~Courting the Barbarian~
*Pairing: Kiri/Baku, a bit of a Bakubowl
*CW: politics, courting, eventual smut, might be some dub con (not by kiribaku)

*Surprise! You guys get TWO interactive threads for reaching 1000 followers. This one doesn't really have that much smut, it focuses more on romance.
*Help Bakugou navigate a courting ball! Help Kirishima court the clueless blond!
*All routes do lead to endgame kiribaku

~Let's begin~

"Do I have to fucking do this?"

It wasn't the first time Katsuki had asked this question. It probably wouldn't be the last.

That does not stop his mom from giving an exasperated sigh. "Fucking- /yes/. Now stop stalling and get dressed or you'll be late."

"Good. I don't even want to go," he growls, lifting the flap that leads to his room.

Even though they're the royal family of the land, their nomadic nature makes it so that having a big palace is more of a disadvantage.

Which means Katsuki can hear every word his mom says-

In their small temporary hut.

"It's just a courting ball. I went to thousands of them when I was younger. What's the big deal, brat?" He knows she's standing outside his flap, probably making sure he doesn't make a run for it.

"Because they're /stupid/," Katsuki says. "How is a ball supposed to let me know whose a worthy mate or not? How can /I/ show them I'm worthy? Why don't we just hold a competition, something that shows off skill?"

Mitsuki sighs, long and hard. He braces himself for yelling.

But none comes. "Listen, kid, the world is changing. The kingdoms around us are growing larger. We may be strong but if one of them wanted to go to war? I'm not...I'm not sure we would win."

Katsuki pauses, looking at his clothes. It's the first time he's heard-

His mom sound doubtful.

"Which is why I /need/ you to behave at this ball, Katsuki. I don't care if you find a match or not, but we need alliances."

He knows she's staring at him through the flap. He takes in a long, deep breath, and rolls his shoulders.

"...Fine. I'll go to this stupid party. But I'm getting drunk."

Mitsuki chuckles. "Get drunk. Fuck someone, I don't care. Just don't start any fights."

"No promises," he whispers under his breath.

Then he goes back to his chest of clothes, contemplating.

~Bakugou knows he needs to give a good impression. But what kind of impression?~

His mother always laughs about how much she can get away with because of her looks, so he decides to go with that.

He picks out one of the fine silk shirts they traded llama milk for with the Hiacluthan spice traders last spring.

It's purple, with translucent sleeves, tight around his chest area that pinches his waist.

It matches the black hakama that he tucks it into, as well as the purple belt he wraps around his waist.

He slides his sword into the sheath on his waist, rubs honey flowers on his neck, and makes an attempt to tame his hair.

That last bit doesn't work out too well but his mom gives him a critical eye before nodding. "Very handsome," she tells him, a small smile on her face.

Katsuki grunts, looking away with a slight flush on his face. "Whatever, let's get going."

~~

Eayeatora hosts the ball this year, King Todoroki puffing his chest about his son, the Crown Prince, being eligible.

Katsuki hears all about it on the way to their Winter Castle, his mother not so suitably making comments about what a wonderful match it would be.

And true. It wouldn't be the /worst/, Katsuki having known the asshole since they were kids and dragged to gathering courts.

But Katsuki has no deeper feelings than those of vague friendship.

Besides, he knows something his mother does not about Crown Prince Todoroki.

They arrive late into the evening, an hour after the ball had started, their elephants being directed to the stables, attendents helping them dismount.

They are lead up the stairs, grand and sparkling, golden like the sun.

His mother holds on his elbow, and forces him to stop and be gawked at as their Royalties are announced.

"Queen Mitsuki Bakugou of the Summer Lands and her bachelor son, Prince Katsuki Bakugou."

His mother makes him bow and then she lets him go. "Remember," she whispers in his ear. "Alliances. Be good."

And then she goes, hips swaying, as she goes to from her own web.

Katsuki snorts and takes in the room.

It's a standard ball, most of the floor taken up by dancing partners. Others crowd to the side, talking.

