Archive of Our Own

A white room, a silence weighing on the souls searching for hope in a place that is by the spirits of the previous tragedies.

 Lost souls, cries of children in the corridors in the silent corridors, or tears streaming down the face of a family decomposed by the news that will change their lives forever. Entering this place could not provide excitement for a happy event or reunion with a close person, but it did not guarantee a happy ending. These white walls were today a familiar landscape for the man with the task of foxing who, during his youth, had no awareness of what he could lose. 

The tears of his loved ones, the anger, and fear in the eyes of his childhood friend who saw Izuku destroy himself slowly. These memories, which constituted his path so far, began to fade while this fear was replaced by scarred hands holding him. Soft, callous fingers ruffled his wrist, afraid to break the sensitive skin and still realizing the luck to be here. 

Today, the couple can write their own story and create a new chapter where a new family member would join them in their definition of happiness. 

No matter what the world says, the wonder duo hated being here. They hated this awkward feeling in their chest since they reached the room in an emergency; still, the white covering the walls wouldn’t be enough to change the awkward atmosphere, even for the nurse checking on the couple often and ensuring they were safe. 

“Kacchan,” Izuku whispered, his hands moving gently to the blond’s arms beside him. The touch was shy, almost hesitant for someone who had known his mate since childhood.

The bed sheet didn’t differ from the one he had seen many times in his life, and he promised never to go here again, but today was an exception.

The taller man noticed the shy gesture before he could feel the scarred hands on his skin, feeling the freckled man’s thumbs around the scars. With time, they learned each other’s secrets and how each scar would become a part of their past that they couldn’t change. A missing fight, a life they couldn’t save, self-harm, a near-death experience…all became their habits when they found themselves late at night when no one was looking: The gentle kiss they would share with the other, sweet words whispering to his ears, or even the smile appearing on Izuku’s cheeks at the comforting words. 

Their lips moved slowly, taking a breath, and green emerald eyes found crimson ones. None dared to speak, and even breathing would ruin this moment between them and their family. Izuku sacrificed many things to get there in this hospital bed today when Katsuki felt bad for not protecting him enough. To the blond, he needed to be here if someone was targeting his mate, searching to hurt the number one hero, but Izuku always assured him it’d be fine. 

The scarred hands left his lover’s skin, moving closer to Katsuki’s cheeks. He knew this gaze; he had seen it more than once in recent months. His fingers gently cupped his husband’s cheeks, observing how the alpha calmed himself at the comforting touch. It was their moment, the one they had waited for months, and yet, Katsuki was still surprising his beloved husband.

“Izuku,” he whispered, something only his lover could hear. His red ruby eyes glanced around, realizing the luck to have a room for themselves. The blonde moved his head, letting the familiar fingers give the warmth he missed, and a smile appeared on his freckled cheeks. 

“What are you thinking, my love ?” Izuku asked, his fingers still moving behind his lover’s ears. 

 He knew it was a sensitive part, and time taught him how Katsuki would be vulnerable to his kisses. Indeed, Katsuki always had been vulnerable to his childhood friend. Whether it was a short glance, quick smile, gentle smile, sweet words, or tender touch, the blond would be ready to sacrifice himself again if this meant keeping his lover happy and safe. 

“How did you know something was wrong ?”

“Your eyes,” Izuku smiled, “Your lips could say otherwise, but your eyes never lie. I could feel when something is bothering you because we’re bound, remember? Everything you feel, even the doubt, is my feelings now.”

“And you couldn’t told me that earlier ?” He rolled his eyes as if the answers bothered him, but he secretly knew all this. 

It was the number one rule for mated pairs, especially the soulmate ones. In this society, people refuse to mate with their loved ones because they fear their feelings. The number of mated pairs was low, but Katsuki and Izuku were an exception with their soulmate bound. Many would criticize the number one hero for “ruining” his life with a quirckless engineer like Izuku Midoriya, but the couple didn’t care.

“I saw how you tried to cover your feelings the previous months. I’m not naive, but you seemed discreet about your fears,” he confessed, his fingers leaving his husband’s ears and meeting the callous hands.

Silence filled the room, but the sound of their two heartbeats covered their ears as a comforting melody. Their eyes were still alive but covering the couple's worries.

“I know what the doctor said, but I’m still taking a risk. I promise I’ll be fine….” His free hands moved closer to his stomach, ruffling it gently and hearing the heartbeat monitor behind them. “We’ll reach our house with the prettiest pup in a few days.”

Katsuki didn’t answer. His callous hands intertwined with his husband’s and revealed a slight worry. Don’t get him wrong, he knew Izuku was strong enough to face this, and he’ll keep his promise to stay by his side until the end. He was just afraid of facing the reality where, in one night, he lost the people he loved. It was a reality he had always feared since the pregnancy announcement, but they watched the omega’s health and state after the doctor's announcement.

-----

/ “His body is still fragile to have another life, and it’s not the first time I’ve seen a case like yours. My words wouldn’t change your mind, not when it’s too late to have an abortion, but I recommend you carefully catch your mate’s health. If something unusual happens or a sudden blood loss, contact me as soon as possible.”

