***This chapter moves pretty fast and has a lot happening in it, so try not to rush through it, if you can!
I had to focus on Dabi, Tomura, and Kai's parts in this chapter to help make the story flow a little better.
***Warnings: language, mention of violence and torture, dialogue-heavy, talk of forced marriages, drama, abuse of power
***Please read on and enjoy!
Chapter 7: New Changes
'I didn't think he would find out so soon,' Izuku thought. 'I still haven't fully won over his trust!'
"Well? I'm waiting," Bakugo pressed on.
Izuku lowers his hat over his eyes. "It…it's true," he confessed. "I am a member of the rebellion."
"I'm not surprised that you are," Bakugo says. "What confuses me is why you let me live. I'm a terrible threat to you and your organization. I'm a Royal Officer. You should have turned me over to your leaders and used me as ransom. That's what I would have done." Bakugo tosses the piece of cloth to the side. "I have every right to arrest you."
"...you're in no position to arrest me," Izuku lifts his hat. "I saved you because…because I believe you can help us make changes without violence."
Bakugo rolls his eyes. "You're a pure-hearted omega if I've ever met one," he scoffs. "Help you how? Why would I jeopardize my title and career for the Revolution?"
"Because we're more alike than you think!" Izuku tells him. "You're an intelligent alpha, and I know you can see our point of view! You're a favorite of the king! You're a well-respected officer and soldier! The people will listen to you as will others of higher rank! If you have the king's ear, then you can help us achieve our goals!"
Bakugo smirked, "And just what goals are those?"
"We no longer want to give tributes to the kingdom," Izuku starts. "We want to choose the people in power, not have them appointed. We want lower taxes on our supplies and lives, so we can have more money in our pockets to strengthen the kingdom financially. We want the nobles and lords to purchase our goods and services rather than just handing them over! Smaller villages and towns want to elect their own magistrates, constables, or sheriffs. We-"
"Alright, stop your rambling, you crazed omega," Bakugo holds up his good hand. "What you're suggesting is not wrong. In fact, I even agree with you,"
Izuku's eyes lit up. "You do?! I knew it!"
"Hold on," Bakugo's tone was harsh now. "All those things you've just told me count as sedition against the king,"
"It's not, though. That's not our intention,"
"It's not YOUR intention, but you haven't seen the Revolution in the kingdom. I don't know how much your little island friends can know about it without living in the kingdom. The revolutionists want to overthrow all nobility and royalty, by any means possible."
"That…can't be," Izuku says but he has no reason to believe that Bakugo is lying. His job as a royal officer is to stop the Revolution. And it's true, he and the others haven't witnessed the groups in the kingdom to know what is happening. It's only what they hear from allies and passing ship crews.
"You know I'm right," Bakugo says. "Now, what's the deal with that white flower?"
Izuku had almost forgotten about it, "The flower means…it means that some of our people have been caught," he pulls out the chair and falls into it, his eyes wide and body trembling. "This is bad…really bad! I know that Kai has them…and he'll force them to talk…to name names…" he slams his fists on the table. "How did he find out? How?" he cries out.
Bakugo frowns as Deku starts to cry angry tears, wiping them away from his cheeks with his sleeves. Bakugo knows that Kai is already onto Deku for other reasons and the lowlife magistrate will likely pull an omega in for questioning first. Deku wouldn't stand a chance under Kai's interrogation, which spells trouble for him as well. He is the one who sent Kai here as punishment and he's unable to fight with his damaged limbs. For now, he was stuck here, but damned if he let someone like Kai have the upper hand.
"Alright, here's what we're going to do," Bakugo starts, "Stop your whimpering and listen up stupid omega! Get us on a ship to the kingdom as soon as possible, right now if you have to because we don't have much time."
Sniffling, Izuku replies, "But there's no ships coming from the kingdom for another couple of days!"
"Then we need to be ON a ship! We just need to get off of this island and away from that bastard Kai!"
"That still won't work," Izuku says. "The first place he'll look is on the ships because we'll all be trying to get away. There must be something else we can do?"
Bakugo grits his teeth, knowing that Deku was right, but what other option did they have at the moment? "Give me a minute to think," he says and falls silent in thought for a couple of minutes then comes up with a plan. "Get my uniform ready,"
"Y-Your uniform?"
