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The first time Todoroki met his new servant is nothing of noteworthy.
Introductions, courtesy of the head knight, Iida were made and Todoroki learns of the servant's name—Midoriya Izuku. At first glance, the servant is short of unremarkable and plain that Todoroki succinctly sweeps his presence away from his mind afterwards, concluding the servant will soon blend with the other attendants going about in the background as they bustle inside the palace.
However, Midoriya Izuku proves to break and exceed any of Todoroki's expectations as in lieu of his mediocrity, his sheer bright and positive disposition simply beguiles anyone around to keep their attention solely on him.
And Prince Todoroki Shouto is if no exception to this.
His interest to the new servant is simply fleeting, a brief curiosity to a recent addition to the monotony in the palace life; or so he had thought.
In spite of it all, Todoroki finds himself following the servant with his eyes whenever he is within the view. Consequently, his observations results in distinguishing the contrasts of the servant's interactions with him and everyone else. He flounders when talking to Yaoyorozu or Uraraka but soon loosens up as they continue conversing and seems to get along well with Iida and the other knights.
But the most confounding thing loops on his mind as the days and weeks passed and Todoroki slowly becomes aware of the utter peculiarities of his new servant.
First, Midoriya has never been able to look him in the eye apart from their initial meeting and often stares down on the floor like a dutiful aide. It is customary but Todoroki can feel a twinge of disappointment every time it happens.
Second, it is how Midoriya stammers whenever Todoroki addresses him though he finds it adorable, leaving out the times when Midoriya has enough mind to keep his mouth close and only speak the bare minimum.
Third, and perhaps the one thing he most dislikes, is when Midoriya is quick to get away from Todoroki's presence as though repulsed by his mere proximity when all he wishes is his companionship.
The only occasion Midoriya seems to be at ease and amicable is during the time he attends to Todoroki in the baths. He blunders at first considering how visceral the circumstances are but Midoriya soon learned the ropes, quiet and subdued seemingly intent in doing and perfecting his job as he assists Todoroki in his bathing; his moves efficient, hands deft and precise.
But the one thing that constantly catches Todoroki's attention is the expression on his servant's face—reverent and worshipful as if tending to his every need gives him immense joy.
It is only in this moment when Todoroki feels as though he is closer to Midoriya.
As such, it cements the profound fascination he has with his servant.
Putting aside the puzzling reason as to why his servant acts a certain way when it comes to him, Todoroki refuses to give up in reaching out to his servant and yearns to know him better. But he cannot inconvenience Midoriya with his troubles and coerce him submit to his demands all because he is his master.
Therefore, he has to take careful measures to ensure he will gain Midoriya's confidence and trust, holding on to hope that their distant relationship will grow to a more deep and meaningful bond.
And so with that decision, Todoroki approaches Midoriya with a slight trepidation since he is well aware of how skittish he can be. And it proved to be the right decision as Midoriya accepted his invitation to spend more time albeit it took three long days to persuade him.
"It is simply because I do not know why His Highness would want to spend time with a lowly servant like me," Midoriya explains, still bemused at how Todoroki is willing to go out of his way for such a simple thing.
"You are my personal servant, Midoriya," Todoroki says as he looks back at Midoriya trailing behind him as they stroll around the garden. "As such, you are the only one who is closest by my side. My only wish is to get to know you better. To have you as more than a servant but at the very least, one I can call as a friend. But if you so wish to remain distant then I will respect your decision."
"No, my prince, that is not—" Midoriya halts his protests and fiddles with his fingers before glancing at Todoroki, quickly averting his gaze when he sees how he watches him intently. "I...I am humbled by His Highness' generosity and faith in me. I promise not to betray your trust. And I would very much like it to be called a f-friend to you, my prince."
Todoroki turns to face his servant fully. "Then, would you like to be at my side? I do prefer to have my friend not walk behind me."
Midoriya's whole face turns red in color like the blooming roses in the bushes they passed by and Todoroki is patient as he waits for Midoriya to make up his mind, that brief moment is nothing compared to the long wait he has endured to arrive at this small progress.
"As you wish, my prince," Midoriya answers as he hesitates for a bit before closing the gap between them and stops at Todoroki's side, timidly looking at him before diverting his eyes away as Todoroki gazes at him with a keen stare.
This may be a small step but Todoroki is pleased that everything is going in a smooth direction. To put Midoriya at ease and lessen his worry, Todoroki inquires of his family and hometown and listens attentively as Midoriya slowly let his guard down, chatting away and Todoroki is at last graced by the bright smile he only saw from afar.
