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Soft cottons. Sleek satins. No corduroy because Hizashi hated this fabric, and no leather because as much as Hizashi lived in leather, it made for shit nesting material. Thick fleece blankets, absolutely yes. A variety between pastels and bright oranges, reds and greens.
He picked up another pillow, fire hydrant red with lime green stars on it, squishing it between his hands to check the density and softness. Good. He nodded to himself and put it into the overflowing cart, his tail wagging with satisfaction.
He was at a nesting materials store. For the past couple days, his alpha instincts were screaming at him to make a new, better nest for his mate. At first Shouta tried to resist it; their nest was perfectly fine, built together over the years. Sure, they modified it from time to time, or replaced the items that got worn out but otherwise, the nest was solid, sturdy but soft, drenched in their smell, and, the most important, theirs. There was absolutely no reason for Shouta to give in to his hind brain's desire to throw everything away and replace it with scent-neutral materials. Sure, the fabric at nesting materials stores was designed to soak up the scents but it would still take time.
He really, really tried to ignore it but this week he was barely able to see Hizashi due to a consulting work he was doing as a favour to Tsukauchi. Hizashi would come back even later than Shouta, going to bed long after he fell asleep, take a 3 hour power nap, because it couldn't count as actual sleep, and then get up over an hour earlier before Shouta to get ready. Their only time together was at the car during ride to school and during lunch. He missed him so badly and the urge to make something nice for his mate was growing stronger with each day. He wanted to cuddle with Hizashi in their new nest, Hizashi purring with happiness and pride at being provided for, and drench him in his scent.
So here he was, on a Friday afternoon, buying enough materials for an entirely new nest while Hizashi was at the radio station for his show.
Getting back was an entire ordeal. Sure, he could've hailed a cab but he thought he could do this, so here he was, no less than five huge bags filled to the brim with pillows and blankets, squeezed into a train during rush hours. He sighed. It was so dumb of him. He peeked at the map hanging above the seats; at least six more stops and half an hour. Half an hour in heat, because it was July and the AC inside the carriage was broken, half an hour of annoyed looks thrown his way for taking up so much space. Resigned, he pushed through the crowd at the next stop and left the station to do what he should've done from the very beginning.
Called a taxi.
The driver was throwing him knowing looks in the rear window, probably assuming Shouta was making a nest for a new mate. Which couldn't be further from truth. They'd mated over eight years years ago, married for three and it wouldn't be changing until they died of old age, if Shouta had his way.
He started bouncing his legs the closer their got to their apartment complex, anticipation growing inside him. He couldn't wait to scent every item and make a new nest. He hoped Hizashi liked it, he wanted his husband to be as excited as he were feeling.
His tail was hitting the doorframe while he inserted the key, bags hanging from his arms. He dropped them in the genkan to quickly take off his shoes and rip off the scent patch before grabbing them again and hurrying to the bedroom.
The sun was still high enough to bathe the room in bright light. Shouta put the bags down at the end of the bed and looked at their current nest with calculating gaze, considering how he should disassemble it with least amount of effort. He started with the tugging the blankets from under the pillows and put them on the floor to use as makeshift holding space for the pillows. Disassembling was an easy task when done methodically, and he was done in no time. He put all the old stuff in the corner, promising himself he'd put them into washer later.
Now he could do what he'd been itching for entire week. He took out all the items out of the bags, laid them on the floor and started carefully choosing them one after another, meticulously scenting everything and putting it here and there, seeing where they fit best. It was a long process, his hindbrain screaming at him to make the nest comfortable, welcoming and, above else, secure for his mate. He kept rubbing the fabric against his cheeks and neck scent glands, drenching it in his scent; carefully kneaded everything as he put it in the designated place. A couple of times, he had to switch one pillow with another, the colours and fabrics clashing in a way that made his skin crawl.
