Chapter Text
In society, omegas are allowed the opportunity to sign up for a beta through an annual contract. A contract that gives an omega a beta, randomly chosen by the agency they selected. This contract only allows the beta to be in contact with the omega for a year, if the omega would like to continue the service then the agency would select a new beta for them.
That way the agency prevents any sort of attachment from forming, yet at the same time, comfortable enough so that there’s no agitation for replacing the beta constantly. Although there have been some cases where, wealthier alphas and omegas, pay a heavier sum of money to extend their contract on the beta.
Most agencies turn a blind eye to it, taking the extra money and ignoring the consequences that may come after. Which have been plenty and enough.
Omegas get tired of their beta, in the beginning they grow attached to them, they think they’re in love and buy the beta from the agencies and sure there’s probably two, maybe five and even ten years of bliss, but sooner or later, an alpha enters the picture and the beta is out of a home.
Oh, that’s right.
In society, the betas aren’t seen as human like their counterparts, alphas and omegas. They don’t have the heightened senses, they're mostly infertile, and many… sorts of people believe they are just a waste of resources, a waste of space.
That’s why there’s so much support for those unknown locations of beta camps, where the government physically keeps them restrained and away from the rest of society. There is only one way for the a beta to leave such camps though, but the opportunity are only for young beta kids.
And that is to agree to receive a government funded education in beta companionship for an omega or alpha. To be a servant, or a slave as some betas say in whispers in their dorm rooms that are usually provided for them until they receive notice that they’ve been contracted, and are ready to be shipped.
Once they turn eighteen, they’re scouted by an agency, ones who are known for their beta’s performances, and many who are known for their cheap contract prices.
Omegas need betas for protection, bodyguards, and guardians, to prevent assault and rape, and protecting others when an omega starts to manipulating others with their scent.
Alphas need betas to prevent them from lawsuits, anger management, to control them when they use they are out of line, and to protect others from the alpha commands.
They both need betas to keep themselves in check, to avoid what their feral, animalistic selfish needs, and to push it down to a minimum, an acceptable manner.
Kirishima has always thought he was mediocre, well, he still does. There really isn't much to his name, and his resume, and not to mention nothing amazing on his beta school training record. But to his surprise, he was bought by a big name agency. As much as he questioned in the deep hours of the night, he was grateful because that meant he was finally able to do what he sought out to do. Provide for his family back in the camps, both who too, were betas.
Kirishima was their miracle, since beta procreating was almost unheard of. The child, even when he knew he would have to be taken away from his family at at a young age, and to never see his family, agreed to be part of a bigger project, to become a companion for those alphas and omegas who needed people like him, and that way, he would be able to move his family to a safer part of the large camp they lived in. And sure, he might just have one photo of his parents when he was five, but, he was sure it would be worth it in the end.
Anyways, growing up in the training school, Kirishima was sure of himself that he would be tasked in taking care of omegas, his personality called for it, and a lot of his educators had said so himself. But once he was bought by the agency that is currently housing him now, he was put under the alpha department.
He’s done his job pretty well, at least that was what he was told from his supervisor after the reviews came in. That is until he was put under a famous athlete, a kick boxer who was known to have spurs of anger. Apparently there has been a lot of failed attempts in calming the alpha down before, but because of Kirishima's clean record, they decided to throw him in, giving him a chance at proving how great of a beta Kirishima was.
The alpha was very known to cause fights with their betas, since they were closet thing they had to a friend, a partner, a roommate. Beating them to the brink of death. Kirishima, going in, didn't know that, and he wasn't even sure why the alpha wasn't banned from the agency altogether. Although, rumors have it, that a lot of money can get anyone anywhere. The alpha's manager was desperate too, to keep the athlete's record clean to the media, or at least not make it worse as it already was. He wanted to keep the alpha in the ring, keep him famous, and the only way to do that, was to get the government order and get him a beta.
