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nezuscribe · 1 year

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𝐩𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬

summary: in a land where marriage is set in stone at birth and love is but a myth, a girl tries her best to navigate the life she's been born into. when her father assigns her own knight, somebody he trusts to look after her in these dangerous times, nobody would have expected the brave young soldier to twist her story with his, taking your life into a spin that was unforeseen by the fates.

pairing: bakugo katsuki x fem!reader

genre: forbidden love, royalty au, strangers to friends to lovers, comfort, mild angst, fluff

warnings: mdni 18+, all characters are aged up, detailed sex, heavy making out, cunnilingus, unprotected sex, a little bit of a hand job, grinding, all the works lmao, mentions of depressive thoughts, nothing too explicit

notes: reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated!

as always, thank you so much @jadeisthirsting for beta reading this and helping me throughout this fic!

mha masterlist

The bazaars of Afrasiab were unlike any other, and they dimmed in comparison to what the mind could imagine. All of the land in Persia held its animosity, a secret that can only be revealed by sight, but the bazaars there were something no tongue could describe and no ear to relay correctly.

They smelled of lamb and beef kabobs, cooked to perfection, began wafting around the carts of fabrics early in the morning. The mountains of spices were perfectly balanced in their own little plates, laying undisrupted until they caught the eye of curious passersby.

Many streets carried deep underground, for when the bazaar needed continuing and couldn’t be held entirely on top, and the hidden passages held wonders unknown to man.

Unfortunately, however, for somebody seeing these bustling markets for the first time, they tended to be confusing to figure out at the least, and nearly impossible to navigate most of the time.

The young woman who traveled closely with his cloak perched over her head tried to wind through the serpentine stalls, keeping his chin close to her chest as she only watched through the corners of her eyes, careful not to bring attention to herself nor the satchel in her hand. It was all so new to her, every sight she was intaking a far cry from what she was accustomed to seeing. The faint cries of the salesman trying to sell his silver tableware or the santur being played somewhere distant was an overload to somebody who was used to the strange serenity the palace offered.

Everything was a sight to behold. She never came to buy something, only to see. She liked the way this place almost had its own separate language, how it awoke at dawn and never seemed to sleep. She loved how the shopkeepers, always respectful of one another in their boundaries, tried their best to outdo one another in favor of better business.

The way someone shouted to gain the attention of somebody, the way they laced their words with enough enthusiasm to keep the shoppers interested was something she never grew tired of. In comparison to the bleak life that was awaiting her when she got back, these little bits of excitement were enough enrichment to keep her going for a little bit longer.

She took it all in, enjoying the opportunity as she doubted it’d be trusted upon her again, and smiled to herself at the mosaics that lined the curved walls, the dim light the candles offered helped her navigate through the underground bazaar. She looked through all the silverware, the plates painted with utmost care.

She looked through and let her fingers graze above the satin fabrics all dyed a different color. The smells of turmeric and saffron flooded her nose, mixing with the occasional whiff of rose, and she felt as though all these things at once were too compelling alone for a human mind.

No stories nor descriptions could have prepared her for what she was going to experience. It was magical, something surely out of a book. Despite that, however, every minute she spent trying to enjoy the sights was another minute that clicked in her mind mentally.

“Oi,” A gruff voice snapped, jolting her rudely out of her ongoing daydream, “Watch it.”

His eyes shined brighter than the pomegranate seeds you were used to seeing every day. His jaw was carved, his body stiff. He was large, unusually so, and the only time you had seen a man of his size and demeanor was a man heading off to war.

Even with the little bits, you could see of him you could tell that he was simply gorgeous, a crude beauty that nature had somehow created out of her own force. Sure, all the men you were used to seeing were either a couple of years older than you (or so old you wondered how they were even living) and snotty, but you knew that this sort was beyond anything. Had he not been waiting so impatiently for you to talk, you wouldn’t have stumbled to get something out.

“Apologies,” You muttered, adjusting your robes again so that they covered your clothing underneath, not wanting anybody to get a quick glimpse of the tunic underneath, glancing up as you gave him an apologetic grin, “I wasn’t paying attention.”

He nodded curtly, seeming to agree with you as his gaze roamed your face, trying to decipher you for whatever reason as he gave a low grunt.

“It’s alright.” His lips pressed into a thin line, moving past you as he readjusted his hood. You opened your mouth, pausing when you watched his lips twitch, looking left and right as you felt your shoulders shrinking in defeat.

But you knew that he had already seen your face, heard you speak. There was no point in hiding yourself from one stranger if he could already identify you based on this encounter. And seeing how you knew it was dark outside, the hours seeming to have slipped quickly through your fingers, and you had no means of getting out, you gave into the one and only rule you had created for yourself.

“Sir!” You called out, watching as he had almost turned his back to leave, watching as he stopped upon hearing you, “I apologize for interrupting, but,” You looked away for a second, your cheeks heating up under his heavy stare, “I seem to be lost. Would you happen to know the way out? Everything seems to twist together here, and I need to go home,” You paused and then added, “Please.” Hoping not to sound too distressed - even if you were - as you waited for him to say something.

The silence felt heavy despite the hustling happening behind you, and you wondered for a second if you had even spoken loudly enough so that he could hear you on top of all the distant shouts and music.

He seemed to search your face once more, maybe looking for signs of trickery or ill intent. But you seemed desperate, at least you know you sounded desperate, and any attempts of trying to fool him would have quickly dissipated under his scornful gaze. Heaven's grace, you thought to yourself, what must a man do for a living to hold such unwavering suspension?

“It’s alright, I’ll-”

“Follow me.” He murmured, cocking his head in the direction he was originally going as he maneuvered his way through the tight bodies, not waiting for you to give any sign of understanding as you quickly scurried after him, trying your best to not get lost in the thick of the crowd. Despite his tall frame, you doubted it’d be difficult to lose sight of somebody in such a congested area.

You kept a keen eye on the back of his hood, never losing sight of it as you managed to wrangle yourself closer to his side. He was surely not the nicest person you’d met all day, but you were thankful nonetheless for his openness to take you someplace without knowing you all that much (aside from you just bumping into him, of course).

“Thank you so much sir I was so incredibly lost and had no idea wh-”

“You’re a maid for the princess, aren’t you?”

You stopped talking, looking up at him with wide eyes, mouth half agape as you almost acted as if you hadn’t heard his words.

“Close your mouth, you’ll attract attention,” He said as he pushed past people, never meeting your shocked eyes once as he expertly moved through the thicker parts of the stalls. Once he looked down at you, seeing that you didn’t listen to what he had just said, his brows creased down the middle, “Are you deaf?” He snapped and your cheeks heated in embarrassment and you begrudgingly obliged.

“I…I don’t know how you reached such a drastic conclusion.” You said through clenched teeth, but you doubted denying anything after your so obvious reaction would help your case. Proving your thoughts right, the man only snorted, rolling his eyes.

“Don’t act daft,” His eyes keenly followed your hands, focusing on your wrist as he clicked his tongue against his teeth, a tsk following shortly after as he looked back up at you, “Gold? I doubt anything other than a servant to the princess or a concubine to a king would be able to afford such a thing. And wearing it to such a leisurely activity? I’d wager good money that you have a heftier bracelet sitting unattended at home.”

Your mouth ran dry as you paused, not believing how he was able to deduce so much in a short matter of seconds, but you guessed that his calculating look wasn’t only for suspicion. He was reading into you much more than you had initially guessed he was.

“Are you a spy?” You asked, your voice hushed though you wanted to bet a hefty amount that nobody other than him would be able to hear.

“Far from it.” He heaved a laugh, looking around every second or so, his eyes darting all over the walls as though he was in search of something. Or maybe as if something was in search of him.

“Then…what are you?”

His eyes fleeted down to you, his lips pursing as they began their curious journey.

“Never mind what I am.” He answered back, his hand wavering above your back as he veered you to the right, saving you from colliding into somebody who came barreling from somewhere you hadn’t even noticed.

“How - how can I trust you won’t harm me?” He laughed again at your naiveté-laced question.

“Had I planned on harming you, I would have done so already,” He made a sharp left turn, “I apologize to be the one to tell you this, but you mustn't be the princess's favorite maid.”

Your brows furrowed, your lip turning downward as you asked him why. There was no point in pretending, or at least to some degree, if he was so willing and correct in reading you.

“Sending you away without any form of security is a clear indication.”

You huffed, looking elsewhere even though he seemed victorious in his statement.

“Stay safe, m’lady.” He said finally, giving you a nod as you stammered to get your thoughts collected.

And you would have pressed him further on how he had such a quick wit, on who exactly he was, and how he had managed to decipher you faster than anybody you had met in your lifetime, but he had brought you to the opening of the bazaar. And before you could even thank the stranger for leading you here, let alone question him on anything else, he had managed to slip back into the crowd. His brown cloak mixed in with everybody else, and no matter how hard you craned your neck, it was as though you were searching for a lost shell in the ocean.

—

“Y/n!”

Damn it.

You winced at the shrill shriek as you felt your entire body tense up at the sound. You were so close, too. Just a couple feet in front of those double doors and you would have been safely shielded away from the wandering eyes of the palace.

“...Yes?” You slowly said as you turned around, scurrying off to take your robes off, the royal garments underneath beginning to bleed through as you tried to hide the evidence behind your back, but to no avail.

Roshanak, though she was far cry from her namesake, trotted up to you, snatching the tattered clothes out of your hands as her nose flared.

Her face was red, beet red, as she looked back at you, seething. Her dark brown curls were tucked away under a loose scarf, peeking through as they fell into her face. Although her eyes were usually calm, warm in tone, and relaxing to look into, they looked almost molten right now. The crow's feet at the corner of her eyes tugged upwards as she raised her eyebrows.

The rose petal she had patted across her lips and cheeks in the morning was almost gone now, but the little bit remaining seemed to only add more color to her already heating face. Had this not been a recurring thing you would have been terrified, but, alas, you only looked away in vexation.

“You were out. Again.” It wasn’t a question more than a statement.

You nodded slowly, angry at yourself that you got caught, clutching your hands together as you felt your head sink in regret. No matter how many times you ventured out of the palace walls, they always seemed to come back to find you, hiding you away when you were fingertips away from knowing the true world. A real shame, you always told yourself, to have land dedicated to your family, yet never know what it truly holds.

“Y/n…why?” Had she not taken care of you for the twenty years she had, you would have guessed she was your mother. She could have acted the part. That you were sure of. You opened your mouth to speak, but she didn’t even give you a chance to explain yourself. Though, it’s not like your reasoning had changed all that much.

“The last time - okay - I forgave you. And the time before that, too! But you are pushing the limits, Y/n. You cannot keep expecting me to keep this a secret forever, can you?” Which directly translated to: you can’t expect your father to not find out, right?

“Roshanak-”

“No,” She cut you off, shaking her head as she held onto your cloak tightly, wrinkles forming in their presence as she shakes her head fiercely, her brown eyes scorching unlike never before as she raises a finger to pause you, “No more guilt tripping me. I am only so much of a person to be taken advantage of.”

“But-”

“No! You listen to me,” She snapped, “This is a dangerous game you’re playing. Sneaking out? Without notifying anybody? How can I know you’ll come back? How should I report to your father that his daughter has slipped out and is now missing? On my watch? And what if somebody saw you and recognized you - then what do I do?”

“I-”

“Quiet!” You shrunk at her curt and furious yell, sore fire burning in your eyes, shaming its way across your face as you tried not to yell. A proper woman never yelled. Never in the middle of a hallway, at least, “God help me,” She muttered, her eyes looking up like she was trying to find Him within the ceiling, “Y/n, what will I do with you? All these years for nothing? How am I supposed to make you ready to be wed when-”

“I don’t want to be wed!”

Roshanak almost dramatically gasped, looking wildly around, hoping that nobody had heard your outburst, she went to snap back again but you didn’t let her, “I hope, Roshanak, I pray that every time I go out, that every time I leave this godforsaken place, that somebody recognizes me-”

“Y/n, stop this-” She tried to warn you but you continued.

“That they know me and they hate me. So that if they do something, if they hurt me, kill me-”

“Y/n!” She yelled, no longer caring about how loud she was because you didn’t seem to care either.

“That at least I wouldn’t be shamed to my grave for doing it myself!”

She choked out a cough, her eyes wide as your lips trembled, your chest heaving up and down as you tried to control yourself after your outburst. Your cheeks were wet with tears, gods, you weren’t ever going to get out of that habit, were you? And your hands were shaking, and it seemed like your lungs were contracting up and down, up and down. It wasn’t the first time you had planned on saying these exact words, but damn you, this was the first time you said it out loud.

What had set you off? You wondered aimlessly to yourself. Had it been the awful morning full of your father listing off potential suitors? The way the stranger at the bazaar had completely seen right through you, or the insurance of the people around you on pretending as though you no longer were a person but a mere vessel for carrying out their decade-old plans?

“Y/n! Roshanak!” A third party interrupted the heavy air that sat in the middle of your two bodies, cutting through everything that was left unsaid as both of your attention went to something at the end of the hall. Roshanak gave you a single look, one that simply told you that she was undoubtedly not done with the conversation, as she turned to give her customary bows to the king. You quickly made do with wiping at your cheeks hiding any remnants of what had just perspired from the awaiting eyes that were soon to come as you wiped at your nose with the bottom of your sleeve.

“Shāhanshāh,” She muttered the words of respect to the king, bowing her head down so low to the ground that you wondered if her lips were brushing upon the cold stone.

“Baba,” You said through clenched teeth, your own complimentary greeting to the king as he gave you a warm smile. If only he knew what you were screaming about moments ago, that smile on his lips would surely have fallen by now.

“Y/n,” He said adoringly, his beard bristling upwards as his smile grew upon seeing your face, “I have exciting news. You will - Roshanak,” He paused, his eyes falling upon her clenched fist, “What is that you have in your hands?”

If she was startled, she did well at hiding it.

“Oh…just some tattered clothes one of my girls didn’t need anymore. I was just about to throw it away. My king,” She gave him a swift nod, and you felt your heart rate slow down a bit at her lie, thankful that she was still aware enough not to tell him the truth right now, “Princess.” She gave you one too, her eyes never leaving yours as she swiftly left, leaving you and your father alone to have some privacy.

He smiled warmly, giving her a nod in return as her figure retreated from view, her pattering footsteps no longer echoing across the walls as your father turned back to you, his kingly robes fallen behind him in a cascade of beautiful crimson as his smile grew once again.

“As I was saying, you will be having some new company.”

You felt your eyes squint in confusion, lips curling to the sides as you began profusely shaking your head. Gods, not another suitor, please, anything but another prince ready to pounce on you.

“But Baba,” You tried to keep the wavering of your voice to a minimum, knowing that after this long day it sounded anything but confident, “I don’t need new company. I have Roshanak and the girls, they fill up my time plenty. And I’m still deciding between the Prince of Tehran and the Crown Prince of Persepolis. I…” He held up a hand, cutting your rambling off with a knowing grin. Had you not known any better he looked more like a bazaar salesman rather than a king - too jovial for the position.

“It’s not a new servant - nor a swain, collect yourself.” He snapped at you, his voice commanding and suddenly mirroring a king’s rather than a father's.

“I’ve noticed that some tension has been building up between some cities near us, nothing to worry about,” He assured but tensions between cities were always something you worried about, “But I felt as though there is a significant lack of guards in the palace, at least, guards that serve to protect you.” He grinned, already trying to get you to see where he was going but all you were getting at was bewilderment.

“And this means…?”

“That you will be having your own guard now. Not one that stands outside our door, but one who accompanies you wherever you go.”

If there was a prize for having the worst way of delivering news, your father would surely have won it a couple of years ago.

“I,” You paused, rubbing your aching forehead as you practically felt an aching forming, “Baba, this isn’t the most promising idea-”

“Of course it is!” He clamored, clasping his hands together as his rings clinked together, “You need protection in this growing political climate. And anyway, I’ve only picked the best of the best. In fact,” He looked behind him, but you already felt as though you knew where this was starting to lead to, “He’s here-”

“He’s here?” You exclaimed, trying to keep your whisper-yell down to a minimum but you didn’t know how much the echo traveled.

“Yes, azizam, he’s here. Katsuki,” He yelled out, the shout bouncing off the high arches as you winced at the volume, “Come out!”

Before you could even disagree with this idea, that you were only wearing your simple robes and not made up for company, you could hear the loud thumps of leather shoes upon stone, clothes ruffling together as a shadow began to form of the man who your father seemed more than enthusiastic to show off to you. Almost as if he had just won an irreplaceable accolade for his daughter.

You couldn’t conceal the little cough of shock you let out when the man came into view, your father sending you a confused glance as you apologized under your breath, covering your mouth with your hands as you felt the blood drain from your face.

The man, the very one you had seen in the bazaar, was just a few feet in front of you.

He looked much different, though. Those robes had been ditched and instead, the bright red of the palace colors shined bright on his tunic. His hair was completely out, and you could see how it resembled the color of hay and straw. His frame, which had seemed so intimidating before, was clear to you now; tall and slender yet muscular, something that all knights should be. You could tell easily that his long legs allowed him to be agile when he wanted to, but his sturdy arms were perfect for carrying a weapon. You could even notice how his sword was tucked away in the sheathe, but it was noticeable, it should have been. Everything about him reeked of contained power, and you wondered how such changes could have altered his appearance so much.

And though he tried to hide his stupefaction, agreeably better than you had, nothing could have concealed the way his eyes widened momentarily, blazing a bright red as the gold bracelet he had mistakenly identified as a simple token for a maid shined brightly in the flickering candlelight from the hallway.

“He’s ranked the highest-ranking soldier in our military. I’ve seen him in action, too,” Your father slapped his back in a proud gesture, “And I’ve spent time with him to know that he’s a suitable man for protecting you.”

You’d heard of him, how could you not have? Every story and rumor that seemed to slip from the noble mouths were either of the scandalous escapades of people ranked in your circle, or of the young knight who seemed to have stumped the Greek army with a single slash of his sword. The Greeks called him the rival of Achilles, a man who wielded the bow and arrow better than Apollo and the soldier who slain an entire army. The people around you just referred to him as the Savior of Persia.

“You're too kind, my liege.” He muttered in thanks, his cheeks glowing a dusted pink as he continued to bow down out of respect.

You swallowed thickly, watching as the man held his head down in respect. But you could see that his gaze flickered to yours, his brows scrunched up so that there were three lines down the middle as he put the pieces quickly together.

“Princess,” He bid his respectful greetings, despite the fact that you two had already met hours ago. His low voice rattled deep inside your head, and you could only pray that he was a man that kept quiet, on top of all his other achievements.

You watched as he reached for your hand, his larger ones almost enveloping yours. His fingers were large yet gentle as they held your hand, the calluses on your palm a stark comparison to the soft and manicured nails you had, a clear difference of class. And you watched as he brought it up to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss on the back of them to let it go, properly though, so that you didn’t get offended. You felt a lingering blaze where his lips had just been, and you wished you could have brought your hand up to the light to see if he had done any sort of magic to it.

Your father tensed his neck as he stared at you, waiting for you to do your own greetings as you stammered, sending him an apologetic glance as you looked at the man.

“Sir,” You ducked your down, hoping that not only would it seem more different, but it might do good in hiding the true sentiments you might have given away had you looked him dead-on, “I’m honored.”

He nodded, and your father seemed pleased with your words because his displeased look was quickly wiped off of his face as he grinned boastfully.

“The honor is all mine, princess,” The man stood up, his eyes focused on you, a thousand tales swimming behind their crimson color as he bowed his head down to you, crossing his arm over his chest, covering his heart, pledging to you, “I am here to serve and protect you. Anything you need, please let me know.”

