***Thank you for the support so far! ^_^ Happy New Year, everyone!

***Warnings: Lots of fluff, bashful Hitoshi, adorable/seductive Izuku, mild description of mating, cliffhanger

***Please read on and enjoy! Reviews and kudos always welcomed and appreciated!

Chapter 2: The Pond

Hitoshi strolled through his village, ignoring most of the people as they went about their daily chores. Some of the young men, near his age or younger, whispered or chuckled as he passed. He may be the next chief in line, but as far as proving himself to the people, if they don't want to follow him, they won't have to; that's when a munity will arise. Besides, he had returned from the hunt empty-handed yesterday from the hunt while others hadn't. There were fresh kills from quails to deer. Seeing the dead deer reminded him of the deer-man in the sacred forest, and how much he wanted to see him again.

The day went by slowly with Hitoshi walking to the lake to help check for any fish. Only one fishing hole had caught a large fish, and it wasn't HIS fishing hole. The other hunter who had successfully caught the fish boasted about it to Hitoshi and the others. Hitoshi tried to not let it get to him because it was all by chance that the fish bit, not from any winter-fishing skill. Another young hunter joked that maybe he would one day wear the chief's ceremonial, ancient necklace as if Hitoshi wasn't even there. Hitoshi ignored it.

If he had been born from a union with Chief Aizawa and a woman, then these types of insults and jabs would likely not exist. However, Chief Aizawa never married, yet one day declared Hitoshi, an orphan, as his son and heir. When Chief Aizawa steps down, the necklace will be passed over to him. Hitoshi remembers seeing the necklace for the first time one autumn during the Harvest ceremony. Ancient beads of red, black, and brown threaded through a leather tie with three specific items, each one linked to the race of humans.

One was a yellowing fang from an ancient animal no longer living in this world and had been the first kill of the first successful hunt of the first people. It represents the promise of successful hunts and the survival of the tribe. The second was a piece of bone from the body of the very first chief. That was to symbolize unity and leadership. And finally, the third item, a large blue stone given to the humans by the Great God of the elementals as a symbol of peace between them all. The stone was even called the 'Symbol of Peace.' However, for all that the necklace represents, Chief Aizawa rarely lets it show. Hitoshi asked him one time why he won't wear it and the reply was that, unlike past chiefs, he doesn't need a necklace to prove what he can do or who he is as a leader. Chief Aizawa let his leadership skills speak for themselves.

Hitoshi hoped that one day, he could feel the same level of confidence as his adoptive father.

Poking at the burning logs of the center of the fire, Hitoshi sits alone, thinking about his place in the tribe as well as the deer-man. He didn't hear the sound of footfalls behind him until the person spoke.

"Why are you out here all alone?" It was Chief Aizawa. "It's cold. All the others are in the main hall listening to stories. You should go."

"I want to be alone with my own thoughts," Hitoshi replied. In the winter season, since the nights are long and cold, the village would often gather together to hear stories and play music. It gave light during the cold, dark nights. "I thought I would go and check the flock, too."

"I just came from the pasture," Chief Aizawa said. "Every ewe and ram is accounted for,"

Hitoshi pokes at the fire again.

"Something on your mind?"

"Just…thinking about the hunt tomorrow."

"The hunt? You just came back from one," Chief Aizawa placed a gloved hand on Hitoshi's hooded head. "Take a break. You don't always have to work so hard to prove yourself."

Hitoshi looks up at him. "How can I prove myself a future chief if my hunts or my gatherings are less than fair?"

Chief Aizawa moved closer to the heat of the fire. "You don't see me out hunting and trapping, do you? It's something I can do, yes, but that doesn't mean I like it," he said. "I give our people the courage and moral support to have a successful hunt. So, don't push yourself this hard,"

Hitoshi sighed. "I guess…"

"Leave the fire and go to the main hall," Chief Aizawa gently commands him. "Spend time with your people, not away from them."

Hitoshi smirked and asked, "Then, why aren't you there?"

A small smile touched Chief Aizawa's lips. "I never said we have to spend ALL our time with our people."

They shared a soft, quiet chuckle between them.

Izuku watches Bakugo sleeping beside him in the thicket, both in their human forms. Bakugo always fell asleep after they mated and would stay until he felt like leaving. Izuku was used to it. Bakugo was their herd leader and alpha, which gives him the mating rights to anyone. Izuku is no exception to that rule regardless of being born powerless. Normally, he didn't mind when Bakugo would come to his thicket for a mounting, but this time it was different somehow. Izuku had felt the urge to resist rather than submit, which was unlike him. Bakugo hadn't liked that and Izuku quickly corrected himself. The only thing Izuku could think of that changed was meeting the human who helped him from the trap. Even during mating, he kept thinking about the human man. He wondered if he went back to that spot, he might see the man again.

