Work Text:
14 years ago.
“Touya, get back here.” Boomed his father’s voice.
Teary eyes yet face set in determination, Touya ran away from him “No!”
His father doesn’t understand. Telling him to stop using his quirk? No, he won’t. He will never.
Dodging the guards who stepped in his way, 8 year old Touya ran as fast as his little legs could. Passing through corners, dodging underneath the royal guards’ legs, nearly bumping a maid carrying huge stacks of towels, Touya didn’t stop.
“Your highness.” A guard called out to him and almost caught Touya in his arms but was stopped when Natsuo jumped onto him.
“Run, Touya-nii run!” Natsuo shouted in his shrill 4-year-old voice as he tried his hardest in holding the huge royal guard in a headlock with his small chubby arms.
“Young prince Natsuo.” The guard stammered nervously as he tried to remove Natsuo from his back without hurting him.
“Thank you Natsu!” Touya yelled as he continued running, grinning excitedly. Tears long gone, just pure adrenaline in his system.
“Go go, Touya-nii!” Fuyumi waved with one arm, the other tightly grabbing their mother’s gown.
Their mother, Queen Rei just smiled endearingly as she watched her eldest son run away from the guards, and her middle son tackling guards. She looked down in her arms at the youngest and whispered to the baby, “I dread to see what you will do when you’re old enough to cause mischief with your brothers.”
“Let the gods help us then,” A deep voice sounded from behind her.
She turned and was greeted with a kiss on her forehead from her husband.
“Daddy,” Fuyumi raised her arms, signaling that she wanted to be carried.
Enji obliged and held her against one hip with a thick arm, the other pulling his queen closer.
“Aren’t you gonna stop that?” Rei teased.
Enji stared at the scene before him - Natsuo screaming while still tightly grabbing onto the guard’s collar while another guard was pulling him away by his little waist. He was practically horizontal in mid-air.
“Why do I even bother.” Enji said resignedly to which Rei replied with soft laughter. Fuyumi screamed for Natsuo to fight, and baby Shouto just blew bubbles in his sleep, not caring at all about the rambunctious noises.
Just a typical day in the royal Todoroki castle.
Touya ran, and ran, and ran. His lungs were burning from exertion but he didn’t want to stop. If he stops, he’ll be caught. Swiftly running out to the courtyard, he ran past the gardens. And soon the lake. Beyond the lake was the huge forest that Touya’s father had always forbidden him from going into unsupervised. Of course being told that made Touya want to go there even more.
Running past the tall trees, he ran until he reached the Marigolds. Then it was a quick right turn, he just needed to find the two trees where branches intertwined together forming an arch.
Touya located it quickly. He’s been coming here for months already. So he didn’t waste time jumping over the protruding roots and passing under the arch.
Then, seemingly as if he was passing through a portal, he was enveloped by a bright yellow light as the dense forest disappeared entirely, and a big empty flowery field greeted him. Looking back a bit, trees were behind him, but nowhere as condense as the forest was. This was a special place, only those who were chosen could enter and Touya was one of them.
He found this place totally by accident, when he was crying and running away after fighting with his father again and the forest seemingly answered his call. It led him to a place for him to be alone, to be himself. He felt at peace here, and he could use his quirk as much as he wants. With no prying eyes from the guards or servants, who reports his every move to the king.
However, he wasn’t truly alone out in this secret place, there’s someone here, something here.
Touya didn't know who he was but the boy had bright golden hair, gold eyes, tan skin however the most interesting thing was his red wings. The wings would change size, sometimes they’ll be twice the size of the golden-haired boy, sometimes it’s small and the boy couldn’t even float. His name was Keigo, and he became Touya’s friend.
“Keigo!” Touya screamed at the top of his lungs, calling out for his friend.
He only needed to call him once, Keigo would hear him and he would always come.
He often wondered what Keigo was, since people didn’t have wings. Some talented and chosen people have quirks of course, like his family. And there’s been some news of quirks that manifested as bodily mutation, but never wings.
He asked Keigo once.
“Are you a harpy?”
“No.” Keigo floated all around him.
“Angel?”
Keigo giggles, “Nope.”
