Lyrical
Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia.
Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Blood/Injury, Death
Pairings: Midoriya x Bakugou
Plot: An arranged marriage to unite two kingdoms.
I know I shouldn't love you, but I do…
Ch 13: Bitter Water
Part One: Ruby
The steps of the palace were barely visible beneath the blossoms and petals littering the polished pale stone, delicate pinks and whites swept on the passing breeze, strewn from the flowering apple trees surrounding the castle on all sides. Bakugou stood silently at the foot of the grand staircase, ears perked towards the open doors decorated with elegant draperies of pastel green and creamy white, the music within welcoming and lively. There was a wedding to take place within the next few hours. An arranged wedding. His wedding. He had yet to meet his bride.
His mother was at his side a moment later, ushering him up the steps with a click of her tongue, crushing blossoms beneath her bootheels as she barked instructions to her footmen, various servants rushing to accommodate her with flattened ears and lowered eyes. As they entered the palace more servants emerged to greet them, the Queen sighing tiredly and shrugging out of her foxfur overcloak before continuing down the expansive corridor leading to the banquet hall.
Bakugou trailed along after her, scarlet eyes roaming the ornate ceiling and archways, casting his gaze between the towering windows decorated with elaborate etchings and colored glass, overlooking the apple orchards and mighty gates separating the castle grounds from the common folk. The palace was enchanting, the countryside more beautiful than he had imagined it would be. He'd never seen anything like the flowering orchards of this foreign land. Somehow, despite the warm summer breeze and the bright sunlight beaming through the tall windows, the air within the castle seemed strangely cold.
"Katsuki." Mitsuki called, and he turned his eyes to his mother, immediately crossing the distance to stand at her side. He perked his ears towards noise approaching from the other end of the banquet hall, and he stood quietly as a small procession approached, the Queen of this land stepping forward to greet them both, her eyes damp and her smile tight.
"You are most welcome here." Inko offered in a quivering tone, gesturing towards the laden table nearby. "Please eat and rest, you've had a long journey."
The Queens exchanged pleasantries as they sat together at the table, leaving Bakugou to himself for the time being, the prince perking his ears towards the procession and to the empty hallway beyond. It was customary for arranged marriages that the prince and princess both make an appearance before the wedding, to ensure both parties were in agreement before the ceremony began. Bakugou waited for a little while longer before shifting his attention to his mother once more, one of his ears flicking as he asked in a calm, neutral tone, "Will my betrothed be joining us as well?"
Mitsuki paused, her eyes resting on Inko momentarily before turning to her son. "You'll meet Izuku soon enough, Katsuki." She watched him with a cool gaze, her eyes glinting as she asked, "Are you going to eat something, or shall we have the servants show you to your quarters?"
Bakugou was quiet for a moment before nodding lightly, and Inko gestured for a pair of servants to guide the prince to the honored guests wing, the Queens' voices fading into soft murmurs as he left the banquet hall behind. Bakugou dismissed the servants upon reaching his temporary chambers, content to explore his surroundings alone, walking through the lavish lounge space and out onto the open balcony, exhaling tiredly as his eyes drifted over the rolling countryside.
He wasn't certain what exactly he'd been expecting. Even if he had been given a chance to meet with and speak to his betrothed before the ceremony, their fates had been sealed by the pact struck between their kingdoms decades ago. A small part of him had hoped that finally meeting Midoriya might put his restlessness at ease, that they might share some semblance of a mutual attraction, or an understanding at least. That their arrangement might one day become something more. Something genuine. Something beyond mere obligation.
He dared not to hope for so much as love, but a companionship, a friendship perhaps? That was something he longed for.
He ducked his head to rest against his hands, fingers clenched atop the stone ivy carved into the balcony railing, closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths to calm his racing mind. He just had to make it through this day. After today, his mother would depart, and he would finally have a chance to be alone with his new bride. He would be able to talk with Midoriya then, and finally begin to learn about his betrothed, and share himself in kind.
He lifted his head a bit, pillowing his cheek against his arm. He wondered what Midoriya would taste like, if her scent would be sweet or floral, if it would compliment or contrast his own. He wondered about the color of her eyes; what shade of brown or blue they might be. Did his bride have dimples, or beauty marks? Was her hair dark or light, straight and silky or a sea of waves?
"Izuku…" Bakugou murmured aloud, trying to wrap his head around it. In mere hours, he would wed a stranger. In mere hours, he would have a mate for life.
Bakugou wasn't certain how much time passed before his mother came to collect him. He was dressed in traditional ceremonial garb of white, red, and gold before joining the wedding procession, traversing the length of the castle to reach the magnificent cathedral resting at the base of the east tower, where the sunlight was its absolute brightest. Inko was standing just before the stairs leading up to the ceremonial platform, speaking quietly with several servants, her features strained as she glanced towards the altar and then the approaching wedding procession before gesturing towards the side doors hurriedly. The servants bowed and rushed out of sight, and Inko turned to greet Mitsuki once more, her face red and her breaths shaky. It was obvious she had been crying.
As Mitsuki stepped closer to speak with Inko, fanfare sounded from the hall and dozens of armored knights marched into the cathedral, parting to reveal the King. The atmosphere shifted as Hisashi stepped past Bakugou to speak with Mitsuki directly, Inko taking a step back and listening quietly as her husband spoke. She didn't contribute to whatever Hisashi was saying, her ears tucked back submissively. She looked defeated and lost.
Bakugou's stomach twisted sickeningly, his throat taut. Something was happening, something he was unaware of. Despite the foreign King and Queen's presence, there was no sign of Midoriya anywhere.
