Chapter Text
Notes
Eri still can’t speaks Japanese here, so every dialogue with her are meant to be in French.
TW: suicidal thought, grieve
A year ago, Narita Airport
It was a sunny summer day when two peculiar people arrived from Paris to Tokyo.
A man in his 20s with unruly green hair were holding his hand to a young girl with silver long hair. Both were dressed in full black ensemble, sending a grieving vibe to the people around them as they walked to the immigration post.
“Morning, sir. May I have your passport?” the immigration officer asked.
The greenette gave him two EU passports with an empty expression.
“French, Isshiki Izuku and Isshiki Eri. Hmmm, it is mentioned that you also have a Japanese passport?” he inquired as he scanned the passport.
“Indeed, should I show it too?” he replied politely.
“No, need. We have the data here and I assumed your daughter hasn’t got hers?” he further inquired.
“Yes, me and my late husband wanted her to choose once she turned 18 if she wants to apply for double citizenship” Izuku forced a smile but his eyes expressed some deep sadness.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, sir” the officer frantically apologized while bowing politely.
“It’s ok…” Izuku brushed it off.
The process went quickly after that with both Izuku and Eri got their picture taken and fingerprint scanned.
After getting their luggage and bags from baggage claim, Izuku and Eri quickly looked up for taxi. When they found one, Izuku hurriedly gave the address to the driver. He became more relaxed once he sat on the backseat with Eri next to him.
“Maman, where are we going?” Eri asked.
“Home, darling. Finally, we’re back to Maman’s country” Izuku forced a smile. Eri knew Izuku was lying.
“Maman, why do we need to leave France? Papa is still sleeping there, right? Why we didn’t bring Papa along?” she asked curiously.
Izuku was taken by surprised with her sudden question. Right, Eri was too young to understand the reality of losing her father. After all this time, she thought that father was still sick and currently sleeping under the dirt to feel better.
Izuku didn’t have the heart to tell her about the reality.
“Ma Grande, Papa wanted us to come here so we can relax” Izuku sprouted another lie. He felt that each lie he said, the more hurtful his heart felt.
Eri looked at him intensely, she might be young but even she knew that Izuku had been odd these past days.
“Ok….” Like any good kid, she decided not to press him further.
“Good girl” Izuku ruffled her hair lovingly while feeling sick to her stomach.
He just wanted to end it all but he couldn’t because Eri needed him. If it was possible, Izuku would end his life right there when the doctor pronounced that Satoshi had gone but he needed to be strong for Eri.
Not wanting to put more burden into Satoshi’s parents, Izuku decided to leave France after selling their grocery store’s chain and restaurants while giving some proceeds to his in-laws, putting most of it into Eri’s trust funds and educational fund, charities and only taken 30% for his own fund. Izuku still holds 40% shares of the luxury grocery chain which Satoshi and him built together alongside 50% shares of their fine restaurants’ shares. Money was and is not a problem for them.
The only problem is his mental stability.
Satoshi fell ill suddenly 3 months ago. It was too soon and Izuku still couldn’t grasp the reality that he became a widow.
Ever since that day, he only wore black and he kept his lock of hair into his necklace which he always wore on his neck. He also still wore his wedding band.
His bitemark had disappeared, along with his death and it forced Izuku to put a collar for protection from other alpha’s bite.
Any bystanders could easily tell that he was a widow from his collar and wedding band. It is a tradition for an omega widow to wear his late husband’s wedding band for the remaining of their life or until they find another alpha.
Izuku tried to hold back his tears along the way as he gently stroked Eri’s long hair. Eri had fallen asleep as the journey took quite a time.
Nerima Ward, Tokyo
The taxi stopped in front of a 3 storeys old French-style cottage in the outskirt of Nerima. Nerima itself located in the outskirt of Tokyo and next to Saitama Prefecture. The atmosphere is totally different from the bustling Tokyo as you can still find ranches and farms at the border with Saitama which gives a more serene vibe. The residents are mostly above 60s years old and mostly retirees. That is why not many tall buildings there and most of the buildings are either essential businesses such as grocery stores, hospitals etc or residential buildings apart from some farms and ranches. There are also some university campus and companies at the centre of the ward.