"Are you deaf? I said get my uniform! You're going to go get whoever the leader or leaders are of your stupid little group and tell them that you have a royal officer here. Bring them here and we'll…talk."
Izuku looks surprised. "A-Are you going to be on our side?"
"I'm on no one's side but my own," he scoffed. "But here's the plan, and even you can't say 'no' to it. You need to get your people and the townsfolk to follow me instead of obeying Kai."
"That's mutiny, though,"
"It's not, because I'm a high-ranking officer of the king and Kai needs to submit to me. However, he wouldn't do it if it were just me. Once the guards with him and the people join together on my side, Kai will have no choice but to step down."
"Even if that works…will you have us all arrested in the end?" Izuku asks, his tone deflated.
"...probably not," Bakugo says. "So far, your town is far enough away from the kingdom that you haven't done anything violent. I'm guessing you've just had bitch and moan meetings, right?" He watched Izuku nod. "Then I can't officially arrest you or the others if there's no proof of violence or the threat of actions against the king,"
Izuku's tears turn to joy and he smiles brightly at Bakugo. "Oh, Kacchan, thank you so much for helping! Thank you!"
"You're such a wimp," Bakugo said while trying to ignore the alpha feelings at seeing the stupid omega happy. Sometimes he felt those for Shoto, but this one for Deku was stronger.
"Let's get you dressed in your uniform and I'll get everyone rallied together! I'll spread the word!"
"Just shut up and get my damned uniform! "
Dabi follows behind a cloaked figure that was finally leading him to Tomura's 'throne room' after a two day wait. While staying in the territory and exploring, he tried to keep an estimated number of the monsters and followers in his head. The monsters were called 'nomus' and they appeared to be homunculi of some kind. Dabi theorized that the monsters were made by using both magic and organic material, like dead bodies. He hated the smell of the creatures as they wandered around in groups, acting like rabid animals. A few had attempted to attack him but his blue flames and magic easily kept the monsters away. There were not enough magic users in the kingdom to defend it against these nomus if, or when, Tomura orders them to attack. He hasn't seen the nomus in battle or fighting, so he can't be sure how well the regular human army could defeat them.
He also hopes that he won't have to stay here long because he missed his mate and son. Keigo won't name the boy after him until he returns, and Dabi has every notion of returning, victorious or not. He has to protect his family from the destruction that Tomura has planned. If it weren't for Keigo and their son, he may have even willingly joined with Tomura. If he can overthrow him, then the attacks and magic-created monsters will cease. Yet he doesn't know how powerful Tomura actually is, which is why he needs to watch and observe before planning anything.
The throne room could barely be called that due to how dank and dim it was with a single stone throne, which was mostly shattered. On the throne sits Tomura Shigaraki whose physical features must have been downplayed because to anyone else he would be frightening. Silvery shaggy hair, a long lanky body, and harsh red eyes peering at him from behind a hand that covered his face. Those same types of hands are attached to his arms and legs. Dabi had to wonder if those hands were real or not. He showed no fear as he approached Tomura because he didn't actually feel any; he was feeling a bit uneasy but that was just from Tomura's features.
"I can sense your magic aura from here," Tomura speaks with a strained, raspy voice. "You're quite the powerful sorcerer."
Dabi lowers his cloak hood. "I'm one of the best, if not the best,"
"Arrogant, aren't you?" he smirks.
"I wouldn't have gotten to where I am now by being meek," Dabi replied. "I've come to join your army,"
"Join me?" Tomura chuckled darkly. "Not just any human can join my army. As I'm sure you've seen, I have many nomus at my disposal, and more will be coming. How can I trust in your loyalty to me?"
Dabi figured this would be an issue, so he came prepared. Reaching into his cloak, he takes out one of the family heirlooms, a glass-blown orange phoenix set inside a golden pendant. He holds it out towards Tomura. "You know what this symbol is, correct?"
Tomura frowns slightly. "That is the Todoroki Family sigil," he says. "At least one of them. But what does that have to do with anything?"
Dabi drops the pendant to the floor and then smashes it with his boot. "I was previously known as Touya Todoroki, first-born alpha son to Enji Todoroki and heir to the family name and fortune. But I've left that life, a life of cruelty and abuse, and I want to see them all fall."
"Touya Todoroki…" Tomura repeats the name. "Hmm…there were rumors that you were dead. Some that you ran away from your duties. It was said you just…disappeared."