And with that, your night shifted. No, perhaps not even that single night. After that, it seemed that your entire world began to spin in the opposite direction.

—

The palace was soon awakened from its slumber, it seemed, as it became buzzed with the news of a new knight. Especially one as venerated (and captivating) as he was. All your handmaidens could talk about for the past several weeks, more or less squeal, was how they were going to try to swoon him. But every time you snickered, knowing their little bursts of excitement were clearly heard by the man right outside your door.

And you knew you were being petty, looking away in annoyance whenever one of you girls went up to him with a dopey smile on their face, they had the opportunity to. Of course, they’d be scorned for it later, but their punishment was to do more laundry and spend less time socializing with her friends. Your liberties of choosing had been signed off for you ever since you were born, and ever since then, they’ve been growing thinner and thinner.

Your knight didn’t say a lot of things, especially not about your first interaction with each other, and for that, you were appreciative. Honestly, you could have listed off all the time you two had spoken on two hands and had some fingers remaining.

You couldn’t imagine having somebody by your side every hour of the day and talking erratically at all times. If anything, he was stoic. He didn’t say anything unless spoken to or unless absolutely necessary, and sometimes you wondered if he too was growing tired of these stone walls and the archways. There is only so much of the palace that can be seen until it all grows repetitive.

“He doesn’t talk much, does he?” Roya exclaimed, one day as she dotted roses all over your neck and wrists. You giggled at her exasperation, and with the way all the other girls seemed to, unfortunately, agree with her.

“No,” Laleh said with a heaving sigh, delicately setting the necklace down upon your neck as she angled it looking at the mirror, “He doesn’t.” She seemed to wilt at the words, her smile shrunken seeing how she was so used to men dropping at their feet for her.

“Come on,” You said, still trying to control your laughter, patting their arms as they looked down at you, “I doubt this is the end of the world, or as you’re trying to make it out to be.” Roya let out a groan and Laleh hurriedly nodded her head in agreement with Roya’s response.

“But it is! He’s so decorated!-”

“And handsome… he is so incredibly handsome…” Laleh said dreamily as she interrupted Roya, giving her an apologetic smile as she continued.

“He can protect and fight - I’ve heard he’s the best fighter in all of Persia. They say that his strength rivals Darius, maybe even stronger. And he can read incredibly well too; all the tales of the Shahnameh, he’s had them all memorized! Y/n, he’s better than any of the princes and nobles this land has to offer. Having him as a suitor, well, having him as a suitor would only be but the best thing to happen to a woman- '' She droned off as she saw your smile fall a bit, “Well, a woman of our status. You, however, my princess, deserve a prince!” Though she was quick to recover, it didn’t cover the fact that she was right.

“Yes…a prince.” You muttered, spitting the last word out as you balanced your chin on the palm of your hand and dejectedly sulked. The last one you had seen, merely a week ago, had been insistent on seeing you dance for him. He was turned away immediately. And the one before him had tried to sneak his hand up your skirt, but Katsuki had quickly slapped his hand away, giving the man a welt and a large bruise that set him weeping the entire horse ride home.

It seemed that once a man was bestowed the title of prince he no longer remembered what it was like to act human. As if every normal thing he had done once before was cast away and his only intention in life was now to torment women into marrying him.

“Maybe this one’s better!” Laleh said, trying to cheer you up as she angrily swatted at Roya’s arm.

Yes, maybe this one was better. But given your luck these past few months, the man you were going to meet today was anything but a man. Maybe even worse.

“Yes, in fact, last night I prayed that he would be!” Roya said, and although it might not have been taken as a joke, it did its part in making you smile a bit, giving them both a weak and pitiful laugh as you secured the bracelet around your wrists.

Laleh finished the remaining bits of your dress, tightening up the back as she dusted it off, careful that the ruby color shined at any angle, that you looked radiating at any possible angle.

You eyed the window, the sun right in the middle of the horizon, a sign of noon. You gave them both a thankful smile, one that didn’t quite meet your gaze as you patted them both on the shoulders.

“Khoshgelam,” Beautiful, Roya muttered with pride, giving you a tender smile as you ducked your head down in embarrassment, never used to the kind words they muttered before you were sent in to meet a prince, knowing that some of them were really only to help you get through the day.

“Tashakor,” Thank you, “Roya, Laleh.” You gave them each a small nod, “And perhaps you are correct, maybe this one is better than all the ones before.” They both nodded with excitement, something that will surely be ruined in a couple of hours for now as they led you to the door, opening it for you as you gave their hands a tight squeeze.

You were met with the big back of the guard, watching as he turned around at the noise, his eyes falling upon yours as the two girls behind you practically swooned once again. He was gorgeous.

“Princess, are you ready?” He grunted out and you nodded, giving the two girls your final look of desperation as they waved you off, watching as your two figures retreated in the dark hallway, your footsteps dimming down until they could no longer see you.

The two of you walked in silence, just as you had always done, as you stared at your hands. It was exhausting to have to find somebody who was humanly decent. Everybody you had met so far was horrible, and though you were trying your best to be optimistic, the rumors surrounding the man you were about to meet were only adding more to your growing trepidation.

The man beside you never said a word, and you didn’t expect him to. But right now, you knew that if there was somebody who knew at least something more than just gossip about this potential suitor, it would be Katsuki.

“You know Saum, no?”

It had been the first time you had asked him a question, especially so randomly, and he almost stopped as he tried to understand what had just happened. You hadn’t uttered more than a couple of words to him these past few weeks he had been serving you, so this question you had asked so suddenly made him almost think he had gone insane. But looking down at you to find your curious eyes searching for him, he cleared his throat, getting ready to respond.

“I know of him, princess.” He said gruffly and you nodded weakly, your eyes never leaving the end of the hallway, your dress dragging behind you as you tried to calm your breathing down. You could only do this routine so many times before it mentally got to you.

“What do you know of him?” You questioned, looking up at his face to see in momentarily scrunch up he could have seen the horror that flashed across your eyes at his questionable reaction because he was quick to regain his composure.

“He’s a naval officer.” He said, which is something that you already knew. You scoffed in mock annoyance, rolling your eyes as you shook your head, dissatisfied with his bleak answer.

“Anything else?” You pressed, watching as he scratched his chin, obviously trying to hold back on saying something.

“That’s all I know of, princess.”

You rolled your eyes again, huffing as you realized you could never get anywhere with this man. He always referred to you by your title, gave responses no longer than ten words long, and filled the awkward silence with his even quieter demeanor.

“You’re lying to me.”

He paused, his eyes wide with shock as his mouth parted and he closed it.

“I would never lie to you, princess.” He retaliated quickly, and had he not been the towering brute that he is, you would have thought the reaction had come from a child who was indeed caught in the act of lying.

“Then why do you try to hide something? You must surely know something about him to not be saying anything.” He knew he was horrible at hiding the truth, he was raised to always be transparent.

“I,” He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he sucked on his bottom lip, debating whether or not to continue this conversation. But one look at the pleading look that was laced all over your features and he gave in, knowing that you were desperate after so many failed attempts with the failures that had the nerve to call themselves a prince, “I’ve only heard stories, princess, and I don’t know which ones hold more truth.” He paused.

“Which is…?”

The knight sighed once more, showing more emotion than you’ve ever seen him display as he looked away, anywhere but your awaiting eyes that held so much worry and fright that it reminded him of a lamb being sent to slaughter.

“It’s merely a rumor, princess, so don’t base your judgment on him simply on my words. But,” He winced, his hard gaze breaking for a second as he breathed heavily out his nose, “I had overheard some of my men talking a while ago that he’s an arrogant prince, but,” He looked down for a second before he looked back up at you, a ghost of a smile on his face as you felt yourself ease a little bit at the strangely welcoming sight, “I doubt there has ever been a humble prince.”

You laughed softly, the sound was something that made his barely visible smile grow even more. The tension he could easily see in your shoulders lessened just a tad bit. You said nothing as you waited for him to continue.

“He’s a womanizer, or at least he tries to be,” You giggled at that too, something you were quite used to at this point, “And according to whispers, he doesn’t have the best table manners.”

You pretended to be shocked, even letting out a dramatic gasp as you covered up your mouth.

“He’s sloppy?”

“Disgustingly so, I’m afraid.”

Your smile grew even more at his words, a loud and unlikely laugh falling from your lips as even you seemed shocked at your unexpected outburst. Your fingers stopped their anxious tapping on your forearms as you felt the tension that had been prickling its way through your chest stop, the fear that you had felt these past few hours diminishing as the knight beside you chuckled deeply.

“I feared that might be the case,” You confessed to him, “Thank you, though,” You said as you looked up at him, meeting his gaze as you cracked a little grin, “You've been the first to openly tell me that.” He gave you a small nod in return, pausing as you stopped in front of the large double doors, where the prince was waiting just behind them.

You took a deep breath, feeling as though some of that dread was starting to come back.

“Must I go?” You stalled, your hands lingering above the wood of the door as you glanced over at him. In these three minutes you had been able to talk to him more than you had in the past weeks you had known him, and strangely so, he had been able to tell you more about the man you were about to meet than anybody else had in that short amount of time.

“Yes, princess.” He told you and you scoffed in pity for yourself, tracing the delicate patterns etched into the wood as he spoke again.

“Don’t fret too much about him however, he’s not as strong as he boasts he is. And… princess?” He called out, his voice a little louder so that it caught your attention before you entered the dining hall, “If anything were to happen, I am there to serve you.”

And though it was in his duty, something he was sworn in to say to you, that was the first time in your twenty years of living that you had actually felt safe. Call it guilelessness or the fake hope you held that somebody truly seemed to care, but that was the day that you acknowledged that your father, for once in his life, had made a good decision in making him your knight.

—-

It seemed that after that night (and no, Saum indeed was not the perfect match), the distance between you and Katsuki had significantly shortened. And while it was still difficult to get him to open up and talk, it seemed that the more you pressed him about random topics the more lenient he got with you.

This change was so apparent, even, that others started to notice too. You could pick up on the servants and their loud whispers whenever you and Katsuki would be walking around the hallways - him accompanying you to make sure you didn’t try to do anything outlandish - and gossiped about the way you two stood significantly closer to each other than was deemed socially appropriate.

And sure, maybe they were right in some aspects. For one, you don’t know why a part of you ignited in unknown flames when you saw him smiling the smile he only reserved for you when he talked to a maid you had never seen before, that was something that even you knew was wrong to feel. And you couldn’t forget the time, no matter how much you ached when you saw him whispering sweet nothings into the ear of another girl, his eyes falling upon yours as he quickly moved away from her, his cheeks dusted in a deep pink as he apologized profusely. You hate how you reveled in your pathetic glory when he came up to you afterward, steering you away from the scene with a hand barely apparent on your back, profusely apologizing for acting so unprofessional.

So, you let them gossip. You could have shut it down sooner, but in all honesty, you liked what they had to say. Sometimes, when they spoke of him, you couldn’t help but wonder if their words for once held any truth. Did he actually stare longingly at you whenever there was a feast, watching with fire in his eyes when a prince or nobleman tried to woo you into a conversation? No, surely not. And did he only laugh full heartedly when he was with you, a sight nobody else had the grave of seeing? No, no, of course not. Surely you couldn’t be that funny.

“‘Suki,” You said one day, the name you had now given him freely flowing off your tongue as you two walked in the rose garden, “I have a request.”

He ducked his head down, the sun making his hair almost seem like gold as he walked with his hands behind his back. This is where you thought him to be the most regal, his most beautiful state of being. The wind flowed through his hair, the strands moving east, his face not as stiff as it usually was. The royal red tunic and trousers sat comfortably on his toned skin, hugging him in a way that made you feel terrible for lusting after it as much as you did. In this carefree environment, he no longer embedded a knight, but a person who you could look up to as a friend.

“Anything for you, princess.”

You sighed in fake irritation at the title, telling him many times to just refer to you as everybody else in your inner circle did, but he always stuck to the formalities. You understood why he didn’t want to cross over any lines, but it made getting to know him better that much more difficult.

“Take me to the bazaar.”

“Ah, that, princess,” He grunted, giving you a stern and unwavering look, “I cannot do.”

“But you said anything!” You clamored, your voice still not loud to raise attention, as a pout formed on your lips as you huffed again, your arms crossing across your chest as you continued to walk. You let your left hand glide across the flowers, delicate as to not harm any of the petals.

“Princess,” He tried to bargain, handsome face pulled into a set frown as he tried to get you to look at him, “The bazaar is too perilous of risk to take. I can never plan a single thing when I have no idea who or what I’m going to endure.”

Your frown grew at his words, even though you knew what he was trying to say, and stopped at the pomegranate tree as he stopped with you, his sword thumping against his thigh as his shadow cascaded over the red fruit.

“But I’ve been there before….” You miserably muttered, hearing him let out a snort as he crossed his arms across his chest, shaking his head at the thought.

“And I don't know how you never got caught,” He admitted, trying to sound tough and rigid but a little chuckle escaped his lips, “It’s a great deal of danger if you put yourself in, princess; going there with no guards, telling nobody where you were.”

You plucked a ripe pomegranate off, holding it up in the sun as you took in its deep crimson shade, turning it around as you felt its smooth texture underneath your fingers. It was a favorite of yours, and you had requested a while ago to have a whole section of the gardens dedicated to the fruit.

You dug your thumbs into it, groaning a little as you tried to crack it open but to no avail. Wordlessly, he extended his hand out to you, a noiseless exchange as you placed the pomegranate in his hands, turning around to watch him as he snapped it open with no difficulty, no strain seen on his face as he held the two halves back out to you.

The ruby seeds glistened, and you plucked a few out, munching on them as the crunch of the seeds filled the silence.

“Tashakor,” You muttered with your mouth full of the fruit, smiling a little bit at the tart and sweet taste of them. He gave you a small nod, eyeing the fruit as your fingers became stained with the red juice of the pomegranate, walking alongside you as you carelessly ate.

“Would you like some?” You offered, holding out the half you hadn't touched yet as he quickly shook his head with târof, the complimentary way of refusing something out of politeness. You smile to yourself at his little action.

“Oh, come on, it’s good. Really good.” You obliged, holding it out further to him as you waved the half around, trying to tempt him. Although he was a man of honor and sound reason, refusing something from a royal more than once was unforeseen and rather unsophisticated. So he sighed, giving up as he gently plucked the fruit out of your hand, muttering a quiet thanks as your smile grew wider.

“Is it to your liking?” You said, your words muffled as you tried not to talk and chew at the same time.

“Extraordinarily so.” He said, chewing thoughtfully as his lips became stained red the more he ate. You tried to look away as you felt your cheeks heating up at the sight.

“So…‘Suki,” You said, your elbows purposely bumping into him as you smiled a little bit to yourself, the cool breeze of the upcoming winter biting eagerly at your skin. You swallowed a couple of seeds as you looked at him, “No bazaar?”

“No bazaar.” He repeated, though his focus was intently on getting a couple of the ruby seeds out.

“And no hunting?”

He grunted out a coarse laugh, his face looking nonchalant as he shook his head again.

“I wasn’t aware you were appreciative of the sport.” He notes, glancing over at you as you shrugged, your fingers mindlessly running across the bumpy seeds as you let out a longing sigh.

“I’m appreciative of anything that gets me out of here.” The words tumbled out of your mouth, your eyes drooping a bit as your steps became slower. The times you spent in the gardens, depressingly so, was the only excitement you seemed to have in your day.

His smile fell at your statement, watching the way you seemed to shrink in on yourself.

He was good at noticing things, it was something he took pride in. But by the time he had gotten to know you, the princess who lived the lavish life everybody told him about, only seemed to be a myth. Sure, your bed was warm and your maids ready at your beck and call, but behind the jewels and glamor of royal life, your face held a different story. Early on, he took note of the way your smile never reached your eyes. Your laugh never reached more than an octave in pitch, and you always seemed to be wary of the people around you. Everything you did seemed to be done as if walking on eggshells, and if this was the life everybody said was perfection, he didn’t see any point in wanting to live in it.

Which is why, after a couple of interactions, he felt a part of him soften when it came to you. You were thoughtful in places most people would have grown senseless. You never lost your humanity, nor your compassion when it came to both people you knew and strangers you’ve never met. He observed silently how you would talk to people, your voice laced with care as you gave them every bit of attention. He notices how you’d always save a plate full of traits for him, always managing to find where he was, no matter how dense the crowd of people was, as you delivered it to him with a smile, stating; “you looked grumpy, though this might help.”

“As much as I’d like to take you hunting over the bazaar, I doubt your father would be too fond of the idea,” Katsuki admitted solemnly and you nodded bitterly in agreement, stopping in your tracks as you continued to look forward.

You took in a deep breath, your hands clasped together as a troubled look seemed to overtake your features. He waited patiently for you to gather your thoughts, not saying anything as you gnawed on your bottom lip, seemingly going back and forth between a thousand ideas all at once.

“Katsuki…?” Your voice was faint, barely there, almost swept away by the breeze as you stopped, not saying anything else. You let the seconds tick by until you heard him let out a deep hum, the sound acknowledging that he had heard you.

There were only so many times you called him by his first name: in front of others, an intimidation tactic used to scare a potential suitor, or when you were so timid to talk that you needed to ground yourself down by conceding mainly to yourself that he was there beside you.

“What if I,” You paused again, swallowing your words as you glanced over at him, your eyes quickly fleeting away under his heavy gaze as your fingers gripped tightly onto the fabric of your skirt, the silk wrinkling under your ministrations as your lips trembled, “What would you do if I ran away?”

He could feel his stomach churn uncomfortably at your words, his brows creasing and eyes squinting in your direction as you refused to look him in the eyes. You were notorious for asking spontaneous questions, questions that had nothing to do with a conversation, but he’d be a fool if he disregarded this as just one of your usual queries.

“Then I’d come to find you, princess.” It wasn’t a warning, nor was it something he said to try and scare you. It was the bare truth and something that the two of you knew was something he’d never rest until he fulfilled it.

“You wouldn’t help me?” You questioned, your words soft and fragile as you searched for anything in his gaze that gave away from his usual, stoic expression.

“I’m here to serve and protect you, princess, not to aid you in doing such a thing.”

Your hopeful expression fell, turning cold and void as you scoffed, hating yourself for thinking that he’d ever agree to such a thing. He was a knight before anything else, not a friend and most certainly not a caring companion. Gods, you were so foolish to think that he’d even entertain the idea. Why would he? Everything he’s been put to do was to go against that very idea. No matter how much he may have cared about you as a person didn’t expel him from allowing you to do that.

No matter how much you pretended that underneath all his cold exterior was a person who cared, you knew that deep down, he was a man of honor and of valor. And caring for people beyond necessity was something he wasn’t made to do.

And, to a high degree, you knew you were being petty. Maybe even obnoxious as you stormed off. But was it so wishful to hope that you had finally made a friend? Someone who you could trust enough to help you escape a life you wished you had never been into? Maybe so, but you were always the dreamer and you never knew when to stop.

“Right, right,” You mumbled, shaking your head as you hurried away, hearing his footsteps behind you as he tried to match your pace, “Stupid, stupid, why would he? Of course not,” You said to yourself, throwing the empty pomegranate shell on the soil as you turned over to look at him, putting on a fake smile that both of you knew was empty as you told him; “Please don’t mention what I told you to anybody else. And…please don’t come after me. I pray you have enough confidence in me to know that I’d be able to find the way to my room by myself.”

“But princess-” He started but you shook your head, already turning around as you scoff angrily to yourself, more in annoyance than anything else,

“If only he didn’t steer a ship on top of everything else he could do - then I’d sail my way out of this miserable place.”

