Lyrical

Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia.

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Blood/Injury, Death

Pairings: Midoriya x Bakugou, Midoriya x Kirishima

Plot: An arranged marriage to unite two kingdoms.

I know I shouldn't love you, but I do…

Ch 13: Bitter Water

Part Two: Emerald

Midoriya ran as fast as he could towards the stables, calling out excitedly as he neared the furthest stall, "Eiji! Eiji, you'll never guess!"

Kirishima peeked out from the stall with perked ears and a wide smile, chuckling as he continued brushing Midnight's coat in wide, even strokes. "What's that, Izuku? What mischief have you been up to?"

Midoriya grinned and giggled as he stepped closer, reaching out to card his fingers through Midnight's dark mane. "I can't just tell you! You have to guess first!"

Kirishima sighed fondly, his eyes on his work as he asked with a hum, "What could it be…?" He tapped his finger against his chin, pretending to think long and hard. "You stuffed your mother's pillowcase with caterpillars again?"

"Not this time!"

"Hmm…you put frogs in her bathwater?"

"Eijirou! This isn't about frogs!"

"Ah, a mouse in her linens then?"

Midoriya laughed and propped his hands on his hips, leaning into Kirishima's space, the Alpha grinning from ear to ear at his pink cheeks and playful pout. "Not everything I do is about teasing mama, I do nice things too!"

"Oh? Like what, little prince?" Kirishima chuckled softly, crooning and he shifted into Midoriya's space as well, bumping their noses together lightly.

Midoriya inhaled softly, his flush deepening as he searched Kirishima's eyes. "I…I baked something yummy, okay? Ochako taught me! She said they're really good! I saved you some, in the kitchen! F-For…" He backed away a step, casting his eyes aside, "For helping me with my riding lessons." He studied his feet, poking at a stray patch of hay with the toe of his boot. "It really helped a lot. I didn't get scolded about my posture nearly as much, and I just thought…" He dipped his ears a bit, his eyes shining as he met Kirishima's eyes. "I thought that you'd like them, is all…"

Kirishima set the brush aside, then glanced around for a moment before drawing Midoriya into the shadows at the back of the stall, away from where they might be seen. Kirishima crooned softly, petting Midoriya's cheek and wiping away the tears caught in his dark lashes. "I was just teasing, sweetheart." He leaned in to nuzzle Midoriya's cheek, crooning softly as he laced their fingers, murmuring gently, "Did I hurt your feelings? I'm sorry, Zuku. I didn't mean to…"

"N-No, I just…" Midoriya sniffed and rubbed at his flushed cheeks, shaking his head lightly. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I've felt weird the past few days, everything makes me cry…"

Kirishima chuckled, "Such a crybaby, My Prince."

Midoriya pouted and shoved at the Alpha's chest, giggling softly, "Eiji…"

Kirishima's gaze softened a bit, and he leaned a little closer, pressing his nose to Midoriya's curls. He closed his eyes, inhaling deep, and then murmured, "Your scent is changing. It's sweeter than before."

"Really?" Midoriya asked, Kirishima humming as he pulled back to look down at him once more. "Do you think that means I could be an omega, like mama?"

"I dunno, Zuku." Kirishima tilted an ear to the side, petting over Midoriya's freckled cheek. "Omegas are almost always girls, y'know? Boy omegas are really rare."

Midoriya frowned a little, his brow pinching. "I want to be one. I want to be an omega."

Kirishima perked his ears in surprise, then chuckled merrily and asked, "Why would you want something like that?"

Midoriya reached out to grab a handful of Kirishima's shirt, tugging insistently even as he pouted, casting his gaze aside. As the Alpha's laughter quieted and he drew closer, Midoriya finally met Kirishima's eyes, and then he whispered seriously, "If I present as omega, papa won't make me be King when I'm older, and then…" His words trailed off as he searched Kirishima's eyes, and when he spoke again his voice was impossibly soft. "Then I could stay with you. I could be your omega."

Kirishima's expression fell a bit as he held Midoriya's eyes, then he cupped the prince's freckled cheek and murmured sadly, "Izuku, you don't know what you're saying-"

"Yes I do!" Midoriya frowned, tears gathering in his lashes again. "Don't treat me like a kid, I know what it means! You're an Alpha, so if I'm an omega that means we can be together! We can stay together! We won't ever have to be apart!"

Kirishima watched quietly as Midoriya's tears slowly began to fall, searching his emerald eyes and petting his flushed cheek over and over again, soothing him with soft croons and holding him close.

"I'm sorry," Kirishima whispered, "I'm sorry, Izuku. You know how much you mean to me, but you can't say things like that-"

"I know I'm not supposed to!" Midoriya sobbed, his voice muffled against Kirishima's shoulder as he hugged him tightly. "I know I shouldn't love you, but I do!"

Kirishima crooned soft and low, his voice deepening into velvet thunder as he whispered tenderly, "Oh, my sweet, gentle prince. I love you too. More than I ever dreamed I could."

Kirishima held him close, and Midoriya sobbed against his shoulder until he couldn't cry anymore.

-x-

A week later, Midoriya presented as an omega. Midoriya had just turned fifteen, and Kirishima had turned sixteen the season before. They'd known one another all their lives; Kirishima grew up working in the kitchens before becoming a stablehand, and with Midoriya constantly running in and out of the kitchens and stables they had quickly become the best of friends. They'd been near inseparable ever since. Midoriya had claimed Kirishima as his own, and Kirishima was helpless to resist his charming, beautiful prince.

Though everyone in the palace knew of their friendship, once Midoriya and Kirishima realized their feelings for one another were more than that, they knew well to keep their relationship a secret. They hid their romance under the guise of friendship for as long as they possibly could, until one day someone else discovered their secret. Luckily for them both it was a close friend, a kitchen servant and chambermaid, Uraraka. She kept their love a secret, and guarded their hearts. She was both Midoriya and Kirishima's closest friend.

The summer Midoriya turned nineteen, Kirishima presented him with a ring. A promise that one day they would escape the palace together, and live a simple life in a distant land far away from the King's reach.

A year later Midoriya turned twenty, and his father revealed that Midoriya was betrothed to an Alpha prince from the northern mountainlands. The pact had been struck decades before to unite their kingdoms, a promise to bind the northern prince to Hisashi's firstborn omega heir. Midoriya pleaded with his father to grant his freedom, to release him from the pact, but the King refused.

