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It started with the wind ruffling his messy curls, hearing the delicate background noises of children playing in the park and sunlight warming his exposed skin.
The previous sunrise appeared under the prettiest shade of Mustard yellow, creating an ethereal atmosphere for the most curious eyes glancing at this breathtaking show. Izuku Midoriya always loved this gentle neighborhood, with an ounce of nostalgia each time his eyes lost themselves in the landscapes. Their youth hadn’t been as charming as their past fairytale, but it was unforgettable enough for their shattered hearts.
The silenced house offered a welcoming atmosphere on casual afternoons like this one, highlighted by the background noises of loud conversations and children laughing together. The scent of coffee ruffled the omega’s nose, holding the paper in the palm of his hand, opening the teenager's room, marked by posters and collections of all sorts. A slight smile crossed Izuku’s lips at the view, recalling the days when he held this newborn in his arms, realizing how this tiny pup became a tormented teenager in the blink of an eye.
His scarred fingers dropped the paper on the wooden desk, closing the window and appreciating the loneliness in the house. Today, Kastumi decided to hang out with her friends to change her mind, a decision the freckled man accepted, only if she kept her promises to stay legal. The blonde teenager simply rolled her eyes and made a pinky promise, leaving the shorter man alone with his thoughts. Izuku didn’t mind solitude if this meant taking the rest he needed, especially when this little bean inside his belly, seemed to enjoy messing his sleep schedules up.
In order to change his mind, his thumbs grabbed the closest remote to fill the background noses with daily reporters, explaining the new heroes on the rank and the recent success from the great Dynamight. As simple as it sounds, it was comforting to see the simple image of his childhood friend on the screen after being so far from his mate. It gave him the impression to see how far they’ve achieved, from the wasted tears to the tender vows on the altar. Katsumi wasn’t naive and noticed how her dam secretly missed the alpha since departure for his overseas mission, but she did her best to stand by his side, despite her own struggle.
Izuku was glad to have someone as caring as his daughter by his side, even when his lips liked to chase an unreachable name in the middle of the night. The freckled man sighed, chasing the uncomfortable thoughts away from his mind by checking the news: He knew he’d receive a call and a text from the blond at the end of the day, but don’t blame the freckled man for his naive curiosity! Some of the titles caught his attention, mentioning some cheating affairs that weren’t meant to be, or crazy fan theories about Dynamight quieting his career overnight.
His younger self would’ve probably been afraid of mentioning those rumors, due to past insecurities. Thankfully, the couple worked on their hidden scars, a huge effort for both of them but the result was worth the try if this meant saving this invisible string between them. The two childhood friends explained how their bond wasn’t simply represented through a golden ring on their used fingers but by the existence of stupid heads running in the house. Izuku remembered the forehead kiss exchanged between them before the alpha’s departure, making sure everything was alright: That day, the freckled man offered a long embrace inside his mate’s arms, explaining how the next months would be the hardest. Katsuki simply ruffled the messy curls and gave a quest to the little bean inside the womb to take care of his dam, making the omega laugh and bringing a smile back to the blond’s face.
The freckled man will always cherish this memory, charming his heart in the most delicate process, transcribing this timeless devotion the two childhood friends vowed years ago. Being on its own was hard, but he knew it was a question of time before he saw his lover return with a grin on his lips, the same one that charmed the omega’s heart in his youth. Izuku made a slight groan when he felt the need to go to the toilet, making a lesson to his unborn pup to not play with his bladder like a toy! The pup simply replied with another bump, making the omega roll his eyes until he heard a sudden ring. The sudden noise came from his phone in the living room: It was a rule he established during each of his husband’s operations, to always keep the ring on in case something bad happened.
It had never been the case until now, but Izuku stayed on its guard. After washing his hands, he moved to the wooden table where his screen highlighted the contact of a few names: The firsts were calls from his friends, probably asking him to hang out and take some air, but another contact caught his attention. The omega convinced himself it was just an update about the camp. It would be annoying to wait longer for his husband’s return, who wanted to see his mate before the birth of their pup, but he knew his husband would do his best to return home as soon as possible!
His thumbs unlocked his phone and pressed the “called” button. After all, his hormones tended to be more tense and vulnerable since the beginning of the pregnancy, and being away from his mate was complicated but it was fine! Sometimes it happened to have a call, asking about Dynamight’s information concerning his blood type or potential allergies, knowing the agency wanted the best of protection….so Izuku shouldn't be worried, right?
The ringtone on the other line echoed louder in the room, wondering what might be so important to receive a call in the middle of the day. The anxiety inside his chest kept rising as a cursed song to his sensitive ears, afraid to hear bad news, even if it was all in his head. After all, the great Dynamight swore on his life to do his best until his last breath and never gave up: He had people waiting impatiently for him at home! The sound of light tiptoes against the carpet offered a light escape, compared to the unpleasant sensation inside the omega’s chest.
His prayers had been heard when a familiar voice resonated on the other line, breaking the previous silence in the welcoming house. Izuku made a sigh at the background noises, realizing how the other heroes were in the surroundings, and maybe his husband simply wanted to talk to him… but why would he do such a thing when he had his personal? The freckled man regained his breath and waited until his interlocutor made the first step.
“Are you Izuku Bakugo Midoriya ?” The slow voice asked with a simple tone, hiding any ounce of emotions in his speech. The omega didn’t really like the strange impression inside his chest, knowing his instincts wouldnever lie to him and save his life more than once!
“Yes, that’s me,” he answered with a gulp, covering the hesitation in the fragile tone of his voice. The shorter man convinced himself it was nothing but the result of anxiety after being separated from his lover for too long, but something inside his bones convinced him that it would’ve been better to ignore this call and live in denial. “Did…Did something happen to my mate- I mean, Dynamight? I have a few pieces of information near my reach if you need them for a medical emergency. It’s on the desk and I need a few minutes to get-”
“I’m afraid these aren’t useful anymore,” the man indicated with a hesitant tone. He knew he was supposed to be the one delivering the tragic news, but it broke his heart to imagine how this innocent family would have to suffer from such damage. “I don’t really know how to walk on eggshells, but something happened to your husband and I’m afraid he won’t be able to shorten his overseas mission.”
