Bakudeku
FantasyAU! Omegaverse!
Deaf!Nose-Blind!Deku
Been a while since I wrote a oneshot

Katsuki went by many names.

Crimson King. Beast King. Barbarian King. Tyrant. Conqueror. Dragon King.

All these names were known and feared across all the land. He did like, though, that the King theme was fairly consistent.

He is a ruthless man, taking whatever he wants by force. People dread the day he sets his sights on their lands.

His armies are the strongest, Navy the fiercest. His properties are bountiful, people wealthy. His people thrive under his rule and follow his biding without question. His soldiers loyal, and just as ruthless. Just as terrifying.

Katsuki accompanies his soldiers into wars, takes part in pillaging and taking land. He's set fires to villages, left cottages covered in the blood of non-compliant people, overthrown rulers and claimed their lands. He's known for sparing no one, for his cruelty.

He's known for his overwhelming power and his scent.

As an Alpha, especially such a powerful one, of course his scent will be considerably stronger than most. However, his smokey cedar scent becomes ashy and thick, and even a wiff can make his prey fall to their knees. It is said that his scent is so powerful, that you'd be able to smell him before you could even hear his army.

Now, he's not sure about all that, but he is proud of the reputation he has made for himself. Sure, his mother was powerful... But she hadn't conquered nearly half the world.

God, and the concubines he beds. Omegas,Betas and even submissive Alphas have all thrown themselves in his way, begging to be fucked by him. Katsuki could only comply when he himself was in the mood for a good fuck. Oh, and his room when in rut... Omegas and Betas were draped across his bed, on the bench beneath the window, over the floor, in his tub... Wherever he wanted, he had a hole eager to be fucked by him.

He is a King in every sense of the word. Feared, powerful, respected.

Nothing and no one can stand up to his raw strength.

~

Katsuki inhaled deeply through his nose, eyes closed as he reveled in the burning village before him. He grinned, arms folded over his chest. The sickening scent of blood and smoke filled the air, Katsuki's inner Alpha trilling in pride.

Just a few more villages and he'll reach the Jade Palace.

"My King!" One of his Knight's jogged up to him, placing a fist over his heart and bowing once halting before him. Katsuki raised a brow. "There's an Omega refusing to comply! We cannot get him to submit. He is unresponsive to our scents."

He hummed, looking passed his knight.

Three more of his soldiers were struggling with a dirtied Omega, thrashing and screaming unintelligibly. His soldiers looked ready to kill him.

Katsuki was quite amused by the fight the Omega was putting up. "His name?"

"Uhm... Don't know, sire. We found him hidden in a cupboard."

The King hummed and nodded, walking forward. He got closer, studying the small Omega.

He was fiesty, certainly. Fire burned in his veridian eyes, rich green hair unruly. His skin was dirtied, and Katsuki is sure that not all of it is from the soot. His clothes were raggedy and torn. Katsuki frowned deeply once he noticed how terribly thin the poor thing was.

It was odd he'd be so thin. Most of the other villagers were more than well-fed.

When the Omega had wrenched his wrist free from his soldier's grasp, he saw old and fresh scars alike.

This Omega had been a slave for these people.

Anger simmered deep in his gut. "Release the Omega!"

His commanded was immediately respected, the Omega falling with a yelp.

Katsuki approached, waving the soldiers away. The Omega gasped and scrambled back, flinching as his back hit the wheel of a broken cart. He whimpered, drawing his frail legs to himself, but met Katsuki's crimson eyes.

How strange. He truly is unaffected by scents. Katsuki hasn't reigned in his in the slightest, yet the Omega is unresponsive.

He crouched in front of him, the greenette hissing and pressing back more.

"Tell me your name, little one."

The Omega bared his teeth, the King nearly smirking as he spotted his little Omegan fangs.

"Tell me, Omega. Don't worry, you will be spared. I could even bring you back to my palace... Fatten you up, maybe."

No change in the Omega's behavior. Though, he keeps glancing to Katsuki's lips as he speaks.

Katsuki was so intrigued by this slave. He's never met one with such spirit. Never met an Omega that could resist him. He must be nose-blind. That's the only explanation.

"Your majesty. The rest of the village has been cleared out." One of Katsuki's most trusted soldiers, a dragon-shifter named Eijirou Kirishima, approached from the other side of the cart.

The King hummed and stood, veridian eyes following him. "Good. Grab the Omega."

Eijirou nodded and reached for the greenette. Katsuki watched as the Omega startled when grabbed, screaming and thrashing.

His knight jumped back at the abrupt reaction, releasing the Omega.

Katsuki stared at the panicked Omega, brows pinching together. He reacted as if he had no idea Eijirou was behind him. The King stepped forward, easily gaining the Omega's gaze. "Eijirou, snap your fingers."

"What?"

"Just do it."

Eijirou hesitated, confused by the strange request, then snapped his fingers.

No response from the Omega.

"Now talk to him..."

"Uhm... Tell me your name Omega..."

Still no response. He was still just watching Katsuki warily, panting softly.

He didn't understand them.

No, it's not that he doesn't understand.

"The Omega is deaf..."

~

The Omega shouted and struggled in the cart, tears running down his dirtied face as well as the other prisoners around him.

"Shut him up," one prisoner hissed, shoulders trembling. "Shut him up. He's going to get us killed."

Katsuki scowled, hissing and whipping his horse around as he heard the deaf Omega cry out in pain. "What the fuck!?"

The prisoners yelped and cowered down into the cart as the driver halted. The entire caravan went silent.

He slid off his steed, seething in anger.

The Omega sobbed, clutching his side. When Katsuki looked to the prisoner beside him, the man shrunk back and covered his head.

Katsuki snarled and grabbed his hair, ripping him out of the cart. He yelled and thrashed, gasping as he was yanked up and whimpering as Katsuki's scent flooded his senses.

"Who the hell gave you the right to hurt that Omega?"

The Beta sputtered, unable to meet Katsuki's eyes. "H-he wouldn't shut up-"

"Were my soldiers doing anything about it?"

"N-no-"

"Did I command someone to shut him up?"

"No-"

"So what in the hell gave you the right to take that responsibility upon yourself?"

The Beta swallowed hard. "No-no one, your majesty."

Katsuki pulled the man closer, growl rumbling deep in his chest. "Try shit like that again and I won't think twice about snapping your neck." He tossed the man back into the cart. He then looked to the Omega, still whimpering in pain.

He reached in, the other prisoners scrambling away. Katsuki grabbed the Omega and lifted him - like he weighed nothing.

The Omega squealed and squirmed, beating his weak fists on Katsuki's arm. The King chuckled in amusement. He carried the Omega to his horse and lifted him onto the pommel of his saddle. The Omega held tightly to the horse's mane, eyes wide, squeaking as the King mounted behind him, caging him in with his arms.

"Continue on to Monoma's perch!"

~

The Omega was confused, but curious as the King helped him off the horse and was lead carefully inside. The King had a hand on his back, guiding him in rather than the pushing and hitting he was accustomed to.

Katsuki looked down to the little greenette, really taking in his appearance. Frail, pale, covered in a few layers of dirt and bruises. The Omega has suffered unnecessarily. He can only imagine the terror he's lived in for however long.

When the door opened to the great room, allowing him in, he was greated by one of his noble Knights.

"Your majesty! So wonderful to see you again!" Neito stood from his seat and approached, hands on his hips. "Oh, I see you've discovered little Deku."

Katsuki raised a brow, looking back to the Omega. "Deku is his name?"

Neito chuckled, folding his arms. "Well, no. His legal name is Izuku Midoriya, but the thing is useless."

The King hummed, watching the Omega. Izuku, once he recognized the noble they were visiting, ducked his head and hunched in his shoulders, visibly trembling.

"He's really not good for much. The Omega should be grateful he was allowed to live, seeing as his Alpha father was a proud, loyal Knight."

Katsuki turned back to Neito. "You believe he should be happy when he's been starved and beaten?"

Neito paused, confidence faltering slightly. "Well, your majesty," he stepped closer. "I don't see why you'd care so much about the welfare of a pathetic slave... You just slaughtered half the village."

"Slave?"

"Yes..?" Neito swallowed and licked his lips. "He's a slave... Your majesty, is something wrong? You have a plethora of your own slaves-"

Katsuki snapped his jaws and stepped forward, startling the other Alpha. "I do not have slaves! I have servants! There is a vast difference between the two. My servants are well payed and respected. They are rewarded for their job. They get time to spend with family and friends and time to do their favored hobbies or activities. Is this Omega given any of that?"

Neito blinked a few times. "Uhm... No... Your majesty."

A growl rumbled deep in Katsuki's chest. "Slaves are illegal, Neito. Where is his family so I may return him?"

"Sire..." One of the servants in the back corner stepped up and bowed. Katsuki looked to them. "Izuku has no family... His father died when he was just a pup and his mother passed two years ago to disease. He has no one else, which is why the village decided to make him a slave. He cleans and harvests, plants the fields and tends to them. Izuku has nothing to his name and no family to turn to."