At some point, his radio turned on automatically, the click signalling Hizashi would go on air in a moment. He spent the rest of the nestbuilding listening to his husband's voice and he felt giddy with excitement when he thought about Hizashi's reaction.
He finished around 4 AM, right as Hizashi was starting the last segment for the night. It usually took him around an hour to get home, which meant he would be home in about two hours. Shouta really wanted to wait for Hizashi but he couldn't lie, the excitement of the day and then almost eight hours of working on the nest exhausted him more than he wanted to admit. He could just take a short nap... right?
Shouta should've known that it wouldn't be just a short nap when he was this exhausted. When he opened his eyes again, the sun was already high on the horizon and his phone confirmed it was already past 10AM. Grunting, he turned over and fear started crawling up his throat when he realised Hizashi's side of the bed seemed to be unused entirely.
He grabbed his phone again but aside from Hizashi's message right after the broadcast ended that he was on his way home, there was nothing.
With heart beating hard against his ribcage, he vaulted out of the bed and threw the bedroom door open. He tried to keep his nerves under control, not panic at the absence of his husband. There were no emergency calls from Hizashi, nothing from the hospital. Of course it didn't account for possibility of Hizashi being jumped in a dark alley and left to bleed out, or a car crash so bad they couldn't identify...
Clinking from the kitchen brought him to reality. Balling his hands up, he walked there as calmy as possible, so he was short of running there. The relief flooded through him when he saw blonde hair in a messy bun. Hizashi was at the stove, seemingly not hurt in any place, making breakfast.
Why hadn't he come to the nest? He always came, even if Shouta was already asleep, just so they could have those couple precious moments together, even if they were unconscious.
"Hey, Zashi," he said with a smile before registering Hizashi's posture and scent.
He was stiff, his shoulders up to his floppy ears, tail swishing angrily, and his scent was tinged with anger.
"What happened?" He asked, coming up to his mate, reaching out to pull him into his arms and freezing when Hizashi moved away from him.
"The nest," Hizashi said, his voice dripping with annoyance. "Why have you remade it without asking me?"
Oh...
Shouta's alpha started howling, rejection hitting it hard.
"I..."
Hizashi turned to him, his eyes angry. "We always make those decisions together. It's our nest." He poked Shouta in the chest with greasy spatula. "The fuck, Shouta!"
"I'm sorry, Zashi, I..." Shouta started, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply.
Then, another scent hit him, besides rotten peaches.
There was a tinge of milk in Hizashi's scent.
Shouta's eyes flew open, and he stared at Hizashi. Was it... was it possible? Was Hizashi...
Pregnant?
That would make sense. That would explain Shouta's sudden urge to make a new, better nest for his mate. They hadn't spent time together this week without scent patches but Shouta's alpha probably picked up on the milkiness of Hizashi's scent at night, while Shouta was deep asleep, triggering his reaction. Why Hizashi hadn't told him yet? Maybe he wanted to surprise Shouta?
"Well?" Hizashi growled, still waiting for an answer.
Right. This meant he had to deal with a very angry pregnant omega who just had their nest overhauled completely without prior warning.
"I'm sorry, Songbird," Shouta murmured, raising his hands placatingly. "This entire week my hindbrain was screaming at me to make a new nest for some reason, and on Friday it got so overwhelming, I gave in to the urge. I wanted to wait for you to show it to you. I can't imagine how upsetting it was to get back home after entire week and find it like this. I'm sorry."
Hizashi pouted and turned back to the stove, the fish slightly charred.
"Your alpha is dumb," he announced, flipping the fish over.
"No, it's yours," Shouta retorted immediately and Hizashi couldn't help the faint blush on his freckled cheeks.
"You have no idea how pissed I got when I saw you in the new nest that smelled nothing like me," Hizashi admitted, turning off the stove and reaching for the rice maker to scoop rice into the bowls.
"I know, Sunshine. I'm sorry."
Hizashi looked at him from the corner of his eye. "It smells nothing like me," he repeated petulantly. "We'll have to fix that. Immediately."