When Izuku was free of Bakugo's presence, he transformed into a stag and made his way to the spot, this time being mindful of any possible traps. Humans were not supposed to hunt in the sacred forest, but Izuku knew that not everyone followed the rules; even in his realm. In fact, he was breaking one of their own rules; do not mingle with humans. But this human man seemed different; he didn't appear to be a cold-hearted beast like humans are said to be. Izuku did wonder, however, if that human was the one who set the trap. The human was a hunter, after all.

'Maybe I should turn back,' Izuku thought to himself. 'But…if he wanted to kill or capture me, he would have done so already. Instead, he let me go.' He continued on to the spot.

Hitoshi approaches the mouth of trees where he had first entered the sacred forest. This time he had only a hunting knife for protection. Instead of his bow, he brought his fife and a piece of dried fruit. After taking Chief Aizawa's advice, Hitoshi went to the main hall to listen to the stories, and he was glad that he did. He was reminded that elementals like to accept gifts and offerings from humans. Deer did not eat meat, and the only thing he had to offer was the dried fruit, which he hoped the deer-man would enjoy.

Following the tribal marks on the trees, he once again steps into the warmth of springtime. He looks all around, noting the butterflies up in the trees and kissing the flowers on the ground. There seemed to be more activity this time around. Stepping carefully, he goes to the trap to see that it hasn't been reset. He figured that the deer-man would come back here if he wanted to be seen again. Hitoshi sees a moss-covered log and goes to sit on it, silently waiting for the deer-man to come.

Hitoshi waited. And waited. And waited. The sun was beginning to set and he knew he had to leave to get back to the village before dark. Disappointed (but not surprised) he got up to leave when he heard something walking behind him. Hitoshi turned to see the outline of a small stag with average size antlers. Hitoshi knew those antlers- it was the deer-man! He then beckons the stag over, his heart beating rapidly as he slowly approaches. Hitoshi was able to see the full, magnificent form of the deer-man as a stag, and there was no mistaking those green eyes.

The stag turns into the deer-man as he steps out into the glen.

Hitoshi stares at him.

Izuku stares back.

"H-Hello." Hitoshi said, hoping the deer-man spoke his tongue.

"Hello,"

Hitoshi sputtered a little as he was trying to find the next words to say for he was relieved that they shared language. The deer-man was still oblivious to his nakedness, while Hitoshi still had a hard time looking away from the sight. The fawn-spot freckles, the lean muscles, the warm green eyes, and friendly smile; if this deer-man asked him to fall on his knees, Hitoshi would do it without hesitation.

"I'm…I'm…I'm…" Hitoshi couldn't remember his name.

"I'm Izuku,"

"I-Izuku…" Hitoshi repeated the deer-man's name, then said, "I'm…Hitoshi."

Izuku smiled.

Hitoshi's chest tightened. "I…I brought this for you," he reaches into his pocket and takes out the piece of dried fruit he has wrapped in a linen cloth. He pulls the folds apart to reveal the piece to Izuku.

Izuku tilts his head slightly, looking at the item curiously. "What is it?"

"It's…a dried piece of fruit."

"Dried?"

"Um…it's how we preserve food for the winter season. I promise it's safe to eat,"

Izuku smiled and slowly plucked the piece of fruit from Hitoshi's palm, placing it to his lips. It smelled like fruit. He put the whole piece in his mouth and it tasted delicious! It was different from regular fruit, but it had a unique flavor.

"Thank you, Hitoshi."

Hitoshi blushed and looked away. "Um…y-you're welcome. How's your…ankle?" he casts his eyes down to the deer hooves, expecting to see the bandage or a scar only to see it had healed.

"I'm alright now," Izuku told him. "Thank you for helping me out of that trap,"

"I didn't set it!" Hitoshi said quickly. "I don't know who did it. I was just out hunting for my tribe and-"

Izuku chuckled. "It's okay, you don't have to explain," he said. "I know that humans have a very hard time finding food in the winter." He sees a strange piece of carved wood at Hitoshi's belt. "What's that?"

"Huh? Oh. That's my fife,"

"What does it do?"

"It plays music,"

"Can you play it for me?" Izuku asked. "I would like to hear human music."