Katsuki remembered holding Izuku’s hands with fear and doubt, but he could feel his husband’s eyes on him. They were full of pain, speaking for themselves as he decided to be the one to speak.

“And…there is a way for me not to survive at the end ?” He asked with a shaking tone, trying to hide his fear, but his fingers held the alpha’s tight. They were both afraid, but this wouldn’t be a choice: they had to stay alive until the end.

The man sighed, printing a card and giving it to the couple. This wasn’t the first time, and the news was still hard to hear, especially after a long pregnancy. 

“There’s a risk of you dying in the birth process,” he assured, seeing how their face turned pale to his words. Hearing them was different and more painful than they imagined it. “But there’s also a chance of peacefully surviving and returning home with your family. This is still fragile, and nothing is putting aside even if you think you’re fine and it’ll pass.”

“What is it ?“ the blond asked, taking the card in his hands. His eyes found the name of an association with a date and a number to call them in case. He shared a curious gaze with his husband, and the doctor’s words caught their attention. 

“You’re not the only one in this complex case, and I’ve met many omegas being afraid of this situation. It’s a human reaction, but you can face this as long as you have your mate and his support. I still have a contact for an association and a meeting with families who face this situation,” he explained with a soft smile, trying to comfort them. “They can share their experiences, worries, or even how they survived. It could be a good thing if you feel the pressure is too much on you, your pup, or even your mate’s shoulders…it could help.” / 

-----

Their late-night conversations would still haunt their nightmares, with the tears they shed and their worries being expressed for the first time. Losing each other always had been a worry for them, even since their youngest years when Izuku was self-sacrificial. Katsuki had always observed his childhood friend entering and leaving the hospital with injuries and dry tears. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the engineer left the support side and joined his lover during a fight because one of his systems had a problem. 

Yet, there were limits to his fear; one of them was to see two graves under his eyes and be alone for the next decades. Soulmates or not, the wonder duo sincerely cared about each other, and it would be impossible to live without the other. It was their promise in their wedding vows, and the couple will always cherish each of these words. After all, it’ll be their new promise, the one they gave to each other for a better place for themselves and their children. 

“I have no doubts about that,” he answered with a hidden smirk, noticing how the viridian eyes shined on his words.

His lips found the omega’s forehead, knowing a slight blush appeared on his freckled cheeks. Sometimes, Izuku would act like a teenager in his first relationship, discovering new things every day with the man he loved. It was a reality for him and his husband, who still surprised each other every day, even in their married couple life. 

“I know you’ll be here with us after the birth, here for her first words, steps, anniversary, and everything we’ll have to face as new parents in this new journey.”

Izuku didn’t answer. His chest hurts at the possibility of dying during this process, but he knows that being afraid would solve this situation. They survived the entire time, even in their darkest days, and they will be here for this child who needs their love. Tears fell on his cheeks, the salty taste reached his lips, and he felt soft fingers cupping his cheeks. 

Crimson eyes met teary emerald eyes, their heart beating faster and feeling their mutual fear as the big moment will arrive soon. They were grateful to have a room for themselves because this would be too personal for strangers to hear their worries.

“Oi, look at me straight in the eyes and tell me how you feel right now,” whispered the alpha with a soft tone, almost tender for someone who never saw the number one hero being vulnerable in public. He wasn’t naive; he knew what his mate was thinking, but expressing them in words would be better than suffering in silence.

The scarred hands moved slowly to his husband’s free hand, hesitating to express his worries and give them a name. Izuku stayed silent when Katsuki’s finger gently left his cheek to hold the shaking hands. The touch was simple at first sight but meaningful for them. Every time one of them was worried, this intimate hand-holding would comfort them. 

“I’m afraid,” he confessed with a low voice, not looking at the taller blond in front of him. “I keep pretending and convince myself it’ll be fine, but I’m dreaming about watching everything disappear every night. I wished we would have noticed it earlier, maybe…”

“Stop thinking about this shit and listen to my voice, alright ?” Katsuki’s lips gently kissed his shaking hands, treating them like a treasury he needed to protect. “You don’t have to pretend with me, not when I already know everything about you. I’m afraid too, and remember what the extras said at the meeting ?”

“It’s alright to be vulnerable and have fear,” whispered the omega, his eyes peeking at the stomach as a reminder of how they’ll be fine.

“Yes, but they also explained how, in this situation, they’re also a huge chance of surviving. Don’t let the negativity impact your body and mental health because there’s a huge chance of coming home with the brat and living this dream you told me about.”

If someone was entering the room hearing the blond, they wouldn’t recognize the number one hero. On days, he was loud, stubborn, and the strongest hero in town, but at night, he would be the sweetest and most caring lover no one suspected. Izuku was the only one able to see this soft and vulnerable side of his husband and would be grateful for his support until now.

“I wouldn’t change anything, even if this meant wiping the hidden tears. You’re strong enough to face an obstacle like this one, knowing your self-sacrificial ass who joined a fight just to protect me.” A soft laugh escaped the freckled man’s lips, making the blond proud. He would cherish this sound like a melody to his heart and something comforting him in his nightmares. “I know, no, I’m even sure that you will be strong enough to give birth, get the rest you need, and wake up with the brat in your arms.”

“What if this won’t happen ?”