Shouta grinned. He liked the sound of that.
𐔌՞. .՞𐦯
Anticipation was buzzing under Shouta's skin. After an extremely productive afternoon of re-scenting their new nest, that Hizashi came to accept, Shouta was waiting for Hizashi to surprise him with the news any moment now. Shouta could only hope his Resting Bitch Face - or RBF, as Hizashi abbreviated it the second week of knowing each other - wouldn't betray him and reveal the fact he already knew about the pregnancy. The day passed, though, and so did Sunday, and Hizashi hadn't sat him down to break the news so they could celebrate. On Sunday night, Shouta went to bed with a frown but he told himself that Hizashi was just waiting for a perfect moment.
Shouta wasn't expecting Hizashi would tell him during the week since they wouldn't have time to properly... celebrate the news. He decided he wouldn't be wasting time, though, and started reading up on early pregnancy symptoms, ready to elevate any discomfort his partner was feeling. Reading about caffeine made him concerned until he read that a bit is fine. Hizashi, contrary to popular belief, barely drank any coffee because it put his ADHD ass to sleep almost immediately and the amount he did drink should be within acceptable limits. Good, because Shouta wasn't about to fight pregnant omega going feral over the lack of small amount caffeine he did drink.
He might not drink it too much but the coffee he did drink was cherished as a precious treat.
Okay, so next were fatigue, morning sickness, headaches, cramping, and cravings, along with mood swings. Shouta made a mental note of all this, looked up ways to combat morning sickness, and then...
Settled in for the wait. The weekend really couldn't come faster. By Friday, he could barely contain a grin, just thinking about Hizashi announcing they're expecting a pup during weekend. Maybe he bought tiny shoes to surprise Shouta? He really needed to make sure his poker face was perfect so he wouldn't spoil the moment. He also had to make sure his behaviour was in check, which was extremely difficult when all he wanted to do was scent Hizashi at all times, the need growing more when Hizashi's scent became more and more milky. Combined with his natural scent of peaches and cream... he smelled absolutely delicious.
Saturday passed as they did the chores and went grocery shopping. Hizashi announced he was too tired to cook and demanded they order a takeout, making Shouta hide behind a pillow to cover the smile blooming on his face. This was definitely the moment. He also definitely noticed Hizashi getting more tired this week than usual, so he decided to make sure his love got plenty of rest and relaxed whenever possible.
Except after finishing their udon, Hizashi neatly put the boxes in a stack and into the paper bag they arrived in, and then simply cuddled up to Shouta, his head on Shouta's shoulder, and continued watching the movie that was playing.
The disappointment started creeping up but Shouta quickly squashed it down. There was certainly a reason why his omega was keeping the pregnancy the secret. Maybe he asked Nemuri for help with the reveal? He lifted his hand to start playing with Hizashi's floppy ear and preened when Hizashi started purring at the affection, rumbling deep in his chest in return. He was going to be patient.
He managed to wait till Thursday, the anticipation and worry in his heart making for a confusing mix. Was there something wrong? Was that why Hizashi was keeping the pregnancy secret? He decided to broach the topic as delicately as possible.
"Any interesting news going around?" He asked with as much disinterest as he could muster, poking at the rice in the katsu curry they had for dinner that night.
Hizashi looked up at him, confusion clear on his face. Then, he grinned, so warm and happy, Shouta almost fell to his knees and asked him to marry him all over again.
"Oh Shou-chan," Hizashi said teasingly, "are you, after all these years, admitting you actually enjoy gossip? Well then!"
Shouta sat there, dumbfounded, as Hizashi launched into in-depth TED talk about the most recent drama in hero world. Something about Endeavor? And apparently Best Jeanist and Edgeshot were spotted together and now everyone was shipping them What's shipping?
This was not what Shouta wanted to hear about, damnit! Damn his beautiful and brilliant husband, he was really testing him.