Kirishima was one of the luckier ones compared to the other betas that companioned the alpha, it started out just fine, the alpha was distant sure, but it was fine, he was calm.
But those anger spurs started to come out more after his fifth month there, and usually he was able to handle himself, they were all given physical education courses too, electives were optional and for their choosing and Kirishima took a lot of weight training and endurance classes, he could keep up with the alpha for a while.
But that only excited the alpha more.
Kirishima shudders at the memory, deciding to forget it completely and not follow that rabbit down it’s hole.
He was sitting on a hard-plastic chair, he was called up for a new assignment, a new contract. After four months from his last, he was glad that he was finally leaving the dormitory, a lot of beta’s he’s known were still in their contracts during that period, so this wave of betas were new, people he didn’t know.
He was awkward around them, especially when he came home in bandages and casts around several of his limbs.
“Kirishima Eijirou?”
The red head snaps up into attention, grabbing onto his backpack that was filled with the few items he’s only ever owned. His previous alphas have given him gifts, as thanks and what not, graditide too.
Although he was only ever allowed to keep what he could carry, everything else had to be given to the agency.
So Kirishima only ever kept one gift, from a alpha who ran a design company, one that specifically made merchandise for the heroes who saved the country countless times. Many didn’t think it was too much of a gift, since it was of a retro hero, someone old and probably dead now.
Kirishima doesn’t know, he doesn’t have access to the internet or media for that matter. But the gift meant the world to him. Because it was a gift.
Tomo, the owner, was one of the best contract owners Kirishima could've ask for, and although Tomo didn’t necessarily need a beta, he didn’t have the anger a lot of alphas are accused of on a daily bases, or had any ill intentions, he was someone who just loved taking in betas after he’s seen how they were treated.
“I wish I could help everyone really, but at very the moment this is the best I could do.” He wanted to show Kirishima that not all alphas are bad, the same way that omegas weren’t always manipulative and dependent as they’ve been taught.
They only ever get winded up with the bad, because the bad is what keeps their company running.
The hoodie, the one Tomo had given him, was of Crimson Riot, and although he couldn’t keep the comic books Tomo bought for him, he kept the hoodie and threw out the previous one he had, already old and worn from the years he’s had it for.
He also had a few plain shirts, another hoodie, the one he’s wearing now, that was also a plain color, a dull navy blue. He had two pairs of pants, one in the bag, and one he’s wearing. Two pairs of shoes.
Old converse, and business shoes the agency had given him. He was working under the high class after all, they had to look somewhat presentable.
“Kirishima Eijirou?” An omega woman says, looking at Kirishima who had approached her quickly. He nods his head before the woman leaves him behind, initiating that he should follow.
“Your new alpha, Bakugou Katsuki, you might have heard his name before, he’s Dynamight.” She says it like Kirishima should know, which he doesn’t. He’s been around the city lots, but most of the time he was kept in the alpha’s home, in the alpha’s business eat outs, or in the office.
He wasn’t exactly restricted from using the TV, but the school said that TV makes him look lazy, and their contract owners do not want a lazy beta.
He wasn’t allowed a phone either, even those flip phones, saying it was for their own protection, one of the beta’s in the dorm say it’s to keep them from information.
Information is power after all.
“He’s twenty-six, just a year older than you, we didn’t have any younger betas available, but he preferred the beta wouldn’t be older than him, it might have to do with superiority.” She scoffs, muttering out typical alpha.
Kirishima nods along as she states different facts about him, his birthday, his habits, hobbies, trivial things, but each fact and detail were still painting a bigger picture.
“Reason he needs a beta, well, his HR team decided his little outburst in a recent talk show was a bit uncalled for, you’re his punishment.”
For a year?
“Hey, he’s pretty cute, at the end of the year figure out his number for me, kay?” she winks at him, but Kirishima only gives her a nervous smile.
The employees who worked here, even at such a high establishment, were always so sketchy, constantly pulling favors from betas, promising them in return for something else. Which it be a bigger backpack, extra food, or even for an alpha who isn’t a total douchebag for their next assignment.