"I go by one name, Dabi, and everyone will call me such," he demanded. "And I want to be your number two,"
Tomura laughed at that. "As if I would give that role to just anyone who strolled into my territory! You may be an ex-Todoroki and powerful sorcerer, but I still don't have enough trust in you to be at my side."
Dabi frowns and asks, "In that case, what can I do to prove that I am loyal to your cause?"
"Hmm…there is something you could do for me, to prove that you're loyal," Tomrua threads his real fingers together. "I want you to go undercover for me at my enemy's territory."
Dabi raised a brow. "That's the kingdom."
Slowly shaking his head, Tomura replies, "You're wrong. The kingdom is not only under threat by me but by another as well."
Dabi's eyes widened slightly. He hadn't heard about another army. "Who is this threat?"
"His name is Kai Chisaki and he hides under the guise of a loyal magistrate of the kingdom," Tomura explains. "But he is gathering an army in various foreign countries, much smaller than this one. He is winning over the criminals, pirates, cutthroats, you get the idea. I believe that he is waiting for me to attack the kingdom, and then he will attempt to overthrow me. By then, the heavy work will be over and his army can swoop in."
Dabi knows of Kai for he was there when Bakugo set the man's punishment. "He is just a magistrate," Dabi says. "I doubt he can be building an army to rival yours or the kingdom."
"It's better if I gain all of his people first. An army of oppressed people and criminals will hardly back down from my monsters. The kingdom's soldiers are spoiled and weak despite their numbers. They're not hungry. My people are hungry. Kai's people are desperate with nothing to lose, only gain. The kingdom will fall to me, I will have my revenge, and I want that bastard Kai out of the picture."
"Why not go and kill him then?" Dabi suggests.
"There's always someone behind a leader who will rise up," Tomura points out. "But, I can never seem to find or catch him. I know his whereabouts, but I don't have the human sources to seek him out."
"Have you tried your powers?"
"Ah, now that's where you come in," Tomura grins. "I think he has a sorcerer of his own who is able to block other magic, for I have tried many times but can never get through. I'm needed here, making nomus. I can't be running around the world looking for that bastard or waiting for him. Find him for me, and I will make you my number two in the New World, and I will have such sights to show you," he grins like a madman.
"Is that what you're calling it? The 'New World'?"
"Yes. Are you going to prove yourself to me, or not?"
Dabi didn't want to go undercover twice, but he can't ignore the fact that there is another group posing a threat. He had not heard of Kai building an army, which means he was keeping it a secret. However, unlike Tomura, Dabi does know where Kai is, so he decided to use that to trick Tomura into thinking that he is a stronger sorcerer. Calling forth his magic, he forms a sphere that shows the various areas and islands to first trick Tomura into thinking that he is using his magic to search for Kai. Finally, he settles on Nabu Island. While it is possible for Kai to have a sorcerer of his own, Dabi didn't sense any magic on the island but he doesn't tell Tomura.
"I managed to get through," Dabi smirks at Tomura's deep frown. "See? I sensed magic from this island in passing, so, let's see if he's there," Dabi makes the sphere bigger and mouths Kai's description to help the magic seek him out. He glances at Tomura to see the alpha staring at it; he's got him! "Is that him?"
"That's Kai," Tomura confirms, seeing Kai in the magistrate robes talking to a green-haired man. "I want to hear what they are saying!"
Dabi makes the sphere bigger and draws a symbol in the air with his finger to listen in on their conversation.
"The men have already confessed, and your name was spoken," Kai says to Izuku.
"Anyone would confess to things and give names while being tortured!" Izuku countered. "They would do or say anything to make the pain stop."
"They all said that it was you who started the rebellion group here,"
"N-No! I'm not part of the rebellion or the Revolution!"
"You know the punishment for an omega who is caught being a part of the Revolution? It's a new law, you might not know about it yet,"
"W-what is it?"
"Death by hanging," Kai says. "For an alpha, it's a lifetime in jail until they die."
"You have no proof…"
"I can put you under arrest now," Kai says. "Or, we can make a deal."
"...W-what kind of deal?"
"I've been looking for some reason to arrest you, lawfully, and now I've found it. But you don't have to die, Izuku Midoriya. You're getting older and no alpha wants you, and I eventually need an omega. Become my property and I'll let you live."