“Then what are you?”
“I’m fae of course!”
Fae. Touya didn’t know what that was but apparently it’s a different species than humans. A species that usually resides in the forest. Touya went into the library to learn about them and the big book said that fae or faeries are extinct. There’s even been myths that said quirks came from faes, faes gifted humans that were dear to them powers or as more commonly known now, quirks.
Faes are said to be the most powerful of them all. The origin of quirks, beings that defy human knowledge. The book barely had any useful information, just that the faes suddenly dropped out of existence, and humans regarded them as simple fairy tales; make believe.
Touya was ecstatic and told his father he found a fae but his father just got mad at him instead for going into the forest, totally ignoring the part where he told him about Keigo. He cried and didn’t speak to his father for days. Touya never said a word to him about Keigo ever again. He would only tell Natsuo and Fuyumi, fortunately his little siblings love to hear about Keigo.
Shaking his head and bringing his mind back to the present, Touya did what he came here to do.
He held up his hands and focused on bringing his powers out. Flames, bright blue flames that are said to be stronger than his father’s.
The blue flames did appear around his hands and Touya screamed in excitement. He can make them appear faster and faster now. He focused on the flames, making them grow bigger steadily.
His breathing was getting erratic, making chest hurt but he took a deep breath, and let it out slowly, repeating it as he increased his flames. This technique was supposed to let his body get used to his quirk. He could feel his hands and wrist starting to burn, but he gritted it out.
The pain was starting to numb when he was suddenly doused in lots of water from above.
Soaking wet, flames gones, he lifted his head and growled at the culprit.
“Keigo!” He snarled.
Laughing, Keigo was floating above him with an empty bucket upside down in his hands “You were on fire! I was helping put out the flames.”
“That’s my quirk you ass!” Touya shakes his fist at Keigo but was unable to catch him as Keigo could fly, and Touya could not.
One more fact about Keigo, other than him being a supposedly-extinct creature is that he's a piece of shit.
Huffing and glaring, Touya crossed his arms. “Get down here!”
“No, you’ll only be mad.” Grinning, Keigo flew all around Touya.
“Keigo!” Touya yelled.
Touya flinched in surprise when his shoulder was suddenly poked. It was one of Keigo’s feathers. It’s so unfair, not only can he fly, but he can control each of his feathers to do as he will.
“Stop that!” Touya glared. Keigo is still out of reach and more and more feathers come out to poke him. He swatted what he could but then he stumbled and fell down to his hands and knees, where he let out a loud yelp.
His wrist hurts, it’s still sore from using his quirk.
Seeing that Touya was genuinely hurt, Keigo flew down beside him and took his sore wrists in hand, worried.
“You were overdoing it,” Keigo said.
Huffing, Touya took his hands away, “What are you, my father?”
Keigo took back Touya’s hands and said “Stay still,”
Touya did, and he watched as Keigo closed his eyes and mumbled something. Then, a bright red light surrounded their hands and his wrists didn’t hurt anymore.
“Woah, you’re getting better at that.” Touya exclaimed as he moved his hands every which way. Testing out the motion but there was really no more pain. Keigo’s healing magic has gotten stronger after weeks of practicing.
When Keigo first wanted to heal Touya, they had to sit and wait for 30 minutes, Keigo sweating and brows furrowing as he focused. Now, in less than a minute Touya is all healed.
“Of course, you’re not the only one who’s been practicing.” They grinned at each other.
“Wanna start right now?” Touya asked excitedly and Keigo nodded his head, just as excited.
This was their routine, whenever they would meet up, they’d practice their quirks. Here there's no judgement, no rules, they can do what they want. Usually they’d practice separately, but sometimes, they would do it together.
This was one of those times, they’d planned it a while back. Target practice as they had named it.
Touya would shoot out balls of flame, and Keigo would focus on his feathers carrying big pieces of leaves for Touya to shoot at. This way, Touya could practice accurately aiming his flames and Keigo could practice controlling his feathers.
It seemed like a fire hazard, with them being in the middle of a field, flowers and grass all around but this wasn’t a normal place. Anytime a stray flame falls on the ground, it’ll quickly diminish. Keigo told him that this place was created solely for him, by Mother Earth. Nothing that wasn’t intentional, could burn anything there.