"I'm not…the best at playing, but I want to…play it for you."

Hitoshi blushes a bit as he takes the fife and sits back down on the log. He watched Izuku sit on the mossy ground before him, legs folded neatly underneath just as a deer would. Hitoshi brought the fife to his lips, pausing to admire the handsome, other-worldly beauty of the young male before him, giving him full attention. No one in his tribe ever paid attention to him like this. He began to play the first song that came to his head; the song his tribe plays on the first day of spring.

The music from the fife filled the glen. It had attracted other smaller animals, but Hitoshi didn't notice. All he saw, and wanted to see, was Izuku's smiling face while enjoying the music. Hitoshi felt like he was courting the young elemental, bringing gifts and playing music to win his favor. And when Izuku folded his arms on Hitoshi's lap and rested his head to gaze adoringly up at him, his human heart was hooked.

Izuku's ears twitched merrily at the sweet, peaceful tune that Hitoshi was playing for him. This song was just for him, and it was the kindest, most thoughtful gift he had ever received. When Hitoshi stopped playing, Izuku nuzzled his lap, mindful of his antlers.

"That was a pretty song," Izuku told him.

"It's what my tribe plays during the spring," Hitoshi said. "I…I should be getting back, before it gets dark. Snow is dangerous at night, and it's colder than during the day." Hitoshi's heart almost exploded when Izuku wagged his deer tail.

"Stay here tonight!"

"H-Here? But…but what if that stag with the flaming antlers-"

Izuku stood up and took Hitoshi's hands, pulling him up. "That's Bakugo, and he won't be looking for me today. So, come with me! I want to show you a special spot."

"Am I allowed to be there?" he asked. "I'm a human,"

"But I'm with you," he grins at Hitoshi and says, "It'll be faster if you ride on me,"

Hitoshi was confused for a moment until Izuku changed back into a stag, ushering for him to get on. He worried that he was too heavy but trusted Izuku to know his own strength. Hitoshi mounted Izuku and grasped the antlers when the stag took off. Izuku was a fast runner, faster than any stag Hitoshi had seen or hunted. His hood blew off and he decided to keep it off, enjoying the warm air through his hair.

They come to a small, clear water pond covered with lily pads. The setting sun reflected a soft, orange glow off the water. Hitoshi slid off of Izuku's back and the other turned back into his human form. Izuku told him how this was his favorite place to swim and asked if they could swim together. Hitoshi agreed but hesitated when he realized he would have to take all his clothes off. He had swum with the other men of the tribe before but he wasn't attracted to any of them like he was with Izuku. Izuku was naked all the time without a care, which was understandable for the realm in which he lived.

Hitoshi's eyes were glued to Izuku's back as the other started to descend into the pond. The fading fawn spots seemed to almost disappear with the fading sunlight. Izuku's back had the perfect arch with the base of the deer tail starting at the tailbone. Hitoshi watched the tail fade into the water as Izuku bent forward to take a shallow dive. He moved closer to the bank of the pond, following Izuku's form as he glided underwater. When Izuku resurfaces, Hitoshi's face turns pink and his heart swells at the adorable sight; one antler had a lily pad impaled on it while another was stuck on Izuku's head. Izuku laughed, twitching his deer ears and shaking his head to remove the lily pads. Hitoshi felt like he was just struck dead- and what a pleasant way to die.

"Join me, Hitoshi! The water feels nice!"

Izuku watched and waited for Hitoshi. He wanted to laugh at how many layers of clothing Hitoshi had to remove. Then, Izuku remembered that humans have to endure winter, whereas they do not. When Hitoshi undressed down to his last piece of clothing, the human man paused. Izuku saw the blush on Hitoshi's cheeks and smiled. 'How cute,' Izuku thought. 'He's shy'.

Hitoshi swallowed hard, finding the strength to remove his undershirt, the last piece of his clothing. Izuku is expecting him to be naked while swimming, but what would happen if things started to get more…interesting? His lust for Izuku is clear to him, but does Izuku realize it? He blushed harder when Izuku called him to come over again. He turned around and tried to hurry into the water to hide his nakedness only to slip and tumble forward. Hitoshi landed in the water with a large splash.

Izuku, hiding his laughter, quickly sunk into the water up to his nose. His tail wagged with how cute and clumsy the human was around him. He wished Hitoshi didn't jump into the water so fast because he wanted to admire his body further. Hitoshi had hard muscles from laboring as a human. Izuku didn't doubt that Hitoshi was strong like Bakugo. He was strong, too, but not like either of them. The only thing he didn't have was elemental power.