His scowl deepened as he turned back to the Noble. "How old is he?"

"Seventeen, sire," she responded, Neito staying silent.

Katsuki scoffed and turned back to his Knights. "Gather the soldiers. We camp for the night, then make our return to the crimson palace at dawn. Denki, find Kiyoka and tell her to help clothe and bathe the Omega."

Denki and Eijirou saluted and exited the great room.

Neito swallowed hard. "Your majesty-"

"We'll be camping on your grounds, Neito. I also expect the greatest room prepared for myself for the night. The Omega as well."

"You want a room with the Omega-?"

"Do you not listen!?" Katsuki turned on his heal and snarled. "The Omega gets his own room! Prep it now, and send out for clothing!"

Neito stiffened, taking a shaky step back as Katsuki's scent became overpowering. "I just... Am trying to understand why you've taken an interest in a defective Omega, your majesty-"

"Excuse me," his voice lowered dangerously as he stalked closer to Neito. "Defective? Care to elaborate..?"

The smaller Alpha shook as he tried to stay standing, tried to maintain eye contact. "He is... Defective, your majesty... He cannot hear an Alpha's command nor can our scents make him submit-"

Katsuki chuckled darkly, eyes narrowing. "So because you cannot force him to submit, nor command him with your voice, he is defective? Tell me, Neito... Do you enjoy being forced to submit?"

He stuttered, blinking rapidly. "I-I don't understand-"

"Answer me," Katsuki snarled, grabbing the collar of Neito's cloak.

The smaller Alpha shouted and flinched back as he was yanked closer. "No!"

Katsuki leered over him, scent thick and heavy in the room, burning Neito's nose. "Kneel before your King..."

Neito trembled, eyes pinched shut as he slowly sunk to the floor. He slumped as he was released and Katsuki's scent lessened.

"Two rooms, Neito. One for me, one for the Omega. Question me again and I'll have your fucking head." Katsuki turned on his heal, spotting the Omega.

Izuku looked terribly frightened, hands to his chest, tears in his eyes. He looked to the King, whimpering. His sour distress barely made it through the thick fog of Katsuki's scent.

Kiyoka finally came in to the great room and approached the Omega.

Neito sent out his severants to prepare the rooms.

~

The next day, when Katsuki saw Izuku again, he could actually catch of wiff of the Omega's true scent. Sweet apples and syrup. His hair had more shine and fluff to it, skin tanned and freckled.

Izuku startled slightly, whimpering when Katsuki had reached forward and touched his cheek, thumb brushing over his freckles.

"Is his horse ready?"

"Here, your majesty." Kiyoka approached on her own mount, leading a smaller chestnut colored horse beside her.

Katsuki nodded and ushered the Omega towards it.

Izuku squeaked and stumbled, wideeyed as he was lifted up onto the steed. He grasped the pommel tightly, legs tensed.

The King sighed. "He must not know how to ride. Kiyoka, keep hold of the horse." He grabbed Izuku's foot and placed it in the stirrup. The Omega watched, then looked over to his other foot and put it in the other stirrup himself.

Katsuki patted the steed and approached his own. "Eijirou, to the skies. We leave now."

The Dragon-shifter nodded and complied, already in his reptilian form.

~

Izuku was ever-so-curious as they approached the crimson palace. He slid off his horse once it was pulled to a halt, dashing forward with big eyes. He squeaked as his spun on his toes, looking around the courtyard.

Katsuki watched him as he dismounted as well. Izuku chirped happily as he took in everything around him. The King hummed and gestured to Kiyoka. "Stay with him. He doesn't leave the palace grounds. Tell Round-Face she's being temporarily promoted to his personal handmaiden. He needs someone gentle to dress and bathe him. Also, make sure he eats something. He's a bag of bones."

The purple haired soldier bowed. "Of course, your majesty. I'll get right on it. Just... If I may, how long do you plan on having the boy around for?"

"Until he's fattened and has learned a skill to earn his place." He stuffed his hands in the pockets of his trousers, trudging up the stairs.

He heard the Omega's curious, gleeful sounds as he explored.

This next while with the Omega will certainly be interesting.

~

"Sire, there is a problem."

Katsuki sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Trespassers? Thieves?"

"Uhm... No... The Omega."

The King paused, almost having forgotten about the boy he'd brought home. He inhaled deeply and stood. "What seems to be the issue, Hanta?"

The ravenette walked with Katsuki, leading him to the Omega. "He's refusing to be dressed, sire. He's not letting Ochako near him."

"Wasn't Round-Face introduced to him upon our return yesterday?"

"No, she had been away for family."

Katsuki groaned, jaw clenching as the Omega's bedroom door was pushed open. He stepped inside, hairs raising on the back of his neck at Izuku's uncontrollable scent of distress.

He cried and thrashed when Ochako got too close, crumpled up in the far corner of the room.

The King was beginning to regret his decision to bring the greenette to his home.

He sighed and approached, Ochako bowing and moving aside.

Izuku spotted him and perked up visibly. He chirped and unfurled himself, scent sweetening. As Katsuki crouched in front of him, Izuku crawled closer.

"How can I make you understand..?"

The Omega tilted his head, kneeling just in front of Katsuki.

Katsuki looked back to Hanta. "Paper and pen, now."

The Knight bowed and hurried from the room. He was only gone a few short minutes, long enough for Katsuki to coax Izuku onto the bed.

He took the pen and paper, Izuku watching. As Katsuki wrote, he followed along and brightened excitedly. His scent heightened as well.

'Can you read?'

Izuku nodded vigorously, grabbing Katsuki's arm. His veridian eyes glimmered, not an ounce of fear in him.

Katsuki chuckled and continued to write. 'Ochako is your handmaiden. She'll get you anything you need and will help you with most tasks, including dressing and bathing.'

The Omega read slowly, sucking on his lower lip slightly as he concentrated. He seemed a little unsure as he looked from Katsuki to the brunette standing at the end of the bed. She smiled and waved to him, still holding the clothes over her arm.

Izuku looked back to Katsuki, then nodded again.

"Good." Katsuki stood, setting the paper and pen down on the nearby dresser. "He'll need a diary of sorts and a pen for communication. Hanta."

"Yes, sire!" He bowed, following him out.

Izuku whimpered from the room, so Katsuki looked back to him. The poor Omega trembled, eyes on the King. Why he had so much trust in him, Katsuki doesn't understand. He waved to the Omega, then walked away.

~

The Omega had taken to following Katsuki around the palace. At first, the King had been put off and rather annoyed by the Omega's presence. He'd chirp and bounce, curious of his surroundings while sticking as close to Katsuki as he can.

However, as the days went on, Katsuki became accustomed to having Izuku beside him at most times. Izuku joined him for meals, eating each as if it was his last. He followed him to the Dragon yard, the stable, and even tried following into the training field. He learned pretty quick to stay on just the outskirts for that one, though.

Katsuki soon found out that Izuku liked the garden. Katsuki met one of his returning Knights in the garden to go over what had been accomplished. Izuku explored the area around them, completely stricken by the flowers.

"What's with the Omega, your majesty," Tenya Iida asked, rather put off by the Omega.

"He's deaf. And nose-blind. We found him locked in a cupboard near the jade palace. He was a slave and they hadn't fed him."

Tenya nodded. "Can he be useful?"

Katsuki tilted his head to watch the greenette. Izuku gently cupped a fully bloomed rose in his hands and touched his nose to the petals. The King sighed. "Trying to find that out. Right now though, we're more focused on getting him to gain weight. Trying to get him healthy."

"Of course... Does he always follow you?"

"Yeah..." Katsuki rolled his shoulders, watching Izuku inspect one flower after another. "Not like it matters much unless I have so many alphas around me. Since he can't smell his own scent, he doesn't realize when it becomes too strong. He doesn't know how to control it. Thankfully, my own scent is pretty strong and covers his fairly well."

Tenya hummed, also watching the Omega. "Very curious, isn't he..?"

Katsuki snorted. "Yeah. Basically a pup."

"He seems very young, your majesty."

"I was told he's seventeen."

"Only eight years younger than you and I," Tenya mused. "Do you think an Alpha would take him as their mate..?"

Katsuki sighed. "Unlikely. Many believe he's... Defective."

Tenya frowned, looking back to his King. "That must have struck quite the cord with you, your majesty..."

The King just shrugged him off and approached Izuku. "Thank you for updating me on the mountains. You may return home..."

~

Katsuki sighed as a knock sounded on his office door. "Come in."

The door creaked open and Izuku's sweet scent filled his lungs. He licked his lips and looked up, Izuku looking around with Ochako holding the door. She bowed, which Izuku had seen, then mimicked.

"Your majesty. I apologize for the interupption, but he wished to see you."

The King leaned back, setting his quill down. "That is fine. Leave us be. I'll return him to his quarters before dark."

She bowed once again and closed the door behind her.

Izuku stood by the bookshelves, eyes big and hands hesitating as he reached for them. Katsuki watched, brow raised. Izuku shuffled to the side, inspecting more of the books before squeaking and snatching one. He turned to Katsuki, holding it up and eyes pleading.