They played for hours, and by the end Touya's body hurt all over. Even Keigo, his wings were small, just the base left.
“My dad will kill me,” Touya grumbled as he panted on the ground, too tired to even move.
“It’s still early, the sun is only just beginning to set.”
“They’re definitely looking for me, I’m sure of it.”
Touya turned to lay on his side so he could look at Keigo. The setting sun hitting his hair made him look otherworldly.
“You’re pretty.” Touya complimented.
Blushing, Keigo teased, “You always say that, are you in love with me or something?”
“Please,” Touya scoffed and pushed Keigo away.
Laughing and playfully pushing Touya back, he whispered “I love you too Touya.”
Too shy to even look back at Keigo, Touya mumbled “You’re embarrassing.”
Brushing off stray grass on his pants, Touya said regrettably, “I should get back.”
“Okay.”
But when Touya walked away, Keigo called out to him.
“I think I’ll be gone awhile.”
“What? Why?” Touya was surprised and a bit mad. Keigo had mentioned a few times before that he wanted to leave, to go somewhere far away, but every time Touya wouldn't let him.
Keigo shrugged his tiny shoulders. “I don’t know… But the trees are telling me to go. And I can feel it, there’s something waiting for me out there.”
“You can’t! We still need to practice!” He yelled in frustration.
“Touya, I need to go.”
“No! Promise me, promise me you won’t leave me.” Touya walked back to stand in front of Keigo and held out his pinky. Keigo is his friend, Keigo is the only one who would practice with him, Keigo can’t leave.
Sighing and giving a small smile, Keigo relented, he raised his pinky and linked it with Touya.
“Okay, I won’t leave you.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
It was selfish of him but Touya was hit with fear whenever Keigo told him he planned on leaving. Keigo is his friend, and when he’s here with him, he’s the happiest. Even more when he’s back at home with his family.
They said their goodbyes again and Touya walked back home. Sceptical but choosing to believe in the winged boy.
Keigo watched after him as his small back disappeared into the portal.
However when Touya came back the next day, calling out for Keigo, Keigo never came. He stayed there the whole day, waiting, but those red wings were nowhere to be seen. He came back the next day, the same. And the next. And the next. He’s alone. Touya is alone, Keigo left him. Touya waited for weeks, but he never came. Keigo broke his promise.
Then one day, after another ugly fight with his dad, he had sat there waiting and waiting and waiting. Touya had enough. He screamed his heart out and let out his flames. It burned. Everything burned. The whole field burned.
Keigo said the field won't burn if unintentional, well Touya intentionally burned it all down. He wanted it to burn. It’s filled with nothing but pain now, the happiness couldn’t be found. It’s gone, it left with Keigo.
Touya walked out of there badly hurt, but he didn’t look back. He would never go back there again. And as he passed through the tree's arch, the branches broke and fell to the ground. The secret field is gone forever and Touya lets the memories of Keigo be forgotten with it.
Present day.
“Are you listening to me?” Fuyumi nagged her brothers.
“Yeah, yeah.” Natsuo replied flippantly, a long sword balanced on his leg.
“Not at all.” Touya said honestly, his attention fully on the chess set he’s playing with Natsuo. Well, not really because both of them had no idea how to play it - even after their father tried to teach them hundreds of times - they are just randomly moving it around on the board.
Fuyumi let out a frustrated screech, “Touya-nii! Your royal ball is in a few hours! Go. Get. Ready.” She tried to be stern.
Both boys didn’t bother replying to her, instead Touya made the queen jump over the bishop and pawn, and capture the opponent’s knight.
“I don’t think the queen can jump over pieces.” Natsuo said uncertain.
Touya cocked his head, “The queen can do everything, right? I think it can.”
Natsuo furrowed his brow, “Yeah… you’re right. Probably.”
Fuyumi sighed deeply. Her brothers are idiots. She was about to retort that no the queen can’t jump over pieces when out the window, down by the fountain was a familiar dual-coloured boy. “Isn’t that Shouto?”
