Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XLV

Quiet whispering slowly drew him away from slumber, mixing in with the sunbeams that rested gently upon his face. He hadn't felt sun like this in some time, and whilst he could still feel the cool breeze from the constantly-falling snow, it helped ease the usual pull of his anxieties when he awoke each morning.

He was lying on something soft, and a hand was running through his hair. He heard someone muffle a laugh and he turned to bury his face further into whatever was encompassing him. He hadn't felt so relaxed in quite some time, and hoped he would get to retain it a little longer before his duties for the day called for his presence. 

As he slowly awoke, he managed to dissect the cluster of voices around him. It sounded like Momo was above him, had he fallen asleep on her shoulder last night? He hoped it wasn't too uncomfortable. Jirou was on his left side, and it sounded like Mina was somewhere nearby. Had she come to wake them for breakfast? The thought of good food helped him pull open his weary eyelids and sit up, arms like led underneath him. 

"Good morning, Shoto." Momo greeted warmly, her hair falling around her shoulders instead of in its usual ponytail. She looked relaxed, so unlike when in her parents' house, and he hoped it would continue during her stay here. In spite of the looming war, even Shoto found himself revelling in those precious spare moments to relax, to slow his breath and ease his tense muscles. He would have to show her to the onsen, the hot springs here nothing like their baths at home. 

"Good morning." he replied, brushing his hair from his eyes and stretching his arms above his head. A hand patted his head and ruffled up the red and white, no doubt mixing the colours together. He heard Mina laugh.

"Shoto, lucky you! I wish I'd sleep so peacefully when with Kiri!" She sighed. "He always ends up sprawling out and whacking me with his knees!"

He truly had slept peacefully, and it was rather difficult not to give into the lull of drowsiness. Still, there was much to do today and as the sun was far past the horizon it was time to get up and have breakfast. He said goodbye to his friends before returning to his room to get ready, agreeing to meet them in the dining hall. He yawned several times, tears forming in the corners of his eyes that he rubbed away in hopes of looking somewhat put together and not half-asleep as he made the small journey to his room. He had no such luck, and bumped into the one person he most certainly did not want to see him looking so messy. 

Turning the corner that led to the corridor where his room resided, he bumped into a muscled figure, cloak swaying behind them. Shoto stumbled back, one hand leaning onto the wall to keep him upright whilst two other hands grabbed his shoulders and pulled him forwards. 

"Damn, Halfie, ya hungover or something?" Bakugou greeted him. 

Shoto hummed, slightly leaning into the hand that reached up to help sort out his hair, the motions slow and careful. It was so gentle it needed to stop else he would fall back asleep. Once Bakugou was satisfied, he took a step back and looked him over, Shoto yawning once more.

"Good morning, Bakugou." Shoto returned the greeting rather delayed. He needs to wash and dress for breakfast, and some cold water would do wonders in helping him wake up.

"Where'd ya go last night?" Bakugou asked, leaning one shoulder against the wall, one hand slipping from Shoto's shoulder to his waist ready to catch him should he slide down the wall after deciding to join the man. 

"I was with Momo and Jirou." He yawned again, humming quietly as he shut his eyes. There were a few sunbeams filtering through the nearby window and they felt so good against the cool chill that ran through the corridor. It was almost like the weather today was telling him to just stay in bed. He really wished he could, but time wouldn't allow it.