A Dragon's Heart // Shoto Todoroki x Reader

Chapter 25: Be Still, My Heart

Amara's POV:

My dark eyes widened as I took in Shoto's room. It was so organized, not a single item out of place. The tall chestnut drawers against the wall were the tallest piece of furniture in the room. Everything else was low and practical, his bed just a mattress barely off the floor. The simplicity and functionality made me feel like I was inside his mind.

It was a stark contrast to my room, which was a chaotic mess. Dull light filtered through what I assumed was a window, though it was hard to tell in his traditionally Japanese house. I felt out of my element.

I twisted within the light grey sheets of his bed, turning over to see him. He was deep in sleep, and I noticed slight dark circles under his closed eyes.

"Meow."

My head snapped to see Noodle perched on Shoto's desk. His tail twitched with irritation, his green eyes narrowed.

"Shhh," I whispered quietly to my feline friend, who only seemed to grow more irritated. He lifted his little paw and swiped at an object I couldn't see from my angle. A black pen fell to the ground, tapping softly before it rolled away. I turned my head back to see Shoto, who was still sound asleep.

"Noodle! Stop it," I hissed, slowly snaking myself out of the bed to avoid waking Shoto. Noodle continued to sway his tail angrily, his eyes telling me he was just getting started.

He could be an asshole sometimes, but I loved him.

Noodle flung another pen onto the floor, and I winced as Shoto stirred in his sleep. My eyebrows scrunched together as I tiptoed over to Noodle. The black and white cat evaded my attempt to grab him, chirping again before running away.

"No!"

Noodle somehow managed to stay two steps ahead of me, sauntering around the room weightlessly. I was about to grab him when I ran my shin into a piece of furniture. I muttered a string of curse words under my breath and sent the feline a glare.

"I'm sorry I forgot your food. I'll buy some today, you little asshole," I whispered sternly.

"Amara?" I heard Shoto's husky voice. I turned to see him lying on his back, rubbing his face sluggishly.

"Did I wake you?" I frowned, pulling down the oversized shirt I wore. It fell just above my knees. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine," Shoto mumbled, churning in the sheets before flinging them off and sitting up. His heterochromatic eyes skimmed over me, and I felt my face grow warm as they lingered on my thighs and arms.

"Q-quit staring at me," I mumbled, averting my gaze to Noodle, who was back on Shoto's desk.

"You're just as beautiful as I remember," he said, crawling off the bed and standing up. The floorboards creaked softly as he made his way toward me. He looked sexy in a plain white shirt and grey tracksuit pants. I felt nervous as he ambled sleepily toward me.

"I was only gone for a few days," I said. It didn't bother me that I was kidnapped. Considering who kidnapped me and why, I felt almost grateful. My words, however, seemed to cut Shoto like a knife. His usually stoic face shattered into despair.

"It's my fault," he groaned, his voice brittle as he hunched forward to lean his forehead on my shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Amara. I promise I'll never let you leave my sight again—ever." My heart fluttered uncontrollably at his words, filled with the warmth I so desperately missed.

"No, it wasn't your fault. There were other factors, and no one could have predicted it. I'll explain everything to you soon, but first," I began to rub the skin of my temples in an attempt to eradicate the pain spinning inside my skull, "I need a coffee." I grumbled. Shoto straightened up to look down at me.