#shotoxreader

Characters included:

Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Shoto Todoroki, Eijirou Kirishima, Ochako Uraraka

I think for the most part it should be gender neutral, but I could've slipped up and made some of it feminine so i'm super sorry!

Izuku Midoriya

Background: You've been flirting with each other for a couple of weeks now, but haven't put a label on anything.

"Which one do you think is better?" he smiled and held up two different figures. You looked at both the nearly identical figures then shot back up at him. "They look the same babe." you laughed as he looked down at the two allmight's in his hand. Izuku looked back up at you, his eyes furrowed down. "No they're not!" He said bluntly "This blonde is very clearly different from this one." He signaled to the figure in his right hand. "Also, these costumes are totally different." Izuku started going on a tangent, comparing the costume, how the colors were slightly different because of their undertones.

Five minutes through his little rant, you were already bored. Twirling your fingers through your hair, you began to wonder down to his lips. Without another thought, you pulled him in for a soft kiss that went on for maybe 20 seconds. By the time you pulled back, Izuku's face was fully red. He covered his face, a smile unintentionally creeping onto his face. "What was that for?"

"To get you to stop mumbling." You smiled at Izuku as you picked up one of the figures. "Get this one, I like the undertones better." He slowly put another one back, avoiding your eyes, blushing profusely.

Katsuki Bakugo

Background: Both been married for about 2 years, and you guys are watching the outsiders. (sorry for the people who haven't read/ watched it)

You were both on the couch, Katsuki's head in your lap, his face turned to the TV. Your hands ran through his spikey blonde hair. "You know, Ponyboy was way too overdramatic." He scoffed as his looked at the screen. "There was no reason to get that mad 'cause you got shoved by your brother." you looked down at him, your hands escaping his hair, earning a look from your husband. You picked up the remote to pause the movie. "Well, his brother shouldn't have been putting his hands on him, no matter how mad he was."

Katsuki got up from your lap to look at you. "My mom hit me, and I turned out just fine. That brat had what was coming to him, he came home late, and he was talking back. I think that's reason enough to be mad." he continuously kept talking about how Darry was in the right, and Ponyboy was some wild child who needed to be put in his place.

When he began to pass the one minute mark, you had enough. You took Katsuki by the chin and pulled him in for a kiss to get him to shut up. You got a glimpse of his confused and shocked face and laughed loudly at it. "What the hell was that?' he shouted as his fingers caressed his lips daintily. "I was tired of hearing you talk, you big dummy." You stated between laughs. Katsuki's head shot to your face quickly, a smiling forming like he was a little kid. He pounced on you, "You're not getting away with that you idiot." he chuckled softly, the warmth of his body warming yours as kisses landed all over your face.

Shoto Todoroki

Background: Dating for 3 years.

You and Shoto had been planning this date for months, it was at the nicest restaurant in all of Japan. You and him had drove for 2 hours to get there. The both of you had gone shopping prior to this date. You picked out a nice dark blue satin cocktail dress that hugged your waist nicely. Your boyfriend had gotten a tie that matched the color of your dress.

You both walked into the restaurant, Your heels making a clicking sound as you opened the door to get in. A smile coated your face as the sound of low chatter and violin playing in the distance made you feel at ease. You and Shoto walked over to the receptionist, she greeted you both and asked for the name on the reservation. When your boyfriend stated his name in his usual monotoned voice, the receptionist typed in the name onto her tablet. She looked up confused. "There isn't a reservation under the name 'Shoto Todoroki'"

Your boyfriend looked just as shocked as you were, "But thats impossible, we've had this reservation for more than a month!" You said worriedly. "I'm sorry ma'm, we don't have anything under that name, the only thing I can find is a reservation from last week." Shoto looked at you in shock as he cursed under his breath. "Okay, thank you miss." He said, as he walked out of the restaurant with you in his arm.

"I'm so sorry." He confessed as you both walked back to your car. When you sat in the car, he turned to you. "I'm sorry, I'm so very sorry, I didn't man to get the dates messed up. I've had so much on my mind.." He kept talking, as you listened to his apology deeply. "I didn't mean to do that, I wanted to make this date as perfect as possible, I just-" you pulled his tie in and kissed him slowly. When you pulled back you smiled at him. "it doesn't matter to me, you know that. We could go anywhere and you know I would still have fun. I wanted to go on this date because I wanted to be with you." you laughed and wiped his cheek with his thumb. "Hey, lets just go get tacos or something. Forget about this place."