—-

Late when the months turned frigid and white littered the ground, you decided that with help or no help, you were going to leave. You didn’t know if you wanted to go north or south, where was the most suitable option for you, all you knew was that you needed out.

It stung a part of you, a part that you didn’t want to admit was there, at his blatant rejection of your proposal. You had hoped that some part of him was open to the idea, that maybe after seeing what the real treatment was like behind these palace walls he’d bend a little bit more to your wishful thinking, but you knew that being hung up on the idea would only hinder you more.

You decided early on in your plan that there was only one night you could do it, shab-e yaldā, the night of the winter solstice. It was extraordinarily risky, you knew that. The palace was going to be swarming with guests, all celebrating the longest night of the year, but you knew that this prolonged night of darkness would be the only one that would hide you enough from the prying eyes of the outside world longer than any other night could.

Weeks leading up to your makeshift plan, you began to take things you decided you would need in your journey. Cold clothes that would protect you against the harsh winters the north held, gold coins that were acceptable anywhere, and food that wasn’t perishable in a few weeks' time. You stuffed them all in a saddle bag you had managed to find in the stable once, one that was large enough to hold all of the things you needed, and did well in hiding it whenever Roya or Laleh came into your room.

You tried to distance yourself from Katsuki as much as possible, only speaking to him when necessary, avoiding any attempts he made at conversation with a curt Sorry, I’m late to my meeting with the prince, or some other pathetic lie to steer away from him. You knew deep down that what you were doing was unfair to him, after all, he was only proving to do his job, but you couldn’t help that vine of anger tangle around your heart and mind until it told you directly what to do.

He seemed to get the memorandum after some time, no longer attempting to make jokes to bring a smile to your face, and not letting his hand linger on your back or arm whenever he tried to steer you towards or away from something. And you were fine with that, more than fine, it was only going to sting less when you left, knowing you’d most likely never be able to see him again. You’d take the hurt now rather than have it wrangle your mind for years to come.

So, when the longest night of winter came, you were ready for any and all problems that were going to come your way.

You let Laleh and Roya do your makeup and get you prepared as they usually would, not wanting to startle them and say you’d do it yourself. You had mapped out what hallways and exits to take, and places that had the least amount of people and guards. You had written a note that you’d be putting on your bed, explaining what you had done in brief detail and that if they were to send anybody, they’d never be able to find you (in hindsight).

You told the two girls to leave, that you had a couple of things you needed to finish before you came down. You made them promise you that they’d tell Katsuki not to lead you to the dining hall, that you’d be wanting to walk unaccompanied. If they had any questions, they didn’t voice them.

The music was already beginning to drift upwards to your room, the loud shouts and laughter from visitors all over the land creating an ambiance that you knew you were going to miss. But you shook your head at the thought, not wanting to go off track when you were so close to freedom.

You quickly got out of the dress they had so carefully put you into, hanging it up as you scrub at your face with water, taking any remnants of makeup off as you tried to look as inconspicuous as possible. Your mind wandered off, without you knowing it, to the first time you had unknowingly met Katsuki and what he had told you. How he had so expertly pointed out your gold bracelet and had been able to set you apart from everybody else in the bazaar. So you did well in taking any and all of your jewelry off, shedding anything that had to do with your royal title, and leaving them off at your nightstand.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly, your bag was packed to the brim, and you had found a robe and shawl that did an excellent job of hiding your face. You glanced one last time at your room, the only place you really knew, and felt like it was now or never. So with your hand on the doorknob turning it down and getting ready to leave, you did so with a determined look on your face.

That was until you realized that your knight was there waiting for you.

The air seemed to pause as the two of you stared at each other. The only thing you could hear was the rapidness in which you breathed, how you felt like everything was slowly falling down on you as you felt the tears slowly making their way to your eyes.

The two of you paused, your heart falling straight to the ground, melting into the cold stone as your eyes widened. Katsuki tried to hide the look of confusion on his face, noting your strange attire and the bag on your back as he swallowed, his eyes squinting in confusion as he tilted his head to the side. Curse him, you thought to yourself, curse him and his loyalty, curse him for looking the way he did, his soft lips pulled into a worried frown, his eyes holding onto yours as if he couldn’t let go, curse him for caring the way that he did.

“Where are you…?” He trailed off, his red eyes widening as, just like always, he began to quickly put the pieces together.

You knew you could have run, the was an opening between the two of you, but you also knew it was stupid because he could have easily caught you in a matter of seconds. So instead of bolting, which is what you so desperately wanted to do, you fell back into your room, your hands shaking as your knees gave out from behind you, your back hitting the wall as you sunk all the way down to the floor, cradling your knees into your chest as you wept.

The door was quickly shut and you heard the typical thump of his footsteps, but you didn’t have the energy to look up to see the irate and aggrieved look on his familiar face.

“Please, princess, don’t cry,” You heard a muted thud as he fell to his knees in front of you, his voice laced with clear, unrivaled panic as he tried to figure out what was wrong, why you looked so defeated, a sight unlike anything he had ever seen before, “Please, Y/n, tell me what I’ve done wrong - what can I do to help?”

And you don’t know what it was if it had been his words or the way you had missed him so terribly that made you cry even more, your tears running rampant you hid your face in the crook of your elbow to save the last shred of dignity you had.

He had to have known by now; the empty feel of your room, the packed bag on your bag, the dirty robe you were wearing. He knew, but he didn’t mention it. He let his hands waver above your elbows, fearing that if he set them down you’d crack, even more, not wanting to do anything to hurt you as he tried to coax you to just look at him.

“Come on Y/n, please, look up, tell me what I need to do.” He begged, his voice was unlike anything you had ever heard from him before.

You need to let me leave, you wanted to plead, please let me go and never mention it to anybody else.

Slowly, you felt the warmth of his hand grip your elbow, gradually moving up as his fingers tried to find your face, wet with tears, as he gingerly cupped your cheeks, pulling you upwards so that he could finally see you again.

You obliged, knowing you couldn’t fight him for long, especially in your state, and you were met with his gentle smile, the one that always made you melt at the sight. Right now, you just sniffle, your eyes red, maybe even redder than his as you cried.

“Hi sweetheart,” He whispered, his thumb running across your cheek, catching a cheer as he cradled the back of your head, gentle in his movements as he tried to rearrange his sitting in a more comfortable position, “Please…please don’t cry,” His eyes followed the tears tracks burned into your skin, “Tell me how I can help, what do I need to do to make it better?”

You scoffed, a wet and emotionless laugh bubbling out of your throat as you wiped away at your nose, looking to the side to avoid his searing gaze. It was treacherous in trying to avoid him for as long as you had, and you knew that if you were to give in to how you truly felt, you couldn’t push him away any longer. And you knew that by doing so you were only digging a deeper hole for yourself.

“Y/n,” Your name sounded so sweet on his tongue, so fragile and delicate, unlike anybody had said it ever before, “Aziz, please, look at me.”

And you looked back up at him from underneath your lashes, your lips trembling as you tried your best to hold back sobs, little hiccups escaping your lips as his thumb ran up and down your cheek, cradling your jaw with the most care in the world. As if you were a shooting star and he never wanted to let you go again.

“I want to g-go,” You choked out the words, fresh tears sporting from your eyes as you motioned your head to the window behind him, the moon peeking out from the caliginosity night, “I want to leave.”

He nodded, heaving out a heavy sigh because he knew that was what you were going to say.

“I know azizam, I know,” He was going to say something else but he stopped, pausing as he carefully cradled your head in his large palm, “I know you do.” He whispered out into the dark room, another faint cry escaping your lips as you nodded along with him.

“Katsuki,” You muttered, and he sat up straighter, his heart beating so incredibly fast in the limited space of his ribcage that he felt as though it was going to fall out at the small mention of the nickname you had given him so many moons ago, “‘Suki…please let me leave.”

He looked away, his eyes downcast as you followed his every movement.

“I wish it was as easy as you make it out to be.”

You nodded again, trying not to look pathetic as another tear rolled down your cheek. If only you knew how much his heart ached at the sight, if only you knew how he’d lasso the moon if it meant bringing a smile back up on your face.

“I know.” You whispered, your voice cracking as you let your cheek fall down onto your arms, trying not to make another sound as you cried.

He didn’t know what to say or do, because deep now he knew that the only thing that would make you happy in this world was to let you leave, to let you live a life not controlled by others who only pretended to care. So he did the next thing he thought was best, digging out something from his pocket as he balanced himself on his ankles, holding it up to the dim light of the candles so you could see it better.

“Here,” He muttered quietly, placing the bracelet back down on your hands, “I saw it at the bazaar this morning and I thought you’d like it.”

You whimpered at his words, looking down at the bracelet to find little rubies, the color of the pomegranate seeds you adored so much, carefully placed alongside other precious jewels, the shine of the gold, and the feel of it heavy in your hands. You looked back up at him, your eyes wide and shimmering as he stammered to explain himself.

How was his compassion so immeasurable? How could he act as if the cruel distance you had put between the two of you was fake (because it was), but who could he move past it? Was it the hardened exterior from years of war that did it to him? Or was he a dreamer, like you, who imagined things a different way than they actually were?

“I can’t just let you leave, it’s a dangerous and cruel world, and even more dangerous for someone who doesn’t know how to navigate it. But if you’d like, tell me the things you want to see, the things you’d want to do. I can go to the bazaar to get you jewelry or fabrics, or I can go to Shiraz to get you their oranges and to Tehran to get their anar…” pomegranates, “Anything you want and I’d get it for you.”

A small smile made its way onto your face at his insistent rambling, the way he held you as if you were going to fly away from his hands.

“Thank you,” You sniffled again, breathing a little lighter as you glanced at him, “It’s gorgeous. B-but you know that I can’t take this Katsuki, it’d be rude of me to do so. It must have cost you a fortune…” You tried to shove it back into his chest but he pushed it forward to you, shaking his head as he refused to take it.

“For you, I’d give you the moon and stars if it meant making you happy.” He promised sincerely, a tilt in his lips as flicked the last tear away from your face, his thumbs soft, unlikely for somebody of his stature, his words sitting heavily in the vast expanse of your heart. How could he say something like that and not feel anything? Did he know what he was doing to you?

If only he could hear the pitter patter rhythm in your heart, the way it thumped at the rhythm of his words and the way he spoke. Maybe then he’d be more gentle with your fragile self, sugar coat his words so they wouldn’t be so blatant to somebody who dreams for a living.

But you were a foolish person, always had been. You never controlled your actions, always leaving them to be rushed and uncaring of how they affected others. And you never watched what you said, speaking whatever was on your mind at any time you deemed it to be necessary. You wanted to guess that was the reason that let you to blurting out,

“Kiss me then.”

Even you seemed startled as the words tumbled out of your mouth.

“I-I’m so, so, sorry. J-just...I didn’t say that, okay?” You say hurriedly, trying to cover up the mess of words you had just said but there was no point in doing it. No amount of training nor sheer will could have hidden the shock that enveloped the young knight's face as he stared at you, slack-jawed.

He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose as he looked up, not knowing what to do for the first time in his life as his fists clenched. Millions of thoughts were running through his head, everything he thought he knew was being turned upside down, and he didn’t know if he was living in his best dream or his worst nightmare.

“Katsuki...?”

There was a long pause, a heavy silence sitting between the two of you as he shut his eyes as tightly as he could.

“Yes?” He bit out, and you shielded him from his fierce tone. His eyes snapped over to you and the way your expression fell and he loathed himself even more for raising his voice when you were already in such a fragile state.

He wanted to, you had no idea how much he wanted to take you here right now with no consequences. But he was a smart man, who put his brains before anything else.

How would the world react had they found out a knight, one with as much valor as he has, touched their prized princess in such a sinful way? Ruined her lips with his, made it so that the only man she wanted was him? You both knew that it was a matter of feelings because they were surely there. They'd been there ever since he guided you out of the bazaar, but an unfortunate matter of logistics. Who was to say these feelings wouldn't grow, because they would, you knew they would. All you wanted was to have him to yourself, Katsuki, only yours. And you, his to keep away from the world, the touch, and explore without any restraints. If he wanted to, he would. But it was a matter of shouldn't and couldn't.

"Katsuki...please don't be mad, I-"

But before you could finish your train of thought, you watched as he moved forward, his lips hovering breaths above yours, your noses pressed against each other as you stared at each other, each eye fleeting down to each other’s lips as you felt like your tears were quickly evaporating in the heat of the room. His hand was cradling your jaw, tilting your face upwards to meet his as a silent war seemed to rage behind his eyes.

Pomegranate seeds you used to say as you teased him those summer days, pointing out that his eyes held an uncanny resemblance. But here they looked like they were on fire, burning within as he searched yours, trying to figure out what was going on inside your enigma of a head.

You felt as though the air was stopping its flow from your lungs and out, your mind was working at a snail's pace as you tried to understand what was happening. You hated how your heart could change emotions so suddenly, you hated how even you didn’t understand what sort of riddle you could be at the time.

“Did you mean it?”

You breathed. One second passed and then another. Had the world stopped spinning? It felt like it. Nothing else could explain the rush you felt inside yourself as you slowly nodded, moving a little closer to him as your lips barely brushed past each other.

“Yes.”

He did as you asked, closing the pathetic gap between the two of you, his hand behind your neck guiding you upwards as you pressed your lips onto his.

It felt right. Like two lost parts of a separated soul had been reconnected once more.

And you knew that it should have felt like this.

After months of wondering what he’d taste like, how gentle he’d be, it just felt right. He was swift in his movements, his tongue lapping at your lips, groaning at the taste of them, the pomegranates you had earlier in the day still lingering as he tasted the salt of your tears and the tanginess of the pomegranate seeds on you.

He was careful not to pressure you, not forcing you but rather guiding you as he could tell you were inexperienced, his lips slowing down to the pace you set. Katsuki felt as though he was about to die right here, and if he did, he’d die a happy man.

You clutched desperately at his tunic, the fabric wrinkling under your tight grip as you push yourself upwards, to him, a surprised grunt escaping his chest as you wind your arms around his neck, breaking away from him as you tried to gasp for air.

“Katsuki,” You muttered, your lips brushing against his as you were thankful for his arm circling around your back for keeping you afloat, “Please - please don’t stop.”

He smiled that boyish smile that you always died for as he pecked your lips and then your cheek, shaking his head as his breath fanned against your lips.

“I wasn’t planning on it,” He circled his arms underneath your thighs, and in one swift move heaved you up, your legs mindlessly wrapping around his back as he led you toward the bed, “God’s…you have no idea what you do to me, do you?” And you shook your head, feeling him chuckle as he gently let you go, your back falling onto the soft silk sheets you were so used to as he caged you in with his sturdy arms.

“I do things to you?” You teased, your voice still wavering but better than before as he let out a little laugh in your neck, swooping down as he placed hot kisses all along your collarbone and underneath your jaw, the smug smile on your lips falling as you let out a let gasp as he nipped at your supple skin.

“You drive me insane nearly every hour of the day; I can’t spend a day without thinking about you. Had I known better, I would have accused you of witchcraft.” He mumbled hotly against the skin of your chest, his hands roaming upwards and underneath your cloak as he quickly made do at untying the knots behind your back, slipping it off with all the ease of the world.

“And if I were a witch? A haggard and wrinkle-ridden woman, then what would you do?” You were trying to keep yourself at bay, to not lose sight of your sanity as his teeth bit your soft skin, lifting your hips upwards as he slipped the skirt off of your legs, throwing it somewhere in the room, not caring where it landed as he looked back at you.

“You’d still do the things you do to me, Y/n,” He kissed your lips sweetly as his hands found purchase on your waist, “There’s nothing in this world that could change the way I feel about you.”

You could only muster a single breath, your brows scrunching up with care as your hand traveled up the expanse of his back, holding onto his cheek with all the love you had as you gave him a wet and watery grin.

“And what is that?”

He rolled his eyes, his finger gently poking at your side as a giggle bubbled out of you. The small sound of your laughter was enough to bring a wide grin to his face, his lips stretching up into his cheeks as he watched life seep back into your eyes.

“If only you knew how much I loved you,” He muttered, kissing the corners of your eyes, your smile lines, and your delicate lips as he rubbed his nose against yours, “Maybe then you’d know how much it pains me to see you so hurt.”

You pout, your fingers trudging through his hair as you twirl a blonde lock over and over, not noticing the way he practically melted into your touch.

“I don’t do it intentionally, I hope you know.” You mutter and he chuckles, shaking his head as if to agree with you.

“I know, I know,” His hands trickled upwards and upwards, nearing untouched territory as you gasped at the new sensation, not trying to cover up the little moan that slipped between your lips the moment his thumb gilded across your sensitive nipple, “But it doesn’t mean I don’t like - fuck,” He whispered into your skin, almost not believing it himself as his hands gilded across your breasts, “You’re just perfect, aren’t you?” And you could only nod, not trusting your words as he continued his ministrations.

He dipped one hand back down, hooking it under the fabric of your tunic as he pushed it upwards, your hands voluntarily sliding out as the cold winter air bit angrily at your bare, heated skin.

You wanted to cover up, your hands going to travel to hide your barren chest, something only you and your handmaidens had seen before, but his hands circled your wrist, tugging them down, slow to do it in case you were opposed to it. But you let him do it because deep down the two of you wanted this more than anything in the world.

“Beautiful,” He muttered to himself, almost as if the words just tumbled out, looking up at you with those pomegranate eyes almost as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, “You’re so beautiful Y/n.”

Your eyes wrangled shut, the heat traveling up into your cheeks, and you couldn’t watch without feeling your entire body ignite at the way he brought his face down towards your naked breasts, his hot breathing hitting your cold skin.

Nothing could have prepared you for when his hot tongue pressed flat against your right nipple, his finger working away at the other one, tugging and pulling as he sucked feverishly as if his life depended on it. You couldn’t help the loud moans that escaped, the way you tried to cover up your eyes in embarrassment but didn’t when he stopped, looking down at him as he sent a rather harsh bite to the skin around your breast.

“Don’t cover yourself up, wanna see what you look like when you finally let go.”

And he didn’t let you take in his words as he went back down, working on the other one, making a mess out of it as his spit shined in the pale moonlight. It was maddening the way he kissed and tugged at your nipples, sucking on them, the sound so lewd that you felt like you were burning alive.

He let his curious hands wander down, rubbing up and down your legs, behind your knees, and back up to your thighs, gingerly pinching and prodding at the skin as he tried to mark every freckle, dimple, every little scar you had to memory. You were a work of art, and he refused to let any part of you go unappreciated.

He pulled away, a string of spit connecting itself from your nipple to his red lips as he grinned up at you, an unrivaled fire in his eyes as he moved down, practically melting at the sight of your naked body.

“F-fuck, are you okay if I have a taste, please,” His nose rubbed against the top of your mound, dangerously close to the place where you were warned to never touch, someplace that was meant to be only for your husband. But you didn’t care, not when it came to Katsuki, and you feverishly nodded for him to continue.

“Need to hear you say it,” He muttered, pressing a sweet kiss to your inner thigh as he nudged his nose into your soft skin, “Come on, you can do it.”

“P-please, ‘Suki, please touch me, shit, do whatever you want I d-dont care.” You begged, your fingers pushing his head closer to your wet entrance, and he didn’t need to be told twice as he flashed you a charming smile, his face disappearing as suddenly felt your eyes cross at the sensation.

Gods help you because you had no idea how you were ever going to have been prepared for the way his tongue pushed at your walls, licking away at your juices as he groaned deeply, his eyes screwing shut as your saccharine taste, something that he couldn’t get enough of as he lapped your wetness up with even more fervor.

