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Viktor knew that being an omega in the Undercity was far different than how it was topside.
Topside, being an omega automatically placed you on a pedestal, used as a bargaining chip between families about business ownership and desired genetic qualities. In the Undercity, however, there was nothing really special about being an omega- though one could charge more at a brothel if they so wanted but beyond that, an omega was just another person in the crowd.
The young boy didn't know much about biology, it was icky he knew that for sure but not much beyond that, he was more interested in the engineering aspect of science anyways. His Dam, Silco, taught him a lot about that, with what limited education he had himself.
Viktor didn't know a lot honestly, but he was still growing and learning after all but he knew one thing for sure, being an omega- sucked. He may have just been a kid and he knew opinions changed with time but this was something he was sure would be forever concrete.
He remembers the instance well, what solidified his stance, he was just 6 years old, sitting on his Dams lap as they held each other. Something happened to Silco, that was obvious, he was gone one day with his Sire and came back a few days later alone, alone with a
stranger
. It wasn’t the first time he had been alone but this time was worrisome as he was gone for a lot longer than usual.
Silco was dragged back to their hovel of a home in the depths of the Entresol level, aided by a new "friend", a man named Singed, though Viktor didn’t know the whole story, there was a part of him that
didn’t
want to know what happened to his parent but deep down, it scared him that whatever happened while they were away, shook his Dam terribly.
At the moment, it felt like all was well again… as best as it could in their situation. It was easy to pretend that nothing was wrong, being held tightly by his Dam, as long as he didn't look up at him. Not wanting to be reminded of the stained bandages wrapped around Silcos head.
It was silent in their home, occasionally it was interrupted but a shaky breath the elder let out, the vibrations rattled Viktor to the core. His Dam, the strongest person he knew, was shattered and broken, trying his best not to let whatever happened bleed out of him.
"Viktor?"
The young pup slowly looked up, wanting to mentally brace himself (as much as a 6 year old could) before looking at Silco. Openly wincing at the wraps that covered his head, how the skin was slowly turning an ashy gray, he didn't even want to think of the black veins that bulged through the thin, pale skin. It made him sick to his stomach but he held as strong as he could. He hummed in reply, hands gripping his Dams jacket tightly.
"What…what happened Dam?"
He managed to say, his voice small and meek, as if not wanting to ruin what serenity the two had managed to make. Silco pulled a face, though immediately winced as whatever was under the wraps didn't react well to the expression, in the end, he just sighed and gently threaded his hand through Viktors brown curls- which the pup happily purred into.
"Love…that's what happened..” the first words out of his Dams mouth and Viktor could practically feel the venom seep from it. “Love does things to a person- horrible things Vitya” He knew it wasn’t aimed towards himself and it only spurred more curiosity and worry for his Dam.
“Viktor” Silco began again, “I need you to promise me something, something very important” he held Viktors cheek with his free hand, his gaze becoming distant. To which the pup nodded, his much smaller hand resting atop Silcos.
“Promise me you’ll never love anyone as much as I loved Vander”
Viktor stared for a second, the words slowly processing in the young pups head and when they finally did, his eyes went wide. Though he was young and still learning, he knew very well how to love. It came easy to him. He loved his Dam, he loved science, he loved his new friend Rio. He loved his Sire (until he couldn't). He loved to love. And to hear such a request, he knew his Dam was asking a lot and that he trusted Viktor with such a large goal.
But like any child wanting to make their parent happy, he nodded.
"Of course Dam. -" he couldn't help but get teary eyed, letting go of Silcos hand to grip his shirt, stuffing his face into the soft, yet thin, chest. "I promise- I won't" His words were muffled in Silcos shirt but the older omega didn’t seem to mind, if anything he seemed to have expected this. He knew his son wasn’t the most expressive pup there was but when the emotions were let free, they flowed like wild runoff.
“It’s okay-” he comforted Viktor, wrapping his arms around the tiny pup, his thumb rubbed gently against a bony shoulder. “I’m okay. I’m better now” he proclaimed, looking down at him with his only working eye. The confusion was expected, if anything it actually brought a smile to Silcos broken face, only managing to lift one side of his lips to a smile.
"I don't-.. we don't need Vander anymore. It's just you and me now, just the two of us. Us against the world" he proclaimed, bringing up his hand to gently rub Viktors cheek. To bring that last bit of comfort, he let a low rumble out, a purr, just for his pup. It had been quite some time since Silco had felt enough peace to purr like this but he forced himself to, for himself and Viktor. Any bit of calmness was welcome, even if he had to make it.
It surprised Viktor as well, not having heard the purr himself since his last big fall months ago but he wasn't complaining, if anything he tried to press closer. Rubbing his face as close to his dams neck as possible, the potent scent from his Dams neck soothed him and although he was rather emotional in that moment, he shoved it away for later and focused on enjoying the moment.
His Dam wasn't the most expressive either but when the feelings showed, he took advantage of it as much as he could.
"I promise Dam… no one like Vander"
Viktor felt his Dam squeeze him and he said nothing as his breathing turned into choked sobs. Silco was a proud parent but whatever broke him that day haunted Viktor and as he sat there, held like a doll while his Dam howled with pain. He knew for certainty that being an Omega was a curse.