Chapter Text
The next morning, Izuku wakes to birdsong and sunlight falling through his curtains. He yawns and stretches languidly, enjoying a few peaceful minutes to himself before rolling out of bed. He taps downstairs, covering another yawn with the back of his hand, and comes to a stop in the kitchen doorway, blinking in surprise at the wolfdog standing in front of the stove.
Kacchan looks at him over his shoulder, his fluffy golden tail flicking. “Mornin’ Deku.”
“Good morning, Kacchan,” Izuku replies. “What, um, what are you doing?”
“I’m makin’ breakfast, obviously,” Kacchan says, flashing him a grin that has a hint of fang. “Sit down. You want some coffee?”
“Uh, sure,” Izuku answers slowly, taking a seat at the table as Kacchan grabs a coffee cup out of the cupboard.
It’s weird seeing him in an apron, and Izuku’s not even sure if Kacchan knows how to cook, but he supposes it’s a good sign that Kacchan’s trying to take care of himself. The past few days have been rough for Kacchan, so Izuku’s relieved to see him taking another step toward recovery. One of the things he looks for in rehabilitated Companions is self-sufficiency.
There’s a vase full of freshly picked wildflowers decorating the center of the table. Izuku reaches out to brush the delicate petals of an iris, his favorite flower, and smiles to himself. He wonders if Kacchan knew they were his favorite when he picked them or if it’s just a happy coincidence.
“Here ya go,” Kacchan says, setting a coffee mug down in front of him.
“Thank you, Kacchan,” Izuku thanks him brightly, twisting around to smile at him.
Kacchan grins back, then ducks down to brush their cheeks together. Izuku feels his cheeks turning very warm as Kacchan keeps nuzzling him, a low rumble starting up in his chest.
“Um, Kacchan?” Izuku squeaks.
“What?” Kacchan practically purrs.
“S-Something smells like it’s burning….”
“Aw, shit! The bacon!” Kacchan nearly shouts. He tears across the kitchen, swearing up a storm as he yanks the bacon out of the oven.
“Is everything alright?” Izuku calls. He’s halfway out of his seat but Kacchan tells him to sit back down.
“Don’t get up!” He half-shouts across the kitchen, but of course, that only makes Izuku more worried. He gets up and crosses the kitchen to peer over Kacchan’s shoulder.
“Well, they’re very, er, crispy, but I think they’re still ok to eat….”
Kacchan whirls around and sets his hands on Deku’s shoulders. “Seriously, Deku, there’s nothing to worry about, so just sit down and relax. I’m doing this for you.”
Izuku blinks up at him in bemusement. “Doing what?”
“Making breakfast!” Kacchan says in exasperation.
“Oh! Kacchan, that’s so sweet!” Izuku coos, beaming.
“Yeah, yeah!” Kacchan rolls his eyes, but his cheeks are tinged pink. “Now seriously, sit down, I’m almost done!” Kacchan shoos him out of the way, so Izuku returns to his seat at the table to wait.
When Kacchan comes back, he’s carrying two plates. “Here ya go, green bean, your favorite blueberry pancakes!” Kacchan announces, setting a plate of pancakes and crispy bacon down in front of him with a flourish. The pancake on top has a crooked little smiley face made of blueberries and whipped cream and Izuku immediately starts tearing up.
“Oi, what’s wrong?” Kacchan asks, his expression falling and his tail drooping. “I thought you liked blueberry pancakes?”
“I do,” Izuku sniffles. “These are h-happy tears,” he hiccups, wiping hastily at his cheeks.
Kacchan snorts, perking back up. He bends down to nuzzle him gently, nosing at his tear-stained cheek. “Deku, you’re such a crybaby,” he teases him gently.
Izuku’s answering laugh is thick with emotion. “I know,” he mumbles. He gives Kacchan a watery smile. “Thank you, Kacchan. It’s really sweet and I’m so proud of you! You cooked on your own and you did so well!”
Kacchan preens as he takes a seat, flashing him a big, smug grin across the table. “Well,” he says, stabbing his fork into the huge pile of bacon on his plate, “I did learn a lot from watching you all the time. And I figured if you could do it, it couldn’t be that hard.”
“Kacchan!” Izuku whines. “Don’t ruin a perfectly nice moment!”
His wolfdog simply grins and pops a piece of bacon into his mouth. Izuku shakes his head and starts digging into his own breakfast. His pancakes are as good as they look, light and fluffy. He starts getting emotional all over again because they’re so good and he’s so proud, but it’s a little bittersweet. Soon enough, Kacchan won’t need him anymore. Of course, that’s the goal with Companion rehabilitation, but Izuku’s heart aches just thinking about the day Kacchan will eventually leave and a few more tears slip down his cheeks.
“C’mon, Deku, I know they’re good, but they can’t be that good,” Kacchan teases him, leaning across the table to hand him a napkin.
Izuku laughs as he takes it and wipes at his eyes. “I dunno, they’re pretty amazing. Just like you, Kacchan,” he says, smiling brightly despite the aching in his chest.
“Heh,” Kacchan huffs. His eyes are practically sparkling and his ears are pricked forward while his tail wags behind him. “Well, if ya like ‘em that much, maybe I’ll make ‘em for you again sometime!”