Hisashi saw Midoriya as a failure. He had expected his firstborn heir to present as Alpha, a son to follow in his steps, to rule the eastern kingdom and carry the weight of the crown. Midoriya had instead presented as omega, wholly unfit for the throne. If it hadn't been for the pact Hisashi had made with Mitsuki, Midoriya might have been disowned and exiled. Midoriya would have preferred exile, anything over being separated from his true love, and being forced to bond with another Alpha instead.

There were arguments and fights over Midoriya's betrothal to Bakugou for over a year, and once Midoriya turned twenty-one the King declared there would be a wedding and finally set a date. Midoriya made up his mind to run away with Kirishima before the wedding, but the King anticipated his son might try something, and so he had Midoriya locked in his chambers until the Queen and prince from the north arrived.

Unable to see Kirishima, and doomed to be bonded with a complete stranger, Midoriya refused to eat or sleep, and cried so desperately to be released he nearly lost his voice. The only servant he allowed into his chambers to tend to him was his closest friend, and the night before the wedding, when all the castle was asleep, Uraraka came to him in secret and freed him from his imprisonment. She snuck him out through the servants' passageways and reunited him with Kirishima at the stables. She bid them a fond, bittersweet farewell, and then snuck back into the palace, leaving Kirishima and Midoriya to escape together before dawn.

-x-

"We have to go." Kirishima whispered anxiously, glancing towards the saddled horses nearby, running their escape plan through his mind over and over again.

Midoriya was crying quietly, hugging Uraraka tightly, the beta hugging him back just as desperately, knowing they would never meet again.

"I love you." She whispered fiercely, Midoriya sniffing and nodding as she drew back to meet his eyes, petting his ruddy cheeks. "I love you, Izuku. I'll never forget you."

"I'll never forget you!" Midoriya hiccupped quietly, muffling his sobs with his palm, hugging her once more before turning to embrace his Alpha, Kirishima sheltering Midoriya in his arms, crooning soft and low.

"Be safe." Uraraka whispered, Kirishima meeting her eyes and giving a succinct nod, his expression determined.

"You too, Ochako. Be safe."

She offered them both a sweet, heartfelt smile, then quietly closed the door behind her, leaving them alone in the stables, Kirishima doing what he could to calm Midoriya before they continued on. "The horses are ready, everything's packed. I'll help you with Lady, then circle back for Midnight-"

"Eijirou." Midoriya reached up to touch the Alpha's face with trembling fingers, coaxing him down so they were eye to eye.

Kirishima crooned softly again, nuzzling Midoriya's nose with his own, sharing his breath while whispering gently, "We're going to be okay, Zuku. Everything's going to be okay. I'll take care of you, I'll keep you safe. I promise."

"M-My scent, my estrus is soon…" Midoriya sniffed and shook his head, "I'm afraid the guards will notice if we try to slip through the back gate-"

"I'll scent you," Kirishima reassured gently, shifting to open one of the saddlebags, "I brought you some of my clothes, here." He tugged a bundle of dark cloth from within, offering it to the trembling omega. "I'll give you my coat too sweetheart, they won't be able to smell you."

Midoriya watched Kirishima for a long moment, then he reached for the Alpha again, tears streaming down his cheeks as he whispered, "There's another way, Eiji. Another way you can hide my scent."

Kirishima watched Midoriya closely, trying to make sense of what he was saying, and then he blushed and made a soft curious sound in the back of his throat. "Now? Zuku, that's not-" He tilted an ear towards the stable doors, listening for a moment before husking, "That wasn't part of the plan!"

Midoriya tilted his face up, nosing at Kirishima's jaw, crooning softly as he drew the Alpha closer, Kirishima trembling in his arms. "What if this is the last chance we have to be together? What if the moment we leave this stable, we're caught and separated? I don't want to risk that; I want to give myself to you now, before it's too late."

Kirishima closed his eyes and shuddered, then turned to nuzzle Midoriya's neck, lapping over his scent gland gently. Midoriya whined softly and offered more of his neck, and Kirishima cradled his nape while leaning down to kiss along his throat, Midoriya quivering beneath his touch.

"You're sure?" Kirishima asked, lifting his head to meet Midoriya's eyes. "This isn't how I wanted to do this."

"I know." Midoriya whispered, cupping Kirishima's strong jaw.

"I've imagined this moment over and over." Kirishima turned his face to kiss Midoriya's fingertips reverently, crooning softly as he searched his teary eyes. "I don't want to hurt you, Zuku. I don't want to rush-"

"We have to." Midoriya whispered, swallowing thickly and offering his neck again. "I'm yours, Eiji. I love you with everything I have, everything inside of me. My heart belongs to you, it always has. I will love you for the rest of my life, and I want to be your mate." He grabbed a fistful of Kirishima's crimson hair, tugging him down gently. "Make me yours."

Kirishima shivered, his breath teasing across Midoriya's neck, and then he pressed a gentle kiss there, and Midoriya could feel his smile.

"I love you, Izuku. My soulmate, my one and only true love."

Midoriya stared up at the stable ceiling with tears rolling slowly down his cheeks, and Kirishima opened his mouth wide enough to bite down over the entirety of Midoriya's scent gland. There was a sharp, blinding pain and a wet pop, then sweet bliss as their bond solidified and twined their hearts together, hot blood dripping from Kirishima's chin to the dirt and straw below.

They left the stable behind, and snuck their horses out the back gate.

They were caught before dawn.

-x-

Midoriya kicked and screamed as he was dragged into the throne room, wet and muddy from falling off his horse. Kirishima looked in a sorry state as well, the Alpha's face bruised and bloodied where he'd taken a punch to the face from one of the guards. They'd since bound both his arms behind his back, dark blood marring the front of his red coat and dripping from his nose slowly, his flaming hair slicked across his sweaty cheeks and forehead.

King Hisashi sat on the throne with a disgusted look upon his face, curling back his lips and growling deeply as he eyed his son and the Alpha beside him. Midoriya was breathing hard, still fighting to break free, flailing and biting at anything within reach, threats of every nature flooding from his mouth. Finally it seemed, the King had heard enough.

"Silence!" Hisashi bellowed, his eyes burning as he glared at his son.

