The setting summer sun casts a golden blanket of light around the campsite. Red tents, all spacious and luxurious enough to outshine the common people's houses, formed a semi-circle in the clearing. Noblemen and women milled about, gossiping in their little groups and politely sipping their after dinner wine. Tomorrow they would cross the border and enter Yuuei, their most hated and bitter enemy. Yet, for once, they were not entering the country as invaders or conquers, but as honored guests.

Yuuei's King, known as the All Might, had finally decided on his successor and they were traveling to witness his coronation. They would stay afterwards for a period of about two months to allow for political meetings and the like. This, however, was all they knew about how their trip would go. According to Yuuein tradition, nothing about the new Prince or Princess would be revealed until they had been coronated. So, naturally, it was all anyone was talking about.

"Knowing the way those dolts run things I wouldn't be surprised if it's some dung shoveler."

"If they're anything like the last one I don't know what I'll do. Another one of those smiling oafs? I'd go mad!"

"Well what do you expect, letting common folk on the throne like that? It's no wonder they're so incompetent!"

They were careful, though, not to speak too closely to the tent just to the right of the vertex of their campsite. For they knew inside was the only member of their party who actually hailed from Yuuei, the personal manservant of their dear Crown Prince Todoroki Shoto, who had already retorted for the evening. Not that they particularly cared about offending a lowly servant, but his sway over the Prince was the worst kept secret in Endeavor. And those who upset the Prince met swift and biting punishments.

The Prince himself at the moment was sat cross-legged on the squashy mountain of plush pillows and rich furs that served as his overly luxurious traveling bed. A gentle smile tugging at his lips. His shoulders were relaxed and his eyes closed. All but purring in satisfaction as his ever dutiful manservant gently worked a comb through his long, silky locks after a long day's travel.

If you had told him ten years ago, five years ago, two years ago, that he could be so happy and content just days before he was to meet the next All Might, the person to whom he'd been secretly promised to like breeding stock since he was twelve, whose meeting he had dreaded for years, he would've called you a liar and shooed you away without a second thought. But two years ago was not now. Two years ago he did not have love. He did not have Deku.

The green haired beauty, finally satisfied, set down the silver hairbrush and opted instead for kissing at Todoroki's neck "Are you nervous?" He asked, the playful smirk audible in his tone

"With you by my side, dearest, I know I have nothing to worry about." Todoroki replied

"Dearest?"

"Do you like it?"

"I think I prefer 'love' or 'darling', actually." Deku awnsers, still playing absentmindedly with the silky red and white strands of Todoroki's hair

"We'll have to have a discussion about petnames and displays of affection and the like at some point." Todoroki says, his smile widening

He turns around to look at him better and feels his smile fall when he catches Deku staring intently at a jade gem in his hand. The same jade that Todoroki had worn proudly in his hair for some weeks now. "You're taking it away." He says, more hollowly than he would usually allow.

"We're about to enter Yuuein territory." Deku says seriously "Everyone will know what it means."

Todoroki wants to protest, he wants to snatch it from him or pout like a child. He wants to do something to alleviate this pang of pain in his heart. But he can't. Deku is right. Damnit, why does he always have to be right? The only reason they've gotten away with something like this so long is becuase no Endeavoran worth his salt would be caught dead brushing up on Yuuein marriage traditions and they were the only one's who knew the truth. But they would be surrounded by Yuueins at the coronation, and there would be no room to hide. He was, after all, still engaged to another.

"You can have it back when I'm allowed to propose properly." Deku promised, pressing a kiss to his cheek in compensation.

But it's not enough for Todoroki. He gets up swiftly from the bed and makes his way to his jewelry cabinet. "Yuuei's color's are green and gold, yes?" He asks, fishing around a moment before pulling out a pair of emerald earrings with the gems set in gold that he affixes to his ears without waiting for an awnser "I will pay homage to my host country for as long as I am their humble guest."

In the mirror on his vanity he spots Deku try to contain a laugh with his hand like a maiden and failing to. Todoroki knows he is thinking something like 'Is it really so unbearable to go without a token of my love?' Or some other silvertongued slight at him. But he allows it becuase, yes, in fact it is.

