Shoto was currently sprawled out in the library reading a book on old war strategies. He was surrounded by Izuku, Jirou, and Momo. The green haired mer had his nose in a book as well, but one of his hands had it's fingers threaded into Shoto's duel colored stands as he rested his head in his lover's lap. The two women were sitting at a small table a few steps away playing a game of chess. Based off of Momo's grumbling, Jirou was winning. Izuku had already attempted to play against the violet eyed woman but he had lost quickly. Momo then challenged her but it was clear from the start who was the more experienced player. Shoto knew to not even attempt to win against Jirou. She just simply had a talent for the game. There was a reason that she helped Iida with guard techniques. She was skilled not only in medicine but also strategy. Shoto knew that because of this, Momo's parents would no doubt be welcoming of her into their family as their daughter's wife.

It had been three days since the accord was released and the marriage was called off. Since then, Shoto's duties had waned off as his mother now took over his previous responsibilities. She was back to her normal self and had gone out into the city to see the people. She had been welcomed back with smiling faces and open arms. His father was a different story. The man had yet to show his face to anyone since that night, not that Shoto was complaining. He couldn't care less about what the man was doing or how he spent his days now that his plans were ruined. The one thing that he did worry about was his promise to Izuku.

He had told him that once his mother was healed he would return him to the sea, where he belonged. The thing was, he couldn't bring himself to do it. He knew it was selfish but he loved the man too much to let him go. They had spent over a month together and so much had happened in that short time frame. Momo had even talked to him about it just the day before. She had pulled him into a room while he had been on his way to go out for a ride with Izuku. She explained to him that he couldn't keep the mer locked in the palace forever and how if he wanted to leave it was his choice. Shoto understood but couldn't find the words to bring up the subject to the smaller man. A part of him hoped that he had forgotten about the promise but he knew that the mer still thought about it. He saw the way his eyes glazed over with longing when a seagull flew over them from the harbor or how he looked towards the waves when they were on the ship. The sea was his home and he would be a monster to keep him from it.

So he made a plan. Today he was going to ask Izuku about going back to the sea. He would take him to the clearing where there would be no prying ears and remind him of his promise. It was going to hurt, he knew that. But it was the right thing to do. Movement from the corner of his eye caused him to look up again. Momo groaned in defeat and Jirou proudly smirked at her. The two quickly set the board back up to the original starting position then stood when they were done. Izuku marked his page in the book he was reading and looked up just as the two women said their farewells and explained how they had plans for a walk in the town. Shoto waved to them and Izuku cheerfully did the same. The duel haired prince did not miss the little wink of encouragement that Momo sent his way as they left the library. He nodded in understanding.

Once the door was shut Shoto stood and stretched. He groaned as a satisfying pop sounded from his lower spine. He looked down at Izuku to see his emerald eyes shining brightly. He couldn't help but smile at the love that he saw on the mer's face. The heterochromic man knew he was in deep but he would be damned if he did not keep his promise. Without a word he extended his hand to Izuku who delightfully took it. When he was finally standing Shoto was happily surprised when he received a gentle peck on his cheek. He quickly turned his head to kiss his lover properly and smiled as the greenette quickly melted into the kiss. He wrapped his arms around Shoto's shoulders and simply enjoyed the contact that they shared. When they pulled apart Shoto still held him close by his waist.

"I'd like to take you to the clearing again", Shoto explained.

Izuku's eyes lit up in excitement. "Sounds perfect", he said happily.

"Wonderful", Shoto replied.

They walked out of the room and towards the stables. Shoto's heart was pounding a mile a minute as they saddled up Apollo and were joined by Felix. They quickly mounted the white horse and headed towards the clearing.

Izuku had gotten used to riding on the easily excited creature with all the time that they spent out on rides over the past few days. He found that the leisurely pace Apollo took through trails was comforting and gave him and Shoto time to talk to one another. He would be lying if he said that the fact that they were away from the castle didn't put him at ease. He had never been comfortable around more prestigious families, even in his own village, and the Todoroki's were no exception. Tho, with the queen back the king was seen much less. He was glad that he did not have to attend meals with the man and even more so that Shoto did not either. He had heard the stories from the crew on the ship but had never expected him to be as harsh as he was the first time that he met him. He could see why Shoto liked the escape that sailing offered. He was brought out of his thoughts as the duo entered the clearing once more. Felix opted to stay on Izuku's shoulder while Apollo went to find a new patch of clover to graze on.

Shoto led the mer over to a shaded spot and sat down on a blanket that they had backed into a small bag that was attached to Apollo's saddle. The prince took a seat and Izuku crawled over to sit in his lap. Felix took that moment to hop off of the greenette's shoulder an move to a corner of the blanket where he spiraled the fabric until it resembled a small nest. The duo watched with smiles as the falcon settled down and cooed happily. Shoto grinned as he heard a light chuckle leave Izuku. He wrapped his arms around his smaller love and held him close. He felt the tension leave the man's body as he relaxed. After a few moments Shoto took a deep breath and opened his mouth,

"'Zuku, I actually took you out here to talk to you about something".

