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A couple of weeks had gone by and the life-changing news had settled in for Shouto. He had signed on to his father's hero agency, just like what they agreed on. He was already doing hero work, trying to distract him from the harsh reality of the coming weeks.
But, that night, he was going to meet her for the first time. He emerged from the ice-cold shower, embracing the chill. What the hell was he going to wear for his— future wife?
The words tasted weird in his mouth, even if he just thought it. How was he going to give everything to someone he just met? Easy. He wouldn't. Todoroki messed with his hair, trying to get it right.
Did he really have to try so hard? Or care? It didn't matter, they were bound to be together. He stared at himself in the mirror, gripping the edge of the sink. The heat in one hand grew, ice in the other. He couldn't spiral, he couldn't lose his temper. He wouldn't lose it. He was going to be okay, he would try to be a safe place.
Even if it meant he had to avoid her.
Changing into something nicer than usual, he went to find his older sister. She was in her room, reading a book. Todoroki knocked on the door.
"Ane?"
She peaked out from behind the book, a small smile lighting up her face. She laid her book on her chest, putting her hands together.
"You look great, Shouto," Fuyumi looked down. "I'm sorry this is how it ended up."
He had planned something grand to say. A big statement, like he was going to tell her how much he cared about them and everything they tried to do for him. The words just wouldn't form, as he stood there for a second, she stared at him.
Then, he turned his face away. "Don't be."
He didn't listen for any of her calls and headed out to their living area. His father stood tall, wearing a nice suit.
"You look ready, son."
"Do not patronize me, father," Shouto pushed past him, opening the door and heading toward the black car.
The ride was relatively silent, Shouto and his father sitting next to each other in silence. He looked out the window, the blurred night-time lights zoning him out from what he was about to do.
"Why did she agree?" He asked out of the blue. It caught his father by surprise and Enji Todoroki shifted in his seat.
"What drives everyone, Shouto?" There was another silence, but he knew the answer. "Money."
"Why did you choose her?" Shouto continued, not looking his father in the eyes.
"Her quirk is the exact opposite of yours and just as powerful. You will create excellent, if not perfect children."
Shouto felt himself cringe at the thought. She wasn't going to be that to him. They would coexist. That's it. He would go through with the marriage and that's it.
The car came to a rolling stop. It was a beautiful high rise apartment complex, that overlooked the entire city. This is where she lives? Todoroki thought, wondering why she would even need the money.
They exited the car, the complex private and gated. It was serene, everything top of the line. The elevators shot up to the top floor. Todoroki couldn't look at his father.
At the end of the hall, there were large double doors. It was the penthouse. Shouto took a deep breath, preparing for the worst experience of his life. His father opened the door.
"Daisuke! We meet again," his father's booming voice drowned out the smaller male voice inside. "Welcome to your daughter's new place of living."
Shouto stepped inside. Everything was beautiful and modern, sleek, and smooth with a bit of traditional comfort. His eyes scanned around the room until he set eyes on her.
"Of course, you know my son, Shouto."
He drowned out the noise of his father talking. The girl that was sitting on the couch was beautiful. She had long raven hair that fell just below her elbows. Wide, grey eyes. But, his feelings did not change. She gazed at him, one eyebrow gently up ticked, searching his expression.
"Son! This is Saito Daisuke."
Todoroki turned his gaze to the slouched over man. He looked terrible like he hadn't slept in days. Shouto didn't extend any greeting, staring blankly at the man willing to give away his daughter to a complete stranger.
"And his daughter, Asami."
The girl got to her feet, approaching her father's side. There they stood, each at their parent's side. Her expression seemed steady, but behind her eyes, he could see it. That fear. The same that his mother had.
"Hello, Saito Asami," his voice echoed throughout the room, trying to sound as friendly as possible. He bowed his head, then lifted to meet her gaze.
She took a step backward and he could see her hands trembling, though she tried to hide it. There was a breeze in the room, light. But, no windows were open.
"Father, I—" she whispered. Then, her face hardened. Like she remembered something. Asami looked at Shouto, her eyebrows pinched together.
"It's nice to meet you, Todoroki Shouto," her voice sounded silvery smooth, almost melodic. Enji Todoroki stood with his arms crossed, looking pleased with himself.
"Now that introductions are over, let's talk about business."
For the next hour, the fathers discussed arrangements and plans for their future. Shouto couldn't look anywhere. He couldn't look at her, he couldn't look at his father, he couldn't look at her father. She was terrified and he knew it.
Who wouldn't be? Everyone knew of his father and his history, even if it wasn't discussed openly. She probably expected him to be the same way.
Apparently, the apartment wasn't the Saito's. It was a one bedroom that Todoroki's father had bought for the two to stay and figure things out. The plan was to pretend as though they were dating to the public and announce the engagement in a couple of months. So it didn't taint anyone's image. God Forbid.
After discussions were over, it was time to part ways until move in day, which was in a week. Before Shouto could leave, he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Daisuke's.
Daisuke nudged his daughter forward and she had something clutched in her palms. Asami stumbled forward, looking up at him. Shoto kept his expression straight, ignoring her pale terrified glance.
"I-... I got you something— to—" her voice wavered. "To symbolize my lasting respect— and— servitude as yours."
He felt his breath catch in his throat. Servitude? His father couldn't stop smiling, his eyes blazing with pride. Asami bowed her head, extending a green object. Carefully, Shouto took it out of her hands. It was a chain of jade beads.
Again, he couldn't find the right words. He was standing there, speechless. He wanted to tell her he wouldn't hurt her, that he wouldn't let her feel afraid. But, he didn't know if he could even keep those promises. He had his father's blood. He wanted to forget it, but he couldn't. Every time he looked in the mirror.
That night, he laid awake in bed. He held the beads above his body, looking at them in the light, then in the dark. They were beautiful all the same. What was he going to do? He couldn't even speak to her, when she was standing right there.
A part of him wanted to run away, never face this ever again. Another part of him wanted to take her with him, so they could live normal lives as separate people. Far away from each other.
He knew that wouldn't end well. In reality, he knew that nothing would end well. Shouto fell asleep, his hand hanging off of the bed. Slowly, the beads slipped from his fingers and silently fell to the floor.