Chapter Text
***
Time, did in fact, seem to fly with peace and no threat of war looming over people’s heads. Before Izuku could even fully comprehend it, he was in the Great Hall and celebrating Kento’s second birthday. The young prince was, as Izuku had always known he would be, spoilt beyond belief - both from within Yuuei’s borders and beyond. He was every part Izuku’s opposite, from his loudness that mirrored Toshinori, to the blond hair that was blessedly straight and something Izuku was mildly jealous of every time his own curls gave him grief. In their eyes though was the similarity, green and bright and full of kindness.
Two years had also done more than age a prince. Shouto and Izuku were barely apart more than three months of each year, Izuku spending more time in Endeavour purely out of necessity for Shouto but there were rumours, rumours of a castle being being to Yuuei’s east and Endeavour’s west. A castle that straddled the border, in fact.
But that was neither here nor there for now as Izuku was jogging to his parent’s chambers. The summon was not unusual and he was honestly glad to be relieved of his duties regarding preparing the Kings’ Summit Yuuei was holding some four months hence. Pushing open the door, Izuku grinned as excited calls came from the bed.
“Izu’, Izu’!”
Izuku was beside the bed in seconds, whisking Kento up and burying his nose in his neck. “Hello young sir. You seem well.”
“A little too well,” came the teasing remark from Eri, Kento’s nurse, as she plucked him from his arms. She gave Izuku a short bow, Kento waving as he was carried away.
“Bye Mama, bye Papa, bye Izu’!”
Izuku was still smiling when he turned to his parents, both of them in chairs by the fire. Inko drew him into a hug when he was close enough, Izuku holding her tightly. He then swapped to his father, leaning down to meet him in his chair, eyes sliding closed when Toshinori’s nose brushed against his. Pulling away, Izuku took in the arrangement once more before plopping onto the hearth rug, ignoring Toshinori’s stammered offer of a chair. Inko waved her husband away, sharing a soft smile with Izuku.
“Papa?” Izuku asked, when it seemed no one else would speak.
Toshinori jumped minutely before sending Izuku a strained smile. That was when his back straightened, alarm bells going off. “Izuku, drop that face,” Toshinori chided, Izuku chuckling guiltily. “What I have to say is not bad, at least not in my opinion, but I would like to know your thoughts.”
Izuku frowned, glancing to his mother but getting no hints. “What Papa?”
“Izuku.” His father’s hand found his, gripping it tightly. “Provided you do not raise violent objections, I should like to abdicate at the Kings’ Summit.” Izuku froze. “I am hardly in good health and I think it’s time an old man like me stepped aside. Yuuei would be in more than capable hands should I pass the throne onto you. What say you, my boy?”
Two years ago the question would have come as a surprise, a shock, but now? While yes, the question had taken him off guard, Izuku couldn’t say he had not seen it coming. Gone were the days of All Might parading Yuuei in all his glory. These days Toshinori was lucky to hold his muscular form even past an hour. It didn’t make a king, Izuku knew, but his eyes also trailed to the door that connected to Kento’s chambers. If given the choice, Izuku knew where his father would prefer to spend his time, where his gaze and attention lingered.
“Izuku?”
“Toshinori, give him a minute. This is-”
“Yes.” Izuku’s voice cut through his parents’ hushed whispers, his gaze determined. “Yes, I will take the throne.”
“My boy, are you sure?” his father pressed, shifting to kneel in front of him.
Izuku nodded firmly. “In a way, it almost makes things easier for me. No longer do I have to confer with Shouto and Eijirou as a messenger; I would be their equal. Together us three would not be swayed and we would make peace easily. And besides,” he added with a smile. “I know your heart lies with your family, not with your kingdom and politics as it once did. Harder to not think about when they are not constantly at your side.”
He’d meant it as a joke but Toshinori flinched, Izuku hastily reaching for him. He was breathing out apologies even as his father was hushing him, large hands smoothing down his hair calmingly. “I know what you meant,” his father assured. “And I know you hold me no grudge. But Izuku...for Kento to have what you did not, it is alright for you to feel jealous.”
“Papa,” Izuku laughed, kissing his cheek playfully. “He is but two. Our circumstances are different. And regardless, I have Shouto now.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Toshinori mused, tucking him close. “But I would not have held it against you.”