Katsuki smiled, his hands leaving the scarred one to guide them to the stomach. The monitor's heartbeat echoed in the room, reminding them their pup was alive. Izuku smiled, intertwining his fingers with his husband’s, feeling the soft touch as they put their forehead against each other.

“We’ll survive together like we always did,” confessed the blond, “But I’ll stay with you until the end because this is a fight we both need to face. I can’t wait to feel the little gremlin messing up our night and sleep schedules, hear how proud she’s of her dam, how her dad is stubborn, her first laugh, and everything waiting for us in the next years.”

Izuku smiled; he loved his head and noticed how the crimson eyes were teary. Small and hidden tears didn’t touch his lover’s cheeks, and suddenly, the atmosphere became tender in the room. Izuku gently wiped his husband’s tears, and his lips found Katsuki’s in a soft kiss. 

This was intimate but good enough for them to realize how strong they were together. No matter what happens, they’ll stay stronger until the end. 

“I’m sorry for doubting when I can feel how proud you are of us. I can feel the happiness in your chest, thinking about this potential future, and I want to give you that,” he confessed before kissing the corner of his lover’s lips. Izuku could feel the salty tears in his mouth, but he didn’t care because they needed each other. “I’ll fight until the end, just like I always did until now. I’ll give you this dream because I love you and our pup. I love you and your flaws, even if you despise them, and I’m sure our daughter will love you the same way. Maybe we can try…what do you think ?”

Silence filled the room, crimson irises losing themselves into the teary emerald ones. 

“I would love to, freckles,” he answered between two kisses, hearing the other’s laugh. “But I’m not the one making the worst part, so you need to rest before I kick your ass.”

Izuku smiled, his scarred hands putting behind his husband’s neck. He brought him closer, kissing him tenderly and resting their forehead against each other.

“You should ask her to show up because it’s getting long.”

——-

The time stopped when the two men ended up in the labor room; the light highlighted their faces, and the louder background sound echoed in their ears. The scarred hands grabbed the callous one, being afraid to face this alone and his eyes searching for comfort.

Katsuki’s lips kissed his forehead, whispering a low “I’m here, kick this brat out of your body and let her meet her stupid parents.” Izuku laughed at the comment, between two groans of pain as he was afraid. This feeling was mutual, but their hands stayed intertwined as they had promised earlier. 

“The doctor told us about your special case; if anything happens to you or you feel weaker, tell us immediately,” assured the midwife. This wasn’t the first time they saw a couple stressed about their health and the baby, but years taught them enough to find the right words for worried parents like them. They saw different cases, some sadder than others, and not all the couples entering this place had their happy ending.

The lights were put forward on the table where the figure of the man with freckles could be drawn. His scarred hands were shaking, even if he could feel his mate’s hands in his, holding him close and the red ruby eyes on him the entire time. Katsuki was also shaking, but who could blame him when the fear started to fill his chest at the idea that it was now or never? They’d been here for hours, hoping for the best, but something in their chest seemed to say the opposite…and their eyes knew the truth. 

The midwife was still here, trying to bring the omega back to reality.

 She kept reassuring him that this was perfect and would be over soon. Izuku could only nod, holding the callous hands tighter and trying to erase the pain from his chest, but not even his scream could cover the reality under his eyes. He knew this would happen, but not now, not when the only thing they needed to welcome their daughter into this world was a last push. Izuku made the hardest part, tears falling down his cheeks and hearing his husband’s voice comforting him, mixing the midwife's order to push a last time before he obeyed. It was the only thing he could do: make a last scream, taste his own tears, and observe a complete silence.

The callous hands were still around his, holding them tightly, and anxiety rose in their chest. Multiple thoughts started to appear in their mind, most of them darker, like seeing their previous dream falling apart when the tiny figure of a newborn appeared, but nothing left his mouth. Katsuki’s face turned pale, holding the other’s hands and supporting him, but he couldn't ignore the omega’s pain now they were mated. It was an unbearable pain, and no words could describe the feeling in his chest...It was stronger than the alpha’s pain. Izuku didn’t speak, observed the midwife sharing a glance with the others, and tears fell down Izuku’s cheeks.

Katsuki stayed silent, but none of them dared to ask any questions.

 It would be the worst case of their plan, and still, it was happening under their eyes. The child they had loved for months was another of their memories and a broken promise. The room waiting for her in the house will be empty, and the toys will take the dust because the couple knew they wouldn’t be able to face this, not when their entire dream fell apart. This child who knew her parent’s voice would never be able to hear her sire’s stupid comments or her dam’s mumbling. None of them would hear this laugh or even the smallest smile a chubby face like hers could show, and who’ll make their world better?

The next night will be hard, just like the following years. 

The tears will be shredded between these walls who already knew and saw many things in this house…and coming home alone would be another one on the list. Izuku ignored the tears falling down his cheeks; the callous hands who tried to comfort him slowly left him in fear, only to wipe his tears. The emptiness in their chest wouldn’t be enough to cover this reality where this child didn’t even have a chance to see the light of day. Everything became empty around them, the voice blurred, and Izuku ignored how the callous hands brought him closer. 

At this point, he felt himself getting weaker and tired. 

