Chapter Text
The new owner of the Daybreak Milking Farm was doing the best that he could. Midoriya Izuku wasn't expecting his mother's sudden death, nor that she left her cow hybrids farm to him through testament. His friends and mentors advised him it wasn't worth resigning from the police to take care of a poor, failed family business. Nonetheless, Izuku knew his knees would never be the same as before the torture he endured in the last mission to catch a criminal. He wasn't as fast and effective in field missions anymore, and he had enough of traumatic experiences. He longed for something peaceful to his mind and kind to his soul. His mother's heritage seemed a great opportunity for a brand-new beginning.
He expected to be little, but Inko never asked him for financial help, so he just wasn't aware of how terrible the situation on the farm was.
Daybreak has only three cow hybrids. Himiko, Ochako and Y/N, as Mrs. Midoriya named. They have human upper bodies, but cow ears, below her waists were covered in fur in a black and white pattern, a thin tail above the butt, and a pair of hooves sustaining their frames. Himiko was energetic, rebellious and aggressive — she would give the others headbutts and yank their tails. Ochako was sweet, obedient and sacrificial. Her walk was fluid and delicate, as if floating. She would follow Izuku around, and he quickly became very attached to her. Y/N was a whole problem by herself. Unlike the other two, who were adorably curvy and had big breasts, she was short and skinny. Quiet, she ran from interaction and was usually found hiding.
They weren't producing any milk. According to Inko’s registers, none of them had calves in a long time. There weren't any breeding bulls on the farm. Apparently the last one — "Eijiro” the registers called — was sold to save the farm. It hurt Izuku to think his mom made such a decision when she could have asked him for help.
For months, Midoriya would rely on his economies and unemployment insurance. With his apartment in the city sold, he made the necessary reforms and separated some money to buy a fertile bull hybrid. It was a Sunday morning when he left the farm to do so, and the cows were anxious. It was raining, so the three were together in the stall.
— Owner-sama is taking so long… — Sighted Ochako.
— Do you think the breeding bull will be rough and scary? — You asked.
— All males are scary. The only way to prevent that is to cut off their balls! — Himiko said, biting her teddy bear's crotch.
— What if he hurt us? — You continued. It was a reasonable concern; since you wouldn’t be able to tell the farmer. Hybrids could hear and understand human speech, but the same didn’t happen the other way around. The poor creatures had voices in a pitch human ears only recognized as whining and mooing.
— I’m sure owner-sama would notice if we were hurt. — Ochako said as she brushed her hair.
— Not if the bull locks us up and prevents Midoriya from entering the stalls until our healing. Bellowing and shaking his horns… — Himiko pondered, salivating on her own fantasy. — If you guys can’t stand the thought, you should run away.
— That’s not happening! — Said the infatuated one. — I trust our owner. Don’t you?
— Well…
They suddenly hear the farmer’s car and the stall grows silent for what it seemed like ages, and this was the moment you used to hide behind the straw. The door was abruptly opened. Izuku came in, soaking wet from the rain and holding tight to a rope. He had to pull hard to force the bull hybrid to follow. The male was tall, with blond, messy hair and red eyes filled with rage. His fur was dark brown, and he had long, sharp horns. A gold ring decorated his septum. He struggled in the ropes wrapping his neck and hands, his big hooves scraping the ground.
— Calm down! I don’t even know how you’re still awake when they sedated you… It’s okay, calm, like this, big boy. — Izuku released the bull and he snorted, threatening him before noticing the females. The two bigger ones stood up. — So, girls, this is Katsuki. He’s part of our family now! Katsuki, these are the girls; Ochako, Himiko and… Y/N is somewhere in here. I really hope you guys can get along.
Katsuki got closer to the cows, sniffing them. His face, carried with anger, didn’t soothe. He turned to Izuku and was about to shout when his legs became wobbly, his head dizzy. The next moment he just fell, but the farmer didn’t let him get to the ground.
— Damn… I told you this would happen… — Sighted Izuku, carrying his new protected one to a cubicle of his own, putting him to rest above the straw. Hearing Ochako’s mooing he turned to her, petting her back. His voice tone dropped, surrounded by care. — Oh, dear, everything’s going to be alright. He’s just scared, just like… Y/N, pretty much. But soon he’ll realize that here is safer than his last farm, and here he has an honorable and rather fun duty. We depend on him. Anyway! I got papers to sign and I, too, am tired. Soon I’ll be back to feed all of you. Treat our new friend kindly!
He left, closing the door behind him.
