‶PROXIMITYʺ | BKDK

Chap. 9

Katsuki could barely sleep. Izuku struggled aswell, but for entirely different reasons. He couldn't chase away the thought of what had happened in the dining hall earlier during dinner, and he certainly couldn't forget the cute boy he had seen after that too. It got to the point Izuku wasn't sure if he wanted to leave the room for fresh air or stay under his desk, he tossed and turned but to no avail. With a final huff, Izuku stood from his bed and slowly tip-toed over to the door. He lightly pressed on the floor with each step, assuring to himself it wouldn't creak or make a sound before taking the step of faith.

Once outside of the Kings room, Izuku sighed and wandered down the hall, he retraced his steps from earlier today and found himself soon in the dining hall. He glanced around himself, eyeing up a few armoured stands before his eyes flashed in recognition of the door that the servers had come from. Izuku figured that must be the kitchen door.

The castle was even more silent now that Izuku was awake. Before, the howl of wind rushing past the window accompanied Izuku in his restless state but now, only the sound of oak on marble sounded and even that didn't fill the soundless void. Izuku peeked past the door, using his free hand to filter the wall in search of a switch; when he managed to turn the lights on, he now looked around the room.

Pots and pans hung from the ceiling, hung by long pieces of string that looked to be pinned up. There was an island counter in the middle of the room with a stove in the middle, a small divider in the middle too with a shelf sticking out from it which held an array of seasonings and spices. A sink lay clean and shiny across the room, another one near the fridge that was behind the door. Three bins spread through the kitchen, all empty with fresh sacks in and ready for use.

Izuku walked through the large room over to a big, white box. He tugged the lid open and icy cold air flew out, sending a shiver down the boys spine as he peered inside. A bunch of packaged meat lay untouched and frosty inside and Izuku finally recognised this as a big freezer. He mentally noted where everything was before he strode over to the fruit bowl that stood next to the oven, took a banana and left the room.

As the boy continued, he munched away happily, recounting his steps yet again, many turns and corners, an entire set of stairs that Izuku noted to count as he went down, and finally the familiar steel bars that separated him from the boy he saw earlier.

"Hello..?" Izuku timidly called out, hiding the empty banana peel behind a wall that met him before he had to turn another corner to walk down the room. Cells scattered on either side, only a few being occupied. Izuku recognised the white and red hair shining amongst the dark colours, his figure was slouched against the brick wall and his dirty blue vest lay messily by side of his bed.

"What are you doing here?" A voice
echoed, solemn and deep. "I don't think the highness would appreciate you here," there was a pause. "Especially with me."

Izuku frowned but followed the voice.

"And why wouldn't he?"

"Because of where I came from."

Shoto stepped into the dim lantern light and glanced at the small Omega. Izuku blushed as he also looked at Shoto, abs and chest completely exposed, his shirt wrapped around his waist with the long sleeves. His body contoured and flexed as he moved over to the boy who was entranced with his movements.

"The King can be possessive."

Izuku shuddered as he realised he had unknowingly stepped closer to the metal bars, as did Shoto. They were face to face, one being half naked at that, to the point they could feel eachothers breath on their face.

"I can tell," Izuku breathed, his eyes looking up into Shoto's.

"Are you sure you won't get into trouble?"

Izuku looked down at his feet, brows knitting into a frown. "Probably, but.." He gulped. "If I'm going to be stuck here, he can atleast let me make friends."

"Friends, aye?" Shoto smirked and gripped the bars with his hands.

Izuku chuckled quietly and chose to sit down, leaning against the bars of the cell. Shoto joined him a few minutes after.

"So.." Izuku murmured. "What's it like where you live?"

Shoto hummed for a minute. "Quiet." He drummed his fingertips rhythmically before continuing, "My father's always busy. He's either planning or doing public outings to look good, but believe me, behind closed doors.."

Izuku sensed Shoto's reluctance.

"I understand."

"You do?"

Izuku softly nodded and inched his hand under the cell bars. Shoto took note, and timidly reached his hand over to Izuku's. The younger took the others hand in gratefully, awkwardly holding his slender fingers with the small space they had.

"Your home life is bad, I get it. It isn't peaceful," Izuku closed his eyes.

"Maybe you could be my peace?" Shoto mumbled, causing Izuku to brighten red.

"Maybe.."

"Shut it!" Another prisoner yelled, kicking the bars of his own cell.

Izuku giggled, earning a chuckle from Shoto himself.

"Are you alright? Do they really feed you in here?"

"Yea, not good food but its still food, isn't it? I mostly get the scraps."

Izuku suddenly felt a huge amount of guilt for the banana he ate before coming down here, now realising he should of brought Shoto something to eat.

"Would you mind if I got you some food next time?"

Shoto shook his head, "On the contrary, I'd be grateful."

Izuku smiled, though it was small. Atleast he could help in some way.

"Was you born with your hair like that?"

Izuku felt Shoto's hand tense beneath his, "It was. My mother didn't really like it much."

"Really?"

"Yea.."

"Weird, because I love it!" Izuku chirped, "It's unique, reminds me of Christmas! Yknow them candy canes?"

"Candy canes?"

"You have never had them?"

Shoto shook his head.

"Oh my god. You totally have to try them! I don't think anywhere else does it, but I grew up in this Kingdom and every Christmas, my Mother made it a tradition to go into town and get me some!"

Shoto smiled, "It sounds like you have some fond memories." He sighed, closing his eyes. "I think I'd like it.. if you brought me some, we could share."

Izuku shook with excitement, a massive grin on his face.

"I'll make sure to!"

"I think you should go now."

Izuku stopped and glanced at Shoto. "Are you tired?"

"No, but it's best. I don't want the King to wake up and see you're gone."

"Ah- right," Izuku braced himself and stood, dusting off his clothes. "I'll see you soon?"

Shoto looked up at Izuku, a soft smile on his face.

"Absolutely. Goodnight, Midoriya."

"Goodnight, Todoroki."