“I understand if he needs more time,” Izuku explained with a calm tone, convincing himself it wasn’t necessary to take such drastic manners to this announcement. However, the omega did notice how the sudden silence on the line became heavier than the previous belly he gained in the last months. Something was wrong and the shorter man convinced himself it was all in his head, but his hands met the fabric of his shirt, reflecting his genuine stress.
“I….Listen, I didn’t want to announce it in such a cruel way, but your husband passed away a few days ago. His body was found in an important state that led him to an emergency, but he gave his last breath two days ago,” the man declared with a heartbreaking tone, showing his own regrets about not saving one of the most important allies in a secret agreement he made with the agency.
Everyone knew how Dynamight was loved by his surroundings, but he shared a timeless love for his family: He kept mentioning how his childhood friend was the most inspiring person he had ever seen, such as his daughter and unborn child, being the miracle the couple always needed.
“We tried our best to keep him alive as long as possible, but we naturally assumed the depth of his injuries took the lead and let him succumb in his sleep. We’re sincerely sorry for your loss, and we’ll give an homage to his name. The body will return in a better state to offer the funeral it deserves, my sincere condolences to your family…”
An uncomfortable silence filled the room, leaving both interlocutors in a distressful atmosphere on the line but it was nothing compared to the sudden stab in the back the freckled man received with the previous words. He wanted to believe it was some kind of bad dream and he’d wake up soon, with the familiar figure of his husband by his side with his stupid smirk and gentle promise, but he knew how it was only an illusion concerning his cruel reality.
His world fell apart in a few seconds, transforming desperate vows into a final goodbye. This man that represented his missing piece was now a forgotten memory, buried with the other decomposed bodies and ashes in the air, joining the poor names who succumbed to death’s charms. How stupid was he to even think that the primer wouldn’t grab this occasion to take away the most important person of his life, especially after failing twice in the past? It was evident how this demon wanted to have revenge after the hidden smile the couple shared in the midnight sky…but it was painful.
It was heartbreaking to even imagine what the blond might’ve felt in his last thoughts and if he died in a painful way or not. At this moment, the delicate frames of their golden youth crossed the emerald eyes, marked by the tears on his chubby cheeks, losing his thumbs against the teeshirt that belonged to his deceased husband. He recalled the genuine laugh, the secret glances, and the delighted blush heating their cheeks after another confession.
Izuku should’ve known that his happiness wasn’t meant to last, but how stupid was he to even think fate wouldn’t give him a taste of his own medicine? He should’ve prepared himself for this eventuality, but he didn’t know what he was supposed to do now. This caring father who sacrificed his life to save another country was now a vulgar name in the list of people who paid for unfair crimes they’ve never committed!
The shaking omega didn’t need more details about Katsuki’s lifeless body, picturing this terrifying frame inside his shattered heart. How cruel was it to take such a wonderful soul like Katsuki’s away from his untold narrative: He not only left as a hero adored by the world, but as a devoted father and loving husband, who’ll never have the chance to see his child growing up.
Izuku had no reason to be mad at his childhood friend for an unexpected twist of fate, but he hated fate for taking away one of the most important people in his life. What was he supposed to do now he lost the stronger pillar of this family: He couldn’t even image Katsumi’s reactions to the news, and the numerous questions his unborn child would ask about a ghost occupying his wildest dreams, without being able to touch a one of his hair.
Their vows repeated themselves as delicate songs to the omega’s ears, ignoring his inner scars that welcomed thorns with bitter blood, erasing this last ounce of help. There was no doubt Izuku wouldnever find the courage to move on, knowing his heart and soul would always belong to this heroic figure of his past, and become the center of his universe. The scarred fingers held the shirt tighter, ignoring the bump that tried to offer some reassurance, but only worsened things, holding back his breakdown.
“I get it,” he simply whispered with a low tone, covering his previous tears. “Thanks for telling me and make sure to let his…body, stay in good condition and give the honor it’ll deserve. It’s what he would’ve wanted.”
The shaking hands declined the call and put the phone on the side, his eyes losing themselves on the wallpaper near his reach. His heart missed a beat at the genuine expression on the blond’s face, from his stupid smirk to the way he exposed the ring on his finger, with a pride expression on his crimson eyes. Light sobs resonated in the room, offering a bitter reminder of this new reality where Izuku wouldn’t have any ulterior motive other than surviving for their children and family they were supposed to see grow together! How was he supposed to chase after his unreachable other half, knowing things would never be the same? The only sound that escaped from his lips was endless curses, begging the stars to bring him back the man he loved, but none listened to his words…mocking his misery.
How was he supposed to live in a world where his childhood friend and the father of his children was nothing but a simple name and mention in conversation instead of physical warmth? The idea of seeing Katsumi and their unborn pup growing up without their father was the worst of fate. Izuku had no other choice but to accept that Katsuki Bakugo was gone.
—---
Izuku didn’t even try to fight against the tears falling down his cheeks at the sudden awakening.
His scarred hands grabbed the bedsheet closer to his chest, hoping it’d bring enough reassurance after this terrible dream, being one of the numerous he could list since his lover’s departure. The shorter man expected to see his nightmares slow down after the reassuring promises made by the blond a few hours before his mission, but his inner demons took the lead and transformed his hidden insecurities into a genuine source of pain. The freckled man decided to simply focus on his senses, understanding how he was back inside his silenced bedroom: the slight breeze from the open window of the bathroom crossed his face, leaving one of his curls while his shaking figure focused on his own heartbeat. It took a few minutes to regain his calm until he decided to take a glimpse at his phone and see a recent notification from his husband. The omega probably missed it before sleeping, due to his exhausting day….
In all honestly, Izuku didn’t know how to feel about this situation: He hated this sensation of drowning in his own concerns when the night showed its true colors, but he was stuck in this endless circle. In each of them, he remained the easier target to different scenarios where he was either separated by force from the man he loved or doomed to see his childhood friend falling for someone else.
The shorter man was conscious about the impact it might have on the pup’s state, but he was tired of hiding the bags under his eyes. It would be easier to simply grab the phone and call his mate in despair, letting the other know about the existence of those demons, but he knew how the blond was probably occupied at this moment. Izuku didn’t want to risk his lover’s life with something as stupid as this, especially when a single second of inattention might change everything.