"What is it?", Izuku asked worriedly. He turned his head to look at Shoto better.

"Well", he took a pause to prepare himself. "When I first met you the circumstances were not ideal. During that time I made a promise. I promised to bring you back once you had healed my mother. I think it's time I fulfill it and keep my word".

He looked at Izuku and saw a plethora of emotions cross his face, but the most prominent one was sorrow. He felt his heart start to shatter. He looked down at the grass around them to keep himself from having to look at Izuku's saddened face.

"Shoto", Izuku said softly.

He couldn't look. He didn't want to hear or see him. He didn't want to know the answer for the fear of it being what he didn't want. A hand on his cheek made him turn his head to glance up anyway.

"Thank you"

'Here it comes' Shoto thought. Here comes the part where he says he want's to go back. To leave him.

"But I have no need to go back".

Shoto's eyes widened in shock. He had heard correctly, right? He was staying. He didn't want to go back?

"But what about the sea and your duty to protect it?", he asked.

"They will find a way to get to me if I am needed. The best thing that I can do for the sea right now is keep humans from destroying it. What better way to do so than intermingle with the humans themselves and spread awareness?".

"You're staying?"

"I'm staying"

Shoto couldn't help but dive in for a kiss. He was so happy that he couldn't control himself. Izuku giggled as they collided causing Shoto to smile with him. Hw poured all of his emotion into the action and when he pulled back he smiled brightly.

"I was so worried you were going to leave me", he admitted.

"I imprinted on you Sho, you're stuck with me"

They kissed again and after a few moments separated and rested in a comfortable silence. They simply sat in the clearing and enjoyed the nature around them. Soon Apollo came trotting over to the dug and dug his hoof into the ground impatiently. They had stayed out much longer than they had planned and the horse was getting antsy on missing his dinner.

With a heavy sigh, Shoto stood and helped up Izuku. Felix tiredly stretched his wings and flew to Izuku's shoulder where he settled down again. Shoto folded up the blanket and packed it into the bag. Once it was secure he quickly mounted Apollo and hoisted Izuku up behind him. He smiled as he felt the mer wrap his arms around his waist and nuzzle his cheek lovingly into his back. As they set off he reached into one of the smaller saddle bags and pulled out a piece of dried meat and handed it to Felix over his shoulder. Once he was sure the falcon had the treat secured safely he refocused on the trail ahead.

The ride back was uneventful and when they got to the stables one of the stable hands took Apollo for them and promised to clean and feed him. Shoto thanked him and Led Izuku back into the palace. They made their way through the halls until they reached Izuku's room. Izuku opened the door and glanced behind him to see if Shoto was coming in but Shoto shook his head lightly.

"I have a few more things to do before I can truly relax for the night. I'll be back in about two hours and we can have dinner together", he explained.

"Okay. See you then", Izuku said, lightly kissing Shoto.

He watched as the prince walked down the hall and once he was gone he entered his room. Once the door was shut he smiled happily to himself and walked over to the bed to change out of the cloths that he was wearing.

"Izuku Midoriya", a voice said from behind him.

He quickly turned around and put his hands up in defense. Who he saw was none other than the king Enji himself with two guards.

"What do you want?", he asked.

The king strolled towards him without a care in the world. Izuku backed away but soon found that the king had backed him into a wall. His heart sped up in fear.

"I simply have a few questions for you and you are going to answer them truthfully", the red haired man said.

"I don't have to answer anything"

"Sure you do. That is, if you want to live".Before Izuku could react another guard was behind him and had a knife pressed to his neck. He glared at the king but swallowed heavily as he felt the blade against his skin. "Now that I have my point across I'll begin with my questions. What is your relationship with my son?".

"What does it matter to you? The wedding is already off"

A look from the king and the blade sank into his skin and Izuku hissed in pain.

"I'll ask again. What is your relationship with Shoto?", he asked furiously.

"I'm his lover. I have been for a while now".

With the answer the blade was taken away from his neck but he feat the blood drip down to stain the pristine white shit he had on.

"Very good, and where did you meet him?".

"I met him while he was traveling the sees".

"Wonderful. Now for the million dollar question. Why did he lie that he lost the mer and why is that mer now the lover of my son?"

Izuku's eyes widened. He opened his mouth to speak but was was hit on the back of the head and he fell to the ground with a groan. His ears rang and his vision went black. Just before he lost consciousness he heard the king speak again.

"Bring him to the east wing and prepare him for the ceremony".