Katsuki tilted his head, wondering what the Omega wanted.

He sat up and looked over his desk for a moment, finally finding a blank sheet. He wrote, then turned the paper for Izuku to see.

'You may read it.'

The Omega grinned and bounced, giggling as he dropped onto the chaise lounge. He opened the book and started to read, scent soft and content.

Katsuki turned back to his work.

A good while later, Katsuki struggled to keep his eyes open, head jerking several times he got too close to sleep. He realized why when he finally looked over to Izuku.

The greenette lay on the chaise book on his abdomen, breathing even as he slept peacefully. His drowsy scent was beginning to make Katsuki tired as well, a natural response.

He sighed and rubbed his face, standing up. He walked over to Izuku and carefully lifted him. Izuku whimpered softly as he was moved, but settled, resting against Katsuki's chest.

Katsuki carried Izuku back to the Omega's bedroom, holding the book as well. He was careful as he opened the door, irritated no one was nearby to open it for him. He lay Izuku down ever-so gently, setting the book aside on the nightstand. He removed Izuku's shoes and unbuttoned his vest. Izuku shifted and rolled onto his back, so Katsuki decided it wouldn't be worth the hassle to take off anything else. He stretched and walked out, glancing over his shoulder to the slumbering Omega before shutting the door.

~

Katsuki spotted Izuku in the Gardens nearly every day. The Omega checked each and every blossom, tending to the soil and tediously watering each plant. He took his time in the gardens, calm and quiet, focused on the task at hand.

He knew what he was doing when it came to gardening. So, Katsuki let him be and had the official gardeners leave him be. Izuku was doing a better job than them, anyway.

Izuku joined him for meals, which was kind of nice(not that he'd ever admit it). Izuku liked to visit him in his office and lay in the chaise, reading which ever book he plucked off the shelf. Each time he chose a new book, he'd ask the King with big eyes and after the fourth book, added a pouty lip.

He truly is such a pup. Yet, Katsuki can't find it in himself to send the Omega away. He's healthy now, having been in the Crimson Palace for more than three months. He's got plumpness in his cheeks, rounded hips and full chest. His hair curled and bounced a top his head, grin and eyes sparkling with a youthfulness they hadn't had when Katsuki first saw him.

The Omega was certainly strange, but... Katsuki grew to enjoy his presence.

~

Katsuki stupidly thought Izuku wouldn't be afraid of him. He was beginning to think Izuku realized who and what he was and just accepted it because he wasn't on the receiving end of Katsuki's typical behavior.

However, returning to the palace, clothes smattered with blood, deeply disturbed and distressed the Omega.

At first, he was thrilled to see Katsuki returning after days apart. He bolted into the courtyard, ahead of Ochako, giggling excitedly. However, when the King turned to him, blade blooded, trousers stained and cape more torn and burnt with dried blood he hadn't gotten while haphazardly wiping off his face or torso, Izuku skidded to a halt, veridian eyes widening in horror.

He whimpered and took a shaky step back, Katsuki confused for a moment about the strange reaction.

Izuku looked... Scared.

Katsuki reached out and Izuku yelped, stumbling several more steps back. Tears welled up in his eyes, distress coming off of him in waves.

"Izuku-"

The Omega cried and ran off, back into the palace.

Katsuki cleaned himself up once in his room and helped his staff search for the Omega.

"Sire!" Mina jogged up to the King. "I've found him!"

They ran as Mina followed the King to his office. He slammed the door open, panting. The hairs on the back of his neck rose, body stiffening at the thick, sour scent of distress. This was worse than when he'd found Izuku in the village.

Katsuki entered the office and looked around, not immediately spotting the Omega.

He walked passed his desk, halting as he heard a whimper. Katsuki looked over to see Izuku curling up tighter underneath the desk.

The King sighed, grabbing his quill and a paper, moving his chair to crouch beside the Omega.

Izuku hugged his knees tighter, tears streaking his cheeks.

Katsuki grabbed a book and placed the paper on top to write on it.

'Did you not realize who I am?'

The Omega sniffed, shakily reaching for the paper and quill. Katsuki handed them over with the book. This is the first time Izuku has actually responded to him.

'I just hoped it wasn't true...'

Katsuki frowned as he read the words. First, he's not entirely sure what that means. Second... Izuku has the most beautiful handwriting he has ever seen.

He breathed deeply and wrote his response.

'Why wouldn't it be true?'

'Because you are nothing like I was taught you were. At least in my experience.'

Katsuki pursed his lips. How does he take that? He has to admit, he was giving Izuku fairly special treatment. Maybe he shouldn't have spoiled the Omega so much. Maybe he should have just put him to work the first day or put an end to the toting along.

However, Katsuki didn't like that thought at all.

'What were you taught?'

'You are ruthless and merciless. You slaughter people for the fun of it. You believe you are some kind of God and everyone else is beneath you. You believe you should rule over all the land.'

Katsuki hummed as he read, needing to flip the paper over to continue the conversation.

'I am all those things, Izuku. Except, I do not believe I am a God, nor do I think everyone else is beneath me. I also don't kill for the fun of it. Yes, I enjoy violence, but I only kill those who do not provide any use for me or my people. Killing isn't fun to me, it's more a necessity.'

Izuku gripped the book tight as he read, sniffling and rubbing his nose on his sleeve. He raised the quill.

'What use to I provide for you?'

Katsuki sighed, having to grab another paper. He shifted to sit, legs tired of his crouched position. He thought for a few moments, trying to find the answer to that question himself. After a few moments, he answered truthfully.

'I don't know.'

'So why am I here?'

'To get you healthy.'

'Why?'

The King growled deeply. He inhaled to calm himself, then leaned against his desk. He looked up to Izuku, meeting his gaze. He had on a brave face, but tears still made his eyes glossy.

Katsuki watched him, shoulders steadily drooping. He looked back down to the paper and wrote again.

'I didn't realize at first why I took you in, or why I cared. I didn't think about it until Tenya mentioned it. My father is blind. I suppose in a way, you reminded me of him.'

Izuku's expression fell into concern and he looked back up to Katsuki after reading his response.

'I am so sorry... Was he always blind?'

'Yes. He was born without his sight. He was shunned by many people as well. Many people thought he was-'

Katsuki hesitated, glancing up to Izuku before continuing.

'- defective.'

Izuku whimpered, scooting closer slightly. He then waved the paper and pointed to the bottom. Katsuki reached onto his desk to grab a fresh one. Izuku leaned closer as he wrote.

'I was born with my hearing and my sense of smell. I still remember the sound of my mother's voice, and remember that she smelled like peaches. I lost both senses in an attack when I was eight years old. I can't hear at all, and my smelling is impaired, but I can still catch some scents if they are strong enough.'

Katsuki swallowed hard as he read.

'I am sorry to hear about the attack. If I may, can you smell me? I am told I have a very strong scent.'

This made Izuku smile. He looked up to Katsuki and nodded before returning to the paper.

'I can smell smoke when I'm near you. But not like the smoke I remember from the attack or like the smoke when you burned the village you found me in. Smoke like campfires or mid-winter fires, meant to keep you warm and safe.'

Katsuki reread Izuku's response a few times, glancing between the paper and the Omega a few times. He shifted and wrote;

'I smell safe to you?'

'Yes. That's why I try to be around you as much as I can.'

That made Katsuki's inner-Alpha inexplicably happy. He fought back a smile, slouching into his desk. He didn't know how to respond to that.

'I know I have upset you today, but if you would, I'd like if you stayed.'

Izuku's eyes widened as he read this, looking back up to Katsuki for confirmation. Katsuki just looked him in the eye, resting his head against the corner. The Omega smiled and gave a short nod, hugging the book and paper to his chest.

The King hummed, offering his hand up for the Omega. Without a second thought, Izuku took his hand.

~

Apparently, due to Izuku's previous malnutrition, Izuku hadn't had regular or proper heats in a long time, especially since he lacked a nest as well as a safe space. Well, now he's healthy, he has several safe spaces and a rather large nest in his bedroom.

So naturally, during a council meeting with Izuku curled up in a chair beside Katsuki's, sewing his cloak, he shuddered and whimpered, dropping his task.

Everyone in the room froze, the overpowering scent of heat abruptly bursting from the Omega. It hit so hard, so fast, so unexpectedly, all Alphas in the room tried to pounce on Izuku.

Katsuki snarled, ripping one of his Generals off the Omega.

Izuku cried, grabbing onto Katsuki as he's lifted.

"Stay back!" Katsuki's lip curled, eyes narrowed as his growl rumbled like thunder, holding the little greenette tightly. Once he was sure none of them would follow, Katsuki ran from his conference room. "Get Ochako, now!" He snapped to the guards standing outside the doors, unclipping his cloak and covering Izuku with it.

The Omega panted and whimpered, his heat-scent clogging Katsuki's lungs. His mouth watered and he fought the urge to just pin the Omega down and fuck him right then and there. He almost gave in when Izuku pleadingly tugged on his shirt.