The omega moved his legs and rested his pillow under better conditions for his head and neck, but made a groan when he realized how he couldn’t find sleep. It was too early to close his eyes and think about something else, not when tears kept falling down his cheeks, unable to get rid of this pain growing up inside his vulnerable soul. Don’t get him wrong, Izuku did his best to change his mind but none worked, especially after the intensity of the previous terrors that’ll leave scars for the next night….
“I’ll be back before the little bean shows up, I promise,” the blond’s voice echoed in the freckled man’s ears. Calloused fingers hide lost curls behind the omega’s ears, catching the slight smile at the corner of his lips at the delicate gesture. The bags were already residing on the cold floor and Katsumi simply stared at the scene with a distant glance, making a sad expression from afar, hating the goodbye between the three of them.
“You know how to charm a corrupted soul with your ethereal vows but it’s even better if you make them real,” Izuku whispered with a fond tone, resting his head against his mate’s chest. He knew he was selfish and didn’t want to see his lover leave so easily, but he had no other choice and held on to those memorable moments. “We already miss you, but stay safe, I don’t know what I would do if something bad happened to you.
The "what ifs" became a recurrent source of conflict but none will ever replace the genuine care of those memories, that melted the omega’s heart. It was hard to get rid of this sensation inside his chest, but he needed to change his mind and think about his family's safety, with his lover still alive on the other side of the world. The freckled man decided to leave the previous warmth to meet the cold floor on his tiptoes, making a groan at the sudden change of atmosphere until his shadow disappeared in the bathroom to wash his face.
After all, this fresh sensation of water against his exhausted face was enough to let him know that he shouldn’t worry about the rest of the adventure. His pup was safe inside the womb and showed healthy signs, according to the recent ethnography, and Kastumi was still the same teenager who took care of her loved ones. Izuku couldn’t be prouder of the family he had, from his stubborn but inspiring husband to the courageous children he had, even the little bean, who seemed to be awake at this late hour.
The emerald eyes took a quick glimpse at his reflection in the mirror, and noticed the evident scars on his face: The wars hadn’t been favorable to him since his teenage years, but he wore each of his injuries with pride! It took him a while to get used to his new appearance, being afraid to even stare at his reflection until he accepted this second chance. In all honestly, those changes had been possible due to the mutual support of the couple throughout their relationship, from the gentle praise to the stolen kisses on each other’s bodies and hidden smiles. If Katsuki Bakugo succeeded in being the freckled man’s savior, Izuku underestimated how he saved the blond’s life, transforming his fears into a source of courage. Izuku and Katsuki had never been this attached to each other since their high school years, being glued to each other and afraid of waking up beside an empty bed.
It was their biggest strength to take care of each other, and yet, their biggest weakness was to live in a lifetime where they’re nothing but a simple memory on the other’s narrative. This invisible string between them was as inspiring as the golden thread linking their souls together, transcribing the most breathtaking poems into charming songs to the most vulnerable ears. The freckled man sighed, making a slight smile as he recalled the numerous praises made by his mate, erasing the sadness that previously filled his chest, mixed with an ounce of nostalgia.
Izuku stayed discrete when he closed the door of his bedroom and walked toward the kitchen, turning the small lamp on to not awaken the sleeping figure It was unfair to make it worse for Katsumi, who already had sleep trouble with her recurrent nightmare, being a family curse apparently. The shorter man wondered what kind of dream his son might have inside the womb, and if he also needed reassurance but couldn’t express it in words. The sudden sound of a tap resonated in the quiet house, making the omega wince, and grabbed the closest glasses near his reach to fill it with fresh water.
His lips met the border and felt the cold water down his throat, resting his back against the countertop. He appreciated the peaceful atmosphere that welcomed his family a long time ago, representing new beginnings for the naive souls, who entered this unknown location with excitement in their shining eyes. The omega thanked himself for having someone occupying his mind with a daily reminder, based on the innocent bump, that usually brightened his days. Seeing his husband being so far from him was heartbreaking, but Katsuki Bakugo was devoted to his loved ones more than his own life, and this decision was made in a compromise: This mission was the last one the alpha accepted before his one-year break, to make sure his family easily adapt themselves to the new changes with the brat.
Izuku enjoyed this invisible string between them, especially with their constant texts throughout the days. Having a long-distance relationship was hard, but it was worth the try if this meant waiting until his mate’s return! It was evident how the couple waited with impatience to know more about each other’s day and what they missed. The most complicated part was to count the days separating their reunion….
The freckled man already survived two months and needed to wait less than thirty days to see his husband again: it wasn’t too far under this naive aspect, but it was an endless wait for those two souls, who kept chasing after each other, even in their wildest dreams. The first days of separation were tolerable, but it became weeks and the loneliness in the house became inevitable even if the omega and his daughter tried their best to fill this emptiness by taking care of each other. Izuku did his best to stand by Katsumi’s side, recalling how she used to hold onto the blond’s legs when she was six, begging him to not leave the house, until her parents returned with a grin, welcomed with a strong embrace.
There were no doubts their little princess was the miracle they waited for, especially when it was the first time they became new parents: tough chores and a change of lifestyles for lost souls like theirs, but the number of memorable souvenirs they gained was worth their ups and downs. Katsumi Bakugo Midoriya was everything they ever wanted: This girl had the strong stubbornness of her father and the gentleness of her dam, having her own struggle as time passed by, staying loyal to her role of white knight in the family. After all, she was the one who covered the sleeping body of her dam when the freckled man slept on the couch after a long day, under the amazed crimson eyes, who ruffled her blonde curls and said how he was proud of her.
Despite being in the same building as her dam, under different roles, she never hesitated to help him. They might have separated classes and seen each other most of the time in the corridor, but the blonde teenager never hesitated to bring some help by saying a casual “hi” to Izuku’s class after the bell. It might be meaningless, but that kind of interaction was the teacher’s favorite moment: He loved how the tiny newborn he held into his arm became this inspiring figure who shared a hidden smile after receiving a small kiss on the forehead, knowing how she was loved by her parents. Katsumi naturally accepted the news of another sibling in the family and was more than happy to see the caring expressions on her parents's face.
Katsumi remembered being young and admirative of those amazing bedtime stories shared by her parents, with shining stars in their irises, captivating the entire attention of the curious eyes in the room. The blonde always wanted to ask for more details about her parents’s past, but became too hesitant with the years, especially after the obstacles their family had been through, but it didn’t change her naive curiosity!