Izuku's brows furrow and his mouth dropped open in shock. "What? You're insane! You've always hated me,"
"Because I desire you, and I hate it! These damn alpha instincts! They drive me mad! There's something about you that makes me want to claim you, and it disgusts me. Consider it a mating of convenience."
"I'd rather be arrested!"
Dabi could no longer keep the magic sphere open and it disappeared, exhausting him.
"Well done," Tomura says. "I didn't think you were so strong,"
"At least…we know where he is," Dabi pants. "So, go take care of him."
"No, that's going to be your job," Tomura reminds him. "You've scored points with me already, but I still don't fully trust you. Get that man out of my way, and then I'll know if you can be my number two."
Dabi sighed inwardly. He did not want to be Tomuras errand boy, and this would mean more time away from his family. However, it would be smart to know about the other enemy hidden in plain sight. Perhaps, he thought, Kai is using that tiny island and his punishment to his advantage.
"Fine. I'll leave as soon as possible."
"I hope you don't disappoint me."
Izuku couldn't stop his body from trembling under the hard, cold stare of Kai and the alphas sudden confession. If Kai actually cared for him, then he wouldn't have treated him so harshly! Even if it was to help deny his alpha feelings, Izuku still would never be with someone cruel like that. But there was Bakugo…who was harsh, cruel, and insulting. However, he saw another side of Bakugo as both a person and an alpha. When he sees Kai, all he sees is a villain. He's already in hot water having run into Kai after telling the others. They should be spreading the word to meet at his home.
Denying Kai's confession would only make things worse, so he has to think fast and decide to use it to his advantage.
"I'm…I'm just surprised that…all those times being cruel to me…you suddenly confess that you want me to be your omega. It doesn't make sense to me."
"You really have no choice in the matter," Kai tells him. "I'm of higher rank than you, and an alpha. I hold your life in my hands. You have no choice but to accept me or be arrested and hanged."
"...can I have some time to think about this? Please, can you at least give me that much?" Izuku asks.
"You'll try to run away,"
"I won't," Izuku tells him. "Where would I go? I'd be a fugitive on the run."
Kai sighs behind his plague mask. "What do you have to think about? I already told you, you have no choice. Don't you want to raise yourself up from the fish swamp that is this disgusting little town? Remember, they easily confessed your name. Some loyal rebels." He scoffs. "They gave you up and blamed everything on you. I would hardly consider them loyal friends, and you shouldn't feel loyal to them."
Izuku couldn't blame anyone for what was said under torture, so he dismissed Kai's attempt to forcibly woo him. "Then at least let me get washed up…since I smell of fish and it bothers you." That should buy him the time he needs. "But I need soap."
Kai gives him a silver coin. "Buy the best one then. If you're not at my home in an hour, I'll send the guards to drag you there."
Izuku moves past him, rushing to the market to buy the soap, just in case he was being watched by Kai. Then, he hurried home as fast as he could. If Kai IS watching him, then it will look like he is rushing to do as he was told.
'I'll never be your omega! I want to belong only to Bakugo! To Kacchan! Magistrate Kai Chisaki, your reign ends tonight!'
"Sir, many of the townspeople are heading in the direction of Izuku Midoriya's home!" Says a guard.
"What do you mean? What for?" Kai hadn't returned to his house but stopped to shop for fresh bread. The guard had come running up to him with this news. "They must be rallying together," he says. "Gather all the guards and soldiers. We need to remind these peasants just who and what they are: nothing. And if Izuku Midoriya is behind all this, I'll put the noose around his neck and kick the barrel out from under him!"
"What about the prisoners?" Asks the guard.
"Kill them," He commands.
The guard looked shocked. "But…you promised them if they told you they would be spared,"
"I lied. In fact, bring their bodies with you to show the peasants. Let it be a warning to them that should this sort of thing happen again, I will show no mercy." 'The world is going to be mine, and I can't build that world without crushing those who oppose me. Tomura Shigaraki, you're next.'
"All of you, stop gawking at me!" Bakugo shouts from the chair as the people continue to stare at him. "You act as if you've never seen a royal officer before!" He sighs in relief as Deku wiggles through the crowd in his house. "About damned time!"
"Kai Chisaki will be on his way soon," Izuku says to everyone, both inside and outside his house. "This is where we stand together and with Katsuki Bakugo on our side, we'll be able to achieve what we deserve!" Cheers and applause go up in the crowd. Then, someone shouts,
"He's coming! It's the magistrate!"
