Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

LXXII

The tarts were quite possibly the most incredible things Shoto had ever eaten in his life. Whether it was because he had contributed to the baking process, the warm heart he carried each time Katsuki's hand brushed his, or the long-standing success of the Bakugou family recipe, Shoto had to restrain himself from eating the whole plate of tarts in order to share them with his friends.

Katsuki seemed equally happy with the tarts, though his mood was reflected in a satisfied grin rather than unrelenting hands. He even had to take the plate from the table to prevent Shoto from eating another, leaving the pair running from the kitchen and up to the dining hall in time for lunch, Katsuki taunting Shoto for being too slow. A table full of wide eyes greeted them when they burst into the hall, Katsuki swearing at everyone for gawking at them like brainless idiots before putting the tarts on the table with a thud and sitting at his chair with an even louder one, daring Shoto with his eyes to eat another tart whilst he filled their bowls with the fresh, steaming stew at the head of the table, their goblets already holding a swirling purple cider.

"Todobro, did you make these with Bakubro?" Kirishima asked, diving in to take a tart even though his plate was piled with an assortment of cured meats.

"We've been baking all morning. I asked Katsuki to teach me the recipe."

"Wait, Kaachan shared his family recipe?" Midoriya asked with wide eyes from the seat next to Shoto.

"What of it, ya damn nerd!" Katsuki retorted, filling his bowl for a second portion, Shoto's still half-full. It would never fail to amaze him the speed at which Katsuki ate, as if all the food in the world would simply vanish if he didn't demolish his meal immediately.

"I wanted to learn from Katsuki so I could bake for myself back in Endeavour. I think it'll be a nice way to remember all the delicious food I've eaten here, and the company too."

"Aw," Mina cooed from across the table, "you're so adorable, Shobaby! Don't worry, we'll totally visit all the time."

"Definitely." Kirishima agreed. "I want to see what Endeavour is like, the different people and culture."

"I think you mean the taverns and alcohol." Denki teased. "You're like Blasty, wanting to see how many people you can outdrink!"

"Hey!" Kirishima protested, shoving Denki's shoulder. "Holding down alcohol is so manly!" He argued, Mina patting his forearm consolingly whilst holding back laughter.

"I'm not sure how many taverns there are beyond the main city, but I've heard there are rather many fine wines in the Creati Kingdom." Shoto turned to Momo, knowing she was rather the expert due to her parents' wide range of tutors they provided for her.

"Oh yes, there is." She agreed. "And you're all more than welcome to visit and try some of my family's own wine from our vineyards. We have rather warm weather throughout the year, creating the perfect conditions for a strong flavoured wine." Across from her Tokoyami looked intrigued, and Shoto made a mental note to ask Momo to give Tokoyami a personal invite to see her collection. Tokoyami, despite being with them for some time now, still remained elusive and mysterious but friendly nonetheless, so Shoto hoped he could help kindle a friendship between two people he trusted to call his companions.

"So fancy!" Mina gushed, Jirou nodding in agreement and making Momo frown.

"Just because you cannot appreciate fine wine, Kyouka, doesn't mean it's of lesser value."

Jirou shrugged, stating her preference for a strong beer, gaining approval from Kirishima and Katsuki. Shoto had often seen Jirou accompany her soldiers in the evenings after they had finished their evening meals to the local tavern, drinking away and singing heartily until they stumbled back loudly with flushed cheeks. Shoto had never consumed so much alcohol that he fell into such a state, and he had to agree with Momo that wine was the best alcohol of choice. Of course he had tried many delicious ciders and beers in the Tribe lands, but it seemed his trained palate maintained its preference for aged wines.