He kicked Izuku's door open and hurried the Omega to his nest in the corner of the room.

Izuku sobbed, trying to keep hold of the King as he's set down oh-so carefully.

Katsuki quickly covered his nose, about to take his cloak back when he saw how tightly Izuku had his fist curled into it. God, how he wanted to stay and spend heat with the Omega. His inner- Alpha is screaming at him to ravage the little thing. Pleading eyes looked up at him, one hand reaching out with little whimpers escaping his trembling lips. His cheeks flushed red, clothes disheveled from being carried.

It took everything Katsuki had to back up, his state helped by Ochako running into the room and to Izuku.

While Izuku was distracted, Katsuki rushed out, slamming the door behind himself.

~

Katsuki's mouth watered any time he thought of the Omega for the following week. He could have sworn male Omegan heats were only a few days, but he was informed that since Izuku hadn't had a proper heat in probably a long time, it was over-compensating. Eventually, his heats will be normal.

Izuku's sweet scent lingered in the back of his mind, tempting him to return to Izuku's room.

He wanted to see the Omega so terribly and once his heat was over, Katsuki realized why. As the Omega greeted him as cheerily as ever, embracing him tightly and giggling, he realized he wanted to always be with Izuku.

Katsuki isn't sure that is entirely a good thing...

~

He started refusing to allow Izuku into the conference room when there were other Alphas. He also wouldn't let him tag along when he greeted incoming guests or more of his own military. He was tired of other Alphas ogling the Omega and it grated his nerves when they then reacted negitavly to Izuku's condition.

Yes, other Alphas are now staring at the Omega. He can smell the stench of their lust from a mile away.

So, it's a good thing Izuku is easily distracted. Hand him a book and he'll stay in Katsuki's office. Take him to thr garden and he'll fuss over the blossoms and the soil. Hand him to Eijirou, the knight will take him to the stables.

Supposed to take him to the stables. At first, Eijirou did take him to the stables. First three visits with the horses went fine. The fourth visit, while Eijirou had his back turned, Izuku had wandered out.

Eijirou ran to the King in a panic, blubbering about how Izuku was missing. They found him an hour later, squealing and laughing in delight as the dragons in the Dragon Yard nuzzled him and played.

Katsuki sighed, arms folded as he watched Izuku, the Omega beaming as he held the noses surrounding him.

Eijirou smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck as they all watched.

"They seem to like him..."

"You're lucky they do, shitty hair."

~

The Dragon yard was where Izuku was when Katsuki greeted Prince Shouto Todoroki in the courtyard. Shouto is a calm Alpha and certainly not a threat, but he is as dominant as Katsuki if he so chose to be.

Although, Shouto seemed strange from the moment they greeted each other. He'd glance around, seemed fairly distracted.

Katsuki finally got fed up as set his parchment down, leaning back in his chair. "What's got you on edge?"

Shouto seemed to startle at the question, looking up to the King. "Oh... My apologies, I just- there's like a familiar... Scent, I think."

The blond raised a brow amd Shouto waved. "Continue, your majesty. You have my full attention."

"Good..."

Shouto paid more attention as they spoke and engaged in their conversation. They stood to retreat to their rooms as the sun began to set.

The doors opened and both men looked up at a thrilled squeak.

Izuku rushed to them, dirt smudged on his cheek and the hem of his dirtied shirt singed slightly. He beamed to Katsuki, holding up a fully ripened peach. He chirped, bouncing on his toes.

"I see." Katsuki stepped to the side, between Shouto and Izuku instinctively. He feigned interest in the peach, Izuku gushing over it. This was the first ripe peach from the trees he had been tending to, after all.

Shouto moved closer, into Izuku's line of sight, and the Omega paused.

Katsuki glanced between them, brows pinching together as Izuku gasped and pounced onto the Prince.

"Izuku!" Shouto pulled the Omega close, burying his nose in his hair. Both gripped the other tightly, peach long forgotten on the floor by Katsuki's feet.

~

The King stifled his growls and kept his scent calm as he followed the two in the gardens, Izuku showing Shouto around as if the Prince had never been there before. Which he had. Several times. Too bad neither of them can properly express that to Izuku without paper or pen.

"How do you know him?"

Shouto turned to look back to Katsuki, halting. Izuku stopped with him, head tilted as he looked between them. "I've known Izuku a long time..."

"How?"

The Prince sighed. "We met about a year before the attack that damaged his senses. Our mothers were great friends. His mother was an herbalist that visited us frequently due to my mother's illness. We practically grew up together. When his mother died, I... I had worried that they had done something to him... I never saw him again. Where was he..?"

Katsuki glanced to Izuku. "A village two days east of the Jade Palace. They kept him there as a slave."

Shouto's jaw tensed and he took Izuku's hand. The greenette looked up to him. "I should have searched for him..."

"Why didn't you?"

"You know my father."

The blond pursed his lips.

"Did they... Rape him..?"

Katsuki sighed, approaching. "No. Too worried he'd make a defective pup. He was at least spared that."

Shouto hummed, shoulders relaxing in relief as he offered a small smile to the Omega.

Izuku grinned up at him, bouncing on his toes.

The King felt a twinge in his chest. He didn't like Izuku's attention being solely on the other Alpha.

~

Shouto stayed in the Crimson Palace for four days. The entirety of that time, Izuku was by his side, wanted his attention.

Katsuki was getting sick of it, but he also didn't want to take away the Omega's happiness. Shouto is clearly very dear to him. Katsuki worked too damn hard to make Izuku happy to take away something that makes him shine like the sun.

Doesn't make it suck any less, though.

And God, did it hurt when he found the conversation they had.

'I have to return home.'

'So soon? But you just got here.'

'I know, but I've already stayed longer than I was supposed to. You remember how my father is.'

There was a space where Izuku hadn't responded, so Shouto continued with a new line.

'I missed you so much. I had worried about you day and night, and I know you like it here, but what if you returned to my palace with me? You are as good as an herbalist as your mother was, my father will let you stay. We can be together again, Izuku. We can be together, just like we used to talk about when we were pups.'

Another space.

'Think about it, Daffodil.'

Katsuki clenched his jaw, slamming the parchment on the nearby table. His chest rumbled with a deep growl, the servant in the back of the library cowering back amd covering his nose.

~

"'Daffodil?'"

Shouto looked up to the King, then to the paper he held up. "That was a private conversation, your majesty."

"Private my ass. It was left where any moron could've walked by to read it."

The Prince sighed, looking back to his horse as he fastened the straps of his luggage to his saddle. "His mother and I used to call him Daffodil. It's his favorite flower." He stopped, looking down. "Not like that parchment matters. He doesn't want to leave."

Katsuki watched him closely. "He doesn't?"

Shouto just shook his head.

~

'Why did you not want to leave with the Prince?'

Izuku blinked in surprised as the paper was shoved between him and his book. He read the question, then looked back up to Katsuki. The King just handed him the quill. Izuku sighed and wrote his response.

'Did you want me to?'

'You were so happy to see him and spend time with him. You knew him most your life. Why not go with him?'

The Omega frowned, gripping the book. He inhaled deeply through his nose, then set the book aside. He stood before the King, determination bright in his eyes.

He grabbed Katsuki's face and stood on his toes, pulling the King down suddenly. Katsuki wasn't given enough time to process being yanked around before Izuku's lips crashed roughly into his own.

His eyes blew wide, entire body going rigid. As fast as it had happened, Izuku pulled away. His cheeks now red, lips in a pout and uncertainty flickering over his previous determination.

Katsuki opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. His mind went completely blank, heart suddenly racing in his chest.

Izuku swallowed, hands falling away from Katsuki as distress seeped through his scent.

"No, wait-" Katsuki gasped, grabbing Izuku just as he was beginning to step backwards.

Their lips met again in a messy, desperate mesh.

Izuku squeaked, eyes big as Katsuki pulled back.

Katsuki swallowed hard, staring into Izuku's eyes, waiting for a reaction. It was a long several moments before Izuku relaxed, reaching up to curl his fingers into Katsuki's hair.

The King sighed, returning his kiss this time. Now that he's a little more prepared.

~

Izuku squealed and giggled, squirming underneath Katsuki. Katsuki grinned, holding him close and heavily scenting him. The Omega laughed, gripping him tight as the scenting tickled him.

Katsuki purred deeply, propping himself up to look at the greenette beneath him.

The Omega chirped, cheeks pink, hair and clothes disheveled.

"You're beautiful," Katsuki sighed, trailing his knuckles gently down the side of Izuku's face.

Izuku took his hand, nuzzling into his palm. Katsuki smiled fondly.

There was a knock on the door and he huffed. Izuku tilted his head, sitting up as Katsuki pushed off the bed.

"What!?"

The door cracked open. "I'm sorry to interrupt, your majesty," Eijirou bowed, "but Shigaraki's forces are back. They attacked the mines."

Katsuki scowled, looking down as Izuku took his arm. He took one of Izuku's hands. The Omega hummed, leaning on him. "Kyoka stays here to watch Izuku. Gather the soldiers. We leave before nightfall."

