Archive of Our Own ^beta

There was nothing better than this moment right here.
Izuku took a deep breath and inhaled the fresh air and listened to the leaves rustle in the wind.
The faint trickle of the water in the distance relaxed the green haired man further and the closer he stepped towards the huge body of water in front of him, he felt the need to go take a dive. To forget duties and responsibilities for a second and just enjoy being himself and having a calm moment on his own.
He had tied his trusty white stallion to a tree a bit further away, telling the horse called Mighty to wait for him and that he would be back soon.

Izuku was pretty sure that he had to be the only person, wandering the woods this early in the morning. He had ditched his fancy coat, shoes, sword and his jacket back with Mighty.
The people in the palace would have a fit if they saw the way Izuku walked around right now but sometimes it was simple things like this that helped calm his mind.

Once he reached the shore of the lake he closed his eyes and took in the calmness of the nature surrounding him.

It was then he recognized a different sound in the distance. It was still water splashing but in a different way.
Opening his eyes the green haired prince looked around to see a blonde, very handsome man swimming in the middle of the lake.
The blonde looked like he did not have a care in the world and had not even noticed Izuku standing on the shore.

The picture Izuku was looking at, way too beautiful to be reality, would be forever burnt in his mind. within that split second Izuku decided to do something he had never done before.
He chucked off his shirt and trousers Leaving him with only his breeches.

Running a hand trough his hair, he walked towards and into the cold water. Shivering at the cold feeling against his skin, Izuku walked further knowing that the cold feeling would fade away.
He did not want to miss the chance to talk to the Nymph that blessed him with his presence.

The closer he swam towards the blonde, the more he felt his heart race.
His chest was pounding as he watched him float on the water, hands gliding through the water, playing with the waves.
His eyes were closed and Izuku imagined what their colour would look like.
Maybe blue like the sky above their heads, giving him an ethereal kind of gaze, or maybe brown, honey, something that would cause Izuku to melt under his attention …
He would soon find that nothing came close to the reality of the blonde.
That Izuku's imagination would not even cut it close to what the blonde looked like…
Shortly before he reached the blonde, Izuku dived under the water, creating ripples in the otherwise calm water.
Katsukis eyes snapped open when he felt something shift in the water.
He had been enjoying a swim away from everything at the castle, enjoying being on his own for once.
When he turned to look around he spotted nothing but water and nature surrounding him.
It must have been a fish, he thought cautiously.
Still, he remained attentive to his surroundings…
When he looked in the sky he noticed that he had been gone for a while and that everyone at the castle must search for him by now.
Groaning, he realised that he really did not want to return to the castle…
He wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet for a bit longer…
He turned around, facing away from the shore, gasping in surprise at the face that stared back at him.
“What the fuck?!” He exclaimed, getting a bit of distance between himself and the stranger in front of him.
With him was another male.
Green wet hair that plastered his face and framed his also green eyes.
Freckles covered his skin. Every visible surface painted with the faint green dots.
A few freckles in his face appeared to be darker.
Katsuki eyes him warily.

For a split second he thought that a mystical being appeared before him but a second later, he realises that there would be no way that happened.
This man was a creep, who wanted to spy on him.
“Sorry,” the green haired man had the audacity to rub his neck and look at him with this sheepish look in his eyes.
As if he felt sorry for being in his space, despite being the one who disturbed him.

“What the fuck is the look on your face for? You're here interrupting my good time !?”
Katsuki turned around In the water, Running a hand through his wet hair, brushing the strands back so he was able to see more clearly.

The stranger had a look on his face that he had been caught.
“Sorry, I was just so enthralled by you that I had to swim over…”
“What kind of cheap pick up line is this? Think I am some kind of peasant that you can pull like that?”

Izuku was kind of shocked by the responses and replies of the blonde, not having to be prepared for someone so outspoken…
It was really rare to find someone who was as honest as the Blonde….
Even if he had the mouth of a sailor, his beauty was beyond comparing.
“I wasn't trying to pick you up… I mean you are the most handsome man I have ever seen,and seeing you from the shore, was like looking at a life painting… i was being pulled in before I knew what happened…”
The blonde scoffed but said nothing.
There had been many who had tried to try and get into Bakugous good graces but they all had failed.
Katsuki was confident in what he wanted in a partner and as far as he knew the only thing the seaweed head had going for him was that he was male…
But Katsuki had to lie if he said the stranger did not ignite a strange spark in him…

His freckles were cute and his huge eyes seemed to be windows to the emotions within him…
The blonde gently swayed his hands to bring a bit of distance between them and mustered the green haired male again.
“Well… What the fuck do you want from me?”

If there had been solid ground beneath his feet Katsuki would have impatiently tapped his foot.
Rolling his eyes, he was face to face with Izuku who had no clue what he was supposed to do.
He felt like he was back in his castle being reprimanded because he did something that was unbefitting of his social standing.
The way the blonde was talking to him caught him off guard and simply left him speechless.

It was astounding how steadfast and confident the blonde appeared.
It seemed like there was nothing that was able to shake his composure.

He was unsure, what the right thing to say was, because Izuku had no real reason why he came over… He simply felt like he was being pulled in by a force greater than himself.

Karsuki who watched Izuku open and close his mouth like a fish was tired of waiting for an answer.

Raising his hand, he splashed some water at the other, watching him splutter and spit out water.
“Hey!” Coughing Izuku tried to get the water out of his eyes before seeing the blonde smirk at him.
drawing back his arms he send a wave of water back at the blonde and soon they were engaging in an all out water battle.

Izuku was laughing freely at their antics and tried to hold himself over water while shielding himself from the vicious attacks.
“Okay! Break break!” He called out breathless, lowering his arms.
Katsuki had stopped at his onslaught of attacks.
Despite being in the water he felt hot, and his face was warm to the touch and a small smile on his lips.

Crossing the distance the fight had put between them, Izuku swam closer floating on his back.
“Did you know that there is an ongoing debate on whose land the lake belongs to?”
Turning his head as far as the water allowed it, he watched the blonde scoff.
“The lake obviously belongs to the Bakugous. Anyone who thinks differently is wrong…”
“Oh so you’re one of those people….” Izuku mumbled.
“”What the fuck is that supposed to mean?! Do you want me to drown you?”
“Nothing! Nothing!”
“I just… I am enjoying myself here… just us and nature,” Swimming in lazy circles around the blonde, Izuku enjoyed his time with this stranger. There was nothing awkward about this conversation, sure the encounter was a bit weird but right now, it felt like his heart was singing to this stranger, telling him that there was something about the blonde… closing his eyes, Izuku wanted to spend his time in the present and not his thoughts. There was enough time to escape in his mind. But who knew what this day, this moment would bring?

There was silence and Izuku watched the clouds roll by for a short while.
“Its nice, being out here with you. You’re not as annoying as everyone else…”

“Why do I think that is the biggest compliment I will ever get from you?” Izuku had to admit that it was a poor attempt of making him a compliment but the blonde seemed like he was unfamiliar with a lot of things… like making people compliments.
If Izuku had to guess, the blonde was always on the receiving end…

“Watch yourself dipshit, or I’ll take it back,”
Izuku turned his face towards Katsuki and was surprised how close they suddenly were.
Their noses so close they almost touched and Izuku could feel his breath on his face.

It felt like the air was charged all of a sudden and Izuku blinked.
His eyes wandered between the ruby red eyes fixated on him and glistening pink lips.
“Sorry,” Izukus voice was almost the ghost of a whisper, unwilling to spook this atmosphere between them.

Katsuki let his eyes wander as well… “You look like you want to kiss me,”
“Maybe I want to?”
“You do?”
Their faces inched closer, noses touching, lips almost touching.

Izuku wanted to answer but a sound in the distance kept him reeling back, looking towards the shore.
Tearing his eyes away from those red orbs, he turned his head and spotted two people at the lake shore, opposite to where he came from.
The two men seemed to be waving, yelling something from the distance.
“fuck,” The blonde sighed.
“How on earth did they find me so fast?”
Katsuki felt his anger rising, he had wanted one morning alone and in peace, without the idiot brigade following his every step.
“Are they here for you?”

Sighing Katsuki ran a hand trough his wet hair, “ Yeah, they have the duty to look after me… The old hag insisted…”
“Oh,” The gears turning in the green haired males brain were almost visible for Katsuki. Who was the blonde before him?
“I… ditched them this morning,” He shrugged and Izuku had a small smile on his face.
rubbing his neck he also admitted that he had sneaked off from his duties.
“What kind of duties do you have?” The blonde asked curiously. The gears in his own head turned, trying to piece the puzzle of this stranger in front of him together. They were a mystery to each other…

When the nuisances at the shore noticed that Katsuki knew they were there but made no move to get ashore, they yelled even louder.
Izuku felt sad that their moment got interrupted and bit his lip.
“I think I should go…” Katsuki turned around and was about to swim back to the shore when Izuku stopped him, swimming after him a few strokes.
The faint yelling finally turning into words, now that they had been swimming closer.
“You’re highness!” “Your mother is looking for you!”
Defeated Katsuki knew that if he did not return to the castle in the next hour, his mother would nag him for eternity… yelling and screaming, demanding where he had been…

"Wait! Tell me your name before you go?”
Katsuki turned, casting one last glance at the stranger that had captured a part of his heart.
Katsuki offered him a small smile, “Next time we meet, I will tell you who I am”

Izuku wanted to protest, how was he supposed to know that they would meet again?
He watched the blonde reach the shore and interact with the two attendants.

Now that his handsome distraction was gone, Izuku also turned around, after one last glance and swam back to his side of the shore.
A dopey smile on his face.
If fate was really a thing, he hoped they would get to meet again.

The smile remained on his face, just like the blonde remained in his thoughts, all the way until Izuku reached his horse, and all the way till he reached his home.

Katsuki tried to ignore the chatter surrounding him as he got dressed.
He had managed to ditch the idiots for almost two hours, making them near frantic when they found him.

But still Katsuki did not give a shit. He was a prince, he was allowed to do whatever he wanted. Not even his mother could tell him otherwise.
In fact right now he wanted nothing more than to yell at his mother, cursing her for ruining this day dream of his.
Fully dressed in his princely garp, he turned to the lake, hoping to catch one more glimpse of the man, but the water was calm and there was no sight of the green haired man.

Without waiting for his guards, Katsuki started marching back to the castle, hoping to get the nagging over with and then spend his free time training and doing things that actually interested him.

On the way to the castle they came across a maid who was picking up pieces of what seemed to be a vase in the entry hall and Katsuki still mad with a frown on his face, angrily stomped his feet.
“Watch where you’re going, stupid!”
The maid, horror etched in her face, scooted back and bowed out of the prince's way.
“Tch,” sending her one more mean look, for daring to stand in his way, Katsuki stalked towards the double doors that his his queen mother from his sight.

The two idiots still went about some topic, Katsuki ignored them and walked to the door.
Not even waiting until he was announced he walked inside the huge room towards his mother.
“Ah! There he is, my ungrateful son,”
“Why the fuck are you calling me ungrateful you old hag?”
“maybe because you left me here, waiting for you for almost two hours… When you should have been in here with our advisors assessing the situation of our kingdom!”

“I'm sure whatever it is, we’re above it! People always say shit about some sort of problem for our kingdom and then you never hear of it again!”

“Katsuki. Every concern expressed to us is important! It is our duty as rulers to ease our citizens' minds and care for everyone…”
Katsuki crossed his arms.
He was no toddler. He knew that it was important to listen to complaints of his citizens But how was he supposed to know what claims were important or not?
More often than not when he was listening in on his mothers sessions there was so much nonsense that was wasting his time…
Why should he bother listening to some farmers problem when there was much more important shit he needed to worry about ?!
“Katsuki, this is what I am talking about!! You’re not taking any of the concerns brought before us serious!”
His mother sighed defeated and sat down, straightening her pants. Sure she was a woman and women always wore gowns but his mother said she wanted to intimidate and not look pretty. So she opted for wearing pants instead.
After one fucker opened his mouth, no one dared to say anything about the way she dressed.

“I did not even say anything!” he exploded. How was his mother expecting to know what his opinion on things were when he did not even open his mouth.
“I know this look on your face and I know my son. You think that this is a waste of time and you would rather do something more ‘princely’”

Lifting his eyebrow was the answer his mother got. He wouldn’t dare to say that she was right.
It would just cause her ego to become bigger than it already was…
He decided it would be best to just push the conversation back towards the topic.
“Well if it is so dire, what is the problem?”

Mitsuki crossed her arms, looking up at her son, “well, you know the harvest has been bad this year and rations are very few… So the council and I decided that it is time you search for a suitable bride or groom.”
Katsuki wished he would have never brought the topic back.
He could feel the spit collecting in his mouth, bile rising.
Married, they wanted him to marry.
“Marry?!” his voice sounded shrill, foreign to his own ears. “You want me to marry? Who!” He demanded to know which bastard they promised him to!
The blonde prince was huffing and puffing. It felt like the floor was breaking away from underneath him. He did not want to marry. He wanted to work on his swordsmanship! He wanted to have his peace.
And as stupid as it sounded he wanted to find his own spouse.
Someone like the green haired stranger from earlier. Someone who got him to laugh and smile. Someone who challenged him.
Not some fat king.
“Katsuki, dear. you’re working yourself up. Hear me out first.” His mother had stepped closer and put her hands on his shoulders.
Katsuki wanted to shake them off but he found the touch grounding so he did nothing.

“Yes, you need to marry. But I decided that I do not want to take the choice away from you. You will have a bride show and you get to choose who you want to marry.”
“I don't,” He swallowed. “I don’t want to marry!”
“Sometimes it is necessary to put the nation above one self. I am so sorry it has come to this Katsuki.”
His mother had tears in her eyes at the almost panicked expression of her son.
She knew that his reaction would not be happy and easy but right now she felt like she was looking at her small boy, instead of her son the prince.

It hurt her heart to see Katsuki so broken.
“So I get to choose my prison…”
It hurt Mitsukis heart to see her son like this, to make him have a choice for this…
But it was a fact that Katsuki was way over the normal marriage age. Her son was already mid twenties and almost everyone Katsukis age had already married.
Not her son. Her son was too busy with himself to search for a spouse.
She tried to give him as much time as allowed but it seemed they were running out now.

“Please don’t make this harder than it already is…”
“The solution is simple… just don’t make me do this!”
“Katsuki, we always knew that this time would come! You are of age and you need to marry. you need to have a fixed marriage for the succession! It just happened faster than you wanted.”
Huffing Katsuki waved his mother off. He knew that there would be nothing in this world that could save him from this now. Arguing would only bring a screaming match between him and his mother.
Which left Katsuki with the only reasonable solution. To make sure no one wanted to marry him.
His mother surely would not force him and that way he would not have to marry, but pleased his mother with trying…
“Whatever,” With quick steps he walked out of the room not wanting to be with his mother a second longer.
His mind was racing and he felt angry at the situation. At being helpless and at the mercy of whoever would come to the palace to try and ask for his hand.
They could try but they would never succeed.

Katsuki was not one to be married off to someone of his mothers OR his council's choice.

_
Izuku hurried down the castle steps with a huge smile on his face.
He was sure that this was just a formality and that no one expected him to show up on the bridal show for the blonde prince, whose name he found out was apparently Katsuki Bakugou. Son of Queen Mitsuki and King Masaru.
Izuku could not believe his luck. The man, the fairy like male that stole his heart, was a royal like him.
Izuku would not have minded a commoner as a husband, but getting everyone else to support him and his spouse would be difficult. Katsuki being a prince would make that so much easier.

Some people, like Ochako, may call him crazy for thinking about marriage after only meeting him once but Izuku knew, he knew that Katsuki would be the one for him.
It was like in those novels, love at first sight, when you know you know and the second Izuku saw Katsuki in the water he knew.
He knew that there would be no one else for him but the blonde.
So with the portrait and letter in hand, he hurried down the castle steps towards the courtyard where his best friend Ochako would be at this time of day.
The moment he spotted the brown haired female, Izuku was waving and calling out.
“Chako-!” "Ochako, you gotta see this!”
In his hurry Izuku stumbled down the last stair but caught himself before he fell.
Ochako had already turned around looking at him with her eyebrows raised, wondering what had Izuku so excited about.

Waving the papers in his hand he rushed towards her with a huge grin.
“Look!!”
He held out the papers once he stood in front of the brunette.
“It's the blonde from the lake!” “Now you can see for yourself how handsome he is!!”
“Apparently he is the prince from the Bakugou kingdom!!”
“The bakugou kingdom?” Ochako grabbed his wrist to steady his hands and finally caught a glimpse of the blonde.

She raised an eyebrow at the face that stared back. It was no mistake that this must be the heir to the Bakugou kingdom. The blonde hair and red eyes were a dead give away of his heritage. “Izuku, this is the man you met at the lake?” Her gaze swished towards him. Her eyes seemed almost pitiful as she looked at him and took the picture.
“How did you not notice who he is?! Its basically screaming Bakugou! Izuku this is the enemy!”
“Enemy?! This stupid feud is almost a hundred years old, its time we put it behind us anyways! and what better opportunity than to go and ask for his hand in marriage?!”
“Izuku you know that the second he finds out who you are he is going to reject you right?”
Izukus face resembled the face someone would make when they tasted lemon for the first time.
“Why would he accept the man that is the son of his enemy?”
“Because we already met and had this connection?”Izukus answer sounded more like a question and he straightened up to say more firmly that Katsuki would understand.
“Katsuki knows me! we already met, so he will understand!”
“And then you will live happily ever after….” Ochako added, her tone sarcastic.
Pouting Izuku replied, “ Hey! unless you can look into the future you don’t know what's going to happen!”