Time seemed to slow down, and what felt like a small eternity passed before something finally happened. The minstrels all at once began to play, and the procession began to shift through the typical motions, several young girls in ceremonial dress tossing handfuls of petals across the cathedral floor, parting to make way for the veiled omega walking slowly behind them.
Bakugou turned towards Midoriya, perking his ears and watching silently, barely breathing as his heart drummed against his ribcage. He couldn't see her face yet, but he could tell through the veil her hair was dark, and her skin was sunkissed and dappled with freckles where her hands held a bouquet of vibrant wildflowers. Dimly he noticed the fierce grip she held on the bouquet, her knuckles clenched into painful white.
"Katsuki." His mother called, and he backed away a few steps, his eyes lingering on his bride, before he was finally forced to turn and face the altar, offering out his hand to help Midoriya ascend the steps.
He waited as she came to stand beside him, and waited still as the King and Queens took their places on opposite sides of the altar. A few moments passed, then the priest came to stand at the center directly before the altar, lifting his hands towards the radiant sunlight as his voice rang throughout the cathedral.
Even as the priest began to speak, and recited the opening words to their ceremonial rites, Bakugou's hand remained empty. Midoriya never made any attempt to reach out to him, standing still and solitary as stone. He stole a glance at her, his eyes shifting to her hands. The stems she clasped so tightly were slowly snapping, breaking in half, some sticking out at awkward angles while others fell quietly to the cathedral floor. She didn't look at him, didn't acknowledge him, and when it was time for them to ascend the steps to kneel before the altar, she did so alone, Bakugou trailing a half-step behind her.
They knelt beside one another silently, Bakugou's heartbeat thudding in his ears, deafening and useless. This wasn't what he wanted, this was the furthest thing from what he had imagined. Was she so opposed to their arrangement? Should he say something, try to call this off? He lifted his gaze slightly, glancing first towards his mother, then to the foreign King and Queen. Inko was crying, slow tears slipping down her ruddy cheeks. Hisashi's eyes were locked onto Midoriya, his expression cold and distant. Not as a father, but an unyielding overlord. One that demanded absolute obedience, even from his own flesh and blood.
The tension between them was stifling, and Bakugou jerked his head up as the priest spoke to him directly.
"Prince Bakugou Katsuki, son of Queen Mitsuki, heir to the throne and sovereign ruler of the northern mountainlands; do you swear upon this union to protect your mate and united kingdoms, from this moment until your final breath?"
"I do." Bakugou replied solemnly, his voice deep gravel, grating even to his own ears. He cleared his throat softly as he turned to face Midoriya fully, and after a moment she turned as well, and he reached towards her, cupping her hands gently. Her fingers were cold as ice.
"Prince Midoriya Izuku, son of King Hisashi and Queen Inko, heir of the eastern kingdom-"
Bakugou perked his ears in surprise, focusing on the omega before him, the rest of the priest's words drowned out by the shock ringing in his ears. Bakugou reached forward, lifting the edge of the veil and bringing it up to reveal Midoriya's face. Impossibly green eyes flicked up for only a fraction of a second before dropping once again, the silence spanning between them endless.
No one spoke for several long moments, and Bakugou realized that although the priest had finished speaking, Midoriya had yet to respond. As the moment stretched on, and he still refused to speak, his father took a step forward with a low, thunderous growl. A clear threat, a counter to his son's defiance. Finally, Midoriya lifted his face, but still he averted his eyes. His freckled cheeks were flushed red with what must have been anger or frustration, but despite his obvious turmoil, the omega shed not a single tear. When he spoke his tone was calm and cool, sending shivers up Bakugou's spine.
"I do."
The priest let out a little sigh of relief, then spoke the final words to seal the rite with a flourish. "With this bond your kingdoms are henceforth united. May your union be fruitful, and bring peace and prosperity to us all!"
Cheers and applause rose from the procession and surrounding knights, Mitsuki clapping along with them for a short while before turning to bark instructions at the servants waiting nearby, who immediately began preparing for departure. She stepped closer to embrace her son, gave his new bride a quick once-over and then walked off while calling over her shoulder, "I'll come to visit next season. By then you should be readying for pups!"
Bakugou barely heard her, his eyes still on his bonded. Carefully he tucked the veil back to rest over Midoriya's dark ears, taking in his mess of ebony curls, his slightly upturned nose and the ample dusting of freckles across his soft, rounded features, typical of an omega. Male omegas were a rarity, and while he had been shocked at first he found he wasn't displeased in the slightest, although certainly curious. Perhaps this explained the strangeness that had occurred since their arrival, and why Midoriya was acting the way he was. Still, Bakugou was optimistic. Once they were alone and had a chance to speak, they might come to an understanding. He pushed his mother's words to the back of his mind, offering instead a kind, gentle smile and stroking his thumb across the back of Midoriya's cold hand, a small offering of comfort.
"I'm glad to meet you, finally." Bakugou murmured quietly, waiting for Midoriya to meet his eyes, to give him a glimpse of those green jewels once more, but the omega didn't look at him, didn't speak. The King and Queen watched over them for a moment longer, then the King turned to leave without speaking to his son, his plethora of knights emptying the cathedral as they followed after him, their heavy footfalls echoing long after they'd gone.
Hesitantly, Inko stepped closer, gingerly reaching out for her son. "Izuku, darling…"
He turned away from her and descended the steps without looking back, several servants quickly following after him, leaving Bakugou in stunned silence, Inko hiccuping soft whimpers against the back of her hand. Bakugou ducked his ears slightly, looking to her for some sort of explanation, but Inko couldn't meet his eyes. She merely gave a little bow of her head before turning to follow her husband's steps, leaving Bakugou alone in the cathedral with a handful of servants to attend to him until he departed.