It must explain why she was still awake at this late hour, simply staring at the ceiling. The last nights had been the hardest, but she simply accepted the presence of night terrors and forehead kisses on her cheeks in the early morning. The teenager sighed, resting her back on the sheet and checking the hour on the phone, deciding to make a quick check on her dam, probably awake, based on the light in the living room. The differences between the warmth of her bed and the other room made her groan in embarrassment, regretting not taking a coat or some clothes to protect her from the sudden cold.
Her crimson eyes caught the familiar presence of the tired omega on the countertop, regaining his calm with a few mumbles. Katsumi made a slight smile at the scene, glad to see how her dam didn’t change the amusing habits of her childhood. Her footsteps slowed to not scare the lost omega in the room, until one of her hands met the shorter shoulder, her eyes noticing the glasses of water and medicine beside him. She didn’t know if this remedy would help the disappearance of headaches, but if it was necessary to convince her parents, she didn’t see any inconvenience, as long as their lives weren't on the line.
The freckled man made a jump at the sudden movements, lifting his head to catch the concerned crimson ones. His heart missed a beat when he realized how he accidentally woke his daughter up and made her worried sick, knowing she already had enough troubles on her own. Don’t get him wrong, Izuku knew how to take care of his child, but sometimes he needed stronger shoulders to face the hardest conversations, explaining why his husband’s presence had been so helpful until now. However, he decided to make a slight smile, knowing he didn’t need to talk to read the numerous questions on her face, even if they knew the reason for this sudden awakening in the middle of the night.
“Why are you awake? It’s past 3 am, you should be asleep,” he simply asked with a calm tone, trying to not rush the conversation or put himself in an uncomfortable situation. He appreciated how supportive Katsumi tried to be in this situation, but he knew how this represented their biggest strength: this mutual understanding and timeless support. His scarred fingers ruffled the blonde curls, noticing how her face softened at the touch, recalling childhood memories that lulled her heart in the darkest night.
“I heard you calling for dad’s name and I naturally assumed it was another nightmare,” she explained with a concerned tone, being a bad liar concerning her parents’s state. In the past years, she noticed how the two men genuinely cared about each other, especially when the other was out of reach, but it was the beauty of their reunion, especially under the amazed eyes of this small child, who watched her favorite fairytale coming back to life. “They’re getting stronger, are you sure the remedy really helps you? You know what Dad will say if he knows what’s you doing…”
“I don’t really know, but it’s the kind of demons you can’t chase, even after an entire decade,” the shorter man pointed out with a distressed tone, catching how the teenager’s hands grabbed the glasses of water and gave it back to him. Izuku simply nodded as a way to thank her, before taking a sip. “Kacchan doesn’t need to know for the moment, he’s returning in less than two weeks and this doesn’t put any of us in danger…at least that’s what the doctor said.”
Katsumi’s eyes softened when her eyes saw the scarred hands losing themselves around the exposed belly. She knew leaving for overseas missions during his mate’s pregnancy was one of the hardest decisions for Katsuki, especially with his stubbornness. The news caught her by surprise, but she simply supported her dam, and a pinch on the nose was enough to erase all her worries. Izuku was the one who suffered from this departure, but he knew the familiar voice of his husband would welcome him at the end of the day, no matter if it was through phone calls or dreams.
In all honestly, this second pregnancy caught the couple off guard, but they didn’t mind loving another child, even with their rhythmed lifestyles. After all, they already did it once and knew a few things about raising a child, especially with how Katsumi turned out to be their biggest pride. They had no doubts this second one would be as adorable as his older sister, especially with this genuine love brought by their family to this little bean that wasn’t even born yet.
“I would gladly ask my little brother but only you can understand his language,” the blonde said with a teasing tone, catching the slight smile crossing the omega’s lips. It was touching to see how Katsumi easily accepted the news without any jealousy, and showed her support as much as possible, knowing she’d make an amazing sibling when the time had come. “I think we’re here for a while, so let’s have a more comfortable position instead of standing on our legs. I have the impression that mine can fall anytime soon !”
“You don’t need to take care of me, i appreciate the gesture but the roles should be reversed,” Izuku pointed out with an amused tone, following the blonde on the couch until she turned a bigger light to brighten the entire room. Don’t get her wrong, she liked this cozy atmosphere, but she refused to let Izuku overthink, not when he was already exhausted! “I swear I can be fine on my own.”
“You nearly ate a spoiled dish two days ago due to the date, it doesn't work on me,” she explained by rolling her eyes, glad to see colors returning to the omega’s face. “I know pregnancy can do crazy things but it’s my duty to have your back when dad is on the other side of the world. We both know how stubborn he can be about your health, even if he only wants the best for you despite what the media has to say”
Izuku made a sigh, moving against the pillow offered previously by his daughter to rest his head. He didn’t need to be protected like a baby, but he was also glad to have someone to stand by his side in this loneliness: Don’t get him wrong, he felt guilty for imposing so much stress on his daughter’s shoulder at such a young age, but Katsumi’s stubbornness was hard to fight. His hands grabbed the sheet and put the closest pillow and blanket to the teenager, who simply accepted it.
Katsumi’s hands grabbed the pillow to rest her back in a more comfortable position as the both of them shared the comfortable blanket until they were both at ease. It wasn’t the same luxury as their bed, but the two figures didn’t need luxury to feel at home, not when they were beside their favorite person and were relieved to see how they were doing better despite the bags under their eyes.
In all honestly, it was rare to have a moment between both of them without the blond and the constant pressure about the pregnancy: This brought them back to the early days when Katsumi was four, with her dad was on night shift and Izuku decided to change her mind by watching movies marathon until Katsuki return home. Back in the day, the small girl was afraid of not seeing her dad returning home and couldn’t go to sleep without tearing up, breaking Izuku’s heart. Those souvenirs became a genuine treasures, even if the years changed the nature of their dynamic with the teenager's crisis and the distance between dam and pup.
Izuku couldn’t help but take a glimpse at the reassuring figure, noticing the evident silence in the room, despite the numerous questions residing at the tip of her lips. Katsumi had always been this adorable girl amazed by her surroundings, being her parents’s biggest pride. Even if their pup grows up in the blink of an eye, she will always remain this tiny newborn, with a body as fragile as the porcelain tears on her chubby freckled cheeks. Izuku wished to be more present for her since the beginning of the pregnancy, realizing how he didn’t succeed in keeping all his promises, but he genuinely missed their bonding moments.