Eijirou nodded, bowing again before leaving.

Izuku looked up as his cheek was cupped.

"I'm sorry," Katsuki murmured, touching his nose to Izuku's forehead.

The Omega closed his eyes, understanding Katsuki had to leave. This had been happening a lot these last few months. Katsuki wasn't out spreading his Kingdom much anymore, so others decided to bring the fight to him, assuming he must be weakening.

Izuku tilted his head to peck Katsuki's lips.

He smiled, brushing his thumb over Izuku's cheek. "I'll be back before you know it."

~

Katsuki spent all the time he could with Izuku. Izuku would lay on the chaise in his office as he'd work, would eat beside him at the table, Katsuki would visit him as he tended to the gardens and accompanied him to the Dragon yard.

He hated the days spent away from the Omega, having to go out and fight off trespassers.

After a week-long period away from the palace, away from Izuku, all he wanted was to bathe with him and scent him in his nest, then sleep for the next several days.

Those plans went out the window the moment he cracked open Izuku's door.

Since it was late at night, no one had been up to inform him of Izuku's heat having started.

Izuku whimpered and squirmed in his nest, the sweet scent of his heat invading all of Katsuki's senses. A growl rumbled in his chest, slamming the door shut. He stalked over to the nest, heart hammering almost painfully.

The Omega looked up to him, whining as he reached one shaky hand out.

How could he refuse the Omega?

~

Izuku's heat was over by morning, unfortunately. Katsuki hated himself for making his Omega suffer for most of his heat. He knew he should have tried to return sooner. He watched as Izuku slept, carding his fingers through Izuku's curls.

Katsuki trailed his hand down, thumb brushing gently over the mark he made on Izuku's scent gland. His claim bite. He's marked Izuku as his mate, forever. He reached to touch his own mark, smiling fondly. Izuku had been exhuasted and weak when returning the claim, only one of his fangs had punctured Katsuki's gland. Despite such a small mark, Katsuki wore it with pride.

The Omega yawned and stretched as he woke, purring immediately. Katsuki chuckled, smiling wider as Izuku looked up to him.

Izuku mewled and took Katsuki's hand as it came up to touch his cheek. He smiled, nosing his palm.

"So fucking cute..." Katsuki sighed happily, Izuku smiling up at him.

The King hummed and rolled onto his back, reaching over to the nightstand.

Izuku tilted his head as he was handed a piece of paper.

'Will you do me the honor of becoming my Queen?'

~

Izuku's coronation was the grandest party Katsuki had ever participated in. Only the best for his mate. Izuku had a wonderful time, greeting his guests and eating the various foods. Izuku was ecstatic and absolutely glowing.

He was also very careful with his crown. Despite his energy, he made sure it stayed put atop his unmanageable curls.

Katsuki contentedly sat back during the celebration, letting his Omega bask in a day just for him. Katsuki enjoyed showing off his mate, anyway. He's just so perfect.

~

Izuku insisted he help Katsuki with his office duties, now that he is a royal. Katsuki preferred he didn't, just because he wanted his mate not to have to worry about anything. However, Izuku was very persuasive.

Most days spent in the office, Izuku would be on Katsuki's lap, stuffed with his mate's knot as he happily assisted with the paperwork. He was very smart and caught on quick and they had their own journal set to the side for when they needed more in depth communication. Katsuki found he was pretty happy with this set up, enjoying the time spent with his mate.

The paperwork was done more efficiently, but definitely not any faster.

~

At first, when Izuku got sick, Katsuki wasn't too worried. The winter months were setting in and Izuku had spent a lot of time outside, so it made sense he was a little sick.

However, after several days, Katsuki began to fret. Almost every morning, Izuku would wake with a terrible headache and vomited. He couldn't keep down most foods and half the time he wasn't even hungry. His belly was slightly bloated, cheeks a little paler and dark bags beneath his eyes from restless sleep. His fingers and his feet were also beginning to swell.

None of these symptoms made any sense to the King.

After a month of this continual sickness, it finally began to settle a bit. Izuku slept a little easier and vomited less. He still has persistent headaches and the odd swelling, though.

Then one morning, after finally waking first, Katsuki discovered why.

With Izuku asleep his scent was softer, not yet muddled by distress and pain and his sickness. He smelled content and sleepy and as Katsuki pulled him closer and nosed his scent gland, inhaling just his mate's scent, he caught it.

The faintest wiff of sweet milk.

Katsuki paused, pulling back. He stared at Izuku briefly, thinking it couldn't be possible. Yet, as he nuzzled back into the Omega and breathed in yet again, it was still there.

He couldn't help the big grin that split across his face and he immediately shuffled down the bed, hugging Izuku's waist and burying his face into Izuku's abdomen. His purr vibrated loudly in his chest, the feeling waking Izuku.

Izuku yawned and made a confused chirp as he lifted the blanket to look down to his mate. Katsuki refused to look up, happy to be nearly-suffocated in his mate's tummy.

Albeit puzzled, Izuku carded his fingers gently through Katsuki's hair, his own purr soft and sleepy.

~

Telling Izuku he's pregnant was nerve wracking. Katsuki didn't know if his mate wanted a pup in the first place. They never talked about having one of their own.

However, after bringing him to the infirmary to be sure and holding up a paper that said 'you are carrying our pup', Izuku squealed in delight and threw his arms around Katsuki. He giggled and messily scented him, Katsuki returning the favor.

Katsuki didn't think he could be so happy.

~

Izuku took charge of the nursery, the room right across the hall from their own for quick and easy access. They both wanted to best of the best for their pup.

Katsuki had to continue his ventures from the palace to keep their Kingdom safe, no matter how much he hated spending time away from his pregnant mate. However, returning home to Izuku waiting from him in the courtyard, absolutely glowing made everything worth it.

The Omega was about two months along when they discovered his pregnancy and at about three months he was beginning to really show. Their pup was strong and healthy and Katsuki made sure both his mate and pup had the best care.

Izuku was not to work during the pregnancy, Katsuki not wanting him to take on anymore stress than necessary.

Katsuki isn't sure what he did to deserve Izuku or this pup, but he'll do his best to continue deserving them.

~

Katsuki knew something was wrong the moment the gates to the courtyard were open. His eyes narrowed as he walked in, taking in their surroundings. No one was there. On a beautiful, sunny day, no one was in the typically-busy courtyard. No even his mate who made sure to greet him upon every single return. Not even the workers the should be running errands or tending to the horses tied to the posts.

It was too empty. Too quiet.

He raised his hand and signaled to the soldiers behind him.

Hanta and Denki jogged up behind him, Eijirou leading half the rest of the soldiers one way and Tenya leading the others the opposite direction.

Katsuki drew his blade and cautiously made his way up the stone staircase into his palace.

Everything was just as quiet and still as outside.

They checked his room, the nursery, then his office, searching for any sign of his four-month pregnant Queen. He caught the staling scent of distress from his office, making every hair on his body rise on edge. His grit his teeth and followed the scent trail.

His mate's distress was accompanied by decay. He knew that scent anywhere.

"Sire... Is Shigaraki really stupid enough-" Denki started, only to be cut off by Hanta's elbow to his side.

Katsuki just growled, grip tightening on his blade.

Finally, he tracked the scent to the throne room, tensing more as he head Izuku whimpering and crying inside.

He shoved the doors open with a snarl and stormed inside.

There sat Tomura Shigaraki and two of his lackys, Dabi and Himiko Toga, on either side of him. Izuku was in Tomura's lap, hands bound behind his back, cloth in his mouth tied behind his head so he can't spit it out and tears streaking his cheeks with a hand wrapped firmly around his throat.

"Tomura," Katsuki spat as he stalked closer.

Izuku tensed and whimpered, eyes squeezed shut as the hand on his neck tightened.

"Ah-ah, your majesty. I could snap his neck before you take a single step closer." A sick grin curled Tomura's chapped lips.

Katsuki halted as well as the two men behind him. He sneered as Tomura's grin widened.

"You truly have gained a soft spot for this sweet little thing, haven't you?" The blue-haired man leaned forward, resting his head on Izuku's shoulder. The Omega trembled and sobbed. "Marked and pregnant? And your Queen? I have to say, I'm quite disappointed. I had been hoping for a fight once I got hold of your mate. Instead, he was terribly easy to sneak up behind and imagine my shock when I realized he knew very little about fighting. Oh boy, and when I discovered his lack of hearing? Amusing. And, can he not smell, either? Goodness, you really can choose a mate, your majesty. You really want this to carry and bare your pups? Your heirs?"

Katsuki snapped his jaws. "Shut up!"

"When I heard, I had laughed. The great Crimson King, the Barbarian himself had gotten a weak little mate just didn't sound real. I had to come see for myself." Tomura turned his gaze to Izuku, eyeing him up and down. "He is sort of cute, I can admit. Was he just that good of a shag, your majesty?"

The King growled deeper, fists clenching tight. "You have no right to talk about him like that."

