Ethereal ◆ Shoto Todoroki x Reader

27 | Explanations and Complications

◆

"Oh." Hitoka sighs, and a nostalgic smile graces her face, "My Mother loved reading fairytales to my brother and I. There was this one where fire and Maki, the wood, fell in love. They burned each other out. Only ashes remained. But it was only a silly children's story, although a pleasant memory for me."

You nod. "Okay. I also have another question, though."

"Go on."

"Have you ever heard of the League of Rebellion?"

"Vaguely," Hitoka says, the smile leaving her face immediately. Her eyes are downcast. "Rebels. People who want to overthrow the kingdoms, take everything into their own hands. It's so troublesome; can't they just be glad they're alive?"

She sighs, shaking her head.

You nod. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your quirk?"

She frowns. "Don't have one, and if you don't mind me asking, what's with all these questions?"

"Well, this is kind of embarrassing to admit, but I don't know as much as a commoner would about these things," you laugh, "I've lived a pretty reserved life, and even during lessons my father wouldn't dare mention a rebellion. I trust you, so I wanted to ask you."

"I'm not saying I like being referred to as a commoner," Hitoka says, "but I understand. It must be tough, getting ready to rule a kingdom and all. Plus you have to deal with that complete ass of a king."

"I thought you said...?" You say, slightly taken aback by her words.

"Yeah, I'm grateful for the kingdoms, but it doesn't mean I like the king," Hitoka grins, "honestly, I think you and the prince are better matches for the throne."

You smile. "Thank you. You may not believe this, but this conversation means so much to me."

"Now don't get all cheesy on me, princess," Hitoka chuckles, "how would the guards feel if you were caught conversing with a commoner?"  She says dramatically.

"Well, I don't think they would mind, since I consider you a friend," You say, standing up to leave. "Really, thank you."

Hitoka smiles. It's small, but it's there, but gone in an instant.

You leave without saying anything more.

 - ◆ -    𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽    - ◆ -

Where is he? 

"Takahashi!" 

He turns to you, his face immediately erupting in a smile. "Princess," he hums.

"Can you come here for a second? I have a question," you say, leading him away from the maids and other guards.

"Sure," he enthusiastically says as you take him by the arm.

"Why have you been acting so weird lately?" You say, a little harsher than you meant to. "I just . . . there's so much going on and I want . . . "

He laughs. "You want to know? I'm not surprised. It's fine! I'm fine."

The lie is obvious, and it breaks your heart. You let go of his arm, letting yours drop to your side.

"If you say so," you sigh, "but if you ever want to talk about anything, I'm here. I trust you."

It feels weird; you've been able to say that to so many people today. I trust you.

Shoto, Hitoka, Takahashi.

Is it getting out of hand?

He smiles; it's clearly forced. "I know. And actually, maybe there is something I want to talk about."

He scratches the back of his head, smiling nervously. It seems more genuine, but suspicious. 

"Go on?"

". . .what do girls like?"

You lift your eyebrows, shocked at his question. Takahashi? Asking about girls?

"Wh-what? Why? Who are you seeing-?"

"N-nobody! I just wanted to get her a get-well-soon gift," he grins, "she's seemed really down lately."

. . .a get well soon gift . . .

"It's Hitoka isn't it?" You grin, poking him in the shoulder.

"Well, yes, but there's nothing else going on-"

"Awe, come on," you laugh, "you really think I believe that?"

Takahashi blushes. 

You smile. "Get her some flowers. It'll brighten up her day and that dreary room of hers."

He suddenly smiles, grinning from ear to ear. "I was going to mention this later, but all this talk of romance reminded me."

Oh no.

". . . you kissed the prince in the hallway~"

You smack him gently on the arm. "Wh-!"

"You can't deny it! Mayra saw and immediately told me!" Takahashi smirks.

"Who's Mayra? A love rival, perhaps?" You tease.

"Oh don't try to change the subject! She's one of your maids, and she gives me all the juicy updates."

"Now I know who to avoid," you laugh, "who would've thought Takahashi, the esteemed royal gaurd, would have a spy."

"Well, I tell her things too, so-"

"Oh, so you're both spies. Better be glad I haven't had you executed yet."

You both start to laugh, but your heart hurts.

Even joking about Takahashi being a spy makes you feel awful. You can't imagine him really being one. He was probably just acting weird because he was nervous about Hitoka.

Yeah. That's it.

Nerves change people.

"Th-the King!"

A maid runs to Takahashi from around the corner, huffing and puffing. Her face is red and she's smiling.

"The king is awake!"

◆