Archive of Our Own

The discreet sunrise colored the calm mountains of this silent kingdom as the cautious breeze caressed the ears of the corrupted souls, impatiently waiting for this inevitable downfall. These lands that were once used to be the source of much praise, ended up being the material of cruel murmurs about a curse that condemned the heir of the Bakugou family to a solitary life, with no legacy to offer to the throne.

This story started with the arranged wedding between two allies and the rise of a true love that left a strong trace during the couple’s reign. The queen Mitsuki and the king Masaru were respected and adored by their subjects, ready to do everything to have an ounce of their attention and their blessing concerning their farms. The kingdom celebrated the birth of the only heir to the throne, who represented a genuine hope for the future achievements on the battlefield he hadn't transcribed into paper yet. 

The young Katsuki Bakugou was lulled by the importance of his symbolic title that resulted from the weight of his ancestors' victories despite being not taller than three apples. He remembered how his parents were ready to ditch a royal meeting and reassure their crying son after a recent injury with a magical kiss on his knees. The years passed by and the small boy in the huge labyrinth became a recognizable man who contributed to neighborhood conflicts, with a sincere attention for the sake of his kingdom. 

However, the untouched pages of this narrative became ruined by the blood of terrible news that drowned the bright kingdom into shade of grey. The echoes of the raven spread the last words of inspirational figures that marked the history, sharing their last breath away from their native kingdom and the person they love the most: their son. A sudden fog wrapped the silent lands as the preparation of their funeral reunited the entire kingdom, and their distant son who hadn’t said a single word despite the mourning expression on his face.

Katsuki Bakugou was only eighteen years old when he lost his family and was forced to accept the weight of the golden crown on his head with strangers who probably judged him for his lack of happiness in such an honor title. Everything happened too fast to his liking: The previous night he was crying in his bed after his parents’s funeral, and the next one he was honored as the new king of Mustafu’s lands, without catching a single break. He was conscious about how this honored title came with a bittersweet price, even for the strongest heads of this kingdom, but breathing became as rare as his moment of vulnerability. 

The months that followed his coronation were highlighted by the first decisions and the meaningless impact on his subjects’ lives, reminding him how he needed to be as wise as his deceased parents. The main issue was how Katsuki just entered his adulthood and didn’t have as much knowledge as his them, leading to the first mistakes that sealed the beginning of this malediction that created the worst ending for a naive soul like his. 

He often caught many people working in the castle describing him as someone arrogant with his insistence to always do things on his own, which often led to a series of mistakes that played in his disfavor. Katsuki had a lot of confidence when it came to certain decisions in public, and was more hesitant when he was alone with a bunch of papers on his desk, taking dust with the impression of being a bother to his own lands. If his parents were still alive, they would’ve calmed things down in the blink of an eye, but he unfortunately had no one to cheer him up in this premeditated downfall. 

The world considered the great Katsuki Bakugou as someone untouchable, standing out from the crowd with his signature grin but it was nothing compared to the numerous mistakes he’ve committed against his will. The seconds of inattention often cost him the lives of the most important soldiers of the lands, offering an unjustified victory to his opponent despite the countless bodies drowning in their own blood. The moment he returned home to sit on his throne, he was submerged by the endless requests that led to a justified breakdown, seen as a selfish wish from this spoiled king! 

Slowly but surely, the first rumors about the cursed king started to occupy the lips of the most observant souls, talking behind his back at the slightest occasion. The beauty of his golden spikes, often compared to the crown on his head, was erased by the people he’ve brought to the cemetery under the spying glance of rivals, ready to take him down at the slightest occasion. The blond survived many near-death experiences and quickly learned how every person who stood by his side or took his defense, ended up being killed in horrifying ways as this castle slowly lost its previous colors. 

Everyone had their own version of this misunderstanding, even if the most popular one was the idea of receiving an old spell given by one of the family’s ancestors after a deal with a demon that led to two graves instead of one. It became a rational thought for Katsuki to doubt his right to stand on the throne when he had so much blood and wasted tears on his broken palms. His subjects started to get distant during his public visit, and considered him a threat by focusing all their attention on the negative impact of his failed decisions, instead of the positive ones that saved many lives. His wise glance noticed the few extras standing out from the crowd to take position with the king’s side, and ended up killed in the next months, as this huge castle became the theater of ghost talk in the empty corridors. 

Katsuki had never felt so alone, he pretended to be fine with his unconventional behavior but secretly freaked out at the idea of being attacked in his sleep. His sleepless nights were often occupied by memories of his childhood days and the realization of a possible curse that started after his coronation. 

Years passed by and the situation worsened, observing a clear distinction between his subjects and his failed attempts to regain their trust. Katsuki never had bad intentions, he was just terribly inexperienced and had to learn a lot of things by himself with the weight of this envied crown. He achieved to bring a few more victories to his lands with the illusion of feeling better while holding this fake persona in public, but he had never felt more exhausted. The king wasn’t even disappointed when he received letters that canceled some of their marriage or political agreements. The golden-haired man already knew the mindset of these extras, too terrified to give a try to the unknown when they were scared to lose a part of their gems. 

He considered his own company as necessary for many aspects of his life, from the slightest decision to failures that repeated this bitter impression of deja vu. The weight of his words didn’t matter in this situation, knowing how the only thing the blond was asking for was the company of someone ready to risk it all for the beauty of this truth instead of heavy lies. It was clear that he would die at a young age if he had to spend the rest of his life in this misery…Little did he know how his wishes made upon the stars, under the form of desperate tears, were about to change the rest of his life with a fortunate happenstance.

———

Izuku Midoriya was a brave soul who had a lot of secrets hidden behind this captivating face. 

His curiosity had always been something endearing for his mother, who always answered the most mysterious questions with a magical kiss on his nose and the sweet laugh of her son. She naturally agreed to let her boy escape the comfort of his native hometown, which led him to explore many territories and make his mark, enough to be considered a remarkable figure who occupied most of the attention. His breathtaking beauty easily played in his favor in the services he offered to the neighborhood lands he had served, until the explicit rejection to have a bigger place in this world, known to attract the most vicious souls. 

The shorter man could’ve easily found his place in luxury but he was tempted by the challenges and the discoveries awaiting him on this journey. Under the polished and endearing aspects of his personality, the freckled man had one goal: Finding his missing half. The adventurer always knew he had the ability to see the different strings of fate connecting people all around the world until it guided him to the residence of his supposed soulmate.

He explored many lands, served many nobles, and his path accidentally crossed that of the kingdom that became the source of many whispers that caught his attention: The only thing he knew was how the king of Mustafu’s lands was meant to bring his kingdom to an inevitable river of blood. Everyone portrayed this place as something terrifying when it was the clear opposite! He expected to see a somber landscape with misery at the corner of every street and instead found pleased smiles that showed a certain form of happiness that didn’t match the strong reputation of these lands, which scared the bravest souls.

Izuku knew he had one mission and was ready to solve this mystery about this terrifying ruler that brought flames to his own lands, shocked to see how the guards didn’t ask any questions before opening the huge door. The background noises of friendly conversation stopped the moment their spying gaze watched the stranger stepping inside the cold castle, almost like they were either judging his stupid decision or praying for his safety. Chills spread through his body when he understood how this impression of warmth transformed into discomfort, confirming how this part of the lands kept many secrets behind this illusion of peace. 

None of the moving shadows in the background dared to take a look at the presence of this stranger, who had nothing to do here, except sealing his fate with a terrible death. It was a well-known fact that the people working here had no other choice than finding an illusion of safety behind these walls in order to protect their families and loved ones. 

The contract between the lively town and the coldness of this castle was impressive, almost scary if he was honest with himself. This building looked like a bunch of similar castles he’ve visited in the past years, even if the sadness gave him the impression of having a long talk with the ghosts. The two guards taking the lead by keeping an eye on the hand-open door barely interacted with the curious stranger, who asked for a meeting with the king, and received a seer through a simple push of the door.

He took a deep breath and pushed the loud door, ignoring the uncomfortable noise that crossed his ears and caught everyone’s attention. The sound of his slow footsteps resonated in the huge room, picturing two thrones with only one occupied, despite the golden crowd that immediately stole the attention, with stunning jewels. The shorter man took the time to show enough respect by standing on his knees with his face down, waiting for the king’s permission to lift his head and continue the conversation. 

“My apologies for entering without announcing my unexpected presence, I’ve tried to talk with the guards for the proper hostility, but they haven’t said a single word,” he explained with a sigh, that echoed like a complaint. The imposing figure that left the untouchable throne moved at the previous words and walked closer enough to stop right in front of the freckled man with an intrigued glance 

“Don’t mind them, they only received orders from another extra and barely talk to anyone. I don’t even know if they have a tongue, even if the whispers spread behind my back said the opposite,” Katsuki announced with a tired voice. He didn’t expect the company of someone on this calm afternoon, especially after finishing one of his political meetings with one of the few people who agreed to stay in touch to keep their finances safe.  “I appreciate the efforts but it’s not necessary here, lift your head and present yourself, including the reasons that brought you here, as crazy as they seemed.”

Izuku felt a light relief when he heard the positive response from the rough voice, and obeyed the previous order. He didn’t have any expectations concerning the monster that terrified so many neighborhood land, and he was stunned to see how this “heartless ruler” was the prettiest man he had ever seen! The first detail that caught his attention was the golden spikes that offered a clear contrast in the distinct shade of blond, as subtle as it was. His porcelain cheeks welcomed the scarlet heat on his skin when his eyes found the stunning crimson ones, hiding a thousand secrets, that didn’t leave his heart indifferent to this fond sight. 

The particularity of the captivating gaze reminded him of an open book that hasn’t revealed all its secrets yet, and remained untouched in a forgotten library from the sad expression that hid behind the taller man’s face, despite his signature grin. Izuku couldn’t believe how he’d never been so close to see the truth his heart had been waiting for and all those years of discoveries led him to meet this stranger, meant to cover these blank pages with this golden ink!

A single look at the scars residing on the king’s wrist was all it took to notice the red string of fate that connected them. Izuku’s eyes widened at the sight, trying to not to make the king uncomfortable, even if the lack of reaction from the taller man made him realize how he was the only one able to see the connections between them. The green-haired man had many questions to ask about why fate decided to seal his soul with someone with a strong reputation like Katsuki, this won’t stop him from getting to know more about this mysterious soulmate who occupied each of his thoughts since his youth. 

“My name is Izuku Midoriya, it’s an honor to finally meet the author of such whispers.  I came here to ask for the honorific title of personal guard of your majesty, as bold as the request might be for someone who’s never crossed your lands before,” he announced with a soft tone, revealing the light sparkles that rose in his glance. 

Katsuki Bakugou had faced many strangers since his coronation, but he’s never seen someone able to stand in this empty room, fully aware of the dark events that haunted this part of the lands. His crimson eyes offered a surprised glance after the previous, trying to have a clear look at the stranger, who definitely lost his mind: In front of him was standing a shorter man, if not the prettiest he had ever seen, with the shade of green that varied from his messy curls to his emerald eyes, similar to the untouched jewels in the forgotten room of this castle. The freckles on his cheeks highlighted his porcelain skin, owning a distinct form visible under a close angle, captivating the king’s attention, amazed by the delicacy of such details. His emerald eyes portrayed a clear conviction to serve a condemned ruler like him when he didn’t have any need or particular desire to even reach his kingdom in the first place! 

There was something pretty interesting, if not captivating, about this fond glance unable to be transcribed into words. It was their first meeting, and yet, the blond had the impression of being reunited with a longtime friend, unconscious of the invisible string that connected him to the gorgeous stranger who presented himself with a genuine desire to stand by his side. Katsuki didn’t know why he felt affected by this gesture and put the blame on his solitary soul, determined to let this stupid head know what he was doing by stepping into this premeditated death. After all, the blond already condemned too many innocents, and refused to sacrifice another life despite the best of intentions and desire to serve these lands. 

“Are you conscious about the reputation of my lands and the cruel fate awaiting you if you choose my side over a safer option?” Katsuki asked, knowing that he didn’t use this question to trick the determined man but let him feel the honesty in the rest of this journey. A rational person would think twice before accepting this new role and its price, but something changed in the sparkling eyes, almost like he was ready to challenge the king with his own words with a certain truth they haven’t figured out yet. 

“I understand your worries, and the only thing that matters to me is your protection, my king,” replied the green-haired man with a light smile.  The fondness in his glance touched the crimson ones, reading behind the lines for a short moment and realizing how Izuku was sincere in his attempts to get his trust. The blond remained hesitant to accept the offer despite all the signs under his eyes, trying to protect this naive soul who wanted to challenge death at a game the king knew in the darkest lines, and couldn’t deny how endearing it was to see someone go this far for a forgotten name in history. 

“As long as you’re fully aware of what awaits you, you’ll be welcomed in my castle with the official title of personal knight, ”explained the taller man with a sigh. He noticed how the comprehensive emerald eyes softened at the answer with a rising blush on his cheeks. “However, this isn’t a fair win as long as you haven’t made our proofs and shown me how you truly deserved such a title. If your performance isn’t enough for my liking, I’ll reject you from the castle, no matter if you like it or not….”

“I agree with the conditions of our agreement your highness, and promise to do my best to serve you and gain your trust,” the freckled man announced with a nod. 

Katsuki was complex to read at first sight with his evident sadness in his glance, covered by his signature grin but it didn’t stop the adventurer from knowing more about his soulmate. After all, the blond was right and  Izuku needed to make his proof! Luckily, the knowledge gained by his past experiences taught him enough bases to protect the king, even if a part of him wanted to measure Katsuki’s strength in a physical fight. 

The crimson eyes noticed how the shorter man didn’t try to go against his decision, contrary to what the others used to do by highlighting every single mistake as a flaw of this bittersweet reign. The blond didn’t necessarily like the idea of having control over someone’s life and promised to give enough freedom to his new knight, as long as he didn’t betray him or try to stab him in the back. Izuku immediately swore to never do such a thing, under the amused crimson eyes, who lead him back to his new room, with the first order to change into the clothes awaiting him on the bedsheet… 

———

The days that followed Izuku’s arrival were rather quiet with the luxury of his chamber, comfortable enough to guide him into a calm visit of his new surroundings until he discovered a hidden garden and long corridors. The freckled man easily adapted to his new environment while returning to his old habits by serving the golden-haired man in his daily missions, answering with a simple nod to not bother the preoccupied ruler while keeping a glance at their surroundings. 

