Notes:

***I'm loving all the support, everyone! This genre isn't my normal type, but I'm enjoying it! Please enjoy this next chapter!

***Warnings: Language, dialogue-heavy, mention of knotting and bonding

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

Izuku barely said a word to anyone other than Kiriko as they're transported in a steel vehicle for almost two days. In that time, Izuku denied any treatment offered to him for his illness but would accept the treatment for Kiriko. When Izuku asked the guards where they are going, no one would answer. The vehicle made frequent stops to drop off other prisoners, and Izuku contemplated if he should attempt to break free while the door was open. Two issues present themselves, though. One, Izuku cannot go up against armed riflemen and two, he doubts he can keep Kiriko alive without support. At least the boy is fed, and the illness is more-or-less gone.

Izuku's chest hurts more than it ever has, but he doesn't know if it's from the illness or his depression over Kacchan's death. After he seen Kacchan's lifeless body, he cried endlessly even as the guards ushered him away. His eyes still sting from the tears along with whatever sickness plagued him. All that matters is Kiriko's good health. Izuku will do fine.

When he feels the vehicle come to a stop, Izuku looks to the sliding door, waiting for it to open. He took notice of the small number of prisoners in the area with him. There are only five including him. Are they at the end of their prison trip? Izuku holds Kiriko close as the lock jiggles and unlatches, sliding open to let the light flood in. Izuku turns his head from the light, as does Kiriko. The floor shifts as the guards enter, their boots stomping towards him. Kiriko clutches Izuku's clothes and whimpers.

"Alright, Greenie," mocks a guard. "Time to go."

Izuku stands up and follows the guard without a struggle. He jumps down from the vehicle and immediately takes in his surroundings. The air is fresh and clean, the same as the streets. Izuku can't believe it; he's in the Great City! But why did they bring him here of all places? He's a criminal. Unless they plan to use him for breeding. If he didn't have Kiriko, Izuku would have killed himself to escape that kind of life.

"You're lucky, Green Bean," says the same guard who ushered him off the vehicle. "Living in the Todoroki mansion is more a dream come true than any of you rabble could even imagine."

'The Todoroki mansion?' Izuku lets his eyes travel up, up, and up to take in the sight of the humongous house. His jaw drops open, and Kiriko takes the opportunity to stick his hand in Izuku's mouth for fun. 'What am I doing at this big place?'

Two new guards dressed in red coats and black pants come out from the mansion main door and open the barred gates. Izuku is shoved through by the first guard and then escorted inside by the other two. Izuku holds Kiriko close as he enters the mansion and looks around at the sheer beauty of the home. Everything shines with a light that gives no light. Izuku feels like he's in a magical world of glowing concrete. Even Kiriko becomes aware of the vast difference in the environment, looking all around with awe and gurgling.

The guards lead him to a pair of large doors. They open one and tell Izuku to go inside. Hesitating a moment, Izuku takes a deep breath and enters the room. The door slams behind him, making him jump. He's in a living area, or perhaps an office. Or both. Kiriko squirms a little, and Izuku rubs the boys' back.

"Welcome to my home, Izuku,"

Izuku follows the sound of his name, and he's shocked to see Shouto coming into the room from another doorway.

"Shouto?" It's the City Guard from the other day!

"You must be surprised to see me," Shouto says. He knows what questions Izuku probably has, and Shouto practiced the right words to say. "I heard that a secret base was found, and it was raided. I put in a word to the City Guards that, if they come across an omega with green hair and freckles, that they are to bring him safely to me."

Izuku stares at Shouto for a moment, confused, trying to understand the man's words. He had only met this alpha once, on the street, while begging for milk. "I thought you were a City Guard,"

"I am," Shouto answers. "But I am a City Guard Patrol Leader, too. I give orders, but I also take orders. I have to admit; I'm glad they found you."

"But...why me?" Izuku asks, adjusting Kiriko's weight in his arms.

"I just felt something for you after our meeting on the street," Shouto says. "I saw an omega bearer struggling to feed his hungry child, and to be honest; I did not think the Village people cared so much for their young. You surprised me."

"Is that one of the images you have of those outside the wall?" Izuku asks.

"You are the first person I've seen in those streets with any kind of redeeming quality."

Izuku shakes his head. "I can't say I understand why I'm here?"

