***Warnings: Language, talk of mating cycles/heat, some sexual harassment

Chapter 8: Breakfast and Lies

Izuku, relaxed in Bakugo arms, allows himself to slump against the other, instantly falling asleep. He hears Bakugo's last few whispered words but doesn't comprehend them. They sounded almost muffled. Izuku didn't care, and his body finally gave in to emotional and physical exhaustion. He's lifted into strong arms, but Izuku couldn't open his eyes. He doesn't need to. Those arms belong to Bakugo. Then, there is something soft beneath him, and his body is covered — a bed. Izuku hears himself whimper when he feels Bakugo's touch leave him. Curling up under the sheets, he falls asleep.

Bakugo waits beside the bed until he hears Izuku's gentle breathing, then he goes to stand near the door. He should be outside the door, but he decides to stay until Dabi comes back. Bakugo does feel pity and anger for Izuku having to put up with everything that is happening to him. When this plan first came to light, Bakugo thought it a great idea. Now, meeting Dabi and Tomura, and seeing the sick state that All Might is in, Bakugo is beginning to view the situation differently. He thought he hated Izuku, and he does, but it's no longer the same level as Dabi and Tomura. In fact, he loathes the other two more than Izuku.

No, that's not right. Bakugo knows this. He doesn't hate Izuku as Insectoid; their antennas speak an entirely different to one another. What Bakugo hates about Izuku is All Might's full trust in the omega to bestow the title of Hero of the Valley over someone like him. Bakugo is a winner; he's a sky warrior, a general, and never, ever loses. And yet, somehow, the neck-fluff Cherry Bee curled up in that bed is All Might's chosen.

While Bakugo cannot claim that Izuku is weak, the Cherry Bee is STILL an omega. They are slaves to their heats, and their personalities change when they begin bearing children. Izuku can play dumb all he wants, but Bakugo is certain that the omega knew, deep down, that he will be All Might's successor despite being omega. That is why Izuku swore off mating and children; such commitment will hold him back, and the freckled face dummy knows this. Izuku's proved it with their 'tender' embrace earlier. Once Izuku is in heat and gets pregnant, it's going to complicate things. As much as it bothers him to admit it, Bakugo can use Izuku's omega predicament to his advantage in becoming All Might's successor. It's a rotten thing to think, but Bakugo has always been ambitious, and he will not lose sight of his goals and dreams of becoming the best.

Taking another look at Izuku's sleeping form, Bakugo grumbles to himself because now he is feeling torn between what is right, and what he wants. He WANTS to become the next Hero of the Valley, and using Izuku's growing omega feelings for him can further push to the front of the line. But that is morally wrong, and Bakugo curses himself for considering the 'right' side of things. To play with Izuku's emotions in this fragile state is wrong. But he does not want to abandon his goal. The only other option he has is to challenge Izuku to a duel for the title of Hero of the Valley after it's passed over.

'Stop twitching, you stupid antennas!' Bakugo inwardly yells at the sudden aching of the antennas. 'You're not the boss of me!' The door beside him opens, and the antennas fall back against his head as Bakugo is ready to attack. In steps Dabi, the bastard spider. Bakugo struggles to keep his stinger from unfolding.

"You're dismissed for the evening," Dabi says when he notices Bakugo in the room.

"I'll be outside the door," Bakugo replies.

"That's not necessary," says Dabi. "The alpha mate is with the omega now. We don't need a babysitter," he smirks.

Bakugo glares at him and keeps his mouth shut as he exits the room. He doesn't want to leave Izuku with Dabi, but he has no choice. They still have a mission to complete. Despite Dabi's dismissal, Bakugo sits on the floor beside the chamber door and closes his eyes to sleep.

When Izuku wakes up the next morning, the first thing he's aware of is the ache in his backside has subsided tremendously. It brings a light smile to his face, but that smile quickly disappears when he feels the hot breath of another against the back of his neck. The chemical trail is not Bakugo's, but Dabi's. Izuku's afraid to turn over, so instead, he scoots away from the spider, attempting to slide (very slowly) from the bed. His feet touch the floor, and the second he gets up, the tip of the spider's leg falls on his shoulder. Izuku freezes on the spot.

"Leaving so soon?" Dabi mutters from the pillow.

"I...I'm an early riser..." It's so dark in the room that Izuku doesn't know if it's daytime or evening. He can assume it's daytime.

"Hm. What luck. I too am an I early riser," Dabi sits up in the bed, cracking his back. "We'll have breakfast with Tomura today."