Izuku had already saved many lives, but he prepared himself for getting more receptive to the possibility of facing a murder attempt now that he was officially Katsuki’s personal knight. Luckily, he succeeded in making himself hidden in the landscape to not be the center of attention when the king was around, and noticed how the crimson eyes stole a few glimpses from time to time, almost like he was the target of a series of discreet tests. The freckled man stayed in his role while assisting the blond in the discovery of his redundant days and habits, in order to understand more about his soulmate. 

The recurrent conversations were often shortened by last-minute meetings, but it didn’t change the fact that Katsuki promised to challenge his fighting skills, and the king was a man of his word. The next morning, the shorter man was stunned to catch the blond on his door in the early morning, explaining how it was time for sparing sessions! Izuku simply agreed and chose the proper clothes given by the taller man, composed of a black shirt that matched the specific colors on the lighter tissue, marked by the sleeve of green, similar to his curls, portraying a fond contrast with the shade of paper white, which immediately stole his attention.

The delicate sunrise was marked by the discreet breeze caressing their forehead, portraying the beginning of another day in this silent town, as their two moving shadows were the only ones to awake at this hour. There was something strangely relaxing about the view of this castle that didn’t seem scary anymore with the cursed king, who put on his red cape and golden crown on the side to start their morning training. The green-haired man got used to the facility of his movements with his new clothes, which even helped him to give him access to mobility he’d never had in his past experience! 

Izuku proved his skills to handle the strongest weapons and catch his enemy off guard in a few seconds, a detail that shocked the king, before revealing a light smirk on his lips. In all honesty, the taller man was pretty impressed by the performance made by the nerd, who had been quiet since his arrival, and proved to him how he was meant to be a great ally in future fights. It wasn’t perfect either and needed to have some details fixed in order to avoid an inevitable death, but Katsuki didn’t mind training his knight and seeing if he could make progress or not….

The amused emerald eyes took a quick glimpse at the crimson ones, noticing how the solitary king seemed to have fun for once. After all, the guard made sure to observe in silence the closest information he could get from his soulmates without asking personal questions straight to their faces! He couldn’t believe how his missing half was the beautiful man standing right next to him with his grumpy behavior and his pleased smile. His goal was to see if the rumors about Katsuki’s malediction were founded on reality and found a sudden attachment to this warm sight, which only lasted for a few seconds. 

The king often complimented his fighting skills with his signature grin that hid many secrets behind this captivating glance, closer to the door. It was too early to jump to the wrong conclusion, but it seemed like Katsuki was waiting for him and liked his presence, even if his lips hadn’t released any of these words out loud yet. Izuku offered a light smile at the meaningful gesture as he walked closer to the taller man and continued their previous talk with an attentive glance.

One month had passed since the agreement was sealed between the two men and Izuku became familiar with his new habits. The repetitive tasks of his first days were quickly forgotten when he realized how these missions weren’t chores, but a special moment meant to be shared with the blond. Their small talks became longer conversations, often highlighted by moments of vulnerability and stolen glances in this building, mostly occupied by lost spirits. 

Izuku enjoyed Katsuki’s company and confessed how he felt safe by the king’s side, a confession that didn’t leave the blond indifferent. Until now, the golden-haired man was used to loneliness until his desperate habits were replaced by the company of the freckled man, who showed genuine interest in their conversation and the history of these lands. It already represented more efforts than any of the people who left the king’s side years ago, it was touching to see how Izuku stayed respectful even if he hadn’t mentioned the origin of the whispers that ruined many lives….

Katsuki wasn’t used to the company of someone other than his own reflection, especially the ones who showed a clear interest in his real self. It was too early to break this shell and confess all the worries that gave him the worst of nightmares, he secretly started to enjoy Izuku’s praise, knowing how it was his knight’s duty and not a hangout between two friends. The green-haired man was still a source of mystery for his curious crimson eyes, who noticed a few more details on the nerd’s face: How some of his freckles took a different form in the light of the day, or the way his glance always shared the same impression of knowing him for an entire lifetime. 

However, he never expected the sight of fresh food and glass on the wooden table, usually empty in the early morning! The sun hadn’t risen in this quiet scenery, it couldn’t be one of the maids who decided to show an ounce of interest in their ruler, nor the king himself when he was asleep a few hours ago. His attentive gaze observed the content of the plate and its presentation, noticing how it was homemade and far from the casual visual of an original chef, but endearing enough to see the variety standing near his reach.

His taller figure was about to move and look for the author of such a gift, until he heard distant mumbles in the background and saw the familiar curls moving in the corner of the room. The first thing he noticed was the emerald eyes, focused on the plate, and the need not to make anything fall on the ground, until their glance accidentally met. Izuku’s face turned paler, afraid to see disappointment or face an angry glare from the blond until Katsuki’s gaze reflected his genuine surprise.

“Kacchan, you’re awake!” His face softened as he put the plate on the table, way too big for one person, and didn’t sit on the closest chair, afraid to go against the king’s orders. “I didn’t know you would be up this early, you deserve more rest after the tough meetings you’ve had yesterday. It’s embarrassing but I wanted to put them in your chamber in the next hours as a good morning gift but I got caught!”

The shorter man recalled the day when his lips accidentally slipped away the childish nickname in a conversation, catching the king off guard with a light blush on his freckled cheeks, before hearing the tease concerning this fond title. The rumors about him getting closer to the tormented ruler caught his attention more than once, explaining how the story always started in the best way before turning into a real hell. The only thing that mattered was how Katsuki accepted his company, and it was more valuable than any victories he’ve received on the battlefield until now!

The king was easily sensitive to the rise of new emotions that crossed his chest, including the realization that Izuku wasn’t acting as a knight, but a friend who wanted to take care of him. The simple idea of experiencing a real friendship was unreal for Katsuki’s mindset and was strangely pleasant when he recalled his old habits, influenced by the presence of the nerd and his good intentions, which didn’t represent a threat to his life. It’s been a long time since he’s felt touched by a fond gesture, making him vulnerable to thoughts he never thought possible for his tormented mindset.

“You made me breakfast ?” The question was naive and representative enough of what Izuku’ had observed since his arrival in the castle. The nerd used to stay discreet before revealing his true personality, which annoyed the king when he caught the maids’ whispers and saw how another innocent became the target of such tricks. Izuku was grateful to have a protective figure by his side and confessed that he would rather spend his time with the king than believe the rest of the world. 

“I tried to make it presentable even if it’s not the best, I’ve made a general selection with things available in the kitchens. I hope this is okay,” he said with a shy tone, putting his hands behind his neck. 

The small shade of red colored his freckled cheeks, offering a warm sight to the sensitive heart of the blond, touched by the previous gesture. Izuku Midoriya was a constant source of mystery for the observant king, who easily noticed the slight changes in the knight’s behavior and how his emerald eyes looked as charming as their first meeting, no matter the different emotions crossing his face. He never imagined he would be here with another person but life reserved a bunch of pleasant surprises that’ll define the rest of their journey…

“Why did you do that ?”  Katsuki’s question wasn’t meant to be seen as something harsh, knowing how Izuku understood its meaning. The least the green-haired man can do is to help the blond and bring him comfort in the moment of solitude, now replaced by the warmth of their interactions and their stolen glances. 

“I thought it would be useful, my apologies if this is too much or if I bothered you, my king-”

“No it’s not, I’m just surprised…This is the first time someone has made me such a kind gesture,” he explained with a low tone, covering the small blush that reached his skin for unknown reasons, under the fond emerald eyes.

 Izuku knew he shouldn’t expect things to go fast between them, it’s not like they’ll be lovers overnight! It explained why he cherished each moment of complicity and fondness shared with his soulmate, who slowly opened his heart to the comfort of a life contrasting with his past solitude. The green-haired man responded with a small smile, letting him know how grateful he was for the gentle exchange between them but the crimson eyes hadn’t left his and didn’t seem to be focused on the food at the moment…

“Is something wrong?” He asked with a concerned tone, moving closer to the taller figure. After all, the knight was convinced he did everything right and double-checked that the food wasn’t poisoned. This didn’t explain why the king looked slightly amused by the situation, even if he tried to hide it behind his fond glance!

“You did a great job, but you can take a sit freckles, it’s not like someone else is gonna join me,” Katsuki said with a grin, one of the rarest he offered to the nerd, not indifferent to this delightful sight. 

The emerald eyes widened at the previous offer, realizing how the untouchable ruler who scared many people was nothing but a simple guy, who wanted to spend more time with him! There was something lighter in this cold castle that slowly regained its colors, at least when the two men were standing in the same place with their affectionate glances.

“Oh…that’s really kind of you, Kacchan,” mumbled the freckled man with a soft smile, sitting right next to the taller man with hope rising inside his chest.

The two men continued their fond talk, their voices occupying the loneliness of this castle that was starting to face a new beginning. Izuku and Katsuki needed more time to get used to this pleasant sensation inside their chest, born from the king’s affection toward his loyal knight, or the discoveries of the vulnerable side of their soulmate. 

Their sparring sessions created the best memories between them as they slowly became closer and started to open their hearts. Slowly but surely, the king authorized himself to accept their growing friends as Izuku put a clear distinction between the previous treatment he gave to the blond due to his soulmate title, and admired the real man behind this unbreakable mask. 

At this point, the two men were considered inseparable, understanding how they unconsciously became an important part of each other’s lives: The meaning of the small talk between them guided their souls, who faced different conflicts, into a common goal to achieve victories together. The first time it happened, Izuku looked at Katsuki with a proud smile and realized how the king returned the gesture, before seeing this achievement being ignored by the lands. It should’ve been a real event to celebrate, able to erase all the nasty rumors about the past failures of a king, who has never looked more human to Izuku’s eyes, compared to the monster portrayed by the deformed lies. 

After all, the green-haired man assisted in the brave scenery of the taller man taking the lead and protecting his soldiers at the cost of his own life if necessary, and yet, no one gave a single congratulations! There was no doubt Katsuki was a good king, with some flaws just like Izuku who couldn’t represent perfection in this corrupted world, but none of these meaningless details justified this behavior from his own subjects. The freckled man was truly shocked to see how such a victory could be pushed aside, when it represented a real source of pride in the previous kingdoms he’s been working with in the past years! His assumptions about the biased part of the lands were proven right when the king made another mistake due to a second of inattention, with an inevitable repercussion. 

It took less than twenty-four hours to see people standing at the door of this breakable entrance with angry comments at their ruler: The guards did their best to keep the not let anyone enter, even with their biased opinion on the situation, with Izuku…offended by the harsh reaction. He didn’t understand how a silly mistake that didn’t take anyone’s life with an invisible impact could create such a river of rage, instead of thinking about the previous victories of the king a few months earlier! 

The emerald eyes took a clear glance at the distant blond, who didn’t say a single word and revealed the misery of this situation with a heartbreaking glance. Izuku easily read behind the lines of these crimson ones and how this terrifying experience unfortunately became something casual when it shouldn’t be! If the golden-haired man was a cruel ruler unworthy of his title, the guard would’ve already left a long time ago, but Katsuki caught him off guard in the most endearing way…to the point of even questioning if this supposed curse, mentioned by so many people, wasn’t just a misfortune.

The heavy murmurs that shattered an innocent’s world disappeared in the next minutes, leaving the two men in the middle of the room with their lost thoughts. The golden-haired man hasn’t said a single word about the harsh reaction from his subjects, and unconsciously revealed the vulnerability of his glance to the worried knight, who never gave up on him. Izuku couldn’t believe what just happened, and chose to stand by the king’s side to reassure him and bring a stupid grin back to his face instead of sharp tears threatening to meet his porcelain skin. It was unfair to see how he was the only one standing out from the influence crowd, especially when seeing Katsuki in this sensitive state, which acted like a thousand stabs in his chest. 

Izuku walked closer to the cold stairs as he lost his scarred hands on the red cape, noticing the crown on the side. It wasn’t the first time he’ve seen this light but meaningful details, often used to reveal how this pressure became too hard to handle for someone like Katsuki, condemned to keep his weakness hidden to the outside world, afraid that it might turn against him. The heartbreaking gaze of the blond, usually full of tease or stubbornness, met the concerned emerald ones, conscious about their vulnerable positions and the intimacy of this gesture, usually forbidden between their opposite worlds.

If Katsuki didn’t ask any questions, he accepted the comforting fingers caressing his back as Izuku rested his head on the blond’s shoulders, letting him know how he was here to protect him and hear his unshared confession. After all, Katsuki had always been the solitary figure and only mentioned his worries with a superficial aspect, despite the genuine pain it brought to his heart….

“What they did was unfair, they should’ve known how this world isn’t always black and white. It’s not like they’ve been perfect either, their reactions showed how biased their opinions are, and how they unconsciously impacted their rational thinking,” the shorter man whispered with a low tone, almost like he was afraid to bother the ghosts spying their intimate conversation.

 It was great to have someone to hold onto during the chaos and multiple distress caused by this error, seen as the worst of obstacles to their peace, when they weren’t the ones receiving the reverse of the medal. Izuku wished he could find the right words to calm the subjects and explain how this was a question of bad timing instead of jumping to the wrong conclusion! Unfortunately, this event opened his eyes about everything he knew about this narrative, which took a darker turn. With hindsight, he reached this kingdom with the naivety of a soul who believed the longtime rumors, which turned out to be a complete lie when the man he saw under his eyes was nothing but another tormented spirit who tried his best to survive in this cruel universe. 