He was led back to his chambers, where he changed out of his ceremonial garb and donned far more casual attire, pacing back and forth before the hearth as the sun slowly began to set, his thoughts a whirlwind of anger and confusion. What was this? What had just happened? Had his mother known all along? What of their wedding feast? They were meant to have a celebration-
Noise erupted down the hallway, muffled shouts and the sounds of pleading, Bakugou stepping towards the door as something crashed and thudded loudly against a distant wall. He peered out into the shadowed hallway, noting it was devoid of servants, and followed the noise to its source, finding Midoriya at the center of it all.
There were servants watching from a slight distance, huddled together outside a half-open door, a door which likely led to the kitchens and servants' quarters. Suddenly another chair was thrown across the room, splintering as it slammed against the wall, and Bakugou rushed forward just in time to see Midoriya grabbing another chair and lifting it overhead, the spice of pure fury filling the air as the omega screamed and chucked it as hard as he could at the opposing wall.
"Izuku!" Bakugou called, quickly making his way past the frightened servants to his side, and as Midoriya turned to fix his sights on him Bakugou felt his anger, the omega's scent hitting him so harshly it was as if he'd been punched square in the chest. Immediately Bakugou reached out to calm him, lifting both hands and showing his palms, baring his wrists while releasing a rich, soothing scent to counter Midoriya's spice.
Midoriya sneered at Bakugou's scent, curling back his lips and baring his fangs, growling as he spat, "Get away from me! Get out!"
As he grabbed the edge of the nearest kitchen counter and made to flip it onto its side, Bakugou reached out and slammed his hand against the smooth wood, keeping it level as bowls and cups teetered and fell across its surface, cutlery scattering everywhere. "Wait! Please, just calm down-"
The omega shouted and grabbed the counter with both hands, Bakugou fighting against him to keep it level, until finally Midoriya grabbed a knife and drew back his arm, preparing a downward strike. Bakugou felt ice pour down his spine, disbelief and panic warring within him as he lurched forward and grabbed Midoriya's wrist, baring his fangs and growling as he dug his blunt nails into Midoriya's freckled skin.
With absolute authority only an Alpha could possess over an omega, Bakugou commanded in a steely tone, "Drop it, now!"
Midoriya fought against the command for as long as he could, but ultimately he did as he was told, dropping the knife onto the floor with a loud clatter, Bakugou holding his wrist tightly for several moments longer before slowly releasing his hold. He could already see the bruise forming around Midoriya's wrist, and carefully he reached for him again, his touch gentle this time, concerned.
Midoriya slapped his hands away and turned his back, walking away without speaking. Bakugou watched him go, still stunned from what had just transpired, then he followed after his mate, tracking his scent through the winding hallways between the kitchen and laundry, past the servants' sleeping quarters and then outside to the stables. He found Midoriya in the shadowed stall furthest away from the servant's door, his face buried against the neck of a black stallion, his shoulders trembling as he combed his fingers through the horse's dark mane over and over again.
Bakugou watched over him, making no move to approach, giving Midoriya what time he needed to collect himself, until finally the raven-haired prince lifted his face and dared to meet Bakugou's eyes. Bakugou watched him in kind, searching his expression, waiting to see if he would speak. The omega's scent was still filled with spice, but now mingled with something harsh and bitter. Something Bakugou didn't know the name of, couldn't quite place.
Midoriya rested his cheek against the stallion's shoulder, petting his velvety coat, thinking for a long while before finally parting his lips to speak. He tried, but couldn't. He closed his mouth, then opened it again, but the words never came. He grit his teeth, his brow pinching, and then he hid his face once more, his entire body tense and trembling. Bakugou took a step closer, trying to make sense of everything that had happened since he'd arrived, what was happening now, and what he could possibly do to help.
"What is it?" Bakugou asked softly, keeping his tone calm and gentle, trying once again to release a comforting scent to counter the omega's distress. "Speak to me, Izuku. I'm trying to understand."
Midoriya barked out a peal of incredulous laughter, drawing away from the stallion and turning to face Bakugou head-on, something unrecognizable gleaming in his emerald eyes. He tried again to speak, but still no words escaped him. He closed his eyes, sighing shakily, then his expression smoothed a bit, anger melting into something distant and defeated. He met Bakugou's eyes, his evergreen irises shining in the sunlight, and despite how much it seemed as if he wanted to cry, his tears never fell.
"Take me far away from this place." He whispered tiredly, and Bakugou nodded hesitantly, offering out his hand. Midoriya stared at him long and hard before stepping closer and then past him, walking out across the courtyard and into the burning sunset. Bakugou watched him go, closing his hand into a fist, and then followed after his mate to begin their journey home.
The three days it took to return to his kingdom felt as if they would never end. When the mountain keep finally came into view Bakugou let out a heavy sigh of relief and rode ahead alone, the royal caravan following behind him. They reached the keep by nightfall, and Bakugou waited patiently for Midoriya to emerge from the bridal carriage, the omega half-asleep as he looked towards the mighty castle towers piercing the starry sky.
In the scant interactions they'd shared since their first meeting, Bakugou knew not to attempt to touch Midoriya as he approached. Instead he ducked his ears slightly and gave a little bow, then turned to guide Midoriya's path through the castle.
They made their way in silence, their slow steps echoing across the marble floors, until Bakugou eventually stopped at a split in the main corridor leading to the wing of lavish chambers directly adjacent to his own. There were servants here and there watching their interaction, but they kept their distance for now, waiting to be called upon. Bakugou paused for a moment, thinking of what to say.