He notes the food bar to the side, piling high with food and drinks. His stomach rumbles, reminding him he hasn't had dinner.

And then his eye catches on a familiar head of hair, all the way to the opposite side of the room.

Actually, /two/ familiar heads of hair.

One green. One duel colored.

He considers his options.

The fastest way would probably be through the dance floor, though it would require him to throw a few elbows. And he was supposed to be nice...

Or he could cut by the food table, pick up some food along the way. But it would take longer and he might have to /talk/ to people.

~How does Baku get to Deku and Todo?~

In the end, his hunger wins out.

He shimmies his way towards it, doing his best not to make eye contact. He's not a talker, not even at the best of times, but definitely not when he's hungry.

The table is long, all the way down one wall. It's piled high with food.

Large plates of boar and duck and lizard, steaming and roasted. Fruit, looking like it had just been plucked, plump and juicy. Vegetables, all sorts of colors (green and orange and purple and yellow) are spread out. Desserts with whip cream reaching towards the ceiling and +

Dark chocolate and white chocolate and fondont covering them sit like fluffy clouds on one side. In several places along the table are bowels of spiced rum and wine.

Katsuki piles his plate high because if he's going to be here, he's going to eat as much as he can.

As he reaches for the rabbit stew, he has to move around another Prince. He's tall and slim, with purple hair slicked back. Their eyes meet for the briefest moment and the guy leans back, relaxing his shoulders, and gives Katsuki a smirk.

"Well, hello there. You just arrived, correct?"

"Great observation skills," Katsuki says before he can stop himself.

His eyes take in the other.

...fuck, he's wearing a sokutai, purple and gold and black. Around his neck is the golden tag of the Aether family.

...double fuck.

Welp. So much for first impressions.

But all the Aether prince does is smirk wider. "Well, you got me there. I am Hitoshi Shinsou, soon to be Head of the Aether family." He bows, slightly.

Katsuki inhales through his nose, sneers, then bows lower. "Katsuki Bakugou, Prince of the Summer Lands. +

You would have to talk my old hag about if I'm going to be King soon or not."

Shinsou chuckles at that. "Yes, Mitsuki Bakugou. I have heard many tales of her."

"If you hear anything shitty, believe it. She's /exactly/ that sort of person."

"Oh, do tell," Shinsou says, leaning closer. "You must know of my family's interest in collecting stories."

"I do and I know enough to not give you shit."

"Smart." Shinsou turns his head as someone taps on his shoulder. He quirks his eyebrows before looking back at Katsuki.

"I have to go, real quick. But it's been a pleasure meeting you, Katsuki Bakugou." Faster than Katsuki can react, he grabs Katsuki's hand, lifting it and turning to kiss his wrist. Their eyes meet. And then he lets go. "Enjoy your food. We'll talk later."

And with that, Shinsou saunters away, a pretty blond on his arm and chatting in his ear.

Katsuki watches him for a second before snorting, shaking his head. Well, that went better than expected.

But soon the food is calling him. He digs in, momentarily forgetting the interaction.

Turning around as he scarfs down his food, he takes in the other nobles.

Most of them are extras, not worth his time. He /could/ form an alliance but what help would they bring if he has more money, more troops, and more willpower than them?

His eyes once again find Todoroki and Deku. They're closer now but still haven't seen him. He starts to walk their way.

A woman steps in his path. Katsuki comes to a halt, scowling.

The woman is in a long red drees that makes her pale skin look even paler.

Her eyes crinkle and she smiles, showing off small fangs. Her blonde hair is tied into two messy buns on top of her head, decorated with blood red rubies.

She bows, low, but still stares him in the eye. "Himiko Toga," she says. "A pleasure to meet you."

Toga, huh? He thinks he remembers that name...a merchant family? From the South?

Something like that. They're not high enough that his mother would agree to-

Either a marriage or an alliance, so Katsuki feels comfortable in just grunting back, barley bowing.

This seems to amuse Toga, who grins wider. She looks him over and he has to do a double take, pretty sure she had licked her lips. "A Summer Land barbarian, huh?

