Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XLIV

They embraced for a long time until they found their footing and Shoto could break away without the fear that Momo would disappear. Throughout his life, on the occasions that they met, she was his rock: she would listen to his words, encourage him to act for himself, and in turn he tried to do his best to provide companionship during her lonely days studying or meeting with potential suitor after potential suitor. Neither of them had control over their lives, their actions, even their words; so together they created a space where they could be themselves entirely and dream about what life would be like if they had been born under different roofs. As they grew older their duties grew larger, and so they could not see each other as often as they wished. Letters, for Shoto, were often the only times he would communicate with someone outside the castle, and he felt grateful that someone was wonderful as Momo continued to correspond and value their friendship. 

"You look good, Shoto." Momo complimented. "And your earrings, were they handmade? They look so delicate!" She gushed. Of course, Shoto thought with something akin to fondness, the first thing she noticed were the jewels that adorned him. Momo always had a taste for the finer things she could afford.

"They were a gift." he responded, sighing as she turned his face left and right to get a better look; he caught Jirou hiding her laughter behind her hand, grinning when she met Shoto's eyes.

"She was worried you would be skinny and dirty. She kept debating over whether to bring you some new clothes and more soaps."

"I have more than enough here. Everyone is kind and generous."

"I'm glad they've been treating you well." Momo smiled, before a growl erupted and her face became an expression of pure horror, the red blush on her cheeks from the icy temperatures outside draining away. Jirou started laughing once more.

"We didn't stop as much as we should've. She was in hurry to get here and dragged us all along."

"There truly are many of you. I'm sure you must all be hungry." He turned around, noticing that Bakugou and Kirishima were watching from the corner of the room. He asked Momo to wait a moment before walking over to them.

"Ya nice and cosy with that chic, hah?" Bakugou asked, arms folded and a scowl on his face. Kirishima nudged him in the side, raising a brow in the king's direction. 

"Momo and I have known each other since childhood. She was my first true friend, and a companion I treasure." Shoto stated. "Jirou is her personal guard, and as I hoped in my letter she has brought with her the best soldiers in her squadron."

"More allies!" Kirishima exclaimed, fists pounding together. "This'll be great, right Bakubro?"

"It will." Shoto replied when Bakugou huffed. "But they've had a long journey and are rather hungry. Would it be possible to have an early lunch?"

"I'll head down to the kitchen!" Kirishima offered. "Blasty, you should go introduce yourself." 

"I'm not the damn visitor."

Kirishima waved and ran off to the kitchens, leaving Bakugou and Shoto alone. He could hear the soldiers talking behind them, discussing the castle and their tiring trip. He could feel Momo and Jirou's eyes on them.

"They will be excellent allies, both on the battlefield and politically." With that, Shoto grabbed Bakugou's wrist and walked them back over to the two women. "This is Bakugou Katsuki, king of the Tribe lands."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Momo held her hand out cordially, her gentle smile not wavering even as Bakugou momentarily tightened his grip, eyes judgemental. "I trust you've been treating Shoto well."

"He's the one making shit difficult." Bakugou stated, glaring at Shoto. He suddenly found the carpet rather interesting, were there brown threads mixed in with the reds?