"If there's anything you need, anything at all-"
Midoriya didn't respond, just continued ahead alone, Bakugou watching him go while perking his ears slightly, listening to the omega's quiet footsteps as he faded into shadow.
Bakugou glanced towards a pair of servants nearby, and one of the girls stepped closer, asking worriedly, "My Prince, is there a way I may be of service to you?"
Bakugou considered for a moment, then nodded. "I want you to watch over him, and tell me anything you observe that seems concerning or unusual."
She frowned a little, her brow pinched in confusion, but she gave a curtsy and dipped her head, "As you wish, My Prince. I shall watch over your new bride at your behest."
"From a distance, Hagakure." Bakugou cautioned as she stepped away, "It is not my intention to upset Izuku unnecessarily. I want to give him some time to adjust to his new life here. Do you understand?"
Hagakure bowed her head again, "I understand, My Prince."
"Good." Bakugou exhaled quietly, giving her a little nod of dismissal. As Hagakure stepped away Bakugou retired to his bedchamber, closing the ornate doors behind him before stripping off his outer layers and falling face-first into bed. He lay there unmoving for several long moments, then groaned loudly into his comforter, beating his fist against the fluffy down weakly, turning his face slightly to breathe.
He stared out the large windows framing the balcony, blinking slowly as his thoughts gradually quieted, his eyes tracing along the peaks and ridges of the snowy mountains surrounding the keep, then to the multitude of constellations beyond.
"What am I doing?" Bakugou whispered aloud, his chest aching, his stomach twisting in knots. "Surely if I give him time, he'll speak to me…" He sighed and rolled onto his back, draping his forearm across his eyes, his other hand clenching a fistful of comforter. "I wish I knew what to do for him. I know nothing about him, not what he wants or likes…"
He thought to himself for a long moment, then sat up in bed, eyes wide.
"Horses! Izuku likes horses." He got up again, pacing for a moment before walking to the door, padding barefoot down the corridor towards the dining hall, several servants rushing to meet him in surprise, Bakugou's eyes wild and bright.
The next day, he waited for Midoriya to join him for breakfast. When the omega didn't emerge from his chambers, Bakugou waited for lunchtime. Lunch came and went, and as the day crept on Bakugou restlessness grew, so instead of waiting on Midoriya any longer he decided to visit the stables alone.
Midoriya had insisted upon bringing two horses; the black stallion, and a palomino mare. According to the young stablehand he'd spoken with before their departure, the palomino was a gift from Midoriya's mother years before, though the origin of the black horse was a mystery. During their journey Midoriya had often tended to the horses himself, riding now and then instead of staying cooped up in the caravan. Bakugou wanted to ride alongside Midoriya, wanted to show him the winding trails of the mountains, and teach his mate everything there was to know about this strange new country he'd suddenly become a part of. To do that, he first needed the omega to speak to him. Bakugou hoped this might be a good place to start.
As he entered the stables he was surprised to find someone already there, half-hidden behind a chestnut mare, brushing out her mane and coat methodically while she fed from a fresh pile of hay. Bakugou knew his stablehands, and this boy wasn't one of them. With a little frown he carefully approached, patting the mare's nose as she lifted her head, Bakugou perking his ears in surprise to find a pair of emerald eyes watching him closely.
"You're here." Bakugou murmured curiously, one of his ears tilted to the side. He'd waited for hours in the dining hall, how had he possibly missed Midoriya leaving his chambers?
Midoriya snorted softly, flattening his ears for a moment before perking them again. "Is that a problem?" He asked, tense and curt, Bakugou shifting his weight slightly as he rested on his bootheels.
"No, no I just…I thought I might see you at breakfast, or lunch…"
Midoriya stared at him for a moment longer before returning his attention to the mare, resuming his brushing and quietly ignoring Bakugou, the Alpha searching for what he wanted to say before pressing on gently.
"I was hoping to speak with you, I thought that taking a ride together might allow us to-"
"I want to be alone."
Bakugou perked his ears in surprise, once again taken back by Midoriya's bluntness. He watched the omega closely, his ruby eyes following Midoriya's movements, the steady strokes of the brush, the way he purposefully kept his back to Bakugou as much as he possibly could. Rejection washed over Bakugou in a cold wave, and he ducked his ears a bit, humming softly as he backed away a step.
"Alright." He murmured quietly, "I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll leave you be." He lingered for a moment longer before stepping away, pausing at the entry to the stables to call gingerly, "Is there something you'd like for dinner? You can have anything-"
"No." Midoriya called back immediately, his voice wavering slightly. "I'm not hungry."
Bakugou clenched his jaw and forced himself to walk away, his temper flaring for a moment before lulling. He rolled his shoulders to release the tension that had gathered there while exhaling a heavy sigh. No one spoke to him in such a fashion, no one dismissed him so readily. He was the sovereign ruler of the mountainlands, and on his twenty-fifth birthday he would inherit the crown and become King.
Two years. He only had two years left until his coronation. Now that he had bonded with an omega, it was expected that someday soon they might begin actively trying for pups, to continue the royal bloodline, and ensure Bakugou's legacy was handed down to the next generation. He couldn't begin to fathom such a thing. Having pups with Midoriya? The omega wouldn't even look him in the eye, let alone anything beyond that.
He ate dinner alone, then left the castle and followed the familiar path to the guards' training grounds. Several knights were sparring near the barracks, and they paused to bow respectfully as Bakugou passed, the prince offering them a friendly wave before focusing on what he'd come there to do. Going through the motions of swordplay, practicing swings and stances, dodging and footwork, it put Bakugou at ease, the familiarity of it.