Tomura sighed, unamused. "Maybe I'll fuck him. See if he was really worth the hassle of breaking into the palace, slaughtering anyone we came across."

Izuku yelped and squirmed as a hand trailed up his shirt.

"Don't touch him!" Katsuki stepped forward and the two on either side of Tomura shielded them. "I'll fucking kill you!"

Tomura smiled, standing with the greenette. "Dabi, Himiko... Kill them."

"With pleasure."

"Gladly, Shiggy!"

Katsuki roared and charged, Dabi's blade meeting his own. They clashed harshly, Himiko taking both his knights.

Izuku shrieked and thrashed as he was dragged away, Katsuki's heart racing painfully hard in panic. Panic he's not sure he's ever felt before.

Tomura sneered. "Stop struggling, bitch!"

Each time Katsuki tried to escape Dabi's barrage of attacks, he was blocked off. He couldn't get away. He couldn't save his mate. Calling out to him would do nothing.

The Omega kicked back, nailing Tomura's knee.

The Alpha hissed and stumbled back, grip going slack. "Fucking-"

Izuku managed to worm one of his hands out of his binds as he had struggled and he snatched Tomura's dagger while he was stunned by the kick.

Tomura slowly grinned. "Feisty... Finally, a real fight. This is what I had expected from the Crimson King's mate."

The Omega hissed, scent becoming threatening.

Katsuki grinned and returned focus back to his own fight, hoping to get it over with sooner so he could help his mate.

Izuku backed Tomura towards the windows, growling lowly. The blue-haired man scowled deeper, hands raised. He growled himself when he bumped into a window and glanced over his shoulder. He spotted the redheaded dragon-shifter and various other soldiers under the Crimson King.

A whimper followed by the scent of pain quickly gained his attention.

The Omega hunched in slightly, one hand on his swelling belly, the hand holding the dagger shaking.

Tomura grinned, excitement trilling inside him as he realized the King had sensed his mate's sudden pain as well. He reached out, yanking the distracted greenette towards himself while tearing the blade from his hand.

"No!" Katsuki swipped Dabi's legs out and bolted towards them.

The blue haired man flipped the blade and jammed the butt of it into the window, effectively shattering it. Izuku shrieked as the glass rained on them, thrashing in his hold.

"Izuku!"

"Goodbye, Crimson King," Tomura sang as he tilted back, grip firm around the Omega.

Izuku wailed and struggled, reaching for his mate. Tears streaked his cheeks, Katsuki just too far out of reach to be caught. He saw Katsuki's panicked red eyes, the brilliant blue sky, and Eijirou's vermilion scales before everything went dark.

~

Katsuki sat in the chair that had been pulled up beside his bed. Izuku lay peacefully, asleep for nearly a full day as his body healed and processed the occurrences that had transpired.

Honestly, he wished he could sleep with his Omega. That way he wouldn't know.

He held Izuku's hand, tracing the lines on his palm.

Slowly, his eyes trailed to Izuku's abdomen. He placed his hand there, teeth gritting and eyes watering all over again.

"Fuck," he hissed, hunching forward onto the bed, shoulders trembling. He squeezed Izuku hand tighter, fist clenching in the blanket.

His mate whimpering as he woke snapped his attention up.

"Izuku..."

The Omega shifted, brows pinching together. He blinked slowly, looking around before his eyes landed on Katsuki. He crooned softly, reaching out to him.

Katsuki practically dove into his mate, pulling him in and gripping onto him as if he could vanish at any moment.

Izuku's scent became laced with distress as he held Katsuki. He stroked his mate's hair, crooning to comfort him, making his scent soft and sweet.

He shook his head, pulling away. "No... No, don't comfort me like that... You don't even know what's wrong..."

The Omega whimpered, pushing himself up to reach for him again, wincing and grabbing his abdomen. He reached for the journal on the nightstand, but Katsuki took his hand. Izuku whimpered, so confused.

Katsuki placed a shaky hand on Izuku's abdomen, gritting his teeth. The greenette glanced back and forth a few times between, scent souring more and more.

Once their eyes met, his widened and he sobbed, eyes welling up with tears. He shook his head, pulling away from Katsuki's hand.

"Yes, Izuku..." He pet back Izuku's hair as his mate cried. "They're gone... Our pup is gone..."

~

Izuku couldn't function since their loss. He stayed in their room, refusing to set foot outside. Only once, in the middle of the night, did Katsuki find his distraught mate collapsed by the empty cradle, clutching his half-made blanket to his chest.

Katsuki got on the floor with him and held him close that night until returning him to their bed the next morning.

After that, it was as if his mate had just become this hollow shell. No emotion, he didn't respond to Katsuki's notes, visit him, tend the gardens, spend time with the dragons... Nothing that had made him happy before.

Three weeks of this and Katsuki couldn't take anymore. He wants his Izuku back. He needs him up and smiling and being as bright and cheerful as he used to be. He went on a hunt for a sorcerer said to be the greatest with healing magics. It took more than a week before finding the sorcerer, and less than to return home.

He dragged the man into his palace, grip tight on the man's arm until he practically threw him into his bedroom where Izuku lay fast asleep. "Fix him..."

The man swallowed hard and shuffled to the slumbering queen. Katsuki watched with narrowed eyes and squared shoulders, arms folded tightly. The sorcerer paused, licking his lips before looking up to Katsuki. "I... I cannot fix him, your majesty."

Katsuki snarled, scent becoming heavy. "Why the hell not?"

"Because it is not a physical wound. He has no physical ailments, sire-"

"So then what is it!?" He stormed closer, grabbing his collar and yanking him closer. "A curse!? Has my Queen been cursed-"

"No, your majesty..." Despite having been terrified since he had been captured, he was calm with a sorrowful look on his face. "He is not cursed, and neither are you..."

"I didn't bring you here for me."

"I know," the Beta sighed as he was released. "But you both are suffering from the same wound... You both are grieving for your terrible loss..."

Katsuki gulped, only realizing then that tears had stung his eyes. He reached up, feeling wetness on his cheeks.

"Have you cried yet, for your loss?"

"I am the King, Beta."

"Kings are allowed to cry. Especially when they lose something so precious... So unexpectedly."

Katsuki grit his teeth, looking away. He breathed deeply. "Not really... I just... Want him better... When he's better, everything will be fine."

The sorcerer breathed deeply. "That isn't how grief works, your majesty... Yes, seeing the Queen healing will help heal you, but it will not fix you... And it won't fix him. You both need time and you need to process what happened, properly. This won't be easy and everyone heals differently... The best thing I can offer is advice. Be here for him. Support him. Show him that you love him and despite not having truly known your pup, you want to keep them alive in your hearts. I can stay here in the palace and monitor his condition... Sometimes grief like his can lead to illness, but there truly is nothing I can do for this wound you both bare..."

Katsuki stared at Izuku's face, relaxed and content. He must be having a good dream. Or no dream. Better than the nightmares he'd been having since he was attacked.

"Just go... Just leave." Katsuki slowly sat on the edge of the bed, taking Izuku's hand.

This roused the Omega from his sleep, brows pinching slightly.

The sorcerer left as Katsuki reached forward, caressing Izuku's cheek. The greenette hummed and closed his eyes once again, leaning into his mate's touch.

~

Slowly, Izuku started trying to return to normal. He started going to the gardens, tending to the dying flora. After a week or so of that, he began visiting Katsuki in his office again. Mostly just to curl up in his lap.

It took a long time, but Izuku began to smile again.

But then his next heat started. This heat was weaker then his previous two and had started rather unexpectedly, and Katsuki doesn't ever remember being so nervous to spend heat with an Omega. However, the thought of creating a new life made it easier.

Thing was... No new life was made.

Katsuki waited for that milky scent that never came. Izuku would go to the doctors just to be told there is no pup.

So, the next heat, Katsuki gave Izuku his all.

Again, no pup.

~

The mind can be a very dark place, if you let it be.

Katsuki sat alone in his darkening office, sun setting behind him. He stared absently at the parchments splayed across his desk thinking back to when they had first found Izuku. All the many outcomes of that situation.

He should have left him with the others to continue working the crops. Maybe killed him in an act of mercy. Maybe he should have sent Izuku with Prince Shouto. Made him leave.

Neither of them would be suffering if Katsuki hadn't let him in... Let them get so close.

The door opened and Izuku's scent invaded his lungs, taking him out of his stupor.

Izuku shuffled over and sat in Katsuki's lap. He curled up, tucking his head under Katsuki's chin. As the King help him close, tears stung his eyes and he grit his teeth.

He couldn't live without Izuku, now. He chose this and he wants this. He wants to continue with his mate for the rest of their lives.

He just wants to end their pain.

The Omega shifted and reached for the journal and quill. Katsuki tilted his head as he watched, grip becoming slack.

'Bed?'

Katsuki smiled and pressed a kiss to Izuku's curls. "Yes... Let's go to bed..."

~

"Stay here, shitty hair," Katsuki muttered, patting the Dragon Shifter's scaled nose as he was huffed at. He approached the cottage, hands in his trouser pockets.