— You can get out now, Y/N! Katsuki is sleeping and owner-sama already left.
— He’s completely feral! — You showed yourself. — I knew it!
— You shouldn’t worry at all. — Said Himiko. — A breeding bull so big won’t even look at such a sick-looking cow like you, hiding or not.
Her words stroke your heart like arrows. Your ears lowered, eyes watering. Ochako gasped loudly.
— Himiko! Don’t speak at Y/N like that! She’s beautiful and very healthy. — She tried to touch your shoulder, but you walked into your cubicle and closed the gate.
You didn’t leave your place for the rest of the day. The farmer came back to serve lunch and refill the ration and water containers. He brushed Ochako and Himiko’s fur, cleaned the stall and bathed Katsuki while he was asleep. He only noticed at night, you weren’t only hiding from him, but not leaving your cubicle at all. Izuku then excused himself and entered to feed you dinner. You didn't fight; being tired and hungry. He sat on the ground beside your straw bed and gave you some spoons of ration and slices of bananas while humming a lullaby. After eating, he cleaned your face with a tissue and brushed your hair and fur. Then he placed you on his lap, making you drink water from a baby bottle.
It felt strange. Izuku usually has not enough time to give you such special treatment. You thought that kindness was only for Ochako. He was silent, but didn’t seem to be mad or bored. His face was sweet and relaxed. What was he thinking? Could he understand your heart?
— I hate to see you sad, Y/N. — His voice was a honeyed whisper. — That’s why I brought Katsuki here. He can make you feel loved in a way I can’t. He can make our family grow. This was supposed to be a happy day, but you’re so scared and sad. Please… Try to see, it’s alright. Things are changing for the better. I know he is… Difficult. But as soon as he gets used to this place, he’ll be a charming bull. I promise, whatever happens, I’ll keep you safe.
You finished the bottle, and he took away, now just caressing your head.
— He will never love me, owner. Himiko is right. I’m ugly and fearful. And how would you keep me safe from his rage?— Normally, you would never allow your thoughts to become vocal, but the farmer wouldn’t be able to understand anyway, so you let them be. It was good to vent.
— Wow, it’s so rare you talk to me. — Izuku showed a sad smile. — Your moo sound so heartbroken, dear Y/N. I’m so sorry. Just… Remember my promise. I never failed any other duty of mine, have I? Trust me. Allow yourself to have hope.
Izuku moved and placed you laying again. He covered you with a warm blanket and kissed you good night, leaving the stall.
You couldn’t sleep, however. Just waited to have sure the other cows were. So you left your room, appreciating how the moonlight illuminates the dark stall by the windows. Breathing in, you walked as slowly as possible — so your hooves don’t make too much noise — to Katsuki’s cubicle. Opened the door just as slowly and entered. You were not capable to see him with clarity when hiding, but now his features were evident. When sleeping, he didn’t seem to be… Evil. He looked cute and handsome, actually.
Maybe your owner was right. You could have some hope.
• • •
Katsuki was still sleeping when you woke up. You ate, relaxed by a tree, went to the river on the property to refresh and came back when Izuku called to brush your teeth. You noticed Himiko was tidied up; her hair had flowers in it, a red lace on her tail and a pearl collar on her neck.
— Do you like it, Y/N? — Asked Midoriya. — Himiko was doing her hair, so I figured she was dressing up for our bull and helped her. Ochako didn't want the same, though. Do you want?
You watched the evil grin form in Himiko's lips. She didn't have to say anything to make you feel bad. But she didn't have to know it hurt that badly. So you hop on Izuku's lap and smile as he braids your hair. He wrapped on your tail a pink silk scarf and a purple one. You denied collars, but accepted having your fur trimmed, even if it was embarrassing.
— Geez, it's so late already. Soon Tamaki-kun will be here to discuss breeding concerns. See you later, girls. — He pet your head and kiss Ochako's forehead before leaving.
— And I thought you knew better than humiliating yourself! All of this — Himiko pointed at you, laughing. — screams "trying too hard". But you just aren't cute, dear.
— You're tidied up too!
— Polishing something that already shines it's completely different than throwing glitter at garbage. — She growled, and you shrank, walking away.
Himiko was literally "something else". She proclaimed repeatedly she's half-breed. Inko once mentioned her cow hybrid mother, so you and Ochako just wondered what hybrid her father was. The way Himiko seemed feral and violent, Ochako said she was probably part wolf. You thought she was just part liar, part bitch. She's the oldest cow in the farm, however, and made sure you two knew she's the boss.