Now her brothers heard her and turned their heads to look out the window. She wanted to smack them but it was unbecoming of a princess. Not that her brothers ever acted like a prince.
“What’s he doing?” Natsuo questioned. Shouto was down there all alone, seemingly staring into the water fountain.
He was about to open the window to call him when a large, towering bald headed man came up to Shouto and kneeled before him.
Touya, Natsuo and Fuyumi watched with wide eyes and jaws gaping as the bald man lifted Shouto’s hand and laid a kiss upon it.
“Damn!” Natsuo exclaimed, “Our baby brother got a suitor.”
They watched as Shouto’s normally pale skin turned red and the big man stood and brought him in a hug. Shouto is completely engulfed but they could see him lifting his arms and hugging the man back.
They all let out teasing grins, they can tease Shouto for weeks with this juicy tidbit.
“Isn’t it funny,” Fuyumi’s tone made Touya narrow his eyes at her, “That the youngest already has a candidate when our eldest is still single?”
He glared at her but it wasn’t menacing, Fuyumi was unfazed.
Natsuo, the unhelpful brother that he is, just snickered and enjoyed the bickering.
“If you don’t want to be left behind, then go get ready Touya-nii. After all, tonight’s party is for you to find a consort.”
Letting out a loud groan, Touya slumped in his chair. “I don’t wanna.”
“Like you have a choice.” Natsuo teased.
Glaring at him, Touya kicked Natsuo’s shin but his brother was in his knight’s armor so it was a big mistake.
“Ow.” Touya whined.
Both laughed at him. However, Fuyumi was a bit more worried. “What are you doing getting hurt! You’re supposed to dance with your possible consorts tonight!”
“Good idea,” He said and was about to stomp his foot at Natsuo’s metal-clad shin again when Natsuo moved it away from him.
“You’re not using me as an excuse Touya-nii.”
“The betrayal.” He dramatically hissed.
Grinning, Natsuo stood up and grabbed Touya’s bicep to lift him up too. Even though he’s younger, Natsuo is both taller and bigger than his older brother. “Come on Touya-nii, let’s get you ready.”
Touya grumbled and pouted the whole time he’s dragged to his bedchambers where his handmaidens were already ready to dress him. They prepped and primed him up and all the while he wanted to hang himself.
He had to wear layers and layers, and just when he thought he’d sweat to death, they added a cape. A heavy, wool cape that’s pinned on his shoulder, dragged on the ground and made him feel like with one wrong step he’d be pinned to the floor.
“You look handsome, son.” A gruff voice sounded from behind.
The handmaidens around him took a deep bow and dispersed with a wave of the hand.
“I look ridiculous.” Touya grumbled.
“You look regal. As a king should be.”
“M’not a King.” He tried to argue but Enji just let out a fond smile.
“You are, son.” He continued, “Maybe not officially yet, but I see you, your men see you, and we all know you’d lead us well.”
Touya looked at his father standing beside him through the mirror. They don’t even look that alike. His father is big, wide and domineering, while Touya is slim, all lean muscle and his face is soft, more to his mother. When he was born, it was with a flaming tuff of red hair, now, its snow white, red pigment nowhere to be found.
“I’m proud of you, Touya.” That statement made him jerk and face his father, shocked.
“You are?”
Enji smiled, and placed a hand on his successor's shoulder, “You are too pig-headed and stubborn for your own good. But you’re determined, dedicated, and you never gave up. Which are good, very good qualities in a leader. I tried to stop you time and time again in using your quirk, but you persevered. And look at you now, 22 and captain of your own squad, quirk far superior to mine, blue flames—the hottest of flames and you wield it like it’s nothing. I’m damn proud of you.”
Touya stared in shock and felt tears welling up in his eyes, looking away. “You never said that to me before.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. But I should’ve, there’s no one better to succeed me than you.”
Touya didn’t know what to do, but Enji did. He wrapped his arms around his son and hugged him tight. Like a weight has been lifted, Touya slumped in the embrace and held on tight. Hiding his face, not letting the tears feel the air.
They hugged each other for a long while. Father and son, king and prince, two souls linked together by blood.
“I still feel ridiculous in this get-up.”