The blond already mentioned his loneliness since his coronation and Izuku came to the conclusion that the previous failures and accidents that caused this undeniable reputation, were either a simple accident or a lack of knowledge about a specific situation. His lips never shared these words out loud, but the hidden tears at the corner of the crimson eyes reflected how guilty he felt about the past years and the innocents who paid the price of their best intentions by standing by his side. In all honesty, Katsuki wished Izuku could leave before being another name in the cemetery, knowing he’ll never forgive himself if something happened to the nerd…

“They’re probably right,” said the golden-haired man with a discreet tone. It was a huge accomplishment if he had the strength to push his anxiety aside and reveal the flaws that made him feel like Katsuki Bakugou, instead of his statue of ruler. “They’ve idealized my parents’ reign for too long and refused to see how I’m not perfect and meant to be on the throne. I’ve only gained this title due to my bloodline and not for the right reasons, I keep making mistakes and causing the downfall of my own lands…I do think my death will be some relief to them, it’s not like they lost someone important to their lives.”

“Maybe they’re too stupid to see the hints, but I refuse to let you say such things, not when I would rather die than live without you,” corrected the knight with a worried tone, leaving the previous shoulders to meet the distant crimson eyes. Izuku had already heard a bunch of bullshit, and this one was definitely at the top rank: He couldn’t blame the blond for being the victim of these thoughts when this bloody crowd took too much weight on his shoulders. The green-haired man was conscious about the risk he took by coming here and discovering more about his missing half, he refused to let fate steal him away, not when they have so many things to accomplish together. “They tend to stay focused on the negative because it matches the lies they’ve heard a million times. I’m sure there’s someone here able to put all this shit aside and realize the luck to have someone like you on the throne, and this person is standing right next to you.”

Katsuki moved his head and found the supportive glance on the freckled man’s face, speaking louder than any praises shared by the vultures in his surroundings. He never understood how Izuku always had the courage to find hope and take the side of the wrong people, instead of choosing his own safety. It wasn’t a secret if the king was relieved to see how the obstinate knight never betrayed his beliefs and stood by his side, no matter the circumstances. 

“I’ve come here because I was looking for a challenge and quickly realized how reaching your side was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ve seen many kingdoms where rulers treated their subjects in the worst ways, and none of their cruelty is reflected in each of your decisions,” he explained with a reassuring tone, holding the calloused hands closer. “You’re a good king, and let me tell you something: The reputation around your name shouldn’t impact the way you treat your land's rights, you’ve built all of this on your own since your parents'death, and made sure to keep it alive. You’re trying your best to save everyone and make the strategic choices, and to be honest, I’m honored to work for someone like you, Kacchan.”

“I don’t get it, I’m trying to be a good ruler without sacrificing innocents and the blame is always on me and this shitty curse. I’ve been handling all this suffering for too long and I’m tired, I’m tired of fighting against people who won’t change their minds and point out each of my mistakes as a stab in the chest. I’ll never be as good as my parents, I’ll never convince them to open their eyes and accept change so why am I still trying when I don’t need to fight. I have the impression of digging my own grave with a conflict I’ve lost a long time ago…”

Many opponents would kill to hear the vulnerability of such words and use them to their advantage, but Izuku wasn’t like them and felt a genuine pride. He couldn’t be happier to see how the distant king trusted him enough to show the weakness he considered a flaw, when it was a part of his charm. The freckled man smiles, moving his fingers from the blond’s chin to his cheeks, before wiping the nasty tears away and cupping his porcelain skin, breakable under this close angle. The scarred fingers had already committed cruel crimes in the past, he wasn’t perfect either and decided to cherish this moment by taking Katsuki’s tears into account instead of judging him. 

“I can’t imagine how painful it must be to live in such conditions, but you’ve succeeded in showing me how you were brave enough to ditch these vultures and keep fighting for their well-being when you could’ve given up on them. Kacchan, I would’ve left a long time ago if I had found you annoying but I’m still here, it says a lot about your biased reality, right ?” Izuku asked with a fond tone. 

His thumbs caressed the delicate skin with enough care, knowing how some actions spoke louder than words. In the past months of residing in this castle, the green-haired man learned many secrets about a supposed devil that wore the brightest grins and the prettiest eyes, who put his guard down instead of running away, which was already a huge sign of progress in their narratives. If Katsuki didn’t respond, he simply leaned into the affectionate touch he hadn’t felt since his parents’ death, reminding him of the numerous confessions shared by his knight in their naive talks. The king couldn’t help but appreciate the freckled man’s company, especially how Izuku never gave up on him when many people with a rational mind would’ve saved their lives a long time ago….

“It’s always about the curse and its consequences, but I’m starting to question if it had even been a thing. Call me crazy but maybe you’re not the target of some malediction meant to ruin your life, you’re just unlucky: it’s not like you’ve planned to kill all the people who’ve supported you, or had vicious intentions,” Izuku added with a comprehensive tone, locking his eyes into the endearing crimson ones. He could get used to seeing this vulnerable side of his soulmate and started to thank fate for bringing him closer to this complex soul. After all, they both needed each other if they wanted to get better and explore the rest of the blank pages, unmarked by their next achievements.

“No matter the explanation, the results are the same: people can’t make the difference,” said the blond with a sigh. In all honesty, he was grateful to have someone like Izuku by his side, who accepted his moments of weakness and shared his pain, making him feel like his true self instead of a vulgar title. “It’s clear how no one believes in me.”

“I do,” interrupted the shorter man with a warm tone.

His previous fingers left the king’s cheeks to meet his calloused hands and hold them tighter as a sign of his unconditional support: The world might be against Katsuki, but Izuku knew he wouldn’t mind chasing this side of the story rather than some made-up lies to please the majority. The golden-haired man was passionate in every aspect of his life and personality, it was evident that Izuku wouldn’t let him go, even if he had the most valuable treasure served on a silver platter.

“I believe in you, my king.”

The fond emerald eyes noticed the different expressions crossing the crimson ones, as he held their intertwined fingers closer, cherishing the warmth of their interaction. Katsuki didn’t need to pretend, not when the shorter man was ready to love him for his whole and let him know how his flaws were a part of his humanity. The gentleness of this exchange proved how their chemistry was as natural as breathing, touched to see how the freckled man looked at him with a loving glance, almost like he had already fallen for him. It’s not like it was even possible, knowing how the blond needed a lot more work on himself if he wanted to steal the knight's heart…

“You must be crazy then, even if your company is pretty tolerable. Tell me freckles, what are we supposed to do now? Do you have another magic trick to transform their anger into logical reasoning ?” Katsuki asked with a slight tease, bumping into the other’s shoulders. Izuku’s face softened at the familiar gesture, glad to see how the previous tears had been erased by the colors on the blond’s face. 

“I would love to, unfortunately the only thing we can do is to prove them wrong,” pointed out the shorter man with an amused tone, followed by a sweet smile. “They believe a falsified version of the narrative, let’s change their minds with something they can’t deny anymore.”

“I’ve been doing that for years, I don’t see why it’ll work all of a sudden.” If a miracle to this messed-up misunderstanding existed, the blond would’ve already found it a long time ago, which sucks because he was sure he already saw all the possible options in his reach. 

“But you haven’t met me years ago… I’m sure together we can mark the history,” there was a sudden confidence in the guard’s tease that transformed the previous atmosphere of this room into a lighter one. Izuku couldn’t be happier and more excited to discover more about his missing half, amazed to see how the red string that connected their wrist was still as shining as the first day. It didn’t mean anything, except for the knight’s personal belief that this simple sight reminded him why fighting for Katsuki was worth the try: He wasn’t doing it for the sake of having a soulmate, but the desire to let this broken man see how loved he was. “Think about it, it’s worth the try, it’s not like we have something to lose!”

Izuku’s joy succeeded in erasing the previous worries that occupied the blond’s chest, reminding him how he wasn’t alone, not anymore. Fate gave him the chance to change his present by accepting the help of this stubborn and charming stranger, ready to be his ally in a case that lasted too long for their liking. Having someone as supportive as Izuku Midoriya by his side was truly inspiring, this fight might be worth the try but Izuku’s life was still on the line and it was the details that terrified him the most. 

From now on, Katsuki needed to make sure nothing happened to his knight, and claimed himself as Izuku’s protector, even if the nerd didn’t need to know about that. 

——

The gentle landscape that portrayed warm colors in the early afternoon transformed into the shade of midnight, taking the lead with the thousands of shining stars in this unreachable sky. The breeze crossed the moving curtains of the late-night hollows, as the entirety of the castle was already deep asleep in their imagination, except for the moving shadow in the luxurious bedroom, preoccupied by the content of his ongoing nightmare. 

This familiar scenery had been following him for a long time, but he underestimated how a single detail had the ability to change the entire meaning of his biggest fear, taking the form of indelible scars in his skin. The horrible sight of his deceased parents on the ground reminded him how he never had the chance to say his final goodbye, with tears running down his cheeks, and thousands of regrets crossing his shaking lips at the same time. This darker scenery took a suffocating turn when his crimson eyes widened at the view of green messy curls, merging with the shade of the blood and open injuries near the king’s reach. No matter how hard he tried to save his loved ones, he was haunted by this horrifying sight, from the shade of green that faded with the red of his blood, to the open injuries.

The king wasn’t even sure if he screamed or released desperate sobs, but a single glimpse at his cold environment told him how he was back in his reality. The worst part was how he didn’t even know if he was able to move on from the haunting pictures he had seen in his head. There was something terrifying about the idea of assisting in Izuku’s death and confessing his regrets to a grave, instead of a radiant smile that warmed his chest. He couldn’t help but stay preoccupied by his desire to protect the nerd and how fragile his life was, Katsuki had already lost too many people, and mourning the guard’s death would be the last thing he needed after the inspiring conversation they had a few days ago. 

The green-haired man had shown a sincere interest in his state and got his back in each of his annoying meetings, considered as an affectionate gesture when the crimson eyes started to search for the emerald one after this harsh moment. There was something mesmerizing about Izuku’s presence and how his smiles changed this pain into a form of unexpected hope, understanding how he seemed to be more attached to the nerd than he thought!

He still had a lot to learn about friendship and couldn’t deny the way his heartbeat was affected by the fond emerald eyes and the way each of his freckles succeeded in stealing his vulnerable heart. Izuku was undeniably beautiful, it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that he stole the hearts of many people in the past, and the sincere devotion he showed the king was heartwarming for a heart trying to heal from hidden scars. The freckled man took his role of guard very seriously and assured clear protection and assistance when necessary, with the intention to assist the king in his quest for revival….

Izuku was the first friend he had since a long time, and losing him would mean losing the only person who believed in him, despite all the backlash they’ve faced since his arrival. Katsuki sighed and rested a little longer in his bed, observing the discreet night and the unreachable whispers of the stars. It’s not like he expected some miracle to happen, and still jumped out of his bed when he heard a sudden knock on the door, catching him by surprise!

The first question that crossed his mind was obviously about the identity of this person awake at this late hour, until the answers naturally came to him with the familiarity of a familiar voice he could recognize everywhere. The taller man released a low groan when he left his bed and walked closer to the wooden door and immediately recognized the concerned emerald eyes.

“Kacchan, are you alright? I heard a scream coming from your chamber” he said with a preoccupied tone, covering his own trembling body. Izuku wasn’t the target of the previous nightmares but his body moved on its own when he discovered the unusual noises from the king’s bedroom. “I thought someone attacked you in your sleep-” 

“No one would’ve taken such a risk when killing me became easier over the years. I’m fine, just confused…wait what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in your bed? ” Asked the taller man with an intrigued tone. 

His exhausted eyes barely noticed the hidden tears that previously fell on the freckled cheeks, hidden with the obscurity of this quiet corridor, and a guard affected by the previous calls for help. With hindsight, Katsuki realized how it was the first time that Izuku saw him in such a compromising position with teary crimson eyes and a pale face, almost like he had seen a ghost. Having someone as devoted as Izuku Midoriya was a chance envied by many people and the blond was proud to see how life offered him brighter days, despite the constant threats, meant to break their bond….

“I couldn’t find sleep and immediately rushed to check on you,” he mumbled with a lighter tone, regaining color on his porcelain skin. The green-haired man knew he wouldn’t forgive himself if something happened to the blond: From all the people he served in his past kingdom, Katsuki was definitely his favorite from the complexity of his unreadable lines at first glances, to the vulnerability on his face that shattered the guard’s heart. 

The previous answer surprised the taller man, touched to see how far the nerd was ready to go for his protection, even at the price of his own life. The unpleasant vision in his dream was replaced by the relaxing view of the familiar emerald eyes and freckles, without any deep injuries on his clothes and a death scent in the air. Mitsuki and Masaru weren’t alive anymore but Izuku Midoriya was, and it was enough to temporarily appease the fast heartbeat in the blond’s chest. 

“That’s…That’s really nice of you but it was just a nightmare, nothing to be worried about-” Unfortunately this explanation wasn’t enough for Izuku, who noticed the hidden tears and the subtle change in his voice, discreet enough to catch the attention of the observant knight.

The complexity of Katsuki’s soul was seen as a fond mystery for the intrigued guard, who would rather drown in this ocean of mystery than follow a routine until an old age: After all, following the last survivor of the Bakugou’s dynasty was the spark that Izuku needed in his life. He couldn’t force the king to release his deeper struggles out loud, it’ll take time but Izuku promised to be there and celebrate each victory, as meaningless as they look on the outside!

“No matter what you experienced, it must’ve been pretty intense to give me such a scare,” the shorter man admitted with a tease that covered the evident worry in his voice. This quiet castle was occupied by the lost spirits at this late hour except for their recognizable shadows, fixing a narrative that deserved to be seen on a brighter day. Katsuki recognized the devotion in the knight’s eyes, trying to read in his glance with an affectionate smile on his lips when Izuku moved closer to cup the fragile skin, ruined by the sharp tears. “I got some too, they rarely appeased with the time but I found a way to calm myself and make them lighter…”

“Would it be selfish of me to know your trick? I’m not sure I can handle this for the rest of my life.” The simple idea of spending sleepless nights until old age made him sick, as he welcomed the cautious touch of delicate fingers on his calloused hands. 

The intrigued king had many questions at the tip of his lips, wondering why this sudden intimacy wasn’t a bother when the nerd was around, almost like his loyal knight had put a spell on his tormented soul. It was the first time he felt comfortable with the idea of feeling someone’s hands against his own, despite the hesitant fingers, afraid to cross a boundary of the relationship that had already created many debates in this condemned castle. 

“It’s a secret but I’m sure you’ll find your own very soon, ” responded the green-haired man with a fond tone, intertwining their fingers together. 

