Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

LIV

"How was the journey here? It must have been difficult as winter grows stronger?" Shoto asked, pouring the two Princes some tea as Denki went around with platters of steaming mugs for their soldiers scattered about the dining room. 

"A long journey, though leaving my kingdom was the most difficult trial." Tokoyami confessed, bowing his head in thanks after Shoto had settled down with a mug of his own. "My parents like that our kingdom lies far from the rest, we remain un-threatened and Enji's influence has not yet reached us. They found no reason to send me here, and so I left at first light with my closest soldiers and travelled to Catalin."

"Tokoyami and I've been exchanging letters for a while." Hitoshi continued. "When I read your letter, I'd already heard my advisers discussing the actions of your shitty dad, but since they're basically my parental figures since... ya know, they thought it best I stay away from any sort of magic or power lest I reach the same fate and the kingdom be without a future ruler. I can't go dying before my coronation. I managed to convince them after days of meetings-"

"No doubt, with a tongue as sharp as yours." Tokoyami interrupted, Hitoshi smirking in return.

"We met at the south border of Catalin and chose to travel at night to remain unnoticed. It took many weeks, so I apologise for the untimely delay." Hitoshi bowed his head mockingly at Katsuki, the king giving him the middle finger without hesitation. 

As they drank and ate the snacks those working late in the kitchen provided, Shoto caught them up on the training sessions and the progress of their meetings. He told them about their strategies, about the warriors and their range of ability, and even a little about the lifestyle here should they be as in shock as Iida when commencing their first day here tomorrow. The princes were grateful for the knowledge, and Tokoyami was charmed by the decor of the castle as they were led to a private hallway of rooms just near to his friends' quarters. 

Katsuki spoke when he needed to, backing up what Shoto was saying, but otherwise simply glared at the two princes just as he had done when the other recipients of Shoto's letters had arrived. He knew Katsuki wasn't the most social person, but he was curious as to why he had such adverse reactions to their allies. He wanted to ask once they big goodnight to the two princes, but seeing as the man was already in a bad mood on top of being awoken from his sleep, he decided to save the question for another time. 

"How did you know to greet us?" He instead asked as they walked the familiar route back to Shoto's room. 

"Couldn't sleep so I was reading. Then I look outside and see a dumb prince wandering towards the forest after I fucking told him not to go out alone at night." Shoto felt a slight jab to his side and a huff from the man next to him. He was a little embarrassed to be caught sneaking around, but his curiosity got the better of him and he wasn't regretful for his actions since the outcome was a positive one. "Thought I'd make sure your dumb ass was okay and not half-dead. Again."

"It almost sounds like you care." Shoto tried to joke, but his voice came out rather quiet.

"Of course I fucking care." Katsuki replied, a glare still evident on his face even as they finally reached Shoto's room. "Stay in here and go the fuck to sleep until tomorrow." 

"It sounds like you need the sleep more than I do." Shoto noted as he held the door open, faint dark circles under the king's eyes. "Are you still not sleeping well?" 

"It's fine. Not like you're any better. Pinkie says she can sometimes hear you pacing in the middle of the fucking night."

"Ah, I'll try to be quiet from now on."

Katsuki sighed, clearly calling Shoto an idiot under his breath. With a final goodnight, Shoto shut the door after seeing Katsuki turn off the corridor and began to take off his boots and cloak. He was rather tired, but he hadn't had the comfort of a full night's sleep in some time so he didn't dwell on it. He imagined it wasn't the same for Katsuki, and that all the stress he was under was affecting what he presumed was a regular and healthy sleep schedule.