Enji let out a belly laugh and patted his son in the back, roughly making him cough.
“It’s only for tonight, bear with it.”
Touya grumbled incoherently, effectively breaking the melancholy mood they were in and being how they always were. Snide remarks and constant bickering with sprinkles of affection.
“And I have to dance in this, I can barely stand straight.”
“That’s because you need more protein.”
Letting out an offended gasp, Touya mockingly placed a hand on his chest, “I eat meat.”
“Poking your food and only eating the skin is not it.”
“Rude.” Touya harrumphed.
Messing the hair on his head, Enji grinned, “And you’re spoiled.”
“The maids spent an hour on that.” The statement is just supporting Enji’s point.
“Where’s your crown?”
“Oh gods I have to wear that too?”
Enji located it and strode there with his long legs. Walking back to his son, he elegantly placed it on the soft, disarrayed white head.
“I swear to the gods, just a small gust of wind could topple me right now.”
“You’ve led missions wearing full clad armor, don’t be dramatic son.” Enji turned Touya back towards the mirrors so he could look at himself. He really did look like a king, and Touya didn't know how to feel.
“What if I don’t find anyone I like?” He whispered.
Enji caught on quickly, his son was worried about the ball tonight. The one where every available prince, princess, lords, ladies and powerful quirk users are invited in the hopes of finding someone to catch the prince’s eye. Touya has never displayed interest in anybody, so this ball was a last hope, as Touya can’t take over the throne unwedded.
“Then we’ll hold a ball again next year. And the year after that, and the year after that until you find someone that means as much to you, as Rei does to me.”
“And you were so excited to retire too.” Touya teased. It was true, he overhead Enji and Rei’s retirement plan lots of time, and most of it was them discussing having a fifth child, Touya is disgusted.
“For my son? I’ll hold the crown until he’s ready.”
“Thanks dad.”
“My handsome men.” A sweet voice piped up.
“Mom.” Touya said in surprise. Rei is already clad in a red gown, crown atop her braided hair and a see-through shawl around her shoulder.
“Was wondering what took you so long.” She said sweetly. Enji let out an endeared smile and held out his arms open for her. She tucked herself against him as if she belongs there, which she does. “Everyone’s here, you ready love?”
She cupped her cold hand against Touya’s cheek. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
It’s highly unlikely he’ll find someone tonight, but he has got to try. For the throne, for the crown, and for the freedom of his parents, for them to finally be free from the burden of the court.
“Not really but what the hell.”
Okay he’s regretting it immensely. Why did he not put up more of a fight? If someone giggles and bats their eyelashes at him again, he'll stab his eyes.
He could see Natsuo laughing at him from across the room, he might also stab him too.
“How’s it going?” Shouto handed him a glass of champagne. He wanted to grab the whole bottle and chug it down but Enji already gave him the stink eye, so he has to make do with the tiny glass for now.
“Thanks. Awful.”
Shouto hummed, face still as neutral as ever. While Touya was born with red hair that became full white due to his quirk, Shouto is the perfect half and half. One side white hair and grey eyes, the other red hair and blue eyes. He’s still young, in his teens and his baby cheeks are still there.
Touya couldn’t resist lifting a hand up and pinching them.
Shouto’s glare was justified. “Stop it.”
“It's not my fault you still have baby cheeks.” He smirked, poking it now.
Shouto batted his hand away and rolled his dual-coloured eyes. “And here I was trying to be nice.” He turned to walk away but Touya quickly wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
“Fine, fine. Sorry. But don’t leave me. As long as you're here no one else will interrupt.”
Shouto huffed and stayed still. “Really; no one caught your attention?”
“Nope.” Touya is still not removing his arm around his youngest brother. Shouto is still growing, he’s only a little shorter than him despite the age gap and Touya dreads the day when he too gets taller than him. Curse him for getting their father’s genes while Touya is stuck with their mothers. At least Fuyumi will always be shorter than him, that’s a relief, kind of.
“How about that blonde lady from the mountains?”
“Mt. Lady? Pass, too perky.” That’s not her real name of course but the nickname Touya and his brothers have given her.
