Chapter Text
As the prince of Endeavor, Shouto had a variety of responsibilities. Of those included training, being present for all meetings, no matter how boring, and marrying Bakugou Katsuki at age eighteen. Now, he wasn’t fond of the idea, but as long as he had the bloodline of the Endeavor running through his veins, Shouto has no say about his future. He’s learned to accept it, over time, but there’s always that itch at the back of his throat whenever it’s mentioned. Although his fate is predetermined, doesn’t mean he’s not going to give them hell.
“Father, I don’t think it’s wise to send a carriage this early, I’m sure King Bakugou has things to tend to and my birthday isn’t for another week.” Shouto’s walking in stride with his father, matching his long strides step for step, which the latter hates as much as Shouto loves. Angering his father has become a sport, and Shouto’s proud to hold first every time.
“I don’t care what that Barbarian needs to do, he has things to tend to here. I’m sure your marriage comes first before petty kingdom drama.” Enji picks up his pace, sorting through his parchment as he does so. There’s a meeting about their wedding that started five minutes ago, with servents and noblemen alike bustling about the kingdom. “Besides, the wedding falls an your birthday which is only in a week. Don’t act stupid Shouto, you know he needs to get here within the next couple days to prepare.” This was never apart of Shouto’s plans. He resents his father, he resents his betrothed, and he resents everything inbetween, which includes the wedding, the meetings for said wedding, and his eighteenth birthday.
Shouto clears his face of emotion, finding it easier than being reprimanded for showing he’s human. “Very well then, perhaps I can clear out the stables so they’ll have somewhere that reminds them of home to stay. With the horse feces and pigs they’ll feel very welcome I assume.” With a furious expression, Enji storms into the meeting room; ignoring Shouto entirely.
The meeting room isn’t grand, just a long marble table surrounded by twenty cushioned chairs. At the head of the table sits Enji, with Shouto to his right. Before his mother passed, she would sit in the same seat; Touya as well. Not long after she died, Touya followed right after her, his anguish the cause of his undoing. Fire magic isn’t something to mess with, but Touya was the best among them. Now that he’s gone not only does the royal family suffer, but so does the kingdom. Touya and their mother were beautiful souls, Shouto knew that, but even the purest souls can be tainted.
The room was full of people Shouto didn’t know, including noblemen and his father’s advisors. There were a couple experts on Barbarian customs and culture, but Shouto knew they were just there for show. Midoriya, Shouto’s personal advisor, sits on his right.
“Sit,” Endeavor commands, and that’s the beginning of the end of Shouto’s life.
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The meeting was long, boring, and full of technicalities. Shouto spoke in total four times; even that’s generous for a meeting of this importance. Midoriya did a lot of talking. In contrast to the other people in the room, Midoriya’s words spoke for Shouto instead of against. They settled on sending the carriage tonight, meaning Shouto’s fiance should be here by morning. They’ll have six days to get to know eachother before their wedding. Six days before Shouto’s sold off to the outlands.
Shouto knows some about the Barbarians. Including their holidays, their mannerisms, or lack thereof, and their clothing. Outland clothing is unique. As it’s scalding in the summer and frigid cold in the winter, their clothes mimic their conditions. They’re never without fur, no matter the season but the amount of fur fluctuates. In the summer, it’s typical for fur accents throughout their wear, especially royalty, and in the winter their outfits consist of only fur and an abundance. It’s not uncommon for the Barbarians to wear little to no clothes in the warmer months, which to Shouto seems uncivilised. Shouto’s also studied the way they hunt, fish, and cook and from what he learned he’s come to the conclusion that they lack any modern techniques. He realizes that it’s simply a difference of culture, but the idea of it all is crazy.
Shouto knows Bakugou Katsuki is king for a reason, as the king fights their way to the throne. Shouto envies that practice, because maybe then the Endeavor bloodline wouldn’t have such power. Yet what he knows about the Barbarian king’s magic is limited. He’s aware that Bakugou wields a kind of explosive magic that enhances his mobility and strength, yet that’s all he knows. Shouto was born and bred to be powerful, he was his father’s greatest creation. With the power to wield not only ice on his right, but fire on his left, Shouto’s able to land all of his guards on their asses before they can blink. It’s taken time and plenty of words of encouragement from Midoriya to take advantage of both sides, but now he trains all of his magic, regardless of his father’s wishes.