The brunette knew that the second Izuku set his mind to something there would be no going back. Izuku was stubborn like that.
“You really want to do this?” Aggressive nodding was her response and she sighed at the sparks in his eyes.
“And you want me to go with you, am I right?”
Again Izuku nodded enthusiastic. Ochako would be the best person to accompany him to Katsukis bridal show.
Izuku clutched the papers in his hand, careful not to ruin the beautiful portrait of Katsuki, while he waited for Ochakos answer.
“Would you?” he asked to follow up on her conclusion.
Crossing her arms, his best friend rolled her eyes and smiled.
“You owe me… big time,”
A big and brilliant smile broke out on the young princes face.
“I know!! I will get back to you on that!!”

–

To Katsukis demise the day when his bridal show was being held arrived sooner than he thought. The blonde woke up with anger in his veins and he knew that, no matter what this would be a shitshow…
His first thought was flat out refusing to leave his room and just not show up but his mother would drag him out by the ear and embarrass him in front of everyone…
He flopped back in his bed, thinking about how he would be able to escape.

The birds outside chirping told him that the morning was already here… Soon someone would knock on his door, asking for entry so they could help Katsuki dress…

the outfit he choose was something ugly and unfitting that he had chosen in a fit…
He would never in a million years, wear this and meet people outside….
Scrunching his face up in disgust he turned away from the frock he had chosen and eyed the door.
He could buy himself time if he shoved his dresser underneath the door…
Without really thinking about it, he was shoving the dresser under the knob and leaned back against the furniture.
“fuck… what now?”
It did not take less than a second before someone was really knocking at his door.
“go away!” he yelled. The person disregarded him and tried to enter his room regardless of him dismissing the servant.
“My prince?!” the servant exclaimed and frantically tried to enter the room.
The commotion caused even more people to stand in front of the blocked door and Katsuki found himself moving away from the door…
He paced his room, thinking about his next move.
Sure he had told his mother that he would ‘try and find someone’ but when it came to push and shove Katsuki did not want to meet any of the sleazeballs and fake bitches that would try and ask for his hand…..

Not even a few minutes went by when he heard the heavy footsteps of his mother.
Maybe it was the screaming of his dear mother, that was already echoing in the corridor when she came rushing towards her sons room.
A maid had informed the queen that her son refused to let them enter and had blocked off the entrance.

Katsuki who was still pacing was swearing under his breath now… His mother would not take no for an answer… No matter how, she would come barreling into the room and demand him to appear. She would probably drag him in his night clothes…
His mother started pounding on his door, demanding that he open the door and let them in without any trouble before she would call the guards to break open the door.
“I don’t want to!” Katsuki exclaimed lordly.
“You don’t want to?! Katsuki we talked about this! You promised to give this a chance!”
Crossing his arms he yapped back “I know but i changed my mind… I don’t want to be shown off like prized cow!”
“Katsuki you promised! there will be no discussion. I will give you a minute before i will order Kirishima to break that barricade and drag you out.”
Squeezing his eyes shut Katsuki balled his fist and swore “Fuck,”
There was no way he would find a way out of this…
He trudged over to the dresser and began shoving it away, half heartedly. He knew that there was no way for him to outgo his mother…
Discussing with Mitsuki would be a waste of time.

The second the door was free his mother was standing in the room and looked at him with disappointment.
She looked like she wanted to ask what was going on and why he was acting out so much but refrained from doing so.
Groaning Katsuki let himself fall onto his bed, crossing his legs.
“Well… if there is no more tantrum from you, i expect you to get dressed and be down in an hour. “
“Well how do you expect me to get dressed to ‘impress’ when i have nothing to fucking wear?!” he sent his mother a sharp look and gestured towards the mannequin in the back of his room holding his outfit.
Mitsuki did not understand why Katsuki was making a heel about the outfit.
It looked fine, it was something new and the colours really suited Katsukis looks.

“I don’t understand? You chose this outfit to wear, did you not?!”

“Well I changed my mind! The clothes look absolutely horrendous on me and I won’t wear them!” With a huff he added “ I won’t exit these chambers with these rags,”
The maids started whispering and talking among them, surely saying how Katsuki was making them do the impossible.
He was almost wanting to smile in triumph when he looked at his mothers face and the woman was smiling at him knowingly.
Katsukis face faltered.

“Well,” She clapped her hands and turned around gesturing for someone to come inside. Almost immediately some maids swarmed Katsuki and held out a brand new outfit for him.

Biting his lip he stood up and walked over, looking at the outfit.
It was stunning, better and more regal than anything he had ever worn. Definitely more beautiful than anything he owned in fashion.
He wondered how his mother had gotten this…

The shirt was white with long sleeves. Fanning out over the arms and narrowing again at the wrists. There was a delicate golden pattern woven into the sleeves, crossing each other to create a diamond pattern, running over the fabric.
The shirt itself was without the pattern and buttoned up from the bottom up to the neck.
A black and golden necktie, hung loosely around it.

The fabric looked soft, breezy and Katsuki wondered how he would feel wearing this shirt.

He exhaled and shifted his eyes over to the next servant. They held up simple dark blue pants and Katsuki continued onward.
The next one carried a large belt. One that would cover most of his waist. Black leather accented with golden buckles and metal art work. It looked stunning and probably made his waist look even thinner than it was.
Next to the belts was another pair of pants. If Katsuki could compare it to something it would be his riding pants. The cut reminded him of them.
You could not really call them pants since the part between the legs was missing. It was just something you slid your legs in and then fasten the straps that connect the fabric to belt.

The fabric was black, but over the legs ran golden designs, shadowed by even darker designs swirling around.
Little blue gems were sewn into the fabric, making it gleam and shine in the light.
It was gorgeous.

The last servant held up a pillow which held boots. Again the shoes reminded him of riding.
They had slight heels that were bent inwards, just like his riding boots.
But these shoes were so much more fancy.
The black and gold theme was present as well as the blue gemstones.

Carefully Katsuki grabbed one of the boots and let his hand run over the outside.

https://i.pinimg.com/474x/f8/74/4b/f8744b3f2e5e98e2f8a128a65573a6bd.jpg

He would look ethereal wearing this.
“where did you get this?”
He eyed his mother curious what her answer would be like.
“I had it made. I wanted it to be your birthday present this year but i think it fits this occasion much better.”
Katsuki almost wanted to say thanks, but he refrained after all this was what he was worth.
This and everything that came with being a prince was his right.
For a second there was silence before Katsuki wheeled around exclaiming, “Well what are you waiting for? Get the fuck out so I can get changed!”

His mother walked out with most of the servants following.
Two stayed behind and helped dress Katsuki.
When he looked at himself in the mirror, Katsuki had not felt more like a prince than when he stared at his reflection.

The dark coal lining his eyes made him look fierce and intimidating. His red eyes are sharp and calculating.
“Are you ready, my prince?” The attendant asked, standing behind him.

Rolling his eyes he walked by and straightened his neck tie once more.
“Let's go already,”

When they arrived the throne room was already full of people.
Katsuki paid them no mind and walked over to his mother. As much as he wanted to sit down, that would be disrespectful towards his mother as a ruler…
So Katsuki took his place, standing next to his mother.
The woman introduced him to the masses even though Katsuki was sure everyone here already knew him. They were here to ask for his hand afterall…

Once everyone bowed towards him, Katsuki ignored that he had to bow as well and walked over to his seat.
Waving his hand he gestured for the first suitor to walk forward.

—
The moment Izuku laid eyes on Katsuki again, his breath was gone.
If he thought Katsuki looked good without clothes then he looked even more gorgeous with them.
The outfit he wore accented his features and let him look strong and imposing.
Izuku felt his heart beat in his chest, as he watched the blonde stare straight ahead, not locking eyes with anyone in the room.

He wondered if any of these people here were able to tell the exact shade of red his eyes were?
Izuku was sure that beside him there was no one. Which in his eyes deemed everyone unworthy of the blonde prince. Everyone but him of course.

Maybe he was a little obsessed with the blonde and that he was the perfect spouse for the firecracker. But Izukus mind was set.
He would show Katsuki that he would be the most suitable and best option for him.

Biting his lip, he walked further into the back of the line. Hiding himself from view.
He wondered how Katsuki would react to seeing him here, asking for his hand in marriage.

But all good things come in time…
As Izuku looked around, staring at the people he was competing against for Katsukis hand, he felt his pride swell.
Normally he would be nervous, anxiety wrecking him but something about Katsuki, about the way he was confident that Katsuki and him belonged together made him believe in himself more than anything else.

Izuku watched as Katsukis mother the queen explained how things would go and how each person was to introduce himself to Katsuki and Katsuki listen and thank everyone.
Choosing someone to marry at the end of this day hopefully.

Izuku watched how Katsukis face turned into a downward grimace for a second when his mother mentioned that he was to walk away with a fiancee after today.

Rubbing his neck he understood the blonde somewhat, before Izuku knew who Katsuki was all in his mind was training and becoming the best person for his people.
Marriage was in the far back of his mind.
But since the Bakugou kingdom was in a tight spot these last months with their famine, I guess they had no other choice than to hope Katsuki would be able to choose someone soon.

He watched as Katsuki leaned back in his seat and ordered the first person to come forward…
There was a twinkle in his eyes and a twitch in his smirk that told Izuku, the man had something planned.
The determined, smug and very sure of himself look that Katsuki wore was enough for him to know.

The first suitor walked forward with a sure step and a grin on his face. Attendants flagged him left and right, bearing gifts. The man was short and heavy. He looked quite a few years older than Katsuki or most of the other suitors in the room. But Izuku knew in the eyes of wealth, age was just a number…

Huge chests littered the floor in front of Katsukis feet when they finished putting them before the prince.

Katsuki crossed his arms and frowned.
“Your highness, I am Lord Reginald. I am a highly regarded lord from not very far. I will take care of you to the best of my abilities. To show you my willingness I bring you gifts that I think are worthy of your attention. Gems, gold, expensive fabrics, everything that your heart desires.”

Katsuki scoffed, rolling his eyes at the man.
It threw the man off in his presentation and the man stopped, wringing his hands in front of the prince. Suddenly very insecure in himself.

“Well old fart, do you think I am a prostitute?” Loud gasps echoed in the chamber at the blonde's words before there was silence. Lord Reginald sputtered, surprised with Katsukis brash and mean words.
“Your highness? I don't understand?”
“Well you leacher, with the amount of gold and gems you brought before me one might think you want to buy me for yourself?!”

“Thats slander! How dare you accuse me of such vile accusations?! I have you know that i am a very respectable man!”
The man turned around furiously and pointed at Katsuki while addressing Mitsuki.
“Your son is a disgrace for your family! Have you no shame?!”
For a second Mitsuki looked overwhelmed and surprised but then her eyes narrowed like a hawk watching his prey.
The man seemed surprised by her harsh gaze and took a step backwards, grinding his teeth.
“Lord Reginald, I do not want any trouble but my son knows as well as I that you like to spend your days in the brothel and among heaps of women. I don’t really think that you will be the best choice for Katsuki… We thank you for your interest but I think it's best if you take your gifts and leave this castle…”
MItsuki pointed towards the door, with a well manicured finger and a polite but cold smile.
Huffing the lord took his gifts and things before storming out.

“Any fucker who thinks gold can impress me can walk the fuck out. I'm not a cheap price you can buy.”
There were a few outraged people yelling and packing their things, leaving.

Izuku watched them with raised eyebrows. He did not expect them to actually leave because Katsuki said so.
But in the end it just meant that there was less competition.
“If you start fidgeting anymore, people will think you're wrong in your head….” Ochako exclaimed quietly from next to him.
“Thanks chako! You're really helpful. I'm just getting nervous. What if-”
“Izuku you've been going on and on about this man for weeks! Weeks! Telling me that you're destined to be with each other and that he is actually a kind soul, what i am actually failing to see since, well look at him, what was all this fuss for? You believe that you're right for each other right ?”
“I do but-”
“No but! You can't judge what is going to happen, but I know you and once you set your mind to something, you'll see it trough.”
He smiled at his best friend, again feeling more confident in his quest.
The jittery feeling in his bones remained, sadly and Izuku felt his heart beat in his fingers.

With careful and deep breaths he tried to calm down as he watched the next man, if you could call the boy that, approach Katsuki.

Before the male could open his mouth and introduce himself Katsuku had stood up and yelled.
“First an old fart and now a child? Do I look like a pervert to you? Get the fuck out!”
Angry but without any words from the teen, he and his servants left the room.

By now the air was heavy with tension, people were getting angry and frustrated with how their peers were treated.
“With permission of your highness, why search for a spouse if you're treating everyone here like this? Like we are vermin beneath your feet?!”
One brave woman called out in a moment of silence.

Katsuki walked over to the woman and smirked.
“I can choose, cause I ain't marrying just anyone. And i treat you the way i damn like,”

The woman huffed at his words but unlike the men before her, she did not leave the room and the bridal show.
The woman stayed but was quiet and listened to the other suitors present themselves before Katsuki.

For every suitor there was a mean comment or a pun he would say to the person asking for his hand.

People were getting angrier than before even straight up insulting Katsuki.
The atmosphere was completely hostile and Izuku feared that he missed his opportunity to present himself to the prince….

He looked towards Ochako and nodded, telling her silently that he would go forward now to take his chance with the haughty prince.

Taking a breath Izuku walked forward, slipping between two other men to get to the front.
Katsuki eyes rested upon him the second the walked into his line of sight.

For a moment everything seemed to stop and Izuku felt like he did not know how to breath.
how would the blonde react? Would he even know who he was?

There were just so many possibilities about what could happen, so many possible scenarios running trough Izukus head when he looked into those red eyes.

The intense gaze was too much for him and he dropped into a bow, looking towards the ground to calm his pounding heart. His hands were clammy and he wanted nothing more than to wipe them on the fabric of his pants but that would make it obvious that he was nervous.

Katsuki knew who the green haired male was the second his eyes spotted the green locks of hair and noticed freckles.
It was the same stranger that he had met a few days back at the lake.
The beautiful and kind stranger with the laugh that sounded like an angels. Katsukis first instinct was to jump up and hurry towards the male, ask him what he was doing here and how he got here, when he realised the garments he wore, how he carried himself, how he looked.
He was royal. The green haired stranger was of noble birth. Maybe Katsuki should be happy because it would mean that they would be able to marry without problems but instead the blonde felt betrayed. The smile fell from his lips.

Katsuki bit his lip as he watched the male.
There was no smile on the mans lip and his whole frame seemed off. There was nothing reminding him of the pretty man he had met swimming. Who had ignited his spark after a long time.
Then again, it said a lot that he was willing to come here and basically ask Katsuki to sell himself. Any admiration or affection was gone. Because that was what this was… Katsuki just had the choice to tell which ‘buyer’ he liked best. To see the man who haunted his days and dreams with the colour green…

He had promised him his name the next time they would meet but it seemed like this fucker before him knew exactly who he was.
Katsuki felt the anger boil within him, he felt betrayed by the other. Used.
Clenching his fists Katsuki tried to will his anger away, lest he punch the guy in front of all the other nobles here.
“I am I-Izuku Midoriya, I came for the prince's hand in marriage,” Izuku stuttered trying to sound confident. He was still looking at the ground. Katsuki had yet to say anything or to indicate that he recognised him…
“Look at me, Midoriya,” the blonde growled his name and stood before the green haired prince.
There was silence for a second before Izuku lifted his head and looked into the red eyes that haunted his mind.
But unlike the day in the lake, these eyes looked cold, hurt and arrogant.
There was nothing left of the gentleness and teasing glint that he discovered when they first met.
Izuku swallowed.
This was nothing like he imagined… Katsuki looked more displeased than anything.
“You!” Katsuki denounced. “You want to ask for my hand in marriage?” “You made a fool of me it seems. You knew exactly who was before you the last time we met!”
He laughed. The empty sound echoed in the large chamber and Izuku felt his resolve crumple into nothing beneath his feet.
“You who look like a vegetable, what is it called?, Brokkoli ?! and behave like you're dimwitted?!”
Izuku clenched his teeth. Right here was not the right moment to explain himself. If others found out that they spend time together without any escorts things could turn ugly real fast.
“you look like your name should be Deku instead of Izuku! An useless name for a useless prince!”

Katsukis words hurt, but Izuku said nothing and just stared at Katsuki. His eyebrows were furrowed together and his lip tasted like he bit hard enough for it to bleed, but Izuku kept his mouth shut.
Katsuki turned away to return to his seat. “I’d rather marry a commoner, a beggar than to marry you!”

This proclamation was the final nail in the coffin and Mitsuki sprung up outraged.
“Katsuki!”

“This is outragous! How do you think you will find anyone willing to marry your son when he behaves like this?!” “What kind of Monarch are you if you let your son behave like this and disgrace your family!”

“There need to be consequences!”
Izuku slowly stood up from the ground, dazed by what had happened with Katsuki just now.
This was his worst nightmare.

Everything felt like static to his ears and he couldn't really grasp what they were talking about.
The words went into his head and out again without him being able to process it.
He felt the telltale signs of tears build up in his eyes.
Ochako grasped his arm and steadied him at her side.
Quietly listening to the discussion around them.