“I had Mama all to myself,” Izuku pointed out. “If anything, Kento should be jealous of me.”
“Izuku!” Inko scolded jokingly, making him giggle and bury himself back in his father’s chest.
“Come now,” Toshinori said with a grunt. “This old man can’t take the strength of you anymore Izuku. Four and twenty,” he breathed when Izuku pulled away, reaching out to take his face in his hands. “How did you grow up so quickly?”
Izuku smiled sadly. “I wish I knew.” He then slapped his thighs, pushing himself to his feet. “How mean of you to give me such things to think of just as I am about to leave!”
Toshinori laughed, swatting at his hip. “As if you would not prefer time to think on this alone, outside of the palace. Go, see you friends.” He then turned serious. “Be sure to have fun Izuku. Promise me that, for when you return, you will be king and there will be no escaping your duties.”
Izuku sobered at that. He nodded just once, kissing them both swiftly before heading to his chambers and starting to pack. King. He shook his head. He doubted he would ever get used to the title.
***
Perhaps naturally Izuku’s first destination was Uravity. It was closest to Yuuei’s capital and he missed Ochako dearly. Hitoshi teased him about that daily on their journey there but Izuku had just blown him off, making him all the more eager to tease. Hitoshi was a part of his guard, one of five, as well as Fumikage. He was...taking some getting used to; not because of his quirk but because of his connection to Touya and while Izuku knew that determined no part of Fumikage’s personality, he was still erring on the side of caution.
It went without saying that Hitoshi had been informed of All Might’s intentions and Izuku’s consequent rise to the throne. He’d taken it with merely a raised eyebrow. Honestly, Izuku hadn’t expected anything more.
“Do you think,” Izuku asked casually as they reached the outskirts of Uravity’s capital, “that if Natsuo had not married, you would have tried your hand?”
Hitoshi scowled. “You know marriage does not interest me.”
“No, but Natsuo did.”
He was met with a roll of the eyes. “As a child is with a new toy. Besides, have you ever been in his company more than an hour? He is frightfully overbearing. I should have gone mad.”
Izuku had to agree, laughing loudly. He then yelped when Hitoshi pinched his arm.
“At least you have the ability to be quiet should you need to.”
It was Izuku’s turn to pinch his cheek. “I will not marry you.”
Hitoshi snorted. “I should hope not. No, I will be content with my own quiet chambers. And perhaps a cat.”
“Yes, I can see that,” Izuku agreed, quickly looking away when Hitoshi’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t have time to reap the consequences anyway, not when they reached the palace gates that very moment and Ochako was already waving from atop the steps. Izuku waved back, dismounting and hurrying over. He bowed to Seiten and Himawari before letting Ochako clasp his hands.
“Ah, Izuku! It’s been so long! I was telling Papa not last month how I could not wait til the Kings’ Summit.”
He grinned. “Then you need not wait, for I am here!”
Ochako returned his grin, leading him to a private parlour so they might have tea. As it was a social call, Ochako’s parents left them with little more than a bow as the pair took seats around a low-set table. Tea was poured and food provided and then they were left on their own. Izuku flumped back onto his pillow, gaze roaming the ceiling.
“Did you...When we were children, did you ever think it would be like this?”
He felt the cushion move as Ochako came to sit beside him, eyebrows knitted together in worry. “Like what Izuku?”
He shrugged. “I can’t explain it. Just...how it is. Maybe I never truly imagined growing old.”
Ochako hummed, settling in beside him. “Or maybe your view is skewed? You grew up in a tiny village. Knowing you are to rule a kingdom and then witnessing what that takes are two very different things. I am sure a child could not imagine all the stress that comes with it.”
“Nor the paperwork,” Izuku grumbled, Ochako groaning.
“The paperwork! I am sure my arm will fall off before I am thirty purely from letter writing alone!”
Izuku poked his tongue out. “Do not exaggerate! I have seen the muscles you possess. If you cannot make it past thirty, then I am certainly doomed.”
Ochako wrapped a hand around his bicep, Izuku squawking. “You are not so unfit yourself. You merely rely on your quirk too much,” she advised.
Izuku shook his head in disbelief. “To think; once upon a time I did not even possess a quirk. And now to be accused of using it too much.”
“I hardly accused you!” Ochako scoffed. “Now, tell me...have you any news?”
