Chapter Text
Bakugo Katsuki was a world renowned warrior prince. If he went to battle, he would surely win. Everyone called him a Prince but he actually didn’t have a kingdom. He didn’t have a land to rule because he didn’t like staying in one place. Because of his battle prowess, he was treated like royalty. Everywhere he went, kingdoms and lands celebrated him, praised him, built statues in his honor. Gave him the best lodging, all in exchange for his protection. He didn’t need a kingdom. He was a god.He needed to build his reputation up as far as possible. Because he had a goal. There was one kingdom that was closed off from all the rest. Rumors called it the Promised Land. No one even knew the king's name, they merely hailed him as All Might. A great and generous king. No one in that kingdom starved. Everyone’s homes were opulent. The poor did not exist and not because they were exiled. It’s because All Might took care of his people.
Once a decade, All Might chose a new warrior to fight for his kingdom. And Katsuki wanted to be his right hand man. Warriors who were picked in the past all had upstanding reputations. But from what Katsuki heard, the thing All Might based his decision on the most was who the warriors had chosen to marry. Because they were the biggest reflection on the warrior's heart. So, Katsuki married four men.
Each of his husbands had upstanding character. Katsuki offered to marry them in exchange for his lavish lifestyle. They all were well taken care of, but Katsuki made it clear to them they were free to do what they want as long as they kept it private.They didn’t have to pretend to love him or sleep with him or do any of that. All they had to do was follow him around. Three of the men he picked were from great families with amazing reputations:
Todoroki Shoto was the 4th in line to the Todoroki throne.His kingdom was known for its power and its riches. Shoto was a perfect choice for a husband.
Kirishima Eijiro came from a noble family in a land called Yuuei. His family was lauded for making their compound a refuge for the poor, weak and weary. Another great choice.
Iida Tenya was from the Iida family. His brother was also attempting to earn All Might’s favor. So Katsuki swooped him away from his brother’s shadow AND took a ding on the competition.
And then there was Deku. Deku was someone Katsuki played with a lot as a kid. A total nobody. But he was sweet, and he had a good heart. Katsuki offered to marry him because he needed the numbers, and he figured it would be best to show All Might he wasn’t completely shallow. He married a total nobody like Deku, so OBVIOUSLY he wasn’t just strategizing to earn his favor.
Out of all the husbands, Deku was the most annoying. Katsuki made it clear to them all, their marriage was just for show but Deku STILL tried to make a show out of treating him like they were actually married. Always checking in on him, and pretending he was excited to see him. He was so fake. Katsuki knew that Deku was just using him so he didn’t live his pathetic common life. Deku would do things like knit him scarves and make him tea and it frustrated Katsuki to no end. He didn’t even have a side piece like every other one of his husbands did.
Deku was also persistent in spending time with him. Katsuki preferred to eat alone and his other husbands knew that but Deku would always sit at his dinner table and eat with him. He was so annoying about it that Katsuki eventually stopped protesting and got used to it. Katsuki figured it was because Deku was insecure that he would be dropped at any moment for someone more noteworthy and lose the Bakugo privileges he had gotten used to. Spoiled brat. Katsuki needed his lowly status, he wouldn't drop him. He just wished he would quit the shit.
Katsuki arrived at the Kaminari kingdom, and observed the lodgings he and his husbands were provided. They were practically given their own castle.
“‘Ts kinda small but it’ll do.” Katsuki shrugged.
“I’m glad you like it!” The Prince gave him a thumbs up. “So…you’ll stay?”
“Yeah. I’ll make sure no one attacks.” Katsuki grinned.
“Thank you! You have my gratitude!” Prince Kaminari bowed.
“And you, ours! This location is definitely suitable for all of our needs.” Iida thanked him.
“Can it, four eyes.” Katsuki ordered.
The Kaminari kingdom was vulnerable to attacks. So Prince Kaminari gave Katsuki and his husbands their own castle in exchange for his protection for a year. Once word got out that Katsuki was there, no one was sure to attack. Katsuki mainly agreed to stay because this was the year All Might would choose his warrior. And he needed to remain in one place so the man would know where to find him.
“Hopefully no one actually attacks.” Deku had said as he helped Katsuki unpack his things.
“I could take ‘em.” Katsuki shrugged.
“I know you can. But..I worry..” The green haired beauty smiled nervously.
