Chapter 12

Just Friends

I'm about a day's run from the Todoroki territory, which gave me enough space to avoid any alpha discovering me, or for my omega to search for one. My omega was very picky with the place for our heat. Nothing seemed right, but when the night started growing cold I was forced to settle in an abandoned cave.

There wasn't a water source nearby, so I knew I would get dehydrated quickly. I also didn't have any time to make some kind of nest before my heat fully took over. I was forced to lay on the hard ground and endure the discomfort without anything to ease my simple desires.

In a strange way it seemed fitting for the situation. Why would I need anything when I was mourning. I don't need luxury, I needed Kacchan. That was the only thing I thought about, Kacchan.

I gained control of my body on day three, my heat ending early. Probably because of how stressed and malnourished I became, but I couldn't do anything to change that.
As I walked my way out of the cave, I used the rock walls as I tried to keep my balance. I groan as my muscles stretch, so sore from sleeping on the hard ground. I can feel how weak my body is from not eating through my heat and my throat is dry. Usually I would have another omega care for me, but I couldn't do that to Kami. He deserved to be with his mate and pup during this time.

I sigh as I shift into my human form, letting the sun warm my cold skin. The warmth allowing me to empty my mind and just feel in the moment.
I really am an outsider now. We aren't really a pack anymore, just a mated couple with a friend hanging around them. There is no way our pack will rebuild, not without Kacchan. I feel my chest tighten as I utter his name.

As I'm about to walk away I notice a glint of light reflecting off of something. My eyes widen, there is a leaf bowl of water resting a few steps away from the cave entrance. I walk up to it slowly as I look around. I pick up the bowl and sniff it, the water driving my thirst rampant as I hesitate. The water is fresh, so I take a sip, relief filling me.
I sit down and almost drink all the water before looking up.

"You can come out now, I know you're there." I state loudly.

A few moments go by before the familiar bicolored alpha emerges, an embarrassed smile on his face as his cheeks turn rosy.

"I should have known you wouldn't listen to me." I say with a smirk on my face. This wolf hasn't been one to enjoy us being separated. He is a little clingy, but I don't really mind. Even while mourning I would get a whiff of his scent every now and again. He has been watching over me this whole time.

"I just wanted to make sure you were safe." He states as he sits by me. I can't help the giggle that leaves me.

"So you sat outside this cave for 3 days?" I questioned. "Sounds boring."

He hummed in response before looking towards me. "Not boring. I scared off a few deer, as well as diffused a fight with an angry raccoon."

I can't help but fully laugh. "My hero, what would I have done if that raccoon discovered I was in heat?" I say with a teasing tone.

"Listen, it was a huge raccoon. They are vicious creatures you know." He laughs along with me.

How does he do this? Even with the weight I bare, the darkness seems a little lighter with him here. Giving the smallest light to allow some joy to seep in.
I finish the water as we sit there in silence. The birds flying overhead bring soft music to the rustling of the leaves.

"Sho, thank you for everything you have done." I whisper, scared to break our silence.

I feel his arm wrap around my waist as he pulls me close. "I will do anything for you." He responded softly.

"But why? Because of some bond." I can't help but question. We barely know each other, it doesn't make any sense.

"No, I was drawn to you before the bond was made." He says. "When I first saw your pack in my woods- Before my pack's presents was discovered- I had already been there when you arrived. I watched as you cared for your friend. Instead of forcing him to continue, even though you were in danger, that was what drew me to you first. You acted differently than what I had predicted."

He takes a breath before continuing. "Then when I offered you a place, I could see how you processed the situation. It intrigued me more when you never shifted to your human form. But when we sat in the pond, that was when I knew you were someone that I wanted in my life. Friend or mate, it didn't matter to me, as long as you were there. This was before I realized your omega was trying to create a bond with my alpha, I found who you were precious."

I can feel tears streaming down my face as I listen. Even with my Omega's reaction to his response, I already know I feel the same way. The feeling of being loved for who I am, and not for what I am or how powerful I am was like a breath of fresh air. To be shown love not because I have a strong quirk or that I am a Royal Omega, but because of me is all I have ever wanted.

This feeling reminds me of those far off days with Kacchan. When I wanted to be his, but this feeling right now is stronger. Kacchan didn’t accept me until I showed my usefulness. He would hurt me because of the things I couldn’t change. I had to prove myself before I was worthy of his love. But Shoto has accept every part of me, the good and bad, the rash and calculated, the smart and stupid. All of it. His explanation means more to me than anything else. This alpha is showing more love than I have ever felt, with very little in return.

"I understand why you are hesitant with my actions. I haven't been shy about my attraction towards you, but I wish you to know that you have a place within my pack whether or not we further our relationship." He furthers, nuzzling into my hair. I can't help the smile that comes as I inhale his scent.

"Sho, I would love to continue to take our relationship further, but I need some time to mourn. My pack needs me, and I need to make sure they are taken care of." I say gently as I lean into him.

"Of course, I will be here for anything you need, Izuku." Shoto hums, pulling me closer before pulling away. We get up and slowly make our way through the forest, initiating small conversations here and there. I truly enjoy his company since it keeps me from dwelling with my head.

"Izuku?" He suddenly asks. I look at him waiting for him to continue. "Would you be willing to patrol with me occasionally? I usually go in the morning, but I understand if you are occupied." He slowly looks away from me as we continue to walk. Is he being shy or is he hiding a blush?