Izuku beams. “I’d really like that, Kacchan,” he says.
As they continue eating, the pain in Izuku’s heart slowly eases. He gradually forgets his worries, distracted by Kacchan’s gentle teasing, and by the time they’re standing at the sink washing dishes, he’s grinning ear to ear. Kacchan sidles up to him to scent the top of his head and Izuku giggles as his wolfdog nuzzles into his hair, no doubt making his unruly curls even messier.
When Kacchan pulls away, beaming, it leaves Izuku breathless. Kacchan has always been handsome, but his expression now is so open and carefree, he looks years younger. There’s a certain way the light catches his goldspun hair and pale lashes that sets them aglow and Izuku can’t stop staring. His heart starts aching for an entirely different reason but he tries not to think about it too hard as he plunges his hands back into the soapy water.
Once they finish cleaning up, they go for their usual run. Though it’s only mid-morning, it’s already a little too warm. Izuku makes a mental note to start pushing their runs to an earlier time so they don’t get caught in the heat. After they get back, they wash up and get started on their latest project, constructing a chicken coop.
Izuku is using one of the designs from one of the books Mina leant him. It looks relatively simple, so with Kacchan’s help, he starts measuring and cutting the lumber they bought from the hardware store, then they start assembling the pieces. While Izuku holds the frame in place, Kacchan nails it together.
“When this is done, we should finish removing the wallpaper in the dining room,” he grunts.
“You really like working with your hands, huh, Kacchan?” Izuku huffs, wiping his sweaty brow. The sun is really beating down on them today.
Kacchan glances up at him, his black tanktop riding up to expose the cut v of his abs, and shrugs. “Yeah, I guess. It’s important to you right?”
Izuku cocks his head to the side. “What is?”
“Fixin’ up your place,” Kacchan explains, hammering together two joints of the chicken coop frame. “You seemed all excited about it the other day.”
“Yes, well, I suppose that’s true,” Izuku mutters, blushing. He’s both touched and a little embarrassed that Kacchan noticed. It’s nice that Kacchan wants to help, and construction work is a great way to channel his aggression and energy into something productive, but Izuku doesn’t want him to feel like he’s being forced to help. “Kacchan, you know, you’re great at this and I really appreciate your help, but I just want you to know that you don’t have to work if you don’t like it….”
Kacchan snorts and rolls his eyes. “Deku, I already told ya I don’t do anything I don’t wanna do, so quit worrying already. I like helping you, and if I’m gonna stay here, I wanna do my part.” He hammers in another nail with impressive force. “‘Sides, it’s kinda fun to hit things,” he says with a grin, tail wagging.
“I’ll...keep that in mind,” Izuku mutters distractedly, watching Kacchan’s muscles flex as he keeps hammering.
Over the next few days, Kacchan continues working harder than ever. When he’s not working on the chicken coop, shirt off and muscles rippling under the summer sun, he’s helping Izuku with the cooking and the laundry or lazing around on the porch, sipping lemonade after a nice long run. It’s not like anything is drastically different from their normal routine, but Izuku senses a shift in their dynamic nonetheless.
Something about the way Kacchan treats him feels...different. He’s always asking him if he needs anything, trying to do all his chores for him. There’s a warmth and tenderness in his eyes that wasn’t there before, or maybe it’s just Izuku’s imagination, wishful thinking that maybe his little crush isn’t so one sided. Still, there’s no denying that Kacchan is even more affectionate than usual, scenting and nuzzling him more often. Izuku assumes it’s just a sign of the growing trust between them and tries to ignore the way it makes his heart race.
When the chicken coop is done, Izuku gives Mina a call and she invites them over to pick up a couple of hens. They drive over to Mina’s farm that afternoon and Kirishima comes bounding down the front steps of the sprawling farmhouse to greet them, his tail wagging like crazy. He leads them inside the wildly colorful living room, where Mina is laying out some sweet tea.
“Well, howdy there neighbors!” Mina says brightly, straightening with a grin. “Come on in!”
As soon as they’re seated, she passes each of them a glass of sweet tea. Izuku thanks her politely, though Kacchan merely grunts. He’s stiff and reticent as usual, but Izuku can tell he’s making an effort to be polite. Kacchan doesn’t say much, but his ears are pricked forward in interest and his tail flicks behind him every so often. He can only last through so much small talk before he starts to get restless though, his gaze wandering to the windows, staring outside longingly.
While Kirishima keeps rambling, Izuku and Mina share a look, and she suggests they head outside. Kacchan springs to his feet, relief written all over his face, and practically trips over himself to get outside. Kirishima bounds down the steps after him, his tail wagging happily as they race across the yard. Mina and Izuku trail after them a little slower, following them to the massive chicken coop.
“So, how many do ya want?” Mina asks as they look at the chickens pecking around the fenced-in yard.
“Well, we’re just starting out, so maybe three hens?” Izuku estimates. “We don’t need a rooster, I don’t think Kacchan would like being woken up too early,” he adds in a low voice, stealing a glance at his Companion. Kacchan is watching the chickens with keen interest while Kirishima chatters away next to him.