“Go take care of your own shit Deku.” Katsuki ordered, irritated at the fake concern.
“I don’t have a lot of things…so I don’t mind!” He insisted.
“I said GO!”
Deku paused and looked at him sadly before sighing and walking out. Katsuki didn’t think he knew how much power he had. How even fake sadness made Katsuki feel like shit. He didn’t have to do all this.
“Don’t have a lot of things…fuck off..” Katsuki grumbled. Izuku could have whatever he wanted. Shoto, Eijiro and Tenya had at least 5 suitcases each. Izuku had one. Katsuki knew he picked him because he had nothing, but now he could have everything and it was like he thought not owning a lot would impress him somehow. Katsuki sighed and sat on the bed. He spent way too much time thinking about that little nerd. He needed to focus.
“Marry you?”
He remembered Izuku’s bright sparkly eyes when he asked.
“Yeah. Need a nobody like you. And ya can’t refuse me.” Katsuki demanded. “Anyone else would be fucking lucky. I’m a big fucking deal okay!”
“Kacchan, you don’t have to convince me.” Deku giggled. “Of course I will! I’d be happy to!” He cried. “Thank you! Thank you! It makes me really happy!”
Of course an opportunity like that would make him happy.
Deku walked over to Kirishima’s room and tentatively walked in. Mina, his servant and also lover, was excitedly helping him unpack his things.
“Do you need help?” Deku sheepishly asked.
“Izu baby!” Mina ran over and hugged him. “This place is AMAZING, right?”
“Yeah.” He sighed.
“What’s wrong this time?” Eijiro asked, concerned.
“Nothing.” Izuku faked a smile. “I’m just worried that Kacchan won’t be able to enjoy it. It really is a beautiful place…I really do hope enemies don’t actually-”
“You spend too much time worrying, man. Cheer up!”
“You should spend this time enjoying YOURSELF.” Mina advised. “Live a little. You know Katsuki lets you do whatever you want! Maybe find someone to woo you.” Mina giggled.
“Kacchan woos me every day!” Izuku beamed.
“Not on purpose.” Eijiro laughed.
“I’m happy just being by his side” Izuku said sweetly. “Every day feels like a dream since we got married, even his bad days.”
“Isn’t every day his bad day?” Mina rolled her eyes.
“He’s not that bad!” Eijiro defended. “Katsuki cares about all of us. He just has a funny way of showing it. Right, my bro ho?!” He playfully punched Izuku on the arm. ‘Bro ho’ was his playful term for “brother husband.”
“Yeah.” Deku smiled.
Three months later
It was time for dinner and Izuku sat by Katsuki’s side as always, contently eating in silence.
“Sir Bakugo!” One of his servants rushed in. “It’s here!” The invitation to All Mights warrior selection gala.
“Fuck!” Katsuki stood up and his eyes widened.
“That’s great Kacchan!” Izuku cheered happily.
“All that hard work is finally paying off.” Katsuki grinned.
He’ll pick you for sure!” Izuku reassured him before reaching his hand to touch his before Katsuki smacked it away and pinched his cheeks aggressively.
“Don’t ruin my good mood.”
“Sorry! Sorry!” Izuku rubbed his sore face.
“I can’t wait to March in there and blow the competition out of the water.” Katsuki laughed. “And you better not embarrass me! Be on your best behavior, got it?”
“Of course Kacchan! I assure you I won’t be a hindrance at all!” Izuku stood up and balled his fist. “You’ll definitely impress him.”
“Good. Now go away!”
“Why?!” Izuku sighed.
“Because you’re annoying me!” Katsuki was sure to impress All Might. He would absolutely be picked. Then Deku can probably have his own fucking little house doing silly Deku things that make him happy like reading books and tending to sheep. He’ll forget all about their marriage once he gets what he wants.
Izuku was excited as he dressed in his designated fancy garments that Bakugo had chosen for him for the ball. He was happy because Katsuki picked these with him in mind. He dressed every one of his husbands for the occasion making sure they looked elegant, perfect.
Izuku loved how soft the organza cream button down felt on his skin. He liked the green floral embroidery on his black vest. And he had fun running his hands up and down his velvet emerald green coat. He just needed help with one thing.
“Todoroki-kun, can you help me?” Deku held up his gold bow tie sheepishly.