“Katsuki, if you do not behave I will make you marry! I will make you marry whoever commoner walks through that door tomorrow morning!”
“I wont marry anyone weaker than me!” In a boast of arrogance Katsuki exclaimed the following.

“I will marry whoever can beat me in a sword duel!”
His mother clapped her hands and laughed. “Well! Great then!”
Mitsuki was fed up with her son.
She would take him by his word.
“I declare that whoever shall walk trough that gate tomorrow and can beat my son in a duel will get to marry him.”
Izuku gasped at the same time Katsuki did.
“You can not be serious!” The blonde was beside himself with rage, his fists clenched and face contorted in anger.
Izuku was shocked to hear his mother exclaim such a thing.
“I will take you by your word son. tomorrow, the first person to beat you in a duel shall be your husband or wife.”

Katsukis expression turned unreadable and the man scoffed, the sound weird and contorted, “As if someone is able to beat me!” The blonde stomped out of the room and left his mother to deal with the aftermath.
“I wonder who would want to marry such an arrogant prick,” Someone next to Izuku exclaimed quietly.

It was in this second that Izuku turned to Ochako, determination shining in his big green eyes.
Because he would. Izuku would try his luck and ask for Katsukis hand…
He grabbed Ochakos hand and walked out of the room.
“What is going on?”
“I will beat Katsuki in a duel and marry him!”
“Izuku the man already rejected you…”
“Yes I know, but I think he was just angry… I mean I would be too. I can understand his reaction. I just…” He stopped and sat himself upon his horse.
“I just don’t want to give him up yet,”
He looked up towards the castle and Izuku swore he saw red eyes and blonde hair watching him through a window.
“What's your plan then?”

Izuku gave Ochako a nervous smile.

—
Katsuki woke up and decided to get dressed in his fighting garb.
Brown leather pants and a white linen shirt that was wide and comfortable to move around in a lot.
Pulling on his boots, he felt his saliva pool in his mouth, nervousness creeping along his veins and making his fingers shake a bit.

How many people would be there to fight him? Even if he was a great fighter and had even better stamina, it was bound to run out at some point if as many people joined in the fight for his heart…
He ignored the thunder of his heart and walked towards the door, grabbing his sword on the way out.

As he walked towards the dining room, he fastened his belt around his waist and rested his hand upon the sword handle.
Maybe his mother would take back her words, but he knew the woman. She would be too proud to take back her words.
“Good morning,” his mother greeted him from her place at the dining table, poised as always.
Grunting Katsuki made his way over to the place where the servants had placed his plate and food.
Waiting for the servant to fill his goblet with water, he looked at his mother.
The queen sat in her chair stiffly and nursed a wine glass already despite it being early in the morning.
The food in front of Mitsuki was untouched and his mother did not even look at him.
Katsuki waited patiently until the servant had filled his glas until he took the goblet.
Another servant took his empty plate and placed his breakfast in front of him.
Porridge and various sliced fruit he could add.
Another servant served his mother the same and Katsuki raised an eyebrow. Was this not his mothers favorite meal ?
So why wasn’t she eating then.
“Mother,” He started, the word feeling foreign on his tongue. usually he called her an old hag… But with yesterday's fight and her declaration Katsuki thought a bit of niceness would do him well…
Maybe his mother would take back her words, despite his doubt.
“Is porridge not your favorite breakfast?”
He gestured towards the bowl in front of her but Mitsuki took no regard, she simply took another sip from her glass and gestured for the servant to take the food away.
“Mother, why are you drinking this early in the morning? Isn’t it a fine day today?” He gestured to the open windows where the fresh breeze rustled the leaves outside the castle.
But all Katsuki got was a sigh.
Taking a deep breath he could feel his frustration and anger rise.
So his mother was ignoring him… He gripped his spoon with a tight fist. It would do him well to ignore his mother when she was like that but she ignored his kindness!

She did not even see how nice he was being towards her?!
He put the spoon down with much more force than he intended to and rattled the silverware on the table.
that finally seemed to get a reaction from his mother.
Mitsuki looked at him with tired and disappointed eyes.
“Are you ignoring me now?” Katsuki pinpointed harshly. His voice is quiet but trembling with anger.
“Katsuki what do you want me to say?” Her voice sounded dull, odd like his mother had given up.
Katsuki his lips. Maybe that you will take back your words from yesterday about making me marry a filthy commoner?, he thought but he would not dare to speak out loud. Not when his mother was in such a mood.
“I don’t know something…”

There was a sudden knock on the door and Katsuki knew that this conversation, if you could even call it that, was over before it even began.

Frustrated, he downed his entire goblet and watched as a servant entered.
The plumb man walked over to his mother and bowed before heedfully starting his business.
“Your majesty. There is a man walking through the gates…” He started.
“The man said he is a swordsmith, here to sell swords,”

Katsuki felt his mothers eyes on him,but he refused to look at her. Waiting for her reaction.
She straightened in her seat.
“bring him towards the courtyard, let him bring his finest sword.”
“You’re not serious are you?!” Katsuki bellowed out, throwing his chair back as he sprung up.

His mother gave him a sharp look.
“and tell the priest to get ready.”

“Yes your majesty!”

Mitsuki looked at her son, “You brought this upon yourself Katsuki… and a monarch never goes back on their word,”

Izuku was nervous. He had put on a disguise and entered the castle pretending that he was a sword smith from a nearby village.
Once he entered the castle grounds he was escorted towards a large open space, the courtyard or maybe even training area.

Once he arrived with the guard guiding him there, Izuku made sure his disguise, a beard, bushy eyebrows, a small scar that covered half of his right freckled cheek and a hood was still on correctly and waited for further instructions or something happening.
And something happened alright.

The blonde prince came storming down the stairs, sword already drawn and fuming.
“Draw your sword,” He growled, pointing his blade at him.
Katsuki gave Izuku ten seconds before taking the first swing.

Due to probably more skill than luck Izuku managed to doge Katsuki swing and drew his sword.

The battle was long and drawn out. Both Katsuki and Izuku seemed to be on the same skill level.
The blonde's strikes were brute force and strong. Izuku more often than not had trouble to counter the strikes in equal force but Izuku had perfected the leg work and was steadfast.

There was a small crowd watching them and gasping at every spark that echoed in the courtyard when their blades met.

Izuku was panting and sweat was running down his back like rivers, drenching his shirt, making the fabric stick to his skin.
Katsuki was looking just as exhausted as the green haired male.
He had shed his shirt and was fighting without a shirt, the sweat making his skin glisten in the afternoon sun, his sculpted body on full display.

Like his mysterious presence Izuku had yet to remove any clothes… He felt like he was melting underneath the woolen cloak but he did not want to take it off…
The risk was too big in his eyes.
Maybe it was his anxiety speaking but he felt like the moment he would take off the coat Katsuki would know who he was.

The blonde was visibly frustrated and it started to show in his fighting. The blonde was turning reckless.
There was a moment when Katsuki was practically open for Izuku to strike and the green haired prince took his chance and took the weapon from Katsukis hands.
The blonde stumbled to the ground with the unsuspected force of Izukus blow and sat in the dirt.
Izuku stood over him, panting, vision blurring and lungs burning with how intense the duel had been.
Katsukis sword was laying in the dirt a few feet away from the blonde's reach and he immediately tried to lunge for the steel when his mother interrupted.
“I think we have a winner,”
Izuku looked up to see the queen standing next to them, hands clapping slowly.
Katsuki pushed himself up, dirt clinging to his sweaty clothes.
The blonde looked almost feral when he shook his head.
“No this ain't over yet! It's over when I say it is. this fucker did not beat me!”
He pointed at Izuku accusingly.

“Katsuki in a real fight you would be dead right now. It's over,”.
Izuku's heart was beating irrationally fast. He had never doubted his abilities but he had doubted his luck when it came to these situations….
Sheathing his sword, he turned back to the man who would be his husband soon, smiling under his hood.
He walked over to Katsuki and his mother who were bickering with each other and picked up the prince's sword from the ground.
Holding up the blade he inspected the sharp steel and awed at the masterful carvings and smithing.
The sword was truly beautiful and the golden details showed the love and skill that went into making that sword.
Carefully balancing the sword between his fingers he turned over to Katsuki who had stopped talking to his mother and was watching him. The stranger that he had to marry.
Keeping his head down he shuffled over and presented the sword to Katsuki who took it without hesitation like he had caught Izuku stealing something valuable from him.

Without saying thanks Katsuki turned away and turned his back towards Izuku. The blonde really did not want to communicate with him….

Izuku watched his broad back with cloudy eyes. He should be happy that he had gotten what he wanted. but instead ever since he ‘won’ Izuku just felt immense guilt. Guilt that would only grow.
This marriage was going to be built upon a lie. Izuku may not have stolen his sword from Katsuki but he had taken something of much more value than the steel.
His choice.
That realisation made the green haired prince drown under the ever growing pressure that he was lying to the man he… he loved. Wanted to love.
It felt like there was dirt under his fingernails that was slowly spreading all over his hands over to his arms.
Corrupting his very being.
How was he ever going to gather the trust of Katsuki? If everything was built on a lie.

Izuku was stuck in his thoughts, keeping his head down and turning everything around him out. Maybe it was better to just come clean to the blonde? Maybe if he told him why he did it and who he really was, the blonde would forgive him?
Izuku squeezed his nails in the palm of his hand, stopping himself from biting his nails while he got lost in his thoughts.
Time felt like it was moving in slow motion around Izuku, like he was working at a different speed than everyone else.
When he raised his head, snapping out of his thoughts, his eyes widened and he quietly gasped.
When had they moved to the little church in the castle?
Izuku turned his head around, in front of him was standing Katsuki, who looked like he was about to murder someone, Katsukis mothers with an unreadable expression and a priest in front of the males holding a book.
Sometime in between the end of the fight and the present moment Katsuki had put his shirt back on, no longer showing the hard planes of muscles.
The hood resting upon his curly hair was gone and Izuku noticed that someone had pulled back the hood… Katsuki was able to see his full face.
Glancing at those red eyes, there was no recognition. His disguise must be better than he thought…
Looking around he noticed a servant holding out a pillow with simple golden rings lying on top.
The priest raised an eyebrow, the look in his eyes expecting and Izuku stuttered. “The ring,”
The priest remembered, like he had expected Izuku to have listened the entire time.
Blushing he cast his look down for a second before grabbing the bigger of both rings and stepping closer to Katsuki. They were simple gold rings, unlike any he had seen nobility wear. More befitting of a commoner, which suited their situation, he guessed.

He held out the ring for Katsuki and the blonde crossed his arms, quietly refusing to put the ring on his finger.
The blonde glanced at his mother, hoping for her to still put an end to all of this, but his mother watched the ceremony with a hardened stare. Unwilling to change her mind.
Huffing Katsuki held out his hand with a frown.

Izuku ignored the pang in his heart, caused by Katsukis behaviour and gently slid the ring over Katsukis ring finger.
The Midoriya prince then held out his own hand so his husband, the sound of that was so foreign, so wrong in his head, could put his ring on his crooked finger.
Katsuki forced the ring on his finger, paying no mind to the scars on Izuku's fingers.

The priest behind them pronounced them husband and husband.
“Well, are you happy Mother?!”
But Katsuki's mother said nothing.
“prepare my… husband,” Katsuki said the word with as much distaste as he could muster, “ a room-”
“No that won’t be necessary,” his mother interrupted and stepped in front of Katsuki.
“You married a commoner, therefore you can not continue to be the prince of this kingdom.”

Katsuki looked at his mother in disbelief. The blonde clenched his jaw, breathing heavily, while Izuku was looking in between them concerned.

Okay, maybe he had not continued to think this through and his plan had a major plot hole in the form of what would happen after the marriage…
But not even in his wildest dreams would he have thought that Katsuki would be kicked out of his home?
His mother was unnecessarily harsh, on the other hand he did not know the customs of the Bakugou Kingdom….
How had this gone from being a marriage proposal to save the kingdom of the man he fancied and to establish a relationship with said man to marrying the blonde but being poor?
His mother held out her hand.
Standing there waiting in front of Katsuki. The blonde did not move for a few seconds before tugging something off his thumb and throwing it into Mitsukis hand.
It was a golden sigil ring but before Izuku could make out any details on the ring, Mitsuki had wrapped her fingers around the ring.

“Can I atleast take my things?” “ A commoner has no need for all the things a prince has.”
Blinking, Katsuki opened his mouth but closed it without saying anything.

“Well, be on your way now.” She said turning away from her son.
Katsuki said nothing but grabbed Izuku's arm, dragging the man out behind him.
Izuku let himself be dragged out of the little church and out of the castle.
Walking over to the servant that guarded his bag, Izuku retrieved the yellow fabric satchel and threw it over his shoulder.
Katsuki was waiting for him near the castle's archway.
His sword was back around the belt in its sheath. Izuku left that fact uncommented and made his way out of the castle.

It hurt his heart that Katsuki had to leave his home behind without a choice to stay or take anything with him.
He would get all the things back to Katsuki once he would come clean about all of this…

Looking back to see if Katsuki was following him, he saw the blonde stomping after him, turning his head back towards the castle, hand and middle finger up pointing towards his mother watching her son leave the castle, no longer prince of the Bakugou kingdom.
“Fucking hag, I will never forgive her,” The blonde growled under his breath, turning his back towards the life he knew.

Everything outside of the castle gates was new for the blonde… Of course he had hunted in these woods, knew these streets and houses but he had never walked on his two feet.

Not to mention all the stares and whispers as he followed his husband down the road.

They had been walking for a long time now and Katsuki was annoyed with the fact that they had been walking for so long without a break. Where the fuck was this man taking him?
“Where the fuck are you taking me?” He demanded to know, making his way through the high grass and weeds.
“Home,” Izuku replied, leading the blonde through a clearing outside of the town.
“Home is where?” Sarcastically questioning further the blonde crossed his arms.
Elusive fucker, he really hoped that he did not have to pull everything out of his ass like that all the time…
“It's a bit far… But we should be there in the evening,” Izuku looked up towards the sky.
“In the evening?!”

Rolling his eyes, Izuku needed to remind himself that Katsuki was a prince, a spoiled prince, and maybe someone that did not grow up surrounded by nature like he did, so he was not used to all this walking…
“If we hurry, we will make it in time for dinner,” Izuku guessed… At the pace they were going it should be possible, especially if you accounted that Katsuki was a trained warrior just like him, stamina was no problem. Scratching his forehead, Izuku glanced at his husband.
It was more the attitude and willingness of the blonde that seemed to be a problem.
“I need a break,” Katsuki exclaimed a short while later.

They had been crossing a meadow surrounded by old and huge oak trees.
“We can take a short break,” Izuku affirmed and put his things down, settling against the bark of a tree nearby.

Katsuki glanced around, taking in their surroundings. The trees looked old, well cared for and the blonde felt a kind of calm, sitting in the shade of the huge green leaves.
Izuku rummaged around in his bag, pulling out a waterskin for Katsuki to take.

Katsuki pushed his hand away, “I don’t drink this dirty crap, I only drink water from the fountain.”
“Suit yourself,” Izuku replied, no longer having any energy to argue with the blonde.
Katsuki would come around soon enough.
Taking a long sip from the waterskin, Izuku quenched his thirst.

They sat in the shade for a few minutes, resting their legs and minds before Izuku decided it was time to continue.
The walk to the hut Izuku was to use for their home was quite a walk out.
As he was getting ready, putting all his things together.

Katsuki let his hand run over the tree bark, curious as to who owned these trees. They had left the border of his ‘old’ kingdom a while ago…
“Who do these trees belong to?”
“They belong to the midoriya kingdom.”
Izuku glanced back, curious why Katsuki was interested in knowing who owned these trees.
He wanted to ask why Katsuki wanted to know, but said nothing when he noticed Katsukis frown.
It seemed like a default expression on the blonde's face…
“Oh,” was his only response and the blonde drew back his hand.

All of this beauty would have been mine, he thought, had I just married Izuku.
But it was too late now, he lamented and ran a finger over the heavy gold resting on his ring finger.

Katsuki had been too prideful and full of himself to see what was really going on… He had been too entitled and now what he wanted the most was nothing but a distant dream.

It would never be more than a dream. Surely after a while his past life would feel like a long dream…
Katsuki had cursed his fate with his behaviour and was damned to live a miserable poor life with a scared stranger.
He watched his husband walk in front of him, Katsuki was way bigger than the male, shoulders broader and muscles more defined, at least from what he was able to see.
Still the man had a strength that was able to beat Katsuki…

Katsuki stopped, realizing he only called the man his husband or stranger in his mind.
He had never learned the name of the man that he married.
“What,” He started and stopped himself from speaking further.
Saying it out loud was stupid. He was admitting that he did not even know the name of the male he had married…
“hmm?” Izuku turned around and looked at him with big green eyes.
Katsuki felt his cheeks burn.
“I never got your name,” He tried to sound nonchalant but the red in his cheeks must have given him away since the man started giggling.
The sound was familiar and reminded him of his time at the lake.

“Deku,” Izuku revealed. “My name is Deku,” Maybe it was wrong to take the insult Katsuki called him during the bridal show but at the back of Izuku's mind, he wanted Katsuki to put two and two together.
for him to find out who he was…
To take the burden of telling him and find out on his own.
But Katsuki was too blind to see.
“Weird fucking name,”
“Who names their child useless?!”
“Actually it's not useless… It means you can do it!”

