Chapter Text
When the barbarian heir arrived at Prince Shouto’s castle for their wedding day, he was elated. They had agreed to marry without ever meeting, and he was excited to see the prince’s beauty for himself. Shouto smiled shyly at him as they went through the necessary motions, their marriage ceremony being witnessed by the public as they made their vows.
Shouto was certainly beautiful. There was one problem, though: he did not smell enticing to Katsuki at all. In fact, he reeked. Weren’t alphas supposed to smell good? Why was it taking him so long to get used to Shouto’s scent? This didn’t coincide at all to what Katsuki had been told. He’d been led to believe that alphas and omegas would be instantly attracted to each other’s scent, and that it would stir the most erotic feelings in the world. As he wrinkled his nose, he couldn't help but feel a little bit betrayed.
Eventually, when all was said and done, it was time to retire to Shouto’s room and consummate the marriage. Katsuki had been dreading this moment, when he would be alone with Shotuo and enveloped by that scent which was becoming more off-putting by the minute. He didn’t know if he could go through with it and actually let the prince knot him- not with his stomach turning the way it was.
Shouto looked equally apprehensive, and they stared at each other in silence, neither of them wanting to be the first to speak. Finally Shouto cleared his throat.
“Um.. Katsuki? There’s no easy way to say this, but I don’t like your scent.”
“Oh, thank the gods!” said Katsuki, the relief evident in his voice. “I was worried I was the only one. I don’t like yours either.”
“I don’t think we’re compatible,” said Shouto. “I’ve heard of this happening. We should have made sure before agreeing to the marriage. It’s just that this is so rare, that an alpha and omega don’t enjoy each other’s scents.”
“So what the fuck are we supposed to do about it?” Katuski demanded.
Annulling the marriage was not an option. They had married in order to unite their two kingdoms, and neither of them wanted to undo that- especially not for something as trivial as a scent.
“How should I know?” Shouto snapped back. “I’ve never done any of this before! You were supposed to be my first!”
They were both starting to get riled up when there was a soft knock on the door.
“Come in,” Shouto called out, and a servant entered the room with a tray of food and some tea.
Katsuki breathed in deeply, catching the scent of pine needles and fresh rain. He sighed in contentment. It had certainly taken long enough, but it seemed his body had adjusted to Shouto’s scent and he was now perceiving it correctly. It must have just been nerves before. Stress could do funny things to someone’s senses.
He noticed that Shouto was looking over at him, obvious desire on his face, so maybe he was adjusting as well. Things were not going to be so bad after all. Now if only the servant would leave…
“Thank you, Izuku,” Shouto said quietly. “I’ll call for you if we need anything else.”
The servant nodded and exited the room, leaving Katsuki and Shouto alone. Shouto approached, wrapping his arms around Katsuki from behind and nuzzling his neck. Katsuki sighed and relaxed into the alpha’s arms- until he noticed Shouto’s scent had turned sour again.
“Ugh, get off of me,” he said, pushing Shouto away. “You stink!”
“Gladly,” said Shouto, sounding disappointed as he let go. “As if you’re any better!”
“Why is your scent changing so much?” Katsuki asked, holding one hand over his nose. “It was almost desirable, and then it changed back. This makes no fucking sense!”
“My scent didn’t change!” Shouto said defensively. “Yours is the one that changed! For just a moment you smelled so good, and now it’s back to the way it was!”
“Gods, this is awful!” Katsuki groaned, sitting down at the small table and pouring himself some tea.
Shouto sat across from him and he poured a second cup.
“Maybe we just don’t tell anyone,” Shouto said thoughtfully. “There’s no reason for anyone to find out.”
“And when they notice we’re not sharing a bed? What then?” Katsuki demanded. “Because I’m not sharing a room with your smelly ass. And what about later, when there’s no pup? People are going to know something’s not right.”
“I don’t suppose you have a better idea?” Shouto asked sullenly.
“How the hell should I know? Look, just say you’re unwell. At least that will give us time to think.”
“Why me? Why can’t we say you’re unwell?” asked Shouto.
“Fine, whatever,” Katsuki grumbled, picking at his food. The alpha across from him smelled so bad he really didn’t have any appetite.
They spent the rest of the meal in silence until they both gave up on trying to eat. Katsuki felt like he was going to throw up if he didn’t get out of here soon and all he wanted was to lie down. He shoved his plate away and rested his head in his hands. At this point he wouldn’t have to make something up, because he actually was unwell. They just couldn’t let anyone find out why without putting their marriage at risk. Shouto rang for his servant.
“Izuku, Katsuki needs to go and lie down,” said Shotuo as the young man entered. “Can you please take him to one of the guest rooms?”
Izuku was a small thing, with freckles and green hair, though Katsuki got the impression he was older than he looked. Eager to get away from Shouto, Katsuki stood up- only for Shotuo’s scent to change again. This time it was not only pleasant, it was downright delicious and made Katsuki’s mouth water. He turned and made eye contact with Shouto, sharing a moment of unspoken desire.
“On second thought, I think I’m okay,” said Katsuki.
He took a step closer to Shouto.
“Never mind. That will be all, Izuku,” Shouto said, barely even looking at the boy as he stood, entranced by the scent in the air.
“Very well, sir,” said Izuku, picking up the empty plates. “Let me just bring you a pitcher of water and then I’ll let you have your privacy.”
As soon as Izuku left, Shouto’s scent turned acrid again.
“It’s him,” said Katsuki, realizing what was happening. “That amazing scent is somehow coming from him.”
“But he’s a beta!” Shouto exclaimed. “That shouldn’t be possible! I’ve never noticed a scent on him before.”
“Well then there’s something about his body chemistry that works with your scent,” said Katsuki, thinking it was the only explanation.
“But that doesn’t explain why you smell better when he’s around!” Shouto pointed out.
They debated back and forth until Izuku returned with the water pitcher, and just as Katsuki suspected, the room was filled with that wonderful scent all over again.
“Hmm. You may be onto something with your theory,” Shouto said thoughtfully. “It solves one problem, but creates another.”
“And that is?” Katuski wondered.
“He’ll need to be in the room with us while I knot you.”
Izuku squeaked and nearly dropped the water pitcher.