The quiet house reflected each of their thoughts with evident expressions on their faces, from the gentle smile on the omega’s lips to the hidden concerns in the teenager’s eyes. Don’t get her wrong, Katsumi wanted to stay as close to her dam as possible, missing all those moments she used to cherish since her childhood before time transformed them into ashes. She should have started the conversation, nervous at the idea of exposing herself to her dam, something she had never done until now! Scarred fingers gently ruffled her blonde curls to have her attention, sensing how something was wrong: Izuku might care about this little bean, but his family will always be in priority!
“Hey, what’s wrong ?” He simply asked, ruffling her curls. Katsumi’s face softened, moving closer to the comforting figure. In all honestly, she missed being the center of her parents's world, but she also knew how her little brother would have the best care in the world, especially with amazing parents like them. It would be unfair to keep this gentle affection for herself, but her inner child simply admired how the emerald eyes looked at her with love, the same one he shared since her birth.
“Nothing,” she mumbled with a sigh, feeling bad for lying to her dam. After all, Izuku only wanted her happiness and knew Katsuki and he weren’t perfect: The two men explained many times how they were ready to take the world down for a glimpse of their daughter’s smile, even if they’ve committed mistakes and were hated by the rest of the population. Katsumi needed to be strong and talk about her inner conflicts instead of keeping them hidden, but she couldn’t…
“I’m not forcing you to make conversation if you don’t feel ready, but you need to know how I missed having you by my side,” the shorter man explained with a gentle tone, almost protecting as he cupped her cheeks. They weren’t the same chubby ones he saw at birth, but they remained the prettiest part of this person he loved more than his own life. “Don’t tell Kacchan about that, but your dad can be overprotective sometimes and I missed the old days. Do you remember when you were afraid of this monster and always slept in our bed, with this plushie bigger than you? I remember how you refused to leave it, it was touching but it does stink sometimes-”
“I was about to say you should’ve washed it but the only time you tried it created more mess and I was mad at you for two hours. I can’t believe you still welcomed me in one of your embraces, even after this mess I created,” Katsumi explained with an amused tone, remembering the day when her little heart broke when she saw her precious Dynamight plushie near the washer. That day, she caused a scene and left with tears: Little did she know how, two hours later, she found her plushie back in the bed, still stinky but with a note from her dam, apologizing for making her cry. This moment seemed meaningless, but it was the first time the couple realized how their daughter was attached to this precious object and never forgave themselves for being the reason for her pain!
“It hurt to think of a world where you hate me, but you know…I wasn’t the only one able to give magical hugs. After all, we never told anyone this truth, but your father and I got the best fairy able to protect us at home and now we’ll have a tiny knight soon,” he declared with a soft tone, noticing how the teenager simply smiled at the comment. The shorter man knew he had a lot of things to explain and mistakes to be forgiven, but he knew how his beloved Katsumi would be his precious baby who saved his life at the least unexpected.
The blonde didn’t even realize she moved until her head met the omega’s shoulder, letting the previous pillow fall on the ground, under the caring scent that erased her bad dreams as a child. If Izuku noticed the gesture, he didn’t say any comment, having the impression of hugging his eight-year-old pup after a bad day at school, realizing how he missed seeing her bright smile. Being a parent hasn’t always been an easy job, but the reward of seeing the gentle expression on your child’s face was worth thousands of victories on the battlefield.
“What happened in your nightmare ?” Katsumi asked with a curious tone, afraid to bother the vulnerable omega, already marked by bags under his eyes. It would be stupid to pretend none of them knew why they were here, but it was a question of delicateness in the choice of her words, to not trigger any sensitive topic. “You always stay silent about them but never share their content. Dad and you always told me to say when things go wrong.”
“And we should probably follow our own advice,” Izuku answered with a soft chuckle that covered a slight hint of pain, hoping the teenager hadn’t noticed it yet. If Katsumi was worried about her dam, she decided to pretend she didn’t see the previous change and let the omega share his story.
A sudden silence filled the room, leaving the two shadows with their lost thoughts. Sure, they missed being together, but they didn’t necessarily enjoy the blak in their conversation, realizing how easy it feel to be overwhelmed by ghosts of their past. If Katsumi stayed understanding about the patience and courage necessary to get those truths out loud, she waited until the freckled man was ready to talk. Indeed, this technique didn’t come out of nowhere, looking back on her childhood memories she saw her parents do the same after the smell of girl was marked by the tears on her chubby freckled cheeks.
Izuku signed, regaining his breath. He needed to be honest with himself and share the source of his fear with someone he trusted more than his own life, and having his supportive daughter by his side was everything he needed. After all, why would she judge him for being vulnerable when he remained human with apprehension of losing the man he loved? Their bond had been so strong and yet, as fragile as a newborn cry. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and pictured the heartbreaking sensation of a stab in the back, and the impression of losing a part of his soul. He knew the only way to get rid of this issue was to put words into it….
“It’s always the same scenario: A bright day with the best of circumstances, and news about him passing away due to multiple reasons, sometimes darker than the others,” If Katsumi stayed discreet, she simply put her hand on his shoulder to offer some reassurance. It was a huge effort and she was proud of her dam's courage, but she knew it was only the beginning of the iceberg. “The same sensation of drowning in the same river of remorse, old demons taking stronger forms to watch me bleed until there’s nothing but ashes on this freezing floor. You know, I really thought I would be able to fight them, at least the first time I tried but I quickly realized I was a simple puppet in this cruel show.”
The previous words acted like a slap in the teenager’s face: don’t get her wrong, Katsumi knew the separation would be hard for everyone, but she underestimated the damage! After all, their souls suffered from this temporary goodbye but it became worse when distress transformed into demons, chasing their tears until the last one, admiring this heartbreaking scene. Don’t get her wrong, Katsumi was in a similar situation with dreams, less intense than the ones experienced by the shaking omega, but she understood his pain better than anyone.