To return the favor, he confides to Midoriya of private matters that only a rare few knows about. He talks about his two absent older brothers, his worry about his elder sister, Fuyumi and her upcoming nuptial, and even his fear about succeeding his father to the throne.
Noticing how heavy the conversation has gotten, Todoroki silently berates himself. "I do apologize for bringing up such a depressing subject. I didn't mean to spring this up on you, Midoriya."
"No, my prince," Midoriya shakes his head, stubbornly. "I do appreciate His Highness confiding in me. I may not offer much so if lending my ear will ease the prince's burdens a little then I will gladly do it. It's what friends are for, to listen to what troubles them."
The genuine smile Todoroki receives elicits strong emotions within him that it was only his firm self-control that prevents him from reaching out to take Midoriya in his arms. Instead, he gives him a small smile. "It is not fair if I am the only one who accepts such kindness. If you have any troubles, Midoriya, do not hesitate to ask for my help."
Midoriya seems to be in a daze and at lost in his thoughts so Todoroki takes the chance to just stare at him; it is different from when he observed him from afar. Midoriya blinks and quickly realizes that he hasn't responded yet, his face going red in embarrassment. "I-I understand, my prince. I will keep that in mind."
Thus, their tentative friendship begins and blossoms to a closer relationship.
As time goes by, Todoroki's routine in the palace changes and allots time in the afternoon to be with Midoriya, fulfilling his obligations as swiftly as possible so no one will dare interrupt their time together. It is customary for Midoriya to wait for him as they make their way towards the garden, asking how their day was or talking just about anything they can think of.
Todoroki has never been so glad to take that first step and ask Midoriya to be his friend because seeing Midoriya relaxed and smiling a lot more beside him brings him boundless comfort.
To be beside Midoriya was supposed to be enough, Todoroki should be satisfied with just that but there are times when he can't help but crave for more. It's hard suppressing this desire building up within him, wanting Midoriya and making him completely his in every way possible. He has never been a greedy person but he aches for more, to take him and discover the Midoriya no one has ever seen or knew about.
Only the uncertainty of what Midoriya feels for him stops Todoroki to take that proverbial plunge to the unknown. As much as he covets Midoriya, he will never force him to do anything even at the expense of his heart breaking.
Or that is what he likes to think, however—
"My prince?"
Midoriya's voice breaks Todoroki out of his spiraling thoughts and turns his eyes to him. The flower petals showering around them make its presence known, alerting Todoroki that they arrived at the gardens without him noticing.
"Is something troubling you, my prince?" Midoriya asks but Todoroki merely stares at him. "I-If you are tired we can go back—"
"No," he says. And because he can only contain so much of his overwhelming feelings, Todoroki slowly takes Midoriya's hand in his. "I want to be with you longer."
"M-My prince...?"
"Do you not know how much I adore you, Midoriya?"
The disbelief and astonishment crossing Midoriya's features indicates how Todoroki has said beyond than necessary and mayhap trouble Midoriya more than he should have.
And yet, he does not sense an ounce of regret at his actions. These feelings has been caged for so long that it yearns to be free and Todoroki have only so much control before his grip loosens.
He reaches out and caresses Midoriya's cheek with his other hand, watching in avid captivation how it changes to a pinkish hue and how beautiful it compares to the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind around them as his thumb brushes a stray petal away.
"Forgive me," Todoroki says, his voice low and soft, not wanting to break the serene air enveloping them. "I may have gotten too far."
Midoriya appears to have his coherent thoughts back as he struggles to come up with an appropriate response and merely shakes his head in place since he can't seem to find the right words to say.
In spite of his reassurance, Todoroki understands that Midoriya needs time and space to think about his sudden confession and his presence here now will deteriorate that so he squeezes his hand one last time before bidding him goodbye and departs without looking back.
Todoroki did think he has not regretted saying how he feels to Midoriya but the consequences of that day has him second guessing himself and causing his mood to dip down to sullenness. Everyone is set on avoiding him which he does not mind but the person he needs to see is doing the same thing and Todoroki has tried everything to talk to Midoriya but it seems fate is not on his side.
It appears that Midoriya is set on hiding from him to the point where Iida had to interfere and assigned a different servant to attend him. Only Iida and Uraraka's advice to leave Midoriya alone to his thoughts is stopping Todoroki from turning the whole palace upside down so he can see and talk to him.