Everything that had happened within the past week felt surreal, and now that he was home again things still felt out of place. He still knew nothing about what had happened at the wedding. As far as he was aware, Midoriya hadn't brought anything with him from his homeland. No keepsakes of any kind, other than the horses. He hadn't exchanged farewells with his parents before he'd left.
There was a story there. Bakugou wondered if some day Midoriya might tell him that story; if there was even the smallest chance that with kindness and patience the omega might one day let him in.
Every time Bakugou had tried to comfort Midoriya his attempts had backfired splendidly. He understood in some way that Midoriya's defensiveness was a means of protecting himself, but in the moment that didn't make it hurt any less.
Hours passed, the moon rising high above beaming down pale light upon the training grounds, glinting off the tall windows of the castle keep. Bakugou panted quietly as he stripped his shirt off overhead, wiping his face and neck before tossing it aside and resuming his practice, the sound of each strike ringing off of the tall pines encircling the wide clearing.
He continued his strikes until his muscles were screaming, then he stretched thoroughly and made his way towards the lake for his cool-down. He jogged along the worn footpath until he reached the fishing docks, kicking off his boots and stripping down before slipping into the still, dark water.
As an Alpha his body temperature naturally ran hot. Upon entering the frigid water steam curled from his shoulders and chest, and he groaned out a contented sigh before dunking underwater completely, breaking the surface and swiping the back of his wrist across his eyes. He swam a few laps close to the docks, then floated along the surface and stared up at the stars, naming off constellations absently while fanning his fingers along the surface in slow passes. His thoughts trailed off, memories flooding through him of other nights spent like this, with a trusted friend at his side. He began thinking of the one who had taught him most about the stars, his ears perking as he looked towards the castle. "I wonder how Hitoshi is doing. I wonder if he would know how to talk to Izuku."
There was movement in one of the upper windows, light and then shadow, as if a lantern had passed by. His gaze lingered there for a moment, then softened.
"That must be Izuku, on his way to bed." He sighed and tilted his head back, closing his eyes as he basked in the moonlight. "I should go to bed too. It's been a long day."
By the time Bakugou had reached his chambers, he could sense something was wrong. He changed clothes quickly before padding down the corridor leading to Midoriya's chambers, finding several servants in the hall just outside the closed bedroom door, Hagakure glancing up at his approach.
"My Prince," she began while stepping closer, "I looked for you, I couldn't find you-"
"What's happened?" Bakugou asked softly, his eyes on the closed door.
"He hasn't eaten." Hagakure murmured, her ears tucked back slightly as she clasped her hands worriedly. "Since arriving, several of us have brought offerings for every meal, but your bride has refused them."
Bakugou frowned, arching his brow while asking, "Has he asked for anything different? Something from his homeland, perhaps?"
"Nothing, My Prince." She looked to the closed door as well while adding, "We thought to ask as much, but he simply says he isn't hungry. When we offered to call the apothecary, he shut us out of his room. He hasn't let us back in since."
Bakugou nodded slowly, thinking long and hard for several moments before offering Hagakure a reassuring smile. "It's alright. Leave him be. Surely in the morning he'll want something for breakfast." He reached out and patted her shoulder lightly before drawing back his hand. "Thank you for telling me. Please continue watching over him as best you can."
Hagakure blushed a bit and nodded quickly, a happy little smile turning up her lips. "I will, My Prince. We'll have breakfast prepared for you both."
"Thank you, Hagakure." Bakugou gave a little wave before turning away, his steps slow and quiet as he returned to his quarters, his chest aching. Things would be better in the morning. Things would get better with each day. Time heals all wounds, as they say. He only had to patiently wait for tomorrow.
Another day passed, then another. On the morning of the fourth day, when Hagakure relayed that Midoriya still wasn't eating, Bakugou wrote a series of letters. One he sent to Queen Inko, one he sent to his mother, and one he sent to his most trusted friend. He was frustrated and at a loss, torn between anger and concern for Midoriya's wellbeing. How was he supposed to help if the omega wouldn't let him close? It was within his power as an Alpha to command Midoriya to obey his will; he could compel his mate to eat and spend time with him, but he knew that would do far more damage than good. Still, Midoriya had to eat. He had to eat, to survive.
Bakugou spent quite a bit of time in the library researching possible remedies before daring to approach Midoriya directly. He knew that his presence was unwanted, Midoriya had made that fact very clear any time Bakugou even attempted to draw close. Despite that, Bakugou found himself at Midoriya's bedroom door, rapping his knuckles against the ornate wood and listening for anything answering from within. When nothing happened, Bakugou opened the door himself, stepping inside and quietly closing the door behind him. The room was a mess, the bed disheveled, discarded clothes strewn about the floor. The hearth was cold, the fire long burned out with no one tending it. The balcony doors were wide open, and Midoriya was resting against the stone railing looking out towards the lake. He didn't react to the Alpha's cautious approach.
"Izuku?" Bakugou called softly, taking a few steps closer, maintaining what distance he could with respect to Midoriya's boundaries. "Izuku, please. You must eat something. You don't have to speak with me, or anyone at all if that's truly your wish, but you must eat."
Midoriya's ears tilted towards a pair of songbirds as they passed between the boughs of a nearby tree, the omega inhaling slow and deep before exhaling silently, the subtle rise and fall of his shoulders the only sign of his breathing. Bakugou waited patiently, waiting for Midoriya to acknowledge him, to speak to him, to say something to drive him away. Bakugou caught the sour bite of his distress as it rose around him, enveloping him so fully the air became stifling, the Alpha wrinkling his nose as he tried his best to maintain his composure and breathe evenly.