“And by news I assume you mean gossip?” Izuku challenged, Ochako not even phased and just smiling sweetly. “I have none,” he admitted. “You know all there is to know of Shouto and I. Tenya admits to having no interest in courting yet. Eijirou is as content with Kacchan as ever. There is only you, I suppose.”
“Me?” Ochako squeaked.
“Yes, you. You are not immune from scrutiny, Ochako.”
She pouted. “You’re so mean Izuku.”
He snorted. “Hardly. Now tell me, have you any news?”
Ochako sighed deeply, reaching out and interlacing their fingers. “No. I almost wish there was.” Izuku grimaced in sympathy, squeezing her hand. “But perhaps soon. Should I gain the courage.”
Ochako realised her mistake too late, Izuku already pouncing. “Uraraka Ochako! You mean to tell me you have had feelings for someone and not shared them with me? And to think, I called you my friend!”
“You are! Stop it, you.”
He did, but only after kissing her forehead. “You know I love you. Whatever your feelings are, you can share them with me. And, if you wish not to share them, that is also fine. You will always have my support.”
Ochako gave a traitorous sniff, flinging her arms around him. “Why must you always say exactly the right things Izuku?”
Izuku’s nose scrunched up. “I am sure I can find example of many times in which I haven’t. But still…” He pulled away, waiting until their eyes met. “You truly are alright? May I offer help or…?”
She shook her head. “Thank you but I think...I have had the support of you and the others from childhood...I...I think I would like to prove to myself that I can do this alone. Does that sound silly?”
“Not at all,” Izuku said. “In fact, it makes the most sense.”
Ochako drew him back in once more. “Thank you Izuku.”
“Always.”
***
“Tenya!”
Tenya looked almost surprised at his appearance, though Izuku knew he had scheduled his visit long in advance. He brushed all that aside, embracing his friend. Tenya returned it heartily before making apologies and returning his attention to the Ingeniun people he had been talking to. Izuku didn’t mind, jumping up onto a low wall and swinging his legs serenely, head tilted back to enjoy the sun and the breeze coming off the sea. He was currently on one of the smaller islands, having left his party back in Ingenium’s capital.
“Ah, my apologies,” Tenya said as he jogged to his side, straightening his glasses.
Izuku shook his head gently. “No need. It was I who interrupted you.”
“You are alone?” Tenya asked, peering around him curiously.
“Should I not be? Is Ingenium so dangerous?” Izuku teased, laughing when Tenya spluttered only to frown at him in disapproval.
“Come now Izuku, that wasn’t funny!”
“Perhaps not,” he agreed, jumping down and looping their arms together. “Show me the islands under your jurisdiction?”
“There are currently four,” Tenya relayed as they began walking, Izuku waving cheerily at whoever stopped to stare at them. “Though I admit the fourth is unpopulated and the third barely so.”
“Even so, they deserve to be acknowledged as much as the larger islands.”
“Indeed!” Tenya boomed. “I learnt that from you and I have been making sure to make myself both known and helpful to them. And as a result, their communities are quickly improving!”
Izuku’s head cocked to the side before making an understanding sound. “You were able to provide them with ways they and other islands could be mutually beneficial?”
“Yes, that’s right! It’s amazing how much people can achieve when they work together and step outside their comfort zone. Why, I’m sure before I came, some had never even left the island.”
“Sometimes people get grounded,” Izuku said with a shrug. “It’s okay to do so. I can never imagine Kacchan’s parents leave Shizuoka, even though Kacchan would help them move wherever they asked. But in your case,” he added brightly. “I think you’ve done these people a great service! They’re lucky to have you Tenya!”
Tenya’s eyes clouded over briefly. “I...Thank you for saying so, Izuku.”
Izuku pulled them to a stop, concerned. “Tenya?”
“It is nothing; let us con-”
“Tenya.”
His friend huffed, a hand chopping quite quickly. “I have met your mother but a handful of times and already I know that is a mannerism of hers. For someone so sweet, she strikes me as also capable of being terrifying.”
Izuku couldn’t help but laugh there. “She is; Papa and I both agree. Papa’s manservant once suggested we send her against King Enji.”
“I-Izuku!” Tenya coughed, doing his best to disguise a laugh. “That is highly inappropriate.”