This sight could be the source of many rumors if someone intercepted their late-night exchange, but Izuku would rather live with misunderstandings than leave the blond with another bother. In all honesty, he didn’t mind seeing the red string between their heated palms, connected in the vulnerability of their glances, speaking louder than any words shared until now. After all, it was too early to confess how the best way to erase the nasty tears that fell down Izuku’s cheeks was to imagine the blond’s warmth by his side, a process often influenced by the reminder of the king’s scent and the souvenirs of their daily exchanges….

“No one ever checked on me since my parents' death,” explained the blond with a low tone, under Izuku’s comprehensive glance, which made him feel safe for the first time in years. With the loyal guard, the king never had the impression of being judged or criticized for something he couldn’t control, which was refreshing after meeting so many extras who easily put the blame on him at the slightest occasion. “I’m older enough to not reclaim a magical hug when things go wrong, but I don’t know…I feel like I need one at the moment. It’s pretty immature for a ruler to say childish things like this but -”

The blond’s words barely left his lips when he felt the weight of the shorter man against him, holding his back with a protective grip. For a moment, it sounded like the nerd was afraid of losing him and the beauty of this moment as he rested his head on the blond’s shoulder. Their height difference transformed these interactions into memorable ones, from the gentleness of the scarred fingers on his back, to the reassuring embrace that didn’t need any justification. The crimson eyes widened at the realization that Izuku didn’t correct him about his selfish request, and simply let his body move on its own to bring color back to the other’s face…a detail that immediately brought tears back to the king’s face.

 His calloused hands unconsciously held the freckled man closer, resting his head in the messy curls to stay in this source of comfort that reminded him of his younger days. Katsuki accepted the fact that he was weak enough to let his fear take the lead over the strong shell he created for his own safety, the same boundaries that easily broke when Izuku held him like there was no tomorrow and they were together against the rest of the world. He wasn’t a cursed ruler with too much weight on his shoulders but the teenager who lost his only family, realizing how he missed his parents and how terrified he was to live without Izuku. 

The strong grip on each other’s bodies reflected their mutual desire to keep each other safe, sensing how this truth echoed as something delicate enough to caress their ears in the middle of the night. The muffled sobs of the blond shattered Izuku’s heart, doing his best to reassure the taller man, who proved how fate could bring him pleasant surprises in a defined routine. Many things have changed since their first meeting and the knight couldn’t be happier to know his path found the blond’s in this lifetime. 

Izuku and Katsuki truly cared about each other and this strength was all they needed in order to survive against the rest of this tough journey, knowing how each tear and genuine promise were worth the try. After all, the freckled man was the savior the blond needed all along, while the golden-haired man was the reminder that love could be easier than breathing with the right person by his side. 

“You have the right to feel vulnerable, you’re human too and it’s your biggest strength to my eyes,” he whispered with a reassuring smile, cupping the blond’s cheeks to erase the nasty tears from the blond’s skin. “Kacchan, you don’t have to be strong all the time…You’ve been through so many obstacles and one day the world will see you as I do, they’ll open their eyes and see how amazing you are instead of believing the wrong version of the story. I’m so proud of you for staying alive another sunrise, I’ll never forgive myself for letting someone hurt you or take you away from me…please, keep fighting as long as we’re both a part of each other’s world.”

Izuku didn’t know he was crying until the calloused finger returned the gesture by wiping his tears away. His emerald eyes locked with the breathtaking crimson ones, blushing at the delicacy of this touch and how his soulmate had never looked so vulnerable, almost like he was longing for this source of comfort and understood the meaning of the previous speech. The shorter man rested his forehead against the blond’s, holding him closer until the following words brought a delighted smile to the corner of his lips.

“Stay with me for the night,” the taller man whispered with a low tone, similar to a newborn's cries and the delicacy of a leaf in this breeze. The weight of his words didn’t compare to the joy in the knight’s chest, proud to see the humanity of a broken soul, meant to heal with the process of their next creations, as blurry as they seem for the moment.

“I wouldn’t go anywhere else, my king,” the response naturally escaped from Izuku's lips. He was relieved to see how the previous shell that separated them became a blessing for this growing narrative, formed in the blank pages, ready to be filled with their next confessions, instead of the previous blood that dried over the years. 

It was the first time Izuku entered the king’s room, his curious eyes stole a quick glimpse at the charming surroundings and observed how gorgeous this room looked. A warm smile crossed the knight’s lips, guiding the kind in a comfortable position before joining him with his messy curls on the other’s chest.

Izuku never felt the need to force the conversation about love, past relationships, or the idea of getting a soulmate: Having Katsuki’s trust was already the most precious treasure cherished at the palm of his hand, being something more valuable than any of his past victories on the battlefield. Under different circumstances, Izuku would’ve blushed at the compromising situation, but the only thing that mattered was the idea of spending the night with Katsuki and letting him know how loved he was. The calloused hands found the guard’s back with a hesitant movement before holding him closer, resting his head against the appeasing heartbeat on the freckled man’s chest. Izuku’s face softened, cherishing this moment as if it were the last as he ruffled the golden spikes and made sure to offer all the care possible if he wanted to erase the pale expression on the king’s face. 

“You’re warm,” mumbled the blond, hoping the cautious caress would be enough to calm the fast heartbeat inside his chest. Many people would’ve killed to be at Izuku’s place and take the advantage of this vulnerable state but the nerd chose to give him the comfort of a strong embrace rather than a bloody knife on this soft pillow. 

“Thanks, I should return the compliment, ”added the shorter man with a light grin. His thumbs moved in appeasing movements on his back, feeling the presence of scars on his exposed skin, hidden from the public's eyes. He accepted them in this gentle discovery of the other’s body, trying not to make the taller man uncomfortable about secrets of his past that felt too heavy to be shared for the moment. “I didn’t know you had scars here, do they hurt ?”

“I keep them hidden for a reason, but luckily they’re old enough not to hurt like hell. It took a few weeks before seeing them fully cicatrized even if I rarely look at them.” 

Izuku wasn’t like the vultures who betrayed him at the beginning of his reign, he was as compassionate as the previous people who chose his side of the story at the price of their own lives. Katsuki never thought he would have the chance to experience this sensation of being at home again after his parents’ death, and the loyal guard represented a strength beyond anything he ever imagined.

“Even for me? I’m curious to know their story,“ the freckled man pointed out with a comprehensive tone, relieved to feel the weight of the king’s body against his. If someone accidentally entered the room, they would think they were secret lovers sneaking into each other’s bed at night to cuddle, and Izuku wasn’t against this idea but love wasn’t his biggest priority for the moment. “You know, I’ve got some too. I tend to think they’re the result of our previous victories and failures, but some are darker than the others…It doesn’t mean they’re less valuable, they just share a different narrative and nothing to be ashamed of.”

There was something mesmerizing and curious about the way everything seemed easier when Izuku was around, almost like he understood his worries with a single glance instead of pretty lies. This naivety was a part of his charm, outside his ethereal beauty that stole more than one heart on the spot. Izuku saw the flaws of this corrupted world and chose to make things easier and have a hopeful vision that somehow helped Katsuki in his healing process. It even opened his eyes about how he spent more time isolating himself from his bad luck than going against it and changing his reality!

“My very first scars come from the conflicts I’ve faced after my coronation,” he started with a low tone, hoping it would be enough to let the freckled man hear his confession. “I’ve already trained a few times in short fights that never lasted, some childish conflicts as others will say, but everything changed when I had no other choice but to go to the battlefield by myself. That day, I discovered the hard reality of this world with lifeless bodies on the ground, bleeding injuries, and physical reminders of the graves in the cemetery.”

Katsuki should’ve been guilty of transforming his thoughts into words and releasing them out loud, but the truth was that he had never felt so comfortable. He wanted to put the blame on his previous tears but knew how it was deeper than that: The main reason for this ease was the guy standing by his side, ready to handle too many sacrifices to believe in a hopeless soul like his. The scarred hand continued the protective touch, applying the secret technique used by his mother when he was a child, which always worked on him during his dark days. 

“Then the subjects started to doubt, and the more I went to the war, the more scars I brought home. I bet yours have better stories to share, mine are just the echoes of a predictable downfall…I was too young for this shit, and look where it led me,” Katsuki added with a sigh, surprised to see how the gesture immediately relaxed his exhausted body. 

“No one knows what to expect us the moment we meet this cruel scenery for the first time, each fight is different from the previous one, and each death is a harsh reminder of the weight of our own breath. I haven’t made amazing fights either, some were pretty ridiculous with scars that reminded me how selfishness sometimes comes before rational thinking. I’m not proud of the things I’ve done, but I’m relieved to know they led me to your road, Kacchan.”

Many people could contradict Izuku’s reasoning but the knight was ready to go against their beliefs if this meant finding his happy ever after. It wasn’t the most reputed castle, nor the most envied partner, but Izuku Midoriya knew how each of his scars sent him on his favorite tale. The crimson eyes tried to read behind the nerd’s gaze and only found the gentleness of his truths and a certain vision of this world that looked more appeasing than their current reality. 

“You did your best and no one can steal this strength from you. Unfortunately, you can’t be the hero of every story, you’re probably the villain in many of them but it won’t define the real you,” added Izuku with a smile, relieved to see how he got the king’s attention with his sweet truths. “Legends don’t put on a pedestal the best figures, they often change some narratives to fit the popular beliefs. You don’t need to please an entire crowd that’ll change its mind overnight, and I’m sure there are a few people who truly admire you…I mean, you’re a hero in mine, what stop from being the hero in theirs ?”

If Katsuki didn’t say anything, he moved to find a more comfortable position, without leaving the embrace on his calm body. The wise words chosen by the loyal knight succeeded in stopping his previous shake as Izuku started to hold him as if they had been friends for decades, if not lovers. This thought wasn’t uncomfortable for the king’s heart even if he decided to simply listen to the nerd’s voice as he felt his own body getting more exhausted between each of his breaths. 

The green-haired man wasn’t surprised to hear the king mumble about stories concerning his childhood days until Izuku started his long speech with a fond tone, holding the taller man closer. He was amazed to see the close proximity he had with the lonely soul who refused any form of contact before his arrival, who slowly offered him his trust on a silver platter, a precious gift the guard promised to keep safe at all costs.  Izuku’s voice slowly echoed in the silence of this chamber, his thumbs caressing the king’s skin as he explained between two laughs how he failed to grab his first weapon, the worries from his mother at his return, and the way he achieved this incredible journey. 

Minutes passed by as he continued to share his story as a fond lullaby until one of his questions was answered with a light snore. With delicate movements, he made sure to not bother or wake the sleepy man and a loving smile crossed the tip of his lips when he realized what had happened, glad to know the king couldn’t feel the fast heartbeat inside his chest. There was something heartwarming about the inaccessible painting of the most hated man, standing in his arms with the innocence of a broken soul, longing for an unexpected savior. 

“I’ve traveled many countries to arrive here and yet, only now I discover my biggest fear,” Izuku whispers, stealing a quick kiss against the golden spikes. The entire time, the freckled man realized how he addressed him as Katsuki Bakugou instead of his royal title, he couldn’t be prouder to have a soulmate like him, even with his flaws. “No matter what happens, I’ll make sure to fix this situation, only if you don’t leave me behind….Goodnight Kacchan, you’re safe now.”

That night, the two men fell asleep in each other’s arms and kept the nightmares away with the other’s warmth and sparkles of a blooming romance.

——

Katsuki's world fell apart when he learned the devastating news.

The last time he felt such pain was after the discovery of his parents’ deaths, which made him feel like thousands of stabs in his chest. The overwhelming sadness made him realize how no one was here to hold his trembling hands, notice his anxious glance, and comfort the dried tears on his cheeks. Izuku wasn’t dead and this early encounter with death was one beyond the thousands he already faced in the past but this time the stakes were different: The knight couldn’t disappear with the promises made to Mustafu’s lands and the king. Leaving this world without a final goodbye implied breaking the broken heart of the only person who cared about him more than any treasure on the lands.

After all, he remembered the welcoming atmosphere that occupied the peaceful morning when he woke up in Izuku’s arms, with his blushing cheeks and the fond voice asking him if he was alright. It was the first time the stubborn king felt like a shy teenager at the breathtaking view of the messy curls and fond glances beside him, offering him an endearing painting he already mesmerized by heart. That day, the two men caught the offended gossip about the shorter man leaving the king’s room in the early morning with its misunderstanding and his biggest mistake was to assume that everything was fine until fate tried to repeat this malediction all over again….

Maybe Katsuki was really cursed and keeping Izuku by his side was a mistake. The only thing he could do was to pray to the unreachable stars for the nerd’s safety after the early encounter with death! The information about this accident was blurry, almost as if they were considered a shame, even if the only things he heard were the surprise attack and Izuku’s sacrifice to save the king’s life. It was ridiculous to do such a thing for someone who’s not worth the try, the nerd needed to save another person than the captor that’ll give him a future gave in the cemetery!

The footsteps resonating in this haunted building became heavier on his fragile shoulders, ready to fall at the slightest obstacles. Izuku’s location and state were the only details that mattered to him, hoping it wasn’t too late and this idiot was still alive to get scolded! The echoes of their past conversations replayed inside his mind as he held his breath, worried about Izuku’s state until the maid stopped him. 

The king was in obvious distress and his attempts to check on Izuku were considered as failed when the wooden door never opened to his desperate request. Shit, he was the king of this castle and was more than concerned for the nerd, but the nurse only appeared after the umpteenth time with the audacity of her annoyed glance. There’s no doubt she was conscious of the emergency of the situation and simply explained how the knight was still asleep for the moment….

This answer didn’t convince the king who realized how she was hiding something from him, almost like it was a shame if he showed an ounce of emotions nor interest in something other than the throne. In all honesty, Katsuki didn’t care, they could take this blood prestige and meaningless victories away, the blond was ready to make this sacrifice if this mean having the nerd’s loyalty for the rest of his life! Eating his dinner alone made him sadder than he already was, containing the tears that threatened to fall down his cheeks until he realized how he was terrified at the idea alone ever again. 