They pass the last set of doors, and Kirishima's eyes automatically search for his new alpha, even when he had no idea how the alpha hero might look like, he was still not a total idiot, and made a quick guess that the man standing in the middle of the lobby, looking irritated as hell, while everyone around him was muttering among themselves.
The omega doesn't waste in walking towards the alpha, Kirishima following closely behind her. She doesn't even hesitate in speaking with the alpha now that they were in hearing distance.
“Sorry, for clients as high class as you, we usually have you waiting in a private room, but with the lack of resources at the moment, we're sorry to have to keep you here.” She gives him a sweet smile, but Bakugou has his eye’s trained at the beta behind her, just a few inches shorter than him.
He glares down the beta, and maybe if Kirishima didn’t have those experiences with the previous alphas… then he would probably flinch from the intense stare. But he stands tall, unafraid of the alpha in front of him, although he was slightly disappointed, he would be working with another difficult alpha for the year.
“Whatever.” He says, voice harsh but Kirishima can't argue that it isn't strong, he sounded confident, his eyes track back to the woman in front of them both, “Do I have to sign anything or can I just fucking go.”
“Nope, you’re all set!” The woman says, taking a step back and allowing Kirishima and Bakugou to really look at one another without her there. She smiles again at the alpha and turns away for her next appointment.
Bakugou clicks his tongue as soon as he’s done giving Kirishima another look over, turning on his heels, he heads out, Kirishima follows without a word. There’re flashes going off at each side of them, but Kirishima ignores them, trailing behind the alpha.
Bakugou motions for a black sleek car in the underground garage. Kirishima doesn’t need to be told twice that he wants Kirishima to get in. But when he reaches for the backseat, the alpha growls.
Looking up to his new alpha, now confused, and unsure what he’s doing wrong. Bakugou doesn’t say anything, he simply glares. After a few seconds of confusion, Kirishima reaches for the passenger door handle, which makes Bakugou click his tongue.
Kirishima nods and pulls the door open, taking note that Bakugou is more of a man of sounds than words.
Sitting down in the soft seats, Bakugou mummers something about beta’s being highly trained. Kirishima guesses this is the first time Bakugou has ever had a beta in his entire life, and is reassured in his guess when Bakugou opens his mouth.
“So, what’s the rules with you then?”
“Rules?” Kirishima answers quickly, already knowing that Bakugou doesn’t like silent responds when asked a question, nor does he like lagged responses.
“Yeah, the fucking rules, what’s you’re fucking job? What do I have to do?” He pulls his own seatbelt over himself, Kirishima mimicking the alpha.
“Is this you’re first time with a beta?”
Bakugou quickly glares at the beta, mummering something about the phrasing of Kirishima’s question. “Would I fucking ask if it weren’t?”
Kirishima nods his head, gulping, usually the agency provides a whole manual, a document that has everything an alpha and omega need to know about caring for their new beta. Kirishima is guessing he doesn’t have the time to read it, or that he could care less about the nobody that’s about to live in his home for a whole year.
At least…
No, Kirishima promised himself he wouldn’t think about him, he has to forget, he has to forget.
“We stick by your side, keep your anger in check and make sure you aren’t a danger to anyone around you, nor is anyone a danger to you.”
“You have a quirk?” Bakugou asked, which catches Kirishima off-guard, his usual alphas never ask question that are personally directed to him on the first day.
“Hardening, sir.” He brings up an arm and wait for Bakugou’s approval in using it. Only ever with an alphas permission should he ever use it. Otherwise if anyone saw him using his quirk without the said permission from their contract owner, he would be in for many punishments.
Bakugou hums curtly, and it’s enough for Kirishima to activate his own soft flesh into a sharp blade-like weapon.
