Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XXVI

Once Bakugou had finished getting everything ready, they began the walk down to the hall where their announcements would be made. Bakugou seemed tense, his jaw set and muscles clenching in his forearms. Shoto understood how difficult this would be, both for him and for his people; for such a conflict to appear when he had only been king for a short time...

"Your people will stand by you." Shoto stated, already hearing the growing crowds in the distance; with all doors open to allow everyone in, the castle held a winter chill that even the greatest fires couldn't completely diminish. 

"Course they fucking will." Bakugou didn't look at him, intent on glaring straight ahead. 

Shoto nodded, knowing there were probably few words that could comfort Bakugou now. Instead he focused on himself, managing his breathing and temperature, trying to stay calm in face of the churning in his gut. The people would have faith in Bakugou, but could they put their trust in him? The son of the enemy? He wanted them to see he was not like him, he didn't want to hurt them or destroy their homeland. Could they ever-

"They'll accept you." Bakugou's voice pulled him out of his thoughts, deep and unwavering but still holding tension. 

"You believe that?"

"You won our battle so you earned their respect. If you were the enemy ya could've killed me with that dagger of ice."

Almost as if on instinct, he reached one hand up, his fingertips ghosting over his now bare collarbone peeking out over his shirt and tunic. 

"What if I'm not worthy of their respect? What have I done to deserve their kindness?" he asked quietly, the crowds growing ever louder. 

"Kindness receives kindness, or whatever shit the old man says." Bakugou grunted out, pushing open the next door leading to the main staircase. "It'll be fucking fine."

Shoto still wasn't sure, but he had no time to ask more questions for they were greeting everybody before entering the hall. Midoriya was there, alongside the tribe representatives, all wearing their ornaments. For Kirishima it was black leather bands around his biceps with golden thread woven throughout. For Mina it was a silver circlet resting atop pink curls. Sero carried a bronze dagger in a brown leather sheath, and Denki gold earrings that fell down in a swirling pattern. They also had on fine-quality clothes and different body paints.

Midoriya stood next to him whilst Bakugou spoke to his friends, or more like he was shouting at them to behave. He saw the man looking at him before turning away when he thought he had been caught, most notably at his upper-half.

"Is something the-"

"Where is Kaa-"

They spoke at the same time, Midoriya stammering and waving his hands whilst Shoto nodded for him to speak first.

"I just noticed you're not wearing Kaachan's necklace. Did something happen?" he sounded worried and his brows furrowed. 

"We..." Shoto paused to reflect before speaking again, "we had a disagreement. But we've spoken and have decided to try and act cordially with each other for the sake of the war efforts." 

"A disagreement? Over what?" Midoriya now sounded more worried. "I hope Kaachan didn't say anything-"

"It is in the past Midoriya, don't dwell on it any longer."

"Right. Of course," Midoriya shook his head, "it's not really my business."

"However, I was hoping to have your company for a while after the announcement has been made, I've some work that I've started that I'd like your input on. Bakugou has already seen it."