“The only thing I can think about at this moment is the devastating reality of living in a world without my loved ones, watching my castle crumbling apart piece by piece and destroyed by fate, who previously offered me the best of treasures,” he confided with a heartbreaking tone, moving his head to take the tissue offered by Katsumi’s hands, hoping it’ll help in this breakdown. If he didn’t say anything about the gesture, he simply replied with a smile and continued his speech, feeling the delicate hands ruffling his back and supporting him from afar. “It’s…I don’t even know how to handle this situation without thinking about the worst-case scenario happening to us. It’s probably stupid but I’ll be completely lost without your dad and yet, each time we get away from each other, I have the impression a piece of my soul shattered with this temporary goodbye.”
“I understand,” Katsumi explained in a slow voice, trying to not scare the shaking omega. “I also have hallucinations about returning home and seeing both of you out of reach for unknown reasons. Dad’s fake death tends to happen from time to time, but the sensation stays the same: the impression of being nothing but emptiness, as tears start to drown your useless body in this river of regrets. It’s not a crime to have vulnerabilities, but it doesn’t make us worthless either.”
Izuku didn’t say anything, simply looking at his little girl, who became a reassuring figure in his life. He never thought that he would be able to feel so much pride at the simple sight of his pup finding the right word to reassure him in difficult times, but it was also his biggest strength. Time might play with his flaws and guide his nights into terror, but it’ll never erase the sincere love he felt for this newborn in his arms, looking for comfort in their heated skin. Don’t get him wrong, the omega knew how his husband would always return home with this stupid smirk on his face, no matter the potential defeat or enemies he faced today…but can't be safe from a second of inattention and cold flowers in a cemetery.
“I’m terrified, but each time something goes wrong in my head, I try to remember the pinky promise he made with me,” she explained with a slight smile, showing her pinky finger in the air, under the intrigued emerald eyes. Katsumi had never seen her dam being in such a state, and yet, she promised herself to never make it happen…not why she also suffered from this sight! “That night when the night storm hit the neighborhood, I couldn't close my eyes and was afraid to see the monsters under my bed. It was pretty intense for a child of my age, but I always found comfort in the embrace of my favorite people, no matter if they were still awake or not Suddenly all my worries faded away when I stood between them, making a silly pinky promise to chase the bad guys.”
Izuku remember this moment like yesterday, with the heartbreaking tears on the pup’s cheeks, the poor girl holding their both bodies closer, and her small sobs echoing in the room. Kastumi didn’t know, but she often fell asleep before them, unaware of the mutual worries the couple shared about their little baby. Those souvenirs will always be the most memorable ones to the omega’s heart, being glad to see how his princess became the strongest soldier, making her old parents proud on the slightest occasion.
“I don’t know as much as adults do, but I’m convinced about one thing,” she said with a soft tone, doing her best to erase this sad expression on the omega’s face. “No matter what happens, Dad will always find a way to return to us. Did you ever see him breaking one of his promises ?”
“He did once,” Izuku pointed out with an amused tone. “He promised to not tear up louder than me, but he was a crybaby when he learned about the pregnancy announcement of your little brother and your birth. He never wanted to admit it, but it’s our little secret…”
“He only did it because he was overwhelmed by the emotions in the most important moments of his life. I don’t think there’s a day passing by when he doesn’t think of us and misses everyone, but we need to believe in him until the last second. I think he would’ve done the same if the roles were reversed, it’s the least we can do to show how much we care about him,” the blonde confided with a sudden ounce of courage, noticing how the omega wiped his tears away to put his pinky finger in the air. They both sealed meaningful pinky promises as in the old days, realizing how they didn’t need any monsters to chase after them, not when someone will always have their back.
Izuku couldn’t help but be prouder of his small girl, holding her into a sudden embrace. The teenager was surprised but simply accepted her defeat, resting closer against this scent that reassured her youngest days. The two of them stayed in this comfortable position until the blonde stopped back, giving another tissue to the reassured omega, who gained colors back to his face.
“I’m sorry about not being here when you needed us the most,” the freckled man explained with a low tone, embarrassed about his own vulnerabilities. He knew it was stupid to feel that way, especially when Katsuki and he remained human with their ups and downs, but they missed the most important part of their journey: Their daughter’s desperate call for help. The couple tried their best to stand by her side, but her fake smile ended up taking the lead over real ones, breaking their hearts. Izuku wanted to take this occasion to let her hear the apologies she deserved…
Katsumi stayed silent, resting her head closer to the omega’s shoulders. Izuku didn’t need to ask to know how it was a sign of distress, almost like her inner child was reaching out to tender memories that time stole away. The only thing the freckled man wanted was Katsumi’s protection and happiness, but he needed to acknowledge his faults and show how weakness wasn’t a flaw but a strength, the same one that guided Izuku and Katsuki’s relationship in this second chance.
“In all honestly, being a new parent for the first time is pretty scary, you don’t have any book or rules to follow except your instincts, even in the most complicated situation,” he pointed out with a distressed tone, losing his fingers around his pregnant belly, hoping his little bean will hear the speech in his comfortable bubble. Sometimes Izuku started to think that being in the womb was more tranquil than real life, but it was a question of time before becoming a new pawn in this endless chess that represented life. “Kacchan and I immediately knew how you became the most important person in our life the moment you sealed your first cry in this hospital room. You should’ve seen how tiny you were, we were so afraid of letting you fall, and yet…when you fit into our arms, all our worries erased in the blink of an eye. This was probably the best moment of our lives, and I have no doubts that the arrival of your little brother will give us a new narrative to share, but we missed some of yours….and I’m genuinely sorry for that.”
“You did nothing wrong,” Katsumi whispered in a calm tone. She wondered how her little brother felt inside the womb, where he didn’t have to worry about the outside world and the next adventure awaiting him. She had no doubts about him being cherished by the three of them as this miracle brightened their days, but the teenager liked being the center of her dam’s attention, even for a few minutes. “We can’t always control shit that’ll happen to us and we’re just forced to deal with it when the time has come. I’m not proud of myself either for acting that way, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you and Dad did a bad job. In all honestly, I’m convinced my sibling will be the luckiest to have devoted parents as both of you.”
“But this is not enough for the distance we unconsciously put between us,” Izuku pointed out with a troubled tone, holding the fabric of his nightshirt tighter. He didn’t want to let Katsumi see his unshared tears about this topic that occupied most of his night, knowing how he needed to be as strong as possible. “You know Kacchan and I love you more than anyone on this planet, and we adore your little brother the same way but our love for you will never change. The years might pass by, but you’ll always remain our little princess, running everywhere in the house to play heroes and villains and kick your poor father down in the living room.”
