Chapter Text
The ballroom was a grand affair. Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the sea of well-dressed aristocrats. Servants moved silently between guests, offering champagne and delicacies. But amidst the laughter and clinking of glasses, there was a weight that hung in the air. A heavy, unspoken expectation.
Izuku Midoriya stood near the edge of the room, his back pressed against the cool wall of the manor’s grand hall. He had never been one for large gatherings; the noise and the sharp glances from the nobles in the room were too overwhelming for the skittish young man. His Omega instincts itched under his skin, an internal plea for escape, but he held himself together. His hands, resting by his sides, were trembling ever so slightly.
He couldn’t bring himself to look directly at him.
Katsuki Bakugo, the man he was supposed to marry, stood across the room with his usual fiery presence. His blond hair was perfectly styled, and his crimson eyes swept over the crowd, looking but not really seeing. At least, that’s how it had always felt to Izuku. He couldn’t remember the last time Katsuki had truly looked at him.
Not since they were children, anyway.
Izuku was well aware of the conversation that had taken place between their families years ago. The engagement had been decided long before he understood the full scope of its meaning. He had been a child then, and he had trusted his mother, trusted her assurances that things would work out, that love would come in time. It hadn't.
At sixteen, Katsuki had still treated him like an inconvenience, a nuisance to be tolerated. Cruel words had been exchanged on more than one occasion—words that cut deeper than any physical blow ever could.
“You’re nothing but a useless Deku!”
“Don’t you understand? No one wants you here!”
“Go away, Deku!”
“I don’t want to marry him! I don’t want to be stuck to Deku for the rest of my life!”
“Are you pretending to be coy? Or are you truly as stupid as the others say? I refuse to have anything to do with you.”
“I refuse to be punished with a sham wedding! Practice your match-making skills on someone other than your son! I have a life to lead beyond this. Trust me, no one, especially that omega, will stand in my way.”
Memories quickly swam to the surface of the omega’s mind, spanning from childhood to the last day Izuku and Katsuki spent together before their falling out. It has never been discussed, much less acknowledged, and the green-haired male prefers it that way. After all, who wishes to have their most humiliating memories and painful experiences shared among the grapevine that is the commonwealth? Blinking at a rapid pace, Izuku ignored the slight stinging sensation in his eyes and focused his gaze elsewhere.
Izuku is well known for being soft-spoken and avoiding conflict, a pleasing omega who extends nothing but charm and good company. There were also irrefutable times when he had attempted to stand up for himself. Often exchanging harsh words as well in a futile attempt to shield his mangled heart. Regardless, the damage had been done, and there were countless times when Izuku had cried himself to sleep, wishing things were different, wishing his love for the blond Alpha wasn’t this unrequited ache that filled every corner of his chest.
He glanced at Katsuki again, and his heart did a strange twist. The Alpha was postured casually with a drink in hand, laughing at something one of the other guests had said. His smile was small but fierce.
It wasn’t a smile meant for Izuku.
Izuku felt the familiarity of bitterness rise in his throat. He had spent years longing, hoping for some form of kindness, some trace of affection, even a small glimmer that Katsuki still cared for him. Despite the high hopes Izuku once harbored, their relationship has remained cold, almost as unbearable as a winter night. Now, even in the grand ballroom, where they were expected to shine as potential fiancées, the future Prince and Princess, Izuku was simply… another duty to be fulfilled.
His mother, Inko, had promised that with time, they would learn to care for each other, that the bond between them would grow, and that love would blossom. It seemed that Katsuki had made it his life’s mission to negate each encouraging word Izuku’s dear mother whispered to him as he sullenly sat in his bedroom. Despite the time that passed, love still remained absent.
“Izuku!”
Izuku’s heart skipped a beat. He turned to find Mitsuki Bakugo the Queen, approaching him with a warm smile, her eyes full of mirth. The her gown was exquisite, an elegant shade of nadeshiko pink with subtle, patterned flowers and a gorgeous ice-white ribbon at the high waistline. It would never matter how much the queen aged, the noble woman will forever reign as a monarch in fashion.