He didn’t say anything; a simple glance was enough for the blond to understand what was happening. Without thinking twice, Izuku heard his mate shouting something to the midwife and the people in the room, but the omega’s vision blurred. His heartbeat slowed, his scarred hands still holding his husband and hearing a few words. The entire speech was blurry to him and his ears, but his eyes observed the teary crimson eyes, the way Katsuki kissed his forehead and begged him to stay alive. 

“Bring my child back,” were his last words before falling asleep and accepting his fate. 

—-

There was darkness everywhere, and Izuku was the only person in this huge room. 

The black walls gave him an impression of an endless corridor, with no sign of light bringing it back to its previous reality. His body was in better shape, and he could walk alone, but nothing made him want to enter the unknown. For the first time in his life, he decided to sit on the cold ground with walls reminding him of his failure. These promises are broken by his inability to give birth, from a body too reliable, or from the risks created by a too great awakening for these hopeful people. This future near they had so revered had become their own regret, regret for not having done enough, for not having survived, or for being a deception for others. 

After all, why try to move forward when a tragic fate like this was meant for him from the beginning? These dreams are too great to be realized, these projects that will remain in their imagination, these tears shed so that in the end, my death does not resemble what Izuku had imagined. 

 This wasn’t scary..on the opposite, it was almost welcoming. Maybe it was because the freckled man had already opened this door years ago in middle school because of his bullying, and this was a familiar road to walk by. This feeling wasn’t a shame or embarrassment if it was the end of his story…Izuku will be remembered as someone who never gave up. Katsuki will have a hard time dealing with his loss, but at least someone will tell the world a different version of the story.

The media will spread the news like the latest gossip, and the world will cry, but Katsuki will be here to tell them how his husband was stupid enough to give up at the last moment. Why should Izuku try if he knew it would be his fate? After all, he already lost his daughter, and now he was losing himself in a fight he couldn’t win. 

What a tragic twist of fate for the engineer who got everything. His haters must be happy to know that he was gone because his existence will be nothing but a bother to them. Still, the freckled man felt bad for leaving his husband behind in a world where none of him and their pup existed. It was never the plan, especially for the wonder duo, who had many ideas for their future…but life decided otherwise, so why should he fight against time? He had already lost it, and now he would be the ghost haunting his lover’s night, telling him the things he never had enough time to confess.

Izuku was already missing him. 

In this place, his tears tasted the same: regret and sadness. How could he think that he would have enough time? He died during childbirth because he wasn’t strong enough to handle the pain. Katsuki might be disappointed, but Izuku will be wrong somewhere else. He loved his husband until his last breath; they held hands when this happened, and still..there were so many “I love you” he missed. 

Izuku missed the blond’s smile, smirks, comments, stupid eyes, and everything. He wished he had said earlier about how their first date was catastrophic, but he cherished this memory, how he couldn’t stay away from his lover’s lips because they bring him back to life every time. He wished he could’ve spent his last days observing the blond’s beauty, caressing his cheeks, and feeling the heartbeat on his chest. So many nights, the omega rested against his husband’s chest, his fingers drawing circles around his skin marked by their previous activity and smiling at the idea that it was their reality. 

How could he forget her? His wonderful daughter. 

This child he loved since the beginning, this bond he created since the first day, and the many conversations they had. The late-night conversations when Izuku couldn’t sleep, and he was answered by baby bumps, waiting for his husband to return home safely. The strange but somewhat good discoveries she made him during the pregnancy surprised both of them but will always be a funny memory to their current self. 

The worried days when Izuku felt like he wasn’t enough to confide his doubts to a child who could only answer him by a bump but who comforted him in the most unexpected situation. The future they planned together, about having their first face-to-face conversation, hearing her first laugh, and which plushie she’d choose, even if this wouldn't make any sense. They didn’t even meet her, and she was already gone…Izuku hopes they’ll meet in another life and have another chance to live happily again, even if it takes them decades.

Izuku had already faced death and danger more than once, which made him argue about how he could be the villain’s next target and Katsuki would refuse to lose him. He would casually wake up and face the teary eyes of the blond, but this time, he wouldn’t wake up…Izuku hated this reality. He was alone in an empty room with his regrets.

Wiping his tears and apologizing to ghosts wouldn’t be enough to forgive himself for all the pain he inflicted on his loved ones. Izuku wouldn’t be surprised if Katsuki hated him in his next life because the freckled man was already his biggest hater. 

Now, he was stuck in this endless corridor, forced to face his mistakes and wait to see his lover or daughter showing up to keep him company. 

—--

Izuku hated being here, and the first rays of the sun struck his face, illuminating his cheeks with beauty, still marked by his dry tears. His skin is cold, still frozen by the dark piety in which time had previously stopped with him and his regrets. Moving a member of his body required too much effort, making him wonder if he was still dreaming or in another timeline. His fingers moved slightly after a few minutes of effort; his headache worsened the situation, but his eyes slowly opened to the sound of a familiar voice.

His body was hurting him, and he couldn’t move without a silent groan. He felt half unconscious, probably due to the medicine the doctor gave him when he lost consciousness in the labor room. Izuku moved his head, even if this sounded more like a challenge than a natural gesture, but he still needed to recover; imagine his surprise when he had to focus on recognizing the figure beside his bed. From here, blond spiky hair would be seen, they were messy, and the man was leaning around something that Izuku’s eyes could not see at the moment, but that captured his curiosity. 