"I spared you and Kiriko the life of a prison slave and breeder," Shouto tells him. "You are now under my protection, living under my roof as a personal servant."

"A servant?" Izuku repeats. "So, I'm to do things like housework and cooking?"

Shouto nods. "And anything else I request of you."

"Oh," Izuku knows what that means. For an omega, a sentence like that means only one thing; sex. "What about Kiriko?"

"You will have to work with him," Shouto says. "The maids use a special sling seat that lets them carry the children on their backs. You will have a stable food source. Two meals a day, and Kiriko can have milk and healthier food. The servants have quarters in the basement of the house. You will have a real bed with blankets and a pillow. Why are you staring at me like that?" Shouto sees a dumbfounded look on Izuku's face.

"…lying," Izuku whispers. "You have to be lying. "

"No, I'm not lying,"

"Why would you offer all this to me? "

"Why are you looking a gift horse in the mouth? "

Izuku lowers his eyes. "You're a City Guard…and now I find that you live in a huge place like this. Omegas in the Great City are only wanted for one thing …"

Shouto tilts his head. "I already told you that you are not a breeder, "

"But I'm not safe here,"

"You're not safe beyond the walls, either."

"Yes, but at least I was free,"

Shouto pauses, clenching his fist on the top of his desk. "So, you'd rather not be here? You'd rather be in prison with your son?"

Izuku blinks away tears. Kiriko reaches his hand up to pat at the tears away. " No…I just…this has to be a dream,"

"It's not a dream."

"But what do you want from me?" Izuku asks him. " You want just to help me?"

Shouto clears his throat. "I suppose I understand why you are hesitant. But, if you really wish to be away from here and back outside the walls, then I will release you there."

Izuku looks into Kiriko's big red eyes and pink, healthy cheeks. Life back on the streets beyond the wall will not end well for himself or his son. Kiriko is all that's left of Kacchan, and if Izuku wants to keep seeing Kacchan, he needs to look at their son. He holds Kiriko at arm's length to look at the child, who, not sitting against Izuku's chest, starts to pout with a grumpy face. Izuku smiles and begins to cry. That is the same face Kacchan made when he was little! Izuku can't make Kiriko live on the streets and suffer like he had to- running, hiding, starving and fighting almost every day. Sometimes he would lay awake as a boy and wonder if he will see tomorrow, or if tomorrow will be his last day. He doesn't want those thoughts for Kiriko. Izuku pulls the boy back to his chest and Kiriko gives him a pinch as punishment. He has to swallow his pride for the sake of Kiriko.

"Well? What ' s your answer, Izuku?"

"We'll stay, Shouto," Izuku smiles at Shouto with fresh tears in his eyes. "This is…this is a dream come true for Kiriko! "

Shouto walks up to him and places a hand on his shoulder. "And for you as well,"

Izuku nods, using his free hand to wipe his tears away. "I wish Kacchan was here. I would talk him into staying with us, and we would have been a real family!"

Shouto pulls his hand away as if he burned. He forgot about Bakugo. "So, this boy is Bakugo's son? You told me the father was an alpha drifter."

Izuku gasps. "I…I did! He is! I -"

Shouto holds up his hand to stop him. "It's alright. Anyone can see that is Katsuki Bakugo's child. You had good reason to hide the identity of Kiriko's father. Kiriko should be safe now after Bakugo's …passing." He remembers sticking the sword through Bakugo's heart.

"I can't talk or think about him without crying,"

"Well…what's done is done. We can only move forward. You need medical care. I gave the guards instructions to see that you receive it."

"I wanted it only for Kiriko," Izuku tells him. "But now that things are different…I will see a doctor if you're offering?"

"Yes. I want you to see our family doctor," he looks at the state of Izuku's body, hair, and clothes. "You need to be washed, as well. You can use my bathroom."

Izuku's eyes widen. He can't remember the last time he had a shower, much less a bath! Is this really happening? Kiriko suddenly pinches him, and Izuku confirms that he is not dreaming. He happily follows Shouto to the bathroom, which is the smallest room he's seen so far but no less grand. The tub is large, probably able to fit more than two people. Izuku watches as Shouto turns on the water and begins to fill the tub for him. Shouto instructs him to undress, and Izuku does so with no shame. Living in the slums and in the base, there is no privacy. He removes Kiriko's long t-shirt and rag diaper, then steps over to the tub. Kiriko sees the bubbles and instantly reaches for them, whining and whimpering.