Mina giggles. “Well, to be honest, I don’t exactly enjoy it myself, but ya get used to it! But if ya want more later, just lemme know.” She grabs a wire carrier propped up against the fence. “We’d better start rounding them up! Izuku, I’ll need yer help, but you boys better wait here. I’m afraid you’ll only spook ‘em,” Mina says to the Companions.
While Mina and Izuku work together to capture the hens, Kirishima and Kacchan stay outside the coop to watch. Kacchan’s ears are pricked forward in interest and the look of deep concentration on his face makes Izuku giggle. It’s obvious Kacchan wants to chase the chickens around, but he’s holding himself back. Izuku tears his gaze away from his Companion when Mina grabs a chicken and it starts squawking in protest, hastily helping her place it in the carrier. He’s so distracted that he doesn’t notice Kirishima and Kacchan drifting away to romp through the fields.
“How much do I owe you?” Izuku asks, wiping his hands off on the back of his jeans when he’s finished helping Mina pack the carrier into his car.
Mina scratches her head. “Let’s say...twenty bucks?”
“Mina, c’mon, even I know that’s low!” Izuku protests.
“Eheh, ya got me there!” Mina laughs self-consciously, rocking back on her heels. “Then how ‘bout we round it up to thirty-five and I’ll throw in your first sack of chicken feed for free! What?” Mina laughs at the look on his face. “It’s the friends and family discount!”
Izuku shakes his head, smiling ruefully. There’s no sense in arguing with her anymore, not unless he wants to insult her, so he agrees to her terms. Mina pockets his money and disappears into the barn to get the chicken feed.
While she’s gone, Izuku peers around and smiles when he spots the distant figures of Kacchan and Kirishima loping through the fields. It seems they’re on their way back, just in time. Izuku was a little concerned when they disappeared, but it looks like he had nothing to worry about.
Mina reappears carrying a heavy gunny sack and Izuku hurries over to help her. As soon as she hefts it into his arms, his knees almost buckle.
“Oh my god, Mina,” he wheezes, struggling not to drop the sack, “this must weigh a thousand pounds! How were you carrying it like it was nothing?!”
Mina laughs good-naturedly. “It’s all in the arms,” she says, flexing one of her biceps for emphasis.
“Oi, don’t hurt yourself, Deku,” Kacchan’s voice growls near his ear.
Izuku is so startled that he nearly loses his grip on the heavy sack, but Kacchan appears over his shoulder just in time to grab it.
“Waacchan, you startled me!” Izuku gasps, clutching at his racing heart.
Kacchan snorts and easily hoists the sack over one broad shoulder. “Here, these are for you,” he says, thrusting a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers into Izuku’s hands.
“O-Oh, these are lovely!” Izuku exclaims, surprised and a little confused. “But wait, where did you get these?”
“Kirishima took me back to that place I showed you last time,” Kacchan grunts, tossing the sack into the trunk of the car.
“But,” Izuku’s gaze flicks to Mina, “are you sure it’s ok to take them?”
“Oh, don’t worry ‘bout it, that’s what they’re there for!” Mina reassures him, waving his concerns off.
“Well, if you’re sure….” Izuku mumbles. He sticks his nose in the bundle of sunflowers, blushing and smiling to himself. He’s really very touched by Kacchan’s gift — he’s so thoughtful and kind.
Kacchan drapes himself over Izuku’s back and nuzzles his cheek, scenting him affectionately. “We better get home and put ‘em in some water before they wilt,” Kacchan says, voice a quiet rumble that vibrates through his chest to Izuku’s back. “Those birds shouldn’t be caged up too long either.”
“O-Oh, right,” Izuku stammers. He turns to thank Mina and finds her watching the two of them with a cheshire grin.
“Y’all are just so darn cute!” Mina squeals, her cowboy boots kicking up dust as she shimmies in excitement.
It dawns on him that with Kacchan pressed up against him, arms around his middle and a bouquet in his arms, they must look like a couple. Like they’re together. And judging from Mina’s expression, that’s exactly what she thinks. Izuku feels like a tea kettle about to burst — he’s blushing so furiously, there must be steam coming out of his ears.
“Ahaha, I’m not sure what you mean!” Izuku squeaks, his voice several octaves too high.
“Mhm, suuure,” Mina drawls, her sly grin growing wider.
It should be impossible to blush harder, but Izuku’s face seems determined to prove him wrong. It’s a little bit concerning; at this rate, there won’t be any blood left for his brain.
“Goodbye, Pinky,” Kacchan growls so exasperatedly that Izuku can practically hear him rolling his eyes.
“You two take care now, don’t get up to too much trouble,” Mina hollers after them.
“Ah, yes, goodbye! Thank you again!” Izuku calls over his shoulder as Kacchan steers him toward the car.
When they get home, Izuku grabs the carrier, Kacchan grabs the sack of chicken feed, and they head to the backyard. Izuku sets the carrier down inside the pen and releases the hens before retreating to let them get used to their new space. Kacchan slings his arm around Izuku’s shoulders as they watch the hens pecking around their little yard.
“Hey Kacchan,” Izuku pipes up after a while, “do you wanna try feeding them?”
Kacchan glances at him in surprise. “I thought they were afraid of Companions?”
“Well, they are now, but maybe if you feed them by hand, they’ll get used to you,” Izuku reasons. “Wanna give it a shot?”
