Shoto couldn't help the smile that tugged his on his lips as he watched Izuku's expression.

The Omega looked around wide-eyed, in awe at the bustling city around them. His knuckles were white from how tightly he gripped his reins, but he was careful not to pull on them. The streets were so busy, the marketplace bursting with chatter. Salesmen shouted their deals, customers negotiating for even lower prices.

Izuku was amazed.

"Here we are," Tenya spoke up, dismounting his steed.

Shoto got off as well and helped Izuku down.

The Omega blushed heavily. "Sho, I'm not a pup..."

The prince chuckled, hand on the small of Izuku's back as they followed Tenya into the inn, Mezo Shoji staying outside with the horses.

Tenya led them up the stairs and knocked. "Ma'am?"

There was a shuffling inside.

Izuku bit his lip, clenching his fists over his chest. He fidgetted nervously, not having seen his mother in far too long.

The older woman opened the door and smiled. "Iida! Izuku really wrote back so fast?"

The guard chuckled, stepping aside. "Better, ma'am."

Her eyes widened, breath catching as she spotted his son. Tears welled up in her eyes and she held out her arms.

Izuku rushed forward with a sob, embracing his mother tightly.

Mother and son scented each other heavily, smiling through their tears.

"Oh, it's so wonderful to see you, my dear!" Inko pulled back, cupping Izuku's freckled cheeks. She then turned her attention to her other visitors and blushed, straightening her apron. "Pardon me, how rude of me. Please, come in." She shuffled to the side, gently pulling Izuku with her.

"Oh, I don't want to intrude," Shoto muttered, looking to Izuku who smiled brightly at him.

"No, I insist! I have tea over the fire, will you stay for just a cup? I need to thank you for caring for my son!" Inko spoke up firmly.

The prince gave in as soon as Izuku spoke up. "Please, Sho? Stay for a little while?"

Shoto sighed and nodded, stepping inside before his guard closed the door.

Inko grinned, clapping twice before hurrying to the tea kettle.

Izuku ushered the Prince over to the table and sat him down. Shoto wanted to lean into the Omega, his Alpha trilling happily at the relaxed, excited scent coming off Izuku.

Inko brought the kettle over and Izuku helped her prepare the tea. They chattered happily, both grinning from ear-to-ear and Shoto wondered briefly if this is what a mother and son should look like.

He wondered that if his mother was alive, would they have this type of relationship...

"Here you are, your highness." Inko slid the tea cup across the table and to the prince, expression kind and genuine.

Shoto offered a small smile back as he took the cup. "Thank you, my lady." She blushed at that, giggling in embarrassment. "Although, Shoto is just fine."

She blushed more, nervous this time. "Oh, but your highness... You're a prince."

"I understand. If you must with the formality, then... I'll allow Todoroki."

Inko seemed to relax slightly. It's clear she's never not refered to someone as their title. "Okay, Todoroki. It's very wonderful to meet you. I'm so glad I get to finally thank you for taking care of my Izuku." She finally sat beside the Prince, patting down het apron.

Izuku sat beside her, his hands wrapped around his own tea cup. He smiled softly, watching his mother.

"You don't have to thank me, my lady." Shoto shifted in his seat. "I am sorry your son is in this predicament in the first place. My father is... A very greedy, prideful man... And he doesn't care who or what he steps on in his crawl for more power. Izuku is... All Izuku is to him is a means for strong Alpha heirs to carry on the Todoroki bloodline..."

Inko sighed and nodded. "I had hoped... When Izuku was a child, that by agreeing to give him away in an engagement to a boy he grew up with, he'd be safe... They'd love each other and care for each other... That he'd keep my lovely boy safe." She reached over and took Izuku's hand.

The young Omega squeezed back. "Momma... We don't have to talk about it."

She smiled back at him. "Right..."

"The tea is wonderful," Shoto complimented with another sip, smiling behind the cup as she beamed brightly up at him.

They chatted a while longer, Izuku catching up with Inko. Occasionally they took each other's hands, rubbing their wrists together in a subtle scenting.

Shoto didn't miss any interaction they shared. It broke his heart when Tenya knocked on the door and the light atmosphere soured.

Izuku stood and kissed his mother's cheek. "I love you, momma. I'll write you soon."

Inko grinned and nodded, shuffling beside her son to the door. "Be safe, Izu." She pulled him down to kiss his cheek and gently scent him.

The younger Omega purred, scenting her in return before stepping into the hall with the Prince and guard. Their goodbyes were whispered, Izuku taking and squeezing Shoto's hand.

Izuku sighed as they walked, his cloak draped over his arm. "I missed her," he murmured, head resting on the Prince's shoulder.

Shoto hummed, brushing his thumb over Izuku's knuckles. "I know... I'm glad I was finally able to meet her. She's lovely."

Izuku smiled and nodded, thanking Tenya as he opened the door to the inn.

Mezo was already untying the horses from the posts.

The Omega abruptly halted, eyes blowing wide as he whipped his head around.

"Izuku?" Shoto's brows furrowed. "What-"

"Scent me!" The Omega hissed, tugging on Shoto and yanking his cloak over himself. "Scent me, please! Cover me in your scent- they can't smell me!"

Startled by the sudden distress Izuku was in, he heavily coated Izuku with his own scent. Once he was finished, Izuku pulled him towards the horses, guards just as confused as the Prince.

Izuku scrambled onto his horse, the other three not far behind. He held the cloak over his face, keeping as close to Shoto as he could. He kept glancing over his shoulder nervously, hands trembling terribly and cheeks pale.

Shoto looked back behind them and tensed.

A bob of pinky, curly hair stood at a nearby booth and Shoto immediately recognized her.

Mina Ashido.

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