Todoroki crosses back to his bed and plops himself onto Deku, settling himself so his head rests in his lover's lap. His fingers already petting his hair as if he were a prized showdog and not the Crown Prince of his country's worst enemy. "What should I expect from Yuuei?" He prompts, watching carefully for how Deku's eyes light up at the chance to talk about his homeland

"Well, for one thing, the best food of your goddamn life." Deku replies excitedly

"I eat-"

"I am well aware of how you eat, Prince. And I'm telling you, it dosen't compare to Yuuei."

"The fruit basket of the five kingdoms…" Todoroki muses. He dosen't say much after that. He just closes his eyes and lets Deku prattle on and on about things he technically already knew but hearing it from him, whether it's because it's coming from a native Yuuein and lacks his tutor's usual tone of disdain every time the country had to be mentioned or Deku's own enthusiasm for his country, seems like hearing these things for the first time.

Yuuei had, by far, the most fertile lands and mildest weather of the five kingdoms. They are the only kingdom Todoroki has ever heard of, within the five or otherwise, to guarantee food to every one of it's citizens. An abundance of food has led to a heavy focus on health, so Yuuei has the best doctors and medicine and exercising is a common pastime. (Hm, well that explained why Deku enjoyed training so damn much.) A healthier, stronger populace leads to more able-bodied men in the military, and while Endeavor's forces outnumbered them, it was no secret Yuuei's troops were not to be trifled with. And with so many doctors and nurses in the country, the elderly and disabled were well taken care of.

Food also plays an important role in the country's culture. To care for another person is feed them, and to feed them is to care for them. As a guest, Todoroki should expect a plate of food shoved into his hands at every possible opportunity. And he must eat, for refusing a meal is a great insult to whoever provided it. In his case, All Might.

"Sounds like a whole country scheming to fatten me up."

"Sounds like a good excuse to get you off your father's rations."

If at all possible, he should offer to help with the meal, be it cooking, peeling vegetables, or setting the table. He will be refused, of course, but the gesture will put him over the moon with anyone who hears of it. It will show he's not above getting his hands dirty with labor himself, an ever prized value amongst the Yuuein.

Deku trails off suddenly in his ramblings and Todoroki opens his eyes to find his brow furrowed in thought. Oh, dear.

"Deku?" He prods gently

"All Might is like a god to his people." He mutters, stroking at his chin in concentration, he speaks in the unfocused, rapid fire nature of someone just saying whatever comes to their head, as Todoroki had become used to at times like this "The position is meant to be a pillar of our entire way of life. Which requires a paragon of virtue and strength to hold it up. How will I ever live up to his expectations? I've already crossed so many lines. And I know this game has always been in part one one of deception and I know no person is actually as awesome as the myth suggests but the existence of that myth alone is paragon to our culture. Every Yuuein child believes in that myth. I believed in that myth! To inherit the position like this-"

Todoroki kisses him just to make the words stop. They part and he presses their foreheads together, a Yuuein display of affection Deku had used on him many a time "You think too much."

Deku turns a lovely pink and cannot hold his gaze "All Might says no one's better at spewing nonsense than I am. He says I'll worry myself into an early grave if I don't become more confident in my decisions. I'm sorry my muttering can be so annoying."

"On the contrary, I quite enjoy hearing your thoughts." Todoroki assures him, running a hand through his his green curls "It's how I'm able to trust you. I know whatever you decide, you've come at it from every angle you can think of and thought it through and see your choice as the best one available. And I know you don't have a dishonest or selfish bone in your body, so I know your decisions are usually what will benefit the most people in the long run."

"Shoto…"

"But I think there's something to be said about you worrying yourself into an early grave. You already have everything required to succeed in this world."

"Aside from, I don't know, a lifetime of experience and training." Deku mutters

"I thought the All Might was so popular because they can come from any background which makes them relatable and approachable to the common people." Todoroki counters playfully. The Poor Man's King a voice that sounds suspiciously like his father whispers in his ear. He ignores it.