Kacchan shrugs. “Sure, I guess.” He takes a handful of pellets and steps into the yard. At first, the chickens squawk and run away in fear. Kacchan’s tail droops and his ears flicker back, looking hurt and disappointed.
“Try crouching down and holding out your hand,” Izuku suggests from outside the pen, trying to encourage him.
Kacchan does, but the chickens still refuse to go anywhere near him. “This is stupid!” Kacchan snaps.
“Just be patient!” Izuku calls back.
Kacchan grumbles under his breath but he’s nothing if not determined. It takes a while, but eventually the chickens cautiously approach him. Izuku holds his breath and Kacchan stays perfectly still as one brave hen creeps closer, head bobbing and twisting side to side with every step as if assessing the risk. Izuku nearly whoops with joy when the hen takes a pellet from Kacchan’s outstretched hand, then another. Once the other hens realize they can eat safely from Kacchan’s hand, they quickly swarm around him, feathers rustling as they snap up all the pellets.
While he watches Kacchan feeding the hens, his chest fills with a warm glow. It’s amazing how far Kacchan has come in just a matter of weeks. Izuku never would’ve imagined Kacchan could be so gentle and affectionate when they first met, but now here he is, tail wagging as the hens eat out of the palm of his hand. Izuku starts to tear up — he’s so happy and proud of him — and of course Kacchan catches him crying.
“Aw, c’mon, not this again,” Kacchan sighs, latching the gate behind him before sauntering over.
“These are happy tears!” Izuku insists, hastily wiping at his tears.
Kacchan stops in front of him and sighs again. He reaches out and takes Izuku’s face in his hands, gently wiping his tears away.
"What am I gonna do with you, huh, green bean?” Kacchan asks, his voice low and amused.
The witty retort on the tip of Izuku’s tongue dies as he gazes up into Kacchan’s ruby eyes. He’s seen his wolfdog look angry, scared, hurt, and amused, a whole wide array of emotions, but the look in his eyes now is unlike anything he’s ever seen before. It’s pure warmth and affection, so tender that it makes his heart ache. His cheeks are warm, skin tingling where Kacchan brushes his thumb over his cheekbone, and his heart starts pounding in anticipation.
When Kacchan leans in, Izuku’s eyes instinctively flutter shut. From the way Kacchan was looking at him, he’s expecting a kiss, but Kacchan brushes their cheeks together instead. It still sets his heart racing, even if he is a little disappointed, the gentle brush of their cheeks against each other warm and soft as his wolfdog scents him. He pets Kacchan with a shaking hand, stroking him behind the ears, and Kacchan nuzzles closer, the rumbling in his chest growing louder.
After scenting him liberally, Kacchan finally pulls away. He takes one look at Izuku’s face and laughs, eyes sparkling and tail wagging
“W-What?” Izuku stammers. “What is it, do I have something on my face?!”
“Deku, you look like a strawberry!” Kacchan cackles, pinching one of Izuku’s cheeks.
Izuku can feel himself flushing deeper, even as he tries to twist away. “What?!”
“You’re so red, and your freckles!” Kacchan wheezes, still laughing.
“Kacchan!”
They keep bickering lightheartedly as they head inside to start dinner and Izuku forgets his disappointment over the almost-kiss, smiling absently as he puts the sunflowers Kacchan gave him in a vase. The rest of the evening passes by as usual — the two of them cook dinner together then lounge on the porch while sharing some ice cream.
The next day, Izuku receives an envelope from the Bureau of Companion Protection. Inside he finds copies of the paperwork he filled out to foster Kacchan, as well as a pair of silver dog tags. Izuku runs his fingers over the raised lettering of Kacchan’s name and his address printed on the tags.
“What’re those?” Kacchan asks, leaning over his shoulder.
“They’re your identification tags,” Izuku explains.
“Oh. Huh….”
“Yeah,” Izuky says quietly. “I, um, I can hang onto them for you.”
Even though they’re supposed to, most Companions don’t wear their tags. Giving a Companion their tags is like giving a human a promise ring. Better known as collaring, the practice is only used between humans and Companions that are in serious, committed relationships, which is why it’s so rare to see Companions wearing their tags in public. Either they don’t have that type of relationship with their human or they simply don’t want people to know about it. Human-Companion relationships aren’t illegal, but many people still look down on them.
“No.” Kacchan stops him from sliding the tags into his pocket, his big, warm hand wrapping around Izuku’s. “I want them.”
Izuku’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You do?” He just assumed Kacchan wouldn’t want them, but maybe this is his way of claiming ownership of himself, his freedom.
Kacchan nods and slips them into his back pocket. “Don’t worry, I won’t lose ‘em.”
“Well, if you’re sure….”
“I’m sure,” Kacchan replies confidently. “Now, are you gonna stand there all day or are you gonna help me with breakfast?”
“Alright, alright!” Izuku laughs. He twists around and pushes Kacchan playfully towards the kitchen while his wolfdog makes a very strong case for why they should have sausages and hashbrowns for breakfast.
Later on, as he’s folding laundry, Izuku turns on the TV and flips through the channels until he lands on the news.