“O-oh fuck! ‘S-suki, please, please don’t stop!” You whined out loud, hoping with every fiber of your being that the party was loud enough to cover up your wails and moans because you knew you couldn’t keep quiet with the way his hot tongue was making its way inside you. Mapping it all out, putting it into memory which places made you scream the loudest, what part of you to prod at more to get the sweetest sounding moans.

His thumb moved upwards to find your little nub, pinching it between his two fingers as he rolled it back and forth. You nearly collapsed the moment he touched your clit, and he had to use his other hand to widen your thighs because you could barely hold yourself up anymore.

“Fuck, you taste so sweet,” He groaned into your pussy, licking one long strip as you felt yourself clench around nothing, “Sweeter than anything I’ve ever tasted. Shit,” He moaned pathetically at the way you cried for him, “Don’t think I’m ever going to be able to let you go.”

“Don’t, please, please don’t stop!” You begged for him, and his thumb moved faster, your hands pushing his head deeper into you as his nose bumped against your clit, the added sensation pushing you deeper and deeper into something you had never felt before.

It all happened so quickly, the way your stomach clenched, your walls tightening around his fingers and tongue as your back arched, your mouth open in a shameless moan as you came all over him, your chest heaving up and down in an uneven motion as you tried to calm yourself down, only able to see white as you came down from your blissful high.

When you opened your eyes back up you came to see your Katsuki smiling fondly, making haste at taking his attire off, the thick line prominent in his slacks now in front of you, and you felt your mouth dry at the sight.

“How’d that feel?” He asked, his hand coming down to prop up your head, his chin glistening with your release as you give him a mindless smile. Your eyes were relaxed and happy, and if only he could commit this to his memory, he’d never let the image go.

“Good,” You muttered into the palm of his hand, turning your head over to the side so you could kiss it, “Really good.” You giggled a bit at the way he grinned happily, no longer looking like the stern knight he always was but a simple man in love.

“Yeah?” He asked and you nodded, his thumb rubbing up and down your cheek as he pressed a small kiss to your forehead.

“Are you tired, d’you want me to stop?” He asked, his eyes tracing your features, not wanting to push you when he knew this was your first time experiencing all these things. If he could, he’d take the time to show you everything he knew. But on the longest night of the year, he’d be apt with stopping right where he was.

“No, no,” You groaned, your lips forming into a small pout as you pushed at his chest, wanting him to get the hint, “Don’t stop.”

He laughed, the sound deep and rich as you smiled along with it, nodding along to your words.

“Whatever you want, princess.” And for the first time, you loved the way your title sounded on his tongue.

As he got himself ready, you took the time to admire his bare body. The way his chest flexed every time he moved, the muscle delicately outlined with the help of the moon and her stars, looking as if he was chiseled from marble. You knew that no other man in your land could look like him, be him. There was only one Bakugo Katsuki, and you were more than thrilled to have him right in front of you.

You let your nails drag along his thighs, noting the little shiver he let out when your finger dragged up to his hip, tracing his v-line and the muscle of his abs, your cold fingers a stark contrast from his stark skin, but he’d be a madman if he told you to stop.

“So pretty ‘Suki,” You muttered, almost as if you were talking to yourself, not even noticing the way his cheeks flushed at your simple compliment.

But your eyes wandered down lower, and you’d be blind if you were to miss the way his cock had sprung against his stomach, his tip red and angry, dripping with pre as it was practically begging to be touched.

You didn’t know much, only heard from the other girls and their experiences, so you aimlessly brought your hand down, lower and lower till it stopped at the vein that traveled upwards. You traced it all the way up to his tip, hearing him shudder and let out little whines at the way your fingers held him. You followed the natural curve, wondering silently to yourself how he was ever going to fit inside you as you gave him an experimental squeeze. He watched the curious look in your eyes as you watched how he reacted, the way he twitched and the muscle in his thigh almost spasmed as you moved your hand leisurely up and down.

“F-fuck, you’re,” He heaved, running a hand through his hair, his jaw ticking as you looked up at him, your fist stopping just at his head as he swallowed thickly, “You’re killing me, can’t,” He heaved a groan as you squeezed a little, a cheshire grin growing on your face as he tried to glare at you but failed miserably when you squeezed his tip again, smearing pre cum all of the palm of your hand, “Shit, it feels amazing azizam.” He muttered, his head falling into the crook of your neck as you paused your movements.

“Why…why’d you stop?” He whined and you patted his hair, his gold locks as you giggled a little bit at the desperation in his voice. He was such a far cry from how you were used to seeing him, but you kissed his ear, moving his chin up as you pressed another kiss to his lips.

“‘Cause… I want you - want you to fuck me,” You said against his tender skin, your cheek heating up but you didn’t care about being proper anymore, “Can you please do that ‘Suki? Please?”

Ad he almost collapsed on top of you but controlled himself as he swooped down, pressing a messy kiss to your swollen lips as you tasted your tangy self on him, moaning at it as he grinded his hard-on into your stomach.

“F-fuck, of course,” He murmured against you, “You know I’d do anything for you, Y/n. Didn’t even need to ask.”

You grinned at his words, watching as he pulled away, balancing himself on the pads of his knees as he looked down at you, a loving and tender look in his eyes as he winked, his strong frame, something that once used to intimidate you, casting a shadow over your body.

You watched with your heart beating in your throat as you parted your thighs for him, still wet from your previous orgasm, as he lined himself up with your entrance, his thick head prodding at your walls as he looked up at you, a final look, a final say in wanting to make sure you were okay.

The smile you gave him was wide, full of every emotion you tried to convey to him as you nodded, your eyes shutting in pure bliss as he gently pushed himself in, the sting of your tight cunt trying to take shape for him was something you were going to get used to, but after he let you get adjusted to his girth you patted his thigh, telling him that you were ready for him to move.

And gods, when he did you could have sworn you were going to pass out. You could tell he was trying to be as slow and as gentle as possible, but with the way he was chewing on his lips, his brows creasing as he tried to focus and being slow with you, you knew that he too was slowly going crazy.

“‘Suki, please,” You moaned when his dick hit a certain spot inside you, your eyes crossing over as you gripped onto his arm as tightly as you could, “Go faster. P-please, fuck!” He could only grunt, holding onto your hips as carefully as he could without hurting you, and he felt like he was slowly entering heaven because there was no way this was anything but that.

“R-really? Are you sure? Don’t - fuck - don’t want to hurt you…?” He said, his tone laced with worry and desire as you shook your head, begging, pleading for him to go faster.

And he obliged, picking up the pace as his cock plunged in and out of you, the sounds full of sin as your juices mixed with his, a sloppy and wet sound bouncing around the room as the two of you moaned in tandem at the blasphemous yet deliriously amazing feeling.

You tried to open your eyes, crack them for long enough to see him focusing on the way your cunt hugged his cock tightly, the way you didn’t seem to want to let him go as your juices shined brightly on his dick. The feeling was unlike anything he’d experienced before, and he knew that he could no longer pretend and shove his feelings down when it came to you. It was all thrown out the window when you first asked him to kiss you, and now, after this, he’d probably go insane if you asked him to pretend like it never happened.

“Mhh, f-fuck, feels so good, don’t, don’t stop ‘Suki, love it so much!” You cried, and maybe you were just saying random words at this point, but like a fool in love, he clung to all of them.

“I know, fuck, you’re so tight, you’re clamping down on me so much,” He groaned, sputtering through the words as he pistoned his hips and out of you, the bed creaking and swaying heavily with his rapid motions. He prayed to every and any god there was out there that it didn’t crack during this.

“S-shit, Y/n,” He felt his release quickly coming, and he knew it was going to come anytime with the way you gripped onto him, your hot walls not seeming to let him go as his face contracted, “M’gonna, fuck, gonna cum.”

“M-me too, gonna c-cum, ‘Suki, fuck!” You said, your voice airy as you tried to lift your hips up to meet his movement, that knot in your stomach growing tighter than it had last time, your thighs cramping and toes curling as you wrapped your hands around his toned shoulders.

He grunted at the feeling, his dick pulsating inside you as you tried to hold on for a little longer, your back arching, your breasts pressing into his chest as he groaned at the feeling, kissing and licking at your neck as he bit down at the point where your neck met your collarbone.

He stopped when he felt it coming, pulling out of you as his heavy load sprayed all over your chests, your own scream of pleasure mirroring his as you climaxed, your pussy aching without him inside you as you collapsed, your face lined with sweat and arousal as your chest heaved up and down with heavy breaths.

He panted, wiping at his forehead as he looked at you, his heart warming at the intimate sight. He had no idea how he was ever going to recover from this, how he’d come up with a plausible lie for why he was suddenly putting down his knightly duties to no longer serve you.

But right now he couldn’t let those thoughts ache his mind as he climbed off of the bed, his whole body spent as you cracked open an eye, fearful that he had quickly regained his senses and was trying to find the easiest way out.

Even now you tried your best to get your mind straight, but it was impossible when he looked so gorgeous, the pale moonlight washing over his features as the muscle in his back rippled with his every movement.

“‘Suki…where,” You pulled yourself up on your elbows, your chest a beautiful sight as he looked back at you, “Where’re you going?”

He paced back, hearing the worry in your voice as you gently cupped your cheeks, kissing all of the concerns out of your face as he gently rubbed at your worry lines, promising to himself that he’d never let you trouble yourself again if he had the power.

“Getting you a washcloth, I’ll be back, I promise.” He pecked at the corner of your lips as you smiled, nodding as you fell back into the bed, your fingers feeling at the soft sheets as you looked out of the window, hearing some rustling in the back as you tried to calm your heart rate down.

He came back with a cloth warmed with some water, gently dragging it all over your body as you winced, hearing his soothing apologies as he tried to be softer with your sore areas. It was an intimate sight, and you hoped that you weren’t the only one out of the two who felt this way.

His eyes were careful as they tracked all over, careful as to not miss a spot, and then went back to get another towel, this time for your face as he cleaned all the sweat and spit off, not missing the way you held his wrist and pressed an appreciative kiss to his palm your eyes drooping from sleep as you let him pull you into some more comfortable robes, pulling the sheets over your body so that you wouldn’t shiver in the night.

That’s when you let the exhaustion and sleep take over your body, drifting off into a dreamless slumber as you hoped that the warmness that was radiating next to you could only have but one explanation for it.

—

When you woke up, you squinted as the sun shined brightly in your eyes, holding your hand up to hide the rays. You felt sore and the place between your thighs ached, but you had never gotten a sleep as good as the one you had gotten last night.

Looking over, you let out a sigh of relief to see Katsuki next to you, sleeping away peacefully as his cheeks were squished in from the pillow.

Laughing quietly you ease yourself back down, pulling the blanket over your two bodies as you laid your hand across his shoulders, playing with the tuft of hair at the nape of his neck, twirling it around mindlessly as you wondered to yourself just what you were going to do.

Before you could think for long, you felt him shift beneath your fingers, and watched as he cracked an eye open, and then another one, slowly coming to his senses when a big, wide, goofy grin spread across his cheeks to see you there laying in front of him.

“Good morning,” You muttered, your thumb moving across his forehead, tracing his delicate yet war-ridden features with all the care in the world.

“Mornin’,” He said, the gruffness in his voice making you shiver as his hands circled around your wrist, bringing your hands to his lips as he placed a delicate kiss on the back of them.

The two of you let the silence sit between your bodies, mapping a dimple and a scar on each other's face, things you’ve ever noticed before because you’ve never been in such a position to take notice of such things.

But soon the heavy question came back, and you could only let it sit for so long before somebody brought it up.

“I’ve been wondering,” Katsuki started, weaving his hand underneath your naked body so that he could tug it closer to himself, smiling to himself as you let out a shocked squeal at the way he so effortlessly was able to move you, “If your offer’s still up?”

Your brows furrowed in confusion as you let your palm rest on his chest, drawing to be neared to his warmth as you rested your cheek against his bicep.

“What offer?”

He played with your hair, grunting as he looked down at you for really forgetting the words you told him so many months ago.

“The one where I helped you run away.”

You paused, your breath catching in your throat as you looked up at him, wondering where he was going with this.

“I recall something like that...” You said slowly, not wanting to ruin anything when things seemed to be going relatively alright. But he traced little patterns on your back, the action soothing as he flattened his palm across your shoulder blades.

“Well, I reckon you’ll run away either way. If not last night, then another night,” He looked down at you, a promise in his eyes that you knew he would intend to keep to his very death, “And you’re going to need somebody who knows Persia like the back of their hands.

"But...Katsuki," You frowned, moving some of the hair away from his face as he brought your palms to his lips, watching you as you tried to formulate your thoughts. There was no point in lying to him when he could read you so easily, "I don't want you to leave here. You have a life here, people who need you." You needed him, but you didn't want to seem any more desperate than you already were to him.

Regardless, he shook his head, his hand moving over your waist as his fingers marked all the placed he kissed last night.

"You," He kissed your forehead, smiling into your skin as you giggled at the ticklish sensation, "Are my life. What do you not get about that?" You heated under his words, trying to hide your face in his arms.

“And regardless of if I come with you or not, you’re going to be taking a part of me that only you have, so..." He shrugged as if he wasn't saying the most amazing words he could have ever said, "I'll be coming with you."

The smile you gave him could radiate universes to come, it made the stars jealous in your wake, and the sun wondered how something could look so bright, how it was humanly possible.

“Really? You promise?”

He nodded, kissing your forehead as he held you close to his chest, his arms protectively trying to shield you from the troubles of the world.

“F'course, my love," He kissed you one last time as the sun began to rise from the east, "I’d never lie to you.”

---

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i-cant-sing · 2 years

Text

Yandere Royal Gay AU pt 4

Part 1 can be found here.

Part 2 can be found here.

Part 3 can be found here.

Check out my MASTERLIST for more!

"And then your father threw the biggest tantrum because he wanted to be the "princess in distress" for once rather than the hero." Rei said, as she combed your hair. Everyone besides grandpa Enji were in your room at the Palace. Uncle Natsuo was lying on your bed while Fuyumi went through your closet, tutting at all the "old" clothes (old because you'd only worn them once).

You laughed, looking up at Rei. "No way! Dad became a princess?!"

Natsuo scoffed. "He tried! But Fuyumi started choking him. If dad wasn't there to pry her off, she probably would've killed Dabi- OW! FUYUMI!" Fuyumi smiled after pinching Natsuo's arm. They both began bickering right in front of you.

You giggled watching your uncle and aunty being absolute children. "Can I ask you something?"

Rei hummed, kissing your forehead. "Of course, honey. What do you wanna know?"

"What was it like when dad got his quirk?"

The room fell silent. No one talked about quirks, let alone mention the word in front of you. Mainly because you hadn't developed one.

It's quite an anomaly because Dabi has a very powerful fire quirk, and your mother had a strong water quirk. And yet, neither quirk was passed down to you.

It's not uncommon for people to not have quirks. No. But its quite important for the future Queen of the kingdom, and the only heir of King Dabi to have a quirk. Any quirk at all.

Even though most people get their quirks by the age of 7, the kingdom's subjects say that you're just a "late bloomer". They're very hopeful people.

When none of them spoke, you looked at them with a pout. "Oh come on! It's not like I've asked for a kidney! Please tell me-" you looked at Rei and jutted your bottom lip. "-grandma~"you whined.

She sighed. "Alright. I'll tell you." You huddled up next to her on the bed and she began telling the very fond memory of the day Dabi got his quirk. She'll never forget how proud Enji was when he looked at Dabi's blue flames.

Obviously, you felt the pressure of developing a quirk, but it was your grandpa who you wanted to please the most. Even though Enji has never said anything about quirks, and told you that you're perfect and just as capable of ruling as anyone with quirks, you still felt sad that you'd somehow disappointed him.

Not to mention how guilty you feel for your father. I mean, the whole reason Dabi married your late mother was because Enji forced him to, saying that he'll benefit from having a heir with a powerful quirk. Only for him to end up with you- a quirkless child.

It's another thing that none of them will ever allow you to feel guilty, much less say anything depreciating about yourself. Anyone else who says anything but praises, is simply a traitor to the king and must be executed.

The next day, you wake up early to prepare yourself for your small tradition with Enji- hunting. It's just a small interest that you share with your grandpa; whoever finds the prey first, decides what happens to it. If you find it, it's obviously gonna be going in your royal pet sanctuary. If Enji finds it first, it's gonna be dinner.

"So what's today's target?" You asked Enji, your horse walking next to his and his guards staying behind.

"Its a chicken."

"A chicken? Really?"

Enji grinned. "Its a special kind. It's pink and it lays pink eggs. They're quite exquisite."

"Woah- wait, you've ate one before?"

"Hmm. They were a gift from Empress Momo- how is she doing these days?"

You sighed. "I don't know, I haven't gotten letters from her since she doesn't know I'm here. Which is good, because she sends A LOT of letters."

Enji raised a brow. "Really? What does she say?"

Your face scrunched up in frustration. "Its exhausting. She keeps on inviting me to her Palace but she knows dad won't let me stay for a sleepover! She keeps on trying to bribe me with fancy gowns and jewels, but if I'm being honest, I don't even wanna go there myself, even if dad did let me go."

"Oh. Why is that?"

"I don't know... but I'm not comfortable around her. She stares at me- a lot, and she's very short tempered. She always has been. One time when we were kids, I was playing at her place with Katsuki, but I guess I didn't give her enough attention because the next second she was dragging me out of the room and she pinched me a couple of times before locking me in her closet." You laughed. "Izuku and Tomura had to come and save me. Her mom, Empress Miruko was so embarrassed and she was furious at Momo. I'm sure she got a lecture that day."

"Oh I remember that day. Your grandmother was so mad that someone had dared to hurt her grandchild, she wrote a mean letter to the Empress, threatening war if Momo ever did something like this again." Enji smiled, happy that his wife did the right thing. He was glad that Rei is just as protective of you as he is.

You nodded and smiled along, not wanting to tell Enji that Momo did still get angry and vengeful when things didn't go her way. Only instead of pinching your arm, she now pinches your butt... painfully. Like the last time when she made you dress up into something she said was "traditional clothing of the empress's clan" but felt more like something so revealing that Momo's concubines would wear in bed. Anyways, she had you lie on her bed and pose because she wanted to paint you- and Momo was a very skillful painter. She never let's you see the end results though, simply saying that it's bad and she's going to burn it later.

Anyways, when she was painting you, she slowly started getting irritated because apparently you weren't "still" enough for her. So she stalked over to you and pinched your butt hard enough for you to mewl an apology and promise that you'll do better. She let go with a satisfied look on her face, and you've been avoiding going over to her place since.

You decided not to talk that story to anyone because 1. This is not something you tell your grandparents. Harmless little jokes. You know how protective your family is. 2. As weird as she is, Momo is a good friend. And more than that, she's also a good ruler. You look upto her, like a younger sibling would.

"There!" Enji yelled as he saw the chicken run into the woods. He readied his bow and aimed at it, only for his heart to drop when you walked right in the path of his released arrow.

Fortunately, you catched the arrow with you shield- a new trick you'd learned, something that Dabi and Enji both hated because of the scare it gave them, but neither said anything because its good your reflexes are fast enough to catch an enemy's arrow.

Not that they'd ever let you participate in a war.

While you were busy hunting the pink chicken, Tomura had been called by Rei.

"My Queen, Princess Y/n's servant, Tomura is here-" the guard was cut off by Rei motioning for him to let him in.

"Your Highness." Tomura bowed.

"Tomura. Come, I wanted to talk to you." Rei said as she continued stitching an embroidery for your dress. Tomura walked closer.

