weakly hitting Katsuki's shoulder as he's dragged back to his house. "I'm not done! Let me go!"

"Absolutely not." The Alpha set the child down once inside, tugging Izuku forward more before slamming the door shut. Tadaaki rolled on his back, giggling, but Izuku cross his arms with a pout and a glare. "It's gonna start fuckin' raining."

Izuku rolled his eyes and looked away. "I was almost done..."

"No you weren't. You've only finished half the gardens, and all your effort will just be washed away in the rains if you finish now." Katsuki grabbed Izuku's shoulders and guided him to the table, sitting him down. "Here... eat."

The Omega perked up. "Stew? You made this?"

"Fucking of course I did." He swept the pup back off the floor and sat across from Izuku, placing Tadaaki on his knee with both their bowls in front of him. He held up a spoon for Tadaaki, pup more than excited to eat independently.

A little smile pulled at Izuku's lips as he raised his own spoon. "Thank you, Katsuki..." A content sort of scent drifted off Izuku as they ate. Fresh rain on damp earth. One of the most beautiful scents in the world.

Katsuki sighed softly and focused on eating his stew.

~

Izuku sighed, closing the door as quietly as he can. "He's asleep..."

"Just come live with me, Izuku." Katsuki turned from the flames to look to the Omega. "You two will not be comfortable here for long. He is a growing pup and will eventually need his own space. You will need your space as well."

"We are comfortable, Katsuki." Izuku frowned, shuffling over. "My mother and I made it work. I can with Tadaaki as well."

Katsuki's jaw clenched as he stood. "And you have an Alpha willing and capable of providing you with more space."

The Omega sighed, crossing his arms. "We are not mates, Katsuki. We are not even married. So-"

"So what?" Katsuki squared his shoulders, hands on his hips. "I am just going to be courting you for the rest of time? With no hope of us becoming married or mates?"

Izuku paused, startled by the bite in Katsuki's tone. "That isn't what I was saying."

"Except it was," the blond ground through his teeth, eyes narrowing. "You know of my intentions. You know I have been trying to do and be better. I have been working on myself to be worthy of a relationship between us while also courting you with the intention of becoming your mate one day. Now here you are, throwing the fact that we are not mates at me as an excuse for me to not move you into my estate. You've been doing it for months. Accepting my courting gifts and me providing food and accompaniment and gifts for our son and helping in your shop, but when I ask for you to allow me to provide you more or ask that you attend something with me, you throw out that we are not mates so it is not 'appropriate'. I have been courting for months, and I have had no reciprocation from you other than your acceptance with my wrist guard." Katsuki swallowed hard, curling his hand around his gift, still latched firmly to his wrist. "I am starting to worry you never truly wanted me to court you. I worry that you do not wish to be my mate and are only leading me on because you pity me. I was pathetic, after all, kneeling before you... Begging..."

Izuku's breath had caught in his throat, tears in his eyes as Katsuki spoke. He shook his head. "N-no," he stuttered, stepping closer. "No, that's not it! I don't pity you!"

"But you no longer love me. You think I haven't noticed that you haven't worn a single of my gifts? Used not even one? Think I haven't noticed how you're hesitant to my touches and scenting? How you eye me like a hawk when I hold Tadaaki? You still don't trust me, clearly-"

"No! I do trust you, I just-"

Katsuki growled, stepping back. "If you don't want me to be your mate, just say it! If you are uncomfortable with my courting, tell me and I will end it! I will no longer court you, no longer visit! I will stay away just like you want-"

"That isn't what I want, Katsuki!"

Both fell quiet, Katsuki stiff and glaring, Izuku unable to meet his eyes as he hugged himself. "That isn't it... I'm scared, Katsuki... It was so hard grieving you the first time..." Katsuki's shoulders fell, glare wiping away faster than it ever has. "I hated the pity... the way people treated me as if I was glass when hearing my mate had died in the war... so soon after my pup was born... It made the grief harder to pull through. It consumed me, Katsuki. I could hardly make it through the days by myself. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat. My garden died, Tadaaki was so, so sick... It was the worst time in my life, and I can't go through that again if I actually lose you..."

Izuku sniffled and rubbed his nose, Katsuki reaching out to grab his shoulders. "You're apart of the King's Navy, now... what if there's another war or a battle? What if someone tries to attack by water and your ship is the first they see? What if in an attempt to weaken the Navy, you are assassinated? There is just as much risk as before, Katsuki... and I'm scared to lose you again..."