“The temperature in Musutafu and its surrounding areas will be at record highs this week. Residents should take precautions for a heat wave.” The reporter on TV drones on and Izuku adjusts his collar, already damp with sweat and sticking to his skin. The reporter was right — it’s still early morning but already the heat is pervasive. It’s too bad they don’t have air conditioning.
Kacchan saunters into the living room, a popsicle in his hand, and flops down in the squashy armchair next to the couch where Izuku is folding laundry.
“You want some help with that?” Kacchan drawls, jerking his chin towards him.
Izuku shakes his head. “It’s ok. Besides, you’re um, kinda messy.”
Red juice stains Kacchan’s lips and tongue, running down his chin and fingers. Kacchan grunts and sucks his fingers into his mouth, staring at him with hooded eyes as he licks them clean. When he’s finished, he drags his tongue over the popsicle, slow and deliberate, before sucking it back into his mouth.
Izuku blushes and squirms, looking away. He tells himself he’s imagining things, that it's just the heat getting to him, but he knows it’s more than that — it’s his crush, and Kacchan’s overly affectionate behavior. Izuku glances down and realizes he’s holding a pair of Kacchan’s boxer-briefs. He drops them with an undignified squeak and Kacchan snickers. Izuku looks up, only to find Kacchan still watching him, licking his lips like he wants to devour him. Izuku makes a strangled little noise and looks away again.
“We should, uh, probably get going if you wanna go on a run,” he babbles nervously. He can practically feel his face burning. “It’ll be too hot later.”
Kacchan slurps up the rest of his popsicle. “Alright,” he agrees breezily. “I could use some air.”
Izuku silently agrees and sets aside his laundry to get changed. He meets Kacchan a few minutes later on the back porch and they set off. But it’s hot even under the shade of the trees and within minutes, they’re both soaked with sweat. Kacchan jogs ahead of him, like always, and Izuku follows after him, eyes drawn to his wolfdog’s back and the mesmerizing movement of his muscles shifting beneath his sweat-soaked shirt. He’s so distracted, he doesn’t even notice that they must be following a new trail because at some point, they come across a clearing he doesn’t recognize.
They jog to a stop and Izuku doubles over, hands on his knees, panting hard as he tries to catch his breath. When he finally straightens, he takes a look around.
The clearing is beautiful, patches of wildflowers like the ones Kacchan picked for him scattered around a pool of clear water. The surface of the water is so still, it’s reflecting the dappled light coming in through the canopy of trees above, disturbed only by the occasional dragonfly zipping over the surface and landing just long enough to send ripples out over the water. It’s quiet too, the only sound aside from their panting is the faint humming of bees and birdsong.
Kacchan’s ears stand at attention as he takes a few steps closer to the pond, staring for a few moments before turning around with a mischievous grin.
Izuku suddenly realizes what he’s about to do and shakes his head. “No,” he says, backing away, hands held in front of him defensively. “No way, Kacchan — don’t!” He shrieks as Kacchan picks him up and tosses him into the pond.
As he hits the surface of the water, he gasps, surprised at how cold it is, and inadvertently sucks in a mouthful of water. Izuku comes up for air, spluttering and blinking wildly, trying to clear his gaze. When he stands up, the water only comes up to about his waist, but he’s still soaked.
“You look like a wet cat!” Kacchan cackles, doubled over with laughter at the edge of the water.
“No thanks to you!” Izuku snaps back. “Man’s best friend my ass!”
“Aww, c’mon, I bet you feel better already, dontcha?” Kacchan says dismissively, splashing into the pond, his tail wagging madly. He dunks his head under water and when he comes back up, he shakes his head, splashing Izuku with water all over again.
Feeling a little petty, Izuku splashes him back. Kacchan turns to him with a feral grin and Izuku belatedly realizes he’s made a mistake, shouting in protest when Kacchan splashes him right back. Soon they’re both laughing and shouting and splashing each other.
“I give, I give!” Izuku finally shouts, holding his hands up in surrender.
Kacchan whoops in victory and pumps his fist in the air. He looks so happy, his smile broader Izuku’s ever seen it. The dappled sunlight falling through the grove of trees lights up Kacchan’s golden hair, makes it almost glow, and the droplets of water sliding over his tanned skin seem to sparkle. He’s brilliant and beautiful and when Kacchan turns that blinding smile on him, Izuku suddenly feels hot again, despite the cool water.
“You have a leaf….” Kacchan murmurs, wading over to pluck something out of Izuku’s curls. “There,” he whispers, fingers sifting through Izuku’s hair, brushing it back out of his face.
Izuku blinks up at him in wonder. His expression is so tender, lips curved up in the barest hint of a smile, ruby red eyes soft as he continues absentmindedly brushing his fingers through Izuku’s curls.
“Deku,” Kacchan murmurs, voice a sandpaper rasp as his hand settles on the side of Izuku’s neck, fingers cradling the back of his skull.
Izuku’s heart is pounding, his chest hot and tight like he’s too big for his skin. His mind flashes back to the previous afternoon and their almost-kiss. He’d put it out of his mind because he didn’t want to think about how badly he’d wanted Kacchan to kiss him or how disappointed he’d been when Kacchan only scented him instead. He didn’t want to think of his Companion that way, but it’s all he can think about now.