Izuku doubts he can eat at the same table as the Centipede King, but he will have to try and stomach the food. "Alright,"

"I suppose you'll want something to keep you occupied," Dabi offers. "Maybe a tour of your new home?"

Izuku's eyes widened. Yes, that would be a great idea! He should learn the layout of Graventhorn, and it will help to keep his mind off of mounting. "I would like that."

"Go ready yourself then," Dabi says. "We may be late for breakfast already, but he'll just have to deal with it."

"Okay." Izuku really doesn't have anything to say. If he needs to play the part of a submissive, obedient omega, then he should keep up the one-word answers.

"I think you have new clothes over there," Dabi points to a trunk in the room. "It was brought up yesterday at some time."

Izuku looks at it but doesn't remember the trunk arriving, not that it was important. He goes over to the trunk and opens it, seeing two piles of neatly folded clothes, all black or brown, and made with thick material. Izuku picks up the first article of clothing, finding it to be a long-sleeved tunic that reaches his knees. He changes into the tunic then puts on a pair of heavy pants and fluffy shoes. Now he's warm.

"Thank you," Izuku says, glancing over to Dabi who just finished dressing as well. "The clothes are warm."

"If you don't behave, I will take away all the warm clothes," Dabi threatens. "Do you understand."

Izuku only nods. What else could he do? 'Keep your mouth closed, your ears open, and gather information. Punch a pillow later.' Izuku tells himself. 'Remember the mission.'

When they finish getting ready, Izuku follows Dabi out of the room and see Bakugo waiting for them. Izuku, standing a foot behind Dabi, smiles at Bakugo.

"I suppose you're here to escort us?" Dabi asks Bakugo.

"I'm Izuku's bodyguard. It's my job."

Dabi smirks. "He's with me. When he is with me, his 'husband,' we don't require your service."

"We're not entirely comfortable in this place, yet," Bakugo counters. "I would prefer if I were closer to him."

"You're also not the boss," Dabi reminds him. "Izuku is your boss. You listen to him now," he turns to look over his shoulder at Izuku. "We're fine together without your bodyguard, right?"

Izuku wants to say no, but he doesn't. "I think we're okay," he tells Bakugo. "We are heading to breakfast with the Centipede King. That is where we will be." He hopes Bakugo understands why he agrees with Dabi. The hornet appears to comprehend. Izuku sighs inwardly in relief.

"I guess I'll get myself something to eat and dine elsewhere."

"Do enjoy your food," Dabi says with an emotionless smile. "We like to eat here at Graventhorn."

"Yeah, I've noticed," Bakugo says the last word with a sneer, remembering the jars of limbs and flesh in Dabi's secret storage room. He flies past both of them, tapping Izuku's antenna with his own.

Izuku pretends not to notice and continues following Dabi. He keeps alert to the halls and areas around them, noting that there is not much decoration. It makes the rooms all appear the same. Izuku tries to pick out one item in the spots they pass in hopes of remembering it for later. Graventhorn is a maze of dark and cold. He's grateful for the warm clothing provided to him, and he doesn't want to lose it. Izuku wishes he can see All Might; if just for a second. It's been too long since he's last seen the Hero of the Valley.

"We're here," Dabi says, holding out his human arm to Izuku. "We should enter the way a married couple is expected to do."

Izuku gulps and links his arm with Dabi, trying not to think about that night as they enter the hall. Izuku's gaze falls on Tomura at the head of a long table with a single plate of food. There are two other chairs, one in the middle and one at the other end. Izuku finds it hard to move on his own with Tomura's eyes watching him so closely. He depends on Dabi to guide him to the chair at the center. Izuku's relieved to sit down, his legs feeling like water and his wings itching to fly. Dabi takes the seat at the other end. Now, they are both looking at Izuku. Izuku stares down at his plate of food, though he can feel their gazes upon him. He needs to eat, but he's not hungry.

"A fine day to you, Izuku," greets Tomura.

Izuku's antennas twitch at the sound of Tomura's voice. He tries to speak, to respond, but he can't move his lips.

"Did you hear me?" Tomura asks

"I think he's overwhelmed," Dabi says.

Tomura looks at Dabi. "That doesn't mean he can't say 'hello',"

Izuku cringes when he feels the back antennas of Tomura's centipede body tickling his legs. He lets out an 'eep' and immediately tenses.

"I'll say it again. A fine day to you, Izuku," Tomura repeats.

"GOOD MORNING!" Izuku says loudly and quickly.