“You’re looking lovely tonight,” she said, her hand gently resting on his arm as she studied him with a tenderness Izuku often found overwhelming. Mitsuki had always treated him like her own, a mother’s concern for her son’s future omega most likely.
However, there was a certain sadness in her gaze whenever she looked at him. Almost as if she knew how difficult this engagement was for him, but she was unable to provide any proper help aside from sorrow.
“Thank you, your majesty,” Izuku said, attempting to muster a polite smile.
Although Izuku’s relationship with her son remained unpleasant at best, the queen has been nothing but inviting to the Midoriya family.
That thought led a shiver to crawl down Izuku’s back. It would only be a matter of time before Katsuki inherited the title of king from his mother, along with the responsibilities and prestige. Someone of such grand wealth and achievement would remain tied to Izuku for the rest of his livelihood. Izuku, the son of a Duke, may barely be enough to stand as a match for someone like Katsuki. Not to forget their complicated relationship, a marriage seems least to be desired among the two.
“Do you wish to be introduced to anyone?” Mitsuki offered, her voice low, keeping the conversation between the two of them in the bustling room. Most nobles would jump at such a chance, afterall Mitsuki was not a typical ruler. Her influence was strengthened by her personal approach to the ton, her subjects, and her duties. The betrothed omega only felt pitiful.
Izuku shook his head, feeling a lump form in his throat. “No, thank you,” he muttered, his gaze drifting once more to Katsuki, who was currently occupied talking to a group of fellow Alphas. They were laughing boisterously about something that Izuku couldn’t hear. His heart clenched painfully, and he quickly turned away.
Mitsuki’s gaze followed his, and she sighed softly. “He does not know how to express it,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with something that sounded akin to regret. “My son, as dear as he is to me, is far from perfect, and we are both aware of that fact. All I ask is for your continued patience and for you to be aware that he cares for you, more than you realize.”
Izuku shook his head, a hollow laugh escaping him. “Forgive me for my language, your majesty. I am not sure I can believe Kacch– that Katsuki is capable of holding me in such regard. At least not anymore.”
The words came out more harsh than the omega had intended. Sharp and jagged, a shard of what once was a glorious stained-glass window of adoration.
Mitsuki studied him carefully before speaking. “He’s stubborn,” she spoke softly, almost too softly, “...and proud. But in his own way, he’s always cared for you. You’ve been his responsibility for so long, Izuku. Sometimes, it is difficult for him to know the difference between duty and desire.”
Izuku couldn’t bring himself to respond. He didn’t want to hear that. He didn’t want to hear that Katsuki’s cruelty, his indifference—was some twisted form of affection. It wasn’t what he wanted.
He wanted kindness. He needed the love that had never come. And the longer he stayed in this gilded cage, the heavier that weight became.
. . .
Izuku spent the rest of the evening attempting to keep himself distracted from his sorrows. The ballroom felt like a maze of expectations and unspoken judgments, each glance a reminder of what was to come, what was already decided.
Every now and then, he would spot a familiar face among the crowd, people he had known as a child, nobles who had watched him grow. They all came to say their polite greetings, a few commenting on his “lovely engagement” as if it were some kind of public prize to be admired. They failed to distract him from the hollow, rueful feeling in Izuku's stomach.
Viscountess Fukukado was among the many who happily greeted the omega.
“It is so wonderful to see childhood friends develop into lifelong mates! I simply adore those connections the most,” The mint-haired beta gushed.
Izuku smiled, hoping that it reached his eyes, “How kind of you to share your excitement with me. It warms my heart to know so many members of the ton are rejoicing in this rumored engagement.”
The viscountess laughed heartily at the omega’s reply, “Rumored engagement. I forget how coy you can be, Midoriya.”
At that moment, it seemed that some deity above had taken pity on Izuku and granted him some solace. A familiar presence settled beside Izuku, and he shifted his gaze from Fukukado to a friendly face. Ochaco Uraraka, a fellow omega in the commonwealth, is Izuku’s closest companion and confidant. The brunette has served as a grounding presence for him in times of strife, and Ochaco has offered solace countless times from the heavy burdens of duty and expectations.