This is it, he thinks, this is really happening. He closes his eyes and tilts his face up as Kacchan leans in close, but then a branch snaps somewhere nearby and the two of them startle apart. Kacchan snarls, head whipping around, ears flat against his skull, and Izuku looks for the source of the noise too, wondering if they’ve somehow stumbled onto a neighbor’s property. But it’s just a deer, staring at them from the edge of the clearing. For a few moments, they stare back, until it turns around and wanders back into the woods.
Izuku clears his throat and steps away, water sloshing around his hips. The moment is broken, but his heart is still going a mile a minute. “We should probably head back,” he suggests, his voice too high pitched. “I definitely need a shower after this….” Preferably a cold one, he thinks wryly.
Kacchan only grunts in response and wades out of the water. Izuku follows after him and they jog back to the house in tense, awkward silence. He feels like he should say something, anything, but he’s at a loss for words. It really seemed like Kacchan was going to kiss him, but that’s what he thought yesterday and look how that turned out. Kacchan was probably just going to scent him and he read too much into it, again.
Izuku shakes his head. He shouldn’t even be thinking about kissing his Companion, it’s wrong and stupid and it’s only making him miserable. It’s obvious that Kacchan doesn’t see him that way. And that’s a good thing, he tells himself, even though it feels like his heart is going to crack in two. One day, probably soon, Kacchan is going to leave and that’s the way it should be. Izuku’s job is to help him, not take advantage of him.
It’s a relief to finally make it back to the yard. Kacchan strips off his shirt, hanging it on the railing to dry, and Izuku makes a beeline up the stairs to the back door, eager to hide his tears in a cold shower, but Kacchan snags his arm and pulls him back before he makes it inside.
“Wait,” he says. “Deku, what’s wrong?” His face is creased with concern and Izuku feels even more miserable for making him worry.
“It’s nothing, Kacchan, I….” He forgets whatever excuse was about to fall out of his mouth when he spots the silver dog tags glinting against Kacchan’s bronze chest. “You’re wearing them!” Izuku blurts out instead.
Kacchan glances down at the tags. “Oh, yeah, well,” he shrugs. “I want the world to know I belong to you.” He’s feigning nonchalance, but he looks a little nervous, pink staining his high cheekbones, shoulders tense and drawn up towards his ears.
“Kacchan…. You…. I mean,” Izuku hesitates, his heart pounding, hardly daring to believe what he’s hearing. Maybe it’s a mistake, maybe Kacchan just doesn’t understand. “You do know what wearing your tags means, right?”
Kacchan nods once, curtly. “Yeah, I know. I didn’t know how else to tell you, but….” He takes a deep breath, squares his shoulders, and looks him right in the eyes. “I love you, Deku,” he declares.
Izuku gasps quietly, his heart thundering, his head spinning. He’s not entirely sure this is real. Maybe he fell asleep while folding laundry and this entire afternoon has just been one long fever dream.
“I love you,” Kacchan repeats, as if he knows Izuku needs to hear it again. The pink in his cheeks is spreading, staining his tanned skin, but he doesn’t hesitate and he doesn’t look away. “I love you and it’s pretty obvious you feel the same way. You probably don’t realize it ‘cause you’re human, but,” Kacchan leans in and sniffs him, “lately when you’re around me, you smell like you’re in heat,” he murmurs, lips skimming the shell of his ear.
Izuku splutters and blushes a deep tomato red. He feels like he might die of embarrassment. “I, well, I won’t deny that I’m attracted to you, Kacchan, I mean, look at you!” Izuku gestures at him wildly and Kacchan smirks and preens. If Izuku wasn’t so flustered, it might make him roll his eyes. “And it’s true that I...have feelings for you,” he confesses quietly. “I just, I don’t know if this is appropriate….”
Kacchan snorts. “Why? Because I’m a hybrid and you’re a human? Thought that shit didn’t matter to you?”
“It doesn’t!” Izuku insists hotly.
“So?” Kacchan quirks an eyebrow. “Then what’s the problem?”
Izuku shifts, suddenly feeling nervous. He licks his lips and wrings his hands. “I’m...I’m afraid that you only like me because I’m being nice and taking care of you,” he admits in a small voice. “It wouldn’t be right to take advantage of that….”
“Tch,” Kacchan clicks his tongue in irritation and flicks him.
“Ow, Kacchan!” Izuku whines, rubbing his forehead. “What was that for?!”
“That was for being an idiot. I’m not a damn dog, Deku,” Kacchan scolds him, hands on his hips. “I’m not gonna fall in love with someone just because they’re nice and feed me steak!”
“I — I know that!” Izuku protests, still rubbing his forehead.
“And,” Kacchan says, raising his voice over him, “do you really think you’re the kinda person that would take advantage of someone?”
“Well, maybe not on purpose….” Izuku mutters darkly.
“Because I don’t think you are,” Kacchan continues as if he didn’t hear him. “You’re my best friend, Deku. I know you would never do that. You’re too damn nice,” he adds, eyes softening as he cups Izuku's cheek.
“Kacchan….” Izuku whispers tearfully. He can feel his resolve crumbling. All this time he’s been berating himself, telling himself that it’s wrong to have feelings for his Companion, but Kacchan is telling him it’s ok. Izuku wants to believe him, but he’s still not sure.