Midoriya snarled and snapped his fangs, fighting against his father's command in vain, unable to force himself to speak. He continued struggling against the guard holding him despite everything, the spicy scent of absolute rage rising from him in sharp waves. The King simply exhaled a heavy sigh.

"Now then, it seems you've performed one final act of defiance against me. You think yourself clever boy, but now you'll witness the full extent of my wrath."

There was a pained yelp as footsteps approached from the rear corridor, then a pair of armored guards tossed Uraraka before the steps leading up to the throne, the beta curling in on herself as she whined and begged. "P-Please, mercy! Mercy!"

"I have no mercy for the likes of you." Hisashi sighed impatiently, then with a dismissive wave of his hand he motioned towards the guards, and Uraraka was hoisted onto her feet, choking as she struggled to free herself.

Midoriya watched in horror, unable to speak, trying desperately to break free and go to her to no avail. The guards held her between them, and then one reached out and wrapped his arm around her skull before jerking it abruptly to the side. There was a snap, and Uraraka stopped struggling, going limp in their arms. When they released her, her body fell lifeless to the floor, her eyes staring blankly across the throne room.

Midoriya stared down at her in disbelief, a choked whine escaping him, his eyes wide with terror. Hisashi chuckled before resting his cheek against his palm, as if he were already growing bored of this. "Now then, what to do with the brazen stableboy that dared try to-"

"You're a monster." Kirishima growled, jerking away from the guards holding him down, trying to break free with all his strength, his voice rising as he barked out, "She was our friend! She was your son's best friend, and you killed her in front of him? You're no King!" He spat and snarled, his words ringing throughout the chamber as his Alpha scent clashed with Hisashi's. "You're not even a father! You're a soulless beast!"

Hisashi narrowed his eyes, standing from his throne and slowly descending the steps to stand directly before them, reaching out to the closest guard and drawing the sword from his side. He lifted the blade, tapping the flat of it against his open palm, peering down at his reflection for a few moments before shifting his grip and aiming the point at Midoriya's throat.

"Tell me again what you think of me, you insignificant whelp." He pressed the blade to Midoriya's shoulder, then lifted it to tap against his cheek. "Hmm? Speak again. What was that you said?"

Midoriya turned his eyes to Kirishima, and Kirishima felt his fear through their bond; cold, sticky tar trapped in his lungs and constricting his chest. Kirishima held Midoriya's eyes with an unwavering gaze, and though he didn't say it aloud, he focused on his love for his mate, the tenderness he kept for him always. The gentle warmth of those feelings swelled within him and flooded through their bond, filling Midoriya's heart with calming, soothing light. Color illuminated the dark with soft peachy pinks and sunrise orange, pushing back the cold black, telling Midoriya he wasn't alone.

Their exchange happened in an instant, and as Kirishima turned his eyes to Hisashi he ducked his head, allowing the guards to push him once more to his knees, humbling himself beneath Hisashi's vicious glare.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty."

"Go on." Hisashi smirked, bringing the sword to just beneath Midoriya's eye. "Beg."

"I planned everything. This was my doing." Kirishima's voice echoed across the throne room, his chest twisting with warmth and devotion as he lied with every word. "I manipulated your son, I made him believe he was in love with me. I forced myself upon him, none of this was his doing. He's omega; he's weak."

Kirishima's mind was brimming with thoughts of Midoriya; of their childhoods growing up side by side, of their unwavering friendship that had gradually blossomed into love, of the future they had imagined together. Midoriya could feel it all, every moment of it, through the strength of their bond. It flooded through him, gentle waves against the beach, lulling him into quiet calm.

As Kirishima continued speaking, telling the King everything he wanted to hear and more, Midoriya felt very distant from the present moment happening.

Instead, he felt the way Kirishima would wrap his arms around him as they napped together in the stables atop sun-sweet hay, the Alpha humming bits of melody while carding his fingers lovingly through Midoriya's dark curls.

I love you. He would whisper reverently, Midoriya smiling and pressing his ear over Kirishima's strong heartbeat, basking in the Alpha's adoration. I love you, Zuku.

I love you too, Eiji.

"Izuku-"

Midoriya's gaze shifted to follow Kirishima's voice, meeting his crimson eyes, and then he watched as his father the King reared back his sword, and severed Kirishima's head from his body.

The bond between them drew taut, then snapped, an echo of Uraraka's untimely death.

Where a medley of light and warmth had been only moments before, everything was suddenly submerged in fathomless black.

-x-

His father towered over him, his barked commands searing through Midoriya like a hot brand, hissing as they scalded his flesh.

"You will do as you're told. You will act your part.

You will do nothing, say nothing, to interfere with the ceremony.

You will obey the northern prince and submit to his authority!

You will never speak of that boy again, and so help me Izuku - you will not cry!"

Midoriya's ears were ringing, his mind completely numb. Dimly he recognized he was being fussed over, stripped and bathed, then dressed in ceremonial garb, a veil draped over his dark ears and ebony curls. He was led through the castle surrounded by a royal procession, but if he was spoken to he didn't hear and couldn't begin to respond.

A small part of him was present, reacting automatically to his father's commands. The rest of him was screaming in all-encompassing pain and despair, furious at the atrocities that had taken place before his very eyes. Because of him, because of his selfish, foolish desires, his father had ordered Uraraka killed, and then had beheaded Kirishima himself. Why? For what reason? To honor some pact made ages ago? To unite with some foreign kingdom? He couldn't understand it, could hardly begin to register what had actually happened. They were gone in an instant, both of them. Uraraka and Kirishima were gone.

Kirishima was dead. His mate was dead. He was alone in the world, and there was no one coming to save him.

He went through the wedding ceremony in a daze, some fraction of his mind following the practiced steps, barely aware of anything. At some point his veil was lifted and a pair of bright ruby eyes looked down at him. They were eerily similar, but they were not Kirishima's. No one could match those gentle crimson eyes.

There were hands pressed over his, the warmth of an Alpha seeping into his cold bones. Midoriya didn't respond, trapped within the distant sensation of floating in endless black, devoid of all emotion. He waited quietly for it to end, he waited silently despite his soul in agony screaming inside. He remembered his father growling, prompting him into action. The words came automatically, they meant nothing.

"I do."

His next moment of awareness, Midoriya was reaching out to open the servant's door leading into the kitchens. He blinked slowly, looking around, taking in the familiar scents of baking breads and roasting meats. The warmth from the fires, the chatter of the cooks. For a moment he forgot what had happened, and a smile curved up his lips. He giggled softly, and turned to look for Kirishima, reaching out to his mate through their bond.