"Yeah? in which language?”

Instead of thinking about the male he had called Deku, Katsuki decided to just focus on his husband Deku.
Getting to know the man. Uncovering all the mysteries the man had to offer.

Katsuki followed Deku further through the land, walking along the invisible path to where their new life would begin.
The blonde found himself genuinely laughing at things Deku said or talked about.
From the previous hours he thought the green haired sword smith would be quiet and reserved but his personality was actually quite the opposite.

Eversince Katsuki started the conversation about his name, the man was talking in one constant flow of words, sometimes making it hard for Katsuki to follow.

The blonde gladly listened to the other ramble about grass and moss and whatever he talked about if only to blend out the silence in the woods where they currently walked along a dirt path.
“Who owns these woods?” Katsuki found himself asking. He wondered if they were still within the Midoriya kingdom.
“Oh just like the oaks these forests belong to the Midoriya kingdom,”
“Oh wow,”
The Bakugou Kingdom also had beautiful forests but this one was full of life. The leaves, the moss, the trees everything seemed more vibrant.
Kind of like some hidden magic adding to its beauty.

All of this beauty could have been his. If he hadn’t been such a douche.
Maybe he could learn to be happy with this new life…
Katsuki doubted it… but maybe he could try…

He and Deku continued walking and he found himself replying back and learning new things about his husband.

They walked and walked until Katsukis feet started to hurt and he started to carry his sword in his hand. The sheath of the sword got stuck in all sorts of branches and plants around them.
Deku had started to slow down a short while later.
“There we are, just over this hill and then there is your new home…” The greenette turned towards Katsuki with a smile and pointed towards a steep uphill slope, covered in trees.
“The path is over here,”
Izuku pointed out with a smile and walked over to a small dirt path leading up the hill.

Once both men were on top, Katsuki looked down to see a small hut, surrounded by a creek and a little wooden fence.
“What is that?!” he exclaimed, shaken. This was worse than what his animals lived in!
What kind of pigsty was this?

Katsuk could not believe his eyes. This was where he was supposed to live?There was not enough space for a dresser? A bed?? Where was he supposed to wash up?

Without waiting for Izuku to guide him down, Katsuki stormed into the small hut.
Everything smelled awful and looked even worse…
Where was everyone?
Why had no one cleaned this ‘house’ before they arrived?!

Surely they must have known that their master was about to return?!
Maybe not with Katsuki in tow but what kind of staff was working here?!
“OI!” Katsuki yelled into the empty room,
When no one answered he turned back to Deku, who was watching him with wide eyes and reached out, gasping Katsukis arms to try and ground him.

“Where the fuck is everyone?!”

“What do you mean?”
“Where is the maid?! Where are the people keeping all of this in shape?”

Katsuki waved his arms around, pointing out the state of this house.
This was so unsanitary, he would not live his life in such a home.

Izuku played with his fingers, a nervous smile on his face.
“There is no one here, Katsuki…” He started and Katsuki felt like he was about to combust.
His shoulders trembled as he tried to stay calm.
Blinking his eyes the ex- prince clarified with a hollow smile.
“So it's just us two here? No servants? Who is doing all the chores?”
Izuku nodded cautiously and stepped further into the room.
His fingers played with his beard, twirling the short hair between his fingers.
“I usually do all the chores around the house,”

Katsuki put his hands on his hips, putting his weight on one foot he raised one hand to point at Deku.
“This dump looks like you never did anything here…”
“Yeah, I'm sorry… I never had much time and I was alone most of the time so… I didn’t mind…”
“I guess I never noticed how much dirt and dust accumulated over time…”
“Of course i fucking had to marry a fucking slob…”
Katsuki groaned and looked around his new home.

It was small, very small. Maybe the size of his bathroom back in the castle.
Everything was made out of wood.
The walls, the door, the interior everything but the oven was made out of wood.
In the far right corner of the door entry was a small stone oven, on top a used cauldron and next to it two wooden buckets.

Across from the oven, on the other side of the room was a small bed.
The frame barely fit one person and Katsuki was appalled that they would have to share it or Deku would have to sleep on the ground…
A thin linen blanket was thrown on top of the hay mattress but that probably would not make any difference…

Katsuki was aghast that people were able to live in such conditions.
Nonetheless, he was determined to turn this into something a bit more liveable.

If there was no one to do the work for him, Katsuki decided, cleaning couldn’t be that hard. The extras back at home always managed to keep the castle clean, so it must be a piece of cake.

Glancing at Deku, he grabbed the two buckets and held them out for Deku to take.
“Go take them, clean them in the creek and then fill them with water!”

Moving his head frantically up and down Deku grabbed the buckets, one in each hand, and walked back out.

Katsuki wondered what he was supposed to clean first and looked around…
Leaves and dirt were all around on the floor, even broken pottery pieces…
Guess he would start sweeping the floor then…

Opening the two small windows, which were not really windows since they had no glas… It was just two holes in the walls with shutters attached from the outside…
Thank god it was spring right now, Katsuki did not want to imagine how cold this hut would be in winter…

Glancing out towards Deku, he shook his head as he watched him flail around and lose grip of one of the buckets, chasing it down the stream…

The man was such a dork… Chuckling at the clumsy behaviour, he caught himself and focused on his task again.

Together the newly wed couple cleaned out their hut and noted all the things they would need to replace and buy since there were now two people living here.

“I will go out and give Sheep– chan their food. You could get started on dinner?”
Shrugging, Katsuki watched Deku take out food for the sheep they apparently owned, from his seat on the bed.
Now that they had cleaned everything the corners of this hut did not seem as dark and uninviting as before….
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Katsuki tried to think that maybe this would not be as bad.
Sure he had never done any of these things before but since Katsuki was perfect at everything, it would not be that hard to learn all the new things…
He had to care for Deku now… truly it was a wonder that the man still lived to this day…
Katsuki had never seen anyone more clumsy than him…
He would surely die alone out here without anyone to find him…

The blonde did not even want to imagine…

Groaning, the blonde stood up and grabbed the used cauldron from the oven.
He should get a fire going first and then grab the water and whatever he could find to cook.

The blonde had never cooked before but he would try his best…

On the other side of the house, Deku leaned against the wall exhausted.

His eyes were closed and he tried to catch his breath… He really had not thought this through.
Before coming here he had no clue how bad the hut actually looked…
Ochakko and him had found the abandoned home on one of their hunting trips together and explored.
There was a flock of sheep but no one else around.
They stayed and watched the sheep for a while. The home was clearly abandoned…
Now Izuku was thankful for this hut.

They had to fix quite a bit and he would have to figure out how to go about things so Katsuki would not notice but his husband, was behaving better than he imagined.
Izuku would have thought that Katsuki was too proud and entitled to do any of the chores around the home.

Rubbing his arm, he opened his eyes.
Maybe all of this would not be as bad…
Once he knew that Katsuki was not as bad as he made himself out to be he would tell him the truth and wed him again.
But he guessed that it would take time and work to make the blonde see that the way he presented himself to the outside world was wrong…
Well… Izuku wanted Katsuki to know that there was nothing wrong with being nice and open…

He felt bah-chan, the sheep, rub against him asking for pets.
Izuku mindlessly stroked the sheep's head, lost in thoughts. He may have stolen the sheep in a weak moment when he was on the way to the Bakugou kingdom…

Maybe Katsuki would learn to be a better person, maybe Izuku would be able to show him that there is more to life than yourself. That there is so much more to explore and get to know.

Katsuki and Izuku bickered around the entire rest of the day…
At the end of the day Izuku was utterly spent.

Arguing with Katsuki was so much more energy consuming than he thought.
Eventhough Izuku was a prince, Katsuki was a whole different league of person…
If Izuku was born with a silver spoon in his mouth Katsuki was born with one made out of pure diamond.
Izuku never knew how snobbish a person could be until he saw how Katsuki behaved…
Still Izuku believed all this snobbish behaviour to be a front…
He wanted to believe in the man he met at the lake…

The one he fell in love with…
Many people would probably say that what he felt for Katsuki was anything but love, since he barely knew the guy. They had all but two conversations in which Izuku barely counted the second one… since it was more insults than conversation.

But he could see himself, ten years down the road, looking past Katsukis rough exterior, living together, ruling their unified kingdoms together. Izuku could see himself laughing at some sort of insult Katsuki had called him, the two of them training outside in the yard….

Maybe this was not just a fantasy. They could make it a reality.
Looking back, Izuku checked Katsuki out as the blonde tried to cook them dinner.

Chuckling Izuku pushed off the wall, gave Bah- chan one last pat on the head and walked back inside the home.

“I think dinner is ready?” Katsuki exclaimed and handed Izuku a small wooden bowl with soup in it.
They sat down at the barely functioning chairs and Katsuki watched Deku.

Obviously wanting to know how he liked his cooking.
Izuku gave him a reassuring smile.
“It smells good,” he said before putting a spoonful of soup in his mouth.
The second the soup touched his tongue, Izuku choked and coughed.
Salty, the soup was so salty that Izuku was able to taste the little crystals in his mouth.
Katsuki reached out and handed him a cup of water.
“That good huh?!”
“I may be a prince and I have never done this before but I have to say I am pretty proud of myself…”
Katsuki looked happy, thinking that Izuku liked his food, and he did not really want to hurt Katsukis feelings when the blonde had just started to trust him and open up to him…

Drowning the water in the cup, he tried to wash the burning salty feeling in his mouth away.
“You’re right! It's very good!” The smile he gave Katsuki was painful, but he hoped the blonde did not notice.
Instead he played with his spoon and his soup….
Izuku watched Katsuki play with his food for a few more minutes before asking what was wrong.
“What is going on?” He asked carefully. Izuku did not want to overstep any boundaries but it seemed like Katsuki had some things on his mind.
The green haired male leaned back in his chair and put his spoon down.
“I am not hungry,” Katsuki exclaimed and pushed his food away, sounding down.
“Are you sure? you would miss out on a great meal,”

“Knock yourself out, I’m going to bed,” The blonde stood up and went ahead and lay down in the bed, back facing Izuku.
“Night Deku,” he called out and Izuku looked at the blonde concerned.
“Good night,”
Izuku tried to be quiet as he put dinner away and emptied out the cauldron outside before grabbing a book out of his bag and sitting under the candle light and reading.

It was already dark and late, when Izuku pulled away from his book, yawning.
A quick glance at the blonde told him that he was sleeping.
Fitfully but after this exhausting day, he really needed it.

Grabbing a fur blanket out of a trunk next to the bed, he covered Katsuki with it, hoping the blonde would sleep better and stay warm.
A small smile graced Izuku's lips as he moved away to get another blanket and lay on the ground.

Sure he could sleep in the bed next to Katsuki but it would be a tight fit and Izuku did not want to make Katsuki uncomfortable and invade his personal space.
If he had to sleep on the ground for a while he would totally do that…
It was a small price in return for what Katsuki had to leave behind.

Soon, Izuku fell asleep to the soft breathing of the blonde and the crackling of the oven in the background. What the green haired prince in disguise did not know was that Katsuki had been awake for a while…
His large hands curled into the fur blanket as he stared at the wall.
Maybe not all of this was bad.

The next morning when Katsuki woke up, his back felt like he had slept on solid ground.
The muscles achy and stiff.
Sitting up the blonde stretched his arms and back, in an attempt to get his muscles to loosen before looking around.

Deku was nowhere to be found. The blanket on the floor, where he had slept was already cleaned up and there was no trace of his husband.
Sitting up, Katsuki slid on his boots and walked out of the hut, hoping Deku was just outside.

A relieved sigh left his lungs as he spotted the other at the creek getting water.
“Good morning,” Izuku called out as he noticed the blonde standing in the sun just outside the hut.
He waved as he hauled a bucket full of water back to the cabin.
“I got us water for bathing,”

“Thanks, and good morning…” the blonde grumbled and followed Deku back inside.

Izuku fumbled around with some things and handed Katsuki some linen rags and clothes from his bag.
“I am not sure if these fit but um you’re welcome to try.”
His cheeks were red, “you wash up first and I will - uh” He looked around to see and find something to do while Katsuki washed up.
“I will be just outside,” and hurried out.

Covering his face with his hands, Izuku scolded himself for panicking back there…
The mere thought of seeing Katsuki undress was too much for him to handle at the moment.
So he grabbed a gardening tool from the side of the hut and got to pulling out all the dead plants in the old garden.
After Katsuki and he had eaten breakfast Izuku was planning on going back home to grab some more things…
Meaning he would leave Katsuki to his own for the day.
Izuku kind of feared that the second he would be gone for longer than a short while, Katsuki would run back home…
But the man was too prideful so Izuku guessed he would stay.

“I’m done,”
Katsuki called out. Izuku smiled as he noticed the blonde had gotten dressed in Izuku's spare clothes.
They were a bit small for the blonde, since had a taller and much muscular build than himself but it was better than the dirty and stained clothing he wore before.

“Great, my turn then,” Izuku walked past Katsuki into the home and shut the door behind him, leaving the blonde outside while he washed up.
Izuku did not want to undress in front of the blonde in case he noticed the scars on his arms…
They were impossible to hide, so it was better to not take chances.

Letting Katsuki back in for breakfast once he was done, they ate in silence.
Things would be a bit awkward for the next few days, he guessed, until they learned to live with each other.

“ I have to go to town today,” Izuku started a conversation after they were done with their food.
He was glad to see Katsuki had actually made an effort to eat something.
Izuku worried that Katsuki would refuse to eat the food… He had pulled a face and complained but he had eaten the food anyways.

“Why do you have to go?” Katsuki asked, his red eyes resting on his husband.
Izuku flashed him a gentle smile,
“Well…” he started, fidgeting In his seat.
“I have to get a few things for our home, some clothes, food and stuff… I also have to deliver some things for work,”
He hoped that this was enough of an explanation and that Katsuki would accept his reasoning.
“Can I come with you?” He asked next.
The look in his eyes was almost hopeful and he had a small soft smile on his face.

Izuku put his utensils down, “I am sorry, maybe next time? you can work around the house a bit more until I'm back. The clothes and blankets need to be washed. I can show you how?”

Katsukis eyes narrowed for a short second and Izuku guessed that he was thinking about what to say.
“You expect me to sit here, do the work of a servant all alone while you go and have fun in town?!”
Looking up at Katsuki izuku rubbed his neck,
“I know it's not the best action, but I don’t want to overwhelm you… I would rather stay here and spend time with you but I have to go.”

He made eye contact with Katsuki as he promised him, “Next time though, next time we will go together!”
Katsuki crossed his arms, still not satisfied with Dekus words but he had no choice but to accept.

The blonde was in no state to go out anyway. He would rather die than anyone see him in these rags.

“Alright,” he relented, “but I am not going to do the work of a servant! You can’t expect me to wash my own clothes!”
Izuku tried to suppress the sigh that was about to leave his lips.
Whenever he thought he was making one step forward, Katsuki made two steps back.

Without trying to be very rude, Izuku rose from his seat and put his things away.
“You’re not in a castle anymore. Like I said before there is no one but us here, and I can’t do all the chores by myself.”

Katsuki made no mention to acknowledge him other than the glare he sent his line of sight and Izuku did not want to stay in the foul atmosphere any longer.
So he grabbed his things and left.
“See you later,” He threw over his shoulder as he walked out so Katsuki knew he intended to return.

Katsuki sat there glaring at the closed door, cursing Deku in his mind. He was a prince, a warrior, someone with an admirable reputation, he did not ‘wash clothes’! That was simply beneath his standard of living.

The blonde was fully prepared to just sit there and do nothing until Deku returned later…
He made himself busy trying to see what more the home had to offer that he might have missed yesterday.
So Katsuki looked inside two other trunks, one had tools and the other had clothes that looked beyond bad days, and found that there was nothing of interest for him…

Sitting back at the table he tapped his cheek with his pointer finger bored…
Deku was right though, he is no longer a prince… but a common person.
There was no one here and never would be again to serve Katsuki….
He had to be his own servant. It was unfair to expect Deku to do all the chores and go to work…
Deciding that he would apologise to the other later, he stood up, grabbed a basin and threw his old clothes in there as well as the blankets and the clothes from the chest.

The rest of his afternoon was spent in the sun, trying to find out how he was supposed to wash clothes and slowly going through the mountain next to him.

After a while his fingers started to look like raisins and he had to take a break because his wrists started to hurt. He took that time to look after the sheep, who probably had a dorky name knowing Deku.
He gave it pets and some food out of the container he saw Deku pull out the food. Watching the sheep graze on grass for a short while before he decided it was time to get back to the laundry.
It took him nearly all day and the blonde was surprised he actually finished before his husband came back home, giving him the opportunity to start on dinner.

What Katsuki did not know was that Izuku had been watching from nearby for a while now.
After his quick trip home he had bought a few more things they would need and returned home when he spotted the blonde in the water.
He was dutifully washing the clothes and hanging them over the fence as best as the blonde could to use the sun and dry them.
Izuku had a soft smile on his face, happy that Katsuki had actually come around.

He felt bad when he thought back to their conversation and was expecting too much from someone who had lived their entire life having things done for them and not doing them yourself.
Watching Katsuki sit there, cursing at the fabric, the blonde had never been more gorgeous.
It showed Izuku that he was willing to work on things, that he was working on accepting change. To work on himself and get better.
His heart felt light as he watched the blonde for a little while longer.