"Now, I've heard that there's been... some tension between my son and Y/n. What's that about? And don't leave anything out, I'll know."

So... Tomura told her what had happened. From the prank you pulled by burning all of Keigo's clothes, to Dabi punishing you by giving your dead mother's clothes to Keigo, to being scolded for leaving the castle to visit your mother's grave without informing him.

He told her everything, but Tomura was careful not to tell her about "the proposal". That would not be useful to bring up now.

"I see." Rei sighed, tracing the embroidery that Tomura had done on your dress. She never really was fond of concubines. It's not that Keigo has wronged her somehow, it's just the whole concept of having extramarital affairs and sleeping around with these whores that she hates. Its not a jealousy thing, its just that Rei knows how concubines have the power to easiky drive a wedge in a family, willingly or not.

Its one of the reasons why Rei doesn't visit her Dabi very often. Her son has a harem that he will not disintegrate because she said so, and she simply can't bare to see your sad face when he sleeps around with them. That's why Rei tends to invite you to her palace as often as she can. It's too bad that your father is just as possessive of you and not willing to always send you over to hers.

To be honest, Rei can't believe that Dabi would actually put his bed warmer before you.

"I'll have to talk to him, and don't worry, I won't mention your name." Tomura nodded gratefully, before getting up to leave.

"Tomura."

He stopped.

"Thank you. For taking care of Y/n. I hope you will continue to do so."

Tomura gave a reassuring smile. "Till my last breath."

Keigo was straddling Dabi's lap in the throne room when a servant announced Barbarian Bakugo had come. Keigo gave one last kiss to Dabi before shuffling off his lap and standing by the side.

"Let him in."

Katsuki and his fellow barbarians walked inside the throne room and bowed as soon as they wear in front of the King.

"Rise." Dabi rested his head on his hand, looking bored. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Bakugou?" Keigo quietly snickered at the word "pleasure". He knew Dabi didn't like the brash blonde. He was too rough and too loud for them- and for you. He was a barbarian, he simply did not mix well them.

"My King, I brought you some gifts. Just some gems and jewels I got from my... expedition." One of the fellow barbarians brought the chest of jewels to Dabi, who only hummed in partial satisfaction.

"Hmm. And what's that for?" Dabi pointed at the animal behind him.

"Oh these are huskies. I found them in the Arctic. I was gonna kill them and sell their fur, but I thought the Princess would like them instead. And speaking of- where is the Princess?" Katsuki asked, eyes looking around for signs of you, since you'd appear out of thin air if you found an animal in a 1 mile radius.

Keigo finally burst out laughing, and Dabi chuckled a bit as well. Bakugo furrowed his brows as his face reddened. "What?" He didn't understand why they were laughing.

Dabi wiped a fake tear from his eye. "Oh nothing, Bakugo. It's just- I think it's funny you went through all this trouble just to ask where Y/n is. I mean, you only came here because your letters weren't being replied to and you wanted to see whether she's ran away or I've trapped her in the high tower." Dabi smirked as Bakugo's eyes went wide at being caught red handed. "You rarely ever come to see me. So that begs the question-

Are you using me to get to Y/n?"

"No." Bakugou said immediately, a little surprised that he replied without stuttering. "I would never use you, my King. I simply know you hold your daughter the dearest. Pleasing her would please you."

"It would." Dabi replied, eyes still sharp.

"I need your favour to support my clan. You give us support in finance, we give you support in wars. Besides, the princess and I are good enough friends to know our likes and dislikes. If I see something she'll like, I'll bring it. Otherwise she'll wage war on me over a litter of kittens I didn't give her, when she become Queen."

Dabi smiled lazily. "Sounds like my girl." He stood up from his throne. "Y/n is visiting her grandparents. That's why she hasn't been able to answer your letters. She'll return soon, so don't worry."

Bakugo could only watch as Dabi left the throne room, and Keigo began to follow but not before whispering in the blonde's ear.

"I'm only telling you this because you're a good friend of Y/n, and a loyal ally to us- don't think about having any romantic relationship with the Princess. The King will... not support it." Keigo smiled as Bakugo's face showed comprehension of the threat.

"Ah, Keigo. You're back." Dabi said as he signed off on some official documents.

"I am. And with a letter." Keigo waved the envelope with royal seal. "From your mother."

Dabi took the letter from him and broke the seal open hurriedly. It's been a few days since he last heard from you, he's excited to see what you've been up to.

He sat back on his chair while Keigo began pouring him some wine. But when he turned around, instead of seeing joy on Dabi's face, he saw confusion before his face contorted to anger.

"What's wrong?" Keigo inquired, walking over to his lover's side but Dabi stood up and threw the letter down.

"How dare she?" Dabi whispered, disbelief and hurt swirling in his eyes, but fury overpowered any and all feelings. Keigo picked up the letter as Dabi paced back and forth. "How dare she use my mother against me? How dare she tell her lies and portray me as the bad guy?"

Keigo furrowed his brows in confusion. "I don't understand-"

"Y/n told mom about the clothing incident, Keigo! She did it on purpose because she knows mom doesn't approve of you, and she's using her to turn me against you!"

The winged man shook his head. "No, no. Y/n wouldn't do that, you know she isn't one to air our dirty laundry. You know she would never make our problems known to the world-"

"How naive could you possibly be, Keigo?" Dabi said with an apathetic laugh. "She hates you and she hates me. She's stopped calling me "dad", suddenly acting like she's only a royal subject, and the moment she goes to her grandparents, she cries to them about all the "terrible stuff" we've done to her."

Keigo remained silent, its no use talking to Dabi once he's made his mind.

"So what are you gonna do about it? Your mother has asked you to go there and make up with your daughter. I'll start packing your-"

"No."

"No?"

"No. I'll write her a letter. And I'll write one Y/n too."

"So, how does it feel losing to a young girl?" You grinned as you ate dinner.

Enji smiled. "Amazing. Just goes to show what an amazing ruler you'll be one day." He said before putting more food on your plate.

"I'm so proud of you, sweetie!" Rei praised from across the table, before smacking her spoon on Enji's hand. "And I can't believe you'd made her chase a bird, Enji! What if she'd tripped and fell!?"

Enji just nodded along and even gave a small apology just to soothe his wife, giving her palm a kiss, making Rei blush and stop being mad at Enji.

You wished your parents were like this.

Speaking of, a servant came with letters in his hand. He gave most of them to Enji, 3 to Rei, and 1 was addressed to you.

"Oh who's it from?" Rei inquired.

You recognised his seal. "Its from Dad."

Rei and Enji smiled warmly at you. Tomura had told you that Rei was going to try and mend your relationship with your father, even though you initially thought it was a bad idea because you didn't want Dad to think you went and snitched to grandma. But seeing his letter, you suppose perhaps things were going to get better.

"Well go on, darling. Open it! In fact, I got one from him too, so lets open it together." You broke the seal and began reading, as Rei read hers.

But soon, you were both frowning at the words. "What? What's wrong?" Enji asked Rei. "He declined my invitation, said he'll handle things himself." She whispered, Dabi rarely ever declined when Rei invited him. When they both looked at you, you had tears in your eyes.

"Y/n? Doll? Say something, you're worrying us-" but you quickly got up and threw the letter in the fireplace before rushing out of the room as tears fell free from your eyes.

Enji and Rei could only share a worried look as they realise that things between you and Dabi mai have gotten worse.

You'd fled to your room crying your heart out. How could your own father doubt you? How could he think so low of you? Did he really think you'd go to grandma and try to turn her against him? Does he not know you at all?

It's probably his whore who's been spewing shit against me.

But then again, shouldn't your own father be able to defend you? You can only blame Keigo to an extent, because deep down, you know your father isn't one to be easily manipulated.

You quickly wiped your tears when you heard someone knock on your door.

"Come in."

Tomura walked in and bowed. "Princess, should I prepare for your day out tomorrow with Prince Natsuo-"

"No. Pack our stuff. We're going back home tomorrow." You said curtly. Tomura only nodded as he walked over to your closet and began pulling put your clothes, pretending not to notice your dried up tears.

There was a comfortable silence between you two, and even though he was facing away from you, you could feel like Tomura was watching you, yet he didn't ask what was wrong. He always knew not to make you uncomfortable.

"Tomura?"

"Yes, princess?"

"Grandma and grandpa will be... upset because of our sudden departure. I need you to make up an excuse."

Tomura nodded. "I could say that you have an important guest coming and you need to attend to them."

You hummed. "Yes, that'll be good. Make sure our entourage is ready to leave tomorrow, but don't let word get out that we're leaving. I'll tell grandma and grandpa at breakfast."

"Of course. You need not worry."

You looked at your hands as Tomura swiftly packed your clothes.

"Tomura I-" you quieted down as you didn't know how to explain to him what was happening.

"You don't owe me an explanation, princess." He smiled reassuringly and you let out the breath of relief.

Unbeknownst to you, Tomura knows what has upset you. He's already read your letter before you, and he resealed it when you read it. He's been doing it for years, so it's not that hard.

He doesn't feel guilty about it either. He views it as taking care of you. Its his job to protect you after all.

Even if it means protecting you from your father.

"I'm sorry for cutting our time so short." You said as you hugged your grandparents.

"We underst-" Enji was cut off by Rei.

"Its because of Dabi, isn't it? He's telling you to go back. That- that- that concubine of his must've-"

"We understand." Enji repeated, squeezing Rei's hand. He knows you're covering for Dabi with that "some important guest that needs my attendance" excuse, but he'll play along because he feels like Rei might've made things worse between you two.

They both kissed your cheeks and waved along with half the kingdom (who started to cry at your sudden departure but Enji shut them all up with one dark look) and you boarded the ship. Although you did come to the kingdom by the woods, you decided to return by water since the sea route would be the fastest way home, and speed was something you needed at the moment since Dabi had threatened to drag you back home. That's not what scared you. What scared you was the fact that he'd bring his whore along and then the whole kingdom would see your father places his slut above his daughter. And you simply wouldn't bare the humiliation.

"Where is she?" Dabi asked, pacing around his room as he wondered what new stunt you're trying to pull now. Did you not get his letter? Did you not understand his warning?

Keigo got up from the bed and hugged him from behind. "Dabi~" he kissed his ear. "Calm down. She should be here soon. There's no need to get angry at her-"

"Its been 5 days since I sent her that letter. She should've been here this morning."

"Maybe they're taking breaks along the way-"

"Then they should've been here now! At dinner!"

Keigo sighed. "Maybe she left late from your parents. You know they like to keep her later than usual."

Dabi narrowed his eyes. "Then she should've come up with an excuse. How will she ever rule this kingdom, if she can't even say no to people?"

"Dabi... dont let your anger get the better of you. She's a child, and she left completely pissed with us. I don't think it'll do us any good if we start scolding her for being late the moment she returns." Keigo said, rubbing his hands across Dabi's chest, smiling as he finally calmed down.

"Thank you." Dabi said, kissing the blonde. "How are you so calm though? Usually, it's you who's panicking all around?"

Keigo grinned. "You panicked enough for both of us. Also- I'm very drunk right now. I was way more worried about Y/n, so I drank. And drank, and drank."

Dabi chuckled, letting Keigo pull him back to bed and in for another round.

The entire palace was in shambles the next morning, servants running up and down, guards disappearing into thin air whenever they saw a glimpse of Dabi or Keigo.

Why?

Because you still weren't home.

Dabi and Keigo had woken up the next morning, expecting you to be waiting at breakfast for them and giving them loads of hugs and kisses for your time apart, maybe even apologise for being so distant.

Instead, Dabi broke the ceramic plate on the servant's head who informed them you hadn't returned. Fortunately, the poor servant escaped before Dabi threw his knife at him.

Now Dabi and Keigo left for Todoroki Kingdom with an army. Keigo prayed that they'd see you on the way, because if not, they'll have to ride all the way to his parents, and he has a feeling things will not go well there.

They arrived in Todoroki Kingdom by the next day, taking absolutely no breaks or stops, and no one had even seen your or your caravan on the way back.

The people werent expecting their former prince, but they all erupted in cheers at the sight of Dabi. Keigo could practically feel the death stares of the public as he rode behind Dabi. Guess they still hate him here.

But Dabi didn't bother waving to the people this time. No, he rode his horse towards the castle with a dark look on his face, silent fury on his face that screamed not to get in his way.

Enji and Rei were barely able to come to the stairs to greet him, as royal protocol states, but Dabi only walked past them and into the castle, calling your name loudly.

"Dabi- Dabi! What is the meaning of this?!" Rei asked, not impressed that he'd dropped royal protocol and didn't bother greeting them. It's a good thing he towers over her now, or else Rei would've pulled his ear.

"Where is she?" Dabi interrogated. "Where is she hiding? Where is my daughter?!"

Rei and Enji shared a confused look with each other. "I- what do you mean? Y/n left days ago."

Dabi narrowed his eyes. "Really? Then how come no one saw her in the woods going back?"

Rei chuckled. "Why of course they didn't see her! She left by the sea!" Dabi's eyes widened at that.

"What did you say?" Rei didn't understand Dabi's confusion, or the worried look on Enji's face.

"Hey- what's- what's wrong? She boarded the ship, we saw her leave-"

"Rei, the sea is the fastest route back. Y/n should've been back days ago." Rei's face dropped at Enji's explanation.

Dabi all but ran out of the castle, with his parents calling him.

"Wait, let us help-"

"You've done enough!" Dabi yelled as he climbed his horse and raced out of there, Keigo and the army following him.

They soon reached the docks and Dabi began yelling at the merchants to give him their ship. He was gonna find you himself.

Keigo had to physically halt Dabi and ask him what was going on.

And for the first time, he saw fear in Dabi's eyes. "She left by the sea, Keigo." The blonde's own breath hitched. You're 4 days too late. "I'm going after her, maybe- maybe they got lost- or in the middle of a battle with pirates-"

"Dabi, no. No, don't say that. She's fine- Our Y/n is fine. I-" He took a deep breath, clearing his mind. "You're going to check the waters, trace her route back home. I'll go through the woods again, I'll fly! Maybe she decided to take another route. We'll find her, Dabi. Repeat after me."

Dabi nodded. "Yes. We'll find her."

Keigo flew high and low, for hours in the heat and in the rain for any sign of you.

But it was all for naught.

When he returned home, he knew Dabi was back. But when the servants pointed him to the direction of the chapel, he knew bad news was coming from the gloomy looks on everyone's faces.

Keigo could feel his own heart beat as he walked towards the Chapel, the Holy place that he'd never seen Dabi ever come to. It was mostly for you to go, you liked to pray, often for your mother.

God, please don't let her be-

"Dabi?" Keigo's small voice echoed in the empty hall, but it was... haunting to see Dabi on his knees at the altar, his hands joined and head down in prayer.

He walked over to him, and Dabi finally looked up when Keigo placed his hand on his shoulder. "Dabi?" Keigo's heart sank at the sight of him. The King had tears running down his cheeks, his eyes red and hair dishevelled.

"Where... Where is Y/n?"

As beautiful as Dabi's lashes looked heavy with tears, they closed as his eyes scrunched up in pain.

"The ship... it sank." Dabi whispered the last part. "It sank, Keigo. A terrible storm had met them the day they left. The tides rode high, the ship hit something, and in a matter of seconds, the entire thing toppled over."

Keigo could feel his entire world crashing. The worst thing that could've happened- happened, a parents worst nightmare had came to life.

Their child dies.

But perhaps it was an angel, a blessing that made Keigo ask a question.

"Who told you this?"

Dabi looked at him in confusion. "What? I saw the ship wreck with my own eyes, Keigo."

There was a moment of silence.

"Did you see any bodies?"

"What?"

"Did you see any bodies?"

"No, I didn't find Y/n's-"

"Dabi, did you find any body?" Keigo asked, and Dabi looked only more confused. "Dont you see? How come there were no bodies? No survivors? If there was a storm to come, the Todoroki Kingdom has raised fine sailors, and Enji must've sent Y/n off with the most skilled captain and ship, and he would've definitely been able to not only detect the storm from miles away, but he would've safely maneuvered the ship through the storm too."

Hope began returning in Dabi's eyes. "I bet if we go back to the ship wreck, we won't be able to find any trace of anyone ever getting hurt or any distress. I bet that the only thing missing from the ship would be the small craft boats." Keigo said, watching as Dabi's senses began working again.

"You're right." Dabi said. "You're goddamn right! There were no bodies and no life boats! So they were most likely attacked and taken hostage!"

"Yeah, and you do have a lot of enemies. So you best start working on who has our baby."

Dabi smiled and nodded, kissing the blonde before they both left the chapel with renewed hope and determination.

Even though deep down, they knew this was all just speculation. But for their own sanity, and safety of others, they needed this false sense of hope.

You woke up to the sun hitting your face. All you remember was boarding the ship, then Tomura brought lunch and some special tea, and then your memory is hazy after that. And now you were in a boat.

You looked around and found you were lying in Tomura's lap, his arms securely around you, and your feet were in a maids lap, who was gently massaging them.

You pulled your feet away hastily, which caught everyone's attention. And that's when you saw your boat and two more boats, all filled with your entourage, who were currently bowing at you.

"I- Tomura, what's the meaning of this?" You asked getting off his lap and sitting opposite to him.

"Princess, this is part of the plan. Don't you remember?"

Oh the plan! The plan you'd been formulating for a long time, with letters to Emperor Kai for help and all. The plan to get away from Dabi and his murdering concubine for a while, or longer, until Davi realises your importance and that you've been telling the truth. And if he doesn't and continues to choose Keigo over you, then you're gone indefinitely.

"Of course, I remember. I meant, where are we right now?"

Tomura pointed ahead, where you could see the shore. "We're near. The land is here. Let's get off this boat, and then a brisk walk into the woods, we'll find him."

You nodded and then walked close to him, holding his hand as your knights and servants surrounded you and guarded you.

It was the first time you'd seen cherry blossoms, near the sea, but there were so many around you and it was kind of surreal. It was breathtaking actually, and you tried to take in your surroundings as much as you could. After all, cherry blossoms were your mother's favourite trees. She often talked about them, even asked Dabi if she could plant some, but he refused.

After about 20 minutes, you saw him. You squeezed Tomura's hand.

"Tomura... that's not Emperor Kai."

But Tomura only gave you a reassuring smile, as did the man in front of you. He had an army of knights behind him, all eagerly waiting for the next order.

The man got off his horse and began walking towards you. He stopped when you backed up a bit. That's when Tomura spoke.

"Princess, I introduce you to his royal Highness, King AFO. Your grandfather."

You blacked out for a second.

"W-what?" You looked back and forth between the two men. The more you looked at the king and his army, the more you recognised some familiar elements. Like the colours your mother always wore, or the little flag she kept hidden in her room, only you were able to see it.

"I-" you let out a small gasp before bowing down quickly. How could've you forgotten protocol!?

The King chuckled as he pulled you up by your shoulders, his eyes scanning your face as they memorised your features, his hand gently cupping your cheek.

"You're just like her." His eyes were full of tears, as were yours when you realised he was referring to your mother.

"I- I don't- I don't understand." You furrowed your brows. "If you're my grandfather, then why didn't you ever come to visit? Or even sent a letter?"

He smiled sadly. "I tried to my dear, many times. But your father wouldn't let me. Each time I tried to establish some form of contact with you, he'd put my efforts down. But then he threatened- he threatened to wage war." AFO looked down. "I didn't care about the blood loss that it would cause but I was afraid- I was afraid he'd do something terrible to you, just like he did to my daughter."

Your eyes widened. Did dad actually do that? It's no surprise that he hated your mother and anything associated with her, so he mightve kept you from your maternal grandfather. Hell, the only reason Dabi kept you around was likely because you were his only heir.

