"Has there been anything from him?" Katsuki asked the moment he stepped into the medical room housing his mate. He looked tired and almost sickly, with his skin looking paler than usual and with bags under his usually sharp eyes. Seems like Izuku's current state has taken a huge toll on Katsuki.

"Unfortunately, he is still unresponsive..." Recovery Girl sighed with a deep frown, she seems to have taken a toll from all of this too as her shoulders were sagged and her frown seemed to be perpetual.

Katsuki deflated and despite being told that nothing's changed about Izuku's state, he still approached the bed his beloved Queen laid upon, his worn hands brushing lightly across his freckled cheek then to rub his head of green curls. His heart hurt each day Izuku remained unconscious, and it hurt him more that he couldn't spend all of his time beside him in case he does wake, as he still has a Kingdom to tend to. As much as he wishes he could leave his Kingdom in someone else's hands, like Kirishima as his temporary replacement, he knew that Izuku would want him to help his people just as much as he helps him, and Katsuki would almost always follow what Izuku wants him to do especially after he nearly gave his life for him and the Kingdom he wasn't even born into.

"I don't know when or if Queen Izuku will wake up—"

"DON'T—just...Please don't say that," Katsuki snapped at Recovery Girl before breathing in, then breathing out to calm himself down, now dragging his hand across his face. The blond Alpha took a seat next to Izuku's bed on the chairs set in the room for him and Recovery Girl, his crimson gaze remained on the sleeping Izuku. The stress of everything that's happened up until now is slowly but surely catching up to him.

It's been three days since the confrontation with the Todoroki Kingdom, three days he's had to endure all of this stress, and three days since Izuku went unconscious.

"Apologies, but we can only hope now, and even so, we have to be realistic as well. I'm not guaranteeing anything nor do I not believe in Queen Izuku, but I've already done everything I can do. The rest is up to him to wake," the shorter Beta says softly before bowing her head and getting up to depart from the room, leaving Katsuki alone with Izuku once more. All three days have been like this; Katsuki leaves Izuku's side in the morning when he's needed by his Kingdom, Recovery Girl watches over unresponsive Izuku, Katsuki returns once most of the day is done, and he stays by the Queen's side until the following day comes. Sometimes, Katsuki will lay with Izuku on the bed, lightly scenting his Omega in hopes that that would rouse him awake from his continuous slumber. Hopes that the following morning, he'd rise to see Izuku awake and well, only to feel heartbroken when nothing's changed since he drifted off to sleep.

Katsuki feels like it's unfair that Izuku is putting him through this, though he doesn't actually blame him since none of them knew this would happen, both all of them and their Kingdom surviving the enemy's attack and the repercussions of that successful battle. He vows that once Izuku wakes, he'll at the same time, scold him for making him go through all of this and spoil him more for saving them all.

As Katsuki stares at the unconscious greenette with a saddened but soft look now that they were alone, he couldn't help but wonder if his parents were watching over him—over them. He wonders if his parents were to still be alive, would they be proud of Izuku for saving them all, or would they be fearful of him and throw the Omega out for being of dragon blood. Katsuki doesn't want to admit out loud that the possibility of losing Izuku, let alone the mere thought of losing him would hurt him twice as much as it was to lose his parents, jokingly afraid his parents would be offended. That little thought seems to allow a small smile to appear on his face, as he could already see his hag of a mother crossing her arms and giving him a disappointed but also understanding scowl while his father would just smile neutrally. As much as they bickered, even as he was a child, and seemed to have a rough relationship to others, his parents loved him with all of their hearts.

And Katsuki would never admit it out loud, still hasn't to this day, but he loved them just as much.

The bedroom door opening snapped Katsuki out of his thoughts and his usual scowl returned to his face as he turned to whoever entered, only for his expression to soften slightly and he let out a sigh. It was Tokoyami.