The room was filled in complete silence, the monitor heartbeat playing like a dead melody to the person entering this place. He was still stunned due to the medication and his body’s tiredness from hearing the entire conversation, but he could feel his chest filled with sadness. It wasn’t his emotions; he knew it, but he had to make an effort to focus on each sound leaving the other’s lips.

“-It was pretty hard, you know, dealing with the sudden news and seeing your world falling twice the same day. I never knew how it felt until now, and I wish I could erase this moment to do something because I’m sure he’ll love you and your stupid chubby cheeks.”

Oh, so Izuku was a ghost. 

It reminded him of the movies he used to watch when he was little, with the ghost of the character standing beside the side and observing everything without being able to interact with any of his loved ones. Living in this situation wasn’t what he expected because his lips tried to move and say something, but it was too dry. Instead, he was stuck watching the reality he left behind because of his mistakes, a reality where Katsuki would be delusional about saving their daughter as a coping mechanism to the tragedy. 

He wished he would be able to speak, share all the thoughts in his mind, and tell his husband how he’ll be alright. Katsuki was strong enough to survive at first sight, but the injuries in his soul will never heal, even after decades. 

“Sometimes I just wish you could talk to him,” Katsuki confessed, moving his hands and leaving the omega curious about what he was doing. “You would look him straight in the eyes, having this innocent glance, and you’ll tell him not to give up. I missed him too, but being in a coma was worse than I expected. You should’ve seen how he was at the idea of losing you…we were both afraid.”

Silence filled the room, and Katsuki’s fingers gently caressed the freckled, chubby cheeks. It was still warm, just like the first day, and something was missing. The alpha already knew the answers to his questions because he watched his husband being unconscious for the last few days. He was the first to visit and the last to leave the building, but he begged to stay here at night, even if the nurses saw how devoted he was. Mitsuki and Masaru would visit, followed by Inko, who was just like her son..a crybaby, but her tears were justified. 

The sadness to see her unconscious son standing here and the happiness to see her grandchild awake with her emerald eyes and blonde curls. Even their friends took their time to visit the duo, knowing how hard the news was for the blond and how depressed he looked with bags under his eyes and his hands holding the scarred ones every day, hoping to see a movement. 

“You should’ve been here in his arms, observing his shi-stupid face and watching the pride in his eyes. We had many plans for you, waking up the next day and being new parents, but fate decided otherwise. I’ve been a single parent since your birth, but I fucking hate that because if someone had to go, it should’ve been me. You have no idea how strong and important your dam is to me, just like you, because you two made it…that’s why you’re the strongest people I know. If only he could see you as I do, I’m sure he’ll cry like me the first time because you’re our dream, princess.”

Oh. 

Tears fell down his cheeks when he realized the meaning of his husband’s words. He didn’t even notice he was crying until he tasted the tears on his lips, bringing him back to reality…his reality. It took him a moment to conceive of being alive again, especially after a near-death experience like this one. Surviving will be the ultimate hint of life telling him not to give up, not for his husband, their daughter, his mother, and his friends. He had so much to prove, so many smiles and laughs to share, tears to shred, and he couldn’t stay in this endless corridor…not when he had a reason to stay alive in this world. 

It was the hardest part…making a move. Izuku wanted to say many things, express his regrets, and apologize for leaving them behind. His mouth was dry, and he needed water to speak, but the only thing to leave his lips was a laugh, followed by an “Of course you would say that.”

The time stopped right after his words. 

It almost became awkward if Katsuki’s hands didn’t stop what he was doing, and his body froze at the familiar voice. At this exact moment, millions of thoughts went through his mind, including the craziest ones, but his soul knew. Being mated with his omega meant feeling the other’s emotions…and right now, he could feel something different than sadness. Katsuki knew his feelings better than anyone, and the warmth in his chest wouldn’t come from him…especially with this intensity: Only one person could make him feel that way.

The taller man stepped back, took a deep breath, and turned around. His crimson eyes found the emerald one open, a slight smile on his face, revealing previous tears. His heart stopped momentarily, wondering if he was dreaming or hallucinating, but he knew it was real when their gaze met. It wouldn’t be any gaze; on the contrary, it would be the one they’ll use every time one of them is feeling bad. It was their secret, and no one knew except these two. 

Katsuki walked slowly to the bed, his hands shaking, and he sat on the white sheet. 

He made sure not to bother the smaller man, still looking at him with awe, trying to move his hands. None dare to talk, too focused on the happiness in their chest and the impression of finding their missing piece again. The callous hands moved closer to the omega, cupping his cheeks and feeling the warmth in his palm. The red ruby eyes were now teary due to the sudden emotions inviting his chest, the ones he couldn’t name, as his skin was meeting his husband’s. Without speaking, Katsuki put his forehead against the freckled man’s, ignoring the sweat on his skin and searching for his lover’s heartbeat. 

Izuku smiled, observing how a gesture would show more than words. 