Shoto's mouth curled into a smile as he pulled you into another kiss "I love you so much."

Eijirou Kirishima

Background + TW: Mentions of alcohol and weed, You guys are childhood best friends with a thing for each other. College age! You had a party in your dorm. You're both fried out your mind.

"Eijirou," You say giggling like a toddler on a sugar rush. "Can we go outside, its very loud in here." You say, your eyes squinted. He smiles, the whites of his eyes as red as yours. You both walk down the stairs and into the silent cold night. The two of you go behind the building together, laying your backs against the brick wall.

Eijirou opened a pack of cigarettes and offers one to you "You want one?" he said, quietly. You nod, digging into your pocket and pulling out a lighter. You it to your mouth, Eijirou doing the same. You flicked the lighter and fire came out as both of you putting your cigarettes to it. Smoke poured out of both of your mouth's as you laughed at the funny shapes it made.

You and Eijirou had been their for about 20 minutes and somehow ended up on the floor. You both turned to each other, looking at the others eyes, trying your hardest to make eye contact. "Your pupils are so big Eiji." You smiled, trying to poke his eye. He grabbed you hand, stopping you before you could do so. "Are you trying to kill me or something?" he flicked your forehead as laughter poured out of the both of you.

Both of you were extremely close, closer than friends should be.

"You know, your hair is so super cool." you touched the top of it. "Really? Thanks!" a huge smiled appearing onto his face. "I really like my hair, its a huge part of me, yah know." He backed against the building, his legs crossed. You followed him to the wall, pulling out another cigarette.

"You know, when I first had dyed my hair, back in middle school, I kinda did it impulsively." You turned to him, though the only thing keeping you occupied was his lips. They looked so soft and pretty. The blush pink color attracting you.

"Hey, Eijirou, you know what else is impulsive?" You said suddenly, before taking him by his shirt and kissing him. Your hands running through his hair as his much larger hands went to your waist.

When you had both pulled back, you both had a kiddish grin on your face. "Aww do we have to stop?" Eijirou said with a frown covering his face. He took your cigarette out of your mouth and threw it to the ground. Kissing you again, slower, but not loosing any of the original passion.

Ochako Uraraka

Background: Dating for 4 years, engaged for 4 months.

You and Ochako were getting married in 2 months, so you decided to go to a local bakery to pick out a flavor for your wedding cake. You walk in, hand in hand and go over to the baker. He was a sweet looking man with gray hairs popping out the side of his hat. He greeted the both of you and asked what the occasion was.

"Its a wedding! We're getting married after almost 5 whole years of dating!" Ochako excitedly announced, then shying away in embarrassment after realizing how loud she had been. "Oh? A wedding? That sounds fun! Save me an invite fellas!" He joked with the two of you, the both of you laughed along with him.

"So ladies, what are we thinking about? Do we have any flavors in mind?" The baker said with a smile, dusting some left over flour off his hands and onto his apron. "So our wedding is on the beach, meaning we're going to need something tropical." you tell him, resting your arm onto your soon-to-be wife's shoulder. "And guess what? Its going to be during a meteor shower!" Ochako squealed with a huge smile covering her face. "So I'm sure you can guess how we want the outside of our cake." you say, rubbing the back of your head, laughing softly.

The old man sat you and Ochako down at a table, bringing you both cakes he think you'd like based on the theme. The first cake was a strawberry cake, with a creamy vanilla frosting. Ochako gushed at the pretty pink color it gave off, stating it was her favorite. You just sat and stared at her big brown eyes. You blushed softly at how cute she looked eating her cake so happily.

The second one was orange flavored, you both ate it, both your eyebrows raising in shock as you looked at each other with a grin. The cake was delicious and melted into your mouth. Your fiance clearly agreed with you, since she had shoved the whole slice into her mouth and started reaching for yours. Ochako began to talk about the cake, complimenting anything she could think of. You began to stare at her again, though now, looking at the tiny piece of cake on her lip.

Sitting on the rock, Y/n could see the beautiful blue and purple sky as the sun was going down. The ocean was the most peaceful at night. Though only the residents knew that.Y/n heard a splash and looked in the direction of the noise.  There was nothing there.