"I have not seen one of your people before."

"We stick to the plains for the most part," Katsuki says, shifting. He tries to think of a way to exit this conversation. There's something about this woman that feels...off.

"The plains," she hums. "I've heard tale of their beauty, golden grass and wild animals as far as the eye can see."

She leans even closer, keeping eye contact. "I've heard they're even more beautiful when they burn with wild fire." A sigh, almost dreamy. "All that destruction."

Katsuki stands firm as she tries to push him back. "Wild fires are a hazard, yes. That's why we make it our responsibility to control them as best as we can."

She lifts an eyebrow. "Control them you say? Not prevent them?"

Katsuki scoffs. "The fires are needed. They get rid of overgrowth and reborn the ground, like Goddess Nima has done for the earth so many times."

"Control, not prevent. Run the fires, but keep them small," Toga mummers. Her eyes crinkle. "I like that. I think I like /you/."

Katsuki feels at a lost, unsure what to say, or even if they are having the same conversation.

He is saved when a third person enters the conversation. "The sacred Burnings. I've heard of them. I've always wanted to go and see."

Katsuki has to blink at the man before him. He's tall, much taller than him, with a big barrelled chest. His smile is wide and sharp. His eyes are as red as his hair.

They sparkle, Katsuki notes somewhere in the back of his brain.

On top of his head is a metal headpiece, made to look like two horns. He wears armor, that only covers his shoulders, but is shirtless beyond that, showing off scars. His pants look like fine leather and he wears a tattered crimson skirt around the waist.

He looks strong.

Katsuki has the sudden urge to see how well he can take a punch.

The man grins, wide enough his eyes close. "Pardon my interruption. My name is Eijirou Kirishima."

"It /is/ pretty rude to interrupt when two people are speaking," Toga says , huffing slightly.

Eijirou barely glances at her, his attention focused soley on Katsuki.

Katsuki stares back. Then he bows. Bows low. Practically to his knees.

The Kirishimas ruled the Riot mountains, a rocky fortress that no one has ever been able to conquer. They controlled the trading routes between Eayeotora and Clarrisa, allowing them to cut through their mountains.

If the Summer Lands were closer, Katsuki has no doubt they would have been forced to work with them too.

Kirishima waves him off. "None of that now. We're all equals here, are we not?"

Toga seems to puff up at that.

Katsuki snorts, once again unable to help himself. "Not," he says. "And it's cruel to allow others to think so."

Kirishima raises an eyebrow. "Cruel? I would have thought that statement to be peaceful."

Katsuki titls his head. "And if a trader who uses your mountains heard you say that? What if they took it to heart and decided they shouldn't have to pay the tax to pass between lands. Would you consider them your equal still?"

"They would be breaking the law then."

"Who says? You? Then you automatically put yourself above them, no matter how much you sprout about equality."

Kirishima chuckles. "You have strong opinions, don't you?"

"I just don't like to lie, even if it's the 'nice' thing to do," Katsuki says. "It's better to be truthful and cruel than nice and deceitful."

"Hmmm," Kirishima hums. "Though maybe tact should be added to that list."

"I'm not known for my tactfulness," Katsuki says, though he does nod to let him know his insult had been heard.

"I can see that. Perhaps some wine will soften your tongue?" Kirishima leans over to pull himself and Katsuki some wine.

Toga pulls herself one.

Katsuki takes a sip though he smirks at the Kirishima. "Doubtful. There's nothing soft about me."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Kirishima says. His eyes glance down at Katsuki's chest before flicking up with a smirk.

"I'd say there's plenty soft about you."

Katsuki nearly chokes on his drink. He glares through his blush. "Maybe the wine has soften your tongue /too/ much." He wips his face. "Pervert," he mutters under his breath.

Kirishima, of course, hears and bursts out laughing.

"Not many people would say that to my face," Kirishima says, giving him a toothy grin.

"Well I'm not many people," Katsuki says.

"No," Kirishima says, looking him over. "No you are not."

"Your Majesty Kirishima," Toga interrupted. "Since /we/ were just talking about the trading routes through your mountains, I was actually wondering if I could ask a question?"