He didn't bother knocking. He just opened the door and looked around. "Old Hag? You here?"

"Nice to see you, too, son."

Katsuki looked up, sighing and shoulders hunching as his father shuffled into the room, hand on the wall. "Where is she?"

Masaru hummed, folding his arms. "Hunt. She left early this morning. Though, probably wouldn't have if she knew you'd come visit."

"Whatever," Katsuki scoffed, turning towards the door. "I'll just come back."

"Now, hold on there, pup." Katsuki halted. "Don't go so soon. You came for something, maybe I can help. Come, sit. Tell me." Masaru spoke as softly as ever, shuffling to the sofa and feeling the arm to navigate before sitting and patting the space beside him.

The King breathed deeply, sauntering over and sitting beside him.

Masaru smiled, knuckles bumping Katsuki's arm, then trailing up. Katsuki turned his hand over letting Masaru thread their fingers together.

"You've gotten so strong, pup... We're so proud of you, you know... I wish you'd let us visit more often."

"I was just out so much... There was never time."

"Yes, yes... Busy being King... And now you have your very own Queen. Mitsuki and I never thought we'd see the day." The older Alpha chuckled, turned towards Katsuki but unable to see him.

Katsuki hummed. "That's why I'm here, actually..."

Masaru tilted his head. "The Queen? Did you bring him with?"

"No. He stays at the palace. He's still, uh... Recovering."

His sire blinked slowly, looking a little confused, then saddened. "Oh, yes... I remember Mitsuki telling me you had announced a pregnancy, then a while later something about an attack and... Then how you and the Queen have hardly been seen since... Was the pup lost in the attack..?"

Katsuki licked his lips. "Yes... I wasn't fast enough to catch him... Eijirou caught him after they fell, but the pup was already injured so the impact just..." He swallowed hard, tears stinging his eyes once again. He doesn't remember being such a damn crybaby before he met Izuku.

Masaru gently squeezed his hand. "I'm so sorry, son... That must have been terrible... Despite all your mother and I went through to have you, we never lost a pup so I can't imagine the pain... It has been a while, though... Has he had a heat since?"

"Yes... Two... A third is coming up."

"He's not pregnant again?"

"No, which is why I'm here. I need that potion the old hag used to help."

Masaru raised a brow. "Potion?" He echoed in question.

Katsuki huffed rolling his eyes. "Yes, potion. She said she had to travel halfway across the world to find it. It's the only thing that can help Izuku get pregnant again."

The older Alpha sighed. "Oh, Katsuki... There was no potion."

The blond growled, pulling his hand away. "The old Hag said the potion-maker gave her the cure to-"

"It wasn't a physical cure, pup," Masaru interrupted, placing a hand on Katsuki's knee. "I don't know what he told her, but whatever it was changed her, our relationship, and we had you less than a year later, after nearly nine years of trying."

Katsuki watched him. "Gee, what a great help you are-"

He went to stand, but Masaru stopped him. "Listen to me, pup. Your mother and I, both being Alphas, had a hell of a time trying to conceive. The people were becoming angry because she had sworn to have a strong heir... That was the only reason she was able to be my mate. Well, people were beginning to riot. They had a blind Noble and no heir. They saw us as weak and she became desperate. We tried so hard to have you, and not just for them. We wanted you. We wanted a pup of our own. Trying so much was putting a toll on us...

"When she returned from the potion-maker, we stopped trying. We just... We spent a lot of time together, just us. We'd go to the mountains to be alone and trained the dragons together. We improved our relationship and stopped focusing so hard, trying so hard... And just a few short months later, you came along..." Masaru sighed. "You and your Queen may be trying too hard for a pup... When you two aren't fully healed from the loss of your previous pup. You are becoming more and more discouraged as you try and try with no results."

Katsuki looked to the floor, entwining his hands. "You really think it's because we're trying too hard..?"

Masaru chuckled softly. "Yes." The older pushed himself to his feet. "He is still in distress and he can sense your distress as well, making it harder to conceive."

"He can't sense my distress, though."

The older raised a brow, turning back in Katsuki's direction. "What do you mean?"

"He's deaf. He's also nose-blind. Not completely, he knows what I smell like, but he is nose-blind enough that he is unaffected by scent and can't determine feelings. He has a hard time controlling his own scent because if it," Katsuki explained, standing with his sire.

Masaru stared blankly, blinking slowly. He then smiled and reached forward. Katsuki took his hand. "Pup... He is still your mate. Even without these two senses, he will know when you are in distress as well. He can feel it. He can see it. If he loves you as much as I can tell you love him, he knows you are in pain, too."

Katsuki watched his sire, squeezing his hand. "I understand now... Why mom chose you over the Kingdom." Masaru tilted his head, but let Katsuki comtinue. "I didn't before, but... Then I found Izuku... I'd give up everything a thousand times over to see him happy again, dad. It's killing me, seeing him in so much pain... And it's so hard comforting him because I can't with my voice or scent."

The older hummed and smiled softly. "You can still comfort him, Katsuki... Holding him close will comfort him. Urging him to do the things he enjoys will comfort him. Letting him stay with you if that's what he wants will comfort him. Gifts, as if you were courting him will help. Possibly even having a little memoire of the pup. Would you have anything..?"

Katsuki licked his lip. "Izuku had started... Making a blanket... It wasn't finished yet... He left out the corner so he could put the pup's name on it. The nursery is still set up, as well..."

Masaru sighed, reaching until he touched Katsuki's cheek. "You'll heal with time, pup. He will, too."

The King sighed and leaned forward. "I should go... I told him I wouldn't be gone long."

"Of course." Masaru let him go and took a step back. "Let us meet him sometime, pup. We need to meet the Omega that tamed the Crimson King."

Katsuki growled at that and stomped to the door. His sire just laughed, calling out his goodbyes.

When he returned to the palace Izuku greeted him in the courtyard for the first time since before the attack. He waited on the staircase and smiled pensively.

Katsuki sighed and embraced him gently.

Izuku nuzzled him, purr quiet. He curled his fingers into Katsuki's cloak, closing his eyes.

~

Katsuki needed help(and he hated to admit it), so he had gotten Momo Yaoyorozu's assistance with finishing the pup's blanket.

When he handed the blanket to Izuku, he had been so nervous. Terribly so.

Izuku ran his fingers over the embroidered lettering, tearing up.

'In Heav'n may you rest, we'll hold you again someday, little angel'

He looked up to Katsuki and smiled, hugging the blanket to his chest.

~

Izuku wasn't a fan of the mountains. Did not do well in the cold. He stayed bundled up under various pelts as well as Katsuki's cloak. He stayed by the fire Katsuki had built and he slept with Eijirou in his dragon form curled up around Izuku and his nest.

The cave kept them from the fierce winds, but the cold still crept inside. The storm was too much for them to travel back home, now, so Eijirou and Katsuki did their best to just keep Izuku warm.

"This is not the romantic getaway I had planned," Katsuki muttered, holding his trembling mate to his chest, leaning back on Eijirou. The Dragonshifter huffed, clouds of smoke escaping his nose. "I didn't know it was going to storm, smartass."

Izuku looked up to him, curious ss to what he was saying. Katsuki sighed and placed a kiss to his red nose. The Omega squeaked and smiled, nuzzling back into him.

Katsuki smiled and rubbed his back.

Maybe the next getaway will be somewhere much warmer.

~

Izuku was back to tending the gardens everyday, despite it being winter.

Katsuki often found himself just watching Izuku tend to the soil and check the roots and stems of each plant.

"Sire..."

The King sighed and turnes to face Eijirou. "What is it?"

The Dragonshifter pursed his lips. "Raiders in the east villages. They're killing our people and pillaging the crops."

Katsuki inhaled deeply. "Prepare the soldiers. We leave before dawn."

~

This started happening more and more. People attacking his kingdom, his people, just as he had before. Finding time for himself and Izuku was practically impossible now. When Izuku fell into heat, Katsuki had to pass his responsibilities to Eijirou, having him call the shots the three days Katsuki spent with Izuku.

Katsuki stared up at the ceiling, Izuku curled up into his side, tracing circles on his chest. The Omega purred and crooned, heat satiated for the moment.

Izuku looked up to his mate and tilted his head. He sat up and grabbed the journal on the nightstand and started writing.

Katsuki raised a brow and propped himself up on his elbows.

'What is on your mind?'

Katsuki sighed and pushed himself up all the way. He took the journal and wrote his response.

'I am worried war will be declared. My people can handle it, but I may have to leave and I don't know when I would return.'

Izuku frowned, shifting closer.

'Before we met, you'd be gone all the time. Months away.'

'That was before we met. It's different, now. People are hurting my people now and I don't want to be separate from you.'

Izuku smiled, leaning on Katsuki.

'Don't worry about me. You are the King and need to protect your people. If you have to go fight for them, I'll do everything I can to help you from here.'

Katsuki chuckled and kissed his head.

~

The next few weeks, Katsuki taught Izuku what he could about battle strategies, home affairs, and he had Eijirou teach Izuku sword fighting and how to fly a Dragon.