The building Izuku bought looked like it was just renovated and cleaned. It looked as if it was prepared specifically for his arrival with new paints and fairly new professionally landscaped garden. The house itself is pretty huge but most of the first storey was built for business as it had a banner written “Plaisir D’Amour Café et Boulangerie”.
Izuku got off the taxi while holding Eri who was still asleep as the driver helped by carrying the luggage. A blonde man was waiting in front of the building and he perked up when he saw him arriving.
“Yagi-kun, long time no see” he smiled.
“Neito-kun” Izuku looked relieved to see him.
Before transferring to the famous culinary high school at second grade, Izuku used to attend the prestigious UA High School in Musutafu. There he was in the same class as Monoma Neito, the heir to a real estate company in Tokyo and they quickly became friends. Izuku at that time was still happily engaged to Todoroki Shouto, the heir of Todoroki Heavy Industry before he broke his heart later on.
The reason why Izuku transferred so suddenly was still unknown.
“I missed you” as he held him tightly. They never lost communication despite living in different countries after Izuku graduated.
“I feel much better now after I see you” Izuku replied and Neito chuckled.
“I swear to god, next time I see that Todoroki guy, I will punch his face so hard that he won’t be recognised once I’m done with him” he jeered as his expression darken.
“Neito-kun, I have told you over and over again that it wasn’t Shoucchan’s fault” Izuku sighed.
“But he still broke your heart! Remember that time when he jumped into relationship with Inasa after you transferred…”
“Enough!” Izuku raised his voice and it woke Eri’s up.
“Maman?” she asked while rubbing her own eyes.
“Eri, I’m so sorry for waking you up” Izuku frantically apologized while Eri seemed more interested in staring at Neito’s bewildered expression.
“Who is he?” she asked.
“Oh, he is…”
“Nice to meet you princess, my name is Neito” as he princely kissed Eri’s hand while she giggled.
“Neito, you speak French?” Izuku startled.
“I did learn some sentences” he winked.
“Are you Maman’s friend?” Eri asked.
“Indeed, we were in the same class during high school”
“Cool! How was Maman at that time?”
“He was and still is beautiful. I was in love with him”
Izuku shook his head. Really, Neito always loved to tease him.
“Ooh, Maman is naughty. Papa will be mad”
Neito instantly looked at Izuku, sending a confused stare. Izuku couldn’t explain anything but Neito seemed understand of what happened.
“Come on, wanna see the house?” as he tried to change the subject.
“Yayy!!”
Neito then showed them around the house. Per Izuku’s request, the first storey had been transformed into a beautiful French bakery with a space for restaurant. There was also a spacious kitchen behind the cashier with all the equipment to support a full fledge bakery. Izuku was so impressed since he kind of commissioned it at the last minute. Devil worked fast but not as fast as Monoma Neito who owned both real estate agency and construction company.
Not to mention the fact that Neito was and still in love with Izuku and despite how sad the situation was with Izuku’s husband death, he couldn’t help but hoping that Izuku might give him a chance this time. Thus, he tried his best to impress him when he commissioned this project of opening a café and bakery in Nerima.
The second storey was for entertainment with a large open area for kitchen, toilet, bathroom, living room and pantry with a marbled island. All fully furnished with modern and chic style but painted in a warm colour to enhance the relax vibe which he aimed. Neito commissioned his friend Fukidashi Manga, who owned an interior decoration company to do the work and he was really impressed with the result. Manga was really excited to hear that Izuku was back despite it was supposed to be secret but Neito had a loose lip.
The third storey was for sleeping area with 4 bedrooms, each has ensuite bathroom inside. Eri seemed really pleased with her princess themed room, full with pink wallpaper and canopy bed. Izuku’s room was more toned down with neutral coloured and a custom-made king-sized bed.