He was not good at that sort of thing. His adoptive father always had to help him out with that. Izuku sighed, missing him. He was so kind as to marry his mother in order to save her from being sold into a whore house. He married her and gave them an adorable cottage on a hill in a nice, safe, quiet town. He would always come to visit and make sure they had everything they needed. His name was Toshinori Yagi. He offered his mom opulent things. And would bring Izuku gifts from time to time. But his mother always refused them. She took comfort in a quiet simple life, but Izuku loved adventure. He would always ask his new father stories about his time as a warrior and he had plenty. He made sure to visit them at least three times a year. Izuku hadn’t seen him since he got married to Kacchan. Now he had plenty of stories to tell him!
“Certainly.” Shoto smiled softly at him, snapping him out of his thoughts. He tied his tie for him tightly and made sure it looked elegant.
“Thank you so much Todoroki-kun!”
“I told you to call me Shoto. We are married after all.” The tall stoic man said.
“We’re married to the same person, not to each other.” Izuku giggled.
“Isn’t it essentially the same thing?” Shoto tilted his head.
“I don’t think so…” Izuku said nervously.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Shoto sighed. “Do you get upset by that?”
“By what?” Deku blinked.
“That we are all married to him. It’s clear you actually take it seriously whereas we are kind of all in this for ourselves. So, does it upset you that you’re not the only one?”
Izuku thought about that question before smiling sweetly. “Not really. I’m just happy he’s happy. I’m just happy to be by his side.”
“Deku! Get in here!” Katsuki yelled from across the hall.
“I gotta go!” Izuku ran as Shoto looked at him with a frown.
“It’s not your fault Todoroki-San.” Momo Yaoyourozu, his girlfriend said to him as she walked over and fixed his shirt collar. “He knew what he was getting into just like the rest of you.”
“I know, but it’s hard to watch. We all can see it. How much he loves him.”
“I don’t think Bakugo-Sama is capable of love. If Midoriya-san wants to chase a dream, we have to just let him be.” Momo kissed him sweetly on the cheek.
“I just wish there was more I could do for him. No matter what he does, Bakugo doesn’t seem to understand it’s genuine.”
"He doesn't have to understand." Momo argued. "He takes care of him either way. And lets him follow him. And that's all he needs. And YOU'RE all I need." Momo kissed him on the lips. "You look great." She blushed.
"Wish us luck" He requested.
Izuku felt butterflies as he walked to Katsuki's bedroom. He hoped he liked the gift he left for him.
"What the fuck is this?!" Katsuki fumed, his face red as he held a bouquet of Chrysanthemums that Izuku had left for him on his bedside table.
"I picked them for you." Deku blushed. "For luck."
Katsuki sighed before he sat on the bed and contemplated what he was about to say. He was so tired of the fake shit. And today was the day.
"I don't know how I can make this any fucking clearer." He said calmly. "You don't have to do this shit. You don't have to sit by my side while I eat. You don't have to wait to fucking eat till I get home. You got your adventure. You can have anything. We can't get UNmarried. It would look too bad. So just..buzz off, Deku."
"But...I'm not doing this because I HAVE to Kacchan." Deku protested.
"HA!" Katsuki laughed. "Come on, if you didn't have me, you would have nothing."
"That's not true!"
"Don't fucking lie to me! Not TODAY!" Katsuki snapped.
"Why can't you get it through your head that I ACTUALLY care about you!? I've followed you around since I could WALK. Before you were...THIS!" Izuku gestured to his ornate cape.
"I was always destined to be THIS, Deku. I bet your poor, simple little self always knew that."
"You're right, I always knew you were going to be amazing because you have always BEEN amazing. But I-"
"Just STOP already." Katsuki threw the flowers in the garbage. "And stay out of my way tonight."
"F..Fine. 'm Sorry." Izuku burst into tears and ran out of the room.
"God damnit!"
"Uraraka!" Katsuki called Izuku's servant and Iida's girlfriend.
"Yes Bakugo-sama?" She ran in the room.
"Clean Deku up. And make sure he stops crying before he gets in the carriage. I can't have him fucking this up tonight, got it?! I want him HAPPY."
"Then why'd you make him SAD?!" Uraraka questioned.
"Don't question me or I'll make Iida drop you."
"Sorry, on it sir." The servant grumbled. "Jerk.." She said under her breath.
"I heard that!" Katsuki snapped.
"My apologies, your EXCELLENT jerk."
"I MEAN it Cheeks." He stressed.