Dabi narrows all his eyes at Tomura. "Refrain from touching him, Tomura,"

Tomura smiles at Dabi. "Getting possessive already? That's so sweet,"

Dabi rolls all eight eyes at the same time.

"I'm the king, Dabi, and I can do what I want."

Izuku tenses again when the bottom antennas creep higher up his legs.

"I don't share," Dabi says.

Izuku is both shocked and appalled at the thought of sharing a bed with the Centipede King. He's supposed to be gaining their trust, but he shouldn't have to endure Tomura's touches to do that. There has to be another way. It pains him to think this, but he should thank Dabi later for protecting him.

"You're so mean, Dabi," says Tomura. "After all I've done for you."

"Don't even start," Dabi points one of the spider legs at Tomura. "This goes much further than just what you want."

Izuku takes note of Dabi's attitude towards Tomura. He might be able to use this to help him in some way.

"You're no fun," Tomura says to Dabi. "Let us eat because we have a meeting with the others this afternoon."

Izuku focused on his food but kept his ears open to the conversation.

"Another meeting already? We just saw them." Says Dabi.

"Yes, but we have more things to talk about. There is much to do. Our Cherry Bee is only the start."

Izuku finds his lips moving on their own and asks, "Will I be involved in this meeting?"

"No," says Dabi.

"Would you like to be?" Tomura asks Izuku.

Dabi glares at Tomura, but the Centipede King doesn't see it.

Izuku swallows the lump in his throat and says, "I would like to be...but my husband thinks differently, so I won't."

"Ah, I see," Tomura chuckles. "What a dutiful little omega you have, Dabi. I'm so jealous!"

"The Master gave him to me, don't forget that," says Dabi. "If you want a Valley omega so damn bad, go find your own!"

Izuku wants to find out why there is such bad blood between Tomura and Dabi even though they work together. In a way, his relationship with Bakugo is almost similar. They have different ideas and arguments, but now they have to work together to save All Might. 'I'm still your enemy,' Bakugo had said to him. But the hornet's embrace said differently. At least it did to him.

"Perhaps I will. We have some of those nobles down in the mines, correct?" Tomura taps his lip in thought. "Surely one of them is omega? If I remember correctly."

"Two omegas," Dabi clarifies. "One male, one female."

"Nobles?" Izuku doesn't let on that he knows about the prisoners in the mines, but he is hoping they might tell him something more that he can then report to Iida.

"It's nothing for you to worry about," Dabi says. "Eat your breakfast."

'Damn,' Izuku curses to himself, wishing that he had gotten more information.

"They are put to work, but are well taken care of," Tomura says.

Izuku knows that isn't true but just nods. He has to get down to the mines to see these Valley nobles for himself.

"I think you should come to the meeting," Tomura tells Izuku.

"No, he shouldn't," Dabi says, getting up from the table and pull Izuku up from the chair. "We're done here. I'm giving him a tour of Graventhorn, and then he is going back to his room.

"But you didn't finish your breakfast," Tomura pouts at Dabi.

"Let's go,"

Izuku lets Dabi pull him out of the room, relieved to be away from Tomura while also wanting to rip his hand away. The spider's touch burns his skin. Izuku knows it's all mental.

"Don't let him touch you if he tries," Dabi tells Izuku. "King or not, he is only a gamma. I am alpha, and the Master chose me!"

Izuku pulls his hand away when he feels Dabi's grip on it loosen. "Wait, who is the Master? I don't know who I'm supposed to take orders from." He hopes this will help reveal information about the 'secret' boss behind all this.

"You take orders from me since I'm your husband,"

"But who do you take orders from? Is it King Tomura, or the Master?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"The way you acted with King Tomura just now," Izuku says. "Oh, and I wanted to thank you for telling him not to touch me."

"He's always pissing me off," Dabi says. "But, I take orders from both of them. The Master's orders stand above Tomura's, though."

Izuku takes his chance and pushes a little further. "I guess you don't get along with King Tomura then?"

"What gave it away?" Dabi scoffs.

"I'm sorry,"

"Just stop talking," Dabi says. "You're not here to talk." When Dabi reaches for Izuku's hand, the omega pulls away. Dabi smiles at him. "Does my touch offend you, 'wife'?" He says with a mocking tone.

"I...I...I just don't think we need to share in intimate gestures like hand-holding for what this marriage is," Izuku says.

Dabi sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Are you still sulking about our wedding night?"

Izuku says nothing.