“And yet you laughed,” he replied with a wink before dropping his jovial attitude. “But please, my words just now...they hurt you. Please tell me why, so I can avoid it next time.”
“You’re too kind,” Tenya muttered, awkwardly wrapping an arm around Izuku’s shoulders. “It is just...As you say, maybe these people are lucky to have me. But a part of me always wonders, would they have been happier, or better off, with Tensei to lead them?”
“I think,” Izuku said severely. “That we will never know. These are not Tensei’s people now Tenya - they are yours. Don’t rule them how he would. Rule them how you do.”
Tenya stared at him, dumbfounded. “How do you-”
“It is something I was once told, while in this kingdom even,” Izuku suddenly remembered. “That is why it came to me just now, I guess. It is good advice. I think you should listen to it, Tenya.”
Tenya chuckled. “I will. I feel as though every time I listen to you, I find the solution quicker.”
Izuku flushed, quickly looking away. “S-stop it, Tenya. That is...You are plenty wise yourself.”
His friend just tutted, pulling Izuku close once more. “Even then, I am better for having known you.”
Izuku grinned shyly, hiding behind his hair. “And I you.”
***
Izuku couldn’t lie: the ride to Riot’s capital had been one of his favourites simply because he knew who was waiting for him on the other side. Unlike the others, Eijirou was prowling the city gates for him, face lighting up the second their caravan came into view. Katsuki was nowhere in sight but Izuku was sure he was busy, holed up in some meeting somewhere. Not that Izuku had much time to think on it before Eijirou was crushing him in his arms; quite literally almost, the prince certain some of his ribs starting creaking ominously.
“Do I need to ask you to unhand him?” Hitoshi drawled, which thankfully was enough to have Eijirou letting go, Izuku hacking into his hand. The king just gave him a hearty slap to the back.
“You’re stronger than that Izuku!”
“I am strong but my bones can still break,” he countered, cheekily grinning when Eijirou’s jaw dropped.
“You’re a menace,” he grumbled, scooping him up once more but far gentler this time. “Come, come! I’ve been so excited for your arrival!”
Izuku couldn’t half tell, his hand being snatched up. He gave a helpless wave to Hitoshi and Fumikage and let himself be led away. Riot’s capital was booming as always, children screaming in the streets and the royal dragons roaring as they flew overhead. Everywhere Eijirou went, people shouted greetings at him, which he always returned. Izuku was meeker but did his best to come across as friendly.
“Your people seem well,” Izuku remarked as they crossed another square and entered the castle proper.
“Thank you!” Eijirou said, grin luminous. “Peace has done our kingdom good! People are more at ease and focus more on each other and their families than preparing for the worst. It’s a relief, for them.”
Izuku nodded, bouncing on his toes before he could hold it in no longer. “Where is Kacchan?”
Eijirou laughed loudly, wagging a finger at him. “Two minutes longer and I would have won my bet. It’s a shame Brimstone knows you so well.”
Izuku gaped indignantly. “You bet on how long it would take me to ask after him?!”
“Naturally,” Eijirou said with a wink. “But come, he’s very busy at the moment but also has one of the things I wish for you to see.”
Izuku blinked, perplexed. Still, he followed Eijirou faithfully, weaving through the palace and heading out a door which Izuku knew all too well. It led to the bridge that connected the palace to the dragon stables. He’d long lost his fear of heights and was able to make the crossing unaided, pausing at the door until Eijirou gestured for him to go first.
“K-Kacchan?”
It didn’t help that the stables were near bathed in darkness, the dragons kept inside only of a nighttime.
“Deku.”
Katsuki’s voice came from further to the left, a small patch of light appearing as explosions danced in his palm. Izuku’s smile grew impossibly, jogging forward and throwing his arms around his childhood friend. Katsuki grunted and grumbled but an arm did eventually return the hug, if only for a second. He was then pulling away and Izuku could see what two years had done to him. His hair was shorter, his arms full of swirling ink, and a grizzly scar wrapped around his right side. Izuku breath caught, tracing the scar in horror.
“Kacchan…”
“My fault,” he said with a shrug. “Got too close before they were ready.”
Before Izuku could ask who, two small creatures flung themselves at Katsuki’s legs and oh. That was what Eijirou had wanted to show him. New palace dragons, only a few months old. The pair hissed at Izuku fretfully before scaling Katsuki and tucking themselves over his shoulders.