Katsuki did not mean it. He treated everyone well, even his servants. He wouldn't kick any of them to the curb unless they were out to hurt or kill anyone in his circle. Uraraka made her way to Izuku's room and gently wiped his tears with her handkerchief.
"Bakugo says he's sorry." She pet his hair.
"You don't have to lie to me, Uraraka-san." Izuku tried to compose himself.
"It was worth a shot?" She shrugged.
"I guess we're both bad at taking shots, huh?" Izuku held up his bandaged fingers. He had poked his skin several times when picking the flowers in the garden. He saw Katsuki looking at them fondly when they were first given a tour of the garden. He thought he would appreciate them, but he guessed not.
"Deku-kun..have you thought of..going back home?" Ochaco asked, concerned.
"Of course not. Why would I?" Izuku wiped his tears off and straightened his bowtie.
"I just have a feeling you would be happier. Todoroki, Iida and Kirishima are HAPPY but you need someone who LOVES you. And it's not going to be him."
"Kacchan needs someone who loves him too." Izuku said calmly, having regained his composure. "He does so much for everyone, looks out for everyone. But who's looking out for him?"
"Bakugo doesn't NEED anyone to-" Ochaco snorted.
"That's exactly why I have to. Everyone thinks like that..." Izuku sighed. "But I worry about him. I can't help it. He might think he's invincible but he's human too."
"You're so...Deku." Ochaco sighed fondly. "I just hope he can one day, see who that REALLY is." She cupped his cheeks fondly. "Now I need you to do me a favor and smile REALLY BIG!" She said as she pinched them and stretched his lips into a smile.
"'Ll thry...." Deku attempted to reassure her.
"You look great! Now go down and have a great time!" Ochaco instructed.
Katsuki waited impatiently as his husbands all made their way down the stairs to the main entrance. One of All Might's many servants was waiting with a quill and scroll to jot down all of Katsuki's guests.
"The carriage we have for you is a bit on the cozy side, our apologies." The blonde chipper man said. "Our guests normally don't have four spouses. But rest assured, the king is humored by your life choices." He swooned. "Their names, please?" He requested.
"Introduce yourselves." Katsuki ordered.
"Shoto from the Todoroki Kingdom." Shoto said stoically.
"Eijiro from the Kirishima clan!" Eijiro introduced himself excitedly.
"Tenya from the great IIda estate!" Tenya chopped the air proudly.
"I'm sorry I'm late!" Izuku descended the steps in a hurry.
"And THAT's Deku." Katsuki groaned. "JUST Deku."
"I'm Midoriya Izuku!" Deku bowed over and over.
"I see, Mido-....wait..what did you say?!" His eyed widened.
"Midoriya...Izuku." Deku said slower.
"I see.” The tall flamboyant servant smiled before giggling in a way that indicated he royally messed up somehow. "I'll...return shortly! With your PROPER carriage. My dearest apologies!!!!" He danced nervously out the door.
"What was that about?" Eijiro whispered.
Katsuki sighed. "Probably didn't expect me to marry a nobody like him. Not a big deal. We're probably gonna be put in a bus for common folk. I prepared for this, it will make me look BETTER that I'd lower myself to- '' He began to say before LOUD trumpets startled him.
The doors burst open and there was a giant royal purple carpet rolled out for them to the direction of a HUGE pumpkin shaped carriage leg by 4 ornately decorated large horses. On both sides of the rug were trumpeters blowing a royal tune fit for a king. The five men stood dumbfounded at the sight before them.
"We humbly welcome you, our honored guests." The servant bowed dramatically. Katsuki smirked as they all walked down the rug until they got in the carriage. The inside was large with comfortable velvet seating. There was champagne and a personal violinist playing music waiting inside.
"If this is how the common folk are treated, no WONDER everyone is buzzing about this place." Eijiro said excitedly.
"Idiot, they obviously realized who I am." Katsuki smirked proudly.
Izuku said nothing and was uncharacteristically quiet the whole carriage ride.
"Something wrong?" Shoto had asked him.
"I just feel uneasy." Izuku said as he stared out the window.
"Well feel easier, can't have you throwing up at the ball." Katsuki ordered.
"Right... "
The ride was long, at one point, Izuku fell asleep. Despite himself, he sat next to Katsuki in the carriage. He knew he was told to leave him alone but he couldn't help it. Katsuki didn't protest and also didn't wake him up when he accidentally dozed off on his shoulder.