“Not bad.” Bakugou says, turning on the engine of his car. “Listen,” Bakugou says, pulling his car out of the parked spot not even waiting for it to warm up, eyes on all the mirrors surrounding them. “My HR team is playing some stupid joke on me, I’m not on the verge of becoming fucking feral, there was no one in danger when I yelled, they’re just pissed I’m not a fucking go happy ignorant asshole.”
Kirishima stays quiet, knowing there’s more the alpha needs to say.
“I doubt they’re gonna keep you for the whole fucking year, so don’t fucking get comfortable, I’m playing along only because I know they’ll keep getting me a beta if I keep rejecting them.”
Kirishima nods his head. Okay, yeah, he’s worked with non-threatening alphas, well, he’s worked with one, non-threatening alpha, Tomo, to be exact. Nonetheless, Kirishima nods his head in understanding when Bakugou’s eyes come back back to look at him.
“Is there anything else I need to know about you?” Bakugou doesn’t want to get in anymore trouble, or so Kirishima thinks, so he’s going to play it by the book.
“Um, sexual relations are not allowed, we cannot create a relationship between one another, platonic or romantic, everything needs to stay professional, everything has to be strictly professional.”
“Fucking weird.” Bakugou mutters, looking at the traffic in front of them as they leave the garage. Not only is it frowned upon and have severe consequences it’s also, “Isn’t it illegal? The fuck would anyone date a beta for anyways?”
Kirishima stays silent, he could only agree to Bakugou anyways. Even if they didn’t want to.
“We also require a collar,” to show ownership, to show that the beta isn’t just walking around the streets without a permit.
Bakugou scoffs, a smile at the ends of his lips, “What happened to a professional relationship?”
Betas don’t have a scent, or well, science says so. Kirishima likes to believe that there was something though, sure he couldn’t smell his own scent, or any of the other betas that he’s ever conversed with, but some nights, he swears there’s a hint of something on his pillow.
“We don’t have scent glands, so our scents don’t necessarily mix, and I’ll just smell like…” Like I’m owned.
“Like you’re owned.” Bakugou sneers, taking the words from Kirishima’s mind. They were taught to not phrase it that way, because they’re not slaves, even if they get paid such low wages compared to how much the alphas are actually paying for them.
But he doesn’t correct Bakugou, if anything Kirishima sorta smiles, he could only agree with the alpha anyways.
“So you follow me everywhere? Even when I’m on the job?”
Kirishima has never worked with a hero before, he has never thought he would either. Not a lot of heroes need betas. They’re known for their good image, they put their lives in danger to save the innocents, they’re good people, they have no reason to have a beta.
Although not unheard of.
Kirishima always believed that betas could also be much more useful for other things than anger management, they could be a friend for those in need of one, a friend that could even support their alphas and omegas friends, especially those who suffer from mental illness.
Yet, at the same time, they're not therapist, they’re not support dogs.
“This will be my first time working with a hero.” He answers honestly, “I’ve been advised that I am not allowed to engage in combat, but I do need to be near you as much as physically possible, my boundaries when you’re engaged in battle is behind the police with the other citizens.”
“And when the battle is over?”
“It is my job to find you.”
“How, if you don’t have the fucking nose for it.” Bakugou huffs, flicking Kirishima’s nose as he brings back his attention to the road in front of him.
“I’ll try my best.”
Bakugou hums.
Kirishima leans back into his seat, looking at the road too. Since they left the garage, he has been reading the road signs, the street names and what path Bakugou takes home. Kirishima needs to be able to find Bakugou’s home if there was any situation where he found himself lost.
“If you wouldn’t mind me asking, don’t you think your image would be tainted if you’re affiliated with a beta?”
Bakugou scoffs, but he doesn’t answer.
The apartment complex is a shiny building, and when they walk into the lobby, it gets even better. Kirishima gulps as he trails behind Bakugou, careful he doesn’t fall too far behind.
There was already a lot of alphas looking their way, looking at Kirishima, who has no collar. They see him near Bakugou, so they could simply assume, but the look in their eyes, were wide and confused, staring.