“They’re beautiful,” Izuku breathed.
“Camdyn and Marcail,” Eijirou introduced, taking one easily and scratching it between the horns.
“Do they...have they gone outside yet?”
Eijirou shook his head. “Another week or so. Then their wings will be ready.” He then lowered his voice. “You did not hear this from me but Katsuki did his damn best to encourage them to be ready to fly for you.”
“I did not!” Katsuki snapped, folding his arms petulantly but allowing Eijirou to pull him in and kiss his temple. “They will leave when they’re ready.”
“Yes they will,” Eijirou agreed. “Now leave the nest Brimstone and come eat with Izuku and his companions.”
Katsuki took two steps before, “Is the annoying one with you?”
“Hitoshi?” Izuku asked sweetly. “Of course! He’s been looking forward to seeing you again.”
Katsuki made an inarticulate sound of rage before storming off. He yelled something about bathing before joining them, Eijirou watching him with a fond sort of exasperation. “I don’t think my husband the type to mellow with age.”
Izuku burst out laughing, Eijirou nudging him in the ribs warningly. “He is not! He wasn’t mellow even as a child. Kacchan’s personality is what it is.”
“Good. Because it’s what I love about him.”
Izuku’s laughter left, swapping to something softer. “I am always glad Kacchan found you; you understand him Eijirou.”
“He didn’t find me,” Eijirou reminded, starting to lead them back. “You forced him upon me.”
“Does Kacchan seem the type to be forced into anything?” Izuku shot back.
“No, he does not.”
Eijirou went strangely quiet for a moment before shaking the thoughts away. Before Izuku could ask what was bothering him though, they had reached the castle and there was already yelling from inside. Izuku groaned when he recognised Hitoshi’s voice. He and Katsuki got on like oil and water and riling Katsuki was his favourite thing to do when in Riot.
“Huh?! You want to repeat that you-”
Izuku swore at the sudden stop in Katsuki’s voice, bolting forward and slamming a hand over Hitoshi’s mouth. “Whatever it is you want to make him say, don’t. Please.”
Hitoshi didn’t answer but he flicked two fingers, dropping his control and allowing Katsuki to resume his yelling once more. Eijirou managed to calm him but the look on Izuku’s face was enough for Hitoshi to apologise, now matter how unfelt it was. It was enough, their food being served in the gardens so they could recline on the grass. Or on each other, apparently, as Eijirou propped himself up on Katsuki. Katsuki didn’t argue, just nudged him if his gestures got too wild. They dispersed soon after, Hitoshi napping in the shade of a tree while Katsuki and Fumikage sparred further down. Izuku watched in fascination as Katsuki - dare he say it - gently ushered some children away, assuring them they could come back soon.
“You wanted to ask,” Eijirou suddenly said, Izuku’s attention snapping back to him. “At the stables, you thought there something wrong and wanted to ask.”
“I did,” Izuku admitted, though he added in a shrug. “But not everything is my business.”
“It is if I choose it to be,” Eijirou returned before sighing heavily. “I...Katsuki and I met near nine years ago. We have been each other’s seven years, long before we were even married. I suppose...when you are together so long…” Eijirou’s gaze dropped to his lap. “There are things perhaps you ought to talk about. A natural progression of things, some would say.”
Izuku frowned. “You…” The light suddenly went on. “Ah. You are thinking of children.”
Eijirou went red. “It has...crossed my mind. I-...Izuku, he’s just so good with them!” Eijirou exclaimed, Izuku giggling. “Katsuki is soft and gentle and I have seen him with your own brother. There is something nurturing about him.” He chuckled. “Sometimes I feel he worries more over Camdyn and Marcail than their parents.”
Izuku pondered that, racking his memories and finding Eijirou was right; Katsuki treated Kento as though he was made of glass, such a contrast to how he had treated Izuku. “You have talked with him about this?”
“...no. How do I bring up such a topic?”
“How did you bring up marriage? How did you bring up Katsuki to take the throne should you fall?” Izuku asked back. “However you did it, that is how you ask this.”