"Do you…need me to hold him while you get in?" Shouto asks, trying not to stare at Izuku's naked body, which suffers from illness and malnutrition. He can see the hint of Izuku's ribs, and Kiriko's as well.

"Oh no, that's okay," Izuku says with a laugh. "Kiriko doesn't let anyone but me hold him. He might as well be sewn to my side." Izuku carefully steps into the tub and sits beneath the warm water, letting out a deep, contented sigh. Kiriko sits in Izuku's lap and splashes at the bubbles, playing with them, and giggling. The water is so crisp and clean; clear of any dirt. Although now, with him and Kiriko in the tub, the dirt is coming off them and darkening the water.

"Here, use this sponge," Shouto offers it to Izuku.

Shouto stands back and watches as Izuku first cleans Kiriko, washing the light blonde hair and clearing off the dirt. Shouto's mother would sometimes bathe him, but she would end up called away and replaced with a nanny. As time went on, she began to distance herself from him; scared of him, and he was only a little boy. His father hated coddling and shows of affection. Shouto remembers her only hugging him in secret, always watching over her shoulder in case his father comes. Kiriko is showered in love and hugs from Izuku and is Izuku's top priority.

It's Izuku's turn to wash himself, and Shouto watches the sponge glide along Izuku's skin. As the dirt washes away, pale skin is revealed. He takes a subtle step closer, noting the faint freckles that also dot Izuku's shoulders. Izuku's shoulders shake as he coughs. Shouto needs to get him to the doctor or have the doctor come to them. Shouto isn't quite ready to let his father know that he has brought in an omega Villager to be a personal servant as well as a potential mate. Alphas and omegas are different from humans when it comes to emotions and desires. When an alpha sets their sight on an omega that sparks a feeling of longing within them, they want to possess that omega. It's not the same feeling as 'love' like humans have because love develops over time, not with one look. It's different for their kind. Shouto saw Izuku, and he wants the omega for himself. But Shouto carries the pure bloodline that comes with the Todoroki name and to mate under status is unheard of and taboo. If Enji Todoroki doesn't share information about his mother, then Shouto will do what he wants.

"Wait here. I'm going to place an order for food, for you and Kiriko."

Izuku's face light up despite the red lines and black bags under those green eyes. "Food? W-What kind of food?"

"We have more than the people beyond the wall, but even we do not have mountains of food. I'll have a large bowl of cabbage stew and bread brought up, along with a few bottles of milk for Kiriko." Shouto had to turn away and leave the bathroom quickly when Izuku began to cry tears of joy once again. It ached at him to see someone so excited over a simple pleasure that he has taken for granted.

After Shouto orders the food, he helps Izuku and Kiriko out of the tub and even dries them off. He steals glances at Izuku's face, noting the little hints of blush on the omega's cheeks. Izuku is not used to such treatment, Shouto assumes, and he doesn't mind doing it for Izuku. Alphas naturally want to care and protect omegas, and in turn, omegas care for their alphas and raise their offspring. How his alpha father treated his omega mother is the opposite of nature. Then again, their marriage was arranged. Still, that doesn't give his father any excuse to behave and act the way he did towards her.

Shouto gave Izuku servants clothing, which consists of brown slacks, black long-sleeve top, and brown shoes. For the children of servants, their dress is the same save for the top is white, not black. Kiriko gave Izuku a hard time about putting on the pants, kicking and whining while twisting his little face in a grumpy expression of displeasure. Izuku laughs and tells Shouto that Kiriko has only ever worn a long shirt and a rag diaper, so the boy's not used to pants. The shirt is long enough to cover Kiriko's lower half and the clean cloth diaper. Izuku tells Shouto that he hopes Kiriko will like pants when he gets older.

The food arrives, and the servants looked surprised to see Izuku in the room with Shouto. Shouto told them to leave it alone, that it's none of their business, and that Izuku is now part of the staff and they should befriend him later. The servants apologize and hurry out of the room. Shouto's already eaten and waves Izuku over to the table where the tray of stew and two bottles rest. He can see the reflection of the stew in Izuku's moist green eyes as the omega sits down at the table, his mouth watering at the sight of food. Kiriko reaches for the bottles, and Izuku, the ever dutiful parent, begins to feed Kiriko first.