He asks himself how he endured of being deprived of Midoriya's company from before as it seems these past few days of not seeing him becomes an unimaginable torture after being subjected to Midoriya's radiant presence.
Todoroki can't lie to himself anymore.
He misses Midoriya. His heart longs for him.
It's as if when it concerns Midoriya, Todoroki is bound to always wait and yearn for him.
But his life in the palace continue on as normal so Todoroki goes about his duties as a way of distracting himself from the emptiness he feels without Midoriya by his side. His sister's wedding takes most of his time and spends most of the day with her, knowing how much he will miss Fuyumi once she goes away to be with her future husband from the neighboring country.
Still, even with all these things occupying his attention it does not abate the pain in his heart. Because what if this is Midoriya's way of showing he does not reciprocate his feelings. But he pushes the idea out of his mind as soon as it comes. He has known Midoriya enough to know he is not a coward and will tell how he truly feels to Todoroki personally. It only means Midoriya is using his time to properly think about Todoroki's confession.
Todoroki exhales a heavy breath and pauses at the front of his room, waving off the guards stationed and levels them a cold look when they hesitated before fleeing away. He is exhausted and wants to rest even though he knows he will not get any sleep just like those previous nights. So he sighs again and takes off to the direction of the baths, maybe the hot water will help him relax.
Setting foot inside the baths, Todoroki's hand goes on his collar ready to take it off but freezes in his place when he glances up, because standing with his back to him is Midoriya—entirely naked for Todoroki to see. And it looks like Midoriya is still unaware of his presence as he dips his whole body down in the water, letting out a sigh of satisfaction that Todoroki wants to hear more of.
He knows he should inform Midoriya that he is there but something lodges in his throat that his voice won't come out, afraid that if he shatters this moment then Midoriya will run away from him again. Just seeing a glimpse of him again already makes him happy so Todoroki made his decision to slip out before Midoriya can see him.
But it seems he is too late as he hears Midoriya say. "P-Prince Todoroki?!"
Todoroki takes a sharp breath before facing his servant, donning a neutral expression. "Midoriya," he says, watching as Midoriya tries to cover his body by submerging under the water until only his head can be seen. "Do not worry, I will leave now."
"W-Wait!" Todoroki blinks as Midoriya's shout echoes in the room. "I—Please don't go. Stay."
It's the first time Midoriya has ever asked something of him and it is not fair to have a sudden realization that Todoroki can never say no to him. "What do you want from me, Midoriya?" he asks, not hiding the weariness in his tone.
Rather than answering, Midoriya bites his lip while thinking before nodding in determination and Todoroki gawks when he stands and steps out, water dripping all over his body and letting him see everything. Midoriya's action might be bold but Todoroki can sense how nervous he is and can only stare as Midoriya ambles towards him, stopping in front of Todoroki.
"...Midoriya?"
"I..." Midoriya pauses, placing his hands on Todoroki's chest before clutching his vest tightly. "My prince, I—"
It takes a few seconds to understand what Midoriya cannot say and Todoroki takes off the hands touching him, feeling nauseous and outrage. "Midoriya," he grits out. "Whatever you are thinking, stop."
"But isn't this what you want!"
Anger flashes through Todoroki. "Is that what you thought of me, after everything? That I only want you for your body?"
"But you can't—"
"Do not take my feelings lightly, Midoriya," he cuts him off. "I never once lied to you. How can you think so lowly of me?"
"Because I can't bear the thought of having my prince care for me so much!" Midoriya cries, voice cracking that it seeps through Todoroki's rage. "You're a prince and I'm just an ordinary servant. We were never meant to be together."
Todoroki has never felt foolish and incompetent until now. Of course, Midoriya will think this way, that their different status in life will hinder their imagined future together and Midoriya is too kind and selfless to let Todoroki choose between him and his duty to the crown. Midoriya would rather reduce himself to something insignificant than bear the guilt of having Todoroki sacrifice his blood right just for him.
There are a lot of things to say but Todoroki will take on all these problems later as the most important thing right now is to tear down the quiet fears haunting Midoriya.
Seeing the folded clothes at the side, Todoroki grabs one and shrouds Midoriya with it before reaching out and carries him in his arms. "M-My prince—" Midoriya squeaks, eyes wild in panic peeking over the white fabric and an adorable blush tints his cheeks making his freckles more prominent as he regards Todoroki in surprise.