Maybe they were more surprised to see Bakugou with a beta? Maybe.
They enter an elevator, Kirishima debates in hiding behind Bakugou, and for a second, he wishes he did when they were alone in the elevator. He wasn’t sure if Bakugou was just obvious from the stares, but as soon as an alpha walked in with them, he glared at Kirishima, pointedly looking straight at him, wondering where the betas collar was.
Kirishima diverted his eyes to the floor, looking down at his feet. Maybe it’s the way he’s dressed, despite Bakugou wearing nothing but a black tank shirt, and black ankle pants, he’s still looked better than Kirishima who had his red blaring hair in a pony tail, a color choice he was allowed from his pervious owner, and old clothes he’s had for years.
The alpha who wouldn’t stop staring was wearing the exact opposite, he was in a business suit, steamed nicely since there was not even one crease line.
“Keep fucking staring and you’ll lose an eye.” Bakugou threatens, Kirishima’s eyes widen as he looks at the back of Bakugou's head with complete surprise, an hero shouldn’t say that right? They can’t just say that to a civilian right?
And although there was ill intent in the alpha’s voice, he looked completely calm, hand in his pockets, staring at the elevator door like he had done before.
The alpha next to them quickly looks away, embarrassed now that he was caught staring.
The doors open again, and the alpha walks out, Kirishima stays by Bakugou’s side as they close.
“Don’t fucking let them push you around.” He says, anger still present despite his facial expression. Sure, he looked angry, but he’s looked that way, or well, for as long as Kirishima has known him, which was only for about an hour.
“I’m a beta, sir.” Is Kirishima only response, like it explains everything.
Bakugou only glances at him from the corner of his eye, before reaching over and digging his fingers into Kirishima’s hair, ruinning the male’s low ponytail, twisting it in knots and out of the kept order it was in.
He does nothing as Bakugou digs deeper into his scalp and starts tugging the beta’s hair.
“So, beta’s really let you do anything then?”
No, just that we aren’t allowed to stop them.
“So if I decide to…” Bakugou pauses, staring at Kirishima fully now, before turning away from him. “Nevermind.” He whispers, ending the thought completely. But it wasn't like Kirishima didn’t know where he was going with it.
Rape, it happens more often than not, their agency really can’t do anything about it. They accuse the alpha, then the alpha accuses the beta. It's sadly he said, she said, they said. And to avoid it as much as they can, they ignore it.
Luckily Kirishima is one of the few whose been saved from that.
Bakugou opens up his mouth like he wants to say something else but snaps it close as the elevator opens to their floor. Bakugou takes the step out first, then Kirishima follows, feeling heavier as he starts to realize this is going to be his life for a year.
He sorta laughs inside, wondering when did start feeling like anything, he’s only had six alpha contract owners in the past. He remembers his first year, crying in his new room, afraid and scared, he remembers his second year when it was worse than the first.
He remembers Tomo, and after him, it starts to blur.
That is until, until the last year…
Bakugou stands in front of the door, putting his hand into the handle, and putting his thumb on the keypad. It scans for a few seconds, and then he’s clicking something off to the side, soon a physical number pad pops up.
“040200” he says, looking up Kirishima. “That’s the code.”
He presses the buttons to show Kirishima, unlocking the door and closing the physical number pad. But he grabs hold of the handle again and shuts the door. He does some more things on the digital touchscreen before stepping away.
“Press your thumb to it.”
Kirishima does as he is told. He then pulls away when a little circle starts up, then there’s a blue smiley face and the screen turns black again.
“There, your thumb print is registered.”
This is also the first, being registered to be able to unlock Bakuogu’s private home? It would be rare for him to show up alone, he should always be by Bakugou’s side, and surely enough the code was enough for him to know.
But Bakugou doesn’t say anything else about it, and motions for Kirishima to open the door to make sure it’s working.
It unlocks in a matter of seconds. Bakugou walks in with Kirishima following behind.