Eijirou stared at him before bumping their fists together. “Yes! Of course it is; you’re absolutely right! And since we are on the topic, let me tell you of some names I’ve thought of! Because, I was thinkin-”
***
It was a week or so before they arrived at the gates of Endeavour’s palace. By now the guards barely even bat an eye, giving Izuku either a curt nod or a frightful stare. He never squirmed though, simply held his head high and waited for someone to greet him. Today it was Kyouka, holding his horse steady as he dismounted.
“Was starting to think you’d forgotten the way.”
Izuku didn’t grace that with an answer, just a poked out tongue. “And where is Shouto at present?”
“In a meeting,” she replied breezily. “I can summon him for you?”
Izuku shook his head. “Let Shouto finish first. The last thing the council needs is evidence of Shouto putting love above his kingdom.”
“If I was Shouto I’d fire the lot of them,” Kyouka said plainly, passing his horse to a servant with a brief thanks. “But in that case, let me see your party to their chambers. I take it you know the way to my king’s?”
“Stop it,” Izuku hissed, though a smile was tugging at his lips. “And yes, I know the way. Thank you Kyouka.”
She gave a mock curtsy before moving to Hitoshi’s side, gathering him and Izuku’s other guards. As they went one way, Izuku went another. Shouto had kept his own chambers, having never moved to the King’s quarters. Izuku didn’t blame him. He doubted anything good had ever happened between those walls.
Shouto’s room was locked but Izuku had long since been given a key, hung around his neck and tucked beneath his shirt. He pulled it out now, turning the lock and taking in the room before shucking off his boots and taking a seat on the bed. Shouto’s latest book of interest was on the bedside table, Izuku flipping it open and beginning to read. Really, there was little more he could do until Shouto arrived. It was blander than his usual tastes but bearable.
He was clearly more engrossed than he’d thought though because when the door slammed open some hours later, Izuku near jumped through the roof. Shouto’s eyes snapped to the movement, face pinched in anger before surprise suddenly overwhelmed it. He barely remembered to kick shut the door before making to the bed, kneeling on it and cupping Izuku’s face.
“They did not tell me you’d arrived,” he whispered, pressing their foreheads together. “You are the most pleasant surprise.”
“Your meeting did not go well?” Izuku asked.
“They are my father’s men and hold his beliefs,” Shouto said shortly before shaking his head. “But hush, I do not wish to speak of them. Not when I have you in my hands.”
“Shouto,” Izuku whined, pulling him down for a kiss, sighing when Shouto lay him down, lips connected the whole time. Izuku threaded fingers through his hair, breath hitching when Shouto traced his jaw.
“I have missed this,” was the confession murmured into his neck.
“And I you,” Izuku replied, tucking Shouto close and peppering his cheek with kisses. Shouto kissed him once more, deeply, languidly, before rolling off and coming to lie at his side. Izuku was content with that, curling up atop Shouto’s chest and regaling his adventures. Shouto listened with rapt attention, fingers toying with his hair ever so gently. It was when he stopped paying attention that Izuku perked up, meeting mismatched eyes easily. “What?”
Shouto’s head dipped, voice slightly muffled by Izuku’s shirt. “I was simply thinking how beautiful you looked and that I could listen to you for hours and never grow tired of it.”
“Sh-Shouto!” Izuku squeaked. “S-Stop!”
“It isn’t a lie.”
“I...Oh just, shhh.”
“Shh? Very articulate, Prince Izuku.”
Izuku’s bottom lip jutted out there, Shouto snorting. “What? You should be plenty scared of me!”
Shouto raised an eyebrow. “Should I now?” He then flipped Izuku onto his back, pinning him. “How terribly frightening.”
His next words were not words but rather an inelegant yelp as Izuku flipped them near effortlessly, quirk not even activated. His grin was feral. “How about now, King Shouto?”
“Very,” he said, so tonelessly that Izuku could do nothing but laugh, head thumping against Shouto’s chest.
“How can you be sweeter every time I see you?”
It was Shouto’s turn to blush, hastily looking away. “Come now Izuku…”
Izuku pulled him up with a stern look. “If I cannot refuse a compliment then neither can you.”
Shouto didn’t looked impressed by the logic but he went with it nonetheless. He pushed himself up, careful to not dislodge Izuku from his lap. Izuku came easily enough, brushing Shouto’s hair off his forehead with a smile. “What say you to bathing and then a meal?”