“Must have been my imagination,” Y/n spoke, reassuring herself, until she heard another splash, and some giggles. She looked in the direction of the noise, and brown eyes looked at her.

“Um hello?” Y/n called out to the spying eyes. 

“Uraraka, you got us caught,” a cute little voice whined.

“Sorry Deku, but she looked so lonely,”The brunette stated. 

“We’re supposed to stay hidden you two.”

Suddenly 3 heads popped out of the waters. One with green hair with matching eyes, a brunette, and a multi-colored hair male. The green one swam towards Y/n.

“Hello! My name is Midoriya, thats Uraraka,”he pointed to the brunette, “And that’s Shoto,”he pointed to the other male.

“My name’s Y/n?”

*i did not make this gif/own it

a/n so I started writing then I stopped... I think this blog will just be like a spare time thing and rn i have some spare time! I also did one for kuroo! btw requests are open (i think?) and I will answer any of them that I do get! I write for mha and haikyuu!! :) n e ways onto the head cannon...

This reader is gender neutral!

Warnings; n/a, mentions of endeavor (mans is scary), slight angst

- i think he’d confess by letter as he wouldn’t really know what to say to you in person and he doesn’t want to make you feel awkward if you don’t feel the same

- but once you’re together...

- at first i think he would be quite tense and worried due to the way endeavor treated his mother and he wouldn’t want to be like that (imma fight endeavor istg)

Cold

Pairing: Dragon shifter!Shoto X gn!reader

Genre: fluff, fantasy AU

The wind howled in a terrible chorus, blowing snow wildly around you. Your feet trudged heavily through the snow, cold and clammy. The only thing that guided you was the warm light in the distance... you knew this light well... it would usually guide you up the mountain when the snow wasn’t as bad as it was today. Shoto’s letter had said not to come the day you had planned, for it would be snowing terribly. But you disobeyed his wishes and had come anyway. Your teeth were chattering violently as you hugged your arms tightly to yourself. The cold air made your throat dry and you let out a violent cough, stumbling into the snow with a muffled crunch.

“My dear!” A hurried voice called out. You saw the snow in front of you spray... like dust when a horse came to an abrupt stop. Warm hands cupped your cold cheeks.

More than happy to do that for you. I’ve never written for our boy Icy-Hot so bear with me. I hope you like it. 🥰

The Newest Todoroki || Todoroki x Pregnant!Reader

AO3 Link

Word Count: 817

You sat on the couch in your small apartment, the fire and ice hero hadn’t made his way home yet. Being a Pro-Hero sometimes kept him out into the wee hours of the night. Curled up with a cup of tea and your favorite book you looked down at your belly; you were about ready to pop.

You thought about what your life would be like in just a month or so when you would have your little boy/girl in your arms. Todoroki was more excited about this than you had ever seen him about anything. You couldn’t wait to see him become a father, you knew he would be amazing, he vowed to be everything his father wasn’t to him.

Like he/she knew that you were thinking about him/her, he/she moved a foot across your belly, causing you to put your hand to him/her, longing to be able to touch those tiny feet on the outside. “I know you’re there baby boy/girl. Mommy and daddy can’t wait to meet you.” It made you smile, you could already picture his/her soft skin and the tiny fingers that would soon reach out to hold you.

The sound of the entryway door opening filled the silent apartment and you looked up at the clock on the wall above your television. 11:45 P.M. “Shoto? Is that you?”

The face of Shoto Todoroki turned the corner and stared at you, a smile spreading across his tired face when he saw your hand on your belly. “Is he/she moving?” You could hear the excitement in his voice. He liked to feel him/her as much as you did.

“Yeah. I was thinking about how amazing it is going to be when he/she’s here. It’s like he/she knew I was thinking about it.” You smiled up at him.

Shoto moved to you, setting the plastic bag he was carrying down on the coffee table in front of you. He knelt down and put his hands on your belly, talking to him/her. “Hey baby boy/girl, I can’t wait to meet you. I hope you can hear me in there. You’re going to be the most spoiled baby on the face of this earth. Your Uncle Midoryia couldn’t stop talking about you today when we patrolled together.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Sometimes you guys felt Izuku was more excited than the two of you combined.

Shoto reached for the bag behind him. “I stopped at the store while I was on my lunch break today and I couldn’t help myself.” He pulled out multiple onesies and held each one up for you to see. Every time he went out by himself he ended up with new things for the baby.

