a fateful encounter ;; tododeku

Chapter Twenty-Three: Unexpected Changes

oops i meant to post this earlier but i forgot. sorry 'bout it!

Todoroki //

The smell of breakfast floated into my consciousness and fully roused me from my deep sleep. When I leaned up with a yawn, I expected myself to be in my large bedroom, my lower half still cocooned in the thick satin sheets. Instead, I was in Izuku's small bedroom by myself.

The events of yesterday suddenly refresh themselves in my head. It still felt crazy that I ran away. I ran to the only place I knew. It almost felt wrong to leave my mother and Yaomomo behind, but I had to. In the moment, I didn't want to lose Izuku. Everything was so overwhelming that I couldn't think of anything else to do but to run here. I needed to confirm that Izuku wouldn't be taken from me even if the chances of my father's filthy hands getting on him were extremely slim. Though now, the weight of my decision rests on my shoulders unevenly.

I can only stay here like I told Izuku I would. It would break his heart if I told him I was going to go back. That was my original plan, but saying I wanted to stay with Izuku out loud made me believe that it was in my best interest to let his family take me in for a while. At least until things back home die down. It's possible they won't, though.

I spread my arms out widely, stretching out my tired body. The cold wooden floor spread a chill through my toes as I walked out of his bedroom. At least sleeping in there will let me fall asleep with him in my arms. That's all I've ever wanted.

When I wander into the kitchen, I see him transferring pancakes from where they sizzle in a pan on the stove to a white plate. They smell delicious, reminding me of the way the castle staff made them back home. The chefs had remembered the exact way I liked each of my breakfasts served and thinking of that sent a chill down my spine. I missed that aspect of home, I guess...

He put the plate down on the counter and turned to me with a bright smile. One too alert and awake for this early in the morning. I still felt waves of drowsiness radiating off me.

"You're just in time," He smiles, "Breakfast is finished."

"Thanks," I yawn.

"I can't wait to have breakfast with you every day," He says, taking my hands in his.

"Me neither," I say, unable to completely mirror his excitement. I'm able to pass it off as still being tired. He leans in and places a soft kiss on my cheek before turning away and putting breakfast out on the table.

I watch the wisps of steam rise from the food, barely able to hold myself back from devouring the entire plate in one bite. I have to remember the manners my mother always taught me to have.

The conversation between us is scarce, mostly because we're busy stuffing our faces. I wish I had something to say or that he would spark up a conversation, though. I needed something to get my mind off home. No matter how much I hate the place, there are parts of it I can't let go of.

The castle is a haunting memory, and all I want is to lose it. I just want to focus on what I have here.

...

After being so worried throughout the morning, I was glad to get outside and spend time with him. It was much easier to distract myself this way. Although the looming figure of the castle in the distance never seems to let me forget.

We spent our days just like we always do, exploring the village. That's something I'll never get tired of. No matter how far you walk, you never run out of places to go. The air is filled with the sweet sense of flowers and baked goods.

Izuku takes me to the main square where we danced together on the night of the festival. Today might not have been an important celebration, but there still remained people in the square who were dancing to the melodious songs played by people on violins and fiddles. All of the warm memories from that night came back to me and my feet itched to dance. Though, before I could tug on Izuku's hand and bring him into the crowd, we are approached by another boy that couldn't be any older than I was. I vaguely remembered seeing him on the night of the festival.