"I was told that you hadn't eaten dinner yet, and decided to bring some since I knew you would be here," he said as he closed the door behind himself and approached Katsuki with two plates of food, one for him and one for Katsuki. The blond male didn't realize how late it had gotten while he had been in his thoughts and memories, finally looking around to see that sunlight from outside no longer filtered in through the window but had now turned to dim moonlight. After a few moments of guessing what time it was, Katsuki looked back at the other Alpha. Despite being an Alpha and a prince from another Kingdom, even if that Kingdom didn't exist anymore, Tokoyami was okay to Katsuki. If Izuku trusted and loved Tokoyami like a brother, then Katsuki had no reason to be hostile towards him.

Tokoyami handed one of the plates of food to Katsuki who only hummed as this 'thanks,' which didn't seem to bother the bird-like Alpha. Katsuki then gestured to the other chair that Recovery Girl had previously sat in, to which Tokoyami understood and sat down in said chair before silently eating his food as Katsuki did the same. They ate in shared silence until their food was done, which Tokoyami took Katsuki's plate and held onto it, not leaving the room just yet, that seemed to draw the King's attention.

"You know, I've never known Izuku was of dragon blood until that day. It never crossed my mind that his blood came from a long-thought extinct bloodline, nor did I really think that he would have any kind of power besides his physical strength, " Tokoyami started as he stared at his unconscious friend. "However, I now realize how much you mean to him if he was willing to do something as crazy as shifting into a dragon, and if he didn't know anything about that, he was still willing to try anything in order to protect not just everyone, but you specifically."

Tokoyami doesn't look away from his friend while he continues. "Izuku is always the first one to protect his friends and family, heck, protect anyone for that matter. Always the first one to throw himself in harm's way if it means he can help, even if he can or will get hurt in the process," he lets out a chuckle. "My mother tried to teach him not to be so sacrificial, seeing that she treated his wounds whenever he'd come home. She tried so hard to make Izuku understand that getting hurt for others shouldn't be something he's always willing to jump into, but Izuku was and still is just so stubborn."

Katsuki listened silently as Tokoyami spoke in a soft voice, his eyes watching the other Alpha as he spoke of his mate so gently and proudly. If this was anyone besides Tokoyami, he would've been snapping at them to not speak of his Queen so fondly, but seeing as they grew up as brothers, he knew that of course Tokoyami would feel both worried yet prideful of Izuku's tendencies. Then a thought comes across his mind. "Wait, you said your mother. Do you and Izuku—" he gets cut off before he can go further.

"No. Izuku is not my brother by blood. In fact, he's not even related to me or my parents," that got Katsuki to narrow his eyes at the prince. "Izuku was born within my Kingdom, and his mother was close friends with my own parents, thus the reason to why he is with me and we call each other 'brothers.'" Tokoyami glanced up to Katsuki and seemed to read his mind before he could ask.

"Izuku's mother, Inko, died after giving birth. His father isn't in their lives but there was someone who was a father figure to him. Toshinori Yagi was his name. He stood in Izuku's life as his adoptive father and as far as I was told, he'd been there to take care of Inko. My parents told me that the two came together from the same Kingdom when they first arrived, but they never knew exactly as Inko and Yagi either never told them or possibly begged for that information to be left between them alone."

Tokoyami looked back at Izuku while Katsuki took in all of this information and remained quiet.

"Since birth, Izuku was welcomed in my family, and thus the Royal Family, as if he were born into it. We were raised as brothers until we were both old enough to understand that Izuku was from somewhere else, though we made sure he knew that wouldn't change our relationship with him. Otherwise, everyone else in our small Kingdom adored Izuku as he is a kind yet strong soul. He stands up for those who need it and he isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, as you already know by now," Tokoyami couldn't help but let out a chuckle that Katsuki reciprocated, remembering when the Omega fearlessly pinned him down and threatened to break his arm. That brought a warmer smile to the King's face.

"Yagi was a skilled swordsman and he taught Izuku lessons, but he mostly taught him how to defend himself with just his physical strength, since it was easier for someone larger compared to Izuku to disarm him if he held a sword which could also be used against him. Yagi figured it would be best to train Izuku how to fight in hand-to-hand combat, seeing as he wasn't afraid to get physical even when he was training with a sword. Of course, Izuku had to take on some bulk in order to properly fight and that was the first step before the actual training. But otherwise, Izuku's key prowess in battle was his mind, and probably even more so, his stubbornness."