You smiled at him. “Don’t you think he/she has enough clothes Shoto.” You chuckled a little. “I don’t think we can fit anymore in the closet, or the bureau for that matter, between our families and our old classmates.”

“I’ll find room, don’t worry.” He climbed up onto the couch next to you, pulling you toward him, wrapping you into his arms. “Just think Y/N, in a month, maybe less we’ll have him/her here with us. We can finally start our family.” He kissed the side of your head. “Next step is to make you a Todoroki, I still want to wait until he/she is able to walk. Fuyumi even offered to help him/her down the aisle so he/she can be apart of it.”

You looked behind you and up at him. “Soon enough... soon enough we’ll have both of those things.”

Shoto put his hands on your belly again and hugged you. “I hope that you’ll get everything in life that you’ll ever dream of, baby boy/girl. I’ll be there to support you every step of the way, no matter what.”

Your pregnancy was bringing the sappiness out of Shoto and you absolutely loved every minute of it.

“You’re going to be an amazing mother Y/N. I can already tell. You’re a natural.” He ran his hand through your hair as he spoke.

“Not as good of a father you’re going to be Shoto. The way you are right now shows just how great you’ll be when he/she’s finally here.”

Before he could ever answer you he could hear the small snores coming from you’re mouth. Shoto looked down to see your eyes shut, peacefully asleep. He smiled. “Sleep my angel, you need all the rest that you can get. Soon we’ll have our hands full.”

A/N. This is a gift for @voiidx for Valentine’s day. She is drawing me a picture too.

Content: Aged up Shoto, fluffy goodness, and a valentine’s theme.

Word count: 772 word.

Shoto was walking the aisles of the local grocery store looking for something that you would like for Valentine’s day. He wanted to do better than the typical box of chocolates and stuffed animal. Money wasn’t an issue for him. He just had no clue what to get you so he would call you and take you to lunch at the local KFC. You were excited that he was treating you to something special.

“Why did you wanna meet for lunch, Shoto? I thought you had patrol and work today.” You asked him as you happily ate your chicken tenders.

“I wanted to meet to ask you what you wanted for Valentine’s day. I have no clue.” He said as he watched you eat.

“Shoto, you don’t have to get me anything. I wouldn’t mind just staying at home, ordering in, cuddling and watching a movie. That would be perfect.” You said as you finished your chicken and wiped the crumbs off your face. He smiled softly and reached for a crumb on your face.

“You missed one, baby.” He told you. This made you cover your face in embarrassment. He pulled your hand away from your face and kissed be back of your hand.

“I have a plan now. Thank you.” He told you and stood up. You gathered your leftovers and Shoto walked with you to your car before the two of you parted until the next day.

The next day after you got home from work, you immediately went home to change into your date outfit and went over to Shoto’s place that he had out in the woods. You walked up to the door and knocked. He came to the door and opened it. He was wearing a black dress shirt and dark jeans. The first few buttons at his collar were undone and his sleeves were rolled up.

“Hello, Y/N. Please come in.” He told you and let you come inside. You took in the room as there were rose petals on the floor that led to a blanket spread out in front of the fireplace. A tray of very expensive sushi, a bottle of champagne and a tray of chocolate and strawberries.

“This looks amazing! I love it, Shoto.” You told him. You slid your shoes off and kissed him. He kissed back and led you to the blanket. You stepped onto the soft fabric and it felt divine. You sat down and laid across it. You enjoyed the feeling of the soft fabric on your skin. Your boyfriend looked down at you and smiled.

“I knew you would like the blanket. Here, you can rest your head on my lap and I’ll feed you.” He told you as he patted his leg softly. You moved so your head was resting on the pillow in his lap. He picked up a piece of sushi and brought it down to your lips. You enjoyed the food that he got and when it was all gone, he sat you up and you looked at him. He kissed you deeply and you returned the kiss. When you pulled away for air, you smiled and then remembered something you had brought for him. With all the hard work your boyfriend does for you, he deserves something nice as well. You went to your bag and pulled out a heart shaped box. You walked over to him and handed it to him.

“I know it isn’t much, but I appreciate all you do for me and the people you save. You deserve something nice.” You told him. He looked up at you, took the box of chocolates, and stood up. He then pulled you into a hug. He was quietly sobbing.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more than you. Your smile, your personality how it brightens the room when you enter, I never thought I’d find anyone like you. But I did, and I am the luckiest person in the world to know you and have you as my own. Y/n…” He said and slid down on one knee.