It felt as if a blade had been thrust through his sternum and pierced his heart, the sudden pain choking him and dropping him to his knees. Midoriya fought to breathe, gasping and clawing at his chest, his neck, his fingers scrambling to find Kirishima's mark. He found nothing, his neck somehow inexplicably healed. How could that be? Even after death bondmarks remained, a permanent sign of the love shared between lifemates. There was something there in the back of his mind, something he almost remembered but couldn't quite grasp. A hooded figure, a moving shadow, a spell-

The truth came rushing back to him; their capture, the throne room, the moment their bond was severed. Midoriya wailed brokenly and reached out for the closest thing he could grasp, lifting it and throwing it as hard as he could, then repeated those movements again and again, the pleas of the kitchen servants bearing witness falling on deaf ears.

Time didn't feel real, every moment distorted and warped. He heard someone calling his name, but he couldn't process anything in that moment other than making the pain hurt a little less. He grabbed a knife from the kitchen counter, and an Alpha's command shot through him like lightning, the blade falling harmlessly from his grasp to clatter across the floor.

His wrist was throbbing as he fled to the stables, his breaths shaky and his vision fading in and out. Something was wrong with him, he could only remember fragments of what had just happened. Where was his mate? He needed to see Kirishima, he needed to be with him…

He found himself standing before Midnight, reaching out to unlatch the stall gate and step inside, the stallion snorting quietly and nuzzling Midoriya's shoulder, nipping at his shirt gently. Midoriya shuddered and choked, his face scrunching up as he hid against Midnight's velvet coat, but he couldn't cry, he couldn't cry. His father's commands forbade him.

Eiji…

He inhaled against Midnight's neck, combing shaking fingers through his silky mane over and over again. He could still smell Kirishima's scent beneath the shampoo and soap of the stallion's freshly washed coat, parting his lips and breathing in deep to taste remnants of sharp copper and musk.

Kirishima had fought against the guards with everything he had, screaming at Midoriya to keep going, to escape without him. Midoriya had been helpless in that instant, frozen in place, staring wide-eyed as the guards surrounded them. They both knew that there was absolutely no way one of them would ever leave the other behind. They would face the King together, to whatever end.

A dark part of Midoriya wished that he had been slain alongside his love.

Dimly, Midoriya realized he was being watched.

He lifted his face from that warm comfort, breathing slowly, trying to clear his muddled thoughts. An Alpha was there, an Alpha with scarlet eyes and golden hair, his scent and presence so different from Kirishima's. Midoriya tried to place his face, trying to remember if they'd spoken before. He didn't feel familiar, but nothing felt familiar anymore.

He tried to form words, but found they were trapped in his throat. He blinked slowly, trying to understand why his body wouldn't listen, why he felt so out of control.

"What is it?" The Alpha asked, this tone gentle and calm. Midoriya frowned a little as the Alpha's scent filled the space around them, the taste of it strange on his tongue. "Speak to me, Izuku. I'm trying to understand."

Wait. I know him, don't I?

Midoriya's gaze drifted across the Alpha's foreign attire, the red and gold embellishments stitched here and there, colors of a different kingdom.

He's here for the ceremony. He's the northern prince.

An incredulous bark of laughter escaped him, and he drew away from Midnight to face Bakugou head-on. He tried again to speak; tried to tell him the wedding was a farce, that he was bonded to another, that his true mate had been killed mere hours before. He tried and tried again, but the words wouldn't come.

A numbness crept through him, the bleakness of defeat.

"Take me far away from this place." He finally whispered, his eyes on the burnished sunset.

-x-

They departed for the northern mountains immediately, Midoriya's only concern Midnight and Lady. He dared not leave them to the whims of his father.

The royal caravan steadily traversed the countryside, crossing a vibrant sea of lush meadows entwined with fields of golden wheat and corn; rolling hills of grassland as far as the eye could see. They passed villages here and there, farmlands marked by towering windmills, flowering orchards and vineyards overflowing in abundance of every fresh fruit imaginable.

The first day Midoriya did little more than sit motionless within the lavish bridal carriage, but the second day he felt more himself, and refused to be cooped up any longer.

The caravan stopped near a small lake to rest and prepare lunch, and Midoriya sought out Midnight and Lady, speaking to them quietly as he stroked their noses and necks, hiding his face against their warm, sunkissed coats and breathing in their familiar scents. Though he loved Lady dearly, it was Midnight who still carried Kirishima's scent, and so Midoriya chose to ride the black stallion for the rest of the afternoon, ever-aware of the northern prince's eyes upon him.

By nightfall Midoriya was tired from riding, and so he hid away inside the carriage once more, his chest twisting in agony and his stomach a snare of knots.

There was a soft knock against the carriage door, one of Midoriya's ears turning towards it slightly. After a few moments of silence, Bakugou's voice spoke from the other side. "Izuku? Dinner is ready, would you like to sit by the fire for a while?" Midoriya didn't respond, and as the silence stretched on he heard footsteps, then Bakugou's voice lowered and muffled as he spoke with a servant. "Bring him whatever he likes. Tend to him carefully."

"Yes, My Prince."

Midoriya exhaled heavily, turning towards the carriage window, staring out into the darkness as he wrapped his arms around his middle, his breath casting fog across the chilled glass. There was a terrible emptiness inside of him, a loneliness more painful than anything he'd ever felt.

Midoriya flattened his ears, curling in on himself, shivering and whimpering as he thought of his mate. He imagined Kirishima cuddled close behind him, the Alpha's strong arm resting across his waist, his steady heartbeat drumming against Midoriya's back as he shared his warmth.

He didn't sleep much that night, staring out at the passing countryside, now unfamiliar as they left the grasslands behind and delved deeper into Bakugou's territory. The tall pine forests were unlike anything Midoriya had ever seen, the mountains far larger than he'd imagined, even from a distance.

By midday Midoriya was feeling restless again, and so he decided to ride Lady for a while, taking in the new sights and scents all around him with perked ears and wide, curious eyes.

Now and then he would catch Bakugou watching him from a distance, Midoriya turning away from him each time. He didn't want the Alpha any more interested in him than he already was. He couldn't afford to show any weakness, or kindness. Both would only cause more pain.