With his back to Bakugou, Midoriya finally spoke. His voice was hollow and broken, hoarse from lack of water and sleep.
"Kill me." He rasped softly, digging his nails into the sunkissed stone.
Bakugou felt as if the air had been kicked from his lungs, his eyes wide as he stammered out, "Wh…What? I-Izuku, what are you saying-?"
"Kill me." Midoriya said, louder this time, as if becoming more sure of what he was saying with every moment. His voice cracked as sickening laughter crept from his lips, and he hunched his shoulders, his eyes locked on the ground far below. "I can't do it. I can't. I can't!"
Bakugou stepped closer, trying to catch a glimpse of his face. "Izuku, how can you say something like that? I would never hurt you, I-" He pinched his brow, lifting his hand, thinking of the bruise he'd left behind the day they'd first met.
Before he could think of what else to say, Midoriya was on him in a flash of fangs and jagged nails, growling and screaming and tearing at Bakugou's clothes, ripping his shirt and clawing at his chest.
"All of you keep asking me what you can do!"
He shrieked as he slashed his nails across Bakugou's skin, streaks of bright red blood splattering across the marble tile.
"Kill me! KILL ME! I can't-" He choked on the words, fighting to speak, his face twisting and contorting with too many emotions for Bakugou to process. Blood and drool dripped down his chin where he'd bitten the inside of his cheek, the omega screaming through his teeth as he began clawing desperately at his own face and neck.
Bakugou sat up quickly, watching in horror as Midoriya's lips and cheeks began to turn blue, the omega fighting to speak and unable to breathe. His eyes were glassy and distant, his skin too pale, too cold. "Breathe, Izuku!" Bakugou shouted, the omega staring up at him, holding his eyes, Bakugou growling as he bared his fangs and commanded in a thunderous tone, "Breathe!"
Midoriya gasped in deep lungfuls of air, panting and dry heaving, his entire face crimson. He glared daggers at Bakugou, reaching for the Alpha's throat and digging in his nails as deeply as he could.
"I hate you." He seethed, growling and tightening his hold, Bakugou snarling and growling as well, angrily prying Midoriya's fingers away from his throat.
"To hell with patience. To hell with being kind." He turned to bark at the closed door, and immediately servants appeared and drew closer, Bakugou turning to fix Midoriya in his sights. "Under my command, you will allow yourself to be tended to." Upon seeing Midoriya begin to snarl he snapped his fangs and growled again, the omega ducking his ears back and averting his gaze, an involuntary submission to an Alpha's prowess. "You will bathe. You will eat and drink until you are satiated, and then you will sleep until this mania passes."
He turned to the servants nearby, fixing Hagakure in his line of sight. "You are to make him as comfortable as possible and tend to his every need." He lifted Midoriya's hand, displaying his jagged nails and bloody fingers. "Do something about these, immediately."
"Yes, My Prince. Right away."
Carefully Bakugou released his hold, and the servants helped Midoriya to his feet, ushering him towards the large washroom attached to his bedchamber. Bakugou took a few moments to collect himself before getting to his feet, walking towards one of the nearby mirrors and examining his wounds with a little frown. Already his skin was stitching itself back together, though his skin still burned where the omega had cut him, Bakugou growling softly before clicking his teeth against his tongue.
He left the servants to their duties, and then started towards the central tower, ascending the spiraling staircase leading to the crows' nests. As he reached the upper landing he immediately spotted an unfamiliar corvid with a green and white ribbon secured around its ankle, the traditional colors of Midoriya's kingdom. He retrieved that scroll first, offering the corvid a piece of dried meat before breaking the wax seal and opening the letter, his eyes quickly drifting across Queen Inko's frilly handwriting.
Everything happened so quickly, there was much left unsaid.
I am sending a package of Izuku's fondest keepsakes.
Please implore him to write.
Sincerest well-wishes.
Bakugou frowned a little, rubbing at his temple before setting the letter aside. He'd asked Inko for advice, and she'd given nothing in return. Perhaps whatever package she had sent would do some good; it would likely arrive within the next few days.
He next walked across the landing towards a cluster of crows surrounding a well-groomed raven embellished with red and gold ribbons, giving his mother's raven a few strokes before retrieving the scroll.
He read the letter twice through, nodding absently as he committed her advice to memory. Fresh fruit, milk baths, herbal tea. There were other more intimate suggestions, along with various questions about other topics, and finally a request to keep her updated on Midoriya's condition. If things didn't begin to improve, she would come to them much sooner than originally planned. Bakugou had the distinct feeling that her presence amongst them would not prove helpful, nor something Midoriya would be fond of. He was rarely fond of his mother's visits himself.
Bakugou stepped towards one of the large archways of the central tower, leaning against the sturdy, warm stone and basking in the midday sunshine, thinking of what his mate had screamed at him before. He pinched his brow, shivering at the memory of the desperation and bloodlust in Midoriya's eyes, hugging himself while exhaling shakily. Was he suffering from mania? Was that what had caused Midoriya to say such things? He'd acted like a wild beast, like an animal caught in a trap, gnawing at its leg yet still unable to escape. Is that what he felt? That Bakugou was keeping him captive here?
He tapped his foot absently, fidgeting anxiously, and just as he was about to begin his descent from the tower a flash of bright white caught his eye. He turned with a smile to greet the snowy raven, watching as she perched in the sunlight.
"There you are." He sighed, reaching out to greet her. "You must have had quite the long journey this time, hmm?" He stroked her beak and feathers, then gave her a piece of meat as he took the scroll, finding the familiar handwriting comforting beyond belief. Perhaps he was more stressed than he'd realized. It was rare for him to lose his temper, not since he had first presented as an Alpha years ago. "Where are you this time, Hitoshi? I need you here with me, hopefully sooner than mother."