"You're all that's left of her." AFO continued. "That's why I sent all of them to look after you. They've all watched you grow, and I was content knowing they kept you safe. Especially with Tomura." He said, referring to your entourage. You looked at all of them. Come to think of it, they all really have been around for as long as you could remember.

"Once Tomura informed me that you wanted a break from your father, I knew I had to reach out to you again. I know you wanted to go to Emperor Kai's, but please give me a chance. Its been more than a decade since I last saw you." AFO pleaded, holding your hands.

"I-" you looked around, and you saw they were all looking at you with hope. You then looked at Tomura, and he nodded, but it was his eyes that spoke.

It's okay, I'll keep you safe.

So you took a deep breath and a small prayer, and looked at the king.

"Okay."

So, how was this?

Did you guys like the classic angsty move of running away that reader pulled? What are your thoughts on Empress Momo being a sadistic yandere? How will everyone react to reader's absence? Especially Katsuki? Will the parents go insane?

What do you think is gonna happen next?

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yalocalfanficaddict · 9 months

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I'm back from the dead and hear Me Out...

Royalty AU were Sir Eijirou is putting flowers in Lord Katsuki's hair.

(This is a little drabble of the idea, sorry for any spelling errors, I was tired when I wrote this)

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"I never needed protection," Katsuki stated as he twisted the stem of yet another orange coreopsis. "Yet here I am, with my unguarded heart captured by you."

Eijirou merely laughed as he slid another red anemone in his lover's light ash blond hair. "Oh, the irony," he answered with teasing lightness, a soft smile, and half-lidded eyes. Eijirou glanced down at the hands in his Lord's lap, a half-ring of coreopsis was being worked away at, as another chuckle escaped his lips.

"What are you doing, my Lord?" Eijirou asked as he cautiously attempted to pull Katsuki's hands away from the flowers to examine his ward's work.

Katsuki brought the knot of flowers to his chest, encasing them in his hands. Eijirou wondered if the vibrant shade of orange would stain his square-cut linen tunic. He prayed that it didn't. If word got out and the King and Queen knew—if the public knew—who knew what would happen to them? Eijirou couldn't have that, he cared too much for the beautiful young man in front of him.

"Did I give you permission to touch me?" Katsuki shot Eijirou a wary glare, uncertain on how to react.

Not even a beat later, Eijirou already had his hands on his folded knees and his head hung in apology. "Forgive me, my Lord, I wasn't thinking correctly and I deeply apologize."

"I was only teasing," Katsuki scoffed and sat the flowers to his side, he then rocked onto his knees and pinched Eijirou's chin between his index and his thumb, pulling Eijirou's brick-red eyes into his volcanic gaze. "But I'm afraid that a simple apology just won't seem to cut it, Eijirou."

Soft lips met brittle ones as Katsuki used his free hand to coil fingers around Eijirou's dark hair. Eijirou gasped, but immediately shut his eyes to savour the moment, cupping Katsuki's face with his calloused hands.

Even with many sharp, angular attributes, everything about Katsuki was soft. His hair. His skin. His lips. When Katsuki thought Eijirou didn't notice, the Knight had often caught his paramour sending delicate looks in his direction.

When Katsuki pulled away, they both paused, resting their foreheads against one another. Eijirou waited and waited for Katsuki to pull away first. But when he didn't, Eijirou took the hand that pinned his chin and gingerly brought it to his cheek to give it a lovingly caress.

Surprised, Katsuki pulled his head away to exam Eijirou's action. He was shocked by the sudden action of warmth. When Eijirou knew that Katsuki wouldn't further the distance between them, he brought Katsuki's wrist to his lips. The thin fabric radiated with Katsuki's warmth as Eijirou brushed his lips over the back Katsuki's wrist. Once Eijirou slowed his racing heart, he pressed a firmer kiss, one full with affection and care, on the back of the pale wrist in his hand.

"Will that suffice as a proper apology, Lord Katsuki?"

Katsuki's wide eyes narrowed as he struggled to compose himself and school his features. "Yes," he said as he slowly intertwined the hands of the future Marquess and the Knight in training. "I suppose so."

With that, the pair sat in comfortable silence, both enjoying the other's company. One the wind picked up again, blowing some of the loosely placed flowers out of Katsuki's hair, Eijirou glanced down at the faint rustling of orange. "What were you doing with those, coreopsis, my Lord?"

"Eijirou," a sigh escaped Katsuki's lips as he gathered the unfinished ring and plucked more of the surrounding flowers. "I told you to stop calling me that in private. You may be my knight, but you are also my lover. And should be treated as an equal especially when behind closed doors."

"Apologies, my Lor—Katsuki, but you are the son of the Marquess and I am only but a humble Knight." He uttered a low and pained laugh. "How could I be treated as an equal by you?"

Katsuki reached up and gave Eijirou's armoured shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Listen to me, Eijirou. I've known you since the age of seven, I've seen your strength, listened when you've had something to say, and respected your decisions. And you've done the same for me. Isn't that what equals are?"

The Knight averted his gaze from his Lord. "I suppose so..."

"As for the coreopsis," Katsuki continued as he began twisting more flowers onto the chain. "They are for you. It shouldn't be fair that only I am decorated by the flowers of your love."

A smile melted onto Eijirou's face as he watched Katsuki loop the string of orange flowers. When Katsuki placed the floral crown onto Eijirou's head, a small smile flitted across his features. "You look as beautiful as a million sunsets. As breathtaking as thousands of sunrises. And as inviting as a fire on a bitter winter's day." Katsuki murmured as he inched impossibly close. "What have I done to appease the universe and be granted someone like you in my life, Eijirou?"

Eijirou grinned as rose tinted his cheeks and nose. "I feel like I should be the one to ask you that, Katsuki."

When their lips met for a final time, it felt like coreopsis and anemones blooming on a warm spring day.

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#bnha #mha #boku no hero acedamia #my hero academia #katsuki bakugou #eijirou kirishima #bnha fanfiction #kiribaku #bnha au #fanfic #drabble #mha fluff #bnha fluff #royalty au #secret romance #flower language

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summerinthecloudsx · 1 year

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And the Dragon Wept

Bakugou Katsuki/Reader

This is a high fantasy au! Some characters may appear ooc because it’s written in the time of royals and magic beings. Bear with me and this world building lol.

Reader and Bakugou are over 21. M/C uses female pronouns.

Content Warnings: Violence, arranged marriage, verbal abuse, slow burn, fated mates trope, protective Bakugou, eventual smut

word count: 3.4k~

Chapter One

A deep silence — sharp as a blade and stiff as the gargoyles perched atop your family’s estate — follows you throughout the halls of Castle Lakemire. What once was a comfortable quiet in the early morning hours has turned sour, wicked despite the rays of warm light cascading from the intricately designed windows. The glow they cast upon the snow and deep blue tapestries shimmers, a result of the golden accents. And in the middle, a lone swan rests with its head angled as if it’s staring at the ground. Your father and his court would like to believe it’s an example of the animal looking down upon its enemies in disdain, but you see something different. There’s a sadness in its expression, as if the swan has been trapped and forced to submit. Though, if you ever admitted it to your parents, they’d call you sensitive. They’d tell you to fall back to reality where you’re meant to rule proudly.

Of all things, your family values pride the most. It’s evident in your father with his enormous silver throne, gleaming with sapphires and aquamarine. The gems were a new addition when he inherited the throne, long sought after from a neighboring court of non-magical humans. They had been peaceful, ruling in silence until your father’s army ambushed them. And they had no other choice except to relent to the magic of your kind: powerful wielders of the elements.

Pride is there in your mother’s cold, clouded eyes, a shadow wielder and great accompaniment to your father’s ice abilities. Too often, she traipses through the snowy maze next to your castle, a gown far too elegant dragging across the powdery white landscape. If it’s ruined, no matter. She can easily buy hundreds more. Forget the hard working lower class or knights of their court, who have broken themselves to pay for your family’s well being. Their lives are insignificant to your parents.

It doesn’t surprise you, then, that your parents have all but forsaken you. The only child born to them, gifted with both shadow and ice powers who refuses to use them cruelly. A daughter who cares for others passionately, fiercely. One who has been caught taking care of servants more than once, and suffered greatly for it. Not because you hope to gain anything from it but simply because it’s the right thing to do, and you’ll be damned if you allow your parents to corrupt you.

It’s peaceful in this self-inflicted solitude, you think as you descend the staircase next to your wing of the castle. Everything, everyone around you is quiet. The snow has stopped for a brief moment, though the landscape remains as wintry and grand as ever. The maze, absent of your mother’s presence, glitters beautifully in the morning sun. And oh how you crave its warmth. To stand in its rays and soak up every breath of heat it has to offer. Even as your boots track through the snow to the front of the castle where the sun has claimed the courtyard entirely, you can’t get enough.

“You think such attire is appropriate for a morning walk?” A teasing voice questions loudly from the main entrance of Castle Lakemire. “Some may think you have a death wish!”

You turn your head, an amused glare cast towards the source of the voice. Blonde hair sways in the wind, a single black streak decorating the strands, unobstructed by his usual knight’s helmet. He must have a free day, something you’re surprised at with your father’s strict regiment.

The man’s eyes are alight with mischief as he practically skips down the steps to join you, snow flying in every direction when he jumps to the spot next to you. Brushing a few flakes off your maroon dress — no doubt much too thin to hold any warmth — in mock annoyance, you narrow your eyes at your new company.

“And what of you, Denki?” You draw out the syllables of his name teasingly. “What will people think if they see the king’s newest guard conversing with his daughter?”

Denki tilts his head back with a roar of laughter. “I’ve suffered worse, Princess. And I doubt he would mind seeing as how we’ve all been instructed to keep a close eye on you.”

“Any closer,” you begin, glaring at the guards posted atop the many balconies of the castle. They have their gaze set on the landscape reaching out from your position. The tree line in the distance is quiet, limbs swaying and shadows cast from the sun. But you know, their gaze adjusts to your figure every five minutes as instructed. “And he might as well attach their eyes to my dress.”

Denki snickers once more, a hand over his mouth. “Don’t give him any ideas.”

True. You’re sure if she had the capability, your mother would have commanded your shadow to report all unusual activity to her. Her inability to manipulate shadows around you has been a source of her irritation since your powers manifested twenty years ago. At the age of four, you had already become a problem for her.

“What brings you to Castle Lakemire on what appears to be your day off?” You ask in an attempt to change the subject.

Denki is quiet for some time, a rare stillness falling over the normally vibrant man. His eyes close as he takes in a calming breath, and you prepare yourself to hear his story. Whatever it is must be terrible to bring this sudden dread into his atmosphere.

“Lord Tomura is scheduled for a visit today. He should be arriving any moment, actually.”

Your heart stills at his reveal. Had you known of this, you would have stayed in bed, feigned an illness or requested an outing to a neighboring city. You would do anything to prevent an encounter with the cruel lord. To prevent an evening with your soon-to-be betrothed.

“You don’t have to hold my hand on his account,” you say as jokingly as you can manage. Because really, what else are you to say? He can’t stop your engagement any more than you can, and he certainly can’t change Lord Tomura’s demeanor. Your future has been decided, claimed by a man who has promised your family a deadly power and ally. His treatment of you is wholly unimportant.

Denki steps closer to you, shielding your faces from the guards as he lowers his voice. “I am your father’s guard second. I will always be your friend first.”

If you could bottle those words and place them in your heart, you would. Make a potion or a wine out of them and drink them every day until you begin to believe you’re worthy of such devotion. You’d recite them like poetry to yourself in the mirror or under a frosted tree, savoring the simple but powerful intentions behind them. You would, if you were someone else. If you weren’t the dreaded princes drowning in Castle Lakemire.

Instead, you grant him a genuine smile. Your arm stretches in front of you, a pinky finger held out. Denki mimics your actions and curls his own pinky around yours, offering a playful grin. Both of your lips turn down as soon as your sights land on a carriage approaching from the west. And from its ebony and crimson accents, you know it belongs to Lord Tomura.

“Better find a bottle of whiskey, friend,” you mumble, gathering your skirts to walk to the entrance. If you must meet Tomura, you’d rather it be in the warmth of the castle. His presence alone is chilling enough. “This is sure to be an interesting night.”

Denki, dressed in his finest pale gray tunic, has been given approval to join your family for dinner. Although your father can’t be bothered to pretend to be happy about it. He’s sat in his great chair at the head of the table, your mother at his left and Lord Tomura at his right. His own guard sits next to him, a black haired man with the ability to wield blue flames. Dabi, you’ve been told to call him. And while you’re thankful you haven’t been forced to sit next to the white-haired man or his comrade, they’re still too close for your liking. And the sultry gaze Dabi directs at you certainly isn’t helping.

It’s a relatively small gathering. The oak table extends by several more rows than is occupied, but you suppose it’s purposeful. Truthfully, you’re shocked Kaminari is allowed to be present. Any time Tomura visits, your engagement or alignment is discussed, and your parents have granted you the courtesy of keeping those matters between yourselves. For now.

“You look lovely, tonight, my rose.” Tomura’s compliment is laced with malice. His eyes are cold and hard, focused on you even as he sticks his fork into a cut piece of roast duck. The way his thin lips wrap around the greasy meat has you curling in on yourself, though you’re sure he means to allure you. It doesn’t. If anything, it urges you to vomit whatever dinner you’ve consumed across the table.

“Am I not lovely every day?” You ask cheekily. Your smile is innocent along with your lifted tone. If he can play games, then so can you.

Denki offers his fist below the table, which you hit with your own. His smile never falters as he enjoys his meal beside you, observing the drama before him. He might not be able to stand up for you here, but he’s proud to see you use your supposed innocence in your favor. If your parents want you to be their naïve, sweet daughter, then they’ll have to assume the best of you in front of guests.

Across the table, Tomura’s jaw clenches while his fingers form a fist around his fork. Your demeanor doesn’t fool him. Not for a second. He can see the fire behind your mask of innocence, a lie put on to ridicule him and satiate your parents. But he’s endured worse.

“Of course you are,” he answers. “And you grow lovelier each time we meet.” His words sound forced, rehearsed until he adds, “Though I think I’d prefer to see you wearing colors from my land.”

“I’ll inform the seamstress,” your mother assures him. She has her own practiced smile on display, though it’s more refined than yours. With her hair tied back into an elegant knot behind her golden crown and an emerald velvet dress tapered close to her body, she’s the embodiment of divine beauty. And though her expression would seem warm to most, you sense the coolness behind her stare. Behind both of your parents.

Your father grunts in approval, offers a curt nod in Tomura’s direction. The room falls silent after that, silverware tapping lightly against porcelain and wine-filled goblets raising periodically. Dabi, the black haired man in a fitted, similarly colored tunic, has emptied three goblets already, and you’d be lying if you said it didn’t concern you somewhat. More than once, you’ve noticed his chilling blue eyes focused on you in a less than formal glance. If his Lord notices, he doesn’t seem to care or correct his guard. If anything Tomura appears happy that he doesn’t have to play the role of seductive suitor.

“How long will you be staying?” You chime in, partly to interrupt the tense silence but mostly to prepare yourself for however long you’ll have to deal with your betrothed.

“I hope to stay for one week if that is agreeable.”

“You’re welcome as long as you’d like,” your father answers before you have the chance to argue. “Your quarters are still set up and cleaned to your liking.”

“Don’t worry,” Dabi suddenly interjects with a smirk. Despite the many glasses of wine he’s consumed, his tone is steady, raspy and sensual. “I’ll make sure the lovebirds don’t cause too much trouble while we’re here.”

The table erupts with soft, polite laughter, although you’ve taken to skewering your roast duck as if it might still fly away. Dabi’s humor doesn’t sit well with you. There’s something hidden behind his structured jokes that leaves you uneasy, has you carefully watching the shadows when he’s around. Never mind the fact that you can’t trust Tomura to stop him should he act out. Your fiancé shows more genuine love for battle than for you.

Your father is the one who speaks through the laughter first, his hardened gaze focused on you. “If you can get my daughter to do anything besides act like a ghost or a lost puppy, I’ll be surprised.”

You ignore your father’s glare, shrugging your shoulders with an innocent smile the way your mother taught you. It isn’t until the others have begun a new conversation that you lean over to whisper to Denki.

“Do you think it would startle anyone if I threw an icicle at Dabi’s head?”

The blonde haired man barely covers his mouth before a muted chuckle slips out. He covers his actions well, dabbing a dinner towel against his chin as if he’d spilled something. His movements are quiet, easily looked over as he leans in as well.

“Only if it made him toss his wine in Lord Tomura’s face, my rose,” he answers, mocking the lord’s nickname for you.

Perhaps it’s the wine making your head fuzzy. Perhaps it’s because it’s the first interesting interaction you’ve had during this dreadful meal. Or maybe it’s the simple fact that you’ve been holding yourself back so long that you just can’t take it anymore, and you erupt in a fit of giggles.

Your breathing is erratic as you attempt to cover your mouth with your own dinner towel, though it quickly falls in your lap thanks to your shaking hands. You should be embarrassed by your unmannerly actions, but it feels so good to laugh. You’re so elated you don’t even notice when your mother scolds you or tries to explain it to the others as if you’ve had too much to drink. It’s so easy to just pretend they’re not there, that you’re enjoying a casual meal with a friend. At least, until your father calls your name in a manner not unlike the booming of thunder.

When your laughter quiets, the first face you see is Denki’s. He offers you a soft smile, reaching under the table to pat your leg in a comforting manner. It gives you enough courage to turn your gaze upon your father, whose brows are downturned along with his lips. His shoulders have begun to rise and fall with the effort of his calming breaths, and your mother has placed her palm atop his shoulder.

“I-I’m sorry,” you quickly stammer. You try to conjure an excuse for your outburst, something, anything that will point the blame towards yourself or anyone except Denki. Nobody else could have heard what each of you said, you’re sure of it. By now, you and Denki have mastered the art of mischievous whispering, but the look Tomura and Dabi shoot at you gives you cause for concern.

Nobody responds for a long while, each person evaluating the situation for an appropriate reaction. In another instance, it might not have been such a great ordeal. If you had shared an innocent laugh with a friend at a tavern, nobody would have given you a second glance. But here, in your father’s hall, Denki isn’t just a friend. He’s a guard, and you’re sitting opposite your fiancé, giggling and speaking to another man while ignoring him. It’s improper for someone in your position. You know this, but you’re so tired of pretending.

“Well,” Tomura breaks the silence mercifully. “I think our rose has had enough to drink.”

“I agree,” your father says roughly. “As for you, Kaminari, I think it’s time for you to leave. I’ll deal with you later.”

“Yes, my King.” Denki hurriedly pushes his chair back, the wooden legs scraping against the polished floor. He graces you with one more smile, a hopeful look despite the tense situation. For a moment, you believe in his humorous optimism. Everything will be alright, just like he says. Except, when he leaves, you’re left feeling cold again. Drained. Terrified of what’s to come in his absence. And while you’d like to run away behind him, you know you have to stay until you’ve been dismissed.

“Perhaps we should disperse for the time being,” Tomura suggests, another act of mercy on his part. “I think I should see my betrothed to her room, just in case the wine takes hold again.”

“Yes,” your mother agrees. “I think that would be wise.”

Nobody says another word as Tomura mumbles a few orders to Dabi, who looks on with a satisfied smirk. You don’t have it in you to respond to his hatefulness, though, and you barely object when Tomura holds out his gloved hand. If it gets you away from this scene, you’ll take it happily.

