PART 4 - FRESH

ABO TodoBaku A!Shoto O!Katsuki College/Frat Party AU (Featuring Stalker Ex!Izuku)

For anyone who missed it, Part 1 can be found on Ao3 (link in profile) or here: https://twitter.com/j_sorrie/status/1218622377854001152

Shoto was slow to wake the following morning. It took him a minute to realize he wasn't home.

The sweet scent of omega was sewn into the sheets, a bed was far more comfortable than his own: eyes still closed, the feel of his surroundings gently reminded him of what had transpired the night before.

Finally, after weeks of playing hard to get, Katsuki had opened up to him. Or had he? In retrospect it was difficult to believe Katsuki let him fuck.

Perhaps it had all been a dream. Shoto didn’t remember drinking much. Even so, it wouldn’t have been the first time he had gotten too drunk to remember shit.

Then again, what other reason was there to wake up in Katsuki’s bed? And where was his shirt? No. What happened between them was definitely real.

To his disappointment, when he finally opened his eyes, Katsuki was nowhere to be found. However, sounds from the kitchen and the scent of bacon wafting through the house soon accounted for the omega’s absence.

As his senses slowly came back to him, a smile found its way onto Shoto's face. He wasn’t quite sure how he had gotten into Katsuki’s good graces, but wasn’t about to question it. He just had to keep from fucking it up.

While Shoto collected the motivation to pull himself up out of bed, he scanned over Katsuki's bedroom decor. Much like the rest of his Katsuki’s place, the omega's bedroom was tidy and cute.

Typical of a college student, there was a desk in the corner right next to a bookcase packed with textbooks. There were a few personal touches: a poster here and there and a potted plant next to a window.

Soon the alpha sat upright and began to stretch out his arms. In search of a clock, he looked to the nightstand, only to find a framed graduation picture.

What a difference a few years could make. The Katsuki in the picture looked like he was being swallowed up by his cap and gown. While he still had baby fat in his cheeks, the omega’s face had matured since high school.

Nestled in between people Shoto could only presume were his parents, Katsuki was clearly irritated in the photo. Completely ignoring Katsuki’s surly disposition, his parents were beaming with pride, smiling big for the camera.

Shoto couldn’t imagine keeping a photo of his parents so close to where he fucked, but then again, he wasn’t an omega. Plus, he didn’t exactly have the best relationship with his parents.

It was weird to him, but at the same time Shoto found the sentimental touch endearing. Try as he might, Katsuki was incapable of concealing his softer side. To keep their photo so close, the omega must have missed his parents quite a bit.

As he studied the picture, Shoto thought to himself. How the hell had he bagged such a wholesome omega? On all counts, Katsuki was too good for him.

The alpha was well aware of how his lifestyle was perceived by others. Hell, in the past he had revelled in it.

To bring shame to his father was one of his greatest guilty pleasures. On many occasions, the older alpha had warned him that his behavior would eventually catch up to him. Had that day finally come?

While for a short amount of time Shoto was confident that he could play the straight laced suitor, if Katsuki’s parents were anything like the omega, it wouldn’t take long for them to see right through his bullshit. Without a doubt, earning their respect would not be easy.

As Shoto stood upright, he rolled his eyes, irritated by his train of thought. Was that what he was aiming for now? The approval of Katsuki’s parents? Good god, he was getting ahead of himself.

Yeah sure, if he wanted to date Katsuki in earnest, meeting his family came with the territory. Even so, any sort of development was miles away. In addition, if Katsuki and Shoto were truly meant to be together, the omega would have to lower his standards.

Shoto couldn't see himself as anything but the embarrassing, borderline alcoholic boyfriend. At age twenty-one the alpha wasn't about to make any serious change to his lifestyle for anyone but himself.

On his way to the kitchen, Shoto swiped his shirt off the living room floor. He didn’t miss a step as he pulled it over his head. When Shoto first entered the kitchen, Katsuki looked up from the stove. However, oddly, the instant their eyes met, the omega was quick to look away.

The omega didn’t say a word as he busied himself. He appeared flustered under Shoto’s watch. Cheeks burning red, the clank of pots of pans became more frequent as the omega moved about in the kitchen.

While Shoto waited at the table for breakfast, he mirrored Katsuki’s quiet mood. Though he knew watching would only embarrass the omega further, acknowledging his state had far worse consequences.

Soon Katsuki placed a plate in front of Shoto and took the seat opposite of him at the table.

For the first time since they met, the silence between them was uncomfortable. Still refusing to look Shoto in the eyes, Katsuki nervously pulled up on his sweater, as if to be sure his hickeys were concealed.

Katsuki’s unease was disappointing, but all the same Shoto couldn’t take it personally.

He already knew the omega had hang ups about sex. In all likelihood, Katsuki was embarrassed about what had happened between them. It would likely take some time for him to process their encounter. So in the mean time, Shoto’s best bet was to not push it.