Katsuki, what sort of mess have you gotten yourself into?
Bakugou chuckled softly, eyes drifting across the ink-speckled parchment. It must have been raining when Shinsou replied.
It will take no less than a fortnight to reach you. I've taken up arms with Shouto and Hanta on the arctic seafront. If your omega refuses to care for himself, it is your responsibility as his Alpha to care for him, whether he likes it or not.
Bakugou breathed a sigh of relief, some of the anxiety churning within his gut beginning to dissipate.
I know how you feel about using your voice, but there are times when it is the only way to communicate safely and effectively. Trust your instincts, they will guide you.
If you need me, I'll be there.
Bakugou hummed softly, thinking for a moment before turning his attention to the raven watching him, smiling softly as he pet her snowy feathers again. "Will you stay for a little longer while I make my decision?" She blinked at him slowly, tilting her head as he scratched gently under her chin, fluffing her feathers slightly. "Good girl." He murmured, then turned to leave the tower, his thoughts on Midoriya and what he should do, how he could help.
Shinsou's words had reassured him he'd done what he needed to in that moment to keep them both safe, and calm the situation as quickly as possible. He disliked the idea of being overly controlling of his mate, but if the alternative was suicidal ideation while slowly starving, he didn't have much of a choice.
There was still a bit of time before lunch, and so Bakugou went through the process of discarding his ruined clothes and bathing, finding the marks Midoriya had left behind already healed. He smoothed his fingertips across where those bright scratches had been, then dressed before heading to Midoriya's chambers, finding the door partially open and voices speaking quietly within.
Hagakure was humming softly to Midoriya as she combed through his ebony curls, the omega staring off towards the window as the servants surrounding him adjusted his clothes and offered him bites of fruit between sips of tea, glancing towards Bakugou as he approached. The girls spoke back and forth in hushed tones, gentling Midoriya as they directed him now and then, the omega doing as they bid without a word of protest.
Bakugou watched over him with concern, warring within himself on what to do given the circumstances. Under Bakugou's command the fire within Midoriya was smothered; at present he was malleable and compliant, like a doll without free will. He stepped closer to Midoriya's side, the servants backing away to allow Bakugou access, the Alpha kneeling beside Midoriya and taking one of his limp hands, stroking his thumb across his lax fingers sweetly.
"Speak to me?" Bakugou murmured softly, turning over Midoriya's hand and lacing their fingers, squeezing gently. It was the first time they'd ever held hands, the first time Midoriya hadn't fled from his touch. "Izuku?" Bakugou tried, his tone worried and unsure. "Please?"
Midoriya's ear twitched, and slowly he pivoted his head, his gaze falling on Bakugou. His scent was strange, muted and cold, as if submerged beneath ice. Bakugou looked up into his eyes, watching those beautiful jewels darken into something nearly black.
Midoriya parted his lips slowly, and then snapped his fangs, growling out with as much venom as he could muster, "You are just like my father."
Bakugou ducked his ears back, squeezing Midoriya's fingers gently, the omega unresponsive to his touch. I asked him to speak, Bakugou sighed shakily, his chest aching, perhaps anger is better than silence.
"I'm sorry." Bakugou said, ducking his head, flattening his ears beneath Midoriya's icy gaze. "I don't know what else to do, Izuku. I want to be good to you, I want to treat you gently. I want to care for you, but you won't let me."
"I hate you." Midoriya whispered, and Bakugou hunched his shoulders, bowing his head further.
"That's alright." Bakugou whispered softly, pressing his cheek against Midoriya's fingers, still twined with his own. "You can hate me, Izuku. I'll accept that. I'll accept anything and everything you give to me, so long as you're safe and cared for." He lifted his head, meeting Midoriya's eyes. "Do you understand? I'm not going to allow you to hurt yourself, or those gathered around you. These girls are here to tend to you, to make your life here as comfortable as possible."
Midoriya didn't respond, his eyes dark, his face expressionless.
After a few moments of silence, Bakugou spoke again. "You may not wish to see me, or speak with me, and I will respect your wishes. It is not my intention to make you unhappy, Izuku. I'm sorry you were forced to bond with me. I didn't know that-" Bakugou stopped, his voice wavering a bit. He swallowed thickly, his stomach twisting, his heart thudding dully against his ribcage. "I didn't know you were opposed to our arrangement. I wish that I had been able to speak with you, before the ceremony. I…"
Bakugou trailed off for a moment, then let out a shuddering sigh, his emotions rising and falling in breaking waves. He found himself suddenly unable to hold Midoriya's gaze, and so he averted his eyes, lowering his head.
"I know now you will never love me, but we are bonded for life. With that being said, I will not ask anything of you you're unwilling to give."
He thought of his mother's letter, of the expectations that had been placed upon them both. When he was certain of his decision, he continued to speak.
"I will never ask you to consummate our marriage. I will uphold my vow, and protect you and your kingdom until my final breath. I hope that one day you may forgive me, and perhaps then we might aspire to become friends…"
For the briefest of moments Midoriya's fingers twitched against his hand, and Bakugou dared to look up and meet his eyes.
"Friends?" Midoriya whispered, Bakugou lifting himself up a bit, perking his ears slightly.
"We're in this together." Bakugou said softly, hopeful despite everything. "You are my mate, my bonded. I-"
Midoriya shook his head slowly, his face twisting as he pulled his hand away. "You're not."