The next attempt Shouta made the following Tuesday. They were sitting at their kotatsu doing paperwork. The kotatsu was turned off and the comforter was hidden in the closet because it was August now and they were not insane, even if Shouta usually ran a bit cold.
"You sure there's nothing you wanna tell me?" He asked casually as he signed another police report. He hadn't even raised his head, striving for nonchalant.
Hizashi frowned, tip of his pen still in his mouth.
"Not really?" He took out the pen and scratched his temple with it. "There's a party at Nemuri's on Saturday but you know about it."
Shouta sighed and pouted, making Hizashi laugh.
Yes, he did know about the party. It still wasn't the news he was hoping for! He was going borderline insane, he wanted to share the happiness with his husband, wanted to dote on him! Why was Hizashi being so difficult?! His scent was almost entirely milk by now and his hindbrain was screaming at Shouta to take care of their pregnant omega but he wanted to respect Hizashi's decision!
The following morning he woke up to the sound of retching in the toiler and he jumped out of the bed at lightning speed. He was by Hizashi's side within seconds. His lovely husband was slumped over the toilet, heaving. He was all sweaty and strands of blond hair were clinking to his face. Shouta took a hand towel and wetted it with cold water before kneeling by Hizashi and wiping his face. Hi gathered his hair out of the face and started rubbing circles on his upper back. Hizashi purred weakly at the treatment.
Ok. Morning sickness started, Shouta had already bought the ginger candies so hopefully that would help.
"Better?" He asked quietly after a couple minutes and Hizashi nodded.
"Yeah, sorry. No idea where it came from," Hizashi mumbled, standing up and going to the sink to rinse his mouth and splash his face with cold water. "Woke up with nausea but I haven't eaten anything weird yesterday."
Despite how sorry Shouta felt for him, he barely could contain a smirk. Now that the symptoms were appearing, Hizashi would definitely tell him in no time.
When Hizashi scrunched his nose at the breakfast and declared he was still too sick to eat, Shouta grabbed crackers from the cupboard and the ginger candies. He handed them to Hizashi with a shrug and 'eh, thought it'd be good to have them at hand'. Hizashi only raised his eyebrow but munched on both without any complaints.
That evening, Shouta prepared Hizashi a bubble bath. He'd noticed Hizashi was getting tired more easily throughout the week, yawning and lifting his sunglasses to rub at his eyes. Of course he waved the concerns off, plastering a patented Present Mic smile, but Shouta wouldn't budge. He gently tugged him to the bathroom after work, helped him undress and pressed against the sink to kiss him down his throat, softly asking to just slow down and relax...
Enough to say Hizashi turned into putty at the affection and took a long bath, slipping down enough that ends of his floppy ears were floating in the water. He closed his eyes in bliss, and Shouta put on his chilling mix playlist and turned off the light to let his mate rest.
On Thursday, Shouta found Hizashi in their nest, making biscuits and rearranging some pillows, his face scrunched in concentration. It brought smile to Shouta's face, seeing Hizashi gave in to his instincts. Once they were settled, Hizashi rarely nested, unless he was close to heat but the hormones were clearly starting to drive him. It was obvious even at work. They usually made sure to remain professional during school hours, even if Hizashi was always jovially tactile with him, and nobody was surprised when they seen him in Shouta's personal space, or with an arm over his shoulders. Throughout this week, Hizashi unconsciously started scenting Shouta, rubbing their wrists together, even if the scent glads there were also covered in patches, and he was seeking Shouta's presence even more, dropping during every break. He even made Shouta cuddle him during one lunch break, and Shouta was too weak to refuse.
Friday was busy, of course, because after work Hizashi had patrol and then went straight to radio station.
Sitting in their nest, cuddling with their cats, and listening to Hizashi's voice, Shouta felt desperate need to be near his mate. The urge was growing stronger each day that passed, making Shouta feel uncomfortable when they parted ways for classes. He was well aware his husband was a fantastic hero capable of taking care of himself but his instincts demanded he were near to ensure the safety of him and their pup. Shouta successfully managed to squash that urge so far.