“And you did,” the teenager corrected, hiding her head closer to the omega’s chest. She felt the moving blanket, followed by scarred hands ruffling her back, like the old days. Katsumi knew she was stupid for thinking that the universe would replace her but she was proud to be the daughter of those two figures who transformed her fairytales into a reality. “I had an amazing childhood with my favorite people, but I don’t even know where I’m going and what’s expecting me. It’s none of your fault and will never be, you were the most caring parents I could ever ask for, but sometimes life is just….scary.”
During a few seconds, the freckled man had the impression of hearing his younger self in the previous speech. He recalled his shaking figure asking his mother if he’d be alright after the wars, with tears falling down his cheeks and scars haunting his reflection every time he passed through a mirror. Inko Midoriya had been the most devoted parent a solitary soul like Izuku could ever ask for, it was natural for him to be touched to see his own daughter share the same values years later. Vulnerability had always been the most important part of this golden thread between the two childhood friends and it was important to share this lesson with their legacy!
“I understand your fear,” the shorter man explained with a sigh, remembering his teenage years. Back in the day, he didn’t know what he was supposed to do after graduation after losing his quirk, but he was grateful to have supportive people by his side, which led him into the person he is now. He naturally wanted the same for his daughter and his little bean, promising himself to stay alive as long as possible to stand by their side. “I was at the same place years ago, with no idea of the future awaiting me except constant blurriness and endless questions. It wasn’t easy, but your dad and I decided to be each other’s shoulders to cry on. The future is imprecise, but it didn’t stop you from achieving your biggest dreams.”
“What was yours ?” Katsumi asked with a reassuring tone. If Izuku noticed the slight change in her voice, he decided to keep this slight victory for himself, caressing the blonde’s back in gentle movements. He felt himself tearing up at the realization that his little girl was now a teenager who wouldn’t want any of his hugs in the next years, holding onto these tender souvenirs for the moment.
“It’s silly and you’ll probably mock me, but it was to stand by my childhood friend’s side until the end and be someone unforgettable, with or without a quirk,” he declared with an ounce of nostalgia, realizing how he succeeded in making them possible. It was crazy to see how those dreams used to be unreachable in the past but became a tender memory to his current self. Today, he succeeded in being the husband of the most impressive hero in town, and the dam of amazing children, who considered him their biggest source of inspiration. “The least I can say is how the quest was tough, but it’s not unreachable. Look at us, I think Kacchan and I did a pretty good job despite not being perfect…whats stopping you from reaching yours ?”
“Because you were together,” Katsumi highlighted with an unconvinced tone, making Izuku smile. He’ll never get tired of seeing how his husband’s habits became casual for their daughter, who was the carbon copy of her dad, and the fruit of genuine love. “I don’t think there’s a time when I never heard the great Izuku Midoriya without Katsuki Bakugo. You’ve always been glued together as magnets but it's different for me…How am I supposed to know I’m worth the try if I’m alone with my own thoughts ?”
“Sweetie, you’ll never be alone because you got us, and soon a tiny head that’ll give you bags under your eyes,” he teased with a soft laugh, noticing how the teenager left his shoulder to simply sit beside him in her previous position. Her crimson eyes covered her unshed tears, despite being touched by the loving speech made by her dam: After all, none will ever know how having a supportive omega like Izuku was the best present she could ever receive. Kastumi didn’t realize her luck to be born into this strong family until now, and she had no doubts her little brother would feel the same once he was older enough to understand the power of this unconditional bond between them. “Your dad and I believed in you since the very first day and praised each of your virtues since you learned your first word. There’s no doubt we’ll stand by your side for the rest of the adventure, but there’s something you should know about us….Consider this as an exclusive bedtime story despite your big age.”
Katsumi made a slight smile at the comment and put herself in a better position, with another pillow near her reach. Her hands grabbed the comfortable fabric on her knees, as she rested her head against it, looking at the emerald ones, amused by this tender sight. She used to do this since she was a pup, making a specific gesture when she was focused on something important, melting her parents’s hearts.
“Things haven’t always been easy between your dad and me,” Izuku explained, remembering how the two men used to chase after unreachable quests when happiness resided in the palm of their hands. “We were pretty stubborn, more than today, and didn't even see the signs under our eyes. The only time we got separated was during graduation, when we both made our way into different careers, with him moving to the other side of the world, and me staying in my hometown. It was pretty complicated for both of us, and it was the first time I had the impression of letting my dream go, but after two endless years of questions I took the first plane to the US without second thoughts.”
The blonde stayed silent, listening to the heartbreaking story from her dam. It was unbelievable for her to even think about a world where the two childhood friends weren’t together, but this reality seemed to exist way before her birth. For the first time in years, Katsumi had the impression of regressing to her childhood self, listening with awe to the amazing story from the most inspiring person she had ever known, even when she noticed the hint of sadness and nostalgia in the tone of his voice.
“I had no idea what was expecting me there or the kind of answer I’d get, but I had enough and needed to let him know about this truth that’s been haunting my lips since our final goodbye,” the freckled man pointed out with a calm tone, ruffling the belly under the blanket, dedicating this tale to the little bean, probably asleep in his little comfort. “It was scary, and I was shitting in my pant, to be honest, but the moment I reached the airport, I knew it was the right thing to do. Don’t ask me how I ended up finding your dad’s house, but I eventually did with a huge apprehension of rejection… when he opened the door, I was welcomed with a surprised glance and an unexpected embrace. At this moment, we both knew we refused to stand away from each other and never left the other’s side…”
“Which explains why this overseas mission caused so many concerns,” the teenager mumbled with an understanding tone. After all, it was crazy to see how the two childhood friends stayed together all this time without getting bored of this addicting love between them! Katsumi moved her head and noticed how the emerald eyes held his tears wondering how such a strong person like Izuku faced so many conflicts when he was the best dam and husband someone could ever ask for. “You should’ve told me earlier, maybe I would've been more understanding and helped you instead of taking this medicine !”