Katsuki could only imagine his Omega struggling to toss a sack of potatoes more than five feet from him, let alone throw it over his shoulder, he found it quite endearing picturing Izuku struggling with his much thinner, weaker body before the training, but never giving in and persisting despite reaching his limits. He had to stop himself from purring at the notion that his Omega was strong and a hard worker, remembering that Tokoyami was here still.

"Izuku improved greatly and swiftly however. It only took him about eight months of rigorous training for Yagi to feel comfortable letting him essentially escort me around."

"'Escort you around'? What do you mean by that?" Katsuki couldn't help but ask, seeing that Tokoyami was an Alpha and was the prince of his Kingdom and thus, heir to the throne. However, Tokoyami frowned slightly.

"That first day we all met each other sums up everything. Since our Kingdom wasn't nearly as big as yours or the Todoroki Kingdom, we all had to be careful with how we much we consume, both food and resources. And since we didn't have all that much to eat compared to our neighboring Kingdoms, and despite myself being an Alpha, I never got a chance to gain that Alpha bulk that everyone else here has. Most of the other Alphas within my Kingdom were similar. Essentially, my growth was stunted, but I never once blamed my parents. It was a choice to keep everyone fed so that no one starved in our small Kingdom."

"Why didn't you ask us? I'm sure my parents would've gladly helped," Katsuki questioned neutrally, trying to avoid sounding like he was belittling Tokoyami or his Kingdom.

"We sent requests for help, but we never got an answer back, so we assumed that your Kingdom didn't want to bother," Tokoyami explained to which Katsuki furrowed his brows in confusion.

His parents would never deny nor ignore a plea for help, especially from a peaceful Kingdom that shared a border with them and was at the time, basically starving and suffering. And even if his parents happened to reject the requests for resources and food, he would've heard of it. Though he was still a child back then, his mother didn't keep him away from Kingly duties. In fact, she made him learn early so that he knew when the time came when he'd inherit the throne from them. That made Katsuki suspicious that something fishy had been going on back then, but he keeps his mouth closed when he notices that this seems to be a sensitive topic for Tokoyami. So he decides to remain quiet for now about this and let him continue.

"Anyways, my smaller stature didn't help either and so, bigger Alphas or even small groups of Alphas that looked no different than myself, picked on my, saying that 'I could never be their future King because I was so small and undeserving of being an Alpha, and heir to the throne.' Despite knowing they could get into deep trouble with my parents, they continued to bully me. I would often come home with bruises and dirty, I would tell my parents that I kept falling and they would only smile sadly and nod but with Izuku, I told him everything. I knew I could trust him," then a brighter and more hopeful look crosses the smaller Alpha's face. It may even appear to look amused.

"If only I knew what Izuku's reaction would be. Haha, he's such a stubborn dork, that I sometimes forget that he can easily toss people around. Let's just say that Izuku's reaction was.....indeed quite the reaction of an older sibling, because he vowed to protect me at all cost starting the next day. That day came and he held his vow by being my bodyguard."

"Like every other day prior to Izuku's completed training approved by Yagi, one of the bigger Alphas spotted us and approached, threatening me that he'd beat me up again. And with that, Izuku stepped in between us, giving that Alpha one of the scariest glares I've ever seen on his face, I advice you never, ever make him that upset or else you'll feel like you're staring down death's door, regardless if you take that literally or not," Tokoyami hummed as he glanced back to Katsuki and leaned back more into his chair, letting out a sigh that Katsuki could just barely pick up the most subtle shutter and scent of dread within.

Katsuki has never seen the Omega glare as bad as that. Sure, he's gotten nasty glares from him when they were still getting used to each other, and the other day with the whole dragon shifting, but never a glare as bad as Tokoyami describes. It made him shallowly swallow, feeling the weight of Tokoyami's warning as something not to be taken lightly. He's sure that that look could probably be considered Izuku's 'murder glare.'