"How did you get his name?" Shouto asks, trying to make conversation. "Is it special?"

"Yes. The first part of his name is in memory of our dear friend, Kirishima, who is no longer with us," his previous cheerful features fade into a sorrowful frown. "At least Kacchan will have the company with Kirishima in the next life..."

"Oh. Sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories,"

Izuku shakes his head. "It's alright. You didn't know. And the last part of his name is for my mother, Inko, who has also passed on. It's just…me and Kiriko now. And All Might. All Might is always with us."

Shouto sits opposite of Izuku at the table as the omega takes the second bottle. Shouto can hear Izuku's stomach growling. "All Might? Oh, right, the Symbol of Peace. While it doesn't bother me, you should keep your beliefs of All Might to yourself while living here."

"I don't need to be open about my belief and love for All Might to believe," Izuku says with the smile returning to his face. "All Might gives me the strength to keep going, even when I think I'm ready to give up. He's a great hero. A smiling hero. And His strength lives in all of us!"

"Right,"

Izuku looks up from Kiriko. " I forgot the people of the Great City don't believe,"

"It's not that I deny All Might's existence," Shouto says. "But I don't think he is a god. He was the light in a time of great darkness, and people like to hold on to that hope and remember him. He was just a man who did great deeds. But it makes no difference to me," Shouto glances to the window, seeing dark storm clouds coming their way. " My mother prayed to anyone…and no one answered her."

"Your mother?"

"Never mind. I'm just rambling. Please, eat. I know you're starving."

Izuku nods while burping Kiriko. "Thank you so much for all you've done for us, Shouto," he says. "I only wish Kacchan was here with us."

Shouto clenches his fist. "I know it's hard to miss someone who has been taken from you," he says.

"You're a wonderful alpha, Shouto Todoroki," Izuku sits Kiriko in his lap and takes the spoon to ladle out as much of the stew as he could. The moment it touches Izuku's lips he is wolfing it down, not caring if it's too hot. His stomach screams at him to keep eating. More and more! Izuku doesn't bother to dip the bread, either. He tears at it like a wild animal, even confusing Kiriko, who watches his bearer gobble the food.

Shouto, surprisingly amused at the heartwarming sight, reminds Izuku to take a drink of water- it turned into a bunch of loud, heavy gulps. Izuku even licked the bowl when done. Shouto stares at him while Izuku does that, and the omega notices. Izuku's mouth and lips hold residue of the stew. He looks almost childish. Shouto smiles softly.

"I'm sure you feel better now?"

" Yes…better than ever," Izuku responds but coughs into his hand.

"I will send for our doctor," Shouto tells him, pausing to make sure Izuku is alright. The coughing fit seemed to go on for longer than usual. "Drink more water," Shouto pours him another cup, and Izuku takes it. "I'll be right back."

Izuku gasps for breath after the coughing stops. He apologizes to Kiriko who only gurgles and blows a spit bubble at him. Izuku rubs his chest, bowing his head forward. It hurts so much. Both his mother and father died of this disease, whatever it is. It's not uncommon for the Villagers to have this sickness. Izuku is just one of many. But Shouto is bringing them a doctor. A real doctor. A doctor who may be able to cure him of the illness. It's something Kacchan would have wanted to see- him and Kiriko finally free of the cough. Whenever he thinks of Kacchan, all Izuku sees is the dead body. Kiriko will grow up never knowing his father, or rather, his birth father. They never mated or bonded- Kacchan never gave Izuku his knot. While Kacchan had cared for him, it wasn't love. Kiriko is the result of a drunken, heat-induced mounting between friends.

And now, there's Shouto Todoroki; the City Guard from a wealthy family who's taken an interest in him. Shouto saved him from the life of a breeder. Kiriko is safe as well. They both have a chance at life, and it's all thanks to Shouto. Even if the alpha doesn't believe in anything, Shouto does believe in helping others, which is good enough for Izuku.

'All Might, thank you for answering my prayers and sending me my own hero on earth! Thank you! Thank you! You've saved us with all your might!'