“Will you marry me?” He asked as he showed you a ring with a pretty diamond on a silver band.

“Yes!” You said and kissed him. He slid the ring on your finger and kissed you again.

The end.

BNHA X READER

Fantasy AU

This is chapter 1. Read the rest on FFNET, AO3 or Wattpad!!

There was a great white palace that was impossible to not catch eye of peering over a fog blanketed summit, where King Enji, Prince Shoto, and Enji's other children resided. Many knights guarded the palace and served under the King, and (Y/n) was one of them.

She was born and raised to become a warrior and serve for one in a higher position. It was something of a family tradition for the women to become something of the sort. Her father was more of a businessman, her grandfather a chauffeur, while her mother was a dragon hunter, and her grandmother also a knight, though not quite so skilled.

Although (Y/n) didn't have the natural talent her female family did when it came to fighting, she tried her best and eventually earned the respect of many skilled warriors in the Kingdom of Yuuei. Every day, she seemed to learn something new in the art of combat, while dedicating her life to the protection of Prince Shoto.

Only few, including her, knew of the corruption underlying King Enji and his family. The blatant favoritism when it came to King Enji choosing his heir went overlooked and uncontested in the community due to his outstanding reputation.

On the road not too far off from the great palace was a white horse. (Y/n) the knight handled the frantic animal attached to the carriage as if it was nothing, and Prince Shoto watched carefully as if he would learn just by watching her armor covered hands move the reins.

"How far is this kingdom?" he asked.

"If you fall asleep, it'll feel like nothing," the knight's voice was echoey and serious inside the steel helm.

"So it's far." Shoto sighed and his eyes fluttered closed as well, sinking into his seat just a bit. "All I must do is speak with this noble's daughter, correct? And then I may go home?"

"Yes. I've forgotten her full name, but your own father is considering a marriage between you two," (Y/n) replied without hesitation.

"I- what?" Shoto blinked. "Why hasn't he told me this?"

There was no response.

"Why do you know, but not me?"

(Y/n) stayed silent, and only swallowed nervously.

"Ah," Shoto sighed. "I see. You weren't supposed to say that."

"Please don't tell King Enji I said anything.." (Y/n) squeaked, not befitting for a warrior graced with the strongest armor and sharpest sword in the kingdom.

"Don't worry about it.." Shoto's voice lowered as he turned his head to the side, watching the trees rapidly pass by him, his hair covering some of his view as a frown made its way to his face. (Y/n) turned her head away from the road for a second to make sure Shoto was alright, and something in his expression flicked a switch in her.

"I.. You know, he isn't sure. It's just to see if she's up to his standards, I guess. Not a guarantee-"

"Won't you get in trouble if you keep talking?" Shoto said with his usual dead tone, but he was just a bit relieved on the inside. He had no intention on marrying anyone, and being forced to would further destroy the already unbearable relationship between him and his father.

(Y/n) nodded without a sound and focused her eyes on the road from then on. But then Shoto pouted. He wanted to know more.

"How do you feel about this?" Shoto asked. "This.. marriage."

(Y/n) hesitated for a moment before answering. "This.. is what the King wants, so there isn't much I can do about it. I just don't agree with it, per say... It's not right..."

"That's all I needed to know," Shoto replied.

(Y/n) always wondered what was going on inside of Shoto's mind, and that moment was no exception. He was an enigma. She didn't blame him for being cold at times, however.

She also wasn't particularly so sure about that area. She hadn't been to their destination before, so she simply trusted her instincts and a ripped map to take her and Prince Shoto there.

Being trusted with such an important figure in the kingdom gave her stomach butterflies. As she began to feel a smile free itself from under her helmet, the carriage came to a sudden halt, throwing both (Y/n) and Shoto forwards.

"Step out slowly. Keep your hands in the air and don't try anything," said a voice, and a battle axe was pointed at the pair. Three, to be exact, one for each silhouette.

(Y/n) knew better than to reach for her halberd, and reassured Shoto with a quick, soft metal touch to his shoulder, slowly leaving the white carriage. "You're challenging someone with armor and a weapon while you're bare? I hope you know that you won't be leaving with the Prince."