Plus, If the alpha read between the lines, there was plenty to reassure him of Katsuki’s interest. Although the omega had changed into new clothes for the day, he was still coated in Shoto's scent. That alone told him everything he needed to know about Katsuki’s feelings for him.

After breakfast, Katsuki walked Shoto to the door. While Shoto tied up his shoes, the omega fiddled with the sleeve of his sweatshirt.

Sensing Katsuki’s need to communicate, Shoto stood upright, facing the omega. Patiently, the alpha waited for Katsuki to overcome his hesitance.

In so many ways the omega was larger than life. He had a big personality and an attitude to match. And yet, squirming under Shoto’s gaze, so vulnerable and shy, in that moment Shoto thought Katsuki looked so small.

The omega kept his gaze low as he spoke up. “I'm going to be out of class next week. Could I borrow your notes when I get back?”

“Of course.” Shoto replied.

“Don't you dare give me that chicken scratch bullshit.” Katsuki grumbled.

With a smile, Shoto gave a nod. “I’ll do my best.”

As if he were offended by Shoto's words, in response Katsuki scoffed. “Don’t say shit you don’t mean."

Folding his arms over his chest, Katsuki shuffled from heel to heel. “Just don’t screw this up for me, okay?”

Without so much as a goodbye, Katsuki closed the door right after Shoto stepped through the threshold.

Shoto tried his best not to be bogged down by the awkward exchange. And yet, His intentions failed to make their way to his heart. His weekend was spent in a fog wondering if there was anything he could have done differently.

((in case anyone missed it, @K1NG_D1O sketched out a few scenes from this fic. I'm so in love! Thank you again. I can't even begin to explain how much I appreciate the gesture. You are beyond generous and kind! https://twitter.com/K1NG_D1O/status/1277284133681500167 ))

With a point to prove, on Monday Shoto came to class prepared.

He wasn't particularly bothered by Katsuki's comments about his note taking. Admittedly, his handwriting could have been better. Rather, it was the principle of it all.

In Katsuki's eye's Shoto was a lazy piece of shit. Although that assessment was mostly true, Shoto liked to think he had put some effort into his interactions with the omega.

Katsuki's request as an opportunity to show the omega different side to himself. When the occasion arose, he could fire on all cylinders.

And so, for the duration of the week, Shoto went all out. For Katsuki’s sake, no stone was left unturned. The alpha had handouts printed out ahead of time, took pictures of the board, and even went to office hours to ask for clarification.

If there was one thing Shoto took away from the experience, it was that being engaged in class made the time go by quicker.

As it turned out, dicking around and watching the clock made the minutes stretch. Who would have thought? Shoto ended up applying the same practice to his other classes to help pass the time.

The following Saturday Shoto got a late night text from Katsuki asking him to bring the notes over. Without hesitation, the alpha slipped on some shoes and took off.

Most likely Katsuki would nitpick his work, but the alpha hoped it would be enough to show that he was serious. After a brisk walk over to Katsuki’s building, Shoto took the stairs up to the omega’s apartment two at a time.

When Shoto first rang the doorbell, there was no response. After a moment had passed, he shot Katsuki a text and rang it again. From inside the apartment he heard Katsuki scream, “Hold your fucking horses, god damnit!”

There a sequence of heavy footsteps, then the door was unlocked and opened.

At first glimpse, Shoto’s jaw dropped. What the hell was Katsuki doing answering the door with no pants on? Yeah, the hem of his oversized sleeping shirt hit mid thigh, but still. What the fuck?

Shoto made a quick scan of his surroundings to ensure no one was around. He then positioned himself in front of Katsuki so that no one on the street could get a low vantage point peak.

Clearly Katsuki was still under the influence of his cycle. The scent radiating off of the omega was overwhelming. It had the hairs on the back of Shoto’s neck standing on end and his dick standing at attention.

The longer Shoto stood in Katsuki’s presence, the more tense he became. It was as if something inside him was coiling back, preparing to spring into action.

“Hey.” Shoto awkwardly greeted the omega.

As if to torture him further, Katsuki tilted his head to the side. There was a droplet of sweat on his brow barely holding on. God damn, what Shoto wouldn’t have done to lick it right off.

“Notes?”

Shoto held the papers out at an arms distance for the omega to retrieve.

Katsuki leaned against the doorway as he thumbed through the pages. A hint of a smile graced his lips. “Not bad. I'll get them back to you soon.”

“Don't bother.” Shoto held up a hand and shook his head. “I already made a photocopy. See you around.”

Katsuki frowned. "What's the rush?"

While gratifying to finally have Katsuki’s approval, the moment was dampened by the omega’s state. Under the influence of the omega’s thick, delicious scent, Shoto couldn’t trust his resolve or sense of decency.

His best option was to leave before he ended up fucking up a good thing.

On some counts, Shoto was a scumbag, but not that kind of scumbag. The alpha took a step back and doubled down. “Sorry Katsuki, but I really should be on my way.”