“Hmm, that duke from the forest… What's it called? Ka-something woods.”
“Kamui Woods? Nah, he looks as unexcited to be here as I am.”
“I think I saw someone with rabbit ears today, have you danced with them?”
“Rabbit ears? Where?” Touya looked around, but couldn't see anybody with that description. “Never even saw them.”
Shouto tried to look around for more possible candidates for his brother when Touya leaned down and whispered to him, “You know who’s hot? Yoarashi Inasa from the Gale Islands.”
The way Shouto tensed was hilarious. The glare he directed at Touya was scathing.
“Oh hi, Yaorashi.” He said to someone behind Shouto.
When Shouto quickly spins around to look, Touya couldn’t help bursting into laughter.
“You’re an ass.” Shouto hissed. Nobody was even there, Touya was being an ass as usual.
“You’re too adorable, little brother.” He wanted to pinch Shouto’s cheeks again but the boy swatted him away.
“I hate you.” He stated.
“Love you too, little bro. Go dance with him, before some damsel steals his attention.”
Touya thinks it’s unlikely, in all the years Yoarashi Inasa has visited the kingdom, he’s been infatuated with their little prince. They’re the same age but Yoarashi grows fast, it seems like it’s something genetic with the people from that Island. He towers over Shouto, even over Natsuo. It’s just fun teasing Shouto, Touya can’t help it.
“He wouldn’t. He loves me.” Shouto said before he turned pale, realising his mistake.
Touya let out a manic grin. Eyes sparked with nothing but horror for Shouto. “We’re already saying ‘I love you’ are we?”
“No.” He tried to deny it but it was fruitless.
“I got to find Natsu.” He said excitedly.
Shouto tried to block him but Touya was an expert in running and slipping through people’s fingers. He didn’t see it but he could feel Shouto panicking and running to find Yoarashi. Touya laughed, his littlest brother is adorable.
He got halfway across the room when he saw Fuyumi. He was about to call out to her when he noticed she wasn’t alone. Her arms were linked with a female with bunny ears and heading out the double doors into the garden.
I’m getting all the dirt today , Touya laughed internally and stalked after them. Informing Natsuo of Shouto’s adorable first love has to wait.
But as good as he is at slipping away from people, apparently he sucks at tailing after them.
He lost sight of the two females not even five minutes into tailing them.
“Where the fuck did they go.” He mumbled to himself.
He’s at the wildflowers part of their garden, where the bushes are thick and high, and the trail is practically a maze. The moon and stars are shining bright and he could see the way, but nobody resembled his petite sister and those bunny ears.
“Looking for something, prince?” A voice piped up.
He straightened his back, it was unbecoming of a prince to slouch and crouch behind bushes to eavesdrop, if his father or Fuyumi found out, they'd lecture him.
“No, I was just admiring the flowe-'' His sentence halted as he finally saw who it was that caught him.
Wavy blond hair, golden eyes, and big red wings that plagued his childhood.
“What the fuck.” Was all he could say.
The blond man grinned sheepishly. Rubbing his hand at the back of his neck.
“Long time no see, Touya.” Keigo greeted him.
Touya was speechless. It was Keigo, his childhood friend, the one who left him. He didn’t know what to say, so as typical Touya fashion, he expressed it with action.
And the action is by throwing a ball of flame directly at Keigo’s stupid face.
Unfortunately, the flame instantly distinguishes before it hit that stupid face.
Keigo laughs awkwardly but damn it still sounded musical to Touya’s ears. “I see you’re still mad at me.”
“What the fuck.” Touya finally got his voice back, he growled and began shooting flame after flame at Keigo.
“Can’t we talk like adults about this?” He asked as he sidestepped one flame.
“Why the fuck are you here asshole? How dare you show your stupid face to me.” He raged because why the fuck aren’t his flames hitting Keigo. Of course only the first was actually directed at him, the rest are all in his general direction.
Keigo dodged and dodged until suddenly he was in Touya’s space. They’re face to face.
Touya stopped out of shock and looked deep into those gold eyes.
“I missed you,” Keigo whispered.
“Asshole.” Was all Touya could say.