"Nerd, get up we're almost there." Katsuki's voice snapped him awake. Izuku stretched and blinked himself awake.
"LOOK AT THIS PLACE!" Eijiro said while staring out into the countryside.
"It's divine!" Iida said excitedly. "What I would expect from a man with his reputation!"
Katsuki stuck his head out the window and let the perfect weather of the promised land hit his skin. It was everything. Even in the nighttime, the place sparkled, decorated with lanterns. He had never seen trees so green. There were vast lakes that the stars reflected beautifully on.
"You can see on this side, Midoriya." Shoto pointed to the other window but Izuku's eyes were glued to Katsuki. He loved watching him like this. His wild ruby eyes sparkling with excitement. His hair blowing in the wind revealing his small but prominent forehead. His signature confident grin filled his face which was relaxed because he was genuinely happy. He was ecstatic.
"I have everything I need to see right here." Izuku smiled as his eyes sparkled.
"If you say so." Shoto shrugged.
Katsuki eventually sat down and shouldered Izuku, instructing him to look, and he finally peaked out the window and gasped.
"Crazy, right?"
"What are we doing HERE?" Izuku's jaw dropped. The four men looked at him like he was crazy.
"Did you get amnesia nerd?"
"No, sorry it's just...I haven't been here in quite some time!" Izuku blinked, his heart swelling at the memory of the many times Toshinori brought him on a journey to his home country.
"You should come live here one day."
The older man from his memories offered.
"I would love to, but...later! I gotta help my mom with the shop right now!" Izuku had told him.
Toshinori had funded Inko's business endeavor of owning a humble shoe shop.
"Of course my boy." Toshinori smiled fondly.
"I gotta have lots of adventures too! Just like you!"
“I’m looking forward to hearing them! Would you like to see my home?” Toshinori pointed to a LARGE castle in the middle of the beautiful valley that they were overlooking from the mountainside.
“Yeah…when I get back! It’s where I’ll tell you stories about all my journeys!”
And now here he was, back in that place. With journals FULL of stories from his travels with Katsuki.
"You've..been here before?" Shoto asked.
"Well, yeah! It's where my fa-" Izuku began to say before the carriage stopped and the trumpets played again.
"Talk about overkill." Katsuki rolled his eyes, still grinning from ear to ear. The door was opened and they all got out of the carriage one by one as they stared at the MASSIVE castle that greeted them.
"Welcome!" A woman cheered as she placed flower crowns on their heads. "The king eagerly awaits your presence!" She said fondly.
Katsuki took a deep breath and marched forward with all the confidence in the world. Everyone was staring at them in awe as they each walked on.
"It's him!" Whispers were heard.
"He's beautiful!"
"Precious.."
"The king will be overjoyed!"
Katsuki felt pleased that his reputation preceded him, but he needed not to lose focus. He needed to impress that king. His thoughts were interrupted by Deku linking their arms together.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Katsuki whispered.
"Shut up and trust me." Izuku demanded and it was so uncharacteristic that Katsuki held his tongue. Plus, he couldn't lose his shit on the common one, it would make him look like a jerk. Everyone fawned over the two of them as they walked the rest of the path together. Katsuki had to admit he was impressed. Whatever the nerd was doing was working.
"We need to talk..." Izuku was nervous and Katsuki could tell.
"Now is not really the fucking time." Katsuki retorted.
"I know but I didn't know it was here if I did I-" The palace doors opened, interrupting him, as everyone gasped when he walked in with Katsuki followed by the other three men. Everyone bowed and scurried and fawned over them as they walked in and Izuku was blushing furiously.
"Right this way!" The blonde servant from before commanded.
"The king wants to see you." He said as he bowed toward Katsuki before bending down and whispering something in Izuku's ear.
"Oh...okay." Izuku let go of Katsuki's arm. "He just wants to see you, Kacchan."
"Duh." Katsuki rolled his eyes.
"Oui. But ALAS!” The servant held up both of Deku's hands and squeezed them. "I will be at your beck and call Midoriya. My name is Aoyama. If you need anything, call my name."
Katsuki wondered why this servant was schmoozing up to Deku of all people. Something seemed off.
"This way!" Aoyama escorted Katsuki toward the table where a large muscular blonde man with two large hair tufts was sitting. He was decorated highly and ornately. This was him. This was All Might.