As they drew closer and closer to the mountains, Midoriya could hear a strange rumbling in the distance, and Bakugou drew closer to speak with him, matching his chestnut's gait with Lady's. "There's a waterfall up ahead, have you ever seen one before?"

Midoriya shook his head once, and Bakugou offered a kind smile. "I'm uncertain if your mare will bolt from such thunder. You're welcome to ride with me instead-?"

"That's not necessary." Midoriya said quickly, putting some distance between them, ignoring the way Bakugou's face fell.

"Alright." Bakugou replied softly, slowing his horse's gait to allow Midoriya to pull ahead for a while, but as they drew near to the roaring waterfall Bakugou closed the gap between them again. He didn't speak to Midoriya, but stayed close enough that the omega's skin began to crawl, and Lady could feel his unease and tension. She whinnied nervously, shying away from the waterfall, backstepping towards the caravan.

Midoriya shifted his attention to her, ignoring the Alpha watching, speaking to her calmly while petting her neck, leaning in to rest against her. "It's alright, we're alright sweet girl. It's just water, isn't it? It's nothing to be scared of, nothing to fear."

Lady nickered and tilted her ears towards Midoriya's voice, and he spoke to her for a while before urging her gently forward. She fell into a smooth gait, steady under his hand, and this time Midoriya ignored Bakugou completely as they passed, the Alpha trailing slowly after.

Once the waterfall was behind them, and the deafening cascade had faded to a dull roar, Bakugou returned to Midoriya's side, offering the omega another smile. "You handled that well! Have you been riding for most of your-?"

"Leave me alone."

Bakugou fell quiet, and though Midoriya didn't look, he could feel Bakugou's disappointment, the Alpha's smile fading once more.

The sun was setting as the caravan stopped to prepare an evening meal, Midoriya pointedly ignoring Bakugou at every interval, though Bakugou made an effort to engage with Midoriya whenever he could. Midoriya rejected his offer to help brush down Lady, insisting on fetching water for her himself, and watching over her alone as she ate. Bakugou let him be for a while, then brought Midoriya a bowl of savory stew and warm flatbread from the fire, which Midoriya declined. He didn't have the desire to eat anymore, what little he had tried to he could barely keep down.

He didn't join Bakugou beside the fire, nor did he retreat to the bridal carriage. Instead he stayed with Midnight and Lady while the caravan shared dinner together.

Midoriya closed his eyes, sighing tiredly, the sounds of chatter and merry laughter fading to the background. His ears tuned to the soft sounds the horses made, their nickering and breathing, their long tails swishing now and then. He breathed in Kirishima's fading scent, stroking Midnight's shoulder while leaning against his side. Not yet. I haven't lost him yet.

"Izuku?"

The gentle warmth and calm that had enveloped him was abruptly swept away. Midoriya flicked his eyes towards Bakugou to see the Alpha holding out a fur blanket, offering it to Midoriya with a smile.

"I thought you might-"

Midoriya clenched his teeth and cut his eyes away from the Alpha, a frustrated growl rumbling in his throat. He lingered where he was a moment longer, then with an irritated sigh he made to leave, walking past Bakugou without meeting his eyes.

"Izuku, wait-"

As soon as the Alpha touched his hand Midoriya snapped, baring his fangs and snarling as he turned on Bakugou, shoving his hand away while advancing on him, barking as he glared up into his eyes. "Don't touch me! Don't ever touch me!" Even as Bakugou dropped the blanket and lifted his palms in a display of submission, Midoriya shoved at him again, forcing him to step backwards. "Why won't you just leave me alone?!"

"I-I…I'm sorry!" Bakugou watched him with wide eyes, ducking his ears back as he swallowed thickly. It took a moment to steady the waver in his voice, then he murmured softly, "I'm sorry. I won't touch you again."

Midoriya glared at him for a long, hard moment, then snorted angrily and turned away, leaving Bakugou in stunned silence. He hid away from the rest of the world for the remainder of the journey, and sometime after nightfall they reached the mountain keep. Bakugou didn't try to touch him again.

-x-

Bakugou's castle was similar to his own in many ways, and so he found the servant's passageways easy enough to navigate without being shown. He made a few wrong turns as he explored, but eventually he found his way into the kitchens, and then out a back door leading to the stables. There were many different breeds of horses within the stables, some much larger than he'd ever encountered in his homeland, bred for harsh winter conditions in the mountainlands.

He found Midnight and Lady near the central stalls, heated blankets draped across their backs, fresh hay and oats readily available alongside springwater sweetened with chunks of apple. Midoriya's chest ached at the sight, thinking of the orchards surrounding his childhood home, of the apples he would gather on sunny afternoons with Uraraka, baking treats for Kirishima and his mother to enjoy.

He passed most of the morning within the stables spending time with Midnight and Lady, familiarizing himself with the layout of the interior and introducing himself to the other horses as the morning progressed to midday. He found grooming supplies and tack in the sizable stablehand's shed, and after tending to his own horses he decided to brush down the chestnut mare stabled next to Lady. The same chestnut he'd noticed Bakugou riding before.

He reached out to her slowly, offering out his open palm and allowing her to sniff at his fingers before giving her nose a soft pat, gauging her temperament. She tilted her ears towards him as he neared her side, speaking to her softly as he brushed the currycombs' soft bristles over her shoulder in even passes. "Hello, pretty girl. You're well-mannered, aren't you?"

She listened to his voice, tilting her ears to and fro while nickering quietly, and Midoriya smiled faintly as he brushed down her warm, rich coat, gliding his hand over her neck and back to familiarize her with his scent. She was obviously well cared for, calm and gentle, her coat thick and healthy, freshly washed. You could tell a lot about someone from the way they cared for their horses, Midoriya's heart clenching painfully tight as a flash of Kirishima's bright smile and the tone of his cheery laughter flooded through his mind, taking his breath away.

The sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention, and he waited silently as the Alpha approached, Bakugou stepping closer and meeting Midoriya's eyes with apparent surprise.

"You're here."

Midoriya frowned and flattened his ears, unsure of what Bakugou's tone meant. "Is that a problem?"

"No, no I just…" The Alpha shifted his weight, considering his words before pressing on. "I thought I might see you at breakfast, or lunch…"

Midoriya frowned and turned away, exhaling quietly as he resumed his brushing, his fingers gliding over the mare's side gently, his ears tuned to the sounds of her breathing.