When Katsuki went back inside their home, Izuku walked out of the bush he had been hiding and walked down the trail leading to their home.

He knocked on the door before entering, so he wouldn’t scare Katsuki. Deku doubted that the blonde was scared easily but he wanted to be on the safe side.

“You don’t need to knock, this is your home!”
Izuku ran his fingers through his curls, a smile on his face as he looked at Katsuki.
“I know, but I didn't want to startle you…”
“You wouldn’t have managed to. Your steps are so heavy you might think an elephant was about to run through the door.”
“oh,”
“Well I am just getting started on dinner so you can do whatever until it's ready.”
“About that…”
Setting his things down, Izuku rummaged in his back, carefully pulling out a parcel.
“I wanted to apologise… I know things have been hard for you and you probably never imagined marrying someone like me… I know you left a lot of things behind and not even willingly. It means that I expect you to know how to do things and be fine with everything after only one night…”
He put it on the table and carefully undid the twine holding it together.
“so to say sorry I got you something,”
as the package revealed that was inside Katsuki gasped.
“Pasties!”
Katsuki never would have dreamed about seeing sweet things again in his life.
“How did you get these?!”
Sugar was super expensive in these lands and ever since the famine there hadn’t really been any treats to pass around so Katsuki hadn’t eaten anything sweet for a long time.
Usually he wasn’t a fan of something sweet but having a choice between this and watery broth he would take the sweet over everything.

Izuku laughed at the blonde's enthusiasm.
“I pulled a few strings,” He chuckled and undid his coat and went to hang it by the door.
“It wasn’t easy, but I wanted to say sorry and I mean you are my husband now. I want us to get along…” (it was totally easy, Izuku just went into the palace kitchen and made puppy eyes until the cook caved).

“Great way to get to my heart!” The blonde laughed.
“Well you know what they say the way to the heart is through the stomach!” Deku teased.
“That settles dinner i guess,”
“I am sure this is much better than broth and bread,” Izuku exclaimed truthfully and laughed at Katsukis smile.
“It is,”
The blonde turned around and got some forks for them to share the treats.
“Just sit down Deku, you must be tired from the trip,”
Appreciating the blonde accommodating him.

Izuku watched him walk around the kitchen, head resting in the palm of his head, the blonde already seeming so familiar with the environment.
“Thank you Katsuki,” Izuku loved to say the blonde's name. He liked the way it sounded when the words left his tongue.

Over the course of the next few days Izuku stayed with Katsuki and the two had worked on a routine together. Katsuki had learned a lot about Izuku in the past days.
For one the man was an absolute nerd, knowing everything about anything.
He worked as a swordsmith, he had no real talent for the craft, according to himself, but enjoyed the task.
Katsuki had come to understand that Deku was someone awkward, which was the reason why they lived this far out.
Katsuki also learned that Izuku was totally useless when it came to a lot of things…
He was even worse at cooking than he was… After another salty dinner, one Katsuki actually tasted, Deku wanted to take over dinner duty but they quickly realized that it would be better if Katsuki was the one in charge of food.

Katsukis favorite pastime these days seems to be sitting in the sun or practicing his sword in the nearby clearing.
Sometimes, okay once, Deku joined him and they had crossed swords again, much more leisurely and without the pressure of winning.

And so it came that a few days later, Izuku was about to head to town for work once again.
Katsuki had stopped asking his husband to take him with him.
Knowing that no matter what arguments he would bring, Deku would say no.
For him to stay here and look after the house.
Sucks for him that Katsuki was no little sweet house wife, and Deku was not the boss of him.
Katsuki had been working on the plan to follow him into town.

He waited until Izuku was far enough so he wouldn't see him up the hill and closed the door to their hut.
“Watch the house Bah-chan!”
Step by step he hurried after Deku. His husband had asked him why he had put on his old clothes and Katsuki deterred him with a “ It's depressing to wear that itching shit all day!”
The truth was much more selfish.
He did not want to be seen in town, wearing that poor people's garment. That was below his dignity.
Wearing his old but still good looking clothes he walked after Deku into town.
Sadly for the blonde he actually lost sight of the man and wandered around for a while…
“Where the fuck is that nerd?!”

People were already looking at him strangely. Just as he was about to give up his nose picked up a very delicious smell.
As if on command his stomach growled.
A little snack before dinner wouldn’t hurt, he imagined and followed the trail of the smell.
Katsuki stopped in front of a small tavern and entered.
The inside looked cozy but simple, nothing fancy. A few drunks were scattered around tables but otherwise it was quiet.
Looking around he spotted a woman wiping down a table and walked towards her.
When she noticed him she straightened up and gave him a once over.
“I am prince Katsuki and I would like to eat in this establishment,” he introduced himself.
It was important for him to know who she was talking to, since he guessed royalty did not travel these parts too often.

“A prince?!” She exclaimed surprised and dropped into a bow. The commotion had a short and plumb man hurry over.
“What can we get for you your highness,”
Leading him to a large table and an empty chair the tavern owner brushed a few crumbs to the side with a sleazy smile.
Katsuki leaned back in the chair, happy that finally someone understood how to treat him.
“I would like something to drink and eat,”
Nodding, the man waved the woman, who Katsuki guessed was his wife, off to get the blonde something to drink.
“what would you like to eat?”
“one of everything. The best thing on the menu,” He exclaimed, raising his feet so his boots rested on the table itself.
“And call the seamstress or whatever, I need some new garments!”
“Certainly your highness!”

The man rubbed his hands together, happy that there seemed to be someone of so much worth in his home. They had been struggling to pay rent for the place but now they would be set.
Hurrying to the kitchen he told the cook to prepare everything as fast as possible.

Soon the entire table in front of the blonde was filled with all kinds of delicious foods.
Meat, pies, steamed vegetables, all things Katsuki had to miss the last days.
Happy to finally get his fill he ate to his heart's content.
Letting himself be pampered by the people around him.
Word had gotten out that there was a royal dining at this place and people were lining up just to catch a glimpse of the blonde.

The peasants were easy to deal with. Just a few words from him and they were ready to grovel at his feet.
Katsuki plopped a grape in his mouth as he looked at the fabric the seamstress was presenting before waving her off, the fabric was a horrid shade of pink.
“bring me more…” He pondered for a moment, “Green fabrics,” green, like his eyes.
The thought had him sitting up straight. The people around him looked at him concerned for a second before he addressed the seamstress once again.
“NO! make it orange, lots of orange, yellow, red”.
It turned out that his husband had a lot more influence on him than he liked…

The smith was way below him but that didn’t change that his brain and heart did not get the memo.
Everytime he tasted something divine on his tongue he wondered if Deku had ever tasted something this good?
Has anyone who was poor as Deku never tasted food?
Because whatever they ate was too disgusting to be called food.

Katsuki relished in the attention of the people, if only to escape his thoughts, happy that things turned out this way when the owner walked up to him with a nervous grin.
“Your highness… I think it's time we discuss the terms of payment…”

“Payment?!” Katsuki clarified and the man's eyes widened in disbelief. “Yes, payment. gold…”

“gold?” Katsuki narrowed his eyes in confusion. “You want me to pay? but I am a prince!”
Immediately the atmosphere turned from cheery to tense.
Everyone dropped whatever they were doing and looked at Katsuki with disbelief.

Feeling judged by all the stares Katsuki sprang up. “You can’t expect a prince to pay! Its within my right! Why should i pay?!”

People around him were angered and as Katsuki reached to eat more of his food the wife of the owner stepped up and ripped the food out of his hand.
“You can’t pay for all of this, you can’t have it! You need to pay us!”

Katsuki was taken aback. He didn’t know that he would have to pay for things. He had never paid for things before!
“I have never paid for anything!” He exclaimed, getting angry. How dare they demand payment from someone like him!.

Izuku was walking around the street on an errand for his father, disguise left in the castle as he overheard people talking about a prince eating in a tavern not far from here.
A heavy feeling settled in his stomach and Izuku abandoned his current task to hurry after the people.

Outside of the tavern was a small crowd of people gathered.
“They say he refuses to pay!” Someone called out and people started whispering.

A small look inside the window confirmed his suspicion and worry. Katsuki was inside the house…
Furrowing his brows Izuku raised his voice and told the people to disband and go about their day.
“its prince Izuku!” The tumult inside the tavern, the already forgotten people smiled at Izuku and thanked him in the name of their town, disbanding their small crowd.

Izuku stood in front of the window, observing Katsuki for a few seconds with sadness in his eyes. The blonde had not only gone behind his back but had also caused trouble…

“Its prince Izuku!”
Someone exclaimed hopeful. “The prince will solve this!”
Katsukis stomach dropped and he felt nauseous at the mention of said prince.
Springing up, Katsuki looked around for somewhere to escape.
Since he couldn’t pay anyways he had to get away from all of this. The truth was that he did not want to look at the prince's face, recognizing him, humiliating him further.

A bad conscience bit him, but while everyone was focused on the prince, Katsuki hushed over to the kitchen and escaped from the establishment through the back door.
running for a while Katsuki only stopped once he was outside of the town, the familiar woods already in sight.
“fuck,” He should have listend to Deku. He really should have listened to him when he said he should stay home.
Things were different here, outside the castle walls…

Katsuki had never known how different.
He had been ignorant, stupid almost. Thinking that he did not have to pay for anything…
That he would be privileged because he had a title…
but no Katsuki was wrong… It was not the title that made him privileged.
It was the money that came with it.

And now that he had no money, he was a nobody. He may have been a prince once, but he was no one now.
Every breath felt heavy as he realised how wrong he had been.
It was like Katsuki had been blind his entire life and had seen for the first time in his life.

The blonde stumbled back to their home, exhausted and mind running.

—
Izuku's eyes followed Katsuki disappeared from his sight and as much as he wanted to call out… He could not.
Doing so would risk everything he had with Katsuki.
His eyes lingered on the spot Katsuki ran. His ears deaf to the people's cries and concerns about their things, about money…

Katsuki had been here, acting like he owned the world. Expecting everyone to wait on his hands and feet, just to be able to serve the prince…
Izuku had seen the pained expression on his face.
Sinking his head he looked at his hands.

The least he could do for Katsuki and his pride was pay for all these things and make them take Katsuki back to their good graces.
Especially if they wanted to make money sometime…
Recently it has been harder and harder to come by money… People started asking questions why he needed so much money and what for…

Grinning, Izuku stepped back, to get out of everyone's faces and reached into his pocket.
“I will pay for his things,”
The tavern's owners were thankful for the payment.
He offered the seamstress the same kind of deal and added “would you still design the clothes? Just deliver them to the castle,”
The woman seemed stunned but said nothing and silently agreed.

If Izuku's plan worked out, Katsuki would need new clothes… What better clothes than the ones he chose himself.
Smiling he inquired if anyone needed anything more from him but the people just thanked him for what he did.

If that was everything, he wanted to go back and be with Katsuki. He really wanted to see the blonde after what happened here…
Biting his lip, he hurried to finish his errand. The only thing on Izuku's mind right now was how Katsuki was doing. Knowing the blonde he was either mad or beating himself up while he was alone.

Begrudgingly, Katsuki walked home in shame.
The situation had shown Katsuki that life was different than what he thought.
That he had been much more haughty and privileged than he knew…
Kicking rocks along the dirt path he arrived home and sat on his bed.
Guilt started to rise in his gut…
He had demanded so much from Deku. Things they surely did not have the money for.
He covered his mouth with his hand and closed his eyes, as the room around him began to spin.

What has he done?
The guilt seemed to overcome him and instead of focusing on how bad he felt he wanted to find something he could surprise Deku with… Like a nice dinner…

looking up to the hearth he thought, yes, he would plan a dinner to show how much he appreciated Deku and to apologize for being so shitty all the time…

Glancing around he decided that eating inside would be much too casual and normal for his taste and so Katsuki made it his mission to carry the chairs and table outside.
Setting the furniture down a few feet away from the home among the flowers.
The sun would set soon and you wouldn’t see the flowers but it was a nice touch to know they were there.

Next Katsuki prepared some nice dinner, preparing the rabbit he had hunted the day before.
Deku had said to save it for a special occasion… Katsuki deemed this was the occasion and carefully chopped the meat up before adding it to the broth.

The blonde did not know when Deku was returning but he hoped he had enough time to get everything ready.
He covered the table in a piece of cloth he had found at the bottom of the trunk next to the bed and put a few candles for light on top while the food was shimmering in the house.

Stepping back he looked at his handiwork….
It looked a bit more romantic than he would have liked but better then nothing…

Deku was still not home so the blonde, not wanting to sit around and do nothing while waiting, grabbed the broom and swept the hose as well as the front porch.
The nerd would be happy that Katsuki had done some work around the house.
Better yet, Katsuki was sure Deku would cry the moment he realized what he had prepared for dinner.

Once it was dark enough outside, Katsuki paced around in the house… Deku was still out.
Crossing his arms he stomped up and down.
“That fucker… I will show him what it means to keep me waiting!”
“Katsuki?!” When you talk about the devil, he shall appear! Katsuki whipped around to scold Deku for making him wait that long but the blonde was speechless as he looked into Dekus huge and sparkling eyes.
Tears had already gathered in his eyes and Deku was standing there sniffing.
“What is all this?” He warbled, voice shaky with emotion.

When Izuku had taken his way home he would have never imagined Katsuki would do something like this for him. He pictured the blonde sitting at home, sulking maybe being mad but coming home to see their table and chairs carefully arranged in the field, candles lit and all romantic had him stop and inhale sharply.
Katsuki was surprising him in ways he did not even consider possible.
“Go sit Deku. I will explain in a minute,”
Izuku looked at Katsukis face, the blonde averted his eyes and had his back turned towards him. Obviously not wanting him to see how his reaction affected the blonde.
Smiling, Izuku turned back around. “Alright,”

Sitting at the table the seconds felt like hours and Izuku was so nervous about the occasion that he kept fisting his pants in his anxiety.
He watched his fists clench and unclench as a way to try and keep him calm.
A soft thump made him look up from his lap.

Katsuki stood in front of him and placed a bowl of food in front of him.
“You look like you’re about to pass out…”
“Sorry, nervous i guess…” Deku replied, giving him a tight smile.
“Well calm the fuck down okay? I will get to things in a minute!”

Katsuki placed his bowl down before sitting down as well.
Deku watched the blonde, waiting for him to speak. It seemed like he was struggling to start or how to phrase things.

Furrowing his eyebrows and glancing at Deku before looking away again, just to repeat the movements.
It seemed uncharacteristic of Katsuki and Deku felt like he needed to give the blonde a bit of comfort.

Reaching up, he grabbed Katsukis hand, giving him an encouraging smile.
Katsuki looked at their touching hands, enjoying the warmness of Dekus rough hands and took a breath.
“I am bad at this emotional shit, so I will just say what I want to say. don’t interrupt me, okay?”
Nodding, Deku gave Katsuki the room to speak.

“I know things have been shit lately and I guess it hasn’t been on your list to marry a stranger. You have to amidst the situation is fucking strange, and i don’t really know how you can put up with me.
The worlds we live in are millions apart. It's like I never noticed all the things around me and how good of a life I had to leave behind. I guess you could say I was privileged and I let that out on you…” Katsuki looked into Dekus eyes. They were once again swimming with tears and the nerd was biting his lip to keep quiet. Katsuki squeezed his fingers before continuing.
“ I can only imagine the trouble I caused you and the losses you had to suffer because of me… So I made this as thanks, for not walking out on me, for trying to make this work, for putting up with shitty old me and to say sorry I guess…. I unconsciously made you do a lot of things and expected a lot and that is wrong… I hope that from now on we could work on things as… Partners?”

“I- Ka-Kacchan!” Deku was full on sobbing in his seat and the second he pulled his hand away to clear his tears, Katsuki mourned the loss. The candle light made Deku’s face shimmer and cast an orange glow. Katsuki had to admit to his mind that he looked handsome sitting there, illuminated by nothing more than the moon and a few candles.

“I would really like that and thanks for your apology and for all of this. That was really nice. The food tastes delicious by the way, but I have to correct you for one thing.
Kacchan has never been a burden. Never. Because of you I have someone I can come home to and that is worth so much more than you imagine.”

The last of the tears were followed by a soft glowing smile, which made the greenettes eyes sparkle in the candle light.
Katsuki was glad it was so dark outside because the man in front of him made him blush so effortlessly and easily, it should be a crime.

His chest felt lighter now that he had spoken what was on his mind, and the mental promise to help out more, to contribute and to cherish what he had.
Katsuki guessed the first thing to move forward was to let go of his past. To throw his clothes away and start living in the now and here.
He was a common man now, the Katsuki that was a prince was in the past and something he would never get back.
His arrogance and mean behaviour made sure of that…

But that did not mean that Katsuki was unable to change, sure he would always keep some of his sharp edges but starting now he would appreciate the things that he had.

Glancing at Deku, he broke out in a small grin when he found the familiar green eyes on him already.
“Lets eat before the food turns cold,”

“That would be a shame!” Deku exclaimed and blew on the hot broth.
“Thanks for cooking,” He added before eating.
Katsuki said nothing but winked at Deku as he ate his own spoonful.

