Chapter 38
Overwhelmed
A fist collided with a punching mit, the padding engulfing the smaller hand completely before it was pulled back and a knee was immediately taking its place.
“Perfect.” Yamada laughed, his blonde hair tied up into a top knot to keep out of his face. “Again!”
Eri nodded, brows furrowed as she steeled herself before punching and bringing her knee up to the mits in succession. A bead of sweat trailed down her neck and under the collar of her shirt, but she ignored it as she continued the set.
“Wait.” Yamada had her pause, lips pulled tight as he pointed vaguely at her legs. “Square your feet before you throw your weight. If you're not centered then you can be thrown off easily by your opponent.”
The young alpha nodded, shifting her weight before looking back to the beta for direction. The blonde nodded as he crouched again, mitted hands raised. She began the set again; three punches, the knee, then another punch to help reestablish her center again.
It was getting easier, the moves flowing into one another with ease. It had taken Eri a few days to convince her guardians to train her, but after a tearful exchange with Yamada late one night after a nightmare, the beta had agreed wholeheartedly to teach her how to defend herself properly. Aizawa hadn’t been happy when he walked into the living room the next morning to see the beta teaching Eri how to grapple and wrestle.
That had been an annoying argument for her to listen to through the walls. Not because the couple were fighting, but because Yamada was just so loud and would say the weirdest things that didn’t seem relevant to the argument he was trying to make. But eventually the blonde had settled his alpha and Eri was able to continue with the training the following day.
”You are doing good, kiddo. But something is off, do it again and I’ll try to figure it out.” The blonde said before a low voice caught their attention.
“Stop hunching when you kick.”
Eri turned as Yaamada lowered his padded hands. Aizawa was standing in the archway between the kitchen and living room; cup of coffee in hand and a cat tucked to his chest with the other.
“Hunching like that is what is throwing you off center.” The alpha spoke, his voice low but firm as he walked closer to the two. “Keep your lower spine straight, rely on your core to carry your throws. That will make your kicks harder and faster. It will also prevent injury if your attacker is able to get a hit in.”
Eri stared up at the alpha; red eyes boring into his for a moment before she nodded. She took a deep breath and straightened her back, but before she could throw another punch the cat was suddenly at her feet and a hand slapped at her stomach.
“Flex these muscles.” Aizawa directed, tapping her stomach again until she flexed them. “They should be tense before I even hit you, if they aren’t tight then you're not using them.”
“It’s hard to breathe when they are flexed.” Eri said, trying to gain her breath.
The alpha nodded but remained focused. “You’ll get used to it. In a fight, your breathing will match your core strength. The weaker your core the easier it is to lose your breath control. If it’s solid and strong, the airway is open and easier to use. It just takes some getting used to.”
Eri sighed but did as directed. She punched three times, then followed it with a quick knee then a final punch.”
”Better. But keep your feet a bit wider.” Aizawa’s next input came before she could pull her fist back to center.
Eri didn’t bother to reply, just did the set again but tried to implement what the alpha said, but it seemed she wasn’t doing it right because the alpha.was stopping her again.
“Watch me kid. Shi Shi, stand up.” Aizawa said, waving his hand for his mate to move in front of him as he set his coffee aside. The beta moved easily, a large smile on his face as he readied himself for his mates incoming hits.
“See my spine and core.” Aizawa began as he moved into the position that Yamada had shown Eri to use. “They work together. I can still hunch and protect my sides with my shoulders and arms while keeping my core strong and my spine straight.” He demonstrated.
Eri watched, eyes taking in the way the alpha did the set with ease and control. The entire time his lower spine stayed up right while he moved.
“Here.” Yamada chimed in, using a padded hand to shift Eri closer to the alpha. “Lay your hand on Shota’s abdomen and he will do the set slower, maybe that will help show you what to do for your core.”
Eri moved in close, a bit awkward at how close she was with the alpha- since he was still just a strange guy that took her in- but ignored it when Aizawa began the set. His abs flexed and stayed taunt through the entire thing.
“Okay. Let me try.” Eri said, practically shoving the alpha aside to stand in front of the blonde. She ignored the beta’s laugh in favor of getting into position. This time she tried to imitate what she saw and felt.
”Much better.” Yamada cheered when her last punch connected. “That knee had some weight behind it this time.”
Aizawa nodded. “Yes, your form improved that time. Do it again. The more you practice it correctly the easier it will be for your body to do and eventually it will become a habit.” He said before turning and walking to the rocking chair on the other side of the room.
Eri watched him for a moment, confused as to why he interjected so suddenly to just leave. She shook her head as she turned back and did the set again.