Reluctantly, Kirishima pulls his eyes away. He plasters on a smile. "Of course."

Katsuki bows again. "While you two talk, I must take my leave. I need to go see someone."

With that, he twirls, heading towards where Deku and Todoroki stand, talking. He misses the twin pouts that are shot his way.

Though he does put an extra swagger in his step.

~ link back to the top~ https://twitter.com/acewhowriteporn/status/1347299015306698753?s=19

It takes Katsuki swerving and ducking under people, keeping his swears and growls to a minimum and under his breath, to finally reach his destination.

Deku sees him first. Of course he does. It's like the freak has a Bakugou sense or something.

His smile turns wide and bright, practically glowing. If they weren't crowded by people, he's sure that Deku would throw himself into Katsuki's arms, formalities be damned.

At least he hasn't called him-

"Kacchan!"

Katsuki sighs, rubbing the side of his head. He plants himself in their small circle and leans in to hiss at him. "What the fuck did I say about calling me that?"

"To not to," Deku chirps, still smiling. "But, Kacchan, it's how I always refered to you, Kacchan."

"I liked it better when you were afraid of me," Katsuki mutters.

"No you don't," Shoto, the bastard, has the gall to say.

Katsuki turns, bows so low he's practically kneeling, then flips him off. "You shut your spoon sucking mouth and explain to me why-

"I had the old hag yapping my ear off about courting with you?"

Deku flushes. Shoto sighs.

See, the thing is...

Katsuki has known the two of them since he was five. Court kids weren't uncommon, their parents hoping to form alliances early, but Katsuki had always been a handful and most of the other kids didn't want to run in the mud or play with swords.

Deku was a servant kid and maybe Katsuki should have looked down on him (and maybe he *had*, a little) but he was also the one that wouldn't cry when Katsuki pushed him down or hit too hard with his wooden stick.

He always had a smile for Katsuki and would just get back up.

And then they, while playing in the nearby woods, had run into the Little Prince, who had squirreled his way into a tree, reading his book.

When they had asked what he was doing, the Little Prince had simply replied that he was hiding from his father.

It took some time and convincing (well, Izuku tried convincing, Katsuki simply just bullied the other into it) but the Little Prince eventually made his way down from the tree and played swords with them.

And from there, the rest is history.

Being, well, he didn't want to say "friends"...being close with the future King of one of the largest nations had it's perks.

Especially when it came to confirming rumors he's heard here and there.

Katsuki looks between the now stammering Deku and the put upon face Shoto is making. He leans to one side, hand on his hip. "I thought you two were a thing?"

A thing since they were 10 and Katsuki will be so pissed if he found out about their breakup from his *mother*.

That gets Deku to stammer even faster, voice going up in pitch.

Katsuki ignores him and turns towards, Shoto, looking for an explanation.

"We *are*," Shoto says. He puts a hand on Izuku's shoulder, calming him with the touch.

Katsuki searches their faces for a lie before nodding. "So? What's this about you being eligible then?"

"It's my father," Shoto says, like that explains everything. And it sort of does, but he continues. "He will not approve a marriage between Izuku and I.-

"Says that there is no advantag to marrying a servant."

"You two knew this was a big possibility," Katsuki says.

"We did," Dekus says, tapping his fingers together. "Which is why we-" he cuts off, face turning tomato red.

Shoto takes over. "Which is why we decided to agree to this ball. We plan to find someone who will agree to me still seeing Izuku or who wouldn't mind joining both of us."

Katsuki raises an eyebrow, smirk sliding into place. "You sneaky bastard."

Shoto shrugs but Katsuki can see the smile playing on his lips. "My father didn't outright say I couldn't *also* wed, Izuku, as long as I find a favorable match."

Katsuki snorts and smacks Deku on the back, hard enough to get him to stumble. "Well, fucking congrats.-

"Any prospects?"

Deku rights himself, dusting himself off. "Well, a few but we, um, have our eye on a particular someone."

He nods his head behind Katsuki and Katsuki turns.