Their evening ended far sooner than both of the men would have liked…
Ever since then the conversation seemed to come naturally to the both of them and they learned a lot about each other, sitting outside watching the sun set whenever they had the chance.

It was domestic and it was nice. Katsuki may not be a prince anymore but he finally had control over his own life. It felt freeing that he was the one deciding what to do each day.
No one nags him for doing things ‘wrong’. Just Deku, who was encouraging and grateful for his presence.

The moment Deku came home and they hugged was the best moment of Katsukis day.
Ever since that evening they had gotten closer and physical contact seemed to come with the familiarity.
Katsuki felt like a dog waiting for his owner, his thoughts always turning to Deku throughout the day, wondering what his husband was up to, if someone gave him a hard time at work again… Without that green spring sensation around him his day felt dim, no matter how bright the sun shined.
It was like the colours turned dull. But the moment Deku walked across that hill and walked into his field of vision Katsukis day brightened.
Deku seemed to be the same, because everytime he spotted Katsuki waiting for him with a soft expression he hurried over with the biggest smile.

Katsuki glanced down at the man in his arms and gave him a soft grin as his thumb caressed his cheek.
He wondered if Deku would grow freckles in the summer… It was the middle of spring and the sun was finally warm and the air crisp and filled with all the flowery smells.
Absentmindedly he stroked his cheeks. Freckles would really suit him.

Feeling bold, Katsuki leaned down and kissed Dekus forehead gently.
“Welcome home.”
Grabbing Dekus things he headed inside to get Dinner set up
“I’m back, Kacchan,”
The nickname was also something that seemed to stick ever since that evening.

Back in the palace he was always: Your highness, Prince Katsuki or Katsuki. Here he was just Kacchan.
Deku and Kacchan, and nothing but them mattered to him.

They shuffled around, getting situated after their day before settling at the dinner table.
“Kacchan?” Deku started.
“Hmm,” The blonde was busy with something Deku was unable to spot but looked up when Deku did not continue.
“What’s going on?!” he demanded to know. Deku had gotten all serious and it honestly kind of spooked Katsuki since the green haired minx was always laughing and goofing around.

“I know you don’t like the city… but with recent developments it has been harder to make money for two people. Sword smithing is not really a rewarding job and so I wondered… if you would be able to go into the city and help out a bit?”

“You want me to go into the city and find a job?” Katsuki asked for clarification.
“Ah no! I just thought you could go to the market square and sell a few things I made!”

How could Deku think he was ever going to refuse him, if he smiled all cutely like that?
the moment his husband opened his mouth, the answer would be yes.
He would not let Deku suffer silently for his sake. Those times were over.

“Oh I guess, sure. Is there anything I need to watch out for?”
“hm… I guess no. I will take some things with me tomorrow after work so you can go to the square whenever you feel up to it, so no rush okay?”
Katsuki hadn’t told Deku that he went into town that one day but when the two of them talked about Katsuki going to town with Deku the blonde told him he was not ready yet.
It was the one and only time besides the present that Deku had asked him about going to town.

It was one of the things Katsuki really liked about Deku. The man never forced or complained that Katsuki did not want to do something. He asked for the reason and then gave Katsuki the time he needed to come to terms with whatever they had talked about.
It was thoughtful and Katsuki really appreciated that Deku was so understanding.

“I’ll go. Just… give me a few days and I will go,” Katsuki rubbed the back of his neck, hoping Deku had not noticed how eager he seemed to please him.
“Thanks,” he beamed at Katsuki before starting to talk about some other thing that happened to him.
Katsuki stayed quiet and listened, enjoying the constant talking. With Deku it was always different. Nothing was annoying or bothersome with him.
But Deku also did not mind that he was more quiet and just preferred to listen and hum once in a while to show that he was still listening to Deku.

And so it came that a few days later Katsuki got ready to go into town with Deku.
Lacing up his boots, he listened to Deku talk about his plan for the day.
“and then I have to meet with some knights of the castle… It's gonna be super annoying since they're always so picky but money is money i guess…”

Deku danced around Katsuki trying to get all his things together.
Somehow he had misplaced his left shoe. And his coat, he couldn’t find that either…
Deku reminded Katsuki of a chicken but the blonde said nothing.
When he was ready and stood up, grabbing Dekus coat from his place on the trunk, where the green haired mess put it yesterday so he would not misplace it. again, and held it up to Deku.

“Are you ready?”
“Gimme a minute! I gotta check on Bah-chan before we leave.” grabbing the basket that held their sheeps food, Deku disappeared behind the house to care for their animal.

Katsuki put on his own coat, a simple linen woven dark brown cloak with a large hood that he put up so it would not annoy him once he had his back ladden with the wares and swords he needed to sell at the market today.

Deku rushed back in with a smile, and Katsuki swore his husband resembled a summer storm with the way he was moving.
A force to be reckoned with.
Maybe that was also the reason he always seemed to have to catch his breath around him…
Deku simply took his breath away.

Grabbing his own heavy basket, he situated himself until he was as comfortable as possible before lifting up Dekus basket.
Since he did not have mountains of things to sell and set up the nerds basket was much lighter than his.
“Let's go?” Katsuki gently asked and held out his back with a questioning look on his face.

“You know it's kinda cool that I get to go to work with Kacchan. That's a few more minutes I get to spend with you,” He grinned, distorting the scars on his face, making him all wrinkly.
Scoffing, Katsuki suppressed a small laugh and opened their door again, gesturing for Deku to walk through first.

“thanks Kacchan,” He said as he passed underneath the blonde's arm and walked out.
Following Katsuki made sure to secure their door, so hopefully no one would be able to get into their home.

“Wipe that grin off your face,” he grumbled as he walked up to a brightly smiling Deku.
“What? can’t I be happy that you’re joining me for once?”

“Oh dear god, please forgive me for enjoying my husband's company!”
“Ha ha,” Katsuki shot Deku an are you kidding me look, " before laughing and walking away.

“It's just the truth! Kacchan stop laughing!” Izuku exclaimed loudly before following him.

Of course the clumsy man had to trip over a stone protruding from the ground, stopping his laughter. Izuku managed to catch himself but stopped for a second. He was this close to face planting. Katsuki was just too distracting.

Watching the blonde, he smiled at his back. Life with Katsuki had been a dream. Sure they had their differences but more times he could count Izuku feared that this happiness was just a dream and then got reminded that this was his reality.

Before his guilt settled in and reminded him that all of this was built on a lie.

Deku had decided to come clean to Katsuki and tell him about who he was but everytime he tried to tell the blonde, he remembered how angry and dark these red eyes could be and how betrayed the blonde would feel if he knew and Izuku just froze up.

“One of these days,” He always told himself when he failed. Rome was not build in a day. Sooner or later there would be a day he was able to get these words across his lips.

Katsuki turned around once he noticed Deku stopped following him a few meters away from where he was standing.
The blonde turned around and walked back to Deku, “you okay?”
“Just tripped!” Izuku replied, sounding far away and Katsuki immediately looked him over for anything in disarray. When he found nothing, he nodded, glad that Deku managed not to hurt himself.

Katsukis gaze lingered on him for a few more seconds before the blonde ruffled his curls and stepped away. “Let’s continue,”

Humming Deku caught up to Katsuki and they continued their short journey.

When they arrived at the town gates Deku looked a bit dejected.
Probably because they would have to say goodbye for a few hours now. Meaning their fun together would be cut short.

“I guess that's it…” Katsuki shouldered his bag and looked down at Deku, who was pouting.
“This was over way too fast!”

“You talk as if we won’t be seeing each other for dinner later…”
“Yeah well…” Deku blushed. “I can still miss you,” his voice was timid and Katsuki smirked.
“It's only a few hours stupid,” He gently knocked against Dekus head with his fist.

“So you’re saying you wouldn’t miss me?”
“I'm not saying that”
“Well then say you'll miss me!”
“Nah, imma leave you wondering.”

“I'll see you later nerd,”

“Until later Kacchan,” Deku waved after Kacchan, watching the blonde until he disappeared.
Hopefully the blonde would find the way to the market square. He just walked away before Izuku was able to say anything.
Sighing he made his way to the palace, where he had a full day waiting for him when a thought made him stop.
“Oh no,” He had forgotten to ask Kacchan how long he would take, or if they even would be walking back home together…
Running a hand over his face Izuku closed his eyes in defeat, knowing it was now too late..
If he went to the market square now he would be late for his appointment with his mother.
Knowing how his mother was, this was not an option.

His mother would keep him in the palace for days before he was able to leave if she finds out something she doesn't know is going on…
As far as she is concerned Izuku is going out to practice his hunting skills…

A poor excuse but one Ochako helped him maintain.

Shuffling on his feet, Izuku continued his way back to his parents home.
The palace used to be his home as well… But ever since he married Kacchan, home hasn’t been about the place but about the person. The way Katsuki made him feel recently and how happy he was around him. Like he was constantly floating on a cloud.
Basking in the sun that was Katsuki Bakugou.

During his time with Katsuki he had learned that the blonde had become a very important person to him and that he found comfort in him in a way he did not have with anyone else.

There was just something that drove him towards Katsuki. The first time was the time at the lake where he swam out to meet the blonde. Ever since then he had been under some kind of spell. Like a moon orbiting around a planet. He was stuck in Katsukis magnetic field, unable to pull away and just leave him.

Izuku knew that he was a lost cause when it came to Katsuki. Being with the blonde was like love was just the beginning. Izuku wondered what came after, which emotion was stronger than love…
Because love seemed to be too little of an emotion to describe how he felt about Katsuki…

He smiled at a few people passing him by on the streets. Despite being in a disguise he was friendly towards everyone who took notice of him.

Rushing over to the side of the castle wall he walked over to the side door through which he always snuck out.
It was an unused guard post that he turned into a little hideout a while back.
Nowadays it was used to store his things while he was with Katsuki.

Shedding his cloak he sat down in front of the mirror and carefully removed his disguise.
Taking it off and putting it on was uncomfortable because everytime he looked at himself in the mirror he came face to face with the lies he built his happiness on.

Countless tears had been shed in this room, because Izuku felt like the worst human being on this earth when he left this room.

He was lying to people left and right, not only Kacchan but his mother and all the people besides Ochako…
Who was mad at him for lying about everything and creating this situation.
Every Time they saw each other she would tell him just to come clean.
He knew she was right. He knew, but still… The fear of Katsukis reaction was just too big.
Izuku knew he was being a coward and that he was just prolonging the inevitable…

Staring into his own reflection, the smile he gave himself did not reach his eyes.

On the other side of the town Katsuki was struggling with his own dilemma.
He did not know where the fuck he was.
The one time in town had not given him the infinite knowledge of where everything in this damn place was…
And his pride forbade, he would ask someone on the street how to get to the market square.
His only hope was this horse drawn carriage full of cabbages controlled by this really old man.
He tried to look as inconspicuous as possible, following the man.
The winning smirk on his face as he was indeed led to the market square.

Katsuki hated everything about this place the second they arrived. People were talking and laughing, vendors were screaming, everything was packed with people and kids running about the place.
For a short second Katsuki considered praying to god, to give him patience for this, but god never did anything for him, ever.
So he took a deep breath, set up his meanest scowl and looked around for a good place to set up.
After circling the whole square twice, he came up with two options.
The first one was in between a meat and a fish seller, who both smelled absolutely disgusting and the other choice was right in front of the market entrance to his left.

The area was pretty busy and people seemed to be trading and selling things left and right.
Setting up there would ensure that he was about to be seen by a lot of potential buyers… A good feat.
And a hell lot better than smelling like fish the entire day, probably even weeks…

with a sure step, Katsuki walked over and put his things down.
A light brown blanket he had put on top of his basket to conceal the things inside was carefully placed on the ground.

The two women running their stalls seemed very interested in who he was, constantly looking over.
Katsuki could feel the vein in his forehead.
He had nothing to say to these people. He was here to sell things and make money.
To make Deku happy and less worried.
For Deku, he kept thinking as he ignored the women trying to start a conversation with him.

It took them about all of his blades and smithing pieces before they realised he would not talk to them.
Putting his basket away behind him, Katsuki sat down at the edge of his blanket with his legs crossed.
His hands rested on his knees, impatiently tapping against his leg as he watched the people pass by.

“You know, you need to yell if you want to sell…” One of the women, who was selling fabrics, told him after a while.
“I am not going to ruin my voice. People have eyes. They’ll see what I am selling either way,”
The woman glanced at him once more before returning to her screaming, advertising her wares.

In the end Katsuki was right. It was sometime in the late morning and he had already managed to sell a few pieces. The triumphant grin he sent the old hags way made him feel even better.
The shake of her head made him almost hum in delight.
It seems like he was a natural at this. Dekus skill also helped a lot. His blades were absolutely stunning. Katsuki really had to give it to him. He was a master of his craft.

A few hours it just went like that and Katsuki grew confident in his abilities to haggle. To sell his things better than what Deku had told him to take.
People were coming and going from his things like it was a banquet and he was the main attraction.
Little blades were the things he selled the most. Intricate little daggers, a simple blade but intricate leather wrappings and carved handles.
In between he looked at a few pieces, imagined Deku sitting down, covered in soot top to bottom, his face scrunched up in concentration and his tongue poking out while his hands were busy carving curves and leaves and all the little details his fingers traced.

Katsuki trailed over the carvings for a short minute wondering what Deku might have thought while he was working on the piece.
How his tools must have struck the steel, how he stood in the sweltering heat folding the steel to create every single one of these pieces.

And the desire to keep at least one of them grew in his gut. In all these pieces, Katsuki imagined Deku embedded in a very small piece of his heart.

While he could not keep all of them, he pocketed the blade that he had kept in his hands, intrigued by the design.
Maybe one of these days he could watch Deku work at the workshop.
He would not cause a scene or be in the way. He simply wanted to see him work. To determine if it was as hot as he imagined.

Raising a hand in front of his mouth he hid a small smirk, while his eyes watched the crowd.
It was strange, feeling so deeply with someone you met in a negative way.
Back then Katsuki would have never thought he would be able to feel something other than rage towards the short green haired man.
Look at him now.

Sitting at the market, helping his husband earn money so they could buy more food.
So they would be able to build a better life together.
Scratching his neck, Katsuki faltered.
Was he even worthy of being loved by someone like Deku? Someone so pure and happy. Someone who did not even utter a single swear word. Who blushed like a maiden when he listened to Katsuki curse?

Katsuki felt rotten. Spoiled by his grand life before all of this, by his education and everything that had made him privileged. His fingers tainted by invisible blackness, tainting his skin with everything he stood for.
Was he worthy of being loved by someone like Deku? Was there anything that he was worthy of?
He felt a chill run down his spine as his thoughts spiralled.
It was rare for Katsukis mind to overwhelm him like that, but it seemed like the stone finally reached the water at the bottom of the well.
If Katsuki had to guess he was definitely not worth any kind of love.
He had not earned it yet.
The blonde had done nothing but taken every piece of his life for granted.
Destiny played its game and now he knew what it was like to live.

Sure he had nothing anymore.
No money but a few coins to his name but he found that happiness lay not in the monetary things.
It was the people he loved, the memories he cherished, his actions.
Happiness was what he made it and Katsuki decided at that moment that he would choose this.
He would choose that he was happy. That he was content. There was nothing more he needed in life.
Just Deku and their quiet little hut in the woods.
Suddenly his empty hands felt wrong.

His thoughts wandered over to Deku and he wanted to give the man something back, to show him that all of their simple life was enough for Katsuki.
That he did not need fancy clothes, a big house, servants, cooked food, or a day so long Katsuki did not know what to fill it with.

Looking around he suddenly got an idea. Deku always seemed to carry notebooks with him, the one he had at their home was almost full…
He would surely be emotional if Katsuki presented him with a new journal to write in…

Katsuki imagined him to smile, eyes full of tears and so emotional that he had no words, but fell into Katsukis arms.
He would cherish his closeness and smirk at his blubbering mess of a husband.
Yes. Buying one sounded better and better.

Putting his things down, he looked around and deemed it fine.
He was just around the corner for a second. He could keep the stand in the corner of his eye to make sure nothing happened.

He grabbed a few coins, hoping they would be enough for a nice journal and walked over.
The same woman who had tried talking to him before spoke up when she saw him leave.
“Hey! You shouldn’t leave your things out of your sight! There are more thieves than you think!”
“I’d like to see them try.. I will beat them faster than they can take anything.”
The lady tried again “I have never seen you around here so you must be someone new to all of this. Trust me! Your things will be gone when you get back!”

“Thanks for the advice but i don’t need it,” He considered waving with his favorite finger as a good measure to finally shut the woman up but decided against it.

Sauntering away, Katsuki made his way over to the stall that he was sure remembered selled leather bound books.
They must sell journals too, he concluded.

Katsuki spent his time looking at the tomes, unsure on what to choose… Nothing really screamed Deku. Letting his finger glide over the leather engravings he settled on a dark orange one with the engraving of a tree. The tree reminded him of the tall oak trees they had passed on their journey here-
The journal was sturdy, thick too, a lot of pages for Deku to write or draw in, whatever he did, Katsuki would be sure to ask.
The leather was sturdy too, should hold up if Deku decided to take it with him to his forge.

He held up the book to the shopkeeper. “This one,”
The man grabbed the book, wrapped it in a brown paper bag and held out his hand.
“That makes twelve coins,”

Katsuki counted the coins in his hand and was grateful that he seemed to have grabbed the right amount.
Handing the money over, Katsuki took the book in exchange and nodded in thanks before making his way back.