Keigo grinned and brought his arms up, wrapping them around Touya.
Touya hugged him back.
“I should kill you.” Was his choked grumble.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered and his hug got tighter. “You have no idea how much I missed you.”
“Fucker.” Touya opened his tears-filled eyes and gaped in shock at the sight. “Fuck, we should really put out the flames.”
Around them, Touya’s flame had hit a few bushes and they were currently flaming blue,
Keigo had the audacity to laugh.
Touya wanted to curse him out, this is all his fault when with a wave of Keigo’s hand, all the flames disappeared.
“How the hell?”
Keigo shook his head. “I’ll tell you later. Come with me? Guards are heading over, they saw the flames.”
And how the hell did he know that? Touya thought to himself, he couldn’t hear any guards but he let Keigo lead him elsewhere anyway.
Keigo took him deep through the gardens, coming out and then crossing the bridge over the river. He still led him further and further away from the castle. They were about to enter the forest.
Touya wanted to whine, why is he dragging him so far away, doesn’t he know his clothes are heavy as fuck? But then no words came to mouth as he realised exactly where Keigo was leading him.
They walked further in the forest, past tall trees. They reached the marigolds, which were shining brightly by moonlight. Keigo turned right and Touya heavy-footedly followed after him. Keigo stopped in front of two thick, intertwined branches on the forest ground. Wilted and mossy after all these years.
“It’s no use, that place is gone.” Touya said softly.
Keigo shook his head and smiled. He didn’t say anything, just waved his fingers and Touya saw the magic happen.
He watched wide-eyed as the two trees on either side grew branches. Thick and sturdy ones and he saw them as if reaching for the other and they linked together. Twisted and turning until it formed a beautiful arch.
Then under them, same as years ago, the image distorted.
“Let’s go.” Keigo said and didn’t wait for Touya as he stepped through and promptly disappeared.
Touya is so confused. Since when was Keigo able to do this? With a heavy heart, he too stepped through and followed after Keigo.
He was dreading the view of the burned down field, but no. Everything was alive and thriving. Like how it was before Touya’s tantrum. He could feel the relief in his body, he wanted to cry. How? He burned it all down, he doesn’t deserve to even step foot in this place ever again.
“Why…” He breathed.
Even the air smelled fresh, it brought back all the memories he shoved down.
“I’m sorry I left. But I had to.” Keigo turned and faced him.
Touya didn’t know what to say, and Keigo continued.
“I had to go, I had to train. Be stronger, I have a lot to protect.”
“Like what?” He asked.
“This,” He waved his arms all around them, “This forest. I had to be strong enough to protect them.”
Touya furrowed his brow, “What are you talking about?”
“I’m the guardian of the forest, every wildlife and nature around us, they’re all under my protection.”
Touya crossed his arms. It’s a lot to comprehend. Protect the animals and trees? Why the hell would he even need to.
Keigo shook his head as if knowing what Touya was thinking, “I’ll explain it to you, there’s no rush, we’ll have lots of time.”
“You maybe, I don’t.” Speaking of which, he was supposed to find a bride tonight, and here he is, escaping from his own ball. Fuyumi will have his head. “Crap.” Was all he could say.
“What?” Keigo cocked his head. It’s so similar to how he used to do it when they were young that Touya got a bit irritated, how dare he still be this cute.
“Nothing, it’s just I really shouldn’t be here, I have to go back, I’m supposed to… dance.”
Keigo laughed goodnaturedly, “You? A dancer now?”
“You know what I mean! I’m supposed to dance with the guests, I need to find a bride.”
He sobered up, face serious, “I know, which is exactly why I took you away.”
“Hah?” So inelegant for a prince but Touya was never known for his proper diction and manners.
“I heard about your ball. About how you needed to find a wife. So I rushed over, can’t let you do that.”
“And why the hell not?” He glared.
“Because you’re mine.”
Touya wanted to laugh in derision if not for the warm tingling feeling in his chest.
“Fucking sap.” Was all he could utter.
Grinning and stepping close so he could grab Touya’s hands, Keigo asked, “Does that mean you agree? To be mine?”