Shouto always wondered why Enji was so quick to get rid of him on his eighteenth, but now he realizes. He was always some sort of prize. A prize to give away to the best bidder, which so happens to be Katsuki Bakugou and the outlands. Shouto was never meant to be anything more than that. He’s too brash to be king, too disobedient to be a knight, and too valuable to leave alone.
As he retreats back to his room until morning, he ponders the kind of king Katsuki Bakugou is. From the rumors he’s ruthless, unforgiving, and strong. Not too far off of his father; the thought makes his blood boil. If Bakugou thinks Shouto is anything less than an equal, he’s going to make him regret it.
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In the morning, Shouto rises to the sound of his closest friend banging on the door.
“Prince Todoroki! The Barbarian king is here! Open the door so I can get you dressed!” He sounds frantic, like he’s just woken up himself. Shouto wouldn’t be surprised, but his father woulnd’t be too happy; he’s probably waiting for him at breakfast right now. Perfect.
Shouto begrudingly swings his legs to the side and moves to open the door for Midoriya. “Midoriya, are you alright?” Shouto asks, side-stepping the tornado which is Midoriya Izuku. In his hold are various fabrics, from soft and silky blue to a velvet red.
“Ah, yes! I’m okay! I was supposed to get you down to breakfast thirty minutes ago, so we have to hurry!” Shouto took his sweet time going over to the fitting pedestal, and Midoriya noticed. “Prince Todoroki-kun, I ask that you please put a little pep in your step we’re verging on forty-five minutes tardiness.” Shouto takes pity on his friend when he sees his visible distress and his deflated arms.
“Yes, my apologies Midoriya, I’ll tell my father that I simply overslept. This way no one gets in trouble.” Shouto tries to give a reassuring look, but he’s aware of his lack of expression. Midoriya grins and holds up a rather extravagant garment for breakfast to Shouto’s chest.
“No need, Todoroki-kun, I overslept so I should take the punishment!” He decides the velvet is out of the question, throwing it onto Shouto’s couch. “Besides, you won’t be seeing King Bakugou for another hour or so.” Midoriya holds up a stunning light blue silk.
“Hmm, if that’s so why don’t we have breakfast brought to my quarters? You’ll have time to make me presentable and we won’t miss a meal.” Shouto turns in the mirror, the blue silk contrasting nicely with his skin. “I think I prefer this one.”
“Very well. I’ll go get breakfast, you stay here and put the blue shirt on, as well as the matching embroidered pants!” This is all his best friend says before waving and sprinting out the door. It’s not a surprise to Shouto, as this happens when Midoriya is especially overworked and with the wedding just around the corner, everyone is running at max speed. Shouto sighs fondly before pulling his trousers on. He bathed just the night before, so his skin smells of citrus and lavender.
Just as he was about to reach for the corset, Midoriya makes his grand entrance with an uncharacteristic slam of the door. Huh, it’s unlike Midoriya to be so loud in the morning, but Shouto assumes it relates back to their morning rush. Maybe that’s why he returned so quickly. Shouto’s back is turned, bending to reach the garment. “Midoriya, would you help me with the cor-”
“I’m not your little maid, princess.” The unfamiliar voice makes Shouto’s head turn. A blond man with a very noticable lack of clothing and red eyes makes his way in instead. He stands with his muscular arms crossed and a glare etched onto his face. He’s watching Shouto, making it obvious that he’s checking out his physique. Shouto’s thoughts are going a mile a minute, questioning who this is and how he got into Shouto’s quarters without a guard stopping him.
He settles on, “You’re not Midoriya.” He hides his surprise with practiced ease, aware of how foolish he sounds. This brings out a scoff from the blond, who rolls his eyes before speaking again.
“How observent you are.” His long strides take him to Shouto’s couch, sitting with a hmph. As Shouto gets a better look, he realizes this must be his fiance. Barbarian King Bakugou Katsuki just strolled into his room, unannounced, an hour before they were arranged to meet. Shouto realizes just how bare he is with Bakugou’s eyes on him, remembering his corset was still laying limp in his hand. He moves to grab his robe before the barbarian speaks again, “You’re shy now? You were just asking me to help you dress not five minutes ago.”
In any other circumstance, Shouto would probably blush. Thanks to his ice magic, however, he catches it before it can turn his pale skin pink. “I thought you were Midoriya. It’s a pleasure, King Bakugou.” Shouto pulls his robe on and bows. He was taught manners, and if he were to be married to this man, being civil is the first step if he wants any glimpse of a happy future.