The walk through the corridors is quiet, your footsteps echoing around the empty halls. The tapestries of your household display no signs of glittering gold, the moonlight now showing off its silver flecks similar to snow. And that same lonely swan. You rip your eyes away from the animal, too pent up from dinner to stare at it any longer. Another reminder of the frozen desert you’ve found yourself in will be your ending, so you keep your gaze ahead, focused on matching your steps to Tomura’s.

He still hasn’t spoken to you, even when you’ve reached your chambers. His silence isn’t an all surprising factor, though. You’ve learned through his visits that Tomura rarely speaks to you unless your parents are around or unless you speak first. He’s kind enough in public to uphold his image and quiet enough in private to allow your privacy to remain intact. Whether it’s an admittance of his indifference towards you is yet to be determined, but you’d place money on him harboring minimal emotions for you. His interest in you is monetary, power hungry. He’s no different than your parents in that way, you suppose. It’s better this way, easier than trying to force a relationship that holds no meaning. So you’re more than a little surprised when his hand shoots out to hinder you from entering your room.

Your fingers twitch at your sides, itching to reach up and force his hand out of the way. It would be easy despite his strength. Denki has spent more than one night training you to defend yourself, and you’ve spent countless more honing your elemental abilities. You’re not sure what keeps you from reacting, keeps you quiet and compliant as Tomura grabs the back of your neck and squeezes.

“I don’t care what you do in private,” he begins in a hushed whisper. His tone is harsh, vicious even when paired with his fingertips digging into the sides of your neck. “I don’t even care if you’re fucking your father’s guards. But you will not make a mockery of us in public. Drawing too much attention to us like that makes me look weak, and I didn’t pay your parents bags of gold for this. Do I make myself clear?”

Who am I to argue? You think. He’s far too powerful for you to take on your own. His abilities have been talked about for years. It’s been said he can make a man decay in front of your very eyes if he chooses to do so. It’s one of the many reasons your parents had been so excited when he showed interest in you.

Think of the powerful offspring! They had said. Think of the lands he will conquer in your name! They bragged.

Be obedient. Be silent. Be good. And just as easily as every other time, you froze. You shifted into a statue, a shell of your true self, and you simply nodded.

“Good.” Tomura sneers, but his hand falls away from your neck. And like the true gentleman he is, he drops his hand onto the door handle and turns it for you. “Now get some rest, little rose. You’ll need it.”

#bakugou x you #bakugou x reader #bnha x reader #fantasy au #dragon bakugou #soulmate au #strangers to lovers #eventual smut #bnha angst #angst to comfort #bakugou katsuki #royalty au #Arranged marriage au #katsuki x y/n #reader insert #female reader

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ghostxrose · 4 months

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One Life After Another, Forevermore | Bakugo Katsuki x Reader

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five (final)

Note ~ Just want to say thank you all so much for the love on my fic so far, it literally brings tears to my eyes seeing people enjoy my work. I love and appreciate you all so much! Also this part is nearly 8k words, just a heads-up.. Enjoy, Lovelies!! <3

Tags/Warnings ~ Fem!Reader, Reincarnation, Soulmates, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff, Emotional, Temporary Character Deaths, Depictions of Injuries, Potentially Triggering Content, No Use of Y/N, Hurts So Good (let me know if I should tag anything else <3)

Your eyes opened up to another new world and your cries proved to those who were in the room that you were a strong and healthy baby. You weren’t sure what life you were on now but you did remember the last few were different types of animals. You and Katsuki had found and lost each other in each life before being able to be together for any significant amount of time. It was in that new life as you screamed your lungs out as a tiny infant that your innermost consciousness wondered if you and Katsuki would ever get to fully live out any of your lives together.

In that new life, you were born a human. A royal human, as you would come to learn, a Princess to the Kingdom of the North. Other humans took care of you, served you, and did things for you. You lived in a grand castle amongst lavish things but not everything was as luxurious as they may have looked.

Your mother, the Queen, had died giving birth to you, and your father, the King, made sure that you were kept out of his sights. After his wife’s death, he had been grief-stricken and disappointed. His disappointment had been in you, a female, being his first and only child. He would have no heir to his throne unless he remarried and tried for a male child. He paid no regard to the way that Eternal Loves worked, he only cared about his reputation which seemed to be a recurring theme throughout your lives.

So that is what the King did; he informed the entire kingdom that the Queen and their child had both died during the birth, he ignored your existence, remarried, and a few years later a male heir was born. Your father, his new family, and the kingdom’s subjects rejoiced while you were hidden away in your room.

The years went on of you being ignored by your father and his replacement wife and kids. You were at least still treated like the rightful Princess you were by the servants in the castle. And they didn’t mind doting on you, talking to you, or fulfilling any requests you made. Many of them had told you that they much preferred when your mother was Queen and they spoke of how kind, beautiful, and lovely she was. It made you happy to hear but also left an ache in your heart that yearned for your mother’s love.

Not long after you had turned seventeen, you had decided that you were sick of the oppressive walls of the castle. You were sick of your father and his replacement family. You wanted to see more of the world, you wanted to exist in the world. But most of all, if you had stayed in that damn castle your whole life then you would never find Katsuki.

Your most trusted servants, and quite frankly your best and only friends, helped you to gather items and pack. Tsu had given you a cloak and a map of the country. Itsuka packed you a bag of clothes and dried fruits and even managed to get you some of your mother’s jewelry. Lastly, Reiko had been able to get you a decently-sized pouch of coins. You thanked them for all of their help and hugged the three of them tightly.

You laid in bed that evening but you didn’t sleep. You waited for Tsu to come by your room once your father and his family were asleep. When she did come to get you, the both of you quietly made your way to the kitchen. Waiting for you there was Itsuka, Reiko, and your favorite two cooks; Hanta and Rikido. Hanta smiled warmly at you as he handed you a bag with bread, cheese, and dried meat, and Rikido wished you luck as he handed you a bag of sweet baked goods. You gave them both a teary smile and thanked them quietly.

As you said your last goodbyes to your friends one of the castle’s guards, Mezo, silently entered the kitchen. You wiped your tears, straightened your back, and flipped the hood of your cloak up. You nodded to Mezo in silent communication then smiled, wide and warm, at your friends as you waved to them and walked away.

You quietly followed Mezo through the castle and outside to the royal garden. He led you to the back edge of the garden where a secret exit had been hidden away in the vines that covered the barrier that surrounded the castle grounds. He pulled the vines away and opened the door for you, standing back so that you could go through.

“Good luck on your journey, Princess. Please be safe on your travels.” He said quietly while he held a small sword out to you.

“Thank you, Mezo.” You said with a warm smile and took the sword from him.

You went through the door, sending Mezo one last wave as he closed the secret door behind you. You took a moment to slide the sword's sheath onto your belt and re-fastened it before quietly sneaking away from the castle. You were a bit scared to be on your own but knew that this was what you needed to do and you had prepared well.

Over the past couple of months, your friends had taught you various skills that would help you survive on your own. Itsuka taught you how to read a map, a compass, and the sun. Tsu had shown you how to sew which was beneficial towards clothing and wounds alike. Reiko had written you a journal full of information and drawings of different herbs and plants and their uses. Most importantly, Mezo had shown you how to use the sword on your hip and had trained you how to fight.

You silently made your way to the edge of the forest where you had one more person to meet. As you neared the trees the light of the full moon illuminated the figure of a person on top of a horse, another horse patiently standing next to the pair.

“Hello? Koji?” You quietly called out as you approached.

The person’s head whipped in your direction as if spooked and you smiled sheepishly, “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you!” You quietly apologized.

“I-it’s a-alright, Princess. Y-yes, I-I a-am Koji. Th-this i-is y-your h-horse, M-Mira.” Koji told you and you smiled at him, then at your new horse companion. Koji taught you everything you needed to know about caring for and riding horses.

The moon was low in the sky and you knew the sun was due to begin showing itself soon. Koji asked where you headed first and you pulled out your map. You pointed to the Kingdom of the West and explained you would go there first since they were allies to the Kingdom of the North. Koji nodded, warned you to stay away from the South as he reminded you of the Barbarian kingdom that ruled there, and wished you luck on your travels. You thanked Koji with a warm smile and wished him well then set off on your journey to find your Love.

When you arrived at the Kingdom of the West you were in awe at how different it had seemed from your home kingdom. You bought yourself a room at a nice Inn that also had stables to keep your horse in. The Innkeeper was a nice round-faced girl about the same age as you by the name of Ochaco.

You had mentioned to Ochaco that you would probably be staying for a few days and she had cheerfully offered to show you around. You excitedly accepted her offer and couldn’t wait to experience what this kingdom was like.

True to her word, the next day Ochaco had come by your room to take you out and about the capital of the Kingdom of the West. As the two of you walked down the main streets of the capital, Ochaco talked about their king. Supposedly, he was a kind and gracious ruler by the name of King Yagi. Ochaco also talked very highly of Queen Inko and Prince Izuku.

According to your new pink-cheeked friend, the whole royal family was very kind and on any given day you could find the Prince out and about the capital offering help to anybody who needed it. It made you feel a bit envious hearing about how nice the royal family was not just to their subjects but to each other and other kingdoms. They were even kind to the Kingdom of the East despite King Enji’s one-sided rivalry with King Yagi.

“Oh, oh! Look! There’s Prince Izuku!” Ochaco had practically squealed as she pointed to a green-haired boy helping out an elderly shopkeeper. Ochaco took hold of your hand and dragged you over to the Prince, eager to introduce you to him.

“Izuku! Izuku!” Ochaco cheerfully called out and captured the Prince’s attention. The Prince blushed a bit when he saw you both approaching but smiled brightly.

“G-good a-afternoon, Ochaco! Who is this?” Prince Izuku greeted her, then turned to you with a kind smile. You smiled shyly and introduced yourself, not bothering to make up a fake name since practically no one knew of your existence. But apparently, Prince Izuku was smart and well-educated about his kingdom’s allies.

“Your family name sounds familiar, are you related to the royal family of the Kingdom of the North?” Prince Izuku asked curiously and you hesitated slightly.

“M-maybe we could talk about that somewhere more private..” You said nervously.

“Of course, we could talk in the royal garden if you’d like?” Prince Izuku offered but before you could answer a tall knight appeared by the Prince’s side.

“My Prince, I am not sure if it is a good idea to invite a stranger into the castle grounds!” The knight said, one of his arms chopping the air to accentuate his point.

“Iida, I’ve told you that you can just call me Izuku, and I don’t believe that she has any malicious intent, not if she is from our ally’s kingdom.” Prince Izuku said in a light tone.

“Prince Izuku is correct, I do not wish to harm anyone here. I am simply just trying to experience life outside of the kingdom I grew up in. If you would like to know my story then I do ask that we discuss it in private.” You said reassuringly as the knight, Iida, assessed your words.

“Very well then, I will escort you all to the royal garden,” Iida announced, his face and tone serious as ever. Prince Izuku smiled brightly then led you and Ochaco to the castle grounds.

When you got through the gates to the royal garden you were once again in awe of your surroundings. The Kingdom of the West’s royal garden was filled with plants and flowers different from the ones in the garden back in your kingdom. However, you did recognize a couple of kinds of flowers that seemed to have been gifted to the Kingdom of the West from your home kingdom.

Prince Izuku led you and Ochaco over to a very nice outdoor furniture set where a boy with half-red, half-white hair and a girl with long black hair had been sitting. You were curious as to who they were since Ochaco hadn’t mentioned that Izuku had any siblings. Prince Izuku kindly asked Iida to inform the servants to bring out some tea before greeting the other boy and girl.

“Good afternoon, Shoto and Lady Yaoyorozu!” Prince Izuku said cheerfully as he invited Ochaco and you to sit.

“Good afternoon, Izuku, Ochaco.” The two-toned boy, Shoto, greeted in a neutral tone.

“Good afternoon, Izuku, Ochaco! I thought I told you to just call me Yaomomo, Izuku.” The girl, Yaomomo, told Prince Izuku with a kind smile.

“O-oh, right! S-sorry, Yaomomo!” Prince Izuku stammered out with a sheepish smile.

“It’s alright, Izuku. Now, who is your new guest?” Yaomomo asked and smiled at you warmly while Shoto stared intently at you as if he were trying to read your thoughts.

You introduced yourself and caught the slight shift in the look in Shoto’s eyes when you gave your family name. But he didn’t say anything further so you just brushed it off. Tea was brought out shortly after introductions and you mentally prepared yourself for the conversation that you were about to have.

“Alright, if you’re comfortable enough to share your story, I would like to hear about it. I can promise that you can trust Shoto and Yaomomo as well as Ochaco and myself.” Prince Izuku said in a warm and inviting tone after he took a sip of his tea.

You took a deep breath, then told them about your life back in your home kingdom. You told them that your mother passed away giving birth to you and that your father made sure that the rest of the kingdom never knew about you. How he remarried and had other children while you were left to yourself in the depths of the castle. Then you told them about your decision to leave the castle and see the world instead of just rotting away in your room.

You left out the part about wanting to find Katsuki because you weren’t sure how that would play out. In all of the lives that you had lived so far you hadn’t met anyone else who remembered their previous lives the way that you and Katsuki did. You just hoped that a life wouldn’t come where you and Katsuki forget all of the good times from your previous lives.

“Wow, that sounds truly lonely, I’m so sorry,” Yaomomo said with a sympathetic and sad face.

“I do wish I could have known my mother but the castle staff had become my family when my father and his new family wanted nothing to do with me.” You said with a small smile.

“Well, please know that you are welcome to live here at the Kingdom of the West or visit any time you like! You said you wanted to continue your travels, right?” Prince Izuku said with a warm smile and you nodded.

“Thank you very much but yes, I do want to travel a bit more before settling somewhere.” You said with a grateful smile.

“Where do you plan on going next?” Ochaco asked excitedly. You got a bit nervous because even though you were warned against going there, you wanted to check the Kingdom of the South for your Love.

You decide to play it safe and tell them a small lie, “Oh, well, I was thinking of going ea-”

“Do not go to the Kingdom of the East,” Shoto spoke suddenly, his voice was full of bitterness and he was staring angrily down at his tea. You sat in your place shocked by the outburst and unable to respond.

“Shoto.. Maybe explain a little bit? You’re scaring her..” Yaomomo said quietly as she rested a hand on his shoulder.

“I apologize. I did not mean to frighten anybody. It’s just that.. My father is King Enji of the East. He is already an instigating bastard, but if he hears word that you are from the Kingdom of the North then I do not see it ending well for you.” Shoto explained with his eyes full of worry as he looked at you.

“Oh, I see. Well, thank you for the warning, then. I’ll be staying here for a few days so I will just take a look at my map and figure something else out. I’m.. I’m sorry, Shoto.” You said and shared a look of understanding with the runaway Prince.

The topic had changed to something lighter after that and you were fascinated by some of the stories your four new friends had shared. Prince Izuku had even managed to convince Ochaco and yourself to stay for dinner to which you felt incredibly honored. Even though you were a Princess you had never had dinner with your father and his family, let alone ever had dinner with any other royal families.

Returning to your room that night you felt a true happiness that you weren’t sure you had ever felt in that life. If you hadn’t known that Katsuki was out there somewhere waiting for you then you probably would have made the Kingdom of the North your new home.

When you woke up the next morning, you decided to go out and explore more of the capital since you and Ochaco didn’t get very far yesterday because of seeing Prince Izuku. You dressed yourself in one of the skirts Itsuka had given you, a flowy button-up half-sleeved shirt, and slipped on your shoes. Once you grabbed your pouch of coins and your room key, you locked up and headed out.

You stepped into a small bakery near the Inn and immediately melted at the scent of baked sweets and coffee that swirled through the air. A tired-looking boy with purple hair around your age wrapped up the goods you bought with a bored look on his face. You wanted to make a comment about him also having purple eyes but the boy seemed pretty stand-offish so you only thanked him and went about your exploring.

You wandered in and out of shops for a while until you came across a blacksmith shop. You went inside, curious as to what weapons they might have that you could use. You found an area in the shop where the smaller swords were on display and were fascinated by some of the designs on some of the handles and blades.

“Oh, hello there, Miss Beautiful! I don’t think I've ever seen you in here before!” A cheerful and slightly flirty voice greeted you from beside you.

“I’m just traveling and decided to rest and restock here in the capital.” You explained as you smiled hesitantly at the boy.

As you looked at the boy with dark hair that had been tied back with a cloth around his forehead, you wondered how many more people around your age you were going to meet. Was it common for people your age to work in shops and such? All of your friends back in your home kingdom were about ten years older than yourself, how soon in their lives had they started working?

“You traveling by yourself?” The boy asked and you started to grow nervous. Before you could answer him, a different and more gruff voice called out to the boy from the back.

“C’mon, Yosetsu! We have to get the materials that the Bakugo family ordered loaded up before the journey tomorrow!” Another boy with slightly unruly silver hair and oddly sharp teeth came into view from the back with an annoyed look on his face. The first boy, Yosetsu, grumbled as he disappeared into the back of the shop.

“Sorry, if he was bothering you, miss! I’m Tetsutetsu! Did you need help with something?” Tetsutetsu kindly asked you with a smile.

You stood there slightly frozen as the name Bakugo replayed over and over in your head. These guys were going to wherever Katsuki was and they were leaving the next day! You could almost feel the Goddess of Fate smiling at you.

“Uhm, miss?” Tetsutetsu questioned with slight concern.

“Oh goodness, I’m so sorry! Uhm, what would you say is best for someone traveling? I already have a small sword about the same size as these but I figured it couldn’t hurt to have another one? Or maybe something smaller?” You nervously rambled a bit but it worked out.

“Ah, let’s see.. Since you said you already have a sword, why don’t you take a look at the daggers? That way you aren’t too weighed down while you’re traveling!” Tetsutetsu happily suggested as he led you to where the daggers were displayed.

“I’m sorry but I really have to go load up some materials. Just shout when you’re ready to buy something or if you’re leaving!” Tetsutetsu said before he disappeared into the back of the shop.

You took your time looking at the daggers, testing the weights of them, and looking at the intricate designs. You eventually decided on a decently weighted dagger that had a simple dark-colored handle that was easy to grasp in your hand. What truly sold you on it were the intertwined dragons on the sheathe. Both dragons were silver in color but one had a red ruby for its eye and the other had a purple amethyst. Once again you felt the eyes of the Goddess of Fate upon you.

You wandered up to the counter and hesitated before shouting Tetsutetsu’s name. You awkwardly waited for a few moments then before you could shout again, Tetsutetsu bounded in from the back.

“Find something you like?” He asked with a grin.

“Yes,” You said with a small smile as you put the dagger on the counter.

“A fine piece you have chosen there, miss! Simple but definitely reliable!” He happily exclaimed then told you the price.

You paid him the amount but didn’t turn around to leave like he assumed you would. “Did you need something else, miss?” He asked, kind as can be.

“I.. uhm.. You mentioned earlier that you would be traveling tomorrow? If I may ask, where to?” You nervously asked.

“Oh, uhm, we’ll be running some materials to the Kingdom of the South. They’re allies of the Kingdom of the West and occasionally buy metals from us.” Tetsutetsu explained.

“I see.. W-would you mind if I traveled with you? It’s just my horse and I.” You asked, hoping that he would say yes.

“Are you sure you want to travel to the South, miss? They may be our allies but the people there are a bit.. Rugged.” Tetsutetsu very hesitantly explained to you while he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yes, I’m sure. We will both be traveling there anyways, so I just thought I’d ask if we could travel together, but if you do not wish t-”

“No, no! It’s not that I don’t want to! I was just making sure that you realized where exactly you would be traveling to,” He said, slightly panicked at having thought he offended you. “Yes, you absolutely can travel with Yosetsu and me! Though, the back of our wagon will be completely full of materials, so you’ll have to ride your horse.” He finished.