Suddenly the empty side of his bed felt colder than usual, as the hours passed by and the wait was intolerable: each second separating him from the reunion with his only friend felt like thousands of stabs in the chest, no matter how hard he tried to close his eyes. The sound of the moving bedsheet filled the silence of this quiet room, such as the groan that left the king’s lips when he decided to take some air.  This time, he had enough! The only way to verify the nurse’s work was to check by himself until his taller figure stopped right in front of the awaited door. .His fingers accidentally touched the lock and realized how it was open and enter the dark room with his lamp. 

The sound of his footsteps announced his presence as his observing glance looked at his surroundings, noticing how recent medicine had been used on the side. Katsuki couldn’t believe the audacity of this extra to lie straight to his face, knowing how he had the power to execute her in a public place if she played with his nerves for too long. The taller man put the lamp down, ready to call for the guard’s name until a recognizable voice caught his attention. His body turned to see the shorter man standing in front of him with bandages on his injuries and an exhausted expression on his face, quickly replaced by the speechless emerald eyes.

At first sight, the nerd looked like he had taken enough hits to knock his rival down at the price of his own state, even if this simple vision broke the king’s heart. He was used to admiring the strong and unbreakable Izuku Midoriya, and seeing the vulnerable state of his loyal knight and closest friend reminded him how he was the one who caused this mess in the first place. Their bodies moved on their own to catch the first tears falling down the freckled cheeks, before holding the shaking man into a strong embrace. The scarred hands held the cape tighter with muffled sobs, glad to see how the calloused ones kept the fragile body safe from another injury. 

The green-haired man couldn’t be happier to see how Katsuki didn’t think twice before returning the intimate gesture they’ve both longed for since their separation. Izuku recalled the series of events that caught him off guard, including the moment when he learned about the attack and the final fight that ended with his rival knocked down. The guard was conscious of the risk concerning this case and he refused to let someone with bad intentions touch one of Katsuki’s hairs! He expected the blond to be mad at him for such a shitty action, but the freckled man had no regrets…not when he finally found peace in the blond’s arms. 

“I’m glad you’re here,” whispered the shorter man with a shaking tone, resting his forehead against the blond’s. This time, the loneliness of this room and the events of the last days were replaced by the kindness of their reunion, knowing that words echoed louder than false promises shared by the most vicious minds. “ I missed you so much Kacchan, I…I thought you’d never come to see me again.”

“That’s stupid, I immediately came to you the moment I learned the news but this shitty nurse pushed me away. I’m sorry, I should’ve interfered with her trick earlier, it won’t happen again.”

Katsuki couldn’t help but feel relieved when he felt the scarred hands holding him back, realizing how there was nothing to be worried about. Their eyes met when the calloused finger whipped the nasty tears away with his thumbs, quickly followed by a fond smile…one of the rarest he only showed to the people worthy of such a sight. After all, the nerd sacrificed his life to keep him safe and Katsuki promised to pay the nerd back with a kind gesture, hoping it would be enough to show his gratitude! 

“Seriously Izuku, why did you do this ?” Katsuki already knew the answers to his questions and still believed he didn’t deserve any of this. The shorter man had already told him a million times how he was ready to stand by his side at all costs, but the idea of putting his life on the line was unimaginable! “Do you realize how serious this situation was? I’m terrified of seeing my nightmares come true and you don’t make this easier with your self-sacrificial ass”

The emerald eyes widened at the previous comment, proving how his unfortunate theories were what he originally thought. His heart missed a beat at the idea of leaving someone as vulnerable as Katsuki Bakugou in this cruel world, who’s already made enough damage to a broken heart like his. Many things have changed since their first meeting and this narrative took a pleasant turn with the current state of their relationship and how close they’ve become, ignoring the nasty gossip about the birth of a romantic relationship, which was none of people’s business. 

 However, it doesn’t change the fact that Izuku was now aware of the terrifying vision that occupied the night of the blond felt guilty for transforming it into a reality. If he could, he would’ve changed his actions and avoided these heartbreaking tears on the blond’s face, but he didn’t have any regrets with the decision to save the only person who saw him as a whole instead of a name to praise in public. Katsuki was so different from all the previous nobles the shorter man had seen and he wouldn’t change a single thing with their strong bond that opened their hearts to symbolic moments like this one. 

“I…I simply wanted to keep you safe,” the green-haired man confessed with a low tone, almost like he was ashamed of revealing such truth, known by the worried crimson eyes for a long time. Izuku didn’t have any secrets for the discreet king and Katsuki could easily be defined as his favorite book to read, with lines able to seduce the coldest hearts of the lands. “I refuse to transform my worst nightmares into a reality, I couldn’t let them take you away from me. I’m conscious about the damages I’ve caused to you and I apologize for scaring you, my king…but I’m not sorry for acting that way, when your life is as valuable as mine.”

The worst part was how the sincerity in the nerd’s speech was reflected in the shining sparkles in his eyes, similar to a kid staring at his favorite hero in his naive imagination. Katsuki Bakugou was far from being an inspiring figure and had nothing to envy: he represented the shadow meant to transform every story into dark ones but in his exceptional case, he ended up having an acolyte who sincerely believed in him. Izuku’s genuine support and care were all the king needed to understand how his existence was appreciated for the first time in his life, but it wouldn’t be enough to go against the risk of condemning the only person who brightened his darkest days.

“Shit, I knew it,” he mumbled with a low tone, subtle enough to caress the knight’s ears. Izuku’s body was still recovering from the previous attack but it didn’t mean he had to let the most important person in his life suffer in silence! His broken fingers moved to gently meet the heated skin, marked by the previous tears and the call for help on the king’s face. “That’s why I’ve been warning you to stay away from me. It’ll happen again…over and over again until you’ll be another grave in the cemetery and I’ll never forgive myself if you face this terrible fate. You deserve so much more than being stuck with a shitty name like mine…”

“Kacchan, I meant every word I said when I explained how I’ll stay by your side, even in the darkest days,” the shorter man said with a loving tone, cupping the blond’s cheeks. He didn’t mind repeating the sweet praises a thousand times if this meant convincing this broken soul to believe this delicate truth. “I’ve been experiencing early encounters with death since my youth and know all its tricks. This one was probably a miracle for you, but it was something deliberated from my part, you don’t have to blame yourself or this fake curse.”

“But you nearly died,” he added with a shaking tone that shattered Izuku’s heart into millions of pieces. He’s already seen the blond tears but he’s never realized how sensitive Katsuki was when it came to the sake of his knight’s life and the value of his wordsThe realization brought a warm smile to his lips, glad to know how he had found someone as caring as Katsuki Bakugou as his lifetime partner.

“And I’m far from sharing my last meeting with death,” he admitted with a reassuring tone. “I have a lot to discover over the next few years and the unwritten lines of this blurry future but I’m still alive. The only thing that truly changed in my narrative was how you’re now a part of my journey, and this treasure is more important than any dance with the grim reaper or praise from the outside world.” 

“How…How can you be so calm about this? Nothing assures that you’ll survive the next attack targeted toward my existence, I don’t know what I’ll do if I have to see your lifeless body on the ground, surrounded by all these vultures who wished for a downfall by taking away the only thing that truly matters to me.” 

Katsuki used to be the kind of shadow that dissipated itself in his own castle, giving more attention to the background characters, meant to ruin his life one way or another until his path crossed the one of Izuku Midoriya. The distracted man with a bloody crown on his head became the source of captivating smiles and comforting words and learned how his company wasn’t seen as a bother but a blessing, something he never thought possible until now. His fear toward Izuku’s loss was justified by his heavy past, which explained why the freckled man moved his fingers from his porcelain cheeks to his calloused palm. The warmth of their intertwined hands brought the blond back to reality when his distant glance found the affectionate emerald eyes, sharing timeless vows with this pretty smile, able to steal many hearts on the spot.

“Kacchan, I would rather face a hundred men than leave you behind, so none of this is your fault. The only one to blame here is me for not imagining for one second the consequences it’ll have on your life, and I’m truly sorry about this…I can’t promise it was the last time I put my life on the line but I’ll do it a thousand times if this means keeping you alive,” confessed the knight with a caring tone, holding the shaking hands tighter.

The heavy silence that occupied the walls of this room was replaced by the delicacy of their fond exchanges, which quickly followed with comprehensive glances and promises made as if it were their last goodbyes. The two men ignored the number of times tears that brushed their porcelain skin with the indelible vows and the comfort of their interlaced fingers as Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou came to the conclusion that it was too late to pretend they didn’t care about each other. 

Their fate had already been sealed with the charm of their previous confessions, meant to change their narratives…

———

The discreet whispers of the night caressed the sensitive ears of the sleeping figures, lost in their imagination and determined to stay a little longer in this warmth that wrapped their healing hearts. The familiarity of this chamber offered a gentle reminder of the genuine pride that occupied their narrative, under the form of a simple tease that brought a scarlet color to the freckled cheeks, or the pretty view of the blond’s face after a quick kiss on his golden spikes. 

It wasn’t shocking news to learn how the lonely king insisted on staying by his loyal knight’s side the entire time, from the moment Izuku left the nursery to the recovery that took longer than they expected. Their nights were still impacted by the explicit vision and their bodies affected by the different steps of the knight’s rehabilitation, almost like their souls made one in the most ethereal way. The green-haired man wanted to believe in a miracle to justify the reason for their new dynamic and easily accepted how the strength of their bond was simply cherished in their recent interactions.

Izuku held back a smile when he saw how the king was more than cautious with his state, asking him if everything was alright at the slightest noise and being gentler in their training. Each glimpse at the red string that connected their souls reminded him how he wouldn’t have chosen a better partner, confidant, and best friend than the caring king, who slowly learned how to choose the knight’s perspective over the nuisance of this corrupted castle. 

The days passed by in the blink of an eye until Izuku’s scars finally healed. 

The relief was marked by the sweet expression that drew itself on his face when he stared at his own reflection in the mirror, knowing how he wouldn’t be the only one happy about this amazing news. For the occasion, he decided to make a surprise visit to the blond, conscious of how his duty as a ruler had been simply pushed aside in the past weeks. It was still unbelievable how Mustafu’s subjects couldn’t see the efforts made by their king and the beauty of his soul: He was sure that these circumstances would’ve been easily ignored with another name in the noble, but Katsuki was unfortunately the easiest target to take the hit and bleed in silence. 

The green-haired man started to explore each room of this castle, known to be the one where Katsuki spent most of his time for his royal duty, surprised to see how the king wasn’t in any of them. He continued his exploration and crossed the multiple areas of this impressive building, before noticing a discreet shadow on the side of a location he recognized in the blink of an eye. A small smile crossed his lips when he saw the golden spikes, surrounded by multiple flowers and their unique shades as his footsteps lost themselves in the delicate breeze that caressed his lost curls. 

“I was about to give you a good surprise, but you’ve guessed my plans,” his fond eyes caught the surprised glance of the king, which turned into a lighter one. Izuku walked closer to the taller man, standing on his right, welcoming the subtle murmurs of the wind against his ears. “I assume your meeting with the duke finished in an agreeable tone, I’ve heard his influence could expand many lands if we get his favor.”

“I didn’t know you were here,” Katsuki replied with a calm tone, merging with the delicate noises of the footsteps in the castle and the echoes of the lost conversations from afar. The cautious emerald eyes immediately noticed how he sounded more exhausted than usual, and decided to not mention this detail, knowing how his return to his old habits, especially meetings, must be seen as a chore. “I didn’t want to wake you up earlier, you looked like you needed good sleep and I see how you’re doing better.”

“Thanks to a certain someone,” he added with a smile, sharing a light bump to the other’s shoulders with a delighted smile. “I bet I wouldn’t have healed this fast if you weren’t playing the nurse with me all the time, I should complain about having your constant attention but I like it that way…when you look happier, you’re really cute like this.”

 Izuku wished he had met his soulmate earlier instead of wasting time with names he’d already forgotten in his heroic quest for change. His beliefs would’ve probably been influenced by the naivety of his spirit and the weight of the rumors surrounding a name like his but he would’ve shared more memories with the blond, compared to their fresh friendship.

One year ago, he was a simple name meant to mark history and now he was known as the loyal acolyte who would rather take a sword for a cursed legend than let him die. He couldn’t be happier to see how far Katsuki and he have gone since their blurry title of strangers, and wondered if things could stay this peaceful for the rest of their lives. After all, they were the best of friends and spent most of their nights in each other’s beds to comfort their nightmares, even if lost thoughts started to preoccupy his reasoning. This ideal image couldn’t last forever, not when he was supposed to accompany the king in each of his future missions, failures, and victories…including the idea of being betrothed to someone else.

Technically, someone in the neighborhood would be desperate enough to marry their daughter to the first monster that crossed their mind, and spare their son’s life for the sake of their lands. Izuku had seen this case happening more than once and never understood how serious it was until it concerned his own case: It’s not like Kacchan was unlikable, his reputation preceded him and the lucky person who’ll stand on the throne by his side will quickly understand how this unreachable shadow was the most affectionate guy they’ll ever met. There’s no doubt Katsuki would make an amazing lover, his legacy will probably be the prettiest children this kingdom has seen and the green-haired man will still stand by his side as his knight….If this was supposed to represent their happy ending, why does Izuku feel his heart clench at the idea of being separated from the blond?

“You look preoccupied, what crossed your mind, nerd ?” The fond tone merged with the sunlight on their elegant clothes and the distant wind, almost like fate knew something Izuku didn’t, as blurry as the signs where. Izuku moved his head and saw the captivating crimson eyes focused on his, ignoring the fast heartbeat in his chest as the words unconsciously left his lips, catching both of them off guard. 

“Have you been in love ?” Izuku had no other choice but to continue what he started, afraid to make the blond uncomfortable, assuming this risk until the very end. “I mean…the real one, the kind of experience that couldn’t be transcribed in words, despite its ethereal beauty to the heart and the eyes…the kind of miracle people chase their entire lives with.”

The thing that surprised Katsuki the most was the precise description made by the nerd. 