You were eating a carrot under a tree far from the stalls when Katsuki rose from it, dizzy and angry. Himiko approached him and you thought you should look away and give them privacy, but he left her talking alone. She didn't give up and followed him, but he pushed her by the forehead. The third time he screamed at her. When Ochako appeared to intervene, he shouted even more. From this far, you could only imagine what he was saying, but he seemed like a howling demon such was his fury.
Katsuki was outraged. That bloody Deku called him “breeding bull”? He wasn’t interested in such deplorable duty. On his last farm, he protected the cows from those damn monsters! Now he was supposed to become one of them, just because a failure of a farmer told so? When he finally had enough age to become the official eunuch bull! If that Deku didn’t buy him, he’ll be finally castrated by now. Then he would ease and protect the cows. His last farmer was an asshole and just fooled the ex-policeman. If he knew better, would notice a bull like him wasn’t the correct choice.
His hands began to hurt as a result of the time he was clenching his fists. Hours were spent just walking on the property, mapping the place. He took the fences down, pissed all over the car, and broke two windows of Midoriya’s house with his horns, making his unhappiness clear. Only seeing the mess he had made, he let himself laugh. Looking at the sun, marking four hours after lunch, he decided to nap. It was when he approached the big oak tree.
You quickly climb the tree, hoping he didn’t see your frame. Katsuki stretched and laid down. He seemed sad, you thought, moving so you could look better through the leaves. But that caused the branch you were on to crack.
— Who the fuck is here? — Alarmed, he stood and looked up. — Oh. You must be Y/N.
— Y-Yes. I’m sorry for disturbing you. — You managed to stutter, voice cracking.
— Great. So now cows hide from me. — He snorted. — Don’t worry. I’ll not be here for too long.
— What do you mean? — You got down, trembling at how he’s way taller.
— I don’t belong here, petite one.
— Things are changing, but for the better. — His scowl got worse and you added: — That’s what our owner said.
— Deku doesn’t know what he did. I’m not going to breed anyone!
— Himiko is so pretty. You’ll notice once you calm down. — He could choose not to breed you, but as soon as Himiko’s body recognizes the presence of a male, she’ll be in heat and all of his attitude would end, when he smells her pheromones. You knew that, but you could make him ever angrier if you said so.
— Oh yeah? She can fuck herself. — His tone and smile were cynic; your ears lowered.
— We… Need you.
Katsuki stared at you for a long moment, then approached. Your heart seem to pound even harder with each step he took. His hand reached for your hair, just caressing. Those red eyes and his hot breathing… Your legs failed you. The bull’s grip on your waist prevented you from falling.
— Do you see now? — The tone of his voice wasn’t angry anymore, but sad. — You girls do not need me. That’s what this cursed role brings; fear. You don’t need more fear.
— I’m not scared of… You. It’s just… — The words didn’t come.
— It’s your instincts trying to protect you. — He sighed, letting you go. — Times have changed and no cow has to suffer anymore. Humans have tools and knowledge; they can help you have calves without having to be with monst… I mean, bulls. You can be safe.
Before you could answer, the male left, heading to the stalls. You did not understand the things he said. Is he dangerous? Did he hurt someone in the past? Why he almost called himself a monster? Those thoughts spiraled in your head. You suddenly felt very ashamed of the braids and scarves.
On the stalls, Katsuki did his best to ignore a choleric Ochako, that watched the water container while he was drinking without any hurry. When she cleared her throat, however, his patience found it’s end.
— Okay, you little stupid pain in the butt, you got my attention.
— Destroying the farm and yelling away isn’t a good way of beginning to form bonds with your new family! — She said, crossing her arms, red in anger. — Owner-sama doesn’t have money to repair his house. Y/N and Himiko were so excited to spend time with you, that they even dressed up. And you didn’t even accept the chocolate I gave you. Can’t you see we’re trying?
— Look, I have to make Deku understand I’m not going to do what he wants me to! He’ll send me back. Or, at least, use me in another way.
— Oh. You were never a breeding bull before, is that it? You don’t need to be shy or scared. We can…
— I am neither shy nor scared. This just isn’t the type of bull I am! — He snorted, pounding the hoof on the ground. — Take a look at Y/N trembling in my presence and think again if it is what you need in your family.