Izuku was smart and learned quick, just as he had with everything else. He was so inquisitive, eager to learn and soaked in everything. He wasn't hard to teach, despite being unable to hear or read lips properly.

Katsuki was just so damn proud of his Queen and how far along he came in just a few weeks, but nothing made it any easier when war was declared.

He stared at the parchment, reading the written words over and over again. Izuku came in and took the parchment, reading for himself.

The King inhaled and leaned over his desk, rubbing his face.

Izuku set the parchment down and placed a gentle hand on Katsuki's back.

"This can't be fucking happening..." Katsuki looked up to Izuku. "This war is unnecessary and will lead to so much unnecessary death... Can't they see what they're doing?"

His Queen hummed and rested their foreheads together. He crooned, scent softening. Katsuki closed his eyes and breathed it in.

"I don't want to leave you..."

Izuku looked down to him, cupping his cheek. Katsuki leaned into his palm. The Greenette purred softly, bumping their noses together.

Chuckling, Katsuki returned the playful gesture. "I love you, Izuku..."

~

The stench of blood and smoke burned Katsuki's lungs as he limped across the battlefield. The tip of his blade dragged across the ground, chest heaving as he panted heavily.

Months... For months he's been away from home. He's not even sure how many at this point. Could have been an entire year.

As he dragged himself gaze sweeping the bodies for anyone still breathing, all he wanted was to be curled up in Izuku's nest, his Omega's scent surrounding him. How he wished he could have had Izuku's scent with him. How he wished he could speak to his Queen.

"Your majesty?"

Katsuki halted and looked up. Eijirou approached, one hand on his other arm, keeping pressure on a bleeding wound. Despite being covered in soot and blood, the Dragonshifter smiled. "We won, Bakugou..."

The King looked back around, bruised and bloodied fingers curling tighter around the handle of his blade. "At what cost..?"

~

The remaining soldiers dispersed to the nearest towns within Katsuki's kingdom to heal and rest.

While victorious, there were still so many lives lost.

Once bandaged and cleaned up, Katsuki slouched in a chair, staring out the nearby window to the starry sky.

"Sire?"

He hummed in response as Eijirou and Denki peered into the room.

Both bowed, Eijirou the only one to speak. "We've just recieved word of relief being sent to us by the Todoroki's. Food, wood for rebuilding, clean water, and blankets."

Katsuki nodded and breathed deeply, pushing himself up more in the chair and wincing. "Good... That is good. I'll have to find some way to repay them when we return to the palace. Any more survivors found?"

"Yes," Denki pipped in this time. "They are being tended to now, and Tenya is still out searching for more."

"That's good. Has any preparations been made for sending bodies back to families for burial?"

"Momo and Fumikage are arranging that as we speak..."

Katsuki hummed, thumbnail between his teeth. His gaze stayed firm out the window. "Any word from the palace?"

Denki and Eijirou shared a glance. "No, your majesty."

His jaw tensed slightly and he closed his eyes. He hadn't heard from Izuku in months and worry was beginning to eat at him.

More than seven months - almost eight - he's been away from home... Away from his mate. He can't stand not knowing how Izuku is. He can't stand not knowing if he's okay or safe.

He just wants to return to him.

~

It was roughly midnight when they returned to the palace. Torches lit the hallways, many of his soldiers just laying their bedrolls out in the courtyard to sleep. He wanted to see his mate, first. Then he would be able to sleep.

"Your majesty! You've returned!" Ochako rushed to Katsuki, the King grunting and waving her off. Why is she up so late? "Sire, you need to rest. You really look like you're about to collapse. We need to get you to the nearest bed-"

"I'm going to see Izuku," he growled tiredly back.

"Oh, uhm, but your majesty-"

"I don't wanna hear it. I ain't gonna wake him, I just need to see him."

"I understand that, but sire, I-"

"No buts, round face. I'm seeing my Goddamn Queen! I've been away for months, haven't recieved a letter in months- I just want my fucking mate."

Ochako nodded, trying to grab the door knob before he could. "I understand, but please, sire, we just-"

Katsuki snapped his jaws at her causing her to jump back. His scent was heavy and burning, as much as it could be with as exhausted as he was. "Do you ever shut up?" He shoved the door open and stomped in.

If he wasn't so tired or so angry with the servant girl, he likely would have noticed the moment he opened the door. However, due to his state, it took until he was by Izuku's side of their bed and spotted the cradle that he noticed.

Whimpers and soft cries came from inside, the pup becoming affected by Katsuki's angry scent and all the noise he had made.

Katsuki's jaw fell slack, eyes wide and throat running dry.

"Oh, no..." Ochako rushed in, gently sweeping up the crying pup. She shushed the pup and swaddled them, calming them easily.

The King opened and closed his mouth a few times, completely dumbstruck, before he was able to manage any words. "A pup..?"

Ochako looked up to him, pup cradled in her arms, then smiled softly. "Yes, your majesty... Your little prince. He's just three days old."

He swallowed hard, tears in his eyes.

His pup has soft blond hair and stormy blue eyes, as all pups have when they are born. Fair skin and round cheeks, swaddled in a red blanket.

"They decided it was best not to inform you... Some of our informatic letters had been intercepted and we worried that if it got out the Queen was pregnant again, we may be attacked..."

Katsuki shook his head, then nodded slowly. "Yes... Good idea... It would have also... Distracted me... Can I hold him..?"

Ochako smiled and shuffled closer, carefully handling the pup to his sire.

The pup pouted and whimpered as he was moved, looking up to Katsuki.

"He's beautiful..." His voice cracked, cradling the babe to his chest. "And so small... Is it okay that he's so small?"

Ochako chuckled and nodded. "Yes, your majesty. The doctor says he's quite healthy. A bit chubby, even. First borns are just typically a little smaller."

Katsuki sniffed, adjusting the blanket. His finger grazed his pup's cheek. He melted as his pup cooed, eyes big and curious as he looked up to him. "What's his name..?"

"Tadaaki."

The King chuckled and smiled. "It suits him..."

Ochako glanced to Izuku. "You need to rest, your majesty... And Tadaaki needs to sleep as well."

Katsuki swallowed, reluctant to hand his pup back to Ochako, but feeling his exhaustion seeping deep into his bones convinced him. He toed off his boots and dropped his cape, not caring where it landed as Ochako lay his pup back into the crib. Katsuki looked back over. "He's three days old..?"

"Yes..."

"Born at dawn or dusk?"

Ochako giggled, picking up Katsuki's cape. "Mid-day. The Queen went into labor in the middle of a debriefing."

Katsuki smiled fondly, watching his pup doze off. "He was ready..."

"Yes... He wouldn't wait any longer."

The King just nodded, staring at his pup until Ochako left.

He wanted to reach in and pick up Tadaaki. He wanted to hold his beautiful pup again, but worried that he would disturb his pup's sleep once again. So instead, he sat on the edge of the bed slowly, careful not to wake his mate. He peered into the crib, breathing in the combined scents of his sleepy mate and pup. Sweet milk, sugary apples and syrup with a hint of his own campfire smell.

A low purr rumbled in his chest as he admired his pup, but their drowsy scent as well as his exhaustion made it difficult for him to keep his eyes open. He carefully laid beside Izuku and turned his gaze from his pup to his mate.

Izuku had dark bags beneath his eyes - clearly hadn't slept well. His cheeks a bit cubbier from the weight he put on during his pregnancy. His hair was a little longer, curls starting to spiral. He had tanned a little more. Must have spent a lot of time in the garden to ease himself.

He must have been through so much while Katsuki was away... Handling the pregnancy by himself, birthing without his mate, handling duties he'd just barely learned before Katsuki departed to war...

Katsuki sighed, gently carding his fingers through Izuku's hair. "I'm so proud of you... I love you so much..." He nuzzled close to his mate, relaxing more as Izuku's scent settled over him like a warm blanket. He closed his eyes, smiling as Izuku subconsciously nestled closer to him as well.

Sleep came easier than it had in a long time.

~

Katsuki could have sworn he wasn't asleep long when he was startled awake by Izuku. He mate gasped in surprise when he realized Katsuki was truly there with him, then squealed and threw himself on top of the slumbering King. Katsuki groaned, flinching and rolling onto his back, arms coming up around Izuku.

The Omega heavily and messily scented him, chirping and crooning in delight.

Katsuki smiled, butting their cheeks together once Izuku lifted his head enough. Izuku purred and chirped again, looking down to him with tears in his lovely veridian eyes. He stroked Katsuki's hair and thumbed at the scruff along his jaw.

Humming, Katsuki closed his eyes once again, basking in Izuku's presence and affection.

Izuku nuzzled into his neck, breathing in as much of Katsuki's scent as he could.

This is all Katsuki ever needed... His beautiful mate and his perfect pup...

Katsuki is known by many names...

But Papa is his favorite.

-----

14070 words

Took longer than I had expected, but it's also been a while since I posted a oneshot.

Hope you guys enjoyed :)