It had always been a Katsuki thing to prove his love and devotion by actions because words weren’t his things. Until now, the omega noticed the small gesture, but it would mean nothing compared to what they lived now. The moment's intensity, how their bodies and eyes talked for themselves, and the feeling of being alive would make their reunion more intimate. The scarred hands slowly moved, leaving the sheet to find the alpha’s cheeks and cupping them, revealing how he was here and this was over.

“Shit,” confessed the blond in a shaking tone, not hiding his tears, “I thought I lost you. Don’t ever give up again, or I’ll kick your ass and send you on the other side of the country.”

Izuku chuckled, and this sound echoed like an old song to the alpha’s ears. It was a song he used to listen to when he needed comfort and felt at home. He found his favorite album, mixing his lover’s laugh and their daughter’s mumbles. The hesitant touch on his skin revealed how Izuku couldn’t control his bones for the moment, but for the moment, Katsuki was proud of him. His fingers intertwined with Izuku’s, holding them softly before looking into the green eyes he loved so much. They were shining,  exhausted by the sudden awake, but the only thing that mattered was how Izuku was alive and by their side. 

“I can’t promise anything, kacchan…but it’s nice to see your face again.”

“I’m serious,” cut the taller man with a concerned gaze, “Everything happened so fast, I barely had time to figure out what was happening between our daughter making her first cry and your heart-stopping. I knew you’d give me an incredible birth, but I didn’t know I’d be unforgivable like that.”

Izuku sighed, moving his head, only to be caught by the crimson eyes on his. He nearly forgot how beautiful they were, reflecting the red of their passion but the degradation of a relationship with ups and downs. The tears he missed, the lips so kissable he needed to taste again, and the gentle touch from his shaking fingers. Izuku was stupid to think he could leave this place and wait for something to happen because someone out there would always be there, waiting for him. 

“Don’t you dare die on me, freckles. I can’t live without you, and you know that, so don’t give me another reason to see my therapist,” confessed the blond, hearing a soft chuckle as an answer to his comment. 

“I promise,” answered the omega, smiling and feeling his lover’s skin against his. “I won’t leave you again. I’m sorry for scarring you, my love.”

Katsuki smirked, cutting the other with a sudden kiss. It was slow, almost hesitant, like their first kiss in high school, but it became tender a few seconds later when Izuku answered. Their lips moved slowly, searching for each other as if their life was on the line and celebrating the impression of being alive again. Izuku closed his eyes, his fingers caressing the back of his husband’s neck, giving chills to Katsuki, who answered by pressing his finger behind the other’s ears. Unsurprisingly, Izuku smiled and felt alive again, but something was bothering him…

“Kacchan," he whispered between their kiss, looking into the red ruby eyes. “You mentioned our daughter earlier…but she’s not-”

“She is,” the other corrected.

 At this moment, the time stopped for the second time, and the feelings in the omega’s chest increased. Katsuki could also feel it, but a gaze was stronger than any words they had confessed until now. The viridian eyes were searching for answers or even confirmation in his mate’s gaze because there was no way this could be real. Don’t get him wrong, he was here when this happened, and a part of him wanted to believe in this possibility of seeing their daughter alive. The loss was too much to handle for them, but his eyes were searching if Katsuki wasn’t lying or tricking him into a bad joke.

“She’s alive, Izuku.” 

His strong fingers wiped the tears away and tenderly cupped his lover’s cheeks. From here, he could feel his mate's hesitation, which was understandable for someone like him who had a strong bond with their pup. Katsuki often observed the affection between the omega and their daughter, especially how happy they were. Seeing her life taken away so quickly was a tragedy for a family who promised to protect this newborn and give her all their love. 

“But…” He tried to find the right words, but the thoughts in his mind messed him up. He was relieved that she was finally here with them, and she was fine, especially between her sire’s hands. He always knew the blond would make a great father, but something bothered him. “How…How and when this happened ?”

“That’s the thing,” he pointed out, trying to hide his pain. “I told you earlier, but you lost consciousness a few seconds after the midwife told us she was still alive. You were too exposed to your anxiety and fear that you let them win, and you missed her first cry. It happened a few seconds after the news of you dropped, and I didn’t know if I should cry happiness because she was fine or sadness because the man I loved died beside me, and I couldn’t do anything.”

“Oh…I’m sorry.” 

What could he say? After all, he was the one responsible for all of this. His body gave up, and after a few hours, accepting death was alright. Izuku could make bad decisions, but leaving his family behind was the worst. Izuku Midoriya wasn’t like his father, and he will never be.

 “I’m so sorry for letting my fear win, and I missed the most important moment of our life. I’m sorry for leaving you behind, unable to give you an answer at the right time, and letting you fall with your worries. I’m sorry for not being enough and wanting to give up when I was unconscious. I’m sorry for.”

“Stop apologizing, nerd.” The alpha’s gaze was serious this time, but Izuku could still read his concern. “You did nothing wrong because you were just surviving. None of us could’ve planned this, even in our worst scenarios, but the last days had been the worst of my life. Now, this is over, and you’re here with us. She needs you as I need you; we all need you, so if you have a near-death experience again, I’ll teach you how leaving us behind is a shitty idea.”