— It’s not your fault. Y/N… She’s sensitive, tiny, and delicate. — She sat down on the straw, sighting. The male followed her action. — We’ve been through a lot, and she’s the one that felt the most…
"...Himiko was the first cow our last owner, Inko-sama, has bought. And Eijiro was the breeding bull. Eijiro was young, strong, full of energy and… Rough. Himiko never had any problem with that. But she used to stop feeding and caring for her calves. Eijiro and Inko-sama would take care of them, but they needed to be breastfed and loved. So they were sold to a farm that could provide that to them; in exchange for me and Y/N. Inko-sama expected us to have calves and produce milk too, and take care of Himiko's future calves. For some reason, time passed by and me and Y/N didn't go into heat. But we tried, you know?"
"Eijiro was sweet, and always stopped when asked to, but he didn't have a notion of his strength and was so fast and rough. We were trying, to become mommies, to help Inko-sama. So we avoided ask him to stop. It hurt and we… Still didn't get pregnant. We watched Himiko have what we wished for and neglect it — and she wouldn't let us take care of them either. Daybreak never was a rich farm, and when things got even harder, Inko-sama sold Eijiro and the calves. She was planning on buying another bull when she passed away. She thought maybe then me and Y/N would be able to go into heat."
"All this time, Himiko was making fun of us. Especially of Y/N, because she's so tiny. I try my best to make things better, but her words hurt me too. Y/N became very self-conscious thanks to her, and a scaredy-cat thanks to Eijiro. She's… We're just hurt. That's all."
— Don't you see? You just proved what I am saying! — Katsuki said loudly, but looking down. — Breeding bulls ain't worth shit. They're all rough, cruel, and with zero capacity of controlling themselves. Y/N is right in being afraid. That's because…! That's because I am not going to do this! I could plow the soil or work on transportation. Anything, anything but this shit Deku wants.
— But you can be different. — She steps closer. — Can’t you?
Katsuki breathed in to respond, but exhaled again in silence. His heart felt heavy.
— I can’t tarnish myself by accepting to become one of them.
• • •
Weeks passed by. Once more, Himiko went into heat while Ochako and Y/N remained in their frozen cycle. However, Katsuki still refused to accept his duty; his furious howls in the middle of the night when Himiko crept into his cubicle were audible to the whole farm. Izuku tried isolating the male with all three females in phases. He tried placing aphrodisiacs in the food. Tried a visit to Amajiki's farm, to see if another bull would arouse Katsuki more than cows; but he just fought them.
Izuku even let them enter his house — prepared his living room to accommodate them and showed dozens of movies portraying hybrids copulating. In this episode, Ochako was so embarrassed she ran upstairs, hiding in the farmer's closet. Himiko entered a trance, looking at the screen mindlessly, instinctively trapped in all fours position. Katsuki sat facing the wall, his back to the TV; arms crossed and completely red, while his ears flopped. Y/N watched him more than the movies. He was hard, and this gave her some relief — his body was healthy and functional after all. But that also made something in her ache. He was choosing not to be with them... Choosing not to be with her.
This situation couldn’t go on anymore. Midoriya knew this was delaying all his planning; he expected to be capable of selling milk in a few months, but at this rate, his money would be over before that. Worse: he probably was going into dept. He decided, before any drastic measures, that it was time to call a doctor. Ashido Mina was there before completing two business days to examine the hybrids. No one liked doctor visits, but Mina’s bubbly attitude was capable of maintaining the cows calm. To everyone’s surprise, even Katsuki behaved, even if his exam was the more invasive. He thought to himself that a doctor would recognize he’s not suitable for the role given to him.
When Mina and Izuku left the stalls, Ochako followed them to the farmer’s house. He could not say “no” to her. The humans sat at the dinner table to drink tea. To the spoiled cow, Izuku placed a pillow on the ground and handed her an apple.
— So, Ashido-san, what’s happening to them? Are they sick?
— The older cow and the bull are both in perfect health, and he is indeed attracted to females. — She declared. — This only leaves room for his behavior to be caused by internal causes, such as personality or a psychological issue. You recently bought him, right?
— It’s been seven weeks. I’ve treated him with so much care and patience, trying to make him comfortable. While I became attached to Kacchan, he still seems like he hates everyone and everything on this farm. — Midoriya sighed, stirring his cup. — I don’t understand. It usually doesn’t take that long, as far as I’m informed by what I heard and read.
— But his last farm is the one he was born, right?
— Yes, Iida-san stated that. He took pride in presenting the historic of what he fed Kacchan with… I didn’t change, by the way! So he eats what he’s used to.
— My guess is that your bull is experiencing separation depression. — Noticing her listener confused face, she proceeded. — He misses his mamma.
— Oh…! That… That makes sense. He’s quite young, doesn’t he?