Hitoshi resurfaced, sputtering out some water he had accidentally swallowed. Suddenly, Izuku was nose-to-nose with him. Hitoshi stared into those green eyes, unmoving. Izuku tilts his head and gives Hitoshi a light kiss on the corner of his lips before moving away. Hitoshi blushed, still feeling the kiss lingering on his skin as Izuku started to swim away. Izuku glided slowly through the water, glancing over his shoulder with a teasing, almost seductive side-eye. Hitoshi followed after him.

They swam and splashed together until the sun had completely set and the moon was rising. Hitoshi paused to gaze adoringly at Izuku when the water droplets on the other's body sparkled with the moon. He wanted to reach out and touch Izuku just to make sure he was real yet feared that if he did, Izuku might disappear. Izuku must have known what he was thinking because slim arms wrapped around his neck in an embrace. Suddenly, he was nose-to-nose with Izuku again, only this time, Izuku gave him a full kiss on the lips. It was short and soft, but Hitoshi wanted more. Izuku slipped away from him, though, and started swimming back to the bank. Hitoshi followed and watched as Izuku turned back into a stag to shake the water off. Hitoshi got out of the water and moved to gather his clothes.

'Stay with me tonight,' Izuku says to him. 'Don't go back yet.'

"I couldn't go back tonight if I wanted to," Hitoshi reminded him. "I would get lost in the snow." He slips his undershirt over his head. "Where will I sleep?"

'With me, of course!'

"W-with you? As in, together? But...where? What if that stag, what was his name? Bakugo? What if Bakugo comes looking for you?"

'He doesn't care where I am right now, so don't worry about him,' Izuku said. 'I have many secret places. We'll sleep in one of my special thickets. When you're ready, get on my back and I'll take you there.'

Hitoshi dressed and let Izuku take him through the woods and to another area. This area glowed in the moonlight with mushrooms and night flowers. Hitoshi slid off and went to examine a glowing mushroom, wondering if he should touch it. He had never seen something so bright and beautiful before- no, that was a lie- there was Izuku. Then, Izuku's stag head bent down and ate one of the mushrooms. Izuku, however, advised him not to eat the mushrooms as they were probably dangerous for humans. Hitoshi understood, but he had to touch one of the mushrooms anyway.

The thicket Izuku showed him was nestled under the large root of a big tree. Heavy strings of vines overflowed the top of the root, hiding the thicket behind a curtain of green. Izuku transformed back and took Hitoshi's hand, guiding him inside. On the ground is a thick bed of moss and grass. They couldn't stand up in the thicket so they were on their knees. Hitoshi looked up and around, noting how cozy the area was for being under a root.

But his attention was drawn away when his eyes caught the luring sight of Izuku laying back on the bed of moss. His body was stretched out and inviting. Hitoshi was hesitant at first, but when Izuku's hand stroked the mossy spot next to him, Hitoshi moved to lay beside him.

"I like your hair," Izuku says. "Don't cover it with a hood anymore."

"I have to in the human realm, or I would freeze," he said. "It's winter there."

"Oh, right. I forgot," Izuku snuggled up to Hitoshi and felt the other tense up. Izuku chuckled, laying one leg over Hitoshi's and letting his hoof touch the human foot. He was mindful again of his antlers near Hitoshi's face. "Tell me about the human world."

Hitoshi couldn't believe how soft and strangely silky Izuku's skin was. The other was snuggled up so close to him, almost clinging. Izuku smelled of the earth after a fresh spring rain and Hitoshi couldn't resist burying his nose in Izuku's hair. 'So soft' he thought.

"Hitoshi, that tickles!" Izuku said.

"Sorry," he said. "But the human world is nothing special- it's nothing like this place."

"Tell me anyway," Izuku said. "Tell me about your people, about your tribe and your customs."

Hitoshi proceeded to tell him about the tribe, as asked, and Izuku listened. Soon, Izuku's eyelids started to droop into sleep though he kept blinking to keep them open. Hitoshi let his arm slip under Izuku's waist to hold him close. His hand felt the soft fur at the tip of Izuku's tail and it wagged. Hitoshi clenched his eyes and blushed. He felt Izuku's hand rest in the center of his chest. They were laying like a pair of lovers.

"I like you a lot, Hitoshi,"

"...I like you a lot too, Izuku,"

The thicket suddenly burst with a bright orange light and intense heat. Both Hitoshi and Izuku leaped up to see Bakugo's furious human face and flaming antlers glaring at them.

TBC