Touya had always repressed his feelings. The safe and happy feelings he felt when they were young and playing together in that field. How Keigo would teased about loving him and how it made Touya flustered like crazy. How heartbroken he was when Keigo left and how he had to burn the forest down because his own heart was burning. Even then it wasn’t enough, there’s still a Keigo shaped hole in his heart.
However, Keigo came back, and he came to look for Touya, to find him, to be with him. Touya won’t ever let him leave again.
“I thought you already said I am fucker.” He mumbled. Denying to himself that he’s blushing.
Keigo waited no time in bringing Touya’s lips in for a kiss. It was soft, and sweet, and Touya’s first kiss. It’s true he never expressed interest in anyone, but it’s all because his heart had always been stolen by one Keigo.
It wasn’t long until it turned hot. And Keigo laid Touya down on the flowers and slowly took his layers upon layers off. Worshipping and loving every exposed skin.
They made love under the moon and stars, right at the very spot where they first met and where they spent their childhood.
It was there that they’re finally reunited, and are bonded forever.
Hours later, both emerged from the forest and back to the castle. Guards greeted Touya and rushed him back to the now empty grand hall.
“Touya!” His father boomed. Flames around his head and body.
“What?” Touya had the gall to say nonchalantly.
“Where the hell did you go?” Fuyumi cursed, Touya gaped, okay he’s really in deep shit.
“Touya,” His mother frowned. Rei usually excludes herself from lecturing Touya as Enji does that enough but not this time.
Even Natsuo shook his head. Shouto was side by side with Yoarashi and looked worried.
“I’m sorry! I’m fine!” Touya raised his arms to placate their anger
Everyone starts talking at once and finally Keigo steps in and comes to his love’s rescue.
“It’s all my fault, don’t blame him.” Now everyone noticed the second presence, and they all stared in shock. “I’m Keigo, and I will be Touya’s wife.”
Nodding and pointing, Touya contributed. “What he said.”
Touya expected them to get mad again but everyone was still wide-eyed in shock.
“Are his wings that surprising?” Touya questioned. Sure they’re big and huge and the red catches everyone's attention, but still, not as weird as the bunny-eared girl behind Fuyumi who was smirking.
“Hawks.” His father said as he recovered and straightened.
“Welcome,” His mother actually bowed.
Touya cocked his head, Hawks? What is happening?
Keigo became sheepish and rubbed the back of his neck again, “Please, it’s Keigo. And I’m here for your son.”
“You mean, Hawks as in Guardian Hawks?” Natsuo gaped. Fuyumi raised her hands to cover her mouth.
“What’s happening?” Touya is so confused.
But everyone ignored him and all gushed over Keigo. They even walked away and guided Keigo to the throne room leaving Touya behind.
“Hello?” Touya whined.
Natsuo clapped his shoulder, “You scored Guardian Hawks, amazing Touya-nii.”
Fuyumi nodded and watched as Enji and Rei led Keigo away. “I’m proud of you Touya-nii.”
“Who is Guardian Hawks?” He howled.
Both looked at him puzzled.
The bunny haired girl laughed.
“And who are you?” Nobody answered him.
Natsuo and Fuyumi only answered his first question.
“Guardian Hawks? Protector of the forest? He stopped that huge forest fire.”
“He also controls the wild wolves of Saitama Mountain.”
“Yeah, and I also hear the forest trolls obey his every word.”
Touya’s face is blank and confused, he knows nothing.
Natsuo patted his head.
“It’s alright bro, we’ll catch you up.”
Sighing and linking her arms with Touya, she said “And to think you scored him, you’re blessed with amazing luck.”
“Is he really that great?” He mumbled.
“How big is our kingdom?” Natsuo asked.
Brows furrowed, “Ours is one of the largest.”
“Exactly, and how big is the forest?”
Touya’s eyes widened. Holy hell.
Keigo has a lot of explaining to do. And Touya will probably start with another ball of flame to his face.
But as he entered the throne room with his arms linked with Fuyumi and Natsuo - with the still unknown bunny girl right behind them - and saw his parents gushing over Keigo with Shouto too, Touya couldn't help but feel complete. Finally, finally he’s happy. Completely and irrevocably.