Fantasy AU catchall

[inheritance]

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[glaciers]

[This means that Shouto will just be trotting alongside the stranger and his horse. Yeah, that's fine.

Shouto takes the ropes on one of them and starts dragging them over to the horse.]

How far are we from the castle anyway?

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About twenty minutes, on foot. [Depending if they run into any more complications along the way, he doesn't have to say.

Izuku takes over from there, lifting the two unconscious men up without much effort and then draping them over his horse's back.]

Okay, that should do it. [As he's wrapping the reins around his hand, Izuku turns toward him with a curious little look.] What's your name, anyway? I'm Izuku.

[glaciers]

Not too far.

[... You know what, Shouto should've figured out a cover name a while back. As it stands, he just looks off balance for a moment.] Shou.

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[Now, that was odd. If Shou had gotten injured during their scuffle with the bandits, Izuku might've been a bit more worried, but... as it is, there's no reason why he would've hesitated before giving his name.

Izuku presses his thumb into his bottom lip, studying Shou again before internally shrugging and letting it go. For now.]

Well...nice to meet you, Shou!

[Whatever Shou's hiding, Izuku figures he'll know about it later, if he really does hire him. Even if Aizawa would tell him he's being too naive, Izuku doesn't think it would hurt letting him stay a mystery for now. He'd rushed in to help Izuku, after all. That has to count for something in the trust department!]

[glaciers]

You too, Izuku.

[All Shouto really wants to do is keep his name to himself and find some employment somewhere his father can't touch him. The name he gave is close enough to his real one that it doesn't really feel like his lying. Besides, it'll be easier to remember to respond to it if he does end up working for Izuku.]

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[Ah, Shou seems a bit quiet, but he's nice enough! At least Izuku doesn't mind filling in the silence with chatter on his own, jumping from how nice the market in the castle town is (you'll really like it Shou!) to the talented smith he's made friends with recently (Mei's really young, but you wouldn't think so when you see her workmanship!).

Of course, there's no fending off the curiosity forever. It's no surprise that Izuku eventually begins asking questions.]

Are you from around here, Shou? You're traveling so lightly.

[glaciers]

[He's actually relieved that Izuku is so chatty. It makes it easier for Shouto not to have to make up things.

But that's... true. He actually is from the neighboring kingdom, but saying that will definitely give his game away.]

Not really. I got robbed by bandits recently. While I was asleep. I only woke up when they were trying to take the stuff that was strapped to me.

[That sounds believable enough, doesn't it? It explains why he's carrying so little and why he has his sword and coin pouch.]

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Oh no... [When Izuku looks over at him this time, his eyes fill with dismay.]

You were robbed??! You should've said something earlier, Shou! [Even if it wasn't Shou's intention to get Izuku's sympathy, that's definitely what happens.] I'll...do whatever I can to help you find a job!

[glaciers]

[Uuuh... this kid has a really soft heart and now Shouto's worried that somebody's going to take advantage of his trusting nature.]

They're long gone by now. I didn't think it was that important.

[But Shouto's view on that is pretty skewed. He has some money and he has a sword.]

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But ... [Izuku shakes his head. Maybe it's because it happened a while ago, but he's surprised that Shou's taking this so calmly.]

Even if you say that, that's still a terrible thing to have happen to you. [Izuku reaches over to curl his fingers around Shou's wrist, meeting Shou's eyes with his earnest green ones.] You'll let me know if you need help, right? If you're staying in the town, we can keep in touch!

[glaciers]

You're the one who needed rescuing before.

[Why can't he just take the help and not criticize?

While Izuku looks into his eyes, he can see that they're two very different colors, gray and teal. There wasn't anything to be done about his eye color. His hair was the easy part.]

If anything, you should tell me when you need help.

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[It's kind of refreshing to have Sou be so straightforward with him.]

You're not going to let me forget that any time soon, are you? Just because you helped me out first doesn't mean I can't return the favor, you know!