Deku opens his mouth to respond but Todoroki hold a finger to his lips, silencing him "You have acted as an aide to two different sets of royalty from two very different countries. Your advice is good enough for us to listen and heed so there is no doubting your skill in politics."

He holds up another finger "You already have the affections of three of the four heirs you will have to compete and work with."

"Well, Iida-Sama is only second in line. And with that stunt you pulled getting him in bed with us, I doubt his brother will-"

"Alright, Tensei-San is another matter altogether, granted. But Yuuei and Riot have been close allies for generations and Eijiro-San is soft, so you're sure to be fast friends. There, three of the four, my point stands."

"Well it's not Kirishima-Sama himself I'm worried about."

Todoroki held up a third finger "And you are an honest, hard working, generous, well mannered, intelligent, kind, stubborn, patient, beautiful man who will lead his people into a golden age or die trying." He finishes, peppering Deku's face with kisses in between each compliment, which earns him a smile and some giggles. He'll count it as a win.

He cups Deku's cheek tenderly and lets his affection for him flood him properly for a moment, so he can see it plainly on his face for once. Deku swallowed at what he saw "You will be a wonderful All Might… Midoriya Izuku."

The sun had set a while ago but the Riotan campsite was far from turning in for the night. They sat together on the forest ground singing songs and roasting sausages. Laughing and telling ghost stories. The Riotans were rowdy, affectionate people who took every excuse to celebrate and rejoice. And so, they took it upon themselves to celebrate the crowning of their closest ally's next monarch a bit early!

In all their merriment and cheer, no one seemed to notice the absence of the only member of their party actually hailing from that ally. Expect, that is, for the Crown Prince. Who quietly excused himself from watching Ashido's impromptu (but impressive) belly dance, grabbed two horns of ale, and made his way to a small, clearing not far from their campsite. He found Bakugo Katsuki, as he knew he would, sitting alone in the dark, fiddling with his maps and telescope. He approached, but Bakugo spoke before he reached him.

"Get out of here, Shitty Hair." He told him coldly "I can smell the booze on you and I hate dealing with you when your drunk."

Kirishima, who was indeed feeling pleasantly buzzed already, just rolled his eyes and settled himself next to a nearby tree, careful not to sit on any of the expensive-looking maps "I've had two horns of ale, that's not drunk. Kaminari just spilled on me a little."

Bakugo said nothing.

"Of course, if you don't take one of these off my hands, I'm going to end up drinking both of them. You're on me about wasting food, after all. And then I'll definitely be drunk! And then I'd probably end up-"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it, shaddup already!" Bakugo snapped, snatching a horn from him. He downed the entire thing in one breath, tossed the empty horn aside without a care, and turned back to his star maps like nothing had happened.

Ah! He was so manly!

"We're two days off schedule." Bakugo informed him "And now it's going to be even worse, with everyone hungover tomorrow."

"Is that what you're doing all alone out here? Using the stars to figure out where exactly in the world we are?" Kirishima snickered, remembering fondly those long nights of teaching Bakugo how to use the stars for navigation so many moons ago.

"You're missing the point." Bakugo told him, his eyes firmly on the stars "At this rate, you'll be late for the coronation you people are so keen to celebrate. And then what? Do they push back the coronation to accommodate their closest ally and slight the other countries? Or do they continue as planned and slight their biggest ally as you've slighted them by being late in the first place?"

Kirishima sighed in defeat. Bakugo was, as usual, right. But that would be dealt with in the morning. He couldn't stop his countrymen now if he screamed till he was blue in the face. So, instead, he finished off his ale and carefully made his way around the maps to sit behind Bakugo, wrapping his arms around the man's torso. Bakugo only stiffened in response.

"You know, you're allowed to be happy." He mumbled into his shoulder "You're going hoooome."

"Fuck… you are drunk." Bakugo's heart was beating fast. Kirishima could hear it through his back.

"It's three horns now." He confessed, thoughts of pressing kisses to Bakuo's bare shoulders already beginning to enter his mind.

"Tell me about Yuuei." He asked into his hard flesh "I haven't been there since I was little. You're so faaar."