“He truly is too modest, is he not? Pardon my interruption, but Duke Yagi has requested Izuku dance at least once tonight, and who am I to disappoint the Duke?” Ochaco gently slipped her arm into her friend’s, flashing a good-natured smile at the viscountess.
The beta nodded in understanding before gently shooing them away. “Of course! Go and enjoy being young. There is only so much time left before we hear wedding bells.”
Ochaco then steers the pair elsewhere in search of momentary refuge. In the less-constricting environment by the refreshment table, Izuku allows himself to let out a long-withheld sigh, relaxing and eagerly taking the nearest glass of liquor and savoring the relief it provides. The two stand, watching the guests move about in tight, socially choreographed patterns.
Despite the earlier discomfort, Ochaco was still as bright and lively as ever, a contrast to the polished, formal world.
“I was wondering where you’d gone off to,” She said, her tone mischievous as she handed Izuku another glass.
Izuku glanced at her, relieved to interact with a friendly face. “Just trying to stay out of the way,” he said softly, looking around at the proceedings.
“Then you are doing a splendid job,” Uraraka teased, winking. “Though I believe you have managed to capture more attention than you realize.” Her voice dropped a bit, but playfulness danced in her eyes. “Everyone is talking about your future husband.”
Izuku let out a dry laugh, rolling his eyes. “Katsuki’s not exactly occupied with the idea of our matrimony, or me for that matter,” he said, knowing it was an understatement. "But it does not seem to matter. I am simply here for show." His hand gripped his glass tighter, and he briefly allowed himself a moment to wallow in his own feelings.
Uraraka softened, stepping closer. “You are not just here for show,” she said quietly. “You're too kind. People should see that.”
She was always so kind to him. He wished he could believe her. He wanted to, but every moment tonight, every glance from Katsuki, told him otherwise. He wasn't just here. He was a mere step in a monotonous list of duties for the alpha. Perhaps in a different lifetime, the two would be agreeable husbands, if husbands at all.
Before he could respond, the music swelled once more, and Izuku felt a ripple of tension race through his chest. A shadow loomed over him, and when he looked up, there stood Katsuki Bakugo, his sharp eyes locked on him like a determined predator observing its prey.
Izuku’s breath caught in his throat. Of course. The time had come.
“Deku,” Katsuki said with his usual impatient tone, his voice cutting through the noise of the ballroom. “May I have this dance?”
The omega’s pulse quickened, but he forced himself to nod, placing his glass down. He exchanged a glance with Uraraka, who gave him an encouraging look. “You can do it,” she said quietly. “He may be a pain, but you’ve got this.”
Izuku nodded back, though he felt none of the confidence she had tried to lend him. Katsuki extended his hand, palm out, and for a brief moment, Izuku hesitated.
Without saying anything else, he placed his hand in Katsuki’s, and the Alpha led him to the dance floor. Standing in line awaiting their turn, other guests moved along to the orchestra, murmuring amongst themselves, eager to chat or enjoy the festivities. Other nobles focused on the ‘romantic’ dance between the fiancées. Music played, the steps elegant and formal, but for Izuku, it felt like he was trapped in an endless loop of obligations.
Katsuki was stiff and distant, his grip on Izuku’s hand firm but not tender. He was leading the dance as though it were some chore he had to endure, not something meant to bond them. Izuku did his best to follow his lead, but his mind was elsewhere—his heart weighed down by the unspoken words that hung in the space between them.
"It is rather warm in here, is it not?" Katsuki muttered after a few beats of silence, referencing the congested room as people continued to trickle in.
“I… I must agree. Perhaps people are eager to socialize before winter arrives and the streets are unsafe to travel.” Izuku replied, unsure of what to say.
The alpha’s gaze slid toward the grand windows where the night sky was visible. "Everything’s so perfect." His tone was dripping with sarcasm, but it wasn’t the usual fiery, angry mockery Izuku had grown used to when they were children. There was something more tired, something almost… resigned.
