The royal twins

43

The week went by like the blink of an eye, and finally, it was the day before the ball. Everyone in the palace was busy. Shoto was doing king work in the study, so there was nothing leftover for the weekend. You were making sure everything was perfect, everyone has their clothes, and etc. Hawks and Natsuo were employing extra guards to protect the palace. Katsuki and Eri were helping the cooks with the food, and Kirishima was at his final dance lesson.

"You've done well this past week," Kurenai said as she danced around the ballroom floor with Kirishima. His movements were elegant, as if he'd been dancing his whole life, and he grinned.

"All thanks to you, Kurenai Sensei. I hope I don't screw this up."

'Don't worry. You'll do fine with the queen," she said with a smile.

"Thank you. Now, I've got a few things to do before tomorrow. Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome, EIjiro."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Natsuo walked into the study. "It's done," he said as he plopped down in a spare chair.

"Good, thank you," Shoto said as he skimmed over the paperwork he had in hand. Kirishima knocked on the door, then peeked inside.

"Oh! You both are here; good."

"Kirishima," Shoto said. "How's your week back been?"

"It's been good. I haven't been sleeping much but," he paused and shrugged. "But, that's not why I'm here."

"Why are you here then?" Natsuo said.

"I've been getting dance lessons from Kurenai Sensei all week," he started.

"Have you now?" Natsuo said.

He nodded. "I did it because I want ____ to be my date to the ball." Kirishima sighed. "So... will you please give me permission to ask her?"

Shoto and Natsuo looked at each other. "I guess," Shoto said. "You have been working hard all week, it would be a shame for it to all go to waste."

Kirishima smiled and looked at Natsuo. He stood up from his seat and walked over to Kirishima. "My baby sister really seems to care about you," he said as he narrowed his eyes at him. "Don't blow it."

Kirishima grinned. "Thank you," he beamed. "I swear, I won't."

~~~~~~

I sighed and finally plopped down onto my bed. I've been running round the castle nonstop to make sure everything is perfect for the ball.

"This was much easier when father did it for me," I whined with a small huff. Then, there was a knock at my door.

"Come in," I said.

Kiri stepped into my room stiffly and closed the door.

"Kiri! How are you? I haven't seen you at all today."

"I've been with Kurenai Sensei," he said.

"Kurenai Sensei?" I said. "Why?"

"Learning how to dance. I've been going to her all week."

"That's amazing," I said with a smile. "I hope it went well."

"It has." He said with a small sigh. "So," he paused. "I was wondering- no wait. First I wanna say, I'm sorry for pushing you away this past week, especially the day I got back. I just didn't wanna talk about it just yet, and, honestly, I don't think I'm ready to talk now. I shouldn't have pushed you away, though, and I wish I didn't."

I smiled and reached my hand out for his. He grabbed my hand and sat next to me. "It's alright, Kiri. I understand, don't worry."

He nodded. "____. I love you, and, if you'll allow it. I really wanna be with you, so." He paused again. My heart started beating faster, I swear it was gonna fly right out of my chest at any moment.

"Will you be my date to your ball? I learned to dance, so I can properly dance with you."

I smiled and nodded. "Of course," I said. "I would love to be your date."

"Yes!" He exclaimed happily. "I was so scared you would say no."

I couldn't help but giggle. "You're pretty adorable, Kiri."

"And you, my queen, are beautiful," he said smoothly before he kissed my forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow."

I nodded. "Yeah, tomorrow."

~~~~~

"Sho!" I squealed as I burst into his room. "I've got a date~"

"I'm aware. He asked Natsuo and I for permission first."

"Really? I didn't think he would really do that."

"He did." Shoto smiled. "I think he's a good guy. He really likes you."

"Yeah," I mumbled with a smile. "I guess he is pretty great. Izuku is coming right?"

Shoto nodded. "Yes. So will All Might, Ochako, and her parents. Mina is already here."

"Really?!"

"She fell asleep, though. She was so excited," Shoto chuckled. "Literally bouncing off the walls."

"Sounds like her," I said with a smile. "Sho, I'm starting to feel really happy. Like," I paused. "Like Kiri coming home just unlocked a door inside me that contains all the joy I thought I lost."

"That happens when you're in love."

"I-" I paused. "How would you know!? Have you ever been in love?!"

'No." he said. "But, I remember mother's stories she used to tell me about her and father, before any of us. She described love like that, in a way. "

I smiled. "That's amazing."

"Yeah," he said. "Well, you should go get to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow before the ball."

I nodded and climbed into his bed. "Hey, since we're on the subject of mom," I paused. "Let me sing to you."

Shoto paused for a moment and nodded. "Alright." He climbed into bed next to me. "Alright! Snuggle close."

He chuckled, and I started to sing.