Aizawa seemed to do that a lot. Now that she gave it some thought. Like during meal preps; Yamafa would do the first half of the cooking before tha alpha would randomly come in and finish it up. The same for the cleaning and even when they grocery shopped. Eri had thought it was because the blonde was a bit of a spaz, forgetting what he was doing and so the alpha would jump in and finish up whatever his mate left. But it seemed to be a weird routine that they automatically did since there was really no indication for when the alpha would show up and intervene.
“Don’t worry about him.” Yanada said, after a few more sets. The beta sighed when his knees popped when he stood. “He’s a grumpy pants, but not because of us.”
Aizawa raised a brow at his mate but didn’t say anything, just focused back to the tablet in his hand. The cat was back, this time curled up on the alpha's feet.
The blonde leaned in close to the young woman, “I think it is his time of the month.”
Eri’s eyes widened, a smile growing on her face as she tried to hold back her laugh.
”I heard that!” Aizawa grouched. “I don’t have a time of the month, I’m a man.”
“I don’t know, Sho. You are usually the one in sync with the moon.” The blonde teased, walking over to his mate before falling ungracefully into his lap, scaring the cat in the process.
“God, don’t do that.” Aizawa huffed, but wrapped his arms around the man tightly.
Eri watched for a moment before excusing herself. It was getting late, the clock on the stove indicating it was almost ten at night. That was something she was also still getting used to. Back at the ring, Izuku had them go to their rooms when the sun set, here she wasn’t expected to do anything except the dishes and keeping the shared bathroom clean.
“Night kiddo.” Yamada shouted after her, Aizawa's mumbles of a good night following quietly behind as she climbed the stairs and into the bathroom.
She sighed, shoulders falling forward as she closed the door and looked at herself in the mirror. Eri was wearing one of Yamada’s shirts because of her sudden growth spurt. Within the last few months she had grown so much that the clothing that was originally provided was too short and tight. That was okay though, she liked the way the beta's clothing fit her anyways.
Her hair had grown about a bit too- down to her the middle of her shoulder blades- and her scent had turned richer. From what her guardians had said, it was mostly a dark scent of a berry rather than the sweet froth of milk now; meaning her first rut could happen any day now.
Eri leaned closer to the mirror, examining her face before lifting her lip to look at her teeth. Her gums had been aching for a while now that her canines were growing in fully. They were still just as sharp as before but they were longer than her other teeth. Every time she smiled they were the focal point. She didn't like them at first, wishing her fangs were more Like Izuku's. His were perfect; sharp but not over sized like hers.
But as she looked at them now, they didn't seem so bad. They reminded her of LeMillion’s when he smiled.
During one of the hero’s recent visits, her gums had been hurting more than usual. When he asked what was wrong she began to cry, complaining that they were too big and ugly.
The alpha had pulled her into a tight hug and tried to spoth her. He shared that his canines had hurt when growing in as well, but it wasn't something to be ashamed of.
Though he had become very direct when she complained that alpha fangs were ugly.
“Hu, my smile must be ugly then.” Mirio retorted, but his face was soft as he looked at her.
“No. Your fangs aren't too big. Mine fill up my whole mouth.” Eri whined, sniffling to herself.
Mirio only chuckled as he wiped away a few tears. “That is because you are still growing. Mine used to be like that too.”
The alpha quickly pulled out his phone and pulled up a photo of him from UA, and sure enough Eri was shown a younger Lemillion smiling with canines that were too big for his mouth.
“I know it's hard now, but you should be proud of who you are, Eri!” Mirio began. “If you want to be a hero, then you have to love who you are, fangs and all.”
Eri frowned at that.
“Even if you don't like your fangs, you should still smile. Cause one day that smile will be the reason someone feels safe with you.” The hero continued.
He pulled his phone back before swiping to a different photo. It was of him and Eri on the day she was released from the hospital. Eri was sitting on her bed with Mario sitting next to her as a nurse tried to hand her a congratulations balloon. She looked nervous to grab it.
Mirio swiped to the next one and it was of Eri looking at the blone, his smile was big and encouraging. The next photo was of Eri holding the balloon and smiling at it.
Red eyes widened as she swiped through the photos again.
“True heroes always smile, even when they don't feel like it; especially during fights. Our smiles prove that we aren't afraid and that a villain doesn't have the power to take us down.” Mirio explained. The hero smiled at Eri, his fangs caught the light slightly and became the focal point of his smile. “Be proud of your smile, even on days you don't like it.”