"Oh, we don't care about the Prince. We just happened to hear from someone that you're carrying a lot of money in that carriage to offer the daughter of that noble," said a different man, presumably a second bandit. "But we may have to kill him if you resist. There's three of us, and only one has to get close to him. Your armor means nothing."

The third bandit made his way behind the carriage, closer to the Prince, just in case. Shoto gave (Y/n) a look, though she couldn't tell, facing away from him. She was already sweating in her armor from the sun and quite worn out from training, so this wasn't the ideal situation for her. And yet, she didn't downplay herself.

The knight lifted the front of her helm, exposing her face, riddled with sweat. "Yes, there is money. There's a bag next to where the Prince is sitting," (Y/n) said, taking the chance to look at Shoto. He shook his head, as if reading her mind, diverting his gaze to the bandits, his hands inching closer to his sword by the second.

"Before you go and do that," (Y/n) said, stopping the second bandit from walking past her, "Who gave you this information? Only us, the King and the noble were informed of this."

"I won't say. You'd have them executed. They're a big help, so we can't have that," he said, and smiled. (Y/n) cursed mentally. Was it one person, and the bandit refused to reveal their gender, or is it another group of people?

As the second man placed his foot on the edge of the carriage, (Y/n) halberd left it's holster, its tip barely making its way to the second man's neck before the edge of an axe was placed dangerously close to Shoto's neck as well.

"You're risking the life of your Prince? I don't understand you. Some knight you are," said the second bandit.

"I apologize," (Y/n) said, moving her halberd away from his neck.

"Thank you for the distraction," Shoto said, and before anyone could process it, blood fell down like a fountain to dirt. The second bandit tried to speak, only to cough up blood. "Speaking with a sword through your heart proves to be difficult, doesn't it?"

The loud thud of the large man hitting the floor made even the knight flinch, watching the man writhe in agony, holding his fist weakly against his heart for his last few moments. She then realized; she wasn't doing anything to help whatsoever.

"Fuck!" The other men had tried vigilantly to swing their axes at the Prince, who jumped back off of the carriage. It seemed that they had completely forgotten about the money, and focused their attention on the death of the Prince.

The knight missed her attack, but they couldn't even reach the Prince before a clean slice to their necks were delivered by who they were trying so desperately to kill. They went into a stiff paralysis and fell over, holding their necks and drowning in their own blood.

(Y/n) could only stand there mesmerized, lowing her bloody halberd, almost forgetting to wipe the acidic substance coating it.

She was also, frankly, ashamed.

The blood on her halberd wasn't because she had killed them, saving the Prince. It was splatter from the Prince having to defend himself with an incompetent knight by his side.

"I assume we'll have to reschedule this little trip," Shoto said, wiping some blood off of the edge of his lips and softly running his fingers through the docile horse's mane. "Turn the carriage around."

****

Many could tell, simply by watching (Y/n)'s face in the rare times she had her helmet off, or even completely covered, simply from her body language, that she didn't enjoy working in the palace. Even Shoto could tell how much energy wearing the heavy suit and sparring with the others as training took from her each day.

No one could blame her. No one liked working for Enji Todoroki. Ask anyone in the palace for their opinion of him, and it will be some variation of 'bastard' or 'good for nothing.' Ask people outside the palace, and it will be something positive or indifferent, because they believe whatever the newspapers tell them.

Shoto had asked his knight once: "What do you think of this idea; I run away from this place and start a new life."

To which (Y/n) blinked and removed her steel helmet, a way of expressing her concern. It was then that Shoto knew she was serious. "Are you really considering this?"

Shoto only nodded. He felt often like he had said too much, basically, whenever he spoke. His father did a great job of making this point around him.

"I understand," said (Y/n), to his surprise.

He expected a, 'You're delusional. You're a rich prince with everything you could ever want!' or, 'Don't take your position for granted. I'd kill to be in your place.'

"I doubt that," Shoto replied, attempting to provoke her into speaking her mind a bit more, hoping for more encouraging words.

"I can tell why you do, my Prince," (Y/n) said. It wasn't working.

Shoto sighed. "I can't talk to anyone without them treating me like a Prince. I'm just a normal kid on the inside, damnit.." His voice was as low as a whimper, but (Y/n) could hear every syllable as they left his mouth. She pretended not to hear and kept her head down.

