Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XV

Masaru left the library a short while later, leaving Shoto to lament in his thoughts. Masaru's words stuck with him the rest of the day, pondering over them even as he was discovered by Kirishima in the library and was dragged to the dining hall for dinner. The food was delicious, the company warm, and no-one mentioned his absence yesterday. He was too caught up in his thoughts to contribute to the conversation, wondering what the man meant by saying he was trying.

Trying to do what? To not be a coward once more and run away? For trying to keep going despite the hardships life had thrown at him? For trying to be civil with Bakugou? The latter wasn't exactly an effort, their interactions just sort of shifted the longer Shoto stayed with them. For trying to understand the tribes, their cultures and history, even though any information he learned could be used as a weapon by his father if he ended up back in Endeavour?

The confusing words frustrated him, and it must have reflected on his face for crunchy veg, roasted potatoes and fried chicken were constantly being piled onto his plate as if he could eat away his stress. The spread was delicious, however, and he was sure parts of the meal were leftovers from the celebrations. He wondered, now that winter was looming ever closer, if the foods would change in the Tribes or whether they had magic to combat it. 

"So Shoto," Midoriya began, turning in his seat next to him to give a kind smile, "I'm going on a trip tomorrow to the monasteries and was wondering if you wanted to come with me?"

"Monasteries?" He didn't know there were religious people in the Tribes, rather assuming they valued spiritual connections with ancestors and nature.

"Yes, where the elders reside. I visit every so often, and think it'd be interesting for you. You know, to learn more about us; there's only so much I can teach you." Midoriya added sheepishly.

"You're very knowledgeable, don't doubt yourself."

"A-ah, thanks!" The man's cheeks reddened further, maybe he had drank too much alcohol. "Anyways, do you wanna come? It's just for the day!"

He considered the offer for a moment. Whilst he would like some more time to rest, it was also a good learning opportunity as Midoriya said. Besides, he hadn't exactly been anywhere other than the town centre so it would be interesting to see other parts of the Tribe lands.

"Alright, I'd like to accompany you." 

"Awesome! We'll meet at the castle gate at dawn?"

"Okay."

Seeing Midoriya's excitement made him feel warm, and he held a small smile of his own for the rest of the meal. As he went to pour a glass of water he noticed red eyes watching, frowning with an emotion similar to anger but not quite. Bakugou switched his attention from Shoto to Midoriya, going back and forth as his frown grew, until he grunted and looked down at his plate and eating a whole chicken leg in one bite.

"You're going to choke. A pitiful way for a king to die." he spoke, slightly loud in order to be heard over Denki and Mina's bickering.

"Fuck off. Like I care what you think." The response was rude, the tone sharp and biting it made him recoil, sitting back in his seat whilst something aching sat against his chest.

"Kaachan, don't be rude! He's only trying to make sure you don't choke and die!" Midoriya lightly scolded from next to him. 

"Fuck you Deku, shouldn't you be more bothered about the princess over there? Pacing in front of his room all fucking day like some noble night." 

Bakugou's mood seemed sour, and it caught the attention of the rest of the group. Shoto looked from Midoriya's confused expression to Bakugou's angry one, and concluded that it was him causing this sudden rift between them. Was it Midoriya then, pacing outside his room, his footsteps the ones he could make out through his muddled mind? But, he swore he heard different kinds, some heavier and louder than others. And the person who came into his room, shutting the curtains and lighting the candles, leaving tarts for him to eat, he thought it was...