Izuku moves to his window and sees Kai approaching on a horse with soldiers and guards. He can't help but smirk in victory at their numbers compared to Kai's; they were larger. Once Kai sees Bakugo and all the people, he'll have to back down.
The leader placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder with a smile and said, "Izuku, you've done well for us! Officer Bakugo told us that he agrees with our goals and he said he even plans to change them when he reaches the highest rank! Things are going to change for us, and it's all thanks to you! I'm sorry if I or anyone else misjudged you."
Izuku became bashful. "Thank you, but we have to focus on Kai right now. This is where we make our stand!"
As Kai and the small army come closer, Izuku hears the people start to gasp in fear. Pushing his way outside, he sees what had the people upset. His hands fly up to his mouth on instinct when he sees the dead, tortured bodies of the three people Kai had caught. Their throats had been slit, ending their suffering. Izuku turns his shocked gaze up to Kai sitting tall and proud on the horse.
"We know of your plan to join the Revolution!" Kai says loudly. "But there will be no rebellion on my island! Now return to your homes and farms, forget about the rebellion, or end up like them," he points to the dead bodies.
One of the townspeople comes forward and says, "We won't listen to you anymore!"
"Yeah! Change starts now! It will begin with US!" Shouts the leader.
Kai looks around at the peasants refusing to stand down. "Last warning! STAND DOWN!"
Izuku goes back into the house, trying to forget about the dead bodies, and helps Bakugo up from the chair. With the walking stick, Bakugo walks beside him to the door. Izuku kept his gaze on Kai's face, watching and waiting for his reaction. When Kai laid eyes on Bakugo, his face did not disappoint.
"Katsuki Bakugo…" Kai says the officer's name slowly. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Bakugo shoved Deku aside. "None of your damned business, asshole! I sent you here for punishment, but you're enjoying yourself; acting like a tyrant! So, I'm going to be running this shitty fish town until a Royal ship comes my way! Then I'll deal with you properly!"
"You look so pathetic, Bakugo," Kai says to him. "And how did you end up here, anyway?"
"Long story, but it's not for you to hear," Bakugo countered. "Now don't make me have to order peasants to attack your tiny army," he says. "And you guards and soldiers! Would you rather follow this dandy or gain favor from the king by helping his favorite officer?"
Kai's eyes became wild and he turned to look at the soldiers and guards behind him. They were clearly considering Bakugo's words. "He's lying to you!"
"Don't be idiots! There are more townspeople than you," Bakugo says to the small army. "Do you want to end up dead for this pompous asshole, or gain favor with the king?"
Kai's hands clenched the horse's reins as he watched his army trickle out from behind him to join Bakugo's side. And then, Kai stood alone. He glares at Bakugo. "You bastard!"
Bakugo turns to a small group of guards and says, "Arrest him, then someone get me out of this shithole and bring me to the magistrate house! It's where I belong anyway,"
The guards did as they were told but Kai struggled fiercely and it took more men to hold him down and tie his hands. The townspeople cheered in victory, shouting Bakugo's name, and the alpha loved it. 'Just as it should be,' he tells himself.
Izuku threw his arms around Bakugo. "Thank you so much, Kacchan! We can start making changes now! You really are the Hero of the People!"
"Get off me! Mushy omega!" He shoves Deku away.
"Let me just pack some things and-"
"Who says you're coming with me?" Bakugo watches the betrayal and sadness chase away Deku's grinning face. It made his chest ache and a part of him did not want to be away from the omega. "Fine. You can stay with me, but hurry it up!"
"YES SIR!" Izuku saluted proudly.
Shoto was annoyed, more than annoyed; he was angry and aggravated. While he sits at dinner with his father, brother, and sister, the ship to Nabu Island is sailing away without him. His father refused to let him go, claiming it would be dangerous and shameful for an omega to have to track down their promised alpha. Everyone went without him except for Keigo, who stayed here with the baby and was late to dinner. Shoto had no appetite but only wanted to drink wine.
"So…it's nice to have a dinner like this together after so long," Fuyumi says, trying to cut through the tension of the room.
"I can't say I'm thrilled to be here," Natsuo replied flatly while he cut and ate his piece of smoked pork.
"Nor am I," Shoto agrees with his older brother then glares at his father at the head of the table. "I should be on that ship."