"I wouldn't mind. My pack isn't really a pack anymore with how few we are, so patrolling a bigger group would actually be nice." I hope my honesty doesn't sound weird. Guarding my pack will be painful as it continually reminds me of the missing wolf, but being able to protect a larger group feels like it will help ease the pain.

Shoto smiles at me before turning his gaze forward. I watch as he casually shows confidence. How does he do it, staying so stoic in almost every situation? Could it be his alpha that rules over his emotions or is he good at hiding the ones he doesn’t like?

"So, how long have you been a Superior Alpha?" I ask, realizing I don't know anything about him. I have given him so much information about myself freely, I think it's my turn to ask the questions.

"I'm 27 and I took leadership after my father died 4 years ago." He states with a monotone voice.

"I'm for your loss." I say quietly, some of the darkness becoming more prevalent around me as I start to dwell.

"Don't be." He says with a wave of his hand. "My father was a bastard. He wasn't soft when it came to punishments, nor did he try to know his family or show us any affection that an alpha should have towards his pups."

I frown, how could a parent abuse their child? And I thought my childhood was rough with not knowing my father and my mother dying...

"My father married my mother for powerful offspring. He was also a dominant Alpha and forced my mother into mating with him." His tone has turned sharp as he continues to divulges. "My father wasn't satisfied with his first 3 children. Mating them off as soon as possible and sending them to live with their mates. Me on the other hand was his pride and- I would say joy, but I doubt he knew what that word meant."

I nod not knowing what to say. This is a lot for him to share. He is telling me deep things that I am sure his pack tries to hide from outsiders.

"Anyway, I was happy when he died. I was finally freed from his grip and able to live by my own regards." He finishes, looking up at the sky. He has a gentle smile on his face as it looks like he is reliving a memory.

"What about your mother?" I can't help but ask, is she still alive? He didn't mentioned what has happened to her.

"She is here, in the village." he says with a small smile. "She stays in her own home and continues the duties of the Superior Mate since I am not mated. The abuse from my father caused damage in a lot of ways. Though since my father's death she seems to have become healthier and more of her own person again."

Our conversation drifts into silence, but not an awkward silence. It seemed that each other's presence was enough for the moment. It's nice to have someone that is fine with just being close without any pressure to entertain one another.
The sun is starting to set, and I don't think we are even half way back to the village. I look towards the mountains to gauge our location but am not able to get a good guess.

"We should probably stop for the night." Shoto says as he stops walking.

"We could always run back, shouldn't we get there after dark in wolf form?" I ask not wanting to be a hindrance.

He shakes his head while turning to me. "You just ended your heat, so your energy is low. We should take it easy until we can get a proper meal for you."
I can't help but agree. Only having water and berries isn't enough to satisfy my hunger or bring any source of energy.

I can hear a river nearby and direct my path toward it. I haven't bathed in so long, and with my heat over I want to get clean. Shoto follows me until we are at the edge of the water.
The water isn't moving too fast where we are at, so if we stay by the edge we should be fine. I take a few steps in and already feel my body temperature drop. Why is water always so cold?

I take a deep breath and decide to just submerge myself quickly and hope for the best. I make my way to a spot that comes up to my hips then crouch down while holding my nose. The cold water squeezes the air out of my lungs and I end up gasping dramatically when I resurface.

I can't control the shivering my body does as I turn to Shoto. "You coming in?" He shakes his head with an amused look on his face. "Common the water feels great." I say while my teeth chatter.

"I'm sure it does." He chuckles and sits down on a rock. I frown as I watch him. When he said he would give me space, I didn't want this much.

While my hand is under the water I activate my quirk, make sure my aim is perfect before flicking my finger. A huge amount of water shoots out of the river and completely soaks the alpha. I can't contain my laugh as he looks at me, his hair falling into his face with eyes wide in shock. With a huff he charges at me quickly. I let out a squeal as I try to get away, but my short legs don't get me far.

I feel a hand on my shoulder as it pushes me forward, submerging me. I jump back out and quickly splash more water with my quirk at the bicolored alpha.
What I wasn't expecting was for him to grab me by the waist and throw me into the air. I stayed in the air a bit too long for comfort before cannonballing. I break the water with a laugh, that was so exhilarating.

I see Shoto smiling at me as he makes his way toward the shore. I smirk as I run towards him, using my quirk to help with the water resistance, and jump onto his back.
He stumbles forward but doesn't fall. His hands grabbing under my thighs to hold me up. "Come on Izuku. Lets get out before we freeze."

I huff at his comment and rest my head on his shoulder. "You're no fun." I whine. I hear a light laugh in response.

"I can always throw you back in." he teases. I shake my head as I nuzzle into his warm neck. His scent fills my nose and I can't help but sigh with satisfaction.

Shoto made a fire for us while I gathered some berries. It wasn't a lot, but enough to keep the hunger at bay. As the sky darkened and the temperature dropped we shifted into our wolf forms to keep warm.

The fire stayed going for a few hours, but as it went out I couldn't help but cuddle up to Shoto. He didn't seem to mind and even wrapped his tail on top of mine while tilting his head so he was circling around my small form. His warm side surrounded me and kept a constant temperature, it was nice. The warmth he provided helped me drift off so sleep.