As Eri was busy jumping on her bed, Neito pulled Izuku aside.
“Izuku, you haven’t told her about his father’s passing?”
“I-I…yes…I don’t how to tell her…”
Neito sighed but he offered him a hug by spreading his arms. Izuku took it.
“It’s ok, Izu…”
Izuku couldn’t hold back his tears.
“I-It has been hard….I still can’t believe that he is gone…” he sobbed.
Neito kept rubbing circles on his back, trying to calm him down. They just stayed there until Izuku calmed down.
“I’m sorry”
“Don’t be. I’m glad I can help you”
“Neito, I…”
“Izuku, you know that I will always be your ally. Please don’t hesitate to reach out” as he rubbed the tears away from Izuku’s cheeks.
“Thank you, for everything”
Neito smiled at him as he kissed Izuku’s hands.
Later, Izuku cooked him some lunch despite Neito’s protest since he just landed but Izuku ignored him. They went grocery shopping together like a real family and had a nice time.
The first night was nice since Eri slept next to him but Izuku couldn’t help the sadness he felt in his heart.
---
Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. A month later.
Bakugo Katsuki is a renowned chef in Japan. After winning Iron Chef 3 years ago, his French restaurant became so famous that people need to reserve it 2 months in advance. He ended up opening a hipper fusion restaurant chain which also became a hit as it offers cheaper food with fresh ingredient, great taste and fast.
Working in the kitchen wasn’t always Katsuki’s dream. As the only child of the famous fashion designers, Bakugou Mitsuki and Masaru, Katsuki was expected to take over his parents’ business but he decided to rebel and went to culinary school instead after graduating from UA 1-A Class.
People said that he is living his dream but Katsuki has been feeling burned out these past days. He tried to create a new dish for his French Restaurant but he hasn’t found the right formula as each of his trials lack something that he can’t point out and it frustrates him to the core.
A hot-headed and perfectionist Chef, Katsuki even fought a customer who complained about his food yesterday and he was forced to take a break by his shareholders to regain his mojo and as a damage control.
Now he is feeding pigeons in Yoyogi Park near his penthouse while seething with anger.
“Stupid staffs, stupid reviewers, stupid customers. What are you looking at, huh?!” as he barked into poor birds who ate the bread pieces he scattered.
The birds instantly flee yet the people around him are looking at him funny.
“Whatcha lookin’ at?! Scram!” he barks again.
As the crowds dissipate and leaving him on his own, a girl with long silver hair and crimson pair of eyes keeps on staring at him.
“Huh?!” he tries to scare her but she just shrugs.
“Monsieur, why did you scare the bird?”
French? Well, this is interesting he thought.
“The birds were annoying that is why I scared them”
“They were eating the bread to scattered, though. Didn’t you scatter it for them?”
“Tch, it’s their fault for being annoying! And you annoyed me, brat! Now scram!”
This time the kid looks taken aback and she began to sob. People begin to stop and send a nasty glare towards Katsuki who is panicking inside while his face looks like he is about to kill somebody.
“Tch! Hey! Stop crying!” he barks but Eri keeps on crying.
Katsuki sighs as he opens his basket.
“Here” as he hands over the bread. Eri stops crying as she eyeing the bread curious.
“Eat it” he instructs as Eri slowly takes the sandwich with ham, cheese and aioli.
“Mmmmmm” her widens as she tastes the sandwich.
Katsuki rolls his eyes but he can’t help but intrigued by the little girl who is currently eating his lunch.
“Is it good?” he asks.
“Very! I’ve never tasted a food as good as this one! My papa and maman also cook but their cooking are not as good as this” she says. Katsuki chuckles at the response.
“Please don’t tell maman or papa. Maman will be sad and Papa is still sleeping underground to recover. He may get even more sick if he hears it” as she gestures to keep it a secret. Katsuki’s eyes widen when he heard it.