Enji Todoroki remained calm, chewing slowly and swallowing before answering Shoto. "For the hundredth time, Shoto, it is embarrassing for an omega of your high rank to chase after an alpha. Bakugo should be ashamed of himself for running away, and you should not be chasing him. No Todoroki has ever shown such desperation. There are many other fine alphas out there for you."
Shoto clanks his fork on the pewter plate. "I don't want another alpha, father. I want Bakugo! He just…he just panicked about the marriage coming so soon. He needs time to get his thoughts together. I should be on that ship sailing to the island to get him! He's injured, and as his promised mate, I should be there."
"Shoto is right," Natsuo agrees. "You have no right keeping him here, father." His tone was harsh.
Enji continued to cut his meat. "If Shoto were an alpha I would feel differently. But our family line needs heirs. Male heirs. Natsuo, you are fortunate to have a wife who wishes to stay with you even though you are unable to produce children," he ignored Natsuo's growl. "We can't simply rely on Fuyumi. Shoto has a duty to this family as well," he turns to look at his youngest son. "You are the perfect mix of two powerful, ancient bloodlines. I have already given you more freedom to act as an alpha than any other father would, so you should be grateful."
"And I am," Shoto tells him. "But my omega heart belongs to Bakugo, and I will not bear children with anyone else but him. That's why I should be on that ship."
"The omega son of the Todoroki family sailing into the open ocean where there are pirates?" Enji says then shakes his head. "It's too dangerous for you out there, Shoto. Your friends will find Bakugo and bring him back here. Once he's returned, I have some very choice words for him."
Before Shoto could answer, the doors to the private dining area open and Keigo chipperly announces his presence.
"Hi everyone! Sorry, I'm late but the boy was being fussy."
Shoto slightly nodded his head to Keigo in greeting as the general approached Enji. Shoto has always noticed his father giving Keigo side glances from time to time, which made him wonder if even his father, Lord Enji Todoroki, has his alpha eyes set on Keigo. When Keigo introduced the baby to Enji, his father had gone a little pale in the face. Shoto began to wonder if his father harbored feelings for Keigo. Little does his father know that Keigo is mated and bonded with Touya.
"My Lord Enji Todoroki, you're looking as strapping and as large as ever," Keigo teases. "Thank you for inviting me and my son to dinner."
"I'm still surprised that you have…a child," Enji says slowly while looking at the boy in Keigo's arms.
"I know, right? Me? General Hawks, feared and undefeated with a previous bun in the oven and now a full loaf of bread!"
"He is such a handsome boy!" Fuyumi nearly squeals.
"He looks just like me, so of course he's handsome!" Keigo teased.
Enji returns to his food. "You should find the alpha father and make him responsible," he says. "If he won't comply, then I shall ensure that he does."
Shoto swallowed the lump in his throat. How is Keigo going to handle this situation?
"Please, I'm an independent omega and a high-ranking general. I don't NEED an alpha father to help raise my son."
"It's not acceptable," Enji tells him.
Keigo pouts playfully. "So, you won't support me?"
Enji sighs heavily. "No, I will support you and the child. You are my best general, and it will be good for Shoto to help care for your child, too. It will help him get ready for parenthood, with or without Bakugo's alpha seed."
Shoto shoots up from the table so fast that the chair falls behind him. "I'm finished with dinner," he says. "I am retiring to my chamber and do not wish to be disturbed!" He bows to his brother and sister. "Good evening to you both. Thank you for coming."
"Wait! Shoto!" Enji calls to him but his son is already out the door.
Shoto storms to his chambers, telling a passing servant to have a jug of wine sent to him. He's not really angry that he's not on the ship; he's angry that he won't be there to meet this Izuku Midoriya. Izuku could be his competition for Bakugo's affections. Shinso went, and he has eyes for Izuku, but Shoto cannot rely on Izuku falling for or accepting Shinso's courting. Shinso may or may not come back, but Shoto didn't care about that, so long as Izuku does not return with them.
He pauses when he has a sudden image of Bakugo mounting Izuku passionately. What if…what if BAKUGO brings Izuku back with him? His blood runs cold as a fierce wave of jealousy rises within him. Frightened and ashamed of the feeling he fights it back, slapping a hand to his forehead.
'Stop making things up before they happen!' he scolds himself. 'You don't know anything yet. Do not fret over it. Just go to your chambers, drink some wine, read a book, and go to bed.'
Shoto was up all night.
TBC
