"I'm sorry...we weren't expecting anybody. Who are you?" This guard was a dick, a real pain in the ass...
Wait...
"Listen, you fuck," Katsuki puffed out his chest, trying to look intimidating, "I've got business with the Earl.
"If you have business with him, I would know."
"He doesn't even know."
"Then you don't have business with him."
"Katsuki...take a deep breath." Eijirou whispered. "Getting angry won't help any."
"Look, just tell him that..." He winced, "that Kacchan is here to see him."
"I'll relay the message." The guard turned just long enough to pass the message to a passing servant.
"T-thank you." The words felt strange on his tongue. He wasn't used to saying them.
"Just wait here for his reply."
It honestly would have been easier to just burst in as the king of this land and demand to see Deku, but he didn't want to get caught. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe he shouldn't give that freckled bastard the right to his secret. Maybe he should just leave now and-
"Kat, you need to do this."
Katsuki eyed Eijirou, taking in the complete sincerity in his eyes. Ei could convince him to end his own life with those damn eyes of his. He wouldn't, but he definitely could if he tried.
"You're right." Katsuki muttered. The guard gave him a puzzled look as he walked to the edge of the manor gates and sat down. Eijirou followed, hands deep in his pockets.
The wind pushed his dark hair back and forth as he leaned against the wall. "He's gonna help us. I promise he will."
"Yeah. Whatever." Katsuki mumbled.
He couldn't even remember why he hated Midoriya so much. He had felt this way for as long as he could remember so it probably had something to do with the first time they met.
When was that again? He couldn't even remember that much. So much had changed in the past few years that he could barely recall anything from before Eijirou's disappearance.
That was why he couldn't go back. He no longer knew HOW to live peacefully, without pain, without suffering. Maybe Eijirou could teach him again, but maybe not. Maybe Katsuki would never be at peace again. Maybe the first sign of happiness would send him spiralling into paranoia. He just couldn't take that risk. He had to keep moving, had to have a quest at all times.
What would his quest be after this, he wondered. What else could he possibly do to keep the pair moving, away from home?
Katsuki didn't have much more time to ponder. Once they caught the person who had harmed Eijirou, he would surely want Katsuki to return home. If he couldn't find something more important to follow, then he would have to go home to all those disapproving servants. He wouldn't have time alone with Eijirou after that, he knew that much.
Katsuki didn't have much more time to ponder because the guard approached him, face stern and professional. "The Earl is very busy," he stated, getting Katsuki's hopes up, "but he's making time to see you."
Damn.