Izuku swallowed, nodding anxiously as he fought to keep the conversation afloat. “It’s... a bit much,” he said quietly, his voice betraying none of the bitterness he felt bubbling beneath the surface. He tried to keep his focus on the dance, but the words were still too sharp in his mind. He hadn’t expected it to be easy, but this level of distance, this indifference—it hurt. How is it possible that the man who held the key to the omega’s heart was so uninterested in him? Not even a glimmer of fondness or appreciation from their younger years seemed to remain.
“Do you wish to escape such a torrid room? By the lords it feels as if my skin is about to melt away.”
The omega allowed a soft laugh to spill past his lips, promptly biting at them to stifle further display of his amusement. “I have forgotten how crass you can be.”
Katsuki raised a brow in curiosity before settling on a relaxed expression as the pair continued to dance, “I will have you know this is only the beginning of my crassness.”
When they reconnected, the blonde gently intertwined their fingers and Izuku felt his heart begin to race. It did not matter that the thin material of his gloves blocked skin-to-skin contact, the warmth of the alpha’s hand engulfed Izuku’s in a comfort that could not be rivaled even by fireplaces during winter.
This is the reason the omega could never bring himself to truly resent Katsuki. Placing aside their close childhood soon followed by an estranged relationship, Katsuki had always taken care of Izuku in a way that no one else could. Small moments, such as sneaking the young omega pastries when his governess had insisted that Izuku desperately needed to lose weight. Or the times when they grew into teenagers, Izuku had no one else to dance with at most balls in the beginning.
Katsuki never allowed him to remain lonesome, offering to dance or chat elsewhere. There were also times when Izuku would stand outside, desperately needing a breath of fresh air. When it was time to return or risk having his absence noticed, Katsuki would be standing in a nearby doorway, watching over Izuku and quickly fixing a misplaced lock of hair when Izuku approached. Those moments of kindness will remain deeply lodged into the omega’s heart for all of eternity, no matter Katsuki’s feelings for Izuku.
Leaning down, Katsuki began to whisper, “I must say that this color suits you. Almost as much as the toad that it resembles.”
The freckled male scrunched his face in confusion before gasping in offense. It was then that the blonde allowed a true smile to take hold, something equally amused and despicable. When the two were just boys they often ventured onto their grounds to play. Izuku’s home had the beginnings of an extensive pond in the garden. Most afternoons, the two would pretend to be pirates and splashed around in the water after “walking the plank.”
On one particularly warm day, Izuku had dove straight in, his mop of curls weighed down by the water. Katsuki mocked his appearance so the other splashed water wildly, drenching the blonde from head to toe. It wasn’t until the two were enjoying lunch, drying out on the grass, water dripping from their clothing when Katsuki enacted his revenge.
Izuku had been happily munching on a sandwich that the servants brought to them, staring off into the regalia of the garden. In his appreciation of nature’s beauty, the omega allowed his attention to stray, leaving himself vulnerable to the menacing figure behind him. Within a moment, Izuku felt a soft pressure on his neck, quickly followed by the sensation of crawling underneath his shirt and down his back.
The omega screamed in disgust, beginning to run around and hollering for assistance. Katsuki laughed boisterously, a maniacal look of triumph resting on his face. Two full minutes had passed and Izuku had managed to dislodge the toad from himself, however not before the creature had latched onto his earlobe. Since that fateful day Izuku has hated toads.
“You– oh you are truly evil.” While the freckled-male’s words were harsh, a pink dusting settled over his cheeks.
Katsuki let out an unrefined snort that did not match his appearance. Separating once more the omega allowed himself to mumble in angry embarrassment. Although Izuku didn’t hear the luxury of Katsuki’s laugh, he could practically feel the timbre of his voice when gazing in his eyes, alight with something deep and mysterious. It seemed to burn the omega from the inside, flames licking at his heels as his pulse quickened, sweat building on the base of his neck but Izuku couldn’t bring himself to look away. Something in the back of the young man’s mind demanded that he gaze right back at Katsuki and Izuku was unsure of how to feel about it.
“Well, Deku, at the very least you manage to make the coat look handsome.”
“Ah, there it is. I was wondering when you would place down your princely facade. As for my coat, need I remind you that my ensemble depends entirely on yours? By the gods, it's almost as if you wished to remind me of that horrid toad.”