"That Alpha was appalled Izuku stood in front of him and tried to toss him aside, only for Izuku to challenge him and snarl at him. This quickly led to a fight but it was more like a quick scuffle with how fast it ended. The Alpha stepped forward and tried to push Izuku away with his arm but he countered by pulling his arm as had as he could, forcing the bully to follow through with the continuous action and eventually, he fell to the ground. Izuku pounced just as the Alpha flipped himself around to try and get back up, Izuku proceeded to......break his nose," Tokoyami let out an amused sigh as he smiled again, remembering that event like it was just yesterday. He wonders what was going on in that Alpha's head as Izuku pummeled his face until the crack of his nose and blood spilling made Izuku halt, sure he was a bit scared and startled his adopted brother did this so suddenly, but he was mostly satisfied that his bullies would now learn that Izuku would protect him and wasn't afraid to fight someone twice his size.

Katsuki, meanwhile, had to force himself to calm down upon hearing the first time his fated mate challenged injustice and came out victorious so easily, his inner Alpha was practically howling in excitement that their mate was so strong. This brought a larger smile to him and it warmed his heart, his hopes being brought up just a little more.

"Let's just say that though some fights got bad were Izuku was outnumbered and took a beating, he remained resilient and made sure all of those bullies stayed far away from us. After their first or even second encounter with Izuku, they stopped bothering us entirely. I couldn't help but feel proud that Izuku was such a good soul, but also proud that Izuku looked so happy knowing that he kept his promise to me, I don't think I'd ever seen him so overjoyed as he was practically bouncing off every wall possible even while he had bandages on him. He looked like such a happy little dork that I couldn't stop myself from celebrate with him, even as he did all the work. All he cared about was that he saved me, and if that made him that happy, then I'm happy as well," Tokoyami smiled brighter as well, clearly still very proud of his adopted brother despite how many years it's been since then. Even as Yagi and his parents worried whenever he started coming home with bruises now instead of himself, they wouldn't deny Izuku his pride in protecting his adopted brother and his resilience.

Katsuki could see that Tokoyami visibly brightened after reminiscing about his childhood and though his and Izuku's early lives were full of ordeals children should not have to go through, that didn't seem to bother Tokoyami and Katsuki's sure Izuku felt the same. It seemed like they valued their closeness more than anything else.

"I should be going now. It's quite late and I assume you'll sleep here tonight as I've been told you've been doing since that battle," Tokoyami started once more as he rose from his chair, picking up their now cold plates and bowing his head before turning to leave the room. However, Katsuki stopped him just before he opened the door.

"I have one last thing to ask," the young King spoke in a soft and quiet tone, as if making sure no one would overhear them. Tokoyami gave a simple hum of acknowledgment before the blond male continued.

"If you and Izuku grew up together and were raised basically as brothers, then why wasn't he given Royal status? I know he's clearly not related, but I feel like him being considered part of the Royal Family might've helped?" Katsuki asked curiously, having realized that even now, Izuku isn't seen as Tokoyami's actual brother, as this seemed to be something strictly between the two of them.

Tokoyami let out a soft sigh as if releasing stress, though Katsuki didn't know if that was it or not. "Because my parents and Yagi were afraid that if the Todoroki Kingdom ever attacked, we knew they'd go after the Royal Family. And even if we don't consider the threat of the Todoroki's, they didn't want any evil people to think Izuku was of Royal status. They and I are all willing to throw our lives away for Izuku if it means we can protect him. He's given us so much and done so much to make our lives that much better, and we couldn't bare the idea of Izuku being hurt because he was roped into the Royal Family he was adopted by, not born into. We just couldn't put that risk on him, of all people, we knew Izuku was different, and so, we agreed it was safest to call Izuku as our....servant or bodyguard when it came to everyone else."