Wait, if his assumption is right then this child doesn’t know that her father is dead?
“Hey, brat. What’s your name?” Katsuki asks.
“It’s Eri. What is yours, Monsieur?” she asks back.
“Tch, don’t call me Monsieur. You made me feel old. The name’s Bakugo Katsuki” he introduces himself while ruffling her hair playfully.
“Awww, my hair!” Eri whines.
Katsuki laughs at her reaction.
“Your name is weird” Eri pouts.
“The fuck! Mine is pretty standard here. Yours is also weird ya French doll!” he barks.
“You said bad word! And it’s a normal name in here too. At least none of my classmates call it weird, unlike in Paris… My full name is Isshiki Eri by the way. Maman put Marie Ernestine in my ID though. I wonder why…” Eri says.
“Oh, I see..” seems like the parents tried to blend in with French society by giving her a French first name that sounds similar to her Japanese name. Eri could be Ernestine’s nickname though.
“Nice name kiddo, I’ll call you Marie then hahahahaha” he teases.
Eri seems like she doesn’t approve.
“Rude! I’ll call you Kacchan then!” she retaliates.
“Kac..chan…” he gasps.
“Yes, Kacchan! Kats..Zukee.. too hard to pronounce” she further teases.
“Tch, whatever. Gosh, why am I letting myself getting so worked on by a brat?” he mutters.
“Kacchan, you should make more sandwich. This is delicious!” she changes the subject.
“Stop calling me, Kacchan….” And suddenly a light bulb appears on his head.
“Sandwich… Bocadillo…. A gourmet version of Croque Monsieur with a seaweed butter from Britanny with brioche bun and 3 types of cheeses..” he mutters.
“Monsieur, are you ok?” Eri waves her hand on his face.
“Brat, you are a genius!” he suddenly gets up from his seat.
“Genius?” Eri tilts her head in confusion when suddenly a sound of heels stomping the ground can be heard.
“ERI!”
“Maman!”
Katsuki looks back and see an omega with a scent of orange blossom is running closer to them. This omega’s attire is very peculiar with a chanel’s little black dress, a matching chanel’s handbag and a black high heel. He is also wearing a vintage black cocktail hat dotted with black veil covering top of his face. He also tides his green hair in a bun. Overall, he looks like a mourning widow or historical nerd who loves the 50s too much.
As he sees him closer, Katsuki can see that he wears a black collar on his neck and wedding band on his right hand. Which only mean one thing, he is a widow and his husband died.
“Eri, I was looking for you! I told you to stay close to me!” he yells.
Eri looks down “Maman, I’m sorry…”
The omega looks really relieve as he lets his body slumps in the pavement.
“Jesus Christ…” he sighs.
“Maman, Monsieur Kacchan gave me a sandwich earlier. He is a nice person” Eri points at his direction and that is where Katsuki finally sees the omega’s face clearly.
His heart feels as if it skips a beat when he sees him.
Katsuki is well-known for his high-profile love life and he had been going out with famous omegas and betas but none of them can be compared to this omega’s beauty.
To say that Katsuki falls in love at the first sight would be understatement. He is head over heels in love with this mysterious gothic omega.
“Ah, I’m so sorry for the trouble” as he bows.
“Ugh… No problem at all.. Just control your child better next time, omega!” shit Katsuki is not the best at communicating.
“My humblest apology” he bows again.
“Tch, no need to apologize. Your kid helped me with a new menu anyway…” he blushes.
“Ah, I see. That’s good to hear” he smiles though Katsuki can’t help but seeing a sadness underneath that brilliant green eyes.
“Ugh… I’m Bakugo Katsuki.. You can call me Kacchan” he introduces himself.
“Nice to meet you, Bakugou-san. I’m Isshiki Izuku”
“Hey, not fair! You complained when I called you Kacchan” Eri whines.
“Tch, shut it brat” he barks.
“Ah, sorry…” he instantly apologizes when he sees Izuku’s surprised face.
