To Kill For Love

Chapter Twenty

Every night was a different nightmare. Being ripped away from his mates. The sexual assault. The abuse. The mind games. Every single time he closed his eyes, he saw it again. And it did not get better over the three days he spent in the hospital. No, it got worse. Not only did it take a toll on him, but it affected Izuku and Shouto too. They woke up to his screams. They shot each other looks of pure helplessness and despair every time he pushed them away because he could not stand hands on him. Izuku had to leave after Katsuki slapped him. In Katsuki's defense, he thought he was someone else. Despite profusely apologizing, he saw the sadness in those emerald eyes. Shouto left every time Katsuki rose his voice. He later confessed why to Izuku, close enough for the omega to overhear: Katsuki reminded him of his mother before she snapped.

His own parents visited. Apparently, they had been notified of his kidnapping, his rescue, and his room in the hospital. Shouto and Izuku left him alone with them. He confessed his worries to his parents, who each assured him he was not to blame. Was he not? Was it not his fault they felt like they did? Yet no matter how much he argued, his mother never once raised her voice. She listened, she talked him through meltdowns, and she hugged him whenever he desired. His father remained mostly silent, but he occasionally offered some scenting or affections like hugs and cuddles. Things Katsuki had not received from them since he declared himself an adult at thirteen.

The doctor let him go home three days after his admittance. Being back in Shouto's car felt amazing. Despite being abandoned for over two weeks, it still smelled like them. Made him crave the smell of their room back in the mansion. Surprisingly, nobody gathered around to greet him. Maybe they figured he needed space. Maybe Izuku or Shouto told them so. He was not mad, but he did miss the people he had gotten to know. Especially Kirishima Eijirou. He actually liked Eijirou.

His eyes fell on the nest in the closet of their room. Something primal called to him, and he found himself destroying it. Neither of his mates stopped him. They put away what little they had and only called to him if necessary. The nest in the safehouse did nothing to protect him. Therefore, why would this one?

"Katsuki?" Shouto called after a while. He peeked his head into the closet where Katsuki sat on the floor, staring at the door. "Katsuki, how are you feeling?"

How was he feeling? "I don't know." He mumbled. He reached out his hands, so Shouto picked him up effortlessly.

"Do you want some curry?" Izuku inquired with a small smile. "Doctor said no spicy foods until you're back to eating regularly."

"As long as it's heated." Katsuki agreed. He wondered if he would ever be able to taste cold food again. Not ones meant to be hot, at least.

He spent some time cuddling Shouto, who massaged his scalp and rubbed his back quietly. He had almost fallen asleep when Izuku returned with his meal. Just curry and a glass of milk. The idea of drinking water put him off. After he ate and drank, Shouto offered to take him down to see everyone. He agreed rather easily, surprising even himself.

"Hey, man!" Eijirou greeted him. Being wrapped in his arms for a moment felt nice, and Katsuki found himself staying nearby after he received greetings from the others.

No one mentioned what happened, and he was more than thankful.

He met Eri, Kouta, Katsuma, and Mahoro. The group had apparently helped in his rescue. They were nice kids.

"Bakugou." Ochako called as she approached him for the second time. "How are you doing?"

Katsuki swallowed. He knew this would be asked. "I'm still not sure." He answered honestly. His eyes momentarily focused on both his mates, each of whom seemed a little more at ease than they had since rescuing him. Maybe being home would help. "I feel like I'm hurting them."