Ever After (BakuDeku)

Chapter Nine

Double post since the last chapter was super short...

~A

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Izuku acted as a crutch as he led Tsuyu back to the manor.

Going there, Izuku had been running on pure adrenaline so the walk back seemed much longer.

They walked in comfortable silence, both lost in thought.

As they approached the servants gate, Izuku spotted Ochako hanging up clothes to dry. She noticed them as well, a huge grin spreading across her face as she rushed towards Tsuyu, engolfing her in a hug.

~

Katsuki could practically feel his mother's anger as he stepped into the throne room, his father at his side.

"You, son, are restricted to the grounds," the Queens voice was steady though he knew she was struggling to control her temper.

Katsuki scoffed, "are you putting me under house arrest?"

"Do not mock me, boy, for I am in a foul mood," Mitsucki snapped, her voice rising, "and I will have my way-"

"Or what?" Katsuki challenged, "you'll ship me to the Americas like some criminal?"

The queens face turned a shade of red and Katsuki could practically see the steam coming out her ears.

"You are the crown prince of this kingdom," she reminded sharply.

Katsuki rolled his eyes, having heard that thousands of times before, "and it's my life."

Seeing the tension rising between the two, Masaru intervened, "my love, sit down before you have a stroke. Really, the two of you," he turned his attention to Katsuki, "you were born to privilege, and with that comes specific obligations."

The prince glared at his father, sitting down on one of the plush armchairs, "forgive me father but marriage to a complete stranger never made anyone in this room very happy."

His father looked down, a frown on his lips, falling silent once more.

Meanwhile, Mitsuki was growing tired of her sons disrespect, "you will marry Kyoka by the next full moon or I will strike at you in any way I can," she threatened.

"What's it to be mother, hot oil or the rack?"

"I will simply deny you the crown," Mitsuki fumed, "and live forever."

Katsuki laughed dryly, standing up, "Good, I don't want it."

The prince stormed out of the room, his hands tightening into balls.

~

Izuku walked into the sitting room, preparing his lie and hoping the count wouldn't ask too many questions. 

He found Akari and Akumu playing cards on the long wood table.

Sensing his approach, Akumu smirked, still focused on the game, "somebody's in trouble," she sing songed.

Izuku froze, wondering how they had found out about Tsuyu's release so quick shoved ly.

"What do you mean?" He asked carefully, his voice trembling slightly.

The count suddenly appeared behind Izuku, grabbing him by his collar, snarling, "you stupid, stupid boy!" he yelled, "how dare you do this to me."

Aku shoved Izuku into the wall, continuing his rant even as Izuku slid to the floor, "to Akumu. Why, the whole thing makes me sick. It's deceitfulness, Izuku, and I will not have it in this house."

Deciding it best to play dumb in case this wasn't about Tsuyu's release, Izuku furrowed his brows, "what did I do?"

"Think, Izuku," Akumu said, a hint of glee in her eyes as she watched Izuku coware from his father.

He glanced over at Akari, hoping for a hint. She mouthed the word horse and Izuku suddenly remembered that mornings events. 

"Prince Katsuki stole our horse this morning?" Izuku said slowly, looking at his stepfather.

"Yes," the count sneered, "and that would explain why he returned it this afternoon. How dare you let him surprise us like that?"

"I'm sorry," Izuku apologized.

Aku continued, ignoring Izuku, "Luckily for you, Akumu turned in a beautiful performance. She and the prince had quite the conversation."

At this, Akumu's smirk grew, looking rather pleased with herself, "yes, I shouldn't be surprised if he drops by again."

Aku clapped his hands, pacing around the room, "I must know exactly what was said. The simplest words can have a thousand meanings. He said you were forceful, what did you say?"

"I called him a thief, sir," Izuku replied, glancing at Akari, who was watching the whole thing with a sympathetic expression, "I did not recognize him."

Aku began to laugh, the noise making the green haired boy jump slightly, "Oh, Izuku, you poor little country boy."

The count sighed, crouching so he was eye level with Izuku, "well, we must work extra hard to make sure the manor is spotless."

Izuku nodded frantically, relieved that the count seemed to have calmed down a little. 

"We cannot have a royal bottom sitting on a dirty chair, now can we?" Aku asked retorically, standing up straight.

Suddenly, Akumu looked to the entrance way, a confused look on her face, "what is she doing here?"

Tsuyu stood in the entrance way, accompanied by Ochako.

"I worked off your-" Tsuyu caught herself, "my debts, sir. They told me I could go home."

Aku just waved his hand dismissively, "fine, go catch a chicken."

Tsuyu nodded, and walked, or rather, stumbled, back outside.

T.B.C