Shoto Todoroki Oneshots

The Lost Prince Pt.2

The ball was just as gaudy and tedious as Bakugou expected it to be. After all, it was entirely identical to the one the night before. A giant, unnecessarily grand, ballroom full of fake extras who want nothing more than to suck up to each other in order to marry off their kids or get tariffs reduced on their trading deals. He sighed as he picked up a glass of red wine from the passing servants' tray, downing it quickly before his parents saw. 

His mother and father didn't really approve of him drinking on formal occasions because apparently he became loud and more agressive, not knowing that he had only started drinking at these things for the purpose of forgetting about the dozens of young men and women he was introduced too. 

The music band began a new song upon their stage in the far corner of the ballroom, their wind and brass instruments inviting the nobles onto the centre floor for the next dance. Bakugou made sure to stand as much against the wall as possible, hopefully trying to hide his hair amongst the vibrant decorations so he wouldn't be forced to dance. It's not like he couldn't, he was excellent at it in fact, but he found dancing to be a more intimate practise that should be shared with someone one cared about not just for the sake of politics.

He groaned as the music grew louder and scanned the room for familiar black or red hair in the crowd. Sero and Kirishima were most likely stuffing themselves like pigs at the banquet table but he hoped they had found a way to excuse him from the event for the night. He couldn't feign sickness, his mother wasn't a fool, and there were guards who would alert his parents of his absence if he took leave. Therefore the only way out was to create a diversion or find a secret exit. And well, Sero was excellent at finding those.

With everyone focusing on the dance, Bakugou slid his way around the edge of the room until he found his attendants snickering and giggling in the corner. Clearly, they had had a little too much to drink, but the grinned and waved him over excitedly when he appears.

"Bakugou!" Kirishima grinned, "Have ya found a pretty partner yet?"

"Shut your damn mouth. Have you found a way out or not?" he asked sternly, not wanting to be in the ballroom a moment longer.

At this, Sero grinned, and the two of them stepped apart to reveal a hidden door behind one of the golden-threaded ornate tapestries hanging on the walls of the ballroom.

"It leads to the kitchen, take a left and you're at the garden." 

"If the old hag asks where I'm gone tell her I'm eloping." Bakugou smirked before heading into the dark tunnel beyond the tapestry, turning around for one last look at his attendants waving before the tapestry fell down between them. 

The tunnel was dim but thankfully short, and after hitting his head only once on a sharp corner he found himself at the entrance to the servants' kitchens. They were all focused on producing more and more dishes for the banquet, their jobs probably at stake if they weren't quick, so he slipped through quickly and inhaled the fresh evening air with a smile. It was almost like he was back at home: feeling the crisp, cool breeze of the mountains. 

This time he had no cloak, but he hoped the festivities in town allowed him to blend in. And, instead of wandering aimlessly, he now had a destination in mind. The capital city was truly alive with music, hanging lanterns and banners, and all sorts of bars open for drinks and dance. People crowded in the streets in their finest clothing, painted masks or decorated silks.

Once he reached the town the festivities dwindled down, but there were still stalls and decorations all around, people dancing in large groups with smiles on their faces. The Usaki townspeople looked relaxed and free from all care and responsibility; the delicious aroma coming from the village hall made Bakugou's mouth water. There were adults, young children and the elderly all sharing in the celebrations. And yet there was no distinct red and white in sight.