"Eventually, my parents did tell Izuku the main bits so he could understand and though they never told him it was protect only him, Izuku bought it and it's been like that since then. That's why he never says we're actually brothers, just childhood friends. I don't know if Izuku has figured out the real reason behind all of this, but I'd rather assume he hasn't in order to protect him from those aiming at Royal heads. Others will see him as merely a servant and pass him to get to us," then Tokoyami lowered his head and turned away from Katsuki, facing the door entirely with his back to the other Alpha.

".......And I suppose, it worked because Endeavor went after my parents and Yagi. He killed my parents right before our very eyes in the throne room, and he planned on eliminating me as well. He would go on to use his fire and singe my left shoulder and upper back, missing the killing blow as I scrambled to get away. He never once glanced at Izuku apart from when he initially stormed the throne room. I got cornered and I thought I'd be killed just like my parents, though I was more afraid that Izuku, that self-sacrificing boy, would jump in the way or try to stop Endeavor. That was until Yagi, who had remained hidden, threw one of the throne room chairs at Endeavor, distracting him enough for us three to run for our lives."

"We tried getting away, but Endeavor had left the throne room and chased after us on horseback. We ran into the forest closer to the border with your Kingdom, but we didn't get far until he caught up and Yagi was struck by Endeavor's fire. Izuku tried so desperately to save his father-figure, refusing to lose him as well but Yagi pleaded with all the god's above to get away from there and to save themselves, eventually pleading me to take Izuku when he refused to leave his side once more. I had no choice but to drag him away as Endeavor roared closer. I never want to hear Izuku's desperate cries like that again. I'd rather go deaf."

And with that, Tokoyami left the room without another word, gently closing the door behind himself before his footsteps faded away into the distance as he left the corridor.

Katsuki only stared after the bird-like man, a shudder going down his spine hearing that Tokoyami would rather not hear anything at all for the rest of his life than hear Izuku's cries once more. He inhaled deeply before exhaling and looking back to Izuku's still form, his frown returning the more he stared at the nearly motionless freckled man. He decided to call it for the night and does what he's been doing since three days ago; laying beside Izuku's smaller form in the bed and draping his arm across his mate before closing his eyes and letting sleep consume his mind. Right before he drifted off into deep slumber, Katsuki prayed and hoped that tomorrow is when Izuku would wake, desperately praying that it wouldn't be another day of his hope flickering weaker.

———

(4007 words)

Author's Notes: This update took a long time because I was working on my first Monster Hunter cosplay and hoped to get it done before an upcoming anime con at the end of March. Unfortunately, work was not so kind to me and I didn't finish it in time, but I'll keep going for next year.

Anyways, I hope this big update could be some sort of compensation for being gone for so long without any word! I originally didn't really know how I wanted to do this chapter and it was either skip to when Izuku woke up or catch Katsuki up with everything Izuku and Tokoyami went through before ever meeting them, and I went with the latter even if I knew it was going to be a long chapter. See it as my little bit of apology to Katsuki and Izuku for skipping over their development a few chapters ago, I just really wanted to get to the action before readers lost interest in my story.

Please ignore any spelling and grammar errors! I was doing this while listening to someone live-streaming Lethal Company so I wouldn't doze off, lol. Also, I realized while I was writing that I would have to retcon a few things that were mentioned in the past chapters, just overwrite all of that with this information in this chapter.

I may or may not go back to change the previous chapters so it's not confusing, but that's if I feel like it sense I'm hoping on starting to write the next chapter here, or starting on rewriting my depressed Deku fic, Falling! I realized a better way to write the plot and stuff while I was bored at work, lol. So, if you liked that story, look forward to that! I plan on posting the first chapter which will be short just like in my original one as a sort of hook to hopefully bring more people to read it!

I'm starting to ramble now, so I'll end these notes with the usual. Thanks for reading! I truly appreciate each and every one of you! Your comments make me so motivated to keep going, as looking through the comments on this story on AO3 helped me to finish this chapter! Thank you all once again!! Go Beyond! PLUS ULTRA!!!

-Thornsight/Thorn