Bakugou was not taught manners, however. “Why are you kissing ass right now? You’re a fucking prince, aren’t you? Isn’t this you’re room?” Shouto looks up to see the man’s legs spread and his arms thrown carelessly across the tops of the couch. He hates to admit it but the lack of clothing with the dragon tooth necklace around his neck is very attractive. Objectively. However, his attitude makes this a more unpleasent encounter. If he wanted to play like that, Shouto would be happy to oblige.
“I’m not ‘kissing ass.’ You’re a king, Bakugou, unless you’ve forgotten.” Shouto moves to his bed, placing his corset there instead of the ground. “In Endeavor, if a prince doesn’t bow to a king, he’s reprimanded. I’m not sure what it’s like in the outlands, but here we’re civilized.” He accompanies his bite with a sneer and his arms crossed, meeting the firey red he’ll be seeing for the rest of his life.
Bakugou didn’t take that too kindly, as intended, which is apparent in the glare sent Shouto’s way. “Just because we don’t deal with bullshit like bowing and ‘manners’ doesn’t make us any less civilized than you, princess.” The nickname makes his blood curdle. Bakugou stands, making his way toward Shouto’s door with his back turned. “I didn’t forget that I’m a king, and you shouldn’t either, little prince.” Is all he says before he leaves, making Shouto relax with a sigh. Not a great first impression, but it made Shouto feel accomplished. He’s been taught to obey his superiors all of his life, and sticking up for himself felt invigorating.
He turns back to finish dressing, shedding his robe and wrapping the corset around his waist as he waits for Midoriya’s return. It doesn’t take long before Shouto can hear Midoriya bustling in the hallway again, and when he arrives he holds a platter of fruits and grains. “Thank you Midoriya, if you don’t mind will you help me with the corset? I can never get these on by myself.” Shouto says as he fiddles with the string to the sinch.
“Yeah, of course! You’re going to want to wear this one over your shirt though, it’s a decorative piece instead of undergarments.” As Midoriya slips the silk shirt underneath the corset and tightens it, all Shouto seems to think about is Bakugou and his attitude. He was just as expected, brash, rude, and mannerless.
Shouto shouldn’t be surprised, but he can’t help but feel disappointed. He was hoping he’d find a home better than the one he was fated to in Endeavor, yet it seems that he’s bound to a similar future as well. He can’t help but think back to their short conversation just moments before.
“Just because we don’t deal with bullshit like bowing and ‘manners’ doesn’t make us any less civilized than you, princess.”
What makes a person civilized? In Shouto’s mind, it’s basic decency. Clothes that are practical and not ripped off of some animal. Language that respects the person you’re talking to, and yourself. The basics of human competency.
Are these rules different in the outlands? Perhaps the standards are lower? Would Shouto have to learn these things after their marriage? Shouto’s mind dwells in the intricacies of the Barbarian culture before Midoriya calls to him.
“Todoroki-kun? You seem distracted, what’s on your mind? If you don’t mind me asking of course!” Shouto looks to Midoriya’s green eyes full of concern.
“Oh it’s really nothing, King Bakugou visited while you were gone and it was a rather interesting yet infuriating experience. He’s exactly what I expected but also the exact opposite. I’m not too sure how to describe it.” Shouto’s still pondering when Midoriya exclaims.
“King Bakugou? As in, The Barbarian King Bakugou? As in, your fiance, King Bakugou?!” Midoriya seems in shock, his eyes wide and his arms flailing, adding emphasis to his words. To be fair, Shouto was a little surprised too, yet it feels not out of the ordinary for his betrothed to drop by for a visit even though they are meeting again in less than forty-five minutes now.
“Yes, my fiance King Bakugou.”
“Todoroki-kun, do you realize how odd that is?!” Midoriya seems exasperated now. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner! Or maybe called for me when I was getting breakfast? I would’ve came right away!”
“I apologize, Midoriya, I figured it wasn’t too out of the ordinary to bother you from your duties and I had handled it.” Shouto’s now even more confused.
“Todoroki-kun, it’s very weird! You’re scheduled to meet in just forty-five minutes, why would he feel the need to see you now? Unless he wanted to meet you for the first time alone, which I can—” Midoriya then becomes incomprehensible as he starts muttering his thoughts aloud. Shouto decides to change the subject.
“Speaking of forty-five minutes, should we get started on my hair? We don’t want to be late and we should make enough time for breakfast as well.” Midoriya snaps out of his thought-induced trance and hurries to Shouto’s vanity.
“Yes! We should get you ready as fast as possible!”