Izuku turns to the window when he hears the rumble of distant thunder. Going to the window with Kiriko, he looks out at the dark purple clouds rolling towards them. Rain and thunderstorms are so regular that even children aren't afraid of them. Despite all the rain, it's hard to grow food because the earth and air is always damp. Some plants and fruits have evolved to grow and thrive in the wet world, but they aren't tasty. The cabbage soup he had tonight was delicious, and he's ate cabbage many times. It never tasted like that, though. So much flavor! Izuku licks his lips thinking about it.

"Gah!" Kiriko pats at the window with his little hands, leaving heat prints on the glass that quickly fade away.

Izuku kisses the soft blonde hair that appears to be developing into curls like his. Kacchan would be furious to know that his son may end up with the same tuft of messy mixed curls that Izuku has.

'Your hair is only good for a bird's nest!' Kacchan would laugh at him. Back then, Izuku ignored Kacchan's taunts and even rolled his eyes at them. Now he wishes more than anything he could hear Kacchan taunting him, even yelling or snapping in that wild way of his. 'Deku, you shithead! Can't you do anything right? I said move the chair over there!'

"Your daddy was quite the character," Izuku says while wiping fresh tears from his eyes. "I already see bits of him in you." Izuku lifts his head when he sees a flash of purple. At least they will be dry and warm during the storm. The Todoroki house doesn't have any leaks or broken windows.

"I'm back,"

Izuku smiles at Shouto's voice, turning to face the alpha and another man, who he assumes is the doctor.

"Master Shouto, your father will not be happy about this," the doctor says to him.

"I don't care what he thinks," Shouto tells the doctor. "This is my choice. I will deal with my father. Now please, attend to them."

The doctor sighs and calls Izuku over to sit on the sofa while opening his medical bag.

Izuku looks at Shouto, mouthing 'thank you' for the doctor. "My son first, please," Izuku tells the doctor.

Shouto faintly remembers the same doctor checking him over as a little boy sitting on his mother's lap. He had a cut and some bruising from his father's strict and rough training session. Unlike Kiriko, who is throwing a fuss at being touched by someone other than Izuku, Shouto had been used to doctors since a very early age. His father often called him 'weak' for having to see doctors to tend to the wounds. Shouto would have endured the injuries, but his mother would insist the doctor examine him.

"Kiriko, stop fussing, " Izuku tries to soothe the child now squirming like an eel in his lap.

Shouto comes over and looms above both Izuku and Kiriko. "Kiriko, STOP." Shouto's voice, while dripping with alpha authority, is calm.

Kiriko's red eyes widen up at him, little cheeks still puffy with child-rage. Kiriko is still too young for them to know if he is alpha, omega, or beta, but like all children of their kind, he bends to the alpha. Kiriko stops squirming and turns his face into Izuku's chest, though he glares his tiny eyes at Shouto. The bravado of a child keeping their pride while safely secured in their parents' embrace. Shouto couldn't help but give a little smile. The doctor finishes checking Kiriko and gives the boy some liquid medicine, which they had to force into Kiriko's mouth. Izuku sits still for his examination.

"Well, they both have the cough," says the doctor. "But Izuku has it far worse than the boy. If left untreated any longer, Izuku, you wouldn't have survived."

Izuku swallows hard, clutching Kiriko to his chest. "I…I know. My parents died of it…as did many others."

The doctor looks at Shouto. "May we speak in private?"

"Of course," Shouto takes the doctor to the far side of the room, out of earshot. "What is it?"

"The omega will need a lot of rest if he is to get better," the doctor starts. "A servant in your father's household is not allowed to be sick. You know what happens to servants who are 'sick.' If they're not working, your father wants them out. This omega is going to need a lot of care if he is to get better. He can't go outside, and needs to be on bedrest with medicine and kept in a clean environment. Your father is not going to allow this. It's best to...turn the omega away. Save yourself from your father's tongue-lashing."

Shouto frowns. "My father can say whatever he wants, but that omega is my servant, and Izuku is under my care. He will stay in my room."

The doctor's mouth drops open. "Are you mad? Do you desire this omega or something? Your father will hit the roof if he knows that!"

"Again, I don't care what my father says. Give Izuku and Kiriko the medicine they need, and I will care for them here, in my room."

The door to his room opens, and a booming voice calls his name accompanied by a rumble of thunder.

" Shouto ?"

Shouto crosses his arms, prepared to face his father. The doctor tries to make himself small, hiding behind Shouto.

Izuku looks to the door, and his eyes widen.

TBC