Izuku just sends him a polite smile.
“As a token of gratitude, would you like to come to our café’s soft opening next week? We just hired a brilliant pastry chef and some aspiring chefs to work part time there. I will give you a free mean and drink for the trouble” Izuku gives him a pamphlet from his handbag with a big “Plaisir D’amour Café and Boulangerie” written.
“Do you make brioche?” he asks.
“Yes, we do. Do you want a brioche for your lunch?”
“No, nerd. I’m a chef, we might need a new bakery partner to supply our new menu. Gosh, Nerima? That’s too far” he says.
“Oh, I see. Maybe you can try it when you come to our café and judge it by yourself” Izuku offers.
“Yeah, I think I will. My standard is high, though” he smirks.
“No problem, ours too” Izuku chuckles at the challenge.
“Nice to meet you, Bakugou-san but I need to take Eri for more shopping. We just moved back from Paris a month ago and need to buy some necessities” he says.
“Wait, lemme give you my business card” as he gives him his own card.
“Just come to the restaurant anytime and I will give you a free meal” he blushes.
Izuku looks bewildered at the sudden change of attitude from the arrogant chef. He found it pretty endearing.
“Ok… I’ll take Eri too next time” he says.
“Yayyy!” Eri jumps in delight.
“Now, let’s go Eri. Say goodbye to Kacchan” Izuku cheekily orders.
“Bye-bye, Kacchan! Be nice!” she waves.
“I’m always nice!” Katsuki barks.
As the parent and child leave him by himself. Katsuki hurriedly rushes back to his penthouse to try out for his new recipe ideas.
---
Shimura-Shigaraki’s Mansion, Kyoto, Japan
Yagi Mirio, the third son of Yagi Toshinori and Shimura-Shigaraki Inko is currently visiting Kyoto for a business trip. Being the 4th child of the Yagi Toshinori who owns Yagi Group and Shimura-Shigaraki Inko, the heiress of the conglomerate Shimura-Shigaraki Clan, he is always busy assisting his siblings in managing their numerous businesses.
Meanwhile, the Patriarch of Shimura-Shigaraki Clan, Shigaraki Yoichi (first user of OFA in the canon manga) has been dealing with sickness and he is visiting him after dealing with the business.
“Mirio” a woman with black hair and dark kimono welcomes her. She is Shimura Nana, the wife of Yoichi and grandmother of Mirio.
“Obaa-sama, I came as soon as I heard the news. How is he?” he asks.
“Same as always. He fell down in the bathroom and his head bled but luckily a servant found him. Now he is resting in the main bedroom” Nana says.
“Is he still…”
“Calling Izuku? Yes… Poor him, each day he can’t help but missing him. He has been blaming himself for pushing him too far” Nana grimaces.
“Anyway, any news about Izuku?” she continues.
“Last time we heard that he is back in Japan with Eri. I haven’t told anyone about this because there will be a chaos. Tenko and Rumi will definitely drag him to the main house. Me and mom who knows about this info and we prefer to keep it as secret until he is ready to meet us” he answers.
“Something happened to him?” Nana worriedly asks.
“He lost his husband 3 months ago. It was a quick battle with cancer” Mirio looks down. Among the siblings, Mirio and Keigo are the closest to Izuku. Rumi and Tenko were really close with Izuku but they tend to act based on their feelings without thinking of Izuku’s mental well-being. That is why Mirio keeps it as a secret.
“Oh my poor child” Nana sniffles.
“I know, I really want to hug him and be there for him but he seems really lost” he answers.
“Promise me, Mirio. That you will watch him from afar and act ASAP if something happens to him”
“I will, Obaa-sama. Mom also made me and Keigo promised the same thing. Oh, he is opening a bakery and café in Nerima. I think I will ask someone to buy some breads and pastries there. I will send it to you soon” he smiles.
“I will pray that the business will flourish. He deserves all the happiness in the world” she says.
“Me too..”
TO BE CONTINUED