Silence filled the room, the heartbeat monitor being the only sound filling this awkward atmosphere. None dared to speak, but their eyes shone, Izuku reading the concerns into the blonds and Katsuki the happiness in the omega. The two of them had different feelings about this situation, one more worried than the other, but they were together now, the three of them. 

“I promise I’ll never leave you behind, kacchan.” He showed his pinky finger, observing how the other rolled his eyes in answer. A laugh escaped his lips, and he opened his loving eyes, forcing his mate to move closer. “Come on, don’t give me that gaze. I know you want to make a pinky promise, too; your eyes never lie, my dear.”

“Alright, but don’t tell bout this to anyone, or I’ll-”

“You’ll kick my ass, I already know,” laughed Izuku, watching their fingers marking their words with a pinky promise as they used to as children.

 It always meant something important to them, even when they met. Growing up forced them to break this habit, but meeting again in high school, especially after their first fight, made them return to their old habits. Today, Izuku was the only one to know how Katsuki cared a lot about their pinky promise and how sincere their words were. 

“Kacchan…” His eyes peeked at the glass cradle standing a few meters away. With one glance, Katsuki understood his question and stood up. 

Izuku stayed silent, hearing his heartbeat and wondering how it would be…because it would never be the same as the experience everyone described in the labor room. Their daughter was already alive for days, and Izuku didn’t have the chance to hold her, not even hearing her first cry, and it was his biggest regret. The familiar figure stood beside the glass cradle where their pup was moving. Her mumbles echoed in the room as a sweet sound the omega already loved, and his eyes widened when his strong arms were taking the baby, exposing her face to the world. 

Izuku’s chest was prideful when he noticed her blonde curls, green emerald eyes, and freckled chubby cheeks like his. She was perfect. She was the prettiest pup he had ever seen, and her face was the exact idea of the mental representation he was making in the last months. She seemed so small and fragile in the blond’s arms, and Izuku was afraid to see her fall anytime. Katsuki smirked, feeling the pride and happiness in his chest as he moved closer to the hospital bed. 

Izuku gave him a hesitant peek. It was the first time he had seen her, she was the prettiest and the strongest pup we’d seen, but he was afraid of making a bad move. He learned many things in the past months, including how to hold their newborn for the first time. It was a delicate process because they were sensitive and still vulnerable, but a part of his soul begged him to take the step and finally hold their daughter in his shaking arms.

“After the incident, we had to manage with what we had on hand and nearby.” He informed, his fingers ruffling the chubby cheeks and putting the baby on the white sheet. The chubby hands grabbed it, but she didn’t leave her plushie. She was holding it like her life was on the line, and a groan of pain escaped her small lips when it was out of reach. “They asked me to use something you scented to give her the impression of having you physically. I bought your nightshirt without thinking, and she refused to leave it now.” 

Izuku smiled, observing how small she was. It was crazy, yet her small head moved in the bed while her chubby hands grabbed the shirt tightly. 

“We changed it with new ones, with your scent, but she started crying. I guess she was attached to the stupid nightshirt we gave her…but the good news is that we didn’t have to fight to know which plushie she’d choose.” 

“She’s beautiful,” whispered the omega, admiring the scene's beauty. 

His fingers came to ruffle her freckled cheeks, catching her attention. At that moment, their eyes met, and Izuku felt something stronger in his chest. It wasn’t pride, happiness, or even love…it was their bond…the one who was still here even after a few days in a coma. Their pup must’ve felt the same because her eyes widened, and she stared to show the smaller man in front of her.

 Katsuki smiled, kissing her forehead and whispering, “I told you, he’s here, princess.”

This time, it was happiness tears rustling down his cheeks when his chest was filled with love and pride. He noticed how the blond’s hands moved closer, taking her back into his arms and moving closer to his mate. Izuku’s scent was strong enough to fill their previous anxiety, but now it was full of happiness. It will be an unforgettable moment between an omega meeting his pup, the result of their love for the first time after birth. Their story was unusual, but it wouldn’t change from usual because it’ll be their own version of the story.

“I think you need to meet someone, and I’m pretty sure this feeling is mutual,” teased the blond, but Izuku nodded. 

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment.”

The taller man smirked, putting the omega’s head into a better position and giving him a pillow to support his neck. None dared to speak when the baby left the strong arms to meet the shaking one, and everything stopped. At that exact moment, Izuku’s heartbeat fastened, his fingers caressing the soft skin and feeling the chubby fingers grabbing his. 

He heard from many testimonies how this moment would be unforgettable, and they were right. Whether after birth or post-birth, the freckled man still had first contact with their daughter, the one they promised to cherish and protect. The warmth of her fingers against his bigger hands made him smile, happiness increasing each second and feeling his husband’s eyes in him every second.

Katsuki fought for his life more than once, but nothing would be more important than seeing the two people in love reunited for the first time. 

With a slight move, the blond helped the omega to hold the baby’s head against his chest. This time, no cloth will be enough to cover the sweet and vanilla scent in the room, reaching their noses. His fingers cupped the freckled cheeks tenderly, afraid of breaking this tiny human, but she wouldn’t, at least not so easily. She survived the worst, and Izuku couldn’t help but be proud of her.

She moved her eyes around, searching for the source of this familiar scent before finding it. Her emerald eyes shined like her dam, and she started to move her hands. Izuku chuckled, understanding that she was searching for his warmth, and he obeyed while her baby mumble echoed in the room.