"Young Bakugo!" The king stood and Katsuki bowed. "Welcome to my kingdom!"
"Thank you for having me." Katsuki said genuinely.
"The journey was comfortable I hope!" All Might said proudly.
"It could have been more welcoming." Katsuki said sarcastically, making All Might roar in laughter.
"A great sense of humor, I like it! Please, have a seat!"
Katsuki waited for All Might to sit first before taking his seat by his side. The place he had fought for all these years.
"No use giving all these other warriors false hope." All Might conspired making Katsuki's eyes widen. "Don't look so surprised, you're the obvious choice.”
"I didn't think you'd be so forward about it!" Katsuki blushed. All Might patted him on the head and he was deeply confused.
"I do have a question for you though. I have to wonder. Why four?" He glanced at Katsuki's husbands as they took their seats in the ballroom.
"Why not? They're all fine with it. I'm fine with it. I have a big heart All Might. And they all deserve it." It was a corny answer, but it would do.
"But surely you must have a favorite. Which one TRULY has your heart?"
Katsuki had prepared this answer for a long time. It's what made all the annoying years with Deku worth it.
"Izuku." He said without a beat. "He's humble, sweet. And obviously pretty to look at even though he pretends he doesn't know it."
All Might roared in laughter before applauding. "You flatter me too much. Smart kid. Though I do have to ask you if you accept your position, that you give up the other three. They're nice and all but I only want the best for my boy you see!"
"What are you talking about All Might?" Katsuki blinked in confusion.
"Oh my, he didn't tell you, did he?" All Might sighed fondly. "That's just like him...." He stood up and offered Katsuki his arm before guiding him to the table where the four husbands sat. He then let go of Katsuki and held his arms out wide.
"Midoriya, my boy!" He said proudly.
"Toshinori-sama!" Izuku stood up and embraced him. All Might patted his head fondly and waved for the trumpets to play once again. All eyes were on them as All Might raised a chalice.
"EVERYONE, PLEASE WELCOME TO MY KINGDOM THE RETURN OF MY DEAR SON. PRINCE MIDORIYA IZUKU!" He announced as the whole place roared with applause and music played. Katsuki's jaw dropped as did Shoto, Eijiro and Tenya's. Izuku was nervous at all the attention. Especially Kacchans.
"I know you two have a lot to talk about, but I would like a moment alone with my boy if that's alright with you." All Might turned to Katsuki who just nodded wordlessly. "Welcome to the family, Bakugo! Remember to think about my conditions." He laughed before guiding Izuku away.
Katsuki felt his mind swirl. He was so confused. His whole life he had been working up to this moment, and he had it in arms reach the whole time. Why did Izuku never think to mention this VERY IMPORTANT fact to him?
"Kacchan...a lot has happened since we last played together.”
Katsuki remembered Izuku saying their first dinner together after they got married.
"Yeah, I'm sure..spare me the details and eat your food." Katsuki had instructed him.
"But-"
"I said EAT. Nothing you could have done would be as exciting as my life anyway."
"Right...yeah…"
NOT RIGHT! NOT YEAH! It then hit Katsuki how much of a complete jackass he had been. Deku didn't need him. Deku had the Promised Land at his fingertips. So why, WHY was he so content on following around everywhere?! Katsuki didn't understand this guy in the slightest.
"Kacchan...you're home.."
He remembered the first time Deku waited up for him. He had fought in a fierce battle between two rival nations and of course his side won.
"What are you doing up?" Katsuki asked him. He had bags under his eyes .
"I couldn't sleep." Deku confessed. "I kept a bath warm for you. I was sure you'd win so I wanted to be sure you were able to wash the blood and any aches away..." He smiled sweetly and Katsuki was way too exhausted to protest.
So he gave in, he sat in the tub and allowed Izuku to wash his hair. The water was steaming, but not in a bad way. The water did wonders for his aching body. And Izuku's hands running through his hair felt like heaven. He took so much care and didn't speak a word allowing Katsuki to relax after a hard fought battle.
"You don't have to do this.." Katsuki had told him. "We have servants you know, but thanks anyway."
"I'm just grateful you came home..." Izuku said like a prayer had been answered. He looked at Katsuki so fondly and warmly, it scared him.