With hindsight, they realized how none of them ever mentioned the idea of falling in love or romance until Izuku pointed this detail out. The two men knew a lot about each other and nothing about their past experience with such a symbolic topic, which awakened some unexplained sentiments in the king’s chest. It was still unclear for the moment and this mention didn’t give him any right to be jealous about Izuku’s past. It was evident how someone as pretty as the nerd could find a partner in the blink of an eye, especially with the beauty of his flushed cheeks…

“That’s a good question, I’ve never thought about it,” he replied with a sigh. In all honesty, the green-haired man was glad to see that he didn’t annoy the blond with this sudden topic that came out of nowhere. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in love at all, it’s not like I had the chance in the first place and even if it knocked on my door, I wouldn’t be able to properly distinguish this from a proper affection. That kind of romance you’re talking about…how do you know so much about this ?”

The freckled man knew he had two choices imposing themselves in order to change the narrative: he could either lie about the secret trick that led him here in the first place, or say the truth with its consequences. The more he stared at the comprehensive eyes, the more he realized how he didn’t need to pretend in front of the blond, who had already gained his trust a long time ago. His heart missed a beat when he recalled his previous reflections and wondered if the lucky soul by the king’s side would be aware of their chance to face such a beautiful scene.

“I haven’t been completely honest with you,“ mumbled the knight, conscious of the concerned expression that crossed the other’s face after his mysterious words. “This is gonna sound unbelievable but what I’m about to say is real as real as my sincere affection for you and everything you’ve given to me. How can I formulate this…Since my birth, I was blessed by the ability to see the red string of fate, the same one that every book and legend described. It’s very subtle, invisible to others or felt as simple chills, but visible to my sight. It’s nothing creepy, it takes the form of a thread connecting soulmates together, no matter if they have already met or not.“

A sudden silence filled the close space between them, as the minutes passed by and the apprehension of Katsuki’s reaction started to occupy most of Izuku’s thoughts. He had no idea how the king would react to this crazy news, maybe he’ll say stupid comments or laugh straight in his face about this good joke. The scarred fingers unconsciously met the fabric of his elegant tissue and held it closer, holding his breath and preparing himself for the worst….until he faced a complete silence.

The knight started to considered he was in a pleasant dream, there was no way someone as obstinate as the great Katsuki would let him go away with an unthinkable statement like this one! The least the blond could do was to show an ounce of response to not scare the shorter man, moving the calloused hands to put a lost curl behind his ears, with an understanding glance. At this moment, thousands of questions crossed his lips but only one succeeded in filling the quiet conversation…

“You’re not freaking out ?“ The taller man looked at him with an amused grin before ruffling his messy curls. Technically, the king had already heard the worst of things and faced the consequences of nasty rumors, nothing could shock him at this point but it was cute to see how Izuku might expected him to be shocked about something like this.

“Why would I be? Sure I didn’t expect this type of answer but it’s nothing to make a scene of,” reassured the blond with a warm smile, one of the rarest he shared with the freckled man. “Well it makes me return the question, with a secret ability like yours, you must have thousands of stories to share and a proper vision of love, right ?”

Oh…the sincerity in this tone didn’t leave Izuku indifferent, welcoming a deeper blush on his cheeks, something he considered impossible until now. He couldn’t believe how Katsuki was genuinely interested in his previous revelation, proving how he was, once again, an amazing person that didn’t deserve any of this hate. The blond could’ve judged him and taken his distance, even worse, rejected him, and yet, his crimson eyes still looked at him with a comprehensive glance and unreadable confessions for the moment. 

The shorter knight wished he could offer a clear answer to the previous question that opened the door to many reflections he’d considered as superficial until now. The freckled man appreciated the patience of his partner, especially when the shadow that always mumbled in their talk, ended up speechless for the first time since their meeting.

 With hindsight, Izuku was used to seeing the evidence under his eyes while keeping the silence about the different stories he’d heard as whispers in lost conversations that crossed his ears in his youth. The first and only time he decided to have an influence on strangers’ lives was when he was five and saw how the bartender was connected to a distant woman, taking her drink with teary eyes, almost like she had previously cried. As a naive soul, he naturally asked his mother if he could help her and Inko accepted for the sake of her son’s smile that always brightened her days. Izuku asked if the lady was alright and decided to reveal his secret as a joke: obviously the woman didn’t believe him and decided to make the small boy happy by introducing herself to this stranger, under the excited glance of the emerald eyes, holding his mother’s hand.

Years later, he accidentally caught sight of the familiar shadows with children by their side and one of the happiest smiles resting on their faces. That’s when he realized how his gift from fate wasn’t something to be ashamed of, but a way to change people’s lives with a single decision. Since that day, he became vulnerable to the idea of falling in love with this stranger that represented their missing half even if he decided to stay focused on different missions, it didn’t change the fact that he was biased when it came to romance. He unconsciously believed that people were meant to follow fate and have their happy ending with their soulmates, if the story of the woman and the bartender worked, what stopped the rest of the world from sharing the same fate as them? 

There was a huge difference between the notion as a whole and the outcome of a naive encounter! His younger self considered that a real happy ending would be with your true soulmate and everything would work like a fairytale but some cases were more distinctive than the others, until it opened his eyes about a certain truth. His past experiences in different neighborhoods made him understand how some people didn’t need to be connected to their soulmates to face a sweet ending: some shadows shared happier smiles when they were with someone that wasn’t destined to be theirs, but none of them knew…and if they did, the freckled man bet they would’ve still chosen their current partners. 

However, he learned against his will how some stories were darker than the others. All the beliefs he considered as a truth fell apart when he faced the cruel reality: Being with his soulmate doesn’t necessarily mean it was a good thing, he’ve faced broken hearts who suffered from the abusive behavior from their partner, and the cheating scandal that was supposed to bring a couple together. At this moment, he understood how the title of soulmate didn’t matter, at the end of the day the only thing we remember about a person is the memories we shared with them and not the supposed title given by fate for unknown reasons. 

Love was a universal feeling, shared in many forms, but each story was very distinctive from one another. The entire time, he learned to appreciate the fond scenery near his reach, accepting how there wasn’t a general ending for this case, but thousands of genuine stories to hear and share with the rest of the world. It was meant to be unique in each relationship, unexpected, and strong enough to brave the toughest obstacles, while bringing two strangers together for the sickness and heaven. 

 Izuku spent his entire time taking care of the others and being an observant shadow in the background, without thinking about his own happiness. He always considered this detail useless until his path crossed Katsuki’s, realizing how he had the right to be his own target! He believed in true love and saw it with his own eyes, but there was something strangely relaxing when he was around Katsuki, he didn’t know if it was love or a strong attachment but one thing was sure, he cared about katsuki more than his own life…

“It’s a complex theme and I could spend hours talking about the lessons I’ve learnt from my previous observation,” he explained with a calm tone, noticing how the blond was still looking at him with a patient glance that melted the knight’s heart on the spot. “I’ve always been the distant shadow in people’s narrative but never the hero of someone’s, at least not to my knowledge. It’s pretty funny when you think about it, I know romance under every angle and never fell in love or gave my heart to someone…I know love isn’t scary, but I’m still taking my time to find the right one.”

“As long as you’re still by my side as a knight, that’s fine with me freckles,” he pinched his nose and saw how a warm smile crossed Izuku’s lips at the gesture. “I’m still curious intrigued about one thing, if you have the ability to see everyone’s soulmates, does it mean you can tell mine ?”

It’s not like the green-haired man didn’t expect this question to cross their conversation, but it still gave him a choice, more difficult than the last. Telling the truth might bring a shock in their current dynamic, more valuable than any treasure residing in this castle. It was too precious to be seen as something forced, when the two men had many things to discover in their next adventures. It was a dangerous game and the shorter man was ready to risk it all, knowing how a romance had to happen in the most natural way, especially with someone as passionate as Katsuki Bakugou. 

“Exactly,” he affirmed with a comforting tone, catching the moving thread that connected their souls. As crazy as it seemed, Izuku knew he would’ve chosen the blond as his soulmate in every lifetime, no matter if they were destined to be together or not: A life without the blond wasn’t worth the try, not when the stupid smirk and comments warmed his healing heart. “The good news is, you have one, I can’t say anything but when the time comes, I’ll tell you everything…You just have to wait a little longer but the wait is worth the try, Kacchan.”

“And yours ?” The king’s curiosity caught him off guard, almost like his comprehensive crimson eyes had something to hide behind this intrigued tone. The most rational thought would be to consider this naive question as another topic between friends, but something in the knight’s chest tried to warn him about the discreet truth residing behind the choice of the blond’s words. 

“I haven’t found it yet,” affirmed the green-haired man with a soft tone, pushing a lost curl behind his ears. It was a clear lie, the first he’s ever said to the patient king  but he couldn’t take the risk to say the truth about the supposed bond that connected them together in the first place. Izuku did wonder if the blond would’ve turned his back if their paths had met earlier but he wanted to think that their narrative belonged to the originality of their relationship, as chaotic and beautiful as it was. “Listen…I’m seriously grateful to see how you’ve taken care of me the last few weeks and spared your time for this conversation, I really enjoyed it.”

One of the details Katsuki preferred about the knight’s personality was his honesty. No one knew how the freckled man’s face brightened with the prettiest smile and flushed cheeks when he was sincerely happy about something and the ethereal expression on his face. Izuku never felt the need to hide this part of himself and was more than welcomed by the blond, moved to see how happy he was to have someone as inspiring as Izuku Midoriya in his life.

“Glad to know it’s mutual freckles, but don’t play with fire, it would be shitty to find you in rehabilitation again,” he teased with a smirk, ruffling the messy curls. The knight’s face softened at the touch and a delighted smile colored his skin, portraying the most gorgeous scene the blond had ever seen. “I wouldn’t mind playing the babysitter again but I’ve caught some delay with my duties and if I ever push one of them aside, they’ll kill me for sure.”

“Fine, I’ll take care of myself if you let me choose the menu for tonight,” Izuku said with an amused tone, containing a light chuckle at the previous comment. After all, he was safe with Katsuki’s embrace, and nothing could ever convince him that his happy ending wasn’t in this supposedly cursed kingdom, with the most caring man who stole his heart with meaningful gestures. “You’ve been fighting enough old men, the least you can do is to take some rest too…After all, it’s my duty to make sure my king is feeling better.”

Little did they know how this bonding moment blossomed their hearts with the beauty of their loving glances that confessed thousands of confessions at the same time, changing the rest of their narratives.

——-

The rumors in the castle started to take a lighter turn when the spying eyes of the maids noticed the change in the air, from the lost handhold in the corridor to the softest glances shared by the two men. If you asked them, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou wouldn’t say they were in love with each other: they were clearly attached and wouldn’t imagine a life without the other but these rising sentiments inside their chests weren’t love…just a deeper affection for the sake of their friendship. 

At least that’s what they thought until reality transformed their shell into a blurry souvenir, merging with the new ones. 

Katsuki was the first to question this unusual sentiment that occupied his heart, trying to find answers in the closest hints near his reach. Before meeting the nerd, he would’ve put the blame on the current circumstances and the discoveries with this part of a chapter he hasn’t written yet, but his instincts warned him about how his beloved knight was at the origin of this recent change of mind. He tried to find the right explanation to describe this affection for someone who became the most important person in his life, but even his own pen got stuck on these pages of blank paper, conscious of the weight it had on his preoccupied mind.

There was a life before and after meeting the nerd, the effects were visible to everyone’s eyes and the recent whispers had proven him right: Izuku made him a better man and the supportive emerald eyes reminded him how he deserved to be loved instead of condemning by the others. The first time he heard these tender words, he took a long time before accepting their existence and the impact they had on his grey world. The solitary king who had no say in this familiar scenery was welcomed by Izuku’s patient soul, who agreed to give him his complete trust about something he had never thought possible before.

Izuku Midoriya was a lot of things rather than a simple name to forget in the crowd: he remained the strongest man he had ever seen with impressive skills that saved their lives more than once during their training and past fights. He owned every quality the king was looking for in his research of a confidant and a loyal partner, without mentioning his determination to save the blond at the cost of his own life. 

He was also the prettiest man Katsuki had ever met. It would be a lie to say that the discreet ruler didn’t notice his evident beauty during their first meeting, and the charm of his personality, with mesmerizing emerald eyes that left an indelible impression. Under different circumstances. The two of them would’ve made an envious couple for an arranged wedding, but their current relationship was better than any of the vicious gossip behind their back. 

Izuku made him feel a lot of things and being alive was one of them. Katsuki didn’t even know he was able to enjoy life under a different angle than his usual loneliness and his grey days brightened by the presence of the messy curls and adorable smiles, reminding him how giving up wasn’t an option…not anymore. The nerd needed him the same way Katsuki repented an important pillar in the knight’s life, together they were inseparable and it was their biggest strength until it messed with the king’s rational thinking.

This morning, he spent the past minutes observing the slight breath that escaped the knight’s open lips and the sleeping man on his chest. Last night, Izuku naturally came to his chamber and insisted on keeping the king safe from the monster under the bed, a comment that brought rolled eyes to the blond before holding the reassuring figure closer until he was guided in a peaceful world. Their nightmare didn’t stop, they just reappeared when they missed each other’s warmth with a glance as readable as their favourite line they’ve been mesmerized by heart.

Their goal was to protect each other until death do them part, a meaningful promise that took the form of wedding vows for their sensitive hearts. The mutual comfort and trust they’ve found in each other was their biggest treasure but something felt wrong when jealousy started to corrupt Katsuki’s thinking. Sure, the sleeping man beside him was beautiful, especially when his face softened after the gentle touch in his curls and the ethereal beauty of this moment but this wasn’t meant to last forever.

A few days ago, the nerd mentioned the secret he’s kept hidden for so long, which opened many conversations about their vision or romance in their complex situation: It was clear how everyone would love to have a devoted lover like Izuku but no one would want to share their life with a monster like Katsuki. The green-haired man reassured him many times by telling him how he would make the best lover if someone had the courage to go beyond the popular belief but none of this justified the jealousy he felt toward Izuku’s confession.

 “I’ve always been the distant shadow in people’s narrative but never the hero of someone’s, at least not to my knowledge. It’s pretty funny when you think about it, I know romance under every angle and never fell in love or gave my heart to someone…I know love isn’t scary, but I’m still taking my time to find the right one.”

