Ethereal ◆ Shoto Todoroki x Reader

For the Future

◆ Part 2: Chapter 31 ◆

For the Future

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"If this plan works, then the kingdoms will all be allies, and the resistance will disappear. The people can choose their rulers!"

Sobakasu's hands are shaking as he presents Takahashi's compromise, but his voice is firm and assuring. You look around the room, searching for reactions in the royals' faces.

Yaoyorozu and her parents look intrigued, as do the Iidas. Prince Katsuki's parents look serious, but their son is staring across the room at Kyuen. Or perhaps Hiro, not that he would notice.

He's listening intently, patting his guide dog's head. He speaks up, surprising everyone.

"What if the kingdom doesn't have an heir?" Your brother asks.

Sobakasu nods. "They would do whatever they would normally. Assign a spouse and . . . well . . . provide one."

Hiro visibly cringes. "But what if the villagers don't approve of the heir? They vote negatively? Surely this will happen at some point."

"Then," the advisor clears his throat, "the crown will be assigned to the next people-approved relative of the royals. The heir's sibling, preferably."

Iida's father speaks up. "There could potentially be issues, but for now, I'd say this is a fine compromise."

"It'd keep the devilish league at bay until Queen Todoroki's twins are born, at least," Queen Mitsuki comments. 

You smile at her.

Sobakasu lets the foreign royals think the decision over, and watches as they whisper among themselves. You turn to your husband.

"You think it'll be okay?" You whisper to him. 

"I hope so," he nods, "for our future. For their future."

The King and Queen of the Yaoyorozu kingdom decide first. "My wife and I agree to this compromise."

The Iida family stands up, bowing. "As do we."

King Masaru nods. "The Bakugou kingdom will compromise as well."

Last but not least, Hiro stands up. "I support you all. I wish the best for our future."

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"You didn't tell me he'd be here!" Your brother whispers quickly in your ear.

You're in the common room, where the royals are signing the alliance and talking amongst themselves. Hiro, though, seems stressed. 

"Who?" You tilt your head. "What's wrong?"

"Takahashi," Hiro sighs, "I can hear him laughing across the room. It haunts me." Your brother drapes an arm over your shoulder, shielding his unseeing eyes.

"Hiro, stop being overdramatic," you shake your head, pushing him off of you, "what's wrong with him? He's been my friend for forever."

"Oh, alas, there's something I never told you, now it's too late."

"Seriously, Hiro, are you okay?"

"Jeez, I just," Hiro chuckles, "well, things are awkward between us."

You furrow your brows. "What happened? Did he say something to you? I swear I'll—"

"No, no," your brother waves his hands, "I never told you this, but I had a crush on him. When I told him, it didn't go too well."

"Oh, Hiro," you say, hugging him softly.

"No, it's fine now," he assures you, "I don't like him anymore. It's just awkward."

"What'd he do?"

"Nothing, he was super chill and nice about it but I just kinda maybe confessed to him in front of his dead lover's grave—"

"Oh my god, Hiro."

"I know, I know!" He whines, "I'm a mess and I can't stop thinking about it!"

"It's not that big of a deal, sort of," you reassure him, patting his back, "Takahashi's a nice guy, I'm sure he won't act awkward. You don't even have to talk to him if you don't—oh shoot he's coming over here."

Hiro fixes his hair quickly, running his hands through it and taking a deep breath. He pauses.

"Where?"

"Oh hey, Hiro!"

Hiro jumps, bumping into you. You shake your head, pushing him forward and placing his hand on Kyuen's head. "It's fine," you whisper in his ear.

You leave your brother with the one-armed pirate alone, knowing it's not really any of your business. A few minutes later, they're laughing and joking around like they always used to. You smile.

"What's up?" Shoto says, appearing beside you. You snap your head to him.

"You scared me, Sho," you sigh, "how do you move so quietly?"

"I don't know."

"What's on your face?"

"I don't know."

"Did you have some of the cake?" You ask, reaching up to his cheek, "there's cake, right? There's always cake."

"Mhm."

As you wipe the frosting off his cheeks with a finger, he gives you a kiss on the lips, smiling against you. 

"Shoto, not here," you giggle, looking up at him. "We'd have to leave, and I can't imagine leaving such an important party for just a kiss."

"More than a kiss, if you'd like, my queen."

"Ah, well," you smile, "I've been feeling a little nauseous, anyhow. The pregnancy, perhaps? Good excuse to leave a party."

"I'd say it is, also," Shoto whispers, taking your hand and leading you towards the exit, "should I check your temperature, for good measure?"

"You may."

He boops his forehead to yours, holding it there for a moment. "You're feeling extra hot today, your Majesty. Should I take care of that?"

"Please do."

You leave the room, announcing your sudden tummy ache. It's the pregnancy, for sure.

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