The man is rigid, standing straight up and down. He wears full armor, helmet held to his hip.

Even his blue hair is kept straight and even. The only thing out of place are the crooked glasses, which he quickly fixes.

He's talking, fast and loud, to his circle of gathers, arms chopping up and down.

Katsuki turns back around. "You're fucking kidding me. An Iida?"

Deku eagerly nods. "Yeah. Isn't he handsome???"

"Very," Shoto agrees.

"He's a fucking stick in the mud. Yiu think he'll agree to your threesome?"

"Kacchan," Deku hisses, smacking his arm now. "Don't call it that."

"It's what it is, isn't it?" He rubs at the spot. Then his smirk turns wide and a bit cruel. "Well, if you're so sure, let's go talk to him!"

Deku is back to stammering, widly shaking his head, while Shoto looks like he's thinking about it.

~Should the three go talk to Iida?~

Always looking for a chance to embarrass Deku, Katsuki grabs his hand and drags him over to Iida's group. He hears Shoto sigh and follow.

Iida is talking to a young looking woman with long green hair and large eyes. They both stop as they approach, dipping low, eyes flicking-

To Todoroki. "Prince Todoroki," Iida nods his head to Katsuki and Midoriya. "Prince Bakugoua and um, I'm sorry I don't recognize you."

"Oh, that's ok," Deku stammers. He scratches the back of his head, face completely red. "I'm just-"

"My partner," Shoto says. He places an arm around Deku's shoulders.

Deku, if possible, gets more red.

Iida tilts your head. "But your name has been entered in the eligibility list."

"Yes," Shoto says.

Iida gets more hesitant. "But you have a partner."

"Yes," Shoto says, without blinking.

Iida waits for more. Shoto stares at him. Deku is still trying to stanmer through a hi.

"Right," Iida says.

Huh. Maybe this was a bad idea.

"Whose the girl?" Bakugou asks.

Deku elbows him. Katsuki scowls. "I mean...hi." He looks at Deku, who makes a go on motion. He squints. "May I inquire who you are?"

Deku gives him a thumbs up.

Maybe he's not so bad at this. Cool.

The woman's lips twitch up. "I am Tsuyu Asui, from the wetlands. Nice to make you yout acquaintance."

"Yeah. Nice to meet ya." He is fucking nailing this small talk. He'll shove that in his mom's face.

Iida clears his throat. "Is there a reason you came over here?"

"Oh, yeah. They wanted to talk to you," Katsuki says, stepping back.

"Yes, I suppose that is correct," Shoto says.

And then doesn't say anything else.

"Well, I'm happy to talk," Iida says.

"Actually, I've been wanting to inquire about some of the new laws that are coming in place. If I may."

"Of course," Shoto says.

Katsuki, proud of his work, turns to go back to the food bar. But is stopped by the hand on wrist, Deku keeping him there.

"You started this," Deku hisses. "So you have to stay here."

"I'm not the one trying to fuck the guy," Katsuki hisses back.

"Kacchan, stop saying that!"

"Why? That's what this is."

"What are we whispering about?"

Katsuki and Midoriya practically jump out of their skin.

And there, leaning down next to them and grinning widly, is Kirishima.

"What the fuck, shitty hair?" Katsuki whisper-yells.

Deku elbows him.

Katsuki flips him off.

Kirishima just continues to smile. "Was I interrupting something important?"

Katsuki crosses his arms. "Yeah, you actually were."

At the same time, Deku says "No."

They turn to glare at each other.

"Right," Kirishima says, still grinning. "I'm glad to run into you again, Bakugou."

"Are you now," Katsuki says. He can feel Deku's intense gaze on him.

"It sounds like you don't believe me," Kirishima says. He leans closer, eyes going half-lidded. "Maybe I should do a better job of convincing you?"

"Since you've done nothing so far, that would be an improvement," Katsuki says.

"Oh, you're wounding me," Kirishima says. He taps his chest. "Right in my heart."

"Yeah, tough shit," Katsuki says and he can feel his lips twitching up into a smile.