Saturday was slow, with Hizashi mostly focusing on getting ready for Nemuri's party. They picked out their clothes, Shouta quickly did his bathroom routine and then Hizashi occupied the bathroom for a good moment since he decided to get a full hair-and-face routine to look his absolutely stunning. It wasn't unnecessary, in Shouta's humble opinion, because he was convinced Hizashi looked absolutely stunning at any given moment.
Shouta put on his black dress shirt and fitted jeans, as usual. Hizashi, on the other hand, decided on a gorgeous deep plunge lace blouse, with sleeves fitting tightly over his muscular arms and showing off his delicious chest. Shouta had to fight the urge to just lean down and nibble on his collarbone, making sure everybody knew Hizashi was his, as if the proudly display mating bite wasn't sufficient.
He paired it with outrageously slimfaux leather leggings. They looked painted on his long legs and Shouta really, really wished they could stay home so he could rip the leggings off Hizashi but they promised Nemuri they'd come and Hizashi hated bailing at last minute.
The party wasn't as bad as he feared. It was fun, actually, to catch up with some of the underground heroes. He had to make sure to dodge Joke, who was still adamant on marrying him. Him. A gay man, happily married to the love of his life. He almost spilled their secret, wanted to tell her they were expecting, pride and happiness nearly bursting at the seams. It was too early to reveal it though, they hadn't past first trimester yet, and he was sure Hizashi would like to make the announcement more elaborate. So he kept shut about it, avoided her, and talked with Tensei. He had to admit he missed their weekly Thursday hangouts, the four of them, but Tensei was busy in Hosu and couldn't make it every week.
Despite the casual chaos of the party, he made sure to always be nearby Hizashi in case his husband started to get sick or too tired.
Hizashi wasn't drinking, of course, telling everyone that he was feeling a little nauseous, which was a good excuse. Shouta's alpha was preening how smart his omega was.
It was a couple hours into the party, Hizashi's energy significantly lower than usual but he was still upbeat and smiling, clearly having fun. Shouta would love to suggest they should be getting back but he didn't want to spoil Hizashi's mood, so he just kept a close eye on him. Although he was getting tired, so he decided to get back to Hizashi for some cuddles and scenting, even if they their scent patches on.
His tail started wagging as he approached Hizashi and Hakamada; they were currently discussing merits of leather vs jeans, from what Shouta could garner. Before he could reach them, Nemuri popped out of nowhere, thrusting a glass into Hizashi's hand.
"Come on, babe!" She said with a grin. "You can't stay sober at my party! This has ginger, so should be fine!"
Hizashi laughed and Shouta was waiting for him to set the glass aside, continue with the lie. To his utter terror and complete shock, Hizashi lifted the drink to his lips and Shouta's instinct went haywire, his tail swishing back and forth in agitation. He quickly came up to them and tugged Hizashi's sleeve before he could drink.
Hizashi immediately turned to him, eyes crinkling and smile softening into something more private. Shouta's heart stuttered in his chest; he'd never get used to the adoration in Hizashi's gaze.
He lifted his hands to sign Tired. Home?
Hizashi nodded and leaned in to nuzzle their cheeks.
"That's it, folks!" He said turning back to Hakamada and Nemuri. "My big, strong alpha needs some cuddles in the nest, and who am I to deny him?"
Nemuri snickered, Hakamada nodded, and Hizashi leaned into Shouta's side.
"Lead the way, Kitten," he murmured, soft and quiet, for Shouta's ears only.
They got back home and Shouta got his promised cuddles.
Hizashi was laying on his chest, their feet tangled together. Shouta couldn't sleep, going through the past couple of weeks and the party. Was... was it possible... that Hizashi didn't know he was pregnant? Was it possible? Omegas and alphas usually only smelled they scent faintly. Perhaps Hizashi hadn't picked up on the milky tones of his own scent? Shouta smiled to himself. Seems like he was the one to break the news to Hizashi.