Scarred hands ruffled the blonde messy curls, stealing a quick forehead on her cheeks. “I didn’t want to overwhelm you, knowing you did more than enough for your brother and me. You see, the main idea of these connected stories is the fact that you don’t need to give up unless you know it’s a failed attempt, and the result behind isn’t worth the try. Katsumi, you wear the beauty of your father’s genes and my kindness, you can do so many things and we’ll always stand by your side: The next time you feel afraid, don’t hesitate to reach us…we’ll always find time to erase these nasty tears on your porcelain cheeks.”
The teenager didn’t even notice when her vision became blurry, making a stupid smile when she rested her head on the pillow with a light groan. It was reassuring to get the emotional support of her dam after all those years of insecurities, and she missed that bonding moment between them: After all, time might take away everything at will, but it’ll never erase this indelible ink on those blank pages, marked by their memories.
“You’re the best daughter we could ever ask for, and we wouldn’t wish for a different fate than this one, never forget that,” Izuku whispered with a soft tone, pinching her nose. The blonde rested her head against the omega’s shoulder and heard the surprised laugh escaping his lips when a sudden bum appeared under the blanket, catching their attention. “Look like someone is awake and jealous, wait for your turn and soon you’ll complain about us too, little bean.”
“You know, I wouldn’t wish for a better family too,” she confessed with a gentle tone, resting closer to this comforting scent. Kastumi couldn’t wait to see this house being highlighted by the lively atmosphere, awaiting her dad’s return and little brother! “We’re all messed up in the head, but I like us that way, even this idiot who wants to steal the show.”
If Izuku simply laughed at the comment, he shared an understanding smile. He wished Katsuki was here to see how their daughter became the most incredible person they’ve ever seen but it was a question of time before being reunited. A quick glimpse at the clock on the walls informed them how it was soon sunrise, indicating how their conversation passed like minutes to their healing hearts. The two of them continued their talk until tiredness started to take the lead, choosing the exhausted omega as its first target: The light noises in the background crossed the teenager’s ears, indicating how the early souls started to go to work, while theirs were still recovering from this bonding moment.
Katsumi made a yawn, realizing how she needed to get some sleep before taking care of the house and checking on her dam. After all, Izuku deserved proper care after everything he’d been through, but his tender words echoed like gentle promises to her ears, understanding how she had no right to doubt when she was loved by her surroundings. The future was still uncertain but she wouldn’t exchange this life against anything, not if this meant having different parents unable to love her like Izuku and Katsuki Bakugo did until now.
She left the couch in discrete movements to not bother the sleeping figure, making slight snores with mumbles. A slight smile crossed her lips as she pressed her thumbs under his nose to check his breathing, being reassured everything was alright. Her fingers grabbed the messy blanket to cover the exhausted body, put the pillow at a better angle, and rested her knees on the ground. Katsumi noticed how the atmosphere in the house was more welcoming compared to the past hours, moving closer to the exposed belly and making sure her little brother was safe in his cozy bubble.
“I count on you to take care of Zuku for us, he’s pretty strong but tends to lose himself in his own worries, make sure to stay safe, idiot,” she mumbled with a soft tone, knowing the pup was too young to understand her words. As a big sister, it was her job to keep an eye on this small head that would run in the house and beg her to play with her during calm afternoon: In all honestly, she couldn’t wait to see his tiny face and how he’ll look like, knowing he was awaited by all the members of this family.
Her fingers grabbed Izuku’s phone to unlock it, making sure everything was clean, and took a quick picture. It was evident how the omega seemed appeased on the screen, and there was no doubt the blond would appreciate the reminder of what waited for him at home…almost like a good luck gift to hang on a little longer.
—----
The sound of notification caught Katsuki’s attention.
His crimson eyes were marked by the lack of sleep he had the last night, noticing how something was wrong with his mate. It was unfair to be so far from his family, but he had no other choice even if he missed his favorite people. The same landscapes that colored his everyday life for the last months became redundant, explaining why he decided to hold onto the casual calls and texts from his lover and daughter, besides the countdown on his phone, reminding him how he was closer to their tender reunion.
Accepting this quest was risky, but the extras beside him were tolerable enough to make this entertaining, sharing their life stories until they became closer. It wasn’t the kind of playground where Katsuki Bakugo would make friends, but he needed to admit how it was reposing to change his mind after his lover’s call. There wasn’t any day passing by where he didn’t miss his mate and his stupid smile, his daughter and her stubbornness, and his brat who probably forgot the sound of his voice. He never thought he would be this emotional about a temporary goodbye when he spent two years away from his childhood friend, being one of his biggest mistakes!
Things were different because he had a family on the line, a wonderful daughter, a caring mate, and a strong child ready to pop out anytime in the next month! His job was dangerous, but he wouldn’t change this life for anything: He always liked returning home after a long day, with shining crimson eyes rushing into his arms to talk about his recent fight, and tender emerald ones, who simply looked at him as if he was his everything. His fingers authorized him to take a break from this reunion and check his phone for a few minutes, sliding the button and entering the chat.
His eyes caught the last message sent by his lover: an echography with the state of their pup, explaining how everything was alright with a thumbs up from the nerd, followed by a short “he’s pretty strong, I think he got most of your genes”. His glance landed on the recent message, consisting of a picture of a sleeping Izuku on the couch, with his stupid but adorable face. He could already hear the mumble from here, wondering what kind of dream he was experiencing, due to the peaceful expression on his lips.
The first thing that caught his eyes was the evident belly that grew up since their last kiss followed by the comfortable setting, almost like someone made sure to let the nerd rest. The answer to his question was quickly solved when he noticed the messages, making him smirk.
From Nerd:
*picture*
The nightmares are pretty tough to chase, but I think Zuku and I are surviving in this mess. He’s pretty harsh with himself but we both miss you…A lot. Take care of yourself and make sure to return safe and sound, or he’s gonna kick your ass, he’s pretty scary when he’s mad tho…Anyway, Love you <3 - Katsumi
If he was alone, the taller man would’ve probably teared up at the realization that he genuinely missed the interaction with his family. He missed waking up in this delicate house with the familiar scent of coffee on his nose, the soft songs escaping Izuku’s lips and the rolled eyes of his daughter when she saw her parents sharing good morning kisses, with a soft “get a room”. It was the future the blond wanted, and he was happier than ever to know his loved ones were waiting impatiently at home.
One thing was sure, he would try to shorten the last weeks and return home sooner…Making a small surprise wouldn’t hurt, right?
-end-