Silence stretched on for a moment, and then-

"I was hoping to speak with you," Bakugou offered, "I thought that taking a ride together might allow us to-"

Midoriya cut in before he could continue, his shoulders tense. "I want to be alone."

Bakugou didn't react for several long moments, then he hummed quietly and backed away a step. "Alright." He finally spoke, Midoriya swallowing thickly at the edge of sadness in his tone. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll leave you be." He hesitated, then walked away, stepping out of sight towards the stable doors. Midoriya felt the tension trapped within him lessen as the distance between them grew, and just as he thought the Alpha was about to leave he heard Bakugou's voice again. "Is there something you'd like for dinner? You can have anything-"

Gods, why won't he just leave me alone?!

"No." Midoriya interrupted again, adding quickly, "I'm not hungry."

A flare of spice sharpened the air between them for the briefest of moments, then the Alpha walked away without another word, Midoriya's heart fluttering wildly in a myriad of shock and fear. That was the first time he'd ever tasted a hint of the northern prince's temper, and it sent cold chills through him, his nape prickling as he hid his face against the chestnut's neck, his legs weak and trembling.

You will obey the northern prince and submit to his authority!

For the first time since leaving his kingdom, Midoriya felt afraid.

Eventually he returned to his chambers, where several servants appeared to greet him, though Midoriya dismissed them just as quickly as they came. One chambermaid in particular was persistent however, going out of her way to tend to him even after he'd dismissed all the rest. She reminded Midoriya of Uraraka in many ways, and his heart ached to be around her. He learned that her name was Hagakure Toru, and she had been assigned to watch over him at Bakugou's behest. She spoke of her prince with reverence and sincere adoration, and treated Midoriya with utmost patience and kindness.

Lonely and hurting, Midoriya couldn't bring himself to keep pushing her away.

Hagakure followed after him into the bathroom as he stripped off his outer layers, quietly gathering up his garments and depositing them neatly within the laundry bin nearby before turning to help him undress. Midoriya allowed her to do so without protest, and though he didn't speak to her and barely looked at her during their exchange, he found her presence soothing despite the circumstance.

She drew him a bath, and then offered out her hands to help him into the water, Midoriya taking her hand for the briefest of moments before settling down into the tub, steam curling around his shoulders as he relaxed back against the lip of the basin.

She knelt beside the tub, watching him with a kind smile. "May I wash your hair, your grace?"

Midoriya tilted an ear to the side, considering for several moments before relenting with a small nod. He shifted forward slightly, closing his eyes as she cupped water in her hands and carefully poured it over his dark ears, wetting his mess of ebony curls. Midoriya listened as she opened a glass jar, gathering shampoo into her palms and lathering it slowly into his hair, humming softly as she worked. Gradually Midoriya relaxed beneath her touch, the tension lingering after his interaction with Bakugou finally unwinding, Hagakure taking care to massage against his scalp and around his ears before rinsing the suds from his hair.

She coaxed him to recline against the lip of the basin once she had finished, then took his hand and gently lifted it from the water, rubbing soothing circles into his wrist and palm, gliding her fingers over his while purring softly. Midoriya parted his lashes to watch her, following her movements lazily, breathing slow and deep as he basked beneath the steamy water and began to doze off.

Gradually the water began to lose warmth, and so Hagakure roused him gently, helping him out of the bath and into soft, flowing robes. She guided him towards the hearth and waited for him to settle down on the lounge chaise before toweling at his curls with a fluffy towel, humming quietly as she worked.

"Your grace?" She asked softly after a while, Midoriya perking his ears towards her voice. "Would you like something light for supper? Bread and fruit, perhaps?"

Midoriya frowned a little, considering for a moment before humming a dismissive sound. "I'm not feeling hungry."

Hagakure was quiet for a moment, still gently toweling at his damp curls. "You haven't eaten much since arriving, your grace." She pressed on gently, a hint of concern evident in her tone. "Are you feeling very weary from your travels?"

"I'm fine." Midoriya murmured quietly, tilting his ears towards the fire, watching the dancing flames as he exhaled a tired sigh.

Silence passed between them, then once Hagakure was satisfied with her work she drew back from Midoriya slightly, setting the towel aside before returning to him again. She knelt before the chaise, taking his hand and lacing their fingers gently, looking up into Midoriya's eyes with a kind, patient smile. "My younger sister is an omega." She paused for a moment to search his eyes, tilting an ear slightly to the side before pressing on. "She loses her appetite too, when the time draws near to her estrus."

Midoriya tensed immediately, his eyes widening with realization, and Hagakure squeezed his hand gently, a soothing purr humming in her throat as she spoke again.

"My sister craves sweets and little else during her estrus, would you like to have dessert prepared instead?"

"I-" Midoriya shivered and swallowed thickly, panic ringing loudly in his ears. He hadn't thought much of it, with everything else that had happened. The expected arrival of his estrus had been so close to the night of their capture, but in the days that had passed he'd been far too stressed to even consider his lack of appetite meant anything else. Was it possible he was in heat? Had his usual symptoms been suppressed due to the traumatic circumstances that had transpired?

Oh no, she'll tell him. She'll tell the northern prince-

He drew back from her immediately, rising and backing away several steps, suddenly desperate to place distance between them. Hagakure pinched her brow as she rose to her feet, frowning as she reached out to him worriedly. "Your grace, I meant only to-"

"Leave me." Midoriya drew his arms around himself tightly, turning his back to her and walking away towards the balcony. "I wish to be alone."

Hagakure dropped her hand, grasping her skirts tightly as she flattened her ears, trying again hesitantly. "Please, your grace? It's been days since your arrival. You must eat something, fasting for too long will prove detrimental to your health." When Midoriya didn't answer, merely stared out the frosted windows across the vast snowy mountains, she added on worriedly, "I will leave you, if that is truly what you wish…but I must ask that you would consider a consultation with the royal apothecary-"

Midoriya grit his teeth, hackles raising as he turned to glare at her. "Get out!"

Hagakure looked hurt at his tone, but simply bowed her head and stepped towards the door, closing it quietly behind her. Midoriya didn't realize he was growling until silence filled the bedchamber, his panicked breathing loud even to his own ears.

He couldn't trust her. He couldn't trust anyone. He'd never felt so utterly alone.