He woke up early next morning, carefully untangling himself from Hizashi's limbs, which was difficult when he was clinging to Shouta like a koala. He managed the feat without waking him up and quietly dressed up. He sent Hizashi quick text that his mum needed some help, in case Hizashi woke up before he got back, and left the flat to go to the mall, where he knew baby store was.
Stepping into the store, he was filled with exhilaration. Soon enough, he'd be here with Hizashi, they'd be browsing and picking stuff necessary to welcome their pup; he was certain Hizashi would create an entire mood board with his vision and wouldn't rest until everything was perfect. They had an unused office space that could easily be turned into nursery, and Shouta already started making mental note of what would be needed to paint it.
The section with shoes for newborns was vast. The array of colours and patterns was assaulting his tired eyes but it didn't stop his tail from wagging in excitement.
And then... he saw it. The perfect pair.
Bright yellow, as if it were painted with sun rays. He took them gently of the shelf and inspected closer, his mind immediately running to his mate, his very own sunshine personified. Yeah, those would be perfect.
He set the pair aside, grabbed the boxed ones and quickly went to the register. Afterwards he made a quick stop at the pharmacy to buy a couple pregnancy tests, and arts and crafts store to buy a gift box. He had enough time to stop at Hizashi's favourite pastry shop as well, where he bought pistachio raspberry sweet bun.
When he got home, he heard shower running which meant he had little time to set everything up. He put the shoes and the pregnancy tests in the box which he put on the kotatsu, and hid the bun in the kitchen for the time being. By the time Hizashi left the bathroom, Shouta was sitting on their couch, almost jittery with anticipation.
"Hey, Kitten," Hizashi said softly as he came into the living, and kissed Shouta on the top of his head. "I have some nasty bug, I still feel sick," he complained as he plopped down next to Shouta, oblivious to the gift on the table. "How's your mum?"
Shouta smiled gently. "Actually... that was an excuse. I, um... have a gift for you." He gestured towards the box.
Hizashi frowned and then raised his eyebrows when he spotted the gift. He threw Shouta questioning look but reached out for it, gently taking it into his hands and lifting the lid.
His confusion grew even more apparent. "Uh..." He tilted his head. "What's that?"
"Well..."
"Is that a hint you want to try again?" Hizashi grinned wickedly, making Shouta flush as he remembered how wild Hizashi's last heat got.
"Sunshine..." he cupped Hizashi's cheek, his thumb brushing his freckled cheek. "I think you're already pregnant." He could barely contain his excitement, his fingers trembling.
He knew. He was absolutely certain of it.
Hizashi frowned again. "No, I'm not? I think I'd know," he said, clearly miffed at Shouta's implications that he missed something.
Shouta hummed. "Ok. Prove me wrong there."
Hizashi stood up, his ears and tail fluffed up in annoyance and he stomped towards the bathroom, all three pregnancy tests clutched in his hand.
It took ten agonising minutes for Hizashi to emerge, a mix of elation and disbelief on his beautiful face, his tail swishing back and forth and ears lifted into an airplane position, signifying his happiness.
"Sh-Shou-" he stammered and came up on wobbly legs to the couch, falling into Shouta's open arms.
"And?" Shouta asked teasingly, putting his arms around his waist to drag Hizashi into his lap, and Hizashi weakly swatted at his shoulder.
"Kiss me, you asshole!" He said, his voice shaking. Shouta obliged, gently taking Hizashi's chin between his hands and placing a soft kiss on his quivering lips.
Their scents became more potent, filling every corner and crevice of their living room as they cuddled and scented each other like crazy, to the point Hizashi had a slight burn marks from Shouta's stubble.
They laughed and giggled, purred and rumbled, a symphony that heralded a new chapter in their lives.