Eri pulled away from the mirror, her smile wide as she put her hands on her hip like LeMillion did after his last fight that she saw on the news. He was right, when she smiled like he had done, there was no reason not to feel proud of her alpha.
Izuku gasped, startling Hitoshi slightly as the two sat on the couch in the living room. The small omega had leaned in closer to him as the movie’s atmosphere got darker; the bad guy chased after a civilian through an abandoned warehouse. The alpha couldn’t stop himself from chuckling despite himself as he looked down at the smaller man. Izuku was so cute, clinging to the blanket that was draped over them, feet pulled up off the floor and shoulder pressed firmly against the alpha’s arm.
“Scared?” Toshi leaned down so the omega could hear him as he whispered; trying to be mindful of the others watching as well.
Izuku shook his head, eyes glued to the screen as the woman was tackled to the ground and the villian laughed in victory. Toshi glanced at his boyfriend who was sat by his other shoulder. The blonde gave him a knowing look before focusing back on the movie.
“You can cuddle closer if you need.” Toshi whispered, smiling gently when Izuku looked up at him with a questioning gaze before nodding. The alpha easily draped his arm around the omega and pulled him close while Izuku burrowed further into his warmth with a happy sigh.
The boisterous laugh of All Might filled the room as the hero intervened at the last moment, saving the woman from an impending death. Izuku smiled brightly, practically buzzing as he watched the hero fight the villian off to allow the woman to escape.
Someone cleared their throat, the sound garnering Toshi’s attention. Bakugou’s parents and the Midoriya’s were seated on the other sofa, this one angled to give it a better view since it wasn’t directly in front of the tv. Toshi smiled when he noticed Inko staring at him, the woman glancing between her child and him.
Toshi tried to ignore the look the woman gave, but the woman had been acting off all night. There was nothing the alpha could pinpoint to that would have changed the woman’s opinion of him during his week of patrols, yet the omegan mother looked at him like he had done something awful. Which was confusing because when he had arrived earlier in the day she was all smiles while giving him a big hug. Now it was like she didn’t want to be near him.
The alpha shook the thought away, there was no indication that her attitude was because of him. She could be acting like this around him and not toward him. It could be anything.
Izuku gasped again, this time when All Might got hit by the villian. This was the part where the villain got away, leaving the civilian safe but the hero with the effects of the villain’s quirk to deal with along with a bad injury.
“Oh,” Izuku whispered. His eyes becoming wet as the hero was taken to the hospital.
Katsuki laughed under a huff. “Don’t worry, nerd. We both know All Might is too badass to get too hurt.”
”You’re right, Kacchan.” Izuku agreed and happily sat up but stayed tucked into Hitoshi’s side. “All Might is the best, nothing can keep him down.”
”SHHH.” Inko hushed, her glare directed at the blonde alpha.
“Sorry.” Kats grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest in disgruntlement.
“It’s okay, Inks.” Masaru gave the omega a gentle pat on the knee in reassurance. “Let them enjoy the movie. Doesn't it remind you of when they were little.”
Mitsuki laughed loudly next to her mate. “Those two brats would reenact the fight scenes during the boring parts of the movie? It was never quiet back then.”
Inko nodded with a soft smile, but when her gaze fell back to the three on the other couch it turned into a frown. “Yes, but they are grown enough to know to be quiet. Izuku, why don’t you come sit by me?”
The omega shook his head as he tried to focus back on the movie. “No thanks.”
“I insist, baby.” The older omega patted the open spot between her and Masaru. There wasn’t much space with 3 other adults sitting on the couch.
Toshi couldn’t stop himself from interjecting since he liked how Izuku was tucked into his side. “We’ll stop talking. We didn’t mean to disrupt the movie.”
”Well, it already has. Come Izuku.” She insisted again, this time with a harder tone.
”I don’t want to. I’m fine here-“ The omega tried to say but was interrupted by his mother.
”Izuku, now!”
”NO!” Izuku snapped, gaze turning to his mother.
Toshi tried to remain still as Izuku’s scent turned sour and the omega began to shake slightly in frustration. Inko- for the most part- looked surprised, but that shock turned to frustration just as quickly.
“Izuku. I am your mother, you will listen to me.”
Izuku shook his head, leaning further into the alpha’s side.
”Aunty-“ Katsuki tried to say, sitting up more to talk to her but the older omega wasn’t having it.
Inko stood up from the couch, the blanket that was on her lap falling to the floor as she walked to her son. Her brows were furrowed and her scent tinted deeper as a show of dominance. A low growl resonated from Izuku and everyone in the room remained frozen as the movie continued to play in the background.