Staring at the book he could not wait for Dekus face when he opened this.

When he got back to his place that smile froze on his lips.
“I'm sorry lad. I tried to stop them…”

Everything was gone. All that remained from his things was the basket and the now dirty blanket.
Katsuki dropped the book “no!”
Running over to the basket he looked inside to find it empty as well.
All his things, the money he had earned, his cloak, Dekus hard work. Everything was gone.
“Fuck!”
Sinking to his knees Katsuki did not cry but his eyes burned as if he was.

How was he supposed to face Deku now?
Tell him that Katsuki had been stupid and let himself be robbed of all their things.
He ran his hands over his face, trying to stay together and not fall apart here.

He had lost everything. Katsuki had lost everything that was supposed to help Deku and him survive. The money, their wares, the cloak that would keep him warm.
Everything was gone. “Fuck, this can’t be true,” He lamented quietly.

“I tried to tell you. Still I am sorry for your loss,” The woman had picked up his gift and held out the brown paper bag for him to take.
Unwilling to lose this as well, he snatched it out of her hand.
“I don’t need your fucking pity.” Standing up with a heavy sigh.

“You know you should learn to be nicer to people. I don’t want you any harm and still you try to hurt me. You’re being so rude…”

“Fuck off,” the insult had no bite and Katsuki did not turn around to face the woman. Instead he packed his things and left.
He had no reason nor any desire to stay there. Not like that.
Despite the panic in his chest, Katsuki made his way home with only one thought in his mind.

How was he supposed to face Deku?

Knowing the man, Deku would not even get mad. He would be understanding, reasoning with himself and Katsuki that it was okay. That Katsuki could not have known that people would be stealing his things.
He would take the blame upon himself, saying that he should have said something. Warned him about the dangers of being there.

Katsuki was sure that this would be worse than the shame of having everything stolen. Deku would take his hand, overwhelmed with emotions he would try to hide in front of Katsuki and tell him that everything would be okay. That this was nothing.

He would have to watch Deku manipulate himself into believing these words just for Katsuki to feel better about something he could have easily avoided.
No, he could not face Deku like this.

He would never be able to face him again. The shame was too great.
Katsuki was a coward. He was a coward for what he decided on the silent walk home.
But it was his decision.

Deku would have a much easier time if he was out of his hair. All he did was cause trouble.
In his mind Katsuki liked to believe that he was the worst thing that happened to Deku.

Once he arrived the blonde had silent tears running down his cheek. He made no gesture to wipe them away. He felt like he had no right for it.
His despair was too great for that.

His shoulders felt heavy when he spotted his home. As if he had carried the weight of the world and in a way he had to. Because Katsuki was going to say goodbye to his world. To everything he had built and learned to love.
To the man he had chosen to love.

Maybe it was because deep within his soul he wanted punishment for what he had caused. That he deserved it.
He settled in the stool in front of their home. His hands felt heavy as he laid them on the table in front of him.
He spread his finger in front of him, so he could feel the wood beneath his skin.
The cold feeling settled in his fingers and he traced the grain of the wood with his fingers.

His decision may not be right, and he was very sure Deku would resent him for leaving like this.
But he was unworthy of all of this. He had not earned this life, this love. Everything here had been predestined for him by some hand. Visible or invisible.

He wanted to be the one in charge of his life.

Furrowing his brows his hand flew out and grabbed the brown paper bag. Better get this over before he pussied out.
Sadly however he lacked a pen.
Groaning, he stood up and entered the house, a pang already flowing through his veins. Sad that he would leave all of this behind.

After getting a pen he settled at the table. He grabbed the book he had wanted to give Deku and held the pen.

It was sad that a farewell would dry these pages before Deku could fill them with his wondrous thoughts and scribbles.

With a huff of his nose, Katsuki grabbed the pen until the wood was creaking beneath his fingers and started writing.

His message was short, since all of that sentimental stuff was not him. But it got his message across and he hoped Deku would understand.

Putting down the pen with a heavy heart he glanced at the place where his heart had settled home and walked out the door.

Leaving everything as they left this morning, safe for the open journal lying on the table.

Hello Deku,

By the time you will read this, I will be gone.
I am too ashamed to face you after losing everything.

I am sorry,

Kacchan

Izuku was unaware of the woe that was ahead of him. His eyes were still red and puffy from crying as he made his way over to his mothers garden, where the both of them were supposed to have tea this afternoon.

Izuku was early but he figured a bit more time with his mother would cheer him up, since they were very close.

Lumbering his way over one of the stone benches, Izuku let himself fall onto the polished stone with a sigh.
The garden was empty, save for a few insects and gardeners. He tried to give them a smile when they passed him but it must have looked more like a weird face than a smile.
The sky was a beautiful cloudless blue but he had not even managed to look up once.

His thoughts hung too heavy.
The familiar burn back at the back of his eyes.

The slow crunching of boots made him hold his breath. The last thing he wanted was anyone gossiping about him crying in the palace garden…
“Hey,” A gentle touch rubbing at his back had him turn his head.
Ochako.
“Hey,” He replied weakly,
“Did you tell him?” she asked rubbing his back,
Biting his lip, Izuku shook his head and for a second the comforting motion of Ochakos hand stopped.
“I-” his voice came out much more squeaky and shaky than he wanted.
“What if he hates me?!” He exclaimed and Ochako cooed at him in an effort to try and comfort him.
“Oh Izu. I know that this is hard and by god this is not easy. But you owe him the truth.”
“I know,” Izuku sobbed.
“Everytime I find the will to tell him, I take one look at him and I fear he will hate me for it. That his resented face will be the last thing i see,”
Ochako let him sob for a moment before consuming her comforting touch.
“You love him right?”
“Yeah,” he snivlled.

“Do - you think he loves you too?” Izuku thought for a moment about all his time with Katsuki. Every moment he and Deku spend together in the blondes presence.Rubbing his eyes, he tried to calm his tears and wipe away his tears.

After a moment of gathering himself and his thoughts he replied.

“I guess he tolerates me,”
With an airy laugh Ochako countered. “I guess that's gotta count for something right? Bakugou is not the type to do something if he does not like it.”

“I guess instead of focusing on what ifs, you gotta get out of your head. You can’t reenact Bakugous reaction because you won’t know how he will react.
The only way you will find out is when you tell him. And from what you've been telling me the last weeks the man is as smitten with you as you're with him.”

Chuckling, she gently elbowed Izuku. “If he behaves like an asshole again I will personally duel him for your honour.”
That tickled a small laugh from Izuku and he gave Ochako an unsteady smile.
Returning the smile she drew him into her arms and hugged him tight.

“what would I do without you?”
“Probably cry until you’d drown in your tears,”

“Haha,”

“Izuku?”
“Izuku, are you listening dear?”

“what? I am sorry, mother!” He exclaimed and took a sip from his cup to hide his embarrassed face.
“It's alright dear, I was just saying that Toshi told me that the prince of Noxus has extended his regards and is asking for your hand in marriage.”

Izuku choked so hard that he spluttered and had to cover his mouth with a napkin so as to not dirty his outfit while coughing.
Marriage? Of course this was not the first proposal Izuku had gotten but Noxus was a large country far away, said to be filled with riches and adventures. They valued strength over everything.
Izuku already had a husband, his mind provided. His heart was sold and as far as he knew he had a no returns policy.
“Are you alright?” His mother was already half way over when he raised his hand and rasped that he was fine.
“I am just surprised. We don’t have anything to do with Noxus. I never would have guessed…”

“Well I think you should consider this.not the marriage!,” She exclaimed as she sat down again.
“But maybe invite the prince over and see how things go? You will never know what the future holds for you,”

The word future triggered his thoughts about Katsuki like a pavlovian response and without thinking about it Izuku sprung up from his seat, threw down the napkin and yelled.
“I have to go,” Before running off.

You never know what the future brings - Katsukis tolerance of him must count for something - you have to try.

Izuku was heaving by the time he made it to the tower.
He did not bother putting on his disguise, it would only cost him time he did not have.

Grabbing his things he stuffed them into his bag and pulled his cloak over himself before rushing into the woods.

Every heavy breath was followed by a Katsuki in his mind. He pushed himself to the limit, stumbling and running through the woods to make it back as fast as he was able to.

The sun was already setting and he was sure Katsuki must be home by the time he arrived.
Something foreign settled in his stomach when he registered the dark windows.

Shoving open the door, Izuku exclaimed “Kacchan! There is something I haven’t told you!” With a heaving chest and too loud voice.

but instead of the blonde he was greeted by an empty home.
The hearth was cold and everything looked the same way they left things this morning.
Stepping further into the room, Izuku noticed something atop of the table.

Rushing closer, he noticed that it was an open book. Something was written on the page.
Gripping the book he read the unfamiliar handwriting, gasping for breath as he finished.
“no, No no nonono,”

Izuku fell to his knees. He was too late.

The cries that left his lips were so loud and heartbreaking that it scared away the birds.

The next morning Katsuki made his way back into the city. Looking for a job. Somewhat to keep him a float.

He wandered around, trying to spot something that would take him.
People already declined him multiple times when they asked if he had prior work experience and he had to say no.

As the day went on Katsuki became frustrated. How was he supposed to get any work experience if no one was going to take him?
He kicked a pebble and walked under a large doorway.
Following the path he landed in some courtyard with a sheep wandering around.

The sheep looked like Bah-chan and immediately he felt a bang in his heart. He did not want to think about them anymore.

Going up to the sheep, he crouched and smiled as the sheep let itself be petted by him.
“You look really similar,” He muttered, enjoying the soft feeling underneath his fingers for a moment.

“who are you and what are you doing- Your highness?!”
Katsukis head snapped up. Suddenly he was staring up into the eyes of someone he had thought he would never have to face.

A former servant of his old home.
Katsuki knew the woman, who was standing in front of him, shocked to see him. She had worked for him, before she had made a mistake of some sort and Katsuki fired her.
The violent tone and accusations he had thrown her way then made him ashamed now…

Her face was as white as a sheet.
“It's not your highness anymore,” he huffed, “Just Katsuki now,”

The woman still looked at him speechless…
“Can I ask what you are doing here?” she asked quietly after a short while.
“Looking for work,” He shrugged, trying to sound casual, even though nothing about this was.
“Work…” she paroted.

“Anya are you coming?” Someone yelled from behind them. The woman, who was called Anya, he now knew turned around and yelled back. “ in a second,”

Katsuki continued stroking the sheep's nose while his eyes still focused on Anya.
“What kind of work do you do here?” He asked curiously.

“I work in the palace kitchens. The work is hard but the reward is good. The Midoriya family is a good royal family. Working for them makes me proud.”
Katsuki picked up on the unsaid words, that she was unhappy with her previous employment.
His first thought was how ungrateful she sounded, but then he recalled how he had been treating people and he could understand.

“I am pleased to know you have found something that makes you say things like that,”
He gave her a sad smile and stood up.

“I think i should go,” grabbing his bag Katsuki turned around to walk back from where he came when a quiet “wait,” stopped him.

Looking over his shoulder he saw Anya, wringing her hands, glancing towards him and back to the ground.
“We’re in need of one more person in the kitchen. I-” She stopped “I can’t get you the job but I can get you in to meet the boss.” She shrugged.

Picking up her things she turned around and walked back inside.
Katsuki decided in that split second this was the best shot he had.

Working this close to the royal family and thus Izuku Midoriya was something he’d rather not do but desperate times called for desperate measures.

As long as Katsuki would be stationed in the kitchen he was sure he could avoid any members of the royal family.

Once inside the kitchen Katsuki was surrounded by loud voices and hissing oils.
The kitchen was huge and Katsuki counted seven different people walking about in chef's uniforms, checking in on various pans and pots.

For a second he lost sight of Anya and looked around trying to spot the woman, finding her to his right, waiting for him.
He hurried over, careful not to disturb anyone. People glanced at him, but did not really pay him any more attention than that.

“Marco,” She called out to one of the guys in the chef uniform.
The man was huge and plumb but had a friendly face.
“Oh Anya, what can I do for you? We have to prepare quite a lot of food tonight. His highness is eating with his family tonight,”

“I have someone who is interested in the job here,” she pointed towards Katsuki and the blonde could see Marco assessing him.

Stepping closer, Katsuki rolled his shoulders back and exclaimed. “She is right.”

“I See…” nodding he gestured to Anya, “ I’ll take it from here, get back to work.” Nodding, the woman left without saying goodbye and Katsuki was left alone with Marco.

“Can you lift?” Katsuki nodded. “Ever cooked before?” “not for a royal family but sure,”

The cock crossed his arms, “You know how to peel potatoes?”
Katsuki raised his eyebrow and exclaimed “I already said I knew how to cook. Of course i know how to peel potatoes,”

Marco looked at him once again before beckoning him over and holding out a knife towards him.
“Well, then you better get to it.” Rushing over Katsuki took the knife and set his things down next to a small stool, before eyeing the mountain of potatoes he was supposed to peel.
Determined Katsuki sat down and grabbed the first one.
“One more thing, Kid. I suggest you lose the attitude. This is my kitchen. The only one who gets to say whatever he wants, is me,”

Katsuki nodded “Sorry sir,”
Nodding, Marco left him by himself.

It was a few days later that Izuku got word that Katsuki apparently was working in the kitchen.
“Did you hear? The prince of the Bakugou Kingdom apparently works down in the kitchen?”
“What really? You’re joking!”

“No for real! I saw him there. They have him peeling vegetables. It’s funny how the mighty have fallen.”

Izuku carried some books he got from the library since he already went through the last stack and needed more distraction material.

Ever since he came back from his hut with Katsuki Izuku had made it his mission to avoid everyone around him.
No one besides Ochako knew the reason for his mood and he even avoided her.

Ochako had found him wailing and crying his heart out on the floor of the hut the next day, concerned when he had not returned in time.
Wordlessly she had taken him back and brought him to his room. Ever since then he avoided her and her questions.

All she needed to know that it was over.

izuku stopped to listen to the servants. his heart pounding in his chest. Katsuki?
Kacchan was here? in the castle?
Letting his books drop to the floor, Izuku turned around and ran towards the kitchen.

He needed to know the truth. Was what they said true? Has Katsuki been here all the time?
Right under his nose?
By the time he made it down to the kitchen he was heaving.

His heart was pounding as he walked around the last column separating him from the truth.
Trying to stay out of sight Izuku pressed himself against the cool stone and looked round the corner into the kitchen.

Izuku's eyes immediately found Katsuki. The blonde was hurrying around the kitchen, gathering unused dishes before dumping them in a large basin full of water.

Tears gathered in his eyes and Izuku covered his mouth to keep the sob silent.
Kacchan was really here…

Without being noticed Izuku stayed a while and just watched Katsuki.
The blonde looked well… A bit thinner than a few weeks ago when they had last shared a meal with each other and instantly wondered if they fed him enough.

Other than that he looked fine, okay. Still brutish with a frown on his face but fine.
After their separation Izuku had imagined all sorts of horror scenarios where Katsuki had been taken, killed or been involved in an accident of some kind.

The invisible weight of what ifs lifted from his shoulders.
He was okay. Katsuki was fine.

After a while Izuku imagined someone would see him soon, and went back the way he came.
Izuku's mind was moving miles per hour trying to grasp the situation.

Muttering and mumbling, Izuku walked around the castle.

“What is he doing here?” “Why would he come here?” “Have I missed something?” Maybe he wanted to see Izuku and he had missed him?
Missed the servant who came to inform him?

But the thought was thrown out when he remembered Katsuki still did not know that Deku was him.

When he looked up he had stopped in front of the guards building. Ochako was here most of the time…
Biting his lip he braced himself and opened the doors.

With a bowed head he walked inside, trying not to disturb anyone.
Looking around he tried to spot Ochako.
“Deku?!”

Looking up he found Ochako looking at him surprised. “So you finally decided you’re done playing hermit and came out!”
She walked up to him and slapped his back lightly. “It's good to see you!”
“I -” Izuku wanted to apologise for his behaviour or lack of -
When she held up a hand and shook her head.

“Don’t apologise Zuku. It's okay. All I need to know is if you’re alright?”

“Yes, No - I don’t know,” Izuku let his head hang again and ran his hands through his curls.
“He is here…” He admitted weakly.
“Who?” Ochako asked before answering herself “Katsuki?”
“Yes, he is working in the Kitchen, since who knows how long he already works here…”

“wow, talk about fate,”

“I don’t know what to do…”
“Well you did tell me that he disappeared before you had the chance to tell him yourself. Fate clearly said that this is not the end. Who knows maybe you're meant for each other after all…” Ochako shrugged with a foretelling smile on her face.

She raised her eyebrows at Deku when he looked at her in disbelief.
“Fate?”
“I mean how strange is it that he disappeared from Deku only to appear in front of Izuku?”

His eyes were as wide as possible as it dawned on him. Ochako was right. A huge grin was breaking out on his face.
This was his opportunity! His fate.
Giving her a big wet smack on the cheek, he hugged her quickly before running off.
“Thank you Chako!”

“Where are you off to?!” She hurried after him a few steps. “To tell my mother to prepare for a wedding!”

The other people in the room all looked at Izuku as he yelled the words with a huge smile.
Katsuki and he were fated.
No matter what things would work out! He would ask Katsuki if he wanted to marry him again!
All of this was a huge sign.