“So they weren’t lying when they said it’ll be the best moment in our life,” confessed the freckled man, tears falling down his cheeks.

 He knew he would cry, but nothing would expect him to feel their daughter’s tiny hands against his cheeks. The contact was immediate, both feelings how their bond became stronger than ever, and Izuku refused to let her go, not now he found a reason to live.

”You’re so strong, sweetheart. How could you survive with your dad the entire time and listen to his questions ?” He laughed, his eyes never leaving the pups. She was amazed that the source of her warmth and comforting scent was under her eyes. “You’re beautiful, and I know it because you’re mine. You’re my daughter, the one and only, and you have no idea how I waited for you to meet us. Your dad and I will tell you later about this journey when you entered our life until this moment. I guess you’ll be surprised, but I know you’ll never give up… your parents must have inspired you.”

His voice softened, not hiding the fact he was shaking. He had already missed the previous touch of the fingers on his face and held her closer to his heart. This would mean a lot for the omega, who knew how a gesture would mean more than words. Putting their daughter closer to his heart meant showing how he loved her more than anyone, even if she wouldn’t understand that yet.

“I’m sorry for leaving you behind, sweetheart. I’m already failing my job to be a good dam, but I promise it’ll be the first and the last time.” He whispered, kissing her forehead and scenting her soft scent, being a mix of her parents. He brought her closer in case something happened again, being afraid of losing her, and watched how comfortable she was.

“You’ll see a lot of people saying bad things about us, but you need to know how strong you are. Our daughter is the strongest person I’ve ever met, and I’m so proud of you for surviving. I can’t imagine a world without you and your beautiful face, and I’m ready to see this new journey by your side.” Izuku confessed, observing her eyes moving slowly and her mouth open to yawn in silence. 

She moved her head closer to the omega’s chest, and her eyes started to close.

It felt right because it was where he belonged and always had been his home. With years, he realized home wasn’t a place but people such as his husband or their daughter. The home was the only place where he could feel himself, show vulnerabilities, and shed tears. It would also be the taller man standing beside him during his late nights, comforting his insecurities and kissing him gently. Now, another person will be his new home: the baby standing in his arms, looking like her parents, who made him the happiest omega. 

Now, he was sure to go home with their daughter, safe in their arms, and this room would finally be useful. Izuku didn’t even notice when callous hands rubbed his messy curls, and his husband’s lips kissed his forehead softly. A smile appeared on his face, revealing how it was finally the peace he was waiting for…because being in a dark room until his last breath wasn’t his idea of a happy ending. 

From the beginning, his happy ending was returning home with their pup in their arms, away from the crowd, and giving her the life she deserves. Sometimes, it wouldn’t be easy, but they could face anything if they survived this fight.

“We should probably name her,” whispered the blond, catching his attention.

“You didn’t ?” This sounds like a surprise for the freckled man, but it makes sense. With all the previous events, they didn’t have time to think about a name.

“They recommended me to give her a temporary name until you wake up…but it didn’t feel right. I decided to wait until you woke up because I wanted to be sure it was the right thing for both of us.” 

Oh.

It would make more sense, and a laugh escaped his lips as an answer. With his free hands, he grabbed the blond’s, intertwining their fingers together, and watched his face soften to the touch.

“Thanks,” he whispered happily, glancing at the crimson eyes searching for comfort. Katsuki was afraid because his late could’ve been mad at him for not getting a name, but Izuku was patient and understanding. “Thanks for doing all of this, even the stupidest things.”

“Could you define me stupid in your dictionary ?”

“Don’t you think I didn’t notice the bags under your eyes? You look like you haven’t slept for years.”

Katsuki didn’t answer, making Izuku smirk. Once again, he won this fight, but I couldn’t blame him…because he did the same thing years ago after the war against Shigaraki. Izuku had been here, waiting for days and hoping to see his childhood friend wake up and open his eyes again.

“I will only sleep when you and the brat will be safe at home. It’s the only condition I can accept, or my name isn’t Katsuki Bakugo.”

Izuku laughed, his hands cupping his husband’s cheeks to kiss him again. This time, he could feel the passion and how they missed each other. They still have nights to catch up, but it’ll be fine because everyone is safe now.

“Hana,” Izuku whispered, looking into the red ruby eyes. “I want to name her Hana.”

Katsuki’s face became pale, and the omega smiled. His eyes followed the shaking fingers caressing their daughter’s soft cheeks.

“I thought you said this name was lame,” he commented, remembering this conversation like yesterday.

“I was teasing you, and it only made sense when I met her. I knew this name would fit her perfectly, particularly because you were the one to make this recommendation.” 

The blond rolled his eyes, pinching his husband’s nose and hearing a laugh. He missed their dynamic and waking up next to his life's love, especially now that he would have the little girl under his eyes and sleeping peacefully against his chest.

“You’re stupid, Izuku…but I must deal with you until my last breath.”

“So…what do you think ?"

Silence filled the room. Emerald eyes found the crimson one, and a soft gaze appeared on their face. 

“Hana Bakugo Midoriya,” he whispered, kissing her forehead, “It sounds good to me.”