Katsuki’s face shifted from its playful state to contemplation. Izuku pretended that the change didn’t affect him.
“Perhaps I wanted you to have something good to look back on for tonight.” Katsuki said, the words feeling strange as the air around them changed.
Gone was the easy dynamic they somehow stumbled upon and the two continued their dance in strained silence until the music drew to a close. Katsuki gave him an almost mechanical smile, his grip loosening.
"Well, that’s done," he muttered, stepping back. Izuku’s heart sank.
Katsuki turned, moving to walk away, but then his voice rang out again, softer, almost commanding. “Come with me,” he said and without waiting for a response, he began to lead the omega toward the edge of the room.
Izuku’s steps faltered. They passed through the crowd, but Katsuki’s grip on his arm was firm. His heart thudded louder in his chest, each step taken in a direction he could not control. The sharp clicking of their shoes against the waxed hardwood floor echoed in his ears.
. . .
They came to a quiet alcove, tucked away from the rest of the party. The flickering light of a nearby candle cast soft shadows on the walls, but the air felt cold.
Katsuki turned to face him, eyes narrowed with that familiar, unreadable expression. “Listen,” he said, voice rough but pointed. “The wedding’s coming up soon. Don’t forget that.” He stood tall, looking down at Izuku with a formidable gaze. “You’d be wise to choose who you spend time with a little more carefully, especially with your little friend lurking around.”
Izuku blinked, confused for a moment. “What... what are you talking about?”
Izuku felt his chest tighten. His mouth went dry. Todoroki?
“What does Todoroki have to do with anything?” Izuku asked, trying his best to keep his voice steady, though bitterness and anger surged through him.
Katsuki’s lips curled into something cold. “I’m not stupid, Deku. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. The way you look at him.” His words hit like daggers, each one cutting deeper than the last. “You’ll be my wife soon. And I won’t have you—” He cut himself off with a frustrated grunt, turning away, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "It’s just... not right."
Izuku’s breath quickened, his fists clenching at his sides. He could feel the sting of those words, a painful truth. It wasn’t just Todoroki. It was everything. The entire night, Katsuki had ignored him. The entire engagement had been built on nothing, and now Katsuki had the audacity to make demands?
“You—” Izuku’s voice came out as a sharp, almost strangled cry. “You’ve been ignoring me for years, Katsuki! Years. And now you think you can come in here and tell me who I speak to? Trying to dictate who is allowed to be my friend?”
Katsuki turned back, looking caught off-guard, but Izuku didn’t care. The hurt, the anger, the confusion—it all bubbled to the surface.
“You have no right! How dare you?!” Tears of frustration began to blur the omega’s vision. But he pressed on, “You think you get to dictate with whom I speak to? Do you honestly believe that I would compromise my virtue, my reputation, and our engagement?”
“I am unsure of what to believe. At every opportunity you two are practically salivating over one another. It’s— It’s disgusting."
Izuku feels as if he’s just been struck across the face. A deep, bottomless pit appears in his stomach and the freckled-man has to bite harshly on his lip to ground himself. Silence blankets them in alcove and suddenly the adrenaline moves Izuku.
“Izuku, I didn’t–” Whatever the alpha was about to say is halted by the harsh slap of the omega’s palm against Katsuki’s face.
Any source of tears have disappeared as Izuku stands, breathing heavily before the other.
“I do not wish to hear any more of the filth you have conjured up in your mind. Not once have you wanted me in any sort of manner. Not as a husband, not as your omega, not even as a companion. I’ve come to terms with what is expected of our relationship and not once have I asked for your support or protection, especially when it comes to your paramour–”
“My what!?”
“-but I refuse to be spoken to in such a manner, even from you, your majesty. Let’s make one thing clear,” Izuku steps closer to the taller man, locking their gazes fiercely, “You are not my alpha, not properly. You don’t get to make demands of me when you have never acted like my Alpha.”
Then Izuku returns back to a respectable distance before expertly masking his emotions once more. It is a hard-won skill that he had acquired surviving the hands of his former governess, who demanded the impossible from him. Being able to switch from his true self to the socially accepted omega, even now, is exhausting. Katsuki watches with wide eyes, jaw clenched as he searches Izuku’s face.