"No one will ever love the real you, Katsuki." His mothers last words to him had rung in his head. "Being so gifted is a curse. I had to learn the hard way. I don't want you to do the same. Close your heart off. It's better that way. But don't worry, I love you. I always will.” Katsuki needed to not be weak. Izuku was just using him like the rest of them. He constantly had to remind himself of that. No matter how attentive he was, no matter how many dinners he ate with him, no matter how warm he felt to be around. He was using him.
That's what Katsuki had thought. But now, here in the most decadent palace Katsuki had ever seen, he wasn't so sure. Midoriya Izuku was royalty. His riches would make Katsuki's pale in comparison. So what was his deal?
"I'm just happy to be by your side!"
Was that true?
"Did you know this about him, Bakugo?" Iida asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Right...he had something else he had to do.
"'f Course I didn't!" Katsuki looked genuinely hurt.
"Right, cause you wouldn't have treated him so badly if you did." Shoto stated.
"Excuse me?"
"Midoriya worships you, dude." Kirishima pointed out, "Not even because he has to. He just does. He tried everything to make you see that."
"Forget it. As shocking as this all is, I'm still here for one reason and one reason only." Katsuki snapped. "This arrangement? It's done."
"Bakugo, what do you mean?" Iida lamented.
"I mean I'm dissolving everyone's marriage contract except Deku's. It's a condition the king made for him to choose me as his warrior. I'm not saying no to that. You served your purpose, you can go back to your families."
"None of us would protest that, Bakugo. I just ask for one thing." Shoto stood up. "Don't hurt Midoriya anymore than you already have. I hope for his sake and ONLY his sake that this all works out."
Katsuki crossed his arms but didn't say anything. He needed air. "Thank you for taking this journey with me." He said to them before storming out to the balcony.
"And that's when Kacchan tamed the boar and RODE it. We had him as our pet for awhile! He proved very useful on our journeys!" Izuku excitedly recounted the tale to Toshinori.
"It sounds like Bakugo is quite the character! He is definitely living up to everything I've heard about him." All Might grinned.
"He is amazing, All Might! You'll be lucky to have him by your side!" Izuku blushed.
"And what about you? Are you lucky to have him?" All Might asked.
"The luckiest." Izuku beamed. Toshinori was glad he made the deal with Bakugo to get rid of the other men in his life. His son deserved only the world.
"And he treats you well?" He asked.
"He takes very good care of me." Izuku nodded. "I'm very happy to have him."
"Very well then, we will make all the arrangements for you to move in the castle! Young Bakugo will remain at my side and do not worry, I won't send him on anything too dangerous. He needs to be by your side when you become king after all." All Might gave him a thumbs up. "We should get back to the party, I have an announcement to make!"
The ball was extravagantly underway. With lots of dancing and proper food. All Might pulled Katsuki aside and confirmed with him that his conditions were met. He then made his announcement that he was chosen.
"Now, a special dance for my beautiful son and his upstanding husband!" All Might announced as music played and Izuku met Katsuki nervously in the center of the ballroom. He didn't know what to do until Katsuki held his hand out.
"Dance with me." He ordered and Izuku smiled. They danced awkwardly in silence as the music played. "Relax Deku.." Katsuki whispered in his ear.
"Congratulations Kacchan." Izuku sighed.
"You have a lot of explaining to do...but you can do that later. Right now...just dance with me." He said softly.
"I can do that." Izuku hesitated before gently placing his head on Katsuki's shoulder as they swayed in a circle. Katsuki could feel how fast his heart was beating against his chest and it made him feel agony.
He had Deku all wrong. He needed to make it up to him. But how could he? How could he make him believe he was doing it not just because he was a Prince?! Katsuki never should have acted the way he did. Izuku always gave him his best. Always waited for him, always came back no matter how much Katsuki pushed him away. And he didn't need to. He never needed to.
"I'm sending the others home, Deku." He informed him.
"You are?" Izuku asked.
"You can say your goodbyes when we go home to pack our things. But it's just you and me from now on, okay?" Katsuki said as he rubbed his arm. Izuku couldn't help but feel sad even if he wanted to feel happy.
"Thank you Kacchan..for choosing me." He said as his eyes watered.
"Don't thank me." Katsuki didn't know what else to say.
He wasn't good at this. He wanted to know who Deku really was. He wanted to know more. But all he could do was wordlessly sway with him and shield Izuku’s face from the world as he cried into his shoulder.