“I can practically hear you overthinking this, but I trust you, Deku,” Kacchan insists, his eyes earnest. “And you know that’s fuckin’ saying something because I don’t trust anyone.”
His joke is enough to startle a laugh out of Izuku, though it’s a little wet with his tears. Kacchan tenderly brushes them away, fingers warm and gentle on his face, tilting it back so he can gaze into his eyes as he steps closer.
“I wouldn’t even be sayin’ any of this sappy shit if it weren’t for you, so take some damn responsibility,” Kacchan murmurs, so close now their lips nearly brush together.
Izuku feels like he’s teetering on the edge of a great precipice. He hesitates for just a moment longer, then closes his eyes and leaps. Well, all he does is stretch up on his toes to kiss him properly, but it feels like he’s soaring. The rush is just the same, his heart aching and pounding so hard it feels like it might burst. The soft press of their lips is enough to make his whole body light up. It’s fireworks, light and warmth popping and tingling from his head all the way down to his toes.
The sensation is so pleasant, he can’t help but gasp, and Kacchan makes this little growling noise in response. He slides one hand into Izuku’s curls to cradle the back of his head and pull him closer, lips pressing more insistently against his as he deepens their kiss, while his other hand trails down Izuku’s throat to his chest, fingers brushing over his nipple.
Izuuk gasps again and Kacchan purrs, licking into his mouth. He starts sucking on his tongue and Izuku whimpers, knees shaking as Kacchan’s hand slides lower. His touch leaves a trail of tingling heat in his wake as he skims over Izuku’s ribs to settle on his waist. Izuku doesn’t remember reaching up to grab Kacchan’s hair, but every time he pulls on his soft, golden locks, he feels Kacchan’s chest rumbling with a deep, satisfied growl. He’s so distracted, he doesn’t notice Kacchan’s hand on his ass until he gives him a firm squeeze.
“K-Kacchan! Ah!” Izuku breaks away from their kiss with a loud cry when he feels Kacchan’s thick fingers sliding between his cheeks, prodding at his hole through the fabric of his shorts. He should tell him to stop, or at least slow down, but then he gets a glimpse of Kacchan’s face, eyes hooded and dark with want, lips swollen and red from kissing, and he surges up on his toes to kiss him again. It’s deeper this time, more heated, and before he knows it, Kacchan has him pressed against the wall, lips and tongue and teeth against his throat, Izuku’s arms wrapped around his shoulders and legs firmly around his waist. They rut desperately against each other, moaning every time their clothed erections slide together, sending sparks of pleasure up their spines.
“W-We should stop,” Izuku gasps at some point.
“Yeah,” Kacchan agrees breathlessly, before pulling him down into another wet, sloppy kiss.
Izuku moans and tries to pull him impossibly closer. All he can think about is how good it feels and how much he wants to keep going. He slides his hands all over Kacchan’s body, whimpering into his mouth as he finally gets to touch him. After drooling over him for so long, it feels like a wet dream come true. Izuku touches him everywhere, from his broad shoulders to his incredible pecs, all the way down his rippling abs to the cut v of his hips.
Kacchan feels so strong and sturdy under his hands, muscles rippling under his warm, sun-kissed skin as their hips roll together, falling into perfect rhythm. He pants against Izuku’s neck, arms flexing with the strength it takes to hold him up. He squeezes Izuku’s thighs, grip nearly bruising as he holds him open and bucks against him, thrusts sharp and brutal like it’s exactly how he wants to fuck him.
Izuku palms Kacchan’s bulging biceps, head falling back with a lewd moan as Kacchan licks a hot line up his neck. It’s so hot and his skin is so tight, it feels like he might burst at the seams, threatening to shake apart in Kacchan’s big, strong hands. Kacchan drags his tongue over his jugular and the coil of molten heat in Izuku’s belly tightens, then explodes when Kacchan bites down. Izuku yelps, voice warbling as Kacchan’s fangs pierce his skin, stars popping behind his eyes as he comes abruptly in his shorts.
Kacchan’s hips roll to a stop. “Wait, did you just….?” He sniffs him. “Holy shit, you did.”
Izuku hides his face against Kacchan’s shoulder. He’s never been so humiliated in his life. He knows he’s been pent up, but coming in his pants, practically untouched, like a horny teenager?! It’s so embarrassing he wants to cry.
“Heh,” Kacchan huffs and Izuku can practically hear the self-satisfied smirk in his voice. “So desperate for my knot, you couldn’t wait, huh? Didn’t realize you were such a slut, Deku.”
“Kacchan!” Izuku whines, muffled against Kacchan’s shoulder.
“Aw c’mon, don’t cry, Deku, I’ll still show you my knot,” Kacchan teases him. In one fluid motion, he gently sets Izuku back down on his feet then pulls his shorts down, just low enough to free his massive cock.
Izuku swallows thickly, eyes bulging at the sight of it. He’s taken Companion anatomy classes, so he knows alpha cocks are different from human ones, but reading a diagram is a lot different from seeing it in person. Kacchan’s cock is huge, flushed an angry red, and the knot at the base is already swelling, the bulbous head leaking steadily. Izuku whimpers, his own cock twitching in interest. He has no idea how the hell that’s supposed to fit in his ass, but he’s more than willing to try.