His heart ached for the life he had lost, and the unknown future that awaited him.

That night, he dreamt of picking apples with Uraraka, bushels and bushels of ripened reds and yellows and pinks. He dreamt of resting with her beneath an endless canopy of sunkissed leaves, flowering boughs swaying gently in the breeze high above them. In the distance, he thought he heard his mother's voice, calling for him to come home.

The days and nights since arriving in the north slowly bled together, and as time waned on Midoriya realized his thoughts were muddled, his memories blurry. He was beginning to forget details of his childhood, precious fragments of his life shared with Kirishima and Uraraka, memories he would never willingly forget. He sat for hours on the balcony staring off into nothing, his fingertips tracing along the curve of his neck slowly, searching for the place where Kirishima's mark had been before.

He replayed the moments leading up to their deaths in his mind, over and over again. The decisions he had made, the things he had said. The way he had felt before losing them both. For the briefest of moments Midoriya had been bonded to the love of his life, elated and hopeful for the future they would share together far away from the reaches of his father.

The bond he had shared with Kirishima for a handful of hours at most was now a phantom pain haunting his every waking moment. Whenever he attempted to rest, the comfort of Uraraka and Kirishima that lived within his memories distorted into terrifying nightmares. Tormented day and night, he didn't sleep, he didn't eat, and he refused to allow anyone into his chambers. He couldn't bring himself to visit the stables anymore, his body and mind worn thin.

Grimly, Midoriya waited for the day that Bakugou would come for him, to claim him and mark him as his own, but when the prince did come to him it wasn't how he had expected.

-x-

"Izuku?"

Midoriya blinked slowly, his eyelids heavy, his entire body throbbing in pain.

"Izuku, please…"

Midoriya felt Kirishima's hand against his own, petting back and forth across his knuckles soothingly. There was something there, something in the background. He couldn't quite place it, couldn't make sense of the sound.

Zuku, sweetheart. It's time to wake up now.

"Don't go." Midoriya murmured softly, his fingers trembling as he reached for his mate's hand. "Don't leave me." He whispered, "I can't do this without you."

His eyes drifted skyward, following a pair of songbirds flitting between the tall pines.

My gentle, sweet prince. I will always be with you.

His stomach twisted sickeningly, and he exhaled a trembling sigh. He wanted to call out for his mate, more than anything. He'd tried to every day since they'd been ripped apart, but his father's commands still held him. Regardless of how desperately he yearned to, he could not speak aloud Kirishima's name.

Dimly he realized he wasn't alone, the scent of a foreign Alpha bitter on his tongue.

Ah, at last he's come for me.

Midoriya's eyes trailed down over the railing of the balcony, focusing on the ground far below. He wanted to be with his mate, he wanted to be with Uraraka and Kirishima again. If only he could force himself to take those final steps.

"Kill me." He whispered, just loud enough that he knew Bakugou would hear it.

The Alpha's scent twisted with something unrecognizable, and after a moment of stunned silence the northern prince stammered out, "Wh…What? I-Izuku, what are you saying-?"

"Kill me." He stated louder, his heartbeat deafening in his ears. A flash of Kirishima's smile, the sound of his laughter, and then the terrible truth of it all; the only way out staring him directly in the face.

Kill me, please. I just want to be with them again.

He dug his claws into the stone railing biting into his side, willing himself to his feet, his body screaming in protest as he tried to rise. How long had it been since he'd eaten? How long had he been left alone with his ghosts?

"I can't do it." He whispered miserably, clawing at the stone as his voice rose in desperation, his nails chipping and knuckles white. "I can't. I can't!"

Bakugou was saying something, but Midoriya didn't hear it. He felt Kirishima's hand press against his once more, those strong, calloused fingertips warming his cold bones.

Eiji please, please…

He choked on a sob, and still tears refused to come. He ached and burned, his chest too tight, crazed laughter building in his taut throat.

I need you here. I can't do this without you.

He lifted his eyes, focusing on Bakugou, then with all the fury he'd held within him since his father had stolen his future, he lashed out with the last of his strength.

I won't let him claim me. I won't submit.

I won't let him erase our bond.

In direct defiance of his father's commands to obey, Midoriya attacked - snarling and slashing like a wild beast, his eyes gleaming. Growling through bared fangs he lashed out again and again, ripping through cloth and flesh alike, splattering crimson across the messy floor, smearing Bakugou's blood between them.

Half out of his mind, he shouted at the top of his lungs, "All of you keep asking me what you can do!"

Izuku. Kirishima whispered to him sadly, and then the flash of a falling blade.

"Kill me! KILL ME! I can't-"

I can't live without you!

He choked and squirmed, fighting with all his might, snapping his fangs while blindly shredding whatever met his grasp. He couldn't speak, blood pooling in his mouth as he bit his own cheek, trying to force the words to come. If only he could say aloud what had happened, if only he could tell someone. This excruciating agony, it would never end. Suddenly, he couldn't breathe. He turned his hands on himself, clawing at the invisible binds constricting his throat.

Oh gods, oh gods!

Bakugou was holding him, shouting his name. Midoriya held his eyes, feeling his heartbeat begin to slow. In the back of his mind he recognized he was dying, and a part of him began to let go.

Izuku. Kirishima whispered again, and for a moment it felt as though Bakugou's arms were those of the Alpha he loved.

Eiji!

A thunderous command seared through him, drawing him back from the brink. "Breathe!"

Midoriya gasped in deep lungfuls of air, and Kirishima faded away, soft crimson replaced with bright ruby, Bakugou staring down at him wide-eyed. Midoriya growled and reached for the Alpha's throat, digging in his jagged nails cruelly. So close, he'd been so close-

"I hate you." He seethed, Bakugou's growl rising to meet his own as he wrenched Midoriya's fingers away from his neck, the spice of an Alpha's fury thickening the air.

"To hell with patience, to hell with being kind!"

Midoriya remembered little after that, Bakugou's commands an echo of the words his father had branded into him just after Kirishima's beheading. He wasn't fully aware of himself, or his surroundings. He returned to himself a little after a while, drinking from the cup that was pressed against his lips, taking small bites of fruit here and there. At some point the chambermaids had bathed and dressed him, and sat him before the fire. He dropped his gaze slightly to find Hagakure kneeling at his side, taking great care to file his nails smooth and short without causing any pain.