“Come here!” Inko demanded, ripping the blanket off the three younger men to grab her son’s arm. “Now.” She snapped, yanking him hard.
“Ow.” Izuku whined, snapping his mouth at her a couple times in warning. “Let go!”
“Oh hush, It wouldn’t have hurt if you would’ve listened.” Inko groused, her own fangs bared as she glared down at her son.
Masaru walked up to his friend, hands hovering as he frantically tried to intervene. “Inks, let's calm down. There’s no reason that the boys can’t sit together. Let just go back to enjoying the movie”
Inko growled. “If I want my pup to sit by me, then he will. I am his mother and he will listen.”
“NO!” Izuku yelled, yanking his arm free.
Katsuki watched in shock as the arm that was now free turned from pale white to an angry red, a handprint forming where Inko had been holding.
“Aunty, you need to calm down.” He spoke, his alpha growing angry as the hand print grew darker.
A different growl filled the room. “Don’t talk to my mate like that.” Hisashi warned, his breath billowing with hot clouds of grey smoke as he stepped toward the two omegas. Mitsuki was quickly on her feet, moving until she was between Masaru and the other male alpha, fangs bared to protect her mate.
Toshi shook his head at what was happening, confused as to how this had escalated so quickly. “It’s okay-“
“Don’t you speak to me!” Inko yelled, her pheromones filling the area with a warning flare. “You will let my baby go.”
”He’s not holding me!” Izuku snapped, standing quickly to prove that the alpha hadn’t been holding him in place. “Back off!” He warned, his fangs fully displayed as he snapped his jaw again.
“Izuku!” Hisashi tried to speak but was cut off by the omega.
”STOP IT!!!” Izuku yelled, his scent out of control as he began to visibly shake. His hand grasped the collar of his shirt, breaths coming out quick and heavy as he continued to scream. “Stop it, Stop it, Stop it!!!!” before jumping over the couch and out of the room. ”Just leave me alone.”
Toshi and Katsuki tried to stand, concerned for the omega but were stopped by Inko.
“You will stay away from my son!” She hissed. “I don’t know what you are-“
”INKO.” Hisashi interjected. “Enough. Let's go to bed.”
The older omega startled, looking back at her husband before her eyes widened as if she had realized something. “Yes, dear. I’m sorry.”
”Nothing to apologize for. I think everyone is tired anyways.” Hisashi crooned, arms closing around the woman as he scented her. “Let’s call it a day.”
Toshi watched as the couple walked. Mitsuki had quickly.pulled Masaru back to the couch, scenting him like crazy as she growled protectively.
“You okay, Ma?” Katauki asked, though he remained where he was so as to not set off his Sire.
Masaru nodded while he pulled his mate’s face into his neck. “Yes. I'm not sure.what just happened.” He answered.
The younger two agreed, their gazes locking for a moment before they both got up.
“We are heading to bed, then.” Katauki answered, turning off the TV before approaching his parents carefully. Mitsuki had settled, though her nose was still against her mate's neck gland.
“Okay. Sleep well you two.” The brunette gave her pup a quick peck on the cheek before pulling his mate up and toward their room.
“What the fuck was that?!” The blonde alpha whispered, hand closing around his boyfriend's.
“I don't know. But something isn't right.” Toshi replied.
“Whatever is happening, we need to make sure we have Izuku's back.” Katsuki muttered, “I don't trust Hisashi Mudoriya one bit.”
Izuku sat in his nest, Nyan tucked close against his crossed legs as he stared out the open window. It had been hours since the movie night had abruptly ended. The omega hadn’t stopped crying since; especially not when the pillow over his head wasn’t able to block out the sounds of his mother knocking at the locked door for a solid hour. He had ignored her the best he could, his hands over his ears and head burrowed as he tried to calm himself down.
It wasn’t until she left and the house grew quiet that Izuku finally felt like he had room to breathe, but only slightly. During the outburst in the living room his omega had finally pushed forward after months of silence. Izuku hasn’t felt his omega this strongly before; but it was raging now, on high alert and straining to detect any sound of movement outside in his small room. He couldn’t settle down, couldn’t get his thoughts in check- not when it felt like he was back in his old room, back under Chisiaki’s thumb.
It had taken him forever to get to this point; using every single one of his therapist's advice on how to ground himself; rhythmic tapping, deep breathing, counting, and sight association. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, the different methods couldn’t keep his omega calm for longer than a few minutes. It was like he was internally freaking out, on the verge of a manic episode with no end in sight.