Breathing deeply, Katsuki pulled Izuku into his chest, holding him close. He swayed slowly, rubbing the greenette's back. "I'm sorry... I didn't think about that..."

"And now I have Tadaaki to worry about... he wouldn't understand if you never came back..."

Katsuki pursed his lips, nuzzling into Izuku's hair. "I'm sorry, Izuku... I wish I could say or... or do something to reassure you..."

The Omega shook his head, holding onto him. "It's irrational and I'm so sorry to make you think I didn't want you here, I was just so-"

"Stop it." Katsuki pulled back to grab Izuku's face, brushing back his hair. "It's okay. Thinking like that is not irrational. It's reasonable."

Izuku sobbed softly, leaning back into the Alpha. "I don't want to lose you again..."

Nodding, Katsuki coaxed the greenette back into his embrace, kissing his temple. "I know... I don't want to lose you, either..."

~

Izuku giggled as he was guided through town, hands to his chest, blindfold tied around his eyes. He was bundled in a coat and scarf, thicker and softer and warmer than he's ever had thanks to Katsuki and his abundant and extravagant gifts. His boots crunched the snow beneath his feet, Katsuki carefully guiding him, smiling the whole while.

"Almost there, red-nose."

The Omega laughed, reaching back to playfully hit him. "It is cold, Kacchan!"

Katsuki grinned, taking Izuku's hand and squeezing. "Mhmm, I know. I'm here too, and I can actually see the snow."

"I'm blindfolded, you jerk! Come on, please tell me! I wanna see it!"

"Almost, we're almost there. And it's a surprise."

Izuku whined and pouted, but allowed Katsuki to continue to lead him. The early morning proved to be quiet as most townsfolk haven't woken yet or left the comfort of their shelters from the biting cold this winter morning.

The snow lay thick on the ground, so much do that Izuku could hardly tell he was being lead onto the docks if it weren't for the steps up and the soft sounds of the gentle morning waves.

"Kacchan? Are you bringing me to your ship? I don't exactly feel safe trying to climb your old latter to get on with a blindfold."

Snorting, Katsuki nudged Izuku forward. "We are not getting on my ship, Izuku."

"Then something on your ship? Did you bring me something from the West?"

"Sort of. It was a gift to me, but I thought you might like it better." Katsuki halted and pulled Izuku with, turning him. "Okay."

Izuku giggled, nearly slipping. "Is it here?"

"Well, we're facing it."

"Can I take off my blindfold now?" Izuku started to reach for the fabric on his eyes.

Katsuki pulled his hand away. "Ah- no... no, wait just a minute." Izuku hummed, head tilted as he leaned back into Katsuki. The Alpha licked his lips, pulling him closer. "I remember how you longed for travel... how you wanted to sail the seas with me once it is safe, and I swore to make it happen for you. I want nothing more than your happiness, and now Tadaaki's as well."

"Kacchan..?"

Breathing deeply, Katsuki raised Izuku's blindfold, the greenette gasping. "A beautiful luxury ship. A non-threatening ship, just big enough to brave the open seas, the quarters are beautiful with a bed big enough to fit the three of us and even shitty hair comfortably." That got a light giggle from the Omega as he turned to face Katsuki. "Do you like it..?"

Izuku's smile was soft as he placed his hands on Katsuki's cheek, tears in his eyes. "You are spoiling me, Kacchan..."

Katsuki leaned into his hands, placing his own on Izuku's hips. "So you like it?"

"I love it... I can't wait for our first adventure, Kacchan..." Izuku pulled the Pirate down for a sweet kiss, wrapping his arms around Katsuki's neck. "I want to be your mate, Kacchan," he whispered softly against his lips, thumb brushing back and forth across Katsuki's nape.

The blond grinned, squeezing Izuku. "I'll be the best damn mate you've ever fuckin' seen."

Izuku laughed, head tilting back as he's spun around. "Katsuki!"

"I'll rock your whole fucking world!"

Holding Katsuki tightly, nuzzling into his neck as he scents him excitedly, Izuku purred deeply, grinning brightly. "I'll hold you to it..."

-----

15037 words

So, started this a long time ago, stopped for a while, started I up again to help myself feel better after reading chapter 362 and it did jack squat to help.