His happy ending was coming.

Izuku bolted up the stairs to the entrance of the wing where his mother resided, when he almost ran over a butler.
“Your Highness!” The man castied trying not to fall.
“Sorry!!” He could not contain his happiness.
All that despair, the self hate, all the negativity just seemed to fall off of him.

He was about to get married! Katsuki surely would say yes.
If not now, he would spend every waking moment to court Katsuki and show him he was worthy of him.

His future would be with Katsuki. No matter what.

Since his heart was bursting with happiness and love Izuku grinned at the butler.
“I am getting married!”
The man looked at him perplexed by the news, watching him with his mouth open as Izuku sprinted off.

Without knocking he burst into the room. “Mother! I have something to tell you!”

Katsuki was this close to exploding as he side stepped yet another person in the kitchen, who obstructed his way to his goal.
“What the fuck is going on today?” He asked no one in particular but one of the cooks next to him answered.
“The young prince Izuku is going to get married!”

"Married?" Somehow his heart sank at the words.
“Yes, he has been running around the castle telling everyone but we have yet to see the groom! "It's a mystery!”
“No one knows who he is marrying?”
“Apparently not!”
“Thats fucking strange…” Who the fuck kept their marriage partner a secret.
“Some folks are saying it's a lie… But Prince Izuku is not one to pull any stunts like this…”
Humming Katsuki found his mind reeling… Who was this person The prince was marrying?

The painful part of his mind told him that at one point it could have been him.
But then he absentmindedly turned the ring on his finger and his thoughts wandered from Izuku to Deku.

But before he went down that road he willed his mind to concentrate on the task at hand.
There was more than enough work to pass around now.

Gossip was hot the next few days. Everyone was talking about the wedding and the fact that no one had seen the groom. The maids especially were talking all day about all the things they had witnessed and heard.

To his disdain Katsukis listened everytime they mentioned Izuku. It was like his brain was trained to respond to his name and shift his focus on whatever was going on with the prince.

Tonight there was a feast and everyone was busy preparing enough food.
Katsuki was happy that he had to stay down in the kitchen and avoid all the people he knew.

God knew who was up there…

Anya was stationed as a waiter, currently balancing a tray with a huge white cake on top.
She wobbled trying to steady her feet and Katsuki hurried over to try and help when she fell over and the cake landed on the floor with a splat.

For a second everything was silent. Everyone looked at Anya and him, the cake on the floor.
The next everyone was scurrying away and Marco made his way over.
Head already red with fury.
“What happened?!” He demanded. “Anya i swear if it's you again i am taking your money this month to cover the costs of replacing this!”
Anya was crying on the ground. Katsuki bowed his head.
“I am sorry. I accidentally bumped into Anya causing her to let the cake fall.”

Stumped Marco looked at him, squinting his eyes before huffing and pointing at him.
“ One more time boy and you’re gone!”
Nodding, Katsuki kneeled next to Anya, helping her clean up the floor.
“After you clean this up you’re going to take Anya's place. She can’t go out like that!”

“No sir! I can’t go up there!” Trying to protest, Katsuki raised to follow Marco.
“You have two working legs don’t you? Then there is nothing more I wanna hear.”
Suddenly Marco handed him a tray and ushered him up the stairs.

Katsukis hands were sweating, fuck. What was he supposed to do now?
The distinct chatter was getting louder with every step.

Izuku had been sneaking into the kitchen every day to see Katsuki. As he had been ever since he learned about his presence.

This evening had been no different. Before he was supposed to be present in the huge dining hall he had snuck out to take a glimpse at Katsuki.

Izuku had planned to talk to him tomorrow morning, before a lot of people were awake.
The people in the kitchen always raised the earliest because of breakfast so he thought he’d take his chance then.
The prince had witnessed the cake accident. His heart swells at the motion of Katsuki stepping in to help the poor woman.
This proved he was so much different than the prince he had met way back.
Katsuki had come a long way it seemed… Smiling, he decided to head up a bit earlier.
He had gotten what he came for after all. A glimpse of Katsuki.

The closer Katsuki got the more he noticed the chatter was no chatter at all.
It was a heated discussion and people were yelling at each other by the time he got there.

He lined himself up after everyone else carrying trays. Katsuki decided he would just ignore everyone in the room and focus on his task.

Carry his tray to the middle of the room. Set it down on the table and leave.
That was all he had to do. Three minutes max.
With the way this argument was going he maybe had a chance no one would notice him.

Now that he had nothing else to focus on he picked up bits of the conversation.

“I say the boy is lying! If he can’t name or show the person this instant he is a liar!”
“I have my reasons!”
“Your reason is that you have no one! You’re wasting tax money preparing for a wedding that will never happen!”

“Prince, maybe you could at least tell us the name,”

It was that moment the line in front of him started moving and Katsuki braced himself, entering the room.

Izuku was standing in the middle of a huge table, surrounded by angry looking people.
Letting his eyes wander he swore in his mind when he noticed his parents were in attendance.
I- The person,” Izuku stopped himself before looking to his right, right where his parents sat,
“The person I will marry is-” He let his eyes wander the room again when he made eye contact with the blonde.
“Kacchan?!” murmurs went through the room.
Better now than never, Izuku told himself as he hurried around the table.

“The person I am marrying is Kacchan.”

The tray slipped from Katsukis fingers before he could stop himself. Kacchan?
Whirling around he stared at Izuku in front of him.

There was only one person who had called him by that name.

“You want to marry a peasant?! That's outrageous!”
The outcry overlapped with a loud “Katsuki?”
Great now his parents had seen him at his lowest point.

Stepping up to Katsukis side, Izuku addressed the man who had just called him a peasant.
“Mind your tongue! This is prince Katsuki of the Bakugou kingdom!”

The silence that followed that statement was loud.
Katsuki was so shocked that he was unable to say or move before he glanced at Izukus, Dekus? eyes and the rage boiled over.

Furious he flung himself around and before he could stop himself punched Izuku in the face.
Izuku fell to the floor and clutched his cheek, looking up at Katsuki surprised.

The blonde stood over him, huffing. Everything but the green haired man before him faded in his mind. He was about to raise his hand a second time, when Izuku spoke up.

“I think I deserved that…” Izuku started, before slowly standing up again. The right side of his face was completely red, which told Katsuki he had got him good.
He would have a bruise for days. Maybe even a black eye.

“I can explain Kacchan,” Izuku cautiously stepped up to Katsuki reaching out to touch him.
“You have a lot to explain you fucker!” He growled right back, stepping back so Izuku's hand wouldn’t touch him.
“I know,” Izuku let his hand fall with a sad expression.
“I am so sorry Katsuki. I will explain everything!”
The tears shining in Izuku's eyes made him pause.
“You got five minutes before I will punch you again!”

Shaking his head up and down Izuku agreed and looked around. Noticing that they were still in the dining hall.

His face turned fire red and he turned around. “but not here. Follow me!”

Katsuki bypassed his shocked parents without acknowledging them any further than a nod.

Izuku guided him through a few corridors until they were outside.

Crossing his arms Katsuki leaned against the cool wall, in hopes of cooling himself off a bit.
"Okay." so spill,"
The look in his eyes was sharp, daring Izuku to lie to him one more time.
The intensity of the red eyes resting on him had him advert his eyes.
“As you figured… i am Deku,” Glancing up he wanted to gauge Katsukis reaction to the words.
The blonde stayed silent and just narrowed his eyes.
“That day at the lake-” Izuku took a breath, willing his voice to steady, “When I met you, it felt like love at the first sight. But when we met again at your bridal show, it was like everything changed and… then your mother made that ridiculous claim and I guess I could not help myself. I was so in love with you that I would take any chance to be close to you-” Izuku stopped to glance at Katsuki again.
The blonde had uncrossed his arms again, his finger running along his lips in thought.

“I wanted to tell you, multiple times. All the time, but i thought you would hate me and this thing we had, that understanding that… love, I guess nothing I say will make this go away or excuse what i did but i hope you can forgive me Katsuki,”

Letting his head hang, Izuku let his tears run freely. This was what he deserved.

“Kacchan,” The deep voice of Katsuki corrected.
"Huh?"
Izuku's head snapped up and he looked at Katsuki.
The blonde was still scowling, but somehow his aura was different. Less aggressive.
“Why did you say was?”
“Huh?” Izuku replied again. Somehow it was the only sound he was capable of making.
Wiping his tears he waited for Katsuki to elaborate.
“You just said ‘ I was in love?’ past tense. So you’re not anymore?”

Antsy Izuku replied a bit too loud. “Was- am - I! I still am…” he quieted down at the end.
“Of course I am. I have been in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you. I think,”
“Frankly I don’t think I will love anyone the way I love you,”

Katsuki hummed. Forgiveness would be something Izuku had to earn.
It would take a long time for Katsuki to be okay with what Izuku did to him…

But he did it out of love and that was enough reason for Katsuki to try. He wondered why he had never noticed the similarities between Izuku and Deku.
Those huge and expressional eyes should have given everything away.

The hair colour was also something that should have made Katsuki think…
Apparently he had lost his brain as well as his title.
Because now that he knew, the resemblance was uncanny.
Katsuki must be a bigger fool than he thought, for Izuku to fool him like this.

With every passing moment, Izuku turned more antsy and fidgety.
The poor man looked like he was about a second away from hyperventilating when Katsuki directed his voice at him again.
“What you did was fucking sick,” The blonde stepped closer.
“Good thing you have a whole lifetime to make up for it,” and then drew him into his arms.
This was all it took for Izuku to completely break down.
Clutching Katsukis tunic, Izuku buried his face in the dip between Katsukis shoulder and neck, telling over and over again how sorry he was.

Katsuki rubbed Izuku's back and stayed still until Izuku's cries dried up.
He buried his face in the crook of Izukus neck, inhaling the familiar scent and held him even closer.

After a while Izuku withdrew, still sniffing but not crying anymore and looked at Katsuki.
“I really am sorry. There is nothing I regret more than lying to you. Really Katsuki.”

Pursing his lips and raising an eyebrow, Katsuki leaned back so he would be able to see the snot covered face of the man he loved better.
“I told you to call me Kacchan.” he interjected. The words made the corners of Izuku's mouth tremble again and Katsuki teasingly said “If you cry again, I will leave again.”

"No!" Izuku slung his arms around Katsuki and pressed the blonde against him.
“You’re not allowed to leave. never,”
Then he realised the words he said and stammered as he released the blonde.
“I mean unless- Well only if you-” Face away from Katsuki, he covered his face with his hands. Now he has done it again… As if the first time Katsuki left was not lesson enough.

Katsuki smirked and grasped Izukus jaw between his fingers, drawing the attention of those green eyes back on him.
“I meant what I said. I don’t condone what you have done Izuku. Knowing you betrayed me in such a way hurts. But no human is without faults. Its lessons we have to learn. Just like I had to learn.” Caressing his cheek with his thumb, Katsuki continued.

“We all have made mistakes, we all learn from them. We have to. To get better for the people we love. Izuku, Deku-” He took a deep breath and made sure Izuku's attention was solely focused on him and his red eyes.

He wanted him to see the sincerity in them when he said the next words.
“No matter if you are a prince, a swordsmith, a hoodlum or a god, I fell in love with who you are as a person and not what your title is, not what your name is, not what you stand for.
I fell in love with your soul, with the shine in your eyes when you talk about something you love, the way you mutter and never manage to stay quiet for even a short moment, I fell in love with all the little things that make you you.”

Izuku's eyes dared to shed some more tears at the words but Katsuki was not yet finished.
“You have a lifetime of making it up to me. Just as I have a lifetime to show you that I am worthy of your love,”

As if to underline his words, Katsuki raised his right hand and showed the ring adorning his finger.
Despite leaving Deku, Katsuki could never bring it over himself and take the ring off.

Izuku clutched his hand with a surprised gasp.
“You’re still wearing it?!”
“I never took it off… I could not bring myself to,” He admitted and turned the ring with a sad smile.
“I have to apologize as well… I left you alone and just went away leaving you behind…”
“Oh Kacchan,”
Intertwining their hands, the cold and almost inaudible clink of Izukus ring meeting his own, made him squeeze his hand even harder.

Right at this moment it felt like everything realigned and fate was finally making sense.
Everything that happened would lead to this moment in his life.
Here in Izuku's/ Katsukis arms. There would never be anything that would feel more right, than this moment right now.

“What happened that day?” Izuku asked quietly. It was the question he had asked himself over and over again but found no answer in the message or in his mind.

Now his troubled mind was about to be laid to rest.
“I was mugged and was too much of a coward to face you.”
Katsuki scratched his head, averting his eyes. “ I felt like I failed us, you… I was too cocky and thought no one would dare to mug me…”
“I knew you wouldn’t be mad, that you would understand and that… I knew you would suffer in silence and I could not stomach that.”
“You are an Idiot!” Izuku told him,

“We’re some pair of idiots,” He chuckled, smiling at Izuku. Nodding, Izuku rested his head back against Katsukis chest, enjoying the closeness.

They sat there in the dirt, enjoying their presence and the quiet nature around them.

Basking in each other's presence now that their worries and regrets were out in the open.

“Would you marry me again?” Katsuki asked in the silence, glancing down at Izuku.

Izuku grinned at him, “ I already told everyone there is only one person I will marry. So yes Kacchan. I would love to marry you again. Without hiding who I am this time,”

Katsuki had a small smile on his lips as he gazed at Izuku's huge smile. Izuku, who could not contain himself, lifted himself up enough so he could peck Katsukis cheek from where he sat.
“I wouldn’t have taken a no for an answer. Since we are technically already married.” Katsuki revealed after a while, causing Izukus head to shoot up and almost headbutt him.
“Hey! I already told everyone I would marry you!” He protested and pushed against Katsuki with all his strength causing the blonden to topple over.

“You’re mine no matter what,” Izuku told him, voice rough.
Katsuki rose up and supported himself in his arms. His face dangerously close to Izukus.
“Only if that means you’re mine,” Katsuki whispered.
“I’ve always been yours,” Izuku confessed just as quietly, guiding his hands to rest against Katsukis neck in a loving caress.

They could feel their breath mix and the warmth that radiated from each other.
Biting his lip Izuku glanced from those gorgeous red eyes to Katsukis lips before into his eyes again.
Catching Katsuki doing the same. His lips were so close.
Glancing back into Katsukis eyes again, he saw the dangerous glint in them to dare him and cross that last bit of distance between them.

Izuku leaned forward and sealed his lips over Katsukis. The soft feeling of the blondes' lips against him made his heart beat like thunder in his chest.
It took a second of gentle contact until Katsuki buried his hands in Izuku's curly hair and pressed him closer.
Moving his lips against Izukus in a desperate attempt to feel even closer. To burn this kiss into his memory, his very soul.
This was the first of many.
The dark and rushed beating of his heart was his witness that he wanted to be high on this feeling for the rest of his life.

—-------

Katsuki had never been so nervous in his life before. It was irrational to feel this way. He knew what was coming the second these doors opened and the music echoed in the walls of the chapel.
Katsuki stood with his fingers interlaced, watching the room. Despite the short notice all the high ranking people from all over their continent were present. King Todoroki with this family, all the dukes and nobility from both their families filled the benches.
right in front of him, was his own family as well as Dekus.

His mother smiled at him for a second before returning to her conversation with Izuku's mother.
The last few days had been a real pain in the ass. A lot of talking, a lot of emotions, a lot of politics.
Izuku had come clean to their families about what he did, which had caused a bit of an uproar with his own mother but from there on it was uphill.

They had prepared the wedding in such a short time that Katsuki had not deemed it possible.
Yet here he stood, waiting in front of the altar.

Without warning the doors opened and music began to play. Katsukis eyes found Izukus without any delay and they both smiled at each other.

Katsuki was an imposing tall figure at the end of the long and leading red carpet.
Draped in white and red, chest adorned with multiple golden crests and military achievements Izuku could only dream of and Izuku could only think of the king Katsuki was meant to be.
He took his breath away. Smiling at the blonde, he placed his hand into the hand of his father Toshinori and gave him a smile before taking the first step.

Katsuki was mesmerised by Izuku's appearance. He had not yet seen the outfit Izuku would be wearing to the wedding and Katsuki knew why. It completely bewitched him.

Izuku was clothed only in white. The tight suit hugged him perfectly, creating a stunning look.
The back of his jacket fanned out and Katsuki could only imagine that it was inspired by womens wedding dresses, a drape. It must have taken Izuku a long time to do his hair, since the usually unruly curls were styled perfectly to frame his face, shining in the sun falling through the windows.
Izuku looked like an angel fallen upon this earth. Too beautiful to be anything humane.
Once they reached the three steps up to the altar Katsuki reached out and held out his hand for Izuku to take.

Nodding towards Toshinori, Katsuki thanked him for his blessing and gave Izuku away.
The moment Izuku placed his hand into Katsukis, tears glistened in both their eyes.
The familiar weight of their hands grounded them as they smiled at each other and before turning towards the officiant Katsuki leaned close and whispered into Izukus ear.

“You look like an angel, so beautiful.” Before pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.
Catching Katsukis eyes, they were filled with emotion, close to tears as well and Izuku squeezed his hand in return.
“You look very handsome as well… I can’t wait to have you all to myself,”

Chuckling Katsuki turned towards the officiant. They would have each other to have and to hold for eternity.
They had learned from their mistakes and would face the future as better men together.