What did he really mean by that? It would be unbelievable to think that someone as breathtaking as the sleeping nerd by his side didn’t become the hero of another narrative outside his. If Katsuki had enough courage, he would confess how Izuku was already the hero in his: he saved him from perpetual loneliness and transformed his entire existence into pleasant tales, shared with the stars. Izuku Midoriya was his savior outside his title of white knight, but he remained a curious soul who waited for his missing half….

The king was touched by the fond vision of love described by the knight and how important it was to his eyes. The nerd deserved the best of care and love, but their path could be separated with the arrival of a new shadow in his narrative. Izuku’s happiness was his main priority but why did he feel guilty for imagining the nerd falling and sharing these sweet smiles with someone else? It’s not like Katsuki could force the knight to stay by his side until his last breath, Izuku needed to have his own life outside the castle, and finding love was one of his side quests, something he exposed as a goal to reach in this lifetime. 

If this supposed happy ending was the key to a life of happiness, why does everything feel so wrong? This clear and strong attachment to each other was determined by their past conflicts and promise for revival in this new beginning, they were meant to stay together, no matter the title of their relationship. However, this preoccupying jealousy was marked by a sentiment deeper than a simple fear of losing his only confidant. If he was completely honest, he would confess how he didn’t like the idea of letting another person see the beauty of this peaceful figure in the morning, the shining sparklers that occupied his emerald eyes, and the delicate vows shared under a midnight sky to comfort the king’s tears. 

It wasn’t possessiveness but it was, somehow connected to this hidden truth, waiting for the right time to offer its multiple facets of a chapter none could’ve prepared, even in their wildest dream. For the moment, Katsuki simply sighed and decided to rest closer to the messy curls, welcoming the cautious fingers that unconsciously held him closer in his sleep with a silly smile on his face, hoping this dream would last a little longer…

His entire world brightened during a cozy afternoon, between two conversations during his royal duties. That day, the sky showed its brightest colors as the wind delicately brushed their forehead while their discreet voices naively mentioned the numerous topics that crossed their minds. The recent weeks before their last fight haven’t been the happiest: they’ve faced a series of failures that brought a shade of grey on the ruler’s face, despite the encouraging words of his supportive knight, who never gave up on him. 

Izuku did his best to cheer the blond up with silly comments, prepare his favorite food, or even organize a surprise hangout in their secret spot. Katuski never expected to feel so much care when he was around the nerd, who taught him how to regain his self-confidence back in the last few months. Today wasn’t the exception to the rules when their shadows talked about this intriguing power that resided in the palm of the nerd’s hands: It was the source of many mysteries, including the potential romance that hadn’t started yet in his castle. 

The freckled man smiled and discreetly pointed out two distant figures, catching the stunned crimson eyes that didn’t seem to believe him. These two were the complete opposite but apparently, fate brought them together for an unknown reason, just like it did with Izuku and Katsuki’s story. The blond didn’t question the truth and simply listened for hours to the nerd stories he’d seen through the years with a fond smirk, enjoying the beauty of this moment.

And then it happened… A laugh, it was all it took for Katsuki to realize the true nature of his feelings toward his loyal knight. 

It wasn’t a naive laugh, but a melodious one able to enchant the most curious ears and steal many hearts on the spot. It was a sound that only the bravest could hear, locking his eyes with the breathtaking view of the sparkling emerald eyes and his flushed cheeks, laughing at a silly joke he said earlier. There was nothing particularly funny but Izuku’s face brightened like it was the most amusing thing in the world, without mentioning how he slowly wiped the lost curls behind his ears and sent a gorgeous glance that made Katsuki fall for him without any hesitation.

The radiance of this scene almost blinded him as his heart missed a beat, welcoming the sweet face of this muse of his untold poems who asked him if he was alright, despite the scarlet color that heated the king’s cheeks. The golden-haired man wasn’t the kind of guy to believe in miracles, but he was certain that the unknown feelings he’s been trying to name for so long were love, as beautiful as it was until this form of delicate breeze against his ears.

At this moment, a thousand questions crossed the king’s lips, wondering how he could be worthy of someone as unreachable as Izuku Midoriya, who had regained his previous color with a bright smile. Katsuki wasn’t sure he was even listening at this point, his glance was focused on the delicacy of the rosy lips that moved in the few centimeters that separated them, and the way his freckles brightened with the flushed shade on his porcelain skin when he mentioned something embarrassing. 

Katsuki Bakugou was in love with Izuku Midoriya and this revelation bloomed something inside his chest. 

He couldn’t tell when he exactly started to fall for the nerd but one thing was sure: he had never felt this relieved and comfortable in years. The freckled man was all he ever wanted and knew his soulmate was somewhere else in this world, probably waiting for him but the king didn’t care. He didn’t want to spend the rest of his life condemning a poor innocent in a forced marriage on this bloody throne when he already projected his happy ending beside the knight he swore to love until his last breath. 

It was only the start of another chapter he hadn’t written yet, but Katsuki knew he would choose Izuku over any victories on the battlefield and supposed soulmates, who would never make him smile the same way his favorite idiot did.

——

The green-haired man knew a lot of things about love, including the sight of seeing people falling for each other, and never planned to be the one putting his guard down. The only thing he wanted to do was to find his soulmate until his heart started to fall for the same man who unconsciously caught his attention since his youth. It started with subtle hints, distinctive enough to be caught by the most vicious eyes in their surroundings, before turning into delicate gestures and meaningful promises under the midnight sky. 

The first time his intrigued eyes found the crimson ones, he knew his life would never be the same, not because he found his missing half, but the ethereal charm of the isolated king. In the first weeks of adaptation to his new life, he took the time to observe the different reactions from the blond and understand his personality, only to find a heartbreaking truth. The green-haired man faced many challenges over the year but coming here was the most important mission of his life…

Izuku already helped many neighborhood lands, he faced many personalities and envied names but none compared to the grace and the beauty of the blond’s. It was a shame that the most hated ruler of Mustafu was a monster to the public's eyes when none of them knew the broken soul behind this illusion sold to the crowd. The green-haired man made sure to offer his best services as a knight until his feelings unconsciously started to interfere with his original mission, to the point of going beyond the limit he fixed for himself about the blurry outcome of this adventure…

Izuku Midoriya was in love with Katsuki Bakugou. 

With hindsight, he realized how he started to put his guard down during the first failure that represented an important step in their relationship. The birth of these warm feelings started with the sweet words he shared with the broken figure he held in his arms, promising to keep Katsuki safe at all costs. These timeless vows slowly developed into a lighter form of affection that brought them closer until it was too late to pretend…

There was something strangely satisfying about the pleasant turn of their dynamic. His initial thoughts about his missing half were destined to a blurry adventure with a clear outcome, and fate decided to bring more challenges to this situation, influenced by captivating smiles. He learned to see the real man behind this title of soulmate and appreciate his company with the creation of fond memories that healed the indelible scars, left by the near-death experience that almost teared them apart. 

He didn’t know how to feel about this unexpected revelation that put him in a complex situation: Izuku needed to be honest and confess how he didn’t know how to feel: He was lost about the ending awaiting him if he stay in this path, curious to explore more of the souvenirs they haven’t created yet, and excited about the idea of continuing the rest of this story with the implications of romantic feelings in their narratives. The freckled man assumed that he knew every code but remained a stranger in his own story and this pleasant turn! He’ll have to learn all his biased knowledge a second time with the indulgence of his own feelings but the risk was worth the try.…

The two men were an amazing duo, glued together as they’ve known each other for decades with this mutual desire to protect their partner from a dangerous dance with death. Don’t get them wrong, Izuku and Katsuki were aware of the symbolic title they owned as a knight and a king, meant to disappear from history in the next few years. On their own, they would individually condemn themselves to mark history and the dusty pages in the forgotten library, but everything changed when they crossed each other’s path and realized how they had the right to create an unforgettable tale together! It wasn’t common to see a condemned ruler being so attached to his loyal knight, but the two men truly loved this version of a story that took the brightest prose during their moments of vulnerability. 

With hindsight it didn’t feel scary, not when he’d never been so confident an unconditional truth blossomed in his heart: He, better than anyone, knew how love could bring the best of days but also the darkest and he was willing to take the risk if this meant staying by Katsuki’s side until the end. No matter the title he’ll follow the blond and the rest of their adventures, unwritten for the moment, Izuku promised to cherish each souvenir as if they were their last. He’ll take his time to be more gentle when he’ll cup the porcelain skin of the sleeping figure past their bedtime, and hold the blond closer to him, praying the stars never let them take this treasure away from him. 

He found more than a confidant in Katsuki’s existence, especially when the blond accepted his hidden secret and transformed it into a genuine source of interest, sealing more chuckles and warm smiles in their conversations. At this point, the worst of secrets and action could be considered as something humane and the green-haired won’t exchange the meaning of these moments for anything in the world! 

Izuku knew there was a risk to see his feelings unreciprocated, especially when his jealousy would take the lead over the fact that Katsuki found happiness by someone else’s side…someone that wasn’t him. If they couldn’t be together in this universe, he’ll wait for the next one and make sure to catch the blond’s heart all over again until their bonds become one.

——-

A few months have passed since the surprising revelation that softened the lovers’ glance, noticing how they’ve become much closer despite not mentioning the reason behind this sudden change. 

The details were subtle enough to be seen by the outside world and mesmerizing for the fast heartbeat inside their chest, affected by the slightest touch with the palm of their hands. Their nights lightened, the bad dreams disappeared as the days turned into weeks until a subtle whisper caressed their ears in the early morning or midnight sky. The captivating aspects of these moments resided in the beauty of the chill that spread after a single gesture of a lost thumb on the other’s skin by error, that turned into a calmer embrace and hidden smiles with messy curls resting against the protective king. 

The two men continued their routine as if nothing had happened, despite the stolen glances shared when the other was looking away or the cautious meeting of their fingers. Technically the entire neighborhood knew about the strong rumors that occupied this part of the lands and the close bond between the name defined by false narratives with “an honorable knight who had lost its reason”. Izuku knew what he had to lose and wouldn’t change a single thing about their amused smiles and intertwined string of fate, invisible to the public’s eyes. Katsuki had so many things to learn from the nerd’s past experience and took his time to enjoy the warmest expression that colored the knight’s face during their training and the fond blush on his cheeks after a compliment. 

Their roles were still defined by the assumptions and weight of their next decisions, no matter the king of political influence of war awaited them at the end of the day: The green-haired man was made for the bloody battlefield, and the king for an empty throne during rainy days. However, slowly but surely, their unique dynamic left a curious impression on the others as things started to change in the kingdom, corrupted by a supposed unknown force. The subjects who previously threw a tantrum, were the first shocked to see how the great Midoriya Izuku and Katsuki Bakugou brought honor back to their lands, with a glance that hides an unreadable message for the distant ghosts of this blooming romance. 

The king did his duty as a proper ruler without going beyond his own boundaries and regained color in his face when he noticed the messy curls in the room, reminding him of their fond talk under a midnight sky. His broken hands that stole too many lives healed over the weeks and held the protective knight under his sight, afraid to wake up from this tender illusion. Izuku continued to believe in him, celebrating every victory with the warmest smiles and covering the deepest scars with a delicate cup on the blond’s cheeks. 

Never in his life did Katsuki expect to feel this safe in someone’s arms! He was pleasantly amazed by the fond memories shared with the nerd such as cleaning a recent injury on Izuku’s skin or taking his time to erase the nasty tears on the king’s face after a panic attack. They dodged every question about the nature of their relationship, especially when their figures could be seen leaving the same room every morning, purposely ignoring the weight of the murmurs that reached their attention. 

The only thing that mattered was the sound of the freckled man’s laugh after a stupid joke on the balcony and the presence of the reassuring shadow by their side, who never left despite the multiples occasion to create their own stories somewhere else. The blond, with his spikes as splendid as the burning sun above their head, represented the gentleness and the care Izuku had been looking for. The green-haired man, with his impressive skills in training and his adorable eyes, was seen as the forbidden treasure, untouchable until the cursed soul opened his own heart for risky games with the unknown. 

Izuku slowly started to differentiate his own feelings from the previous paintings he’ve seen in the past as Katsuki opened his heart to multiple conflicts’ easily solved at the instant of a glance. His insecurities were still shattered by the tears on his porcelain skin and the comprehensive knight repeated the same vows every night, promising to stay with a strong embrace, realizing how they both cared about each other more than their own lives. This realization naturally brought them a pleasant sensation in their chest, even when they rested on the same bed during a summer night, with the background noises of the wind meeting their delicate skin. 

There wasn’t any reason to be there, the nightmares became rare to chase but the fragility of this broken skin, marked by the injuries of an indelible past, remained a precious frame of their narratives. Their worries became the same, such as their heartbeats, which unconsciously played the same rhythm in this quiet room, welcoming the subtle thumbs of the other’s touch on their exposed skin. The scarlet color that flushed their cheeks became a fond expression on their faces as their voices lost themselves in the topic of the conversation with their cautious gestures.

The lost curls slowly meet his forehead with the discreet whispers and his face softened when he welcomed the protective fingers on his recent scars, asking him if the healing wasn’t painful. Izuku simply explained how this one needed more time than the others but he’ll wear it proudly, remembering how he agreed to take another hit to keep the man he loved alive for another sunrise. There was something strangely sensual and intimate about the touch of the calloused thumbs on his vulnerable skin, highlighted by the concern in his voice and the chills that spread through the knight’s body. 

With a single glance at the breathtaking crimson eyes, he succeeded in reading behind the line and found a change of expression, almost like Katsuki was hiding something from him. And rightly so, his instincts were proven right when the cautious grip on his body became a lighter one, sharing a delighted chuckle at the tickle before moving his fingers and losing them in the golden spikes. They definitely acted like a couple, but none dared to correct the other, afraid to bring an uncomfortable atmosphere between them or break this bond that represented the biggest gem of these cursed lands. 

