Only One String Attached

Part 5

“Why does that make any difference?” Katsuki whipped to face her, hackles raised and ready to protect an omega that wasn’t there. Suddenly the room was flooded with a scent probably intended to be soothing from Todoroki, but only served to put him more on edge. This /wasn’t/ his omega’s scent. Blood rushed to his ears as his rage bubbled, his alpha snarling inside him. 

Why was he even this upset? He knew his friends were just looking out for him, worried after– well after last time. But it felt like they were attacking Eijiro, blaming him and he wasn’t going to stand for any slander against his– /no/, /the/ perfect omega.

A gentle hand landed on his arm, and he whirled to face Uraraka, who didn’t shrink under the growl he directed towards her. His teeth gnashed together, before her hand slid down to grab above his wrist, careful to not touch the scent gland there. She guided him from the room towards the front doors, until they were in the parking lot. Letting him take in deep gulps of the fresh air, and to get his bearings, she observed him, watching to make sure no passerby received an ounce of his anger.

“You know we were just looking out for you. We don’t want to see you go through what you went through last time.” Uraraka finally spoke once she realized he was calm enough to have a rational discussion. “So is it yours?”

Katsuki bristled a little, but he knew she was right. Plus if there was anyone he could have a levelheaded discussion about this with, it was Cheeks. “No.”

“Katsuki.” She sighed, concern painting every corner of her face. “There are so many reasons this is a bad idea. Put aside your past, are you ready to be involved in a pup’s life, to be there for everything this omega is gonna need before and after the birth? You know how clingy a pregnant omega can be later on in the pregnancy. If you’re spending as much time with them as I think you are, you’re putting yourself and that omega in danger. Especially if you’re still as adamant about not being in a relationship as you have been.”

Katsuki narrowed his eyes, his arms crossing across his chest, and releasing a huff of air in response. Uraraka rolled her eyes, releasing her own sigh before she continued.

“Listen, obviously you can do what you want. But it’s clear you care about this omega, even if you don’t want to admit how much, and I just want to make sure that you don’t hurt them or yourself in the process. I just-,” She released a shuddery breath before looking up at him, her warm brown eyes swimming with concern. “I just don’t want you to go through what you went through last time.”

Katsuki gave a curt nod, still not vocalizing his thoughts when he knew for a fact that any word he said in his own defense would be far more exposing than the anger he had shown not even five minutes ago. Uraraka offered a small smile, moving to rejoin the others, but pausing as she passed to rest a hand on his arm.

“Be careful, okay?” She whispered, before continuing on. He knew she was right, knew that every word she had said was something he should listen to and advice he should take, but the only thought on his mind was Eijiro. How could he not have that shitty bright red hair in his life? Those eyes that seem to hold the world in them, and a smile that could melt the ice in every crevice of his heart? Those soft hands, perfect curves, generous heart, and intelligent mind. He couldn’t, and so what was so wrong with their arrangement? They had set the terms, no relationship, only him taking care of the omega, and the omega offering him company in return. Nothing more. Eijiro seemed fine with that arrangement. So the only one who would get hurt was him, and he could live with that, as long as Eijiro was around.

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Eijiro tossed and turned in his nest, both his omega and pup restless making it entirely impossible to sleep. The hazy light of dawn filtered through the blinds, causing him to huff in defeat, before flinging his blankets off. Pacing up and down the length of the room, he did his best to walk off the energy, hoping that exhaustion would overcome him soon. Between the pup starting to move and Katsuki not being around, sleep had been illusive for him the last few days.