Bakugo pulled at Kirishima's arms, trying to make him let go but that was a task easier said than done "Get off! You're always so clingy when you're drunk!"

"You like it." Kirishima said lazily "If you didn't like it, you'd have thrown me off by now. We both know you can."

Bakugo went very still. His heart was still beating very fast.

"Kirishima! There you are, man!" Sero's voice rang out. The lanky man screeching to a stop when he saw the intimate position the two were in "Uh… y-your father's looking for you." He said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly

Bakugo took that moment, when Kirishima's defenses were down, to actually throw him off. The Prince hit the dirt with a soft "Oof!"

Sero came to his aide and helped him up. Bakugo didn't spare them so much as a glance as he returned to his telescope and Sero led Kirishima back to the festivities.

"Seriously, man." Sero whispered to him not that quietly "I don't know what you see in him."

The first thing that struck Todoroki about Yuuei's palace was it's size.

It was… actually rather small as far as castles go. He had heard Deku talk about how much more "humble" and "manageable" Yuuei's castle was compared to Endeavor's. Now he's tempted to think that was more of Deku's silver tongue working it's magic.

He is tempted. But…

The castle is not located within the capitol city, through which they had just passed, (Another strange aspect of the castle.) Instead it was isolated out here, with solidarity domination of the skyline.

Entrance path they rode on doubled as one of All Might Castle's many extravagant, and beautifully manicured gardens. They rode through archways of flowers, past hedges shaped like people and animals, past every possible beauty a garden can hold. Thick forests lay not far beyond them, adding a sense of foreboding to the pleasant gardens. As though they were being specially protected from the dangers beyond in some way. The castle itself, covered in ivy, seemed to rise itself from the grounds.

And this castle was old. Very old. No one knew exactly how old but Todorki was sure that it had stood for centuries before him, and would stand for centuries after he was gone. Endeavor's palace was always going under some renovation or another. They changed tiles and mortar as easily as they did Kings and Queens. It was a sign of power, he had been taught, a sign of wealth, that they could change and shape their castle however they liked to suit their whims. But this castle was powerful in a way that their sparkly and extravagant one could never be.

Next to him, Deku sighed wistfully. The gentle smile of a man returning home after a year of being away from it playing at his lips.

And the castle! It was his now wasn't it? His to live in and rule over for the rest of his days!

He was dressed in his Yuuein clothing now, with it's characteristic high necklines and long, drapey sleeves that hid his body beautifully from the world. It struck him suddenly that he would probably never see Deku in those revealing silky chiffons he so hated ever again. He did not let the disappointment cross his face.

The party had barely passed through the gates of the estate when a deep powerful laugh rang out above them, causing them to stop in surprise. A shadow crossed Todoroki's vision from high above him, drawing his attention skyward, where it seemed a large man stood on the roof of the palace, watching their entrance. A guard perhaps? Then he heard his father grunt ahead of him and spied Deku grinning, wide-eyed, at the same figure and realized with a start there was only one man that could be.

No sooner had Todoroki made the connection than All Might leapt confidently from the roof and landed easily in front of Todoroki's father. The force of his landing caused the earth under them to rumble and some dirt and wind to blow in their faces. All Might himself didn't even look winded after a fall that would have killed an average man. His smile betrayed nothing.

Todoroki had heard of All Might's rippling physique and incredible strength and stamina but he had assumed them to be exaggerated.

As it turns out, no.

But more than his physical strength Todoroki finds himself in awe of the aura coming off of him. He is confident, to be sure, self assured and bold. His posture, his effortlessly straight back, feet shoulder width apart and hands on his hips and, of course, that ever present magnificent smile, all gives him an air of invincibility that left even a Crown Prince breathless. There was no burden those broad shoulders could not bear. No challenge that could make him waver. No force that could strike him down.

In a way, it was like being in his father's presence but without any of the animosity between them. Instead of overwhelming domination, he was protection. Instead of blazing heat he was comforting warmth.

So, this was the man regarded as the Symbol of Peace by his people. This was his father's opponent. This was the man Deku sought to emulate. This was… his future father-in-law.