“I am returning now,” with a polite bow, he begins to exit the alcove, leaving Katsuki standing there.
. . .
His feet are moving at a quicker pace than is appropriate for an event catered to the ton, but Izuku can’t bring himself to care. With a racing heart, there is nothing more that he wishes for than the comforting arms of his mother. What was he thinking? How could he speak to Katsuki like that? He knew that despite the rumors of Katsuki having a tryst with a mysterious noble, they could never be true.
Since they were children, Katsuki’s expectations as future king have been ingrained into every aspect of his life. He would never chance his reputation or the crown’s for a fling, no matter his true desires and… temptations. Above all else, Izuku knows that Katsuki would never dare insult Yagi or his mother with such disgrace. Regardless of the alpha being the crown prince and the silent acceptance of alphas not needing to worry about their virtue, the blonde has never been prone to falling in line with his peers.
But none of that matters in the moment, as he practically races across the halls, desperately searching for his parents. Finally he spots them speaking with Marquess Hado and her wife Yuyu. His mother was beaming at the couple, they had just returned from their honeymoon and everyone had been gossiping about them.
“How lovely it is to see this happy couple. I heard of a possible addition to your home? Are we expecting a celebration?” she asked while coyly eyeing Nejire’s stomach.
The two omegas laugh mischievously before the Marquess speaks up, “That would require quite the celebration. However, the only addition to our family is Yuyu’s stallion, Tenno.”
“I assume he will need just as much babying as an infant. The duke and I will be sure to send some apples for him to enjoy. Won’t we?” Inko offers, gently nudging Yagi’s shoulder.
Yagi chuckles while nodding. As Izuku stands watching from afar, Yuyu quickly notices him and politely waves in his direction. Before he can be seen as rude or dismissive, the omega quickly retreats from the shadows and joins his parents.
“My, my, you’ve managed to become even more handsome from the last time I saw you!” Nejire gushes, gently grabbing Izuku’s cheeks and pinching them.
“Mmank nou.” Izuku mumbles as best as he can, but his gratitude is muffled by the finger prodding at his face.
“Dear, if you hold on to him any longer you’re going to leave a bruise.” Haya giggles, placing her hand on her wife’s and lacing their fingers.
The conversation shifts from the Hado’s matrimony to their quiet life on their manor. Each story they tell is filled with fond recollections of the other, glancing at each other lovingly at every opportunity, and their hands shifting from a respectable hold to Nejire resting her chin on Haya’s shoulder. It’s incredibly intimate and Izuku feels his heart squeeze painfully. This is what he wants, no matter how impossible it seems.
Izuku is a reasonable person, he knows how blessed he is to be adopted by Yagi and recognized as the Duke’s son. He also knows that as an omega of nobility he is shielded from a life of strife and danger. So is it so wrong to wish for more? After seeing his mother achieve a love marriage it was everything he coveted and until a few years ago, he believed he achieved it.
Katsuki is a handsome man, he excels at everything he does, and he is the most coveted alpha in the Bakugo kingdom. For heaven’s sake, he’s the crown prince and Izuku is lucky enough to secure his family’s safety and prestige. But Katsuki will never love him. He will never look at Izuku the way Nejire looks at Haya. They won’t be the happy newlyweds dispelling pregnancy rumors because it is too early in the marriage. When Izuku feels exhausted, it’s unlikely that Katsuki will offer to be the steady warmth for Izuku to lean against.
None of this is required in a marriage, if anything the omega should consider himself lucky for not being betrothed to a pervert, a crook, or an evil person. Yet it never fails to break Izuku’s heart. The freckled male knows that Katsuki may seem rough and harsh with his jagged edges, but at heart he is sensitive, kind, and emotional. There have been instances where Katsuki has treated Izuku well, like a friend.
It’s still not enough for the hopeless romantic. Izuku wonders if he will ever earn Katsuki’s love or rather, if those endearing words, soft glances, and devolution are meant for someone else in the prince’s orbit.