"Hush now," he whispers as he makes his way out of the baths and into hallway striding towards the direction of his private room. "The baths is not an appropriate place for us to talk."
This ensues Midoriya’s particular habit of mumbling whatever he’s thinking under his breath and for once Todoroki doesn’t stop him. He listens to Midoriya’s muttering about Todoroki's abrupt change in attitude, how inappropriate their situation is, or how much of an imposition he is being to his master and his sudden realization that they are reaching towards the prince's chambers.
It's only when they both arrived at their destination—thankfully still no guards in sight—does Midoriya trails off his on his words and reverts back to his reserved attitude.
He gently sets Midoriya down on his bed and takes a step back, admiring how Midoriya is kneeling on the center with only a thin cloth covering him from the head down to his naked body as if a bride waiting for his groom for them to become one.
At his blatant perusal, Midoriya fidgets slightly in obvious nervousness but looks at Todoroki with obvious shyness in those green eyes shining like emeralds as if enticing him to keep it for himself.
"You look beautiful, Midoriya," Todoroki breathes out, his praise caressing Midoriya akin to satin that he shivers as his eyes turn darker in color.
"My prince...? You…I mean, we—"
He can Midoriya breaking off his sentence as Todoroki slowly disrobes off his outer garments leaving only his trousers on, cognizant of the fact that Midoriya hasn't taken his eyes off him. He relishes this rare moment with how close they are with each other not alike from those other times, distance near but still far from reach. He walks over to the side of the bed with Midoriya's eyes following his every move and drops down on one knee.
"I know how hard it will be to face the struggles coming our way. But you are worth everything, Midoriya. With you by my side, I feel like I can become stronger that there is no problem we can’t overcome if we are together.”
Midoriya closes his eyes, scared to see the deep affection in Todoroki’s eyes. “I’m scared.”
“I’m scared, too,” Todoroki confesses and Midoriya’s eyes open to watch him in disbelief. “But you’re the bravest person I know, Midoriya. You give me courage to face tomorrow with a smile.”
A watery smile appears on Midoriya’s face. “I feel the same. The one who makes me feel brave is you, Prince Todoroki.”
“I don't want to be your prince tonight, Midoriya," Todoroki says, his hands on the bed, his fingers just a shy of touching Midoriya. "For now, I just want to be Shouto. An ordinary Shouto for an ordinary Izuku."
Midoriya draws a sharp breath, flabbergasted at his declaration. "My prince, you can't..." he pauses as his eyes turn glassy with unshed tears. "I will not have my prince lower himself for me. His Highness deserves more, far better than I am."
"But do you not see? You are that person. I can find other people worthy of me but no one in the world can make me feel whole like you do, Midoriya." Todoroki reaches out a hand to him, palms up and gives Midoriya a choice that will either complete or ruin him entirely. "You already have my heart, Izuku. Will you allow me to have yours?"
A lone tear cascades Midoriya's cheek and Todoroki's heart ache because if the answer he will receive is a no, even if the pain suffocates him accompanying him until his dying breath, he will let Midoriya go.
"I cannot give you my heart," Midoriya sobs and Todoroki can feel something within him cracking. And then, Midoriya places his hand on his palm, squeezing as he continues, "For it has been yours from the very beginning, Shouto."
He grips the hand on his tight, the relief enveloping his whole being has him trembling and only the gentle sensation of a touch on his scar brushing lightly does he become aware of the tears spilling from his eyes, staring at the sole person that can draw out such exquisite emotions from him.
Todoroki surges up and Midoriya meets him halfway as their lips finally meet for the first time, of hopefully many more. It is the sweetest culmination of the long journey agonizing and pining for the only person he ever wanted.
Their kiss ends as they catch their breath, eyes still on each other and their foreheads pressed together. Midoriya pulls him up and into the bed as Todoroki settles across from him, knees touching and his other hand reaches out to slip off the cloth covering Midoriya like a veil. It idly descends down as it reveals Midoriya's entirety like a precious gift.
"Shouto?" Midoriya whispers, his voice laced in both desire and apprehension.
"Let me take care of you, Izuku."
Todoroki has a lot more to say but his tongue is heavy on his mouth, words and thoughts abandoning him that he cannot convey what he apparently wants. Midoriya has always been attending to his every wish and needs and this time he wants to return the favor.
The bright smile Midoriya rewards him has Todoroki smiling back. "Yes, Shouto."