— As much as you. Hybrids go by human years. — She shrugged her shoulders. — Anyway, only time and the love of his new partners will make him heal. You can help by painting the stall with the color of his mother’s eyes; I’ve seen that help a thousand times. Giving him a little bit of chocolate, too. And, there’s no way out, you got to be patient.
— I want to, it’s just… Things are hard. Financially.
— Have you considered renting a breeding bull? Or asking for one to a friend?
— Tamaki-kun, my neighbor, offered. But I know hybrids attach to their mates. I don’t want to make my cows more traumatized. They already lost one partner and their last owner.
— Speaking of that; give your bull a few more months, if he doesn’t get better, this probably mean he was incestuous. As you said, they don’t like trading mates. If his mom became his mate, there’s no way back, and you should return him to the old farm and get your money back.
— Oh, no! I hope that’s not the case… I already love Kacchan.
— Yeah… About the girls, when you spoke about their fertility issue I was sure they were just going into silent heat, when they don’t show signs, but actually are in heat. But, no. They’re not. Yet, they’re healthy. — She sipped her tea. — Heats can be suppressed by stress, though. Are there any predators close to the farm, or a guard dog?
— There aren’t. But the tiny one, my Y/N, is indeed always scared. I just don’t know why.
— You have to find out and deal with it. But meanwhile, tea, soft music and warm baths can help.
— I’ve been trying all of that! And security objects, too, all of them have plushies. I also painted the stalls baby blue and bought a king-size Montessori bed for them with wool blankets; but they still prefer sleeping on their cubicles, on the straw. Only Himiko uses the bed, but not always. I’ve even tried to send Ochako and Y/N to Tamaki-kun’s farm for some days to see if they would be fine, and indeed they showed some signs of heat, but when we brought them back, it was gone. So Tamaki-kun and I thought we just messed up the signs and saw what we wanted to see. — He cupped his face on his hands. — I don’t know what to do anymore, doctor.
— Wait, this happaned when only the younger two went to another farm? — Her amber eyes got wide open, mouth agape. He nodded. — I think I know what’s happening. Have you ever heard of the wolf hierarchy?
— Alpha, betas, and omega? This stuff?
— Precisely. Normally, only the alpha male and the alpha female mate; for the alpha female is so territorial and scary the other females don’t even go into heat, because of fear. This behavior, in cow hybrids… Wow! — She crossed her legs, laughing in shock. — Hybrids are novelties, we just consider their animal part and human part… But they do have this kind of surprises, huh?
— That… Is a possibility. I mean, Himiko is kinda aggressive. We have to test that to make sure.
— Oh, yes, don’t do anything in haste. Do you have any more concerns?
— Oh, well… Y-You see… — Izuku’s eyes landed on Ochako. She mooed, getting closer, burying her face in the side of his tight, rubbing her nose there. He petted her. — Ochako, she… An… She likes me. A lot.
— Yeah? — Mina said, confused.
— She doesn’t show much interest in Kacchan, the bull. But when close to me, she’s touchy, flops her years, shakes her hips and makes this… Noises. Multiple times I thought she was in heat and brought her to Kacchan, but then she stops. One Sunday, I was so tired I slept during the afternoon. My windows are broken, so she took off the plastic wrap and jumped in. She slept b-by my side a-and when I wo-woke up… — Both he and Ochako were burning red. She tried to bellow to make him stop, but he thought it was a request and took her to his lap. Her embarrassment got to a level she just couldn’t do anything. — …My sheets had a s-stain below her, and I e-examined, and it was l-lubrication.
Mina laughed.
— Midoriya-san! You don’t need to worry about this! It isn’t any different from a dog humping legs! She’s suppressed, and you’re not being guarded by the older cow (Himiko, is that it?), unlike your Kacchan. — She drank tea, spilling some because of her laugh.
— O-Oh! So it’s normal after all. — He smiled at the cow. — I thought I made something to let her confused or even sick.
— You should take care for you not to be confused. — She regained seriousness. — Again, hybrids are new, and I know their human appearance can deceive; but they’re primarily animals. She can not consent, Midoriya-san.
— I-I well k-know that! — He almost yelled, scandalized.
— No one died of bringing true to remembrance. — She got up, getting her briefcase. — I got to go take these samples to the laboratory. In a few days, you can check the vitamin and fertility results.
— Oh! Let me accompany you until the gates…
Ochako stayed there, thinking. Thinking about all those theories, about her feelings towards her owner, about her people being considered “primarily animals” and about what was going to happen next, now Midoriya was armed with knowledge.