***

Shoto hadn't dared to enter the knight's quarters without permission once before.. but he had made up his mind that night about something.

Shoto chuckled as he saw (Y/n) with her helmet still on as she slept. He removed it as slowly as possible, and wasn't surprised to see that her face was sweating uncontrollably with rosy cheeks, and her hair messy.

He almost forgot why he was there as (Y/n) began to wake up, presumably from the sudden influx of cool, fresh air hitting her face.

Shoto held his hand out before the girl could fully awaken. "Come, I'm leaving tonight."

"Prince? What do you mean leaving? Why are you in the knight's quarters? I-"

"Just get your armor and weapons and come," Shoto put a finger to her mouth, lightly squeezing her arm. She didn't dare protest any further. If it was the Prince's will, then she was meant to follow it, no matter what. But there was something off this time. He seemed happy, in a way, for once, without smiling. Shoto helped carry parts of her armor out of the quarters while she carried her halberd, most dangerous areas facing the ground as Shoto led the way.

"So what's happening exactly?" (Y/n) asked, stuffing some leftover yen into her pocket.

Shoto only walked into his room and gestured for the knight to join him. He was already wearing what he usually did, his royal attire embroidered especially for him along with his holstered sword. "I told you, we're leaving."

"You weren't kidding..?" The knight chuckled. "I understand you want to leave this place, but think about it. Your dad will do anything to get you back-"

"I don't care. I'd like to see him try," Shoto replied coldly, polishing his weapon and slipping on a few bracelets, hiding them under his sleeve. "I'm not going to that noble's place. I'm not marrying his daughter either, so I'll have to leave before the trip is rescheduled. Easy as that."

***

"So where.. exactly.. are we going?" (Y/n) asked the Prince.

"To a certain mountain," replied he.

"You don't mean.. That one.. right?"

After a brief moment of silence, (Y/n)'s worst fears were confirmed, and her tongue began to feel heavy in her mouth. "Sir.."

"Is there a problem?" Shoto asked, looking straight ahead as he walked.

"I'm.. not sure if I can protect you, if anything happens, if that makes sense."

Shoto stopped and turned to face the knight. "What are you talking about?"

"Well.. a few days ago.. those men trying to take the money.. and how I was basically useless.. You had to do everything yourself. It doesn't make sense-"

"You were tired," Shoto interrupted her, then continued walking.

(Y/n) stood there for a moment, staring at the ground before picking up her pace to match the Prince's again, until they reached the base of the mountain.

"Why are there steps?" (Y/n) asked.

"Mount Hosu used to be a tourist attraction.. it's closed because of the dragon rumored to live here now."

(Y/n) shivered. "Dragon."

"Did you say something?"

"Nope."

They continued forward, climbing up an unholy amount of steps before it split into two different paths. One of the paths was dry and bare, while the other had a stream of water beside it.

"Just follow the river," Shoto said, and walked along the path with the stream of water.

"How come you know this place so well, Prince?" (Y/n) asked. As far as she knew, Shoto stayed locked in the castle all his life, and only left under supervision from her or another trusted knight.

"It's not Prince anymore, just Shoto," the boy dodged the question expertly.

***

It took a while, but they finally arrived at the top. (Y/n) immediately used her survival skills. (Y/n) gathered dry wood and use a spindle stick to light a small ember. Shoto tried himself but failed, only giving himself some splinters from the wood.

With the knight's guidance, Shoto successfully managed to roast a wild animal. Of course, Shoto had really understood none of it, but nodded in silence, and hoped that she would help him later.

"Now that I've helped you.." (Y/n) began to trace her finger across the dirt. "How about you teach me more about fighting? A knight should know more, if not just as much, as their Prince. It only makes sense."

Shoto hummed. "You're already known as a strong warrior. I don't believe you need extra training."

"Please?"

"I'm nothing special.. I can't really teach."

"Please?" (Y/n) pleaded.

"... Tomorrow, maybe," Shoto relented. He walked over behind a tree and took out two folded tents.

"Did you plan this or something?" the knight asked.

"I've been considering it for a while, let's say."

As they settled, a teenage boy had just finished climbing up the same steep mountain as the Prince and the Prince's close knight, and he was exhausted. Then, as he caught his breath, he repeated his goal over and over in his head; to hunt down the dragon perched somewhere on this godforsaken mountain.