Todoroki hoped they would refrain from feeding him just a while longer. His appetite has suddenly left him.

"I am here!" All Might declared, his voice just as booming and loud as it had been on the roof "Bidding you welcome to our beautiful country!"

Todoroki's father sniffed, expression thoroughly unimpressed "You mean to bid us welcome to your estate, All Might. If you wished to welcome us to your country you would have met us at the border."

All Might dosen't take the bait "Enji-San," He tuts "You know better than anyone how all-consuming the work we do is! And with something as crucial as my successor's coronation on the horizon I can't leave anything to chance!"

"And where, pray tell, is this successor of yours that we might meet and get a taste for him?" King Enji pressed

"My apologies, Enji-San, but it is tradition to keep the next All Might's identity a secret until they are revealed at their coronation."

"So then no one gets the chance to get to know their next monarch before they are seated on the throne? Seems rather short-sighted, if you ask me." King Enji remarked

Nobody did ask you. Todoroki thought irritatedly. The Endeavoran system worked the same way, except their rulers were placed on a throne at birth and had people kissing their ass their entire formative years.

"It's just the way we do things here." All Might replied, he really never did stop smiling. Todoroki wondered if it was painful to keep up.

King Enji grunts again and dismounts his horse "Very well. Someone show me to my chambers. I will retire until dinner and rest from the long journey."

A stringy-haired servant darts forward and, with trembling knees, prostrates herself to the king before leading him away without him acknowledging her at all. Before they're out of sight, however, she does turn around and offer Deku a wave and a smile which he returns.

That's right. They were on his turf now. All the servants here would already be acquainted with Deku. He probably had many friends and allies here he hadn't bothered to tell Todoroki about.

With the King gone, the rest of the party takes their leave quickly and soon enough only Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, and Deku are left in All Might's overwhelming presence. All Might regards Todoroki quietly for a moment, sizing him up. He feels unexpectedly small in the gaze of the massive, muscle-bound man.

Then his eyes flicker over to Deku who preens under the heavy gaze. He smiles at his mentor and gives him a small nod. It seems that was all the invitation All Might needed. The next second, he's swept Deku up into a tight embrace, dismounting him from his horse in the process, and tossing the by-no-means-light man around as if he were a rag doll. They both laugh, this clearly a familiar activity to them.

"My boy, let me look at you." All Might says as he places Deku back on his feet.

A long moment passes where he does just that. His shining blue eyes carefully drinking in the appearance of his successor with a tenderness Todoroki didn't think such a huge man should be capable of. His massive thumb swipes across the scar under Deku's eye. The scar that had not been there when he left Yuuei. Todoroki felt his cheeks burn, wondering if All Might knew the story behind the scar. Even if he didn't, it surely reflected poorly on him, that Deku was injured in such away while under his protection.

Deku does not shy away from All Might's gaze. He places his brown hand over All Might's and leans into the touch, holding eye contact and offering his mentor a reassuring smile. All Might brings him in for one more tight hug and when the two break apart he leans down and touches their foreheads together. He says something to Deku, quiet enough Todoroki can't hear but he can guess easily enough it's something like "I've missed you.".

The scene is so gentle and tender Todoroki finds himself averting his eyes to it, feeling very much the intruder. 'They are like a father and son.' He thinks, an image of him and his own father sharing such a moment springs to mind 'Well… a good father and son.'

"Very well then!" All Might cried, rightening again as he released Deku from his embrace "I'll leave you in young Midoriya's capable hands! Young Midoriya, when you've finished with that, come find me in my study. We have much to discuss!" Deku nods and then All Might has leapt into the air again, a final show of his pure physical strength before disappearing from sight all together.

For the first time in quite a long time, Todoroki Shoto is speechless. He opens his mouth but nothing will come.

"Is he-" is all Yaoyorozu can manage

"Oh yes. Always." Deku cuts her off, either out of amusement or pity, Todoroki can't tell. His smile splits his face cleanly in two.

"I-I have spent my entire life surrounded by-" Todoroki sputters

"Never quite like him, though, yes?"