[glaciers]

[What's tact and what is it used for?]

It is how we met. ... Though that's true. Finding me a job would be the biggest favor.

I'm going to run out of funds if I don't start working.

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Then, that's what I'll do! I'll put in a good word for you and everything.

[Now that he knows the misfortune that Shou had run into earlier, Izuku's determined to help him settle in.]

It's the least I can do.

[glaciers]

Thanks.

[Should he... be feeling guilty about his own poor lack of packing? His father would've noticed if Shouto took more than what belonged to him. Enji would've locked him up and reminded him of his place.

... No. He shouldn't feel guilty over this.]

If you ever want to go into the woods, let me know.

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[Immediately, Izuku looks cheered by the offer.] I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Shou!

[As they draw closer to the castle, Izuku begins to wonder if he should, well, warn Shou about his status. But before Izuku can decide, a patrol spots them just when they're leaving the line of trees behind.]

Your highness!! [They call out, hurrying toward them. Izuku winces.]

[glaciers]

[Holy shit. Oh he's so fucked-- Wait no. Izuku didn't recognize him and Shouto didn't recognize him either.

Maybe he can work somewhere he's less likely to be found out. Except he's also mentioned working for him instead and it would be weird if he did a total 180 from that stance.]

... Should I bow?

[That's what they do in his kingdom, but it's different here. It's a lot less damning than "why have I never heard of you?"]

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[The look of horror on Izuku's face would probably be comical if Shou wasn't worried about blowing his cover.]

Oh, please don't. [He blurts out, shaking his head emphatically.] You...you don't have to act differently just because you know who I am now.

[It had been nice, just talking with Shou earlier, without a care for status. All the bowing and scraping that he gets nowadays makes him uncomfortable, and there's no break from it when the townspeople all know your face.]

[glaciers]

[Part of him feels like he should, but the rest of him is more than willing to accept it. There's no way he'll ever remember to bow in the presence of royalty. He never even did it for his father.

It's one less thing he needs to remember.]

If you say so. Remember, you asked me not to.

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[Oh, phew. That took a lot less convincing than Izuku would've thought.] Trust me, I'd prefer it this way!

[His relief is short-lived, though, when the patrol arrives.] Your Highness, the king has been asking for you!

Thanks. I'll head over immediately. [Izuku looks just a bit uncomfortable as he addresses the soldiers.] Um, here! We ran into some bandits not too far from here. Can you take care of them?

[Once he's passed the horse's reins over to them, Izuku takes a hold of Shou's wrist and tugs him toward the town's gates.] You might as well come with me. I did say I'd help you find a job, and there's no better person to ask than the king!

[glaciers]

[He didn't think this through at all. Though he's quiet as Izuku gives the horse over to the guards and Shouto needs to find something to say. He doesn't look quite as obviously like Shouto Todoroki, but is this disguise going to keep this kingdom's king fooled? He doesn't think so.

Izuku can still take him easily as Shouto falls into quiet while his brain works on overdrive.]

Does the king need a swordsman?

[Yeah, that's not suspicious, right? He doesn't think it's suspicious.]

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Well, not exactly... but he might know someone who does.

[Despite how scrawny Izuku might look at first glance, his grip around Shou's wrist is a strong one--besides, Shou's the first person in ages who doesn't seem too deterred by his status. He's not going to get away any time soon.

They make their way through the marketplace, Izuku even waving bashfully at a few shop owners as he passes by.]

[glaciers]

Is it you?

[Izuku's stronger than he looks. That's a good thing for a potential ruler. That means people who are dealing with him will underestimate his strength in battle. Any advantage in a fight.]

They seem fond of you.

[inheritance]

[Cough!!] He's definitely tried to convince me to find a personal guard recently...

[Then, he squirms a little, trying not to look too pleased.] You think so?

[glaciers]

You did get jumped in the woods. [He's never going to let this go.]

I don't usually see townspeople that friendly with their rulers.