“That’s not a problem! Thank you so much!” You gratefully exclaimed then formally introduced yourself.

“Alright, we’ll be leaving at dawn tomorrow! We’ll meet you at the southern entrance of the capital!” Tetsutetsu said with a happy, sharp-toothed grin.

You thanked him once more then headed out of the shop. You wandered around the capital a bit more before your feet became tired and you made your way back to the Inn. When you got there, Ochaco was behind the counter and cheerfully greeted you. You asked her if it would be possible for anyone to come wake you at dawn the next day and she gave you a confused look.

“I thought that you said you would be staying a bit longer?” Ochaco asked confusedly.

“I did, yes. But there is a group leaving tomorrow and they said I could travel with them.” You poorly and vaguely explained why the situation changed.

“Where are they traveling to?” Ochaco asked, her tone slightly suspicious but mostly worried.

“Uhm.. to the Kingdom of the South..” You nervously admitted.

“The South?!” Ochaco exclaimed then rubbed a hand across her forehead as you nodded sheepishly.

“Well, I have no right to stop you from going but please be careful! We may be allies with them but Barbarians are people who are rough around the edges!” Ochaco said and sighed.

“I promise to be careful, Ochaco. Will someone be able to wake me a bit before dawn?” You assured her then questioned hopefully.

“Agh, yes. I’ll be sure to let Kyoka know to wake you.” Ochaco said in a resigned tone.

“Thank you very much, Ochaco! It’s been really great meeting you and thank you for helping to show me what life is like outside of the walls of a castle.” You told her and gave her a warm smile.

Ochaco let out a small noise then ran around the counter and hugged you tightly. She made you promise to come back to the capital at some point either for a visit or to stay. Even though you knew it was only a promise to visit again, it was a promise you had no problem making.

A firm knocking on your room door woke you from your sleep the next morning. You opened the door and thanked a shy but kind girl, Kyoka, for waking you. Once you tipped her a few coins she left and you set about lighting the lanterns in your room so that you could get ready for the day.

You got dressed, combed through your long dark hair, braided it, and tied the end off with a red ribbon. You packed your bag, slid your sword and dagger onto your belt before fastening it, and donned your cloak. You slipped on your boots and blew out the lanterns then left the room.

Sitting comfortably on the back of Mira, you made your way to the southern gate of the capital. You ended up getting there a bit early but you didn’t have to wait too long for Tetsutetsu and Yosetsu. They both greeted you with cheery smiles when they arrived and the three of you set off for the Kingdom of the South.

The two asked you many questions during your travel together and you tried to answer as vaguely as you could. You didn’t know them so you didn’t want to tell them too much about who you were or where you came from. You never even told them your family name, so at least they couldn’t connect you to your father.

In turn, you asked them about their lives. How they came to work as blacksmiths. If they had ever traveled for anything besides work. Anything that took the focus off of you for at least a little while.

Finally, as the sun had neared being low enough in the sky to be considered the beginning of sunset, your small group was approaching the borders of the capital of the Kingdom of the South.

You saw that large spiked logs stuck up from the ground and formed a tall wall around the Kingdom of the South’s capital. You huffed a quiet laugh to yourself at the thought of Katsuki’s family believing that spiked logs would seem more intimidating than a normal stone wall. If you were to see them, that wouldn’t have been the first lifetime you “met” Katsuki’s parents, so you already knew what kind of people they were.

Your group got up to the entrance and was stopped by some.. not-very-kind-looking guards.

“What is your reason for entry?” One guard demanded.

“We have the metal that the royal family ordered,” Tetsutetsu answered calmly.

“And what about the girl? She’s never been with you guys before.” Another guard questioned.

“Oh, she’s not from the Kingdom of the West! She just traveled with us because she wanted to visit the Kingdom of the South!” Yosetsu dumbly answered before Tetsutetsu could say anything.

Both you and Tetsutetsu cringed at Yosetsu’s poor explanation and for good reason..

“A mystery traveler, huh? You’re coming with us, little girl! The King and Queen can decide if you can stay or not,” The second guard stated harshly and grabbed the reins from your hands.

“Metal workers, go on through! Mystery traveler, get off the horse and follow me!” The first guard commanded.

You quietly cooperated, a bit of fear filled your stomach but you knew you would be okay when you saw Masaru and Mitsuki. The first guard came over to where you were standing with the second guard and he took your bag along with your weapons. Tetsutetsu and Yosetsu rode past you and Tetsutetsu shot you an apologetic look before smacking the back of Yosetsu’s head. A small smile graced your lips before it was wiped away after a harsh yank to your arm told you the guard was taking you to the King and Queen.

The guards walked fast and you kept up with them fine except for the few times you got tripped up on rocks. The guards seemed to not care about your well-being seeing as the one dragging you by your arm had a grip so tight you wouldn’t be surprised if it bruised. You really wanted to stop showing up to Katsuki with injuries in the lifetimes where you seek him out.

You became very confused when the guards led you through a side entrance of the castle, then proceeded to practically drag you down a flight of stairs.

“Wh-where are we going? S-sir, I thought you said I would be seeing the King and Queen?” Your shaky voice questioned.

“You dumb little girl! Why would a random stranger such as yourself just automatically get a meeting with the King and the Queen? What right do you think you have to that, huh?” The first guard taunted.

“That isn’t how we work around here, sweetheart. You’re gonna sit in one of these lovely cells and wait your damn turn.” The second guard said with a harsh laugh afterward.

You get stopped in front of a cell and shoved unceremoniously into it, the guards slamming the door shut and locking it behind you. As you sat down on the cold stone bench you let out a defeated whimper. You prayed that they wouldn’t go through your things or steal your mother’s jewelry. You prayed that they would even let the King and Queen know that you were here.

You weren’t sure how long you had been down in the cold dungeon cell but when you heard the door unlocking you lifted your head from your knees. One of the guards from earlier walked in and looked at you with disdain, “C’mon, get off of your pathetic ass and let's go! The King and Queen are waiting!” He said in the same harsh tone he had earlier and grabbed your wrist.

Unfortunately, your legs had fallen asleep from sitting in the same position for so long, so when the guard pulled on your wrist, your knees buckled. You let out a small cry when your knees hit the stone floor but the guard didn’t stop. The guard dragged you out of the cell, the rough stone floor tearing through your pants and scraping your skin. The pain made you grit your teeth and you tugged your arm back towards you in an effort to help yourself back onto your feet. Your attempt was successful, though it did earn you an irritated growl from the guard who just yanked your arm again.

The guard didn’t let you go the whole trek through the castle and only stopped dragging you when you stopped at a pair of fancy-looking doors. The guard sent you one last glare before he straightened up and knocked on the doors. You heard Mitsuki’s voice call out from inside and the guard opened one of the doors.

You were once again unceremoniously shoved and you stumbled into the grand throne room. You straightened up the best you could and tried to resist the urge to rub your wrist. You kept your eyes down towards the floor mostly out of shame over the disheveled appearance you wore. You could feel the pull of Katsuki’s soul and the knowledge that he was in the room gave you comfort.

“Good evening, young traveler. We sincerely apologize for any misunderstandings that may have occurred since you arrived-” Masaru’s gentle voice started.

“Misunderstandings? Jesus, Pops, look at her!” Katsuki yelled, coming to your defense, and your face flushed as your chest filled with appreciation.

“Shut it, brat! What is your business here, traveler?” Mitsuki demanded though she sounded more tired than anything else.

“I-I just wanted to see new lands, your highness. I come from a very small and sheltered village. I apologize for causing any trouble, Your Highnesses.” You said then finally looked up. Your eyes automatically connected with Katsuki’s and you pushed down the urge to giggle as his widened in surprise.

“You didn’t cause any trouble, young traveler. As for the matter of you st-”

“She can stay.” Katsuki’s statement cut off Masaru and earned him a glare from Mitsuki.

Mitsuki’s glare quickly turned into a smirk when she saw the look on her son’s face and you, once again, had to refrain from giggling.

“I suppose we can allow her to stay as long as Katsuki is with her at all times to keep an eye on her,” Mitsuki said with a teasing lilt to her tone.

“Fine. That’s fine.” Katsuki agreed quickly, making both of his parents look at him like he was a complete stranger.

“Alright.. Now that that’s settled... Katsuki, get the guards that brought her in to give her back her things and show her to a room.” Masaru said with a warm yet slightly hesitant smile.

“Thank you very much, your highnesses.” You said with a grateful smile and a curtsy.

Katsuki quickly got up from his throne and made his way over to you, lightly grabbing your arm and leading back through the doors you had entered through. He didn’t stop to talk to the guards though, he just kept pulling you through the castle wordlessly. After going down a couple of hallways you were finally pulled through a door into a bedroom that you assumed was his.

Katsuki closed the door behind you then immediately wrapped his arms around you and buried his face into the crook of your neck. You wrapped your arms around his bare torso equally as tight as giggles-turned-sobs left your mouth.

“I thought I told you to stop showing up to me injured, Violet.” Katsuki’s voice rasped against your skin.

“I tried this time, Kats. I really tried not to get hurt, but.. the guards that brought me in weren’t so kind.” The words spilled from your lips before you could stop them.

“And you’re going to point out who those guards were and I’ll punish them accordingly, starting with the one that pushed you into the throne room earlier,” Katsuki told you in a calm and even-toned voice but you could feel his hold become tighter from anger.

“Actually… the one that brought me to the throne room was one of them.. I don’t even care that they hurt me, Kats. I just want my stuff back and to finally just be with you.” You said quietly then kissed his neck once.

Katsuki let out a heavy sigh then nodded and pulled away from you reluctantly. His hands came up to your cheeks and gently wiped away your tears, a sad smile forming on his face.

“What’s wrong, my Love?” You asked softly as one of your hands came up to cup his cheek.

“I was just remembering the lifetime when you.. when you were a Mermaid and you didn’t know what tears were.” He said quietly as his eyes went slightly glassy.

“Aw, Kats..” You whispered before you leaned up and pressed your lips against his.

Remembering that lifetime was always really rough on both of you. It had been the one where you were together the longest, even if it had only been a few months. And it was the only one where you two had a child, even if the child hadn’t been born yet. The memories of how that life had ended still hit you both pretty hard.

“C’mon, my Love, let’s go get my stuff, maybe snag a meal because they didn’t give me any food while I was waiting for the meeting, and clean up my injuries, then we can cuddle all night long while we tell each other about this life. Sound good, Prince Katsuki?” You said softly with a warm smile.

“Yes, my Violet,” Katsuki murmured before kissing you deeply one more time, then leading you out of his room.

You slid the strap of your bag over your shoulder and re-sheathed the sword and dagger while Katsuki glared menacingly at the two guards that had brought you in. After he was finished silently threatening them, Katsuki took you to the kitchen where he cooked you a simple meal and sat with you while you ate. Finally, the two of you went back to his room for the night.

You were sat on the edge of Katsuki’s bed with your pants rolled up as he cleaned the scrapes on your knees and shins. He was grumbling about ‘killing the fucking bastard that did this’ and you were carding your fingers through his hair. When he finished bandaging you up he kissed over each knee then stood up and gently took your hand in his. He raised your arm and kissed over the bruise forming on your wrist then leaned in to kiss your lips.

You giggled into the kiss as Katsuki slotted himself between your legs and brought a hand up to the back of your neck to deepen the kiss. You ran your hands up his bare torso and a groan left his throat. You pulled back from the kiss to catch your breath and rested your forehead against his.

“So.. no shirt and just a cloak? You don’t believe in shirts in this life, my Love? All the girls in the kingdom just get to see what’s mine?” You teased as you walked your fingers over his defined abs and chest.

Katsuki chuckled and moved his head to bite your cheek before straightening up again, “I don’t know, Violet, this is just how I was raised. And let all of the other extras look, you’re the only one who gets to touch, Violet. You’re the only one I want to touch, my Eternal Love.” Katsuki explained, a smirk on his face when he finished talking.

He chuckled when you tried to cover up your flushing face. You always blushed whenever he would go all sweet and lusty. You poked at his chest as you stood up then went over to your bag and pulled out your nightgown. You both faced away from each other when you changed simply because there was a silent agreement that you wouldn’t have sex tonight but if you saw each other naked then there would be no going back.

Katsuki made sure that you were lying down before he put out all of the lanterns, then joined you. He snaked one arm under your head while the other curled over to pull your body into his. You both let out a sigh of contentment and he kissed your forehead.

“Kats?” You mumbled sleepily.

“Yes, Violet?” He questioned quietly.

“C’n we talk ‘bout our lives t’morrow? ‘M tired.” You said, your words slurred from exhaustion.

“Yeah, baby. It can wait til we wake up.” Katsuki said, his voice low and raspy from being tired.

“ ‘mmkay. Love you, Kats.” You whispered on the edge of sleep.

“Love you too, Violet,” Katsuki mumbled as his consciousness gave into the call of slumber.

At breakfast the next morning, Katsuki was informed that he would be excused from any princely duties he would’ve had for the day to show you around the capital. Queen Mitsuki had a servant fetch you some of her old clothes to wear and you gratefully thanked her. You and Katsuki finished eating and returned to his room to change.

You both managed to change without tearing each other's clothes back off as much as you both- but mainly Katsuki- had wanted to. You could feel his hungry gaze on you the whole way out of the castle. When you first put on the new clothes, you felt kind of exposed by the sleeveless and strapless top that barely covered your chest and ended just above your belly button and the low-rise pants that ended mid-shin. But your Love was quick to put your worries to rest as his eyes hardly left your body and he murmured sweet and lusty compliments into your ears.

As the both of you walked around the capital you got many stares cast your way and it felt like you could hear everyone’s whispers at once. Katsuki took your hand and squeezed it reassuringly while glaring at anybody who continued to look your way. You pushed your anxieties away and continued about your tour, Katsuki taking you to different shops and buying you small gifts and new clothes.

When you returned to the castle, you and your Love’s arms were full of enough clothes to fill a wardrobe along with some traditional jewelry and a few pairs of shoes. Katsuki was very determined to get you everything you would need to start feeling comfortable there in what was to be your new home kingdom.

“I truly did not need all of these things, Kats.” You said with a sheepish yet appreciative smile as you helped him put your new things away in his room.

“Of course, you needed all this damn stuff! I finally have you in my arms again and I don’t plan on letting you go, Violet!” Katsuki grumbled back to you with feigned annoyance.

“And I wasn’t planning on going anywhere, my Love. Though, your parents are under the impression that I will only be here for a few days.” You said as you wrapped your arms around his torso and rested your chin against his chest, looking up at him.

“We’ll figure something out, Violet. Not our fault if nobody else remembers their previous lives.” He rasped gently then kissed your forehead.

In one swift motion, Katsuki scooped you up bridal style, took a few steps to his bed, and gently dropped you onto it. You giggled at his actions then let out a quiet ‘oof’ when he laid on top of you with his full weight. You took comfort in his warm weight squishing your body into the mattress and brought a hand up to run through his hair.

“So, you gonna tell me about your life this time around or what?” Katsuki mumbled into the crook of your neck and you smiled at the tingly shiver that ran down your spine from the feeling of his lips brushing against your skin.

“Well, believe it or not, I’m actually royalty just like you in this life.” You started, then proceeded to tell Katsuki about your life up until that point.

He had been shocked to find out that you were a Princess, then angered over how you were treated by your own father. He was also annoyed that you ended up in Prince Izuku’s company before his but was easily soothed by some head scratches and kisses. When you were finished with your tale, Katsuki told you all about his own.

From that day forward, you had remained in the Kingdom of the South and made it your new home. It hadn’t taken much to convince King Masaru and Queen Mitsuki to let you stay as they had witnessed how much of an interest their son had taken in you. They had allowed Katsuki to court you and Mitsuki had treated you like the daughter she never had.

As time went by, you and Katsuki had become increasingly happy that things in your lives had seemed to be going very well. But along with the happiness and joy, there was also the anxiety that sat in the pit of both of your stomachs of something going wrong.

Your time together had reached a new record as you approached three years past finding each other in that lifetime. When your time together had reached two years and nothing happened to bring about either one of your deaths, you and Katsuki had decided to get married. Not long after marrying, you and Katsuki had been crowned the new King and Queen of the Kingdom of the South.

Soon after you both crowned the new rulers of the Kingdom of the South, you found out that you were with child. Though you had planned for it, after much discussion between the two of you, it was still a bit scary to discover that you had been sick not because of an illness. You and Katsuki still had nightmares from the memories of your lifetime as a Mermaid but you both shoved away the fears as your new life seemed to be going just fine.

As the months had gone by it was not just you and Katsuki who were excited about the baby. The kingdom’s subjects were very excited and happy for you as well, and many of them had sent gifts to the castle. You spent a lot of your time going through said gifts and appreciating the hard work that had gone into them. Many times Katsuki had found you blubbering over handmade baby clothes, small pairs of shoes, hand-stitched quilts and blankets, and even pieces of jewelry for yourself.

Then the day had come for your and Katsuki’s baby to make their arrival and, oh, what a long day that was. You labored for many hours and Katsuki was there for you the whole time. He had endured your pain-filled screams and bone-crushing grips on his hands and even a few insults thrown at him from your pain-driven rage. He did it all with excitement in his heart, amazement in his eyes, and encouraging words pouring from his lips.

Finally, as the sun was setting that evening, the loud cries of a new life echoed off of the castle walls. With your husband, your Eternal Love, by your side, your dark-haired and crimson-eyed baby boy was put into your weak and shaky but waiting arms. You looked to your Love, saw his shiny eyes full of love and amazement and the few tears rolling down his face, and smiled tiredly.

Suddenly, the room had begun to spin and you told Katsuki to take the baby because you feared dropping your new son. Katsuki’s joy quickly turned to fear and his panic-filled voice started asking what was wrong. You weakly told him that you weren’t feeling good as the castle doctors were now scrambling as they tried to get your bleeding under control.

“Please, Violet, please don’t leave us.” Katsuki pleaded in a broken voice, his few tears becoming streams down his face.

“I’m s-sorry, Kats.. Do y-you th-ink w-we are g-getting closer to o-our pe-peaceful f-forever to-gether? O-or are we g-going t-to have to k-keep s-suffering?” You asked weakly as you cried and held a hand out to brush against your baby’s cheek.

“Damn it, Violet! You fuckers better keep trying to help her, damn it! Just hang in there, my Violet, please!” Katsuki shouted before crying into your shoulder as he carefully hugged you close.

“T-take c-care of Ka-Kazuki.. H-he is g-oing t-to be s-so str-str-ong j-ust l-ike h-his papa i-is.. I.. l-love.. y-you.. both..” You weakly whispered out as final tears left your eyes and your vision faded to a familiar blackness.

The shattered and pain-filled shout Katsuki let out as you fell limp in his grasp echoed throughout the castle and around your dark void.

Author's Note ~ Okay, so.. don't judge me for Katsuki and Violet's child's name.. I wrote this fic months ago and I liked the name at the time (it means strength if I remember correctly) and haven't changed it to anything else since, haha.. Also, I'm sorry for yet another tear-inducing ending but it hurts so good doesn't it..? *smiles nervously* <3

Tag List ~ @damnirina @queenpiranhadon

#One Life After Another Forevermore #katsuki bakugo x reader #bakugou katsuki x fem!reader #bakugou katsuki x you #bakugou katsuki x y/n #mha bakugou #bakugo katuski #bakugo brain rot #bnha bakugou #mha bakugo katsuki #mha #bnha #reader insert #x reader #fanfic #royalty

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