“I am unopposed,” Shouto replied, shifting to the edge of the bed but stopping Izuku when he made to stand. He then dropped to his knees, Izuku’s throat suddenly dry. “However, I should like you to bathe with me. I think this would give me reason enough.”
Izuku didn’t even want to say no.
***
The next morning they left Endeavour’s capital, riding west to the castle that was being built. Izuku had heard about it many times but had never seen it. It was a bridging project, so called, with labourers from both Yuuei and Endeavour coming to work on construction. There had been initial mishaps of tools going missing, food being taken without permission, barbed words being thrown, but the tension had slowly died down and soon those that were once enemies were slowly becoming friends. If not friends, tolerable of each other at least.
They reached the castle some two days later, Izuku in awe of the structure. He could pick up the architure of both kingdoms sewn into the design, the Yuueian wide windows intermingled with Endeavan turrets. It was a sight to behold, there was no lie there.
As such, Izuku wasted no time in collecting Shouto and all but pulling him through the gates. The workers laughed, Izuku’s smile sheepish but joyful. He saw the beginnings of a frown on Shouto’s face, poking it away.
“Stop that. They may laugh at me if they wish. They laugh at my excitement but there is pride in their eyes.”
“Pride?” Shouto questioned.
“Pride because I am so excited. They have impressed those they work for. I think that deserves an ounce of pride, don’t you?”
Shouto nodded. “I see.” He took in the courtyard in more depth, slowly smiling himself. “I also see now they have every right to be proud. This is far beyond what I imagined.”
“You imagined?” Izuku asked, head tilting sideways. “This castle was commissioned by you? I thought you and my father-”
Shouto waved a hand. “Semantics. I hear the western wing is completed. Inspect it with me?”
Izuku nodded eagerly, taking Shouto’s hand and interlacing their fingers. Shouto squeezed them reassuringly before locating the master builder. He was all too happy to see them, leading them through room after room, explaining each aspect in great detail. There was a room Hitoshi had already claimed as his own, Izuku scolding him though he was only met with a smug look. Even Momo and Kyouka were muttering about chambers and which was best, east or west. He supposed he had been similar though, when he had seen Yuuei’s castle the first time. He couldn’t blame them when he had been so similar.
Thanking the master builder when he had shown them everything that was completed, their party disbanded, leaving Izuku and Shouto alone on the parapets. Shouto looked utterly bewildered, while Izuku simply laughed.
“You look so betrayed,” he managed. “You have been left alone with me, not a vicious animal.”
“I remember you once likening yourself to a wolf,” Shouto pointed out.
“Semantics,” Izuku parroted, leaning against the stone wall before, “Shouto...my father intends to abdicate.”
Shouto stiffened, coming to his side haltingly. “At the Kings’ Summit?”
“Yes. He wants to announce it there first, as a sign of trust between our five lands. He announces it to you and then on to his people. And I…” Izuku swallowed thickly.
“You will become king,” Shouto finished for him.
Izuku nodded, eyes flicking over. “Is that...I cannot tell if this will make what we have easier or harder.”
“We have never done things the easy way,” Shouto pointed out dryly.
“Shouto, do not tease. I am trying to be serious.”
Shouto kissed his forehead in apology. “I understand. To travel between the two kingdoms constantly would bring a strain. I cannot always be in Yuuei and you cannot always be in Endeavour.”
“That...yes,” Izuku mumbled, hands twisting together. They only stopped because Shouto took them in his own, waiting until Izuku’s gaze lifted to his.
“If only, Izuku, servant’s son, if only there were a place to rule from that were on the border. A place that even now holds the starts of a new city, one that is neither Yuueian nor Endeavan.”
Izuku froze.
This castle...This castle was...He took it in once more, its positioning, the cluster of houses already built around from the workers and farmers who had found a new market of customers. He thought of the room Hitoshi had claimed, the way Shouto had slipped and revealed his hand, called the castle his own, not his and All Might’s. Because it hadn’t been for All Might. It had been for him.
“Sh-Shouto?” he hiccoughed.
“I didn’t ask,” Shouto murmured into his hair, “As you know I am bad with words. But can I count your response as a yes?”
Izuku hastily scrubbed tears from his eyes, grappling for Shouto and kissing him messily. “Of course. It is a yes Shouto, always yes.”
“Then yes.”
***