"You've seen this before." He realizes

Deku offers a small shrug "Perks of the job. Seeing foreign dignitaries all but knocked off their horses just by being in the presence our Poor Man's King." Finally he extends a hand to help Todoroki off his steed "You did well to stay mounted, Your Highness."

Heavens above, he's never seen Deku look so smug!

"That's not One For All either is it?" Yaoyorozu asks as he helps her down too "I mean, the jumping and whatnot is. But the rest…"

Deku himself simply smiles slyly at them and waves them on towards the castle.

"Come on, I'll give you the grand tour."

Todoroki was right about Deku being popular in the castle. It seems they couldn't go ten minutes without some pesky servant with their arms full of flowers or colored cloth for the coronation screeching to a stop and gasping at them that "Midoriya was home! Oh, it's been so long! How are you faring? Is your belly full?"

Deku didn't seem bothered by it in the least. He pulled every one of them into an embrace, calling them by name and reassuring them that he had been well taken care of in his absence and he was just delighted to be home again. They would chat for a few minutes, smiling easily at each other. Those carrying flowers would offer him one to wear in his hair, those carrying fruit or sweets would practically shove one into his mouth. Then they would be on their way, their eyes going comically wide as they finally landed on Todoroki. He wasn't sure if it was becuase they realized realized they'd been ignoring the Crown Prince of Endeavor it they'd just look embarrassed if they'd been caught ignoring anyone like that. Todoroki is not used to being ignored. He finds he is not fond of it.

Or perhaps he was just sensitive because Deku was involved. That was also a distinct possibility.

Indeed, Deku seems to positively shine with all the attention. His smile as never-ceasing as his mentor's and his eyes sparkle like Yuuei's sun itself.

In Endeavor, Todoroki had always been the center of attention with Deku keeping off to the side, his head respectfully bowed. He hadn't expected Deku to take to the spotlight to well. Perhaps he was overestimating how difficult it would be for him to replace his mentor one day.

This was Deku on his home turf. Beloved and fawned over and fed and pet like a prized show beast. And in return he loved and fawned over and fed and pet his subjects as if they were all the best of friends. He could already imagine him commanding the same overwhelmingly positive air All Might did one day.

Yes, his father was terribly wrong to underestimate this man. He would be a force to be reckoned with.

Still, he was happier when the gushing servants passed and those twinkling eyes and brilliant smile were only for him.

The castle of Yuuei itself was not large enough to host guests from all five kingdom's at once. But discussions of expansions were strictly off the the table due to it's historical significance. (Supposedly, this was the ancestral home of the First All Might. But, as with most things about the First All Might, this was so buried under myth and historical controversy, it was impossible to know for sure.) So, as a compromise, four other mansions were erected on the palace grounds around the lake. Each one in the distinct architectural style of one of the five kingdoms so as to provide a home-away-from-home for their foreign guests. Each one was equipped with a library, music room, observatory (Yuueins were also world renowned meteorologists and astronomers) sun room, and, of course, a fully stocked kitchen. They were arranged to envoke the image of a hand from above, with the lake as the palm and each of the buildings as a finger. Yuuei's castle itself being the thumb.

Deku is a wealth of knowledge on every possible aspect of the castle. From the building materials, to the battles fought there, to the windows with the best views of the lake or gardens. Deku had never kept his heritage, nor his pride in it, secret in Endeavor. But it was still practically disarming to see his eyes shine as he went on and on about everything Yuuei had to offer. Todoroki felt his heart sink at the realization that this was what he'd been keeping Deku from. An environment he thrived in. A culture he adored. A country he loved. A people who loved him in return. He thinks of the timid manservant who had been presented to him so many months ago. The man who could not meet his eye and looked profoundly uncomfortable surrounded by such wealth and grandeous, dressed like a whore for the nobility's amusement.

He made a vow then, a silent one but no less solemn, that he would do everything in his considerable power to keep this new Deku alive and well for as long as he lived. He would not see that light trampled out by cruel kings or arrogant nobility.

He would soon find out he had other worries then them, though.