Ethereal ◆ Shoto Todoroki x Reader

24 | Change

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"Okay, you can open your eyes now, princess."

You open them at Shoto's command, reveling at the sight of what's in front of you.

By now the sky has grown dark, and stars dot the night like splatters of paint. It's the palace garden, you realize, but from all the changes that have been made, it's barely recognizable. 

Instead of just flowers and vines gracing the walls, strings of fairy lights are hung, illuminating the blanket below them. A path to it has been made using petals. 

But the most stunning part of it all? The fireflies. 

"How did you...?"

Shoto smiles. "These petals, from a flower called Amai, attract them. I thought you would like it."

He takes your hand gently, leading you down the path through the lightning bugs. They shimmer and blink, as if welcoming you. You sit down across from Shoto.

"So what's all of this really for?" You ask. "Surely you have some ulterior motive, here."

You're not sure whether to thank him or just stay silent.

"I felt bad," he whispers, almost where you can't hear him, "with all that's been going on? And now on top of it, we have four guests staying at the palace, two being some of the loudest people I've met."

You laugh, knowing he means the Bakugous. 

"I know we have a lot of responsibilities, but it feels nice to just ignore them. Right now we should be planning the dinner since we have guests," you say, "but I think I'd rather just sit here."

"It can get tiring, can't it?" He says, "Although I don't do much, just being called Prince makes me feel uneasy." 

You feel your heart lighten. "I know, right? That's how I feel when someone calls me Princess. It's like they're trying to remind me that I have other things to do."

Shoto smiles at you, nodding, then starts to laugh quietly. 

"What?" You ask, smirking.

He keeps smiling, like he has some secret. "It's just, crazy. My father's in a coma and here I am just laughing like nothing's wrong. I feel sort of guilty, but I can't help it..."

"...you just make me feel so..."

"happy."

You both say it at once, then stare at each other. Shoto's cheeks are red, and yours warm, too. 

The next thing you know, you're mere inches apart, and you can feel his breath on your skin. Warm, but cold, like everything you've ever known. It makes you wonder why you haven't done this yet.

You kiss him, slow and bruising, a hand bringing its way up to his dual-colored hair. His hands waver cautiously, like he's unsure about where to put them. You wrap them around your waist, feeling his uncertainty. 

It's your first kiss, but it feels so natural, so perfect, like this is where you belong.

In his arms, loving him.

He kisses you back, relaxing in your embrace. You can feel his quirk, his warmth, his cold, all at once. You pull away, hands resting on the sides of his face. 

Then quickly bring them back, realizing. "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry I should've asked you first-"

You stutter, launching into endless apologies. He doesn't seem to mind though, but his face is red.

You almost don't hear him over yourself. "That was my first kiss."

You stop. "I-it was mine too."

You're both quiet for a bit, then you break the silence. "W-we should go prepare dinner."

You gather your gown and quickly stand, fanning your face as you leave the garden. You know Shoto is following you, but you can't bare to speak to him after that stunt you just pulled. Ridiculous. 

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You sit at the head of the table beside Shoto avoiding his gaze. You can feel him looking at you. Instead, you welcome the guests. 

"Queen Mitsuki, Prince Katsuki, and Sir Izuku," you say, lifting a glass, "thank you so much for joining us today. The information you provided will prove useful, so as a thank you, we have prepared this food."

"Itadakimasu!"

You eat in silence, occasionally joining in on the banter.

"Be grateful, you brat!"

"I'm not the one who hasn't touched their food yet, you old hag!"

Yeah, maybe it would be best to just stay out of it. Instead, you turn to Izuku, who is gobbling up the meal like it's his last. You smile.

"Do you like it?" You ask the boy.

He nods, his mouth stuffed. "Excuse my manners, I should've considered the atmosphere. I still can't believe I'm here, honestly."

"Oh, well, it is pretty surreal, isn't it? Sometimes I don't believe I'm here myself," you sigh, thinking of all you've left behind. It does seem...crazy.

Your life has changed so much in such little time. Maybe you're relieved. Maybe you want to go back.

"Haha, well I just want to thank you again," Izuku laughs nervously, "My mother won't believe the news when I tell her!"

"I can't wait to meet her," you smile, "and I'm sure she'll be very proud."

Change is a strange thing.

Like a pack of wolves, striking in masses, when you least expect it. 

Change is coming, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.

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