Izuku needed to do something or go somewhere that wasn’t within these four walls, even if it took him away from his nest. But, that would require him opening the door… and Izuku didn’t entirely want to leave his room… but this was the only idea he had left.
With a frustrated groan Izuku looked down at the cat beside him, smiling gently as he scratched between fluffy ears one last time before stumbling out of bed. It took everything in him to open his bedroom door; ears straining for any sound and eyes flickering everywhere around the hallway in search of any movement. His heart was hammering in his chest and his hands shook as he slipped through the small space- not trusting the hinges to stay quiet if it opened any wider. He squeezed his way through the small opening and tiptoed past his parents room to the door he tried to ignore since he got here.
With a soft knock, he held his breath. He almost ran back to his room at the sound his knuckles made- far too loud in the dead quiet, surely his parents would hear and come searching for the source- but the rustling from inside the room kept his anxiety at bay. The door silently opened and Izuku sighed in relief when he saw the familiar blonde alpha he was in search of.
”Izuku?” Katsuki whispered, his eyes looking over the omega as he smiled softly. His hair was skewed to one side from sleep and there were pillow lines on his cheek.
The omega looked away in embarrassment for what he was about to ask. “C-can I sleep with you?” Izuku whispered, fingers fiddling together as he prepared to be turned away.
The door opened wider and Toshi was suddenly there beside his boyfriend. His hair was down but nearly as messy as the blondes. “Of course.” He answered, not even looking at his boyfriend before offering his hand to the omega.
Izuku nodded, tears building in his lashes as he grabbed the alpha’s hand and held on tight. He let Toshi tug him into the room, eyes glassy as he looked around the dark room for the first time in many years. Toshi guided him to the side of the bed, letting go as he pulled back the blankets and reshuffled the pillows.
Katsuki tried to keep his nerves at bay as he watched the omega crawl into the middle of his bed, his boyfriend right behind him. They were speaking softly, Toshi encouraging the omega to take whatever pillow and blanket for himself since there were a lot to choose from.
Izuku shuffled around, hesitantly grabbing a different pillow than the one the alpha had originally handed to him- Toshi nodded in encouragement for the omega to do what he needed- and sniffed it before deciding that the second one was the better of the two.
It was comical and very unexpected to then witness Izuku toss the first one away and then begin fluffing the second before burrowing his face into the fabric. He grabbed a few blankets, tucking them up against the head and footboard of the bed in a weaving pattern before turning around in a small circle and sighing in contentment. It wasn’t an official nest, but it was the beginning stages of one, and Katsuki couldn’t help but feel proud that the omega was comfortable enough with them to start one.
If it hadn’t been for the earlier fiasco, this moment would have been perfect, but with Izuku’s eyes bloodshot and face pale, it was heartbreaking to watch the omega desperately try to find comfort in the few things around him.
Toshi pulled a left over blanket over the omega, shushed Izuku when he whimpered his apologies for interrupting their sleep before tucking the omega in. The alpha continued to shush and soothe as he settled in close to Izuku’s back, a different blanket draped over himself.
Katsuki stood at the end of the bed- a small throw blanket in hand- as he watched the two get comfortable before climbing into the bed himself. It was a struggle to find enough space for himself without pressing right up into the Izuku’s area. The bed was not intended to sleep three grown adults- though one of them was much smaller in comparison.
With a heavy breath Katsuki was able to get comfortable, facing his childhood friend who was tucked into a tight ball with Toshi curled loosely behind him. One of Izuku’s hands was tucked up under his own chest with the palm cradling his cheek; in the same way he did when they were children and took naps together. Izuku’s other hand laid between them, open and lax. Childhood them had alway held hands while they slept, it was a way to comfort the other whether at preschool or home.
With a hesitant reach, Katsuki grasped Izuku’s hand, lightly threading their fingers together for the thousandth time despite the decade gap between. The alpha waited for his childhood friend to pull away or to at least indicate that he didn’t want the touch, but instead the omega gave a firm squeeze before relaxing further into the mattress and pillow.
Katsuki hummed to himself, unconsciously scooting closer until he too was loosely curled around the smaller man.
“Goodnight, Kacchan.” Izuku whispered, his voice thick with exhaustion.
Katsuki smiled, his alpha content and beyond happy to have not only his boyfriend after a week of absence, but also his forever love in the same bed.
“Goodnight, Izuku.”
Word count: 4751
I don’t know if this chapter flows very well. I have read it so many times that now it’s one big gob lol I will re edit it in at some point down the line when I have gotten some space. In the meantime, I hope it isn’t too bad to read.
