Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XLVI

"Shoto," Iida began in a careful tone when they had concluded their training, heading towards the hot baths to relax, "I find myself rather confused about something."

"Is something wrong?" Shoto asked, holding open the door for his three companions to walk through. "I thought you had gotten used to the idea of having shared baths?"

"Oh, no! That's not it at all! It's something more confounding."

"Well, I think it's rather liberating." Momo commented. "Everyone here shares everything, why are baths any different." Shoto nodded in agreement. Besides, there was always so much steam in the room it was difficult to see anything other than people's faces, which did help the shock of seeing the representatives in the water with him for the first time. He had always bathed alone, after all.

Iida sighed, sounding exasperated. 

"My dear Momo, I thought you of all people would understand my query."

Momo raised a curious brow before her eyes widened and she nodded her head rather quickly. From where she had already entered the hot water, Jirou huffed a laugh.

"Shoto dear, you must tell us about your relationship with Bakugou!" Momo demanded. "Of course there was the arranged marriage which I personally dislike the notion of, although for some I believe it is important to have the blessing and guidance of one's parents. But besides that, it does not seem like you're at each other's throats. Dare I say it, the king seems rather fond of you."

"He does?" He asked from where he was reaching for the hair oil Momo had brought with her. "Does he not treat me like everyone else?"

"By the looks of those earrings, I'd say he doesn't." Jirou stated, amusement in her eyes.

"I did not want to comment on them when I first arrived," Iida began, "I did not want to be rude if it was a custom of sorts. I've simply never seen men in earrings before arriving here." Iida was quick to add: "They do suit you, your highness, very much so."

"Thankyou, Iida. But how many times have I asked you to call me Shoto? We are all equal here, there is no need for formalities."

"Ah, of course!" Iida waved his arm, splashing water everywhere. "But, you may have to tell me so once more."

"Anyways," Momo interrupted, slowly running the oil through her long black hair, "do you often spend time with Bakugou? Do you take walks? Train together? Or has he given you any more gifts? You to him?" Momo seemed excited, like she was witnessing something from a romance novel. Her eyes almost seemed to shine with how eager she looked.

"And that necklace is pretty badass. Not seen you without it." Added Jirou. Shoto looked down at the necklace against his chest. She was right; he never took it off, neither for sleep nor bathing. It felt wrong to do so.

"I received it first when beating Bakugou in a fight. Second when I was formally accepted into the tribe."

"That seems like a high honour!" Iida exclaimed. "The people here truly leave me in awe with their kindness."

"Never mind that," Jirou waved her hand dismissively, "why did you have to get it a second time? Did he take it back?"

Shoto focused on rinsing out his hair so he wouldn't have to look at the pairs of eyes staring at him expectantly. His actions were... not princely. He was rather embarrassed to admit to them.

"Bakugou and I had an argument." He stated, trying to keep to the smallest detail needed. "I gave the necklace back because of the words we exchanged."

"Gave?" Jirou seemed to be able to read through his words. He sighed.