“What’s wrong, Kacchan ?” Asked the freckled man with a calm tone. He was aware that one of the toughest battles might arrive in their kingdom pretty soon and this peace wasn’t meant to last. It probably explains why the king seemed more lost in his thoughts than usual tonight… 

Katsuki truly admired Izuku’s observing skills, especially with a complex book to read like his. His fond glance admired this breathtaking view with the green messy curls moving in this peaceful night with a recognizable worry on the tip of the knight’s lips. The discreet king finally accepted the rise of this blooming love, which transformed small gestures into meaningful ones, as if it wasn’t already the case before the sweet revelations.

 His heart felt lighter every time the freckled man was in the same room as him and melted under the cautious touch of his scarred fingers on his hair and body, considering these details as important enough not to tear them apart with a second of inattention. Katsuki didn’t know he could share so much love with someone and wanted to play it rational instead of ruining the most important relationship of his life: After all, it’s not like he had the chance to meet amazing souls like Izuku’s every day, and if their friendship was a blessing to his solitary heart, the delicate attention in the nerd’s touch reminded him how much he-

“I think I’m in love with you,” the words naturally escaped his lips, and before realizing it, it was too late to take them back without creating another misunderstanding. The attentive fingers on his spikes stopped the moment he heard the previous words with emerald eyes locked into the crimson ones, waiting for any form of answers to make sure it wasn’t another of their desperate illusion.

“What do you mean ?” Don’t get him wrong, Izuku was touched to hear such a confession coming from the blond’s lips but he wanted to make sure he wasn’t in one of his wildest dreams. He had already pictured this scene too many times and wanted to release the three words that had been stuck on his tongue for so long, but was agreeably surprised to see how the wise king surpassed him in this idea.

“I’m not sure if love is supposed to feel like this,” he explained with a low tone that caressed the knight’s ears as a gentle melody. The green-haired man had already seen the blond vulnerable or scared to talk in the darkest situations, but this was the first time Katsuki looked so shy about something like this, even if the small blush on the tip of his cheeks made Izuku smile at the endearing sight. ”Your heart beating faster when my eyes catch yours in the room, having the sensation to be wrapped with layers of warmth with a single glance or smile, the same one you wear on your face at the moment. It’s all cautious and agreeable, afraid to make a mistake while being the happiest I’ve ever been and having the impression of losing your entire world at the sight of sharp tears on your cheeks. It makes me vulnerable but not in a negative way…It’s something beyond words.”

Izuku already heard poetic words being shared with their significant others through love letters or discreet hangouts, but he never thought he would be the one receiving the kindness of such words. He spent his entire life chasing after a certain idea of romance, only to welcome the prettiest with the most caring man he had ever seen, being the author of the unshared tears of happiness. He should return the confession and let Katsuki know how this was mutual and he had nothing to be worried about, but something in his instinct warned him to let the king speak all his truth, even the scariest ones.

“I’m glad to announce that you’re not going crazy, my king,” answered Izuku with a loving tone. “This is love at its finest, the kind of spell that caught one heart and sealed it with one another until death do them part..it’s the same one I’ve been chasing for years, and seen under thousands of distinctive narratives, including yours.”

“It’s also scary,” the taller man pointed out with a low tone, noticing how the scarred hands fell on his neck to caress his back with slow movements on his healed injuries. “All this reasoning you have in your mind, the worst case scenario that might happen with a second of inattention, and the possibility of seeing the one you love fall for another person. I’m not used to this and don’t want to take a risk when it comes to something as delicate as romance in a doomed environment but it’s also the best thing that ever happened to me. All my worries immediately disappear when you’re around and…I don’t know-”

“It’s okay, take all the time you need,” Izuku said with a patient tone. 

He was proud to see the blond making so many efforts to transcribe his feelings into words, meant to be timeless vows in this lifetime. The freckled man will never forgive the neighborhood lands for objectifying Katsuki as a cruel monster when he was a simple soul that needed to heal with the right people by his side, and Izuku hoped he would be the first of a long lineage.

“I don’t know what to do to be a good partner and someone worthy of your love. I used to consider loneliness as a form of escapism before you became an important part of my life, I couldn’t understand the beauty of the souvenirs until fate tried to take you away from me, and I’m not the most inspiring person despite being a tormented ruler in condemned lands. I have so many flaws and yet…you still look at me as if I were the prettiest man you’ve ever seen.” His voice held back the previous shake he kept hidden and welcomed the broken fingers on his cheeks, whipping the tears that unconsciously fell down his skin. “This probably sounds ridiculous because it is, I want to do my best, not for the memories we haven’t created yet but for us, as a whole. Nothing is for certain and I can’t promise the most inspiring tales but I’ll do my best to make you the happiest if you give me the permission to have access to your heart for a lifetime and the ones beyond our reach…soulmate or not, I’ll choose you over anyone, even if you’re not mine in this universe.”

Izuku’s face brightened and pulled the taller man closer in a sudden hug. 

The calloused hands didn't fight back and returned the gesture, losing his fingers in the knight’s back before resting his head deeper into the side of his neck. Katsuki opened his heart with the most powerful confession the green-haired man had ever heard and he couldn’t be happier to know that his feelings were mutual! The knight was ready to fight everyone who went against his beloved king and accepted the idea of being just a friend without forcing the rise of romantic feelings for the blond. He was secretly relieved to see how this fight against time was solved with the delicate balance between the warmth of their bodies and the breeze in the quiet room.

“Kacchan, you don’t have to fight against an invisible adversary…my heart is already yours and has always been,“ confessed the freckled man with a smile when the curious crimson eyes found his. Containing himself to not steal a kiss on this beautiful face was a hard task for Izuku and his desire to reassure the man he loved!

“What do you mean ?” This time it was Katsuki’s turn to be in disbelief at what he had just heard. It was impossible to think that someone as beautiful and inaccessible as his loyal knight could ever fall for a broken soul like his. He’s seen multiple ways to brighten Izuku’s face over the last year and he’s never observed the light of this new one, meant for someone else….

“I’m glad you feel the same way,” he said with a subtle whisper, wiping away the previous tears with an understanding smile. Izuku had never been happier than this current moment forged into gold, reminding him how chasing after the blond was the best thing he’d ever accomplished in his life. “I’ve condemned myself for a life of misery if your heart desired someone else but I was ready to risk it all because you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. How can I give my heart to another when you’re everything I’ve ever wanted? I knew the price to pay if I stayed with you and didn’t regret any of the fond memories we shared together. Kacchan, I want us to celebrate each moment together as if it were our last, laugh about the latest rumors about the imaginary crime you’ve committed to the public’s eyes, and be the one to hold your hand in your final breath…I love you and I won’t leave your side, even if they try to tear us apart.”

The silence in this chamber, usually occupied by the subtle whispers of their lost conversations, ended up being filled with the slightest sound of the moving bedsheet and fond glances with defined features that brought an endless warmth to the knight’s chest. Katsuki Bakugou had never looked this gorgeous under this angle, with the few centimeters separating their lips, tempted to shut the other down with a second of inattention, the same second able to take a man six feet underground. 

If Izuku accepted the unexpected confession of his soulmate, the blond was lost in his own thoughts. He never expected to hear his feelings being returned in the most agreeable prose his ears had ever heard, as delicate as the weight of the ink on this blank page, filled with the indelible vows. Until now, the blond always wondered if he could ever be worthy of someone’s love, and when the occasion presented itself at his door, it took the form of the most devoted soul and supportive smiles that changed his entire life. Seeing someone as unreachable as Izuku Midoriya reciprocating his sentiments was too good to be true, despite the sincerity in his loving eyes and slow caress on his back.

“You don’t have to be afraid, I’ll repeat it a thousand times if necessary…I love you, Katsuki Bakugou, cursed or not, you’re still my favorite person in the world.” At this moment, Izuku realized how he could easily get used to sharing these words under many variants with the same meaning until the solitary king accept them as the unconditional truth of their unplanned romance. 

“Is this real… You love me ?” The taller man was conscious about how ridiculous his question was when he found his new home in his knight’s arms, he sincerely was grateful to see that his ending wasn’t condemned to ashes in the air.

“More than anything, my king,” Izuku answered with a warm laugh, holding the blond closer, as if he was afraid to let him go.

 From all the agreeable revelations in this journey and his first footstep in this castle, falling for Katsuki and seeing his feelings returned were his favorites. This was the beginning of unknown tales, blurry for the moment but meaningful enough to leave a timeless impact on this castle, marked by the first sign of hope in years. The green-haired man didn’t necessarily like the idea of imagining the blond feeling insecure or unworthy of his love, which explains why he decided to take the lead and assume the consequences of his selfish actions.

 ”I think I know how to convince you, do you trust me?” He asked with a soft voice and a single glance was enough to be seduced by these mysterious eyes, handling secrets their longing hearts haven’t found for the moment. The scarred fingers cupped the blond’s cheeks, covering the slight blush that heated his skin before losing his thumb behind his neck, wishing to freeze this moment and stay in Katsuki’s arms until his last breath. “Then close your eyes and give me your heart.”

They both knew the signs if something was uncomfortable while the background of moving sheets slowly filled the silence with numerous questions about the rest of their story. Neither of them could have predefined their unconventional narrative but the delicateness of Izuku’s thumbs on the golden spikes reminded them how being together was better than handling this series of obstacles on their own. 

They have so many things to discover but nothing compared to the beauty of this universe where a single gaze spoke louder than words. Izuku took his time to find a more agreeable position without moving his fingers from the king’s spikes, massaging this sensitive part while guiding the taller man closer to him. The close proximity between their open lips, waiting for the right moment to act, didn’t seem like a bother in this welcoming room, and the fast heartbeat in their chest. If Katsuki noticed the careful movements from Izuku’s fingers, he didn’t fight back and simply followed the ease of this moment until their forehead met. 

“Can I ?” Izuku asked in a low tone. It would be a lie to say that they weren’t stressed for their first kiss until Izuku took the lead for this new discovery, knowing how Katsuki would return the gesture once the time had come.

“If you don’t do it now I’m about to shut you down on my own, freckles. These lips have always been yours,” Katsuki whispered, holding his breath when he felt his own fingers moving to find the freckled man’s waist.

A single glance, it’s all it took for the two lovers to feel the butterflies in their stomachs and the chills that spread through their bodies. It was the exact expression that started their stories in the most innocent way, able to comfort their darkest nights with the brightest colors. It didn’t need more than what they’ve already established to feel the connection of their souls, sealed into one when the freckled man’s lips found the blond’s. The warmth of these lips started with something hesitant before guiding the movements of their bodies into a more agreeable position, until he kissed the blond as if there was no tomorrow. 

They’ve already reached intimacy but none of their gestures were as tender and breathtaking as this one that brought a sudden sound they never planned to make in the euphoria of the moment. The passion in the slow dance between their lips transformed their stress into reassuring promises for a better future, as the hesitant men started to fully drown in this guilty pleasure.

Many people would’ve killed to make a poison kiss to the monster that scared the closest lands, but only Izuku could transform the intimacy of this gesture into a series of golden confessions, meant to last for a lifetime. It was obvious how they needed more discoveries with this unexplored part of their relationship and the burning sensation of rising desire inside their chest, transcribed as a tighter grip on each other’s bodies. The only thing that mattered was how, soulmate or not, their lips were as addictive as the prettiest promises of vicious souls, realizing how they didn’t mind being greedy for more…

Their forehead rested together for a few seconds that seemed endless for the fast heartbeat in their chest, revealing an endearing smile on the knight’s face and flushed cheeks on the king’s skin. They nearly finished their first kiss and already craved for more, accepting how this new turn in their dynamic wouldn’t be a bother, especially when falling for the other was easier than breathing. 

“This is all yours for an entire lifetime and beyond anything we can ever imagine, my heart and soul will always belong to you, Kacchan,” he confessed with a loving tone. The previous minutes had been unreal for his longing soul and he wouldn’t mind receiving a few more kisses to confirm this new reality, which made him happier than thousands of victories on the battlefield. 

“Then I’ll cherish it as the biggest treasure my broken palm ever received, I’ll make it last until death do us part, freckles,” he whispered with a grin, catching the melodious chuckle that crossed the distance between his ears and his lover. The two men will need more time to get used to their new privileges and symbolic title, this time not afraid to let anyone else steal their beloved spot…

 It was Katsuki who asked if they could kiss again, an offer the shorter man didn’t deny and happily complied with. The familiarity of this gesture lasted a few more minutes until Izuku watched the beauty of this moment and rewarded his lover with a protective hug and background whispers. Tiredness took the lead a few hours later, as they both fell asleep with an impression of deja vu, knowing how the next morning would be the rise of another day and a fond adventure to create.

The first changes happened in the blink of an eye until it became another topic of conversation, one that valued the recent rise and victories of a kingdom that was once cursed by the weight of the whispers. Everyone depicted a certain form of brightness in the daily interactions between the distant king and his loyal knight, who seemed closer than usual with stolen smiles and hidden handholds when no one was looking in their direction. Something happened but none could clearly put into words the colors that regained the prestige of these lands, with a series of victories that caught the attention of many people until it erased its previous reputation, almost as if it never existed. 

Only Izuku and Katsuki knew the existence of this important part of their past, and saw the months turn into years of positive murmurs until the first knights proposed to be at the king’s service and serve his honor. The first time it happened, Katsuki didn’t believe any of the scene despite his eyes but a quick glance at his lover and his supportive smile let him know how he deserved to face changes after all the wasted tears that gave birth to indelible scars. 

Izuku kept his promises and never stopped holding his lover close when the bad habits returned like the echoes of nightmares that occupied a part of their minds. The birds started to sing another song in the early morning, the subjects that once cursed an innocent were replaced by supportive shadows in the crowd and the gentle warmth of the sunlight on the king’s fingers revealed the prettiest ring. No one knew the one at the origin of this beautiful and envied gift, only Katsuki and Izuku knew about their secret elope during a summer day with the wish to get married until their dream became a reality. 

The throne beside the coveted king was still empty and a source of many demands for arranged weddings, but the blond always refused, knowing how it would always belong to the same man, who shared a light smile at the corner of his lips. He was moved to hear the main reason that guided the freckled man to his path and the unforgettable revelation of being each other’s soulmates, which reinforced their bond with pretty vows. After all, neither Izuku nor Katsuki expected to get this far in their simple agreement and succeeded in their happy ever after in the beauty of gems, residing in each other’s glance and vows shared on the altar.

-end-