She perked her ears upon sensing his gaze, looking up into his eyes with a sad, sweet smile. "Almost finished, your grace. Just rest a little longer, I'll tend to everything." She lowered her eyes, ducking her ears slightly, tracing her fingertips over his hand tenderly before resuming her work. "There's nothing to fret about, his highness was quick to quell his temper. He meant only to…to protect you, your grace." She lifted her gaze hesitantly, meeting Midoriya's eyes as she dared to whisper, "Prince Bakugou cares for you, your grace. He would give you the world, if only you would allow him to."

Time felt surreal as Hagakure and the others tended to him. Midoriya stared out the window silently, watching as snowfall began to cover the forest in a thick coat of white. Hagakure's gentle fingers were in his hair, petting his curls and brushing slowly, the warmth from the fire gradually soaking into his skin. He felt weak, exhausted from his encounter with Bakugou, and though he found himself drifting off beneath Hagakure's touch, he dared not sleep, knowing only nightmares would find him.

Eventually Bakugou returned, Hagakure backing away to allow the northern prince to draw close. Midoriya didn't turn to look at him, even as Bakugou knelt beside him and carefully took one of his hands. He didn't speak for a few moments, stroking his thumb back and forth across the back of Midoriya's fingers.

"Speak to me?" He coaxed softly, lacing their fingers and squeezing gently. "Izuku?" He sounded worried, the words Hagakure had whispered before clenching tightly in his chest. "Please?"

For a moment he wondered what Bakugou would say if he knew the truth. He wondered what would happen, if Bakugou knew everything that had transpired before the wedding. What if he knew of the lifetime Midoriya had shared with Kirishima? Of the mark the omega already wore, and of the love held in his heart for another?

Slowly Midoriya turned to meet Bakugou's eyes, thinking of how the Alpha had used his voice to control him, to bend him so easily beneath his will. No, he couldn't risk it. He couldn't show yet another sign of weakness. He knew what this Alpha wanted from him, he knew well what his expected duties were, now that he'd been forced to become the northern prince's bride.

Hardening his heart, Midoriya snapped his fangs, growling low in the back of his throat as he said aloud his greatest fear. "You are just like my father."

Instead of the anger he had expected in response, Bakugou ducked his ears back, squeezing Midoriya's fingers gently. The Alpha sighed quietly, searching Midoriya's eyes for a moment before lowering his head. "I'm sorry." He paused, as if searching for the right words to say. "I don't know what else to do, Izuku. I…" He squeezed Midoriya's fingers again, continuing on softly. "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."

Midoriya's stomach churned, his heart fluttering dully within his ribcage. What was this? What sort of manipulation, what trickery?

"I hate you." He hissed, and again instead of reacting in anger as his father most assuredly would have, Bakugou merely lowered himself further beneath Midoriya's eyes.

"That's alright. You can hate me, Izuku. I'll accept that." His cheek pressed against Midoriya's hand, warm and soft. "I'll accept anything and everything you give to me, so long as you're safe and cared for."

Memories of Kirishima flooded his mind; stolen kisses in the stables, climbing apple trees together, running through the orchards beneath the brilliant golden sun. As Bakugou lifted his head and met Midoriya's eyes, the omega felt his breath catch in his throat. The sincerity there, the sadness and concern. That was real, what this Alpha was saying to him was genuine. Bakugou was speaking the truth.

"Do you understand?" Bakugou asked gently, searching Midoriya's eyes. "I'm not going to allow you to hurt yourself, or those gathered around you." He glanced towards Hagakure, his gaze passing between the other chambermaids standing quietly around the room. As he returned his attention to Midoriya he added softly, "These girls are here to tend to you, to make your life here as comfortable as possible."

Midoriya didn't know how to respond, still trying to wrap his mind around what it was that Bakugou was saying.

At Midoriya's silence Bakugou continued on, his gaze dropping a bit. "You may not wish to see me, or speak with me, and I will respect your wishes." He exhaled a soft sigh, lifting his eyes again. "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-"

He doesn't know. Bakugou doesn't know.

The Alpha's voice wavered slightly, but after a moment he continued on. "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…"

Midoriya's eyes widened slightly, watching the expressions twisting across Bakugou's features. Pain, sadness, regret. This time when Bakugou dropped his gaze, he didn't try to meet Midoriya's eyes again.

"I know now you will never love me…"

I love you, My Prince.

I love you, Eiji. More than anything.

"…but we are bonded for life."

I give my life to you, Izuku. Will you bond with me?

Yes, Eiji! Yes, I will bond with you!

Arms thrown around strong shoulders, laughter and happy tears. The memories crashed through him in breaking waves, Midoriya helpless to stop them. He felt a great weight settle over him, stealing the air from his lungs. An excruciating weight heavier than anything he'd ever known. Still Bakugou was saying something, Midoriya picking up only fragments here and there.

"-never ask you to consummate our marriage-"

He isn't going to force me to?

"-hope that one day you may forgive me-"

He's nothing like my father at all.

"-become friends…"

Small hands reached up to cup sunkissed cheeks, Kirishima smiling down at him brightly as bits of sweet hay dust floated through the morning air.

You're my very best friend.

You're my best friend too, Zuku.

Midoriya tried to squeeze Bakugou's fingers, battling everything inside of him that screamed not to dare to hope.

"Friends?"

Bakugou perked his ears a bit, lifting his head. "We're in this together. You are my mate, my bonded. I-"

No, you're wrong. Midoriya shook his head, but his body barely responded. He felt so heavy, he could barely breathe beneath the weight of it all, pain radiating from his core in sickening waves. "You're not-"

You're not my mate. My mate is Kirishima Eijirou. He was taken from me.

A sad little frown turned down Bakugou's lips, his words impossibly gentle as he spoke. "Alright, Izuku." Finally he drew away, Midoriya's fingers twitching as he tried to reach out for him, trying everything he could to tell him to stay. If he could somehow make Bakugou understand, then maybe-

You will never speak of that boy again!

Then it was too late. Bakugou stepped out of sight, and the servants returned to his side, tending to him meticulously once more. A soft whine escaped him as Hagakure resumed brushing his curls, and she purred softly, humming while petting his hair sweetly, murmuring soft reassurances in an attempt to soothe.

When Midoriya finally slept, he dreamt of ravens and spells cast in shadows.

Thanks for reading! More to come!