Bakugou tilted back his ears slightly, then perked them again. "Alright, Izuku." His words were gentle, a hint of sadness in his tone. He drew back, giving Midoriya space, gesturing for the servants to resume their duties before leaving Midoriya to rest.
Bakugou ate alone before sending his reply to Shinsou, then retired to his chambers, his heart lodged tightly in his throat.
-x-
Three days later, the package came.
Bakugou left the castle early that morning, setting out on a hunt before the sun had fully risen, weaving winding trails through the thick fog blanketing the pine forest at the base of the mountains. It had been a while since he'd set out alone, too concerned with Midoriya to do much else besides linger around the castle grounds, and it felt good to be deep in the wilderness with nothing but nature surrounding him as far as the eye could see. He felled a pair of pheasants, then a large buck, taking the time to gut his kill before hauling it back to the castle in triumph.
He left his horse with the stablehands before taking the servants' hall to the kitchens, several cooks greeting him while the butcher praised his efforts heartily, Bakugou chatting with him for a short while before returning to his chambers for a much needed bath. He soaked his sore muscles, relaxing for a while, then dressed comfortably and went to his study, adjacent to the castle library.
He was tending to paperwork with a quill in hand when there was a knock at the door, Bakugou perking his ears as Hagakure's voice sounded from the other side. "My Prince? May I speak with you?"
"Come in." He called, gesturing for her to close the door before beckoning her closer, noting the wooden box she was carrying. "What is it?"
"A package arrived today." Hagakure said softly, setting the wooden box before Bakugou and backing away a step. "The courier delivered a large trunk, sent from Queen Inko. Midoriya asked the footmen to bring it to his room, and that he be left alone for a while to sort through his things."
Bakugou nodded, his eyes cast upon the wooden box before him. "Then this is?"
Hagakure glanced towards the study door, worrying her lip, then returned her full attention to Bakugou. "Although he asked to be left alone, I admit I watched over him from the hidden servant's entry; the shifting panel along the far wall?"
Bakugou nodded again, his expression relaxed and understanding. "It's alright, Hagakure. What did you see?"
She shifted from foot to foot nervously, then gestured towards the wooden box. "Once he opened the trunk he immediately began tossing things aside. He dug all the way to the bottom, and pulled this from beneath the rest." Her ears dipped low, her expression torn. "The garment inside, he treated it so reverently. I've never seen anything like it. The…the sounds he made, it's hard to describe exactly…" She clasped her hands together worriedly, "I knew right away that something was wrong, but I didn't know what to do, or how to comfort him. When the others came to bring his meal, he took the box and hid it. I know I shouldn't have taken it, but I thought you needed to know…"
"Thank you, Hagakure." He reached out to trace his fingertips along the edge of the wooden box, "Where is Izuku now?"
"Visiting the stables." Hagakure's eyes fell on the box again. "I only took it just now, while he was away from his room. He had hidden it in the bottom-most drawer of the green wardrobe, beside the tall mirror?"
Bakugou hummed thoughtfully, "Alright. Why don't you keep an eye on Izuku, hmm? I'll return this to its rightful place as soon as I've had a look for myself."
Hagakure smiled faintly and dipped into a curtsey, then excused herself from the study, closing the door quietly behind her.
Bakugou stared down at the box for a moment longer, then he lifted the lid and set it aside, inhaling sharply at the rich scent of another Alpha's musk. He took his time, examining the bright red fabric of the well-loved coat, the dark fur around the oversized hood likely from a wolf. There were dark red and brown patches here and there, and then a strange green stitch that stood out from the rest. It ran across the shoulders and collar of the garment, as if at one point the hood had been severed from the coat.
Bakugou frowned a little and lifted the coat from the box, and as he did so a piece of folded parchment fluttered to the floor, Bakugou bending down to retrieve it. He opened it to find a hurried note from Queen Inko, her frilly handwriting notably less eloquent than before.
My beloved son,
I cannot begin to tell you how much it pains me to be apart from you like this.
I cannot sleep, I cannot eat, knowing how you must hate me.
If there was a way to take back what has been done, I would do so to spare you this pain.
I love you with all my heart, my dearest son. My sunlight.
I beg you to write, if only to lay bare my sins so that I may beg forgiveness again and again. All your despair, all your fury. Lay your burdens on me, dearest. You did nothing to deserve this. This wasn't your fault.
If anything may come from this tragedy, I pray that the northern prince might show you kindness. I pray that one day you might feel joy and love again.
To think I may never again see your smiling face, nor hear your bright laughter, it kills me. I ache for you. I cannot imagine your immeasurable loss.
I have done what I can to mend this for you, beloved. I know it cannot begin to replace him, but I pray that it grants you peace as you mourn.
Your mother loves you, Izuku.
I am so sorry for my part in this.
Please try to forgive me. Please write.
Bakugou stared at the letter, then set it aside, looking at the coat once more. He traced his fingers over that strange, out-of-place green stitching, felt the edge of the frayed fabric, and his mind instantly manifested the image of a sword. With a start he realized he had seen such a mark many times before, while practicing swordplay. A horizontal swing across the shoulders; a strike meant to decapitate.
Bakugou lifted the fabric closer to his face, opening his mouth slightly and breathing in deep, tasting the unmistakable heavy copper of blood mixed in with the Alpha's scent.
Suddenly all the pieces fell into place.
"Oh god." Bakugou whispered aloud, then he jerked involuntarily at the sudden desperate screams crying out from the direction of Midoriya's chambers.
Bakugou was on his feet and throwing open the study door in an instant, running swiftly down the corridor to reach Midoriya, the red coat clutched tightly in his hand.
Part Two will be written from Midoriya's POV.
Thanks for reading, more to come!