"You are. You could have attempted to put a little effort in on your part to make it feel better," Dabi says. "Would you rather I have been All Might? Or perhaps, a short-tempered hornet?"

Izuku stares at him, wide-eyed. Did Dabi know about the embrace with Bakugo?

"I was a self-proclaimed virgin sky warrior until recently," Izuku says carefully. "The idea of anyone, male or female, alpha or not, doesn't settle well with me," before Dabi could speak, Izuku adds, "But I will do my duty and hold up my end of the bargain and terms as All Might wishes of me."

"Good, because that's expected of you. And, since my touch obviously offends you, I will wait until your heat to mount you again," Dabi leans forward and sniffs him. "Which is coming on very soon, isn't it?"

Izuku hadn't given it a thought until just know when Dabi sniffed him. Yes, he can feel his heat coming, in two or three days. But being around an alpha can trigger an omega's heat sooner. Izuku would have to also be attracted to the alpha, which he isn't. So, there is no fear of that happening. He has time to think.

"Y-yes." Izuku answers.

"Don't worry, you'll like my touch then," Dabi says to him. "An omega just can't help themselves when in heat."

Izuku's heard that, but he can't imagine ever craving Dabi's touch, heat or no heat. The image of Bakugo touching him sparked a hint of excitement in his belly. But that will never happen. Bakugo is still his enemy, and Izuku only desires him because the hornet is familiar. Bakugo is comfort and safety, even though the alpha took over his hive and enslaved him. Bakugo is still better than Dabi and Tomura.

"Well, let me finish giving you the grand tour before I have to attend that meeting."

"May I ask one thing?" Izuku asks him.

Dabi sighs. "What is it?"

"When can I see All Might? When is he going to be released?"

"That's two things," Dabi points out. "Before I have an answer for either of those questions, you need to perform your true task, which is getting pregnant."

Izuku furrows his brows a bit. "You keep pushing my seeing All Might off. Why are you doing this? Is it because you don't plan on releasing him?"

"Your lips are flapping," Dabi says. "Don't ask questions that have no relevance to you."

"They have every relevance to me!" Izuku counters, then realized what he's doing; he's letting his true self show. Quickly, he lowers his antennas and eyes. "I'm sorry for lashing out like that," he's not sorry. "All Might means so much to me. I'm concerned for him. He's my mentor, and he's been like a father to me."

Dabi was quiet for a moment, then asks, "Didn't Bakugo tell you about All Might? I took the hornet to see him."

"Bakugo won't tell me." He lies.

"Whatever. I'm tired of talking about this. We're wasting time here. Let's go."

Bakugo freely wanders the halls, flying high and low as he continues to explore. In reality, he is looking for a way down to the mines as well as a way to the 'Master's' secret tunnel, if there is one. Bakugo sees Iida heading into a room, and he quickly follows after the hawk moth. Peeking around the door, he makes sure no one is around and closes it. Iida is startled by the sound of the door closing, but relaxes when he sees that it's only him.

"Bakugo! It's just you."

"I saw you come in here," Bakugo says, looking around. "What is this place?"

"Just an empty room," Iida says. "There are plenty of empty rooms here. As you can guess, residents don't stay long here."

"Yeah, I get it. So, what are you doing here in an empty room?"

Iida flexes his wings. "This is where I come to fly, to stretch my wings."

"You don't fly around the place?"

"No. It's more of a choice not to fly because so many servants here cannot fly. I don't want to make them spiteful towards me. Where is Izuku?"

"Hmph. With Dabi and Tomura having breakfast," Bakugo answers. "I wasn't included. But that's fine. I wanted to keep searching the place anyway. I also wanted to find time to talk to you. Can you put your flying time on hold for a little bit?"

"I can," Iida says. "What would you like to talk about?"

"It's about All Might. Izuku wants to see him, and he's supposed to be released. We both know that's not going to happen," Iida agrees with him. "But, we can't take Izuku out of this marriage. The more I think about it; they really do not plan to let All Might out at all. Our biggest fear is death coming to All Might should Izuku and the Valley not hold up their end of the bargain. We're getting played for fools! Right now, they're winning. They have Izuku, they have All Might, and they will gain access to the Valley. In the end, Izuku is still married to Dabi, and All Might remains in prison."

Iida folds his finger over his lip in thought. "Hm. You're correct in this assumption. I would have to agree with you. But as it stands, there is nothing we can do without risking harm coming to All Might. So, what do you propose the next step is?"

Bakugo crosses his arms. "I have a plan in mind, but it's not going to be easy."

TBC