Kacchan takes his cock in hand and strokes himself. He groans and Izuku glances up, meeting his molten red gaze. He blushes furiously but doesn’t look away, captivated by the way Kacchan’s face twists with pleasure as he touches himself, his brow furrowed in concentration and a hint of fang poking out as he bites his lip. He rucks Izuku’s shirt up his chest and pushes his cock up against Izuku’s belly, smearing cum over his skin.
“Fuck, Deku,” he groans, dragging his cock across Izuku’s abs. “I wanna fuck you so bad. I wanna shove my knot up your slutty ass and fuckin’ wreck you.” He starts rutting a little faster into his own hand, as if he’s imagining fucking into Izuku’s ass instead. “I wanna breed you, fill you up with a litter of my pups.”
Izuku makes a keening, punched out sound, his limp dick twitching in his messy shorts as he pictures it. He imagines himself on all fours while Kacchan mounts him from behind, fucking and knotting his ass, trying to get him pregnant. It’s impossible, but just the thought of Kacchan breeding him over and over until he’s filled to the brim, hot cum sliding down the insides of thighs, has him weak in the knees.
Kacchan’s hand flies over his cock faster, like he’s picturing it too, sliding up and down with a lewd, wet squelching sound. He’s so big, he’s having trouble stroking all of himself, torn between playing with the large, sensitive head of his cock and the bulging knot at the base.
So Izuku reaches out a shaking hand to help him. He’s hot to the touch, his cock a solid, heavy rod under velvet smooth skin, so slick with cum that he’s almost hard to grasp. As Izuku wraps his fingers around the tip and starts working him over, thumb teasing the slit and stroking the crown, Kacchan groans, squeezing his knot. He surges forward and kisses him, moaning into his mouth as they work his cock together.
“Kacchan,” Izuku sighs against his lips. “Kacchan, you’re such a good boy.”
Kacchan responds beautifully to the praise. He whines and presses closer, tail wagging and cock twitching in their combined grip, a spurt of warm cum dribbling over Izuku’s fingers.
His stomach flips and his grip tightens, squeezing Kacchan a little as he continues stroking him. “You’re my good boy, Kacchan. Come for me,” Izuku encourages him breathlessly, eager to see his Companion come. “C’mon, good boy, come for me.”
“Deku, ah!” Kacchan comes with a wheezing whine, ropes of thick, white cum splashing over Izuku’s fingers and painting his stomach as he shivers and shakes through his orgasm. He keeps squeezing his knot as he comes, face screwed up as he milks it, whining through his teeth like it’s almost painful. It seems to go on forever, his cock pulsing and twitching as he keeps coming in waves, and Izuku moans every time another splatter of cum lands on his stomach.
“Good boy, Kacchan, you’re doing so well,” he coos, scritching him behind the ears, and Kacchan’s chest rumbles with a happy purr, leaning into his touch. His eyes are a little glassy and there’s a deep pink blush riding high on his cheeks, but he looks happy, in a vacant, fucked out sort of way.
“Fuck, that was amazing, Deku,” he rumbles when he finally stops coming. His lips are curved up in a blissful grin as he nuzzles Izuku, kissing and licking every part of him he can reach, tail wagging.
“Yeah, it was,” Izuku agrees, giggling breathlessly.
“But next time I wanna knot your ass,” Kacchan growls, eyes dark with promise.
Izuku blushes. He’s about to hesitantly agree when Kacchan starts smearing his cum into Izuku’s skin, rubbing it into his belly with a look of intense concentration.
Izuku wrinkles his nose. “K-Kacchan, what are you doing?!”
Kacchan looks up at him, eyes half-lidded and tail wagging. “Marking you. Now you smell like me,” he growls, looking exceptionally pleased with himself.
Izuku snorts. “Not for long. We still have to shower.”
Kacchan’s tail swishes in excitement. “Together?”
“S-Sure,” Izuku agrees shyly.
Kacchan grins wildly and he’s so handsome, it’s breathtaking. “In that case….” He shucks off his shorts and turns around, walking to the edge of the porch. “Ah, finally!” Kacchan crows, spreading his arms wide.
“K-Kacchan!” Izuku can’t restrain his giggle. It probably shouldn’t surprise him that Kacchan isn’t at all shy about being totally nude in front of him.
Kacchan glances at him over his shoulder, fluffy golden tail wagging above his perfect ass. “What? I hate clothes and now that we’re together, I can be naked all the time!” He stalks over and leers down at Izuku. “You should be naked too,” Kacchan purrs, plucking at Izuku’s cum-stained shirt. “C’mon, Deku, there’s no one around for miles, so get naked with me. It feels good.”
Izuku squeals and smacks at his hands as Kacchan keeps trying to pull his clothes off. Their laughter and play fighting is interrupted by Izuku’s phone. He wants to ignore it, but it keeps ringing incessantly. Worried that it might be a client in crisis, Izuku puts a hand on Kacchan’s chest to restrain him and digs his phone out of his pocket, answering without checking the caller ID.
“H-Hello?” Izuku pants, still trying to catch his breath.
“Izuku, you need to come into the station,” Shouto says on the other end. “We have Giran.”