The instant he turned away, there was a tug on his sleeve. Face scrunched up, Katsuki looked like he was about to burst into tears.

"No.” Sweet and low in tone, the omega uttered, “Stay with me alpha.”

Shoto's mind went blank.

“Uh…” The alpha had no fucking clue how to act. God damn it, Katsuki was making it so difficult for him to do the right thing.

Fortunately, before Shoto was tempted further, the omega managed to snap out of it.

“Son of a bitch!” Jumping backwards, Katsuki’s eyes were as wide as saucers. “God damn fucking hormones!”

In a quick explosion of movement, Shoto's notes were flung into the air and Katsuki had disappeared behind a slammed door.

For a moment, Shoto remained stationary. His brain was slow to process Katsuki’s abrupt change in disposition. Once he came to, the alpha adjusted his pants and then proceeded to quietly collect the scattered papers. Setting them beside the door, Shoto set off towards home.

No longer brimming with excitement, the walk back home was tedious and drab. Shoto didn't know what to make of their exchange. It could have meant Katsuki felt the instinctual pull of their bond or the very opposite.

It was possible Shoto had gotten ahead of himself. While Katsuki wasn't the sort of person to fuck without feelings, perhaps he had done so under the influence of his cycle. The possibility pained him, but there was a chance Katsuki thought of him as just another alpha.

With a heavy heart, the alpha let out a deep sigh. The only thing Shoto knew for sure was that all of the push and pull was messing with his head.

For the duration of his walk Shoto was bogged down by his thoughts. So much so that he didn't give much attention to the ghost in pursuit.

During the weekend Shoto’s texts went unanswered. His next interaction with Katsuki was the following Monday during lecture.

From the beginning of class, Shoto could tell Katsuki’s energy was off. When he sat in the adjacent desk, the omega didn’t so much as look in his direction. Shoulders up to his ears, Katsuki’s scent was packed full of hostility.

Whenever there was a break in instruction, Shoto would attempt to speak to Katsuki. However, to his dismay, Katsuki was ice cold. Any comment made to the omega was brushed off.

Not one to be dissuaded by Katsuki’s moods, the alpha continued to pester him. Although Shoto came to class prepared, he still asked Katsuki for a pencil. Instead of asking the teacher to clarify parts of the lecture, he turned to the omega for input.

The alpha truly believed that if he behaved normally, Katsuki’s funk would sort itself out.

Eventually the omega hit his limit.

Katsuki sunk into his seat and folded his arms over his chest. Cursing loudly under his breath, the omega's face was sour like a lemon. Although by Katsuki standards, the reaction was muted, the expletives caught the attention of everyone, even the instructor.

Shoto took the hint and backed off.

At the end of the section Shoto made one final effort to speak with him; however, the instant their class was excused, Katsuki darted for the door.

Katsuki’s icy treatment went on for a few days until the alpha eventually gave up. While his texts were left on read, the message was loud and clear: Shoto’s attention was a nuisance.

The ordeal left the alpha distraught and confused. Where it stood, he was at a loss for how to appropriately respond.

If the alpha was made aware of his wrongdoings, he would have made an effort to rectify his mistake. Hell, at that point, Shoto was prepared to apologize for just about anything.

Regardless, no matter the reason, Katsuki was entitled to Shoto’s respect. If the omega wasn't feeling him, that was it. Rejection was a hard pill to swallow, but all the same, Katsuki didn't owe him anything.

When the time came for the pair to give their presentation, although awkward, each person came prepared. While it could be said that their delivery lacked the finesse a final run through would have provided, in the end their teacher was impressed.

With a near perfect score, the two produced the best work of their class.

In an effort to respect Katsuki's boundaries, Shoto began to sit towards the back of class. It wasn't easy losing what little contact he had with the omega, but it had to be done. Anything that could be considered overbearing had to be cut out from his conduct.

Shoto tried to stop himself from needlessly staring at the back of Katsuki's head, but in the end it was futile. He played the part of the lovesick puppy oh so well.

Even at a distance, Shoto could still pick out the omega’s scent. It like was a carrot dangling in front of his face: tantalizing and unavoidable, but ultimately out of his reach.

In his spare time the alpha often found himself daydreaming, reliving the handful of instances in which Katsuki had opened up to him. Shoto still believed in their bond. What existed between them had been so natural and perfect.

Without Katsuki, Shoto wasn’t sure if he would ever feel right again.

Although Shoto did what he could to minimize his presence in Katsuki’s life, the omega was still visibly bothered by his proximity.

Clearly Katsuki struggled in his own way. Whenever Shoto would participate in class discussion, he would catch Katsuki discretely peeking backwards. Inevitably there was a hint of sadness to the omega’s expression.

Shoto understood Katsuki’s longing, perhaps because he too felt it. Even so, whenever the two made eye contact, Katsuki was quick to turn away.

Knowing Katsuki possesed lingering attachment towards hurt Shoto like a knife twisting in his gut. But what could he do? Unless Katsuki made the first move, he was downstream without a paddle.