Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XLVIII

Everyone had their questions about Shoto and Bakugou, no, it was Katsuki now. Everyone had questions about Shoto and Bakugou's outing, wanting to know where they went, what they did, even what they wore. Some were definitely more curious than others, but Shoto knew that all eyes were on him and the king during breakfast. He let Katsuki do the talking, content with eating a hearty meal as the walk yesterday had drained all the energy from him.

"So," Midoriya began quietly from the seat to his left, "where did Kaachan really take you?" He showed immense curiosity at knowing the events of the previous day. "It definitely wasn't to the monastery, Kaachan doesn't like going there if he can help it. Says it's old as shit."

"Even though he respects tradition?" Shoto questioned.

Midoriya chuckled quietly. "Kaachan likes the fighting and the festivals, not so much the old laws and practises from many, many generations ago."

"I see. Well, Katsuki took me to a shrine hidden deep into the forest. I couldn't tell you where, or what tribe it was near, apart from that it was a long journey."

"Katsuki? You called him by his first name?" Midoriya looked stunned, as if nobody called Katsuki by his first name before Shoto. Well, now that he thinks about it, besides Masaru maybe he is the only one?

"He said I could call him that, if I wanted to." He explained, Midoriya only looking more surprised yet elated at the same time.

"Tell me more about this shrine." The green-haired man encouraged. "Was it old? Big or small? I might know which one it is."

"It was rather small, and the rock was definitely weathering away. I doubt it has frequent visitors, and there were small carvings on the stone I couldn't make out. Still, it was beautiful."

"Some of the oldest shrines scattered throughout the forest are really amazing!" agreed Midoriya. "Hm, how long can you guess you were walking for?"

"We left after sunrise, and after stopping for breakfast we walked until past midday."

Midoriya hummed, thinking hard, before his eyes lit up with realisation.

"Shoto, did the shrine have a red arch, around the top of the stone tablets?"

"Yes. Though it was very rusted."

"And was the stone light or dark? More like marble or slate?"

"Dark, rather like argillite. Though not quite, for it was not entirely withered away."

"I think I know the shrine you visited." Midoriya's shoulders were shaking, like he could barely contain his excitement. He quickly ate some food whilst he composed himself. "I can't tell you much, Kaachan will kill me if I do. But, that shrine is to the north, closest to the Kitren tribe though still some distance away. During the war, the shrine was visited to offer prayers and gifts in hopes of protecting families and fellow warriors in battle. But after, when there was peace, the shrine was devoted to..." Midoriya paused, considering his phrasing.

 Shoto wondered whether the purpose of the shrine was partly to do with what Katsuki wanted to tell him. Still hasn't told him. It must be difficult to discuss if Katsuki felt like he had to hold his tongue. "The shrine is dedicated to relationships. Platonic bonds, romantic, filial too, it became a place to wish for true hearts and health for those someone considered important to them. Do you know what I'm saying?" Midoriya asked him, something in his expression Shoto couldn't quite grasp.

"That Bakugou considers me someone important?" He asked, continuing when his friend nodded rapidly. "Ah, I'm glad Katsuki also considers me a friend and-"

He stopped talking when Midoriya banged his head on the table, his forehead turning red as it lay atop the dark wood. 

"What the fuck, nerd?!" Bakugou yelled. "Ya made me spill the beer!"