(A little bit of fluff while I work on the next part of the story. It also highlights the relationship between dragon and master which will be explained in detail later on.)
After a few hours, only two people remained in the once crowded clearing. No more cages or chains. It was peaceful, as though nature had taken it all back into her arms again. Kirishima had been instructed to watch over Todoroki as he slept so it was up to Bakugou to return the violet dragon; who's name, he had learnt, was Shinso, to his master.
The two walked down the empty road in silence, neither being fond of making conversation. They were walking to a small village on the outskirts of the dragon region where the famous Blue Knight spent much of his time guarding his friends and family from looters and rouge creatures. As they got closer, Bakugou noticed a shift in the atmosphere; Shinso was walking faster, breathing heavily, digging his nails into his palm in frustrated anticipation. The blonde quickly tapped his hand, "don't do that, I'd like to return you in one piece if it's all the same." the young man was already sporting a nasty gash to the head, he didn't want any more blood shed today. He sighed softly, "do you want to run? We're close, we'll get there quickly." Furious nodding from the dragon was the only encouragement he needed to start sprinting down the road, Shinso just in front, desperate to be closer to his Master again.
Iida Tenya has been pacing back and forth for hours on end, unable to concentrate on any of his regular duties. It frustrated him that there was seemingly nothing he could do but wait for his dragons return though that hadn't stopped him from venturing out alone in a vein attempt to find him. Many of his friends had attempted to comfort him but nothing had any effect. They understood, none of them knew what they would do in this position either, to be without ones dragon was the very definition of loneliness. He was beginning to loose hope, ready to mourn the loss of his beloved parter when, from the distance, he heard the echo of a cry. The beaconing whisper of a voice he recognised. "Master! Are you there?" A shadow down the road, racing towards him with open arms, near screaming to him. Iida didn't even have to think before his legs had carried him, faster than he'd ever run before, to finally hold his dragon close again after so long.
Neither said a word, they didn't need to. Shinso buried his face in his masters shoulder, leaning against him as his worn legs finally gave way. Iida held him up, supporting him like he longed to in the days that he was gone, strong arms pulling him closer as though Shinso could just slip from his fingers again. They stayed that way for a while, seemingly understanding the others feelings without speaking. Bakugou understood and let them have the moment, he knew it was important.
After a few minutes, Iida rose, still holding his dragon close to his side. He felt stronger, more complete than he had done before and his sense of purpose started to edge back in as he made to thank whoever helped to return Shinso to his arms. However, as soon as he saw Bakugou standing over them, he sank to his knee with his head bowed in gratitude. "My Lord, I apologise in my not addressing you sooner, I am indebted to you for your services to both myself and this region." The blonde was confused, having understood only half the words that had been spoken. "No need to be so serious" the knights formality was making him uncomfortable, "it's no problem, seriously, just doing my job." Iida rose to his feet, not seeming fazed by, what Bakugou believed to be, his own overly intense amount of passion. "Of course, you've always had the interests of your people at heart and your work is greatly appreciated." He stood up straight as though addressing a commander before going into battle. Shinso remained tucked at his side, and gave a nod of thanks to Bakugou, still clinging to his master's arm. Dragons didn't answer to anyone but their own masters, that was why Bakugou likes them more than people.
"Yeah, right so.. Thank you, but I need to go so, yeah. See you around" he quickly turned on his heel and walked back down the path; he never knew how to properly respond to people's praise for his ruling. He didn't feel like a king or a lord, he just wanted his people happy and safe so they'd stay out his way; and he considered this to be a job well done.
Iida had heated up a warm bath for his dragon and was gently washing the little cuts on his arms. Despite the rough skin of his calloused fingers, the knight's touch was surprisingly gentle as he pressed soaked muslin bandages to the wounds. He made his way, slowly and carefully to the dragons forehead, not missing a single cut or slash. But instead of cleaning the gash as he'd done the others, Shinso felt a gentle hand fall through his hair and a weight on his shoulder as his master sat by him, unmoving. Nothing was said until the broad and powerful shoulders of the knight began to shake and salt tears began to swirl away in the crystal water.
"Master, don't cry, I'm home, we're safe." But his calming voice did nothing to stifle the small rain of tears that fell across the dragons battle scared shoulder. "I thought.." Iida gasped through quiet sobs, "I thought I'd lost you, I thought you'd never come home, I..." There was more he wanted to say but he couldn't find the words. Instead of pushing for more, the violet dragon just lay his head atop the young knight's and shut his eyes. The closeness was comforting, it made everything seem just a little more real. "I understand." Iida smiled through his tears, placing a kiss on a little scar that grazed the pale skin of his partner. Shinso always understood. He seemed to know Iida's emotions even before he did, always knowing how to reply before anything had even been said. He was small for a dragon, and as a human he was lanky and sleep deprived, most people under estimated him. But there was a different power within him, a spark that Iida loved to watch grow brighter. He swore that, one day, his dragon would be unstoppable, with power that nobody had ever seen before. But, even if that day never came, Iida was still happy enough, watching that little spark flicker and glow.
After a few minutes, the young knight looked up into gentle, lavender eyes, holding the gaze for just a moment, as though he wanted to remember every detail. Shinso's expression might have been unreadable from afar but there was a softness to his features that only his master seemed to ever notice. Without a word spoken, their lips met in a gentle kiss. Iida's eyes fluttered shut as he was engulfed the warming, ashen scent that surrounded his dragon; he swore that it flowed through him, warming his heart and clearing his mind. Neither made an attempt to deepen the kiss, just enjoying this closeness, the comfort that the other bought. The knight's hands draped through the untameable mane of his partner's hair as Shinso's delicate fingers rested lightly on his shoulders, bringing the other a little closer. The whole house was silent, save the crackling of the fire in the hath. It was warm, peaceful, gentle and, in a word, perfect.
Bakugou walked in through the door, muscles aching and exhausted. It was night by now and the cold air was crisp and sharp on his skin. So when he saw the soft glow of a fire, outlining the shape of his faithful companion still watching over their new guest, he couldn't help but smile. The whole place felt warm and homely. As soon as he shut the door Kirishima turned and grinned to see his masters return. He came running to hug him, reminding Bakugou of a young puppy in the way he leapt into his arms. "Welcome home Master! I lit a fire for you and I tidied up a little bit and I kept watch over.." He stumbled a little on not knowing the name of their new arrival. Bakugou laughed a little and petted the young man's hair softly, "well done, you did a good job today." Kirishima grinned, his sharp teeth remaining even in his human form and making him look even more endearing.
The blonde yawned and went over to sit by the fire, Kirishima dutifully following and sitting by his side. Despite his bubbly demeanour, Bakugou could see how tired the young dragon was as he swayed slightly and struggled to keep his eyes open. He sighed, "get some sleep dumbass, you worked really hard." His words might have been jeering but his voice was soft and gentle. Kiri nodded, resting his head on the others shoulder, shuffling closer and smiling brightly. "I love you Master." He mumbled as he started to fall asleep. Bakugou pulled him a little closer and brushed a lock of red hair from his eyes, "I love you too."