"Ah, what's this I see?" Kirishima catches him. "I think you like me already."

"You're full of shit." But no matter what, Katsuki can't wipe the smile off his face.

Kirishima's grin only widens. "So, who's your friend here? I don't believe I recognize you, sorry," he says, looking at Midoriya.

Deku waves him off. "You shouldn't. I'm just one of the servant boys here-"

"Todoroki is going to marry him," Katsuki says.

"Kacchan, nooo," Deku whines. "You can't say that. Besides, you don't know if that's true."

"It's true," Shoto says, steeping in to let them know he heard their conversation. He nods his head at Kirishima. "Hello. Always nice to see the Kirishimas here."

Kirishima bows low. "Always great to be here, your majesty. Your palace is as welcoming as always."

"My mother's influence," Shoto says.

"Of course. My father always goes on about what a lovely woman she is," Kirishima says. He nods to Iida and Tsuyu. "Tenya Iida of the Metal Knights, I was sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he is doing better now-

"And Tsuyu, how is your family? I hope they're enjoying the new summer home they've built in near the Southern Kayden border."

Katsuki moves his jaw. Of course, he knows everyone here. What a show-off.

....no, he's not impressed.

Deku pulls on his arm, just a little and has Katsuki lean down. "You *know* Eijirou Kirishima."

"No," Katsuki whispers back, eyes watching as Kirishima makes a fucking *Iida* laugh and Tsuyu blush. "I just met the guy."

"Well, he seems to have taken a liking to you," Deku says.

"Hmmm, you think so," Katsuki eyes the other man, more critically now.

"What do you call what you guys just did? He was flirting for sure."

"Look at him," Katsuki says. "He's just friendly."

"Well..." Deku stammers. "Hmm."

They look at him as he kisses the back of Tsuyu's hand.

"Well, you might have a point there."

"Excuse me."

Again, Katsuki and Midoriya almost jump of their skin with the new person entering the conversation.

And then almost trip over themselves bowing as Empress Yaoyorozu nervously smiles back at them.

"Hello. Lovely to meet you," she says. Her dress is long and flowing and big, golden in color. She has diamonds in her hair and diamonds dripping off of her. Her gloves are silk and Katsuki can tell by just looking at them that they're soft to the touch.

She has a soft-looking white fur shawl around her shoulders.

The Yaoyorozu family controlled most of the East, from Baitioal all the way down the coastline to Gesyian. They rivaled the Todorokies in wealth and swords.

Even Katsuki, for all his bluntness, knows to hold his tongue around her.

"Your Highness," Deku mumbles, Katsuki repeating after him.

"What do we owe the pleasure of your company?" He adds.

His mom would be proud, he used his most respectful tone and everything.

"I was wondering, actually," Yaoyorozu says. "If I can have a dance. With you." She looks at Katsuki, hand held out.

He feels Deku slap at his arm, but knows he doesn't have to look over to see the apprehension in his eyes.

If Katsuki says no, he risks the chance of offending her.

But if he says yes, he risks the chance of offending her with his dancing.

And there's always the unknown of what Yaoyororzu would like to talk about as they dance.

Because there has to be a reason for her sudden interest in him.

~Should Bakugou dance with Yaoyorozu?~

Katsuki would be a fool to deny Empress Yaoyororzu's hand in dance.

A dead fool once his mother catches wind.

So he bows and takes her hand, leading her to the floor. He looks behind him, to nod to Deku when he catches Kirishima's gaze.

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The other is frowning, a dark look in his gaze as he stares back at Katsuki.

Then Iida calls his name and his bright smile is back in place as he turns to the other, chatting him up.

And Katsuki loses sight of him as they are engulfed by others dancing

He takes her hands and slides into place, stiff and uncomfortable. Which works, because Empress Yaoyorozu looks just as uncomfortable as him. They sway side to side and Katsuki clears his voice.

"You'll have to excuse my dancing, I am unfamiliar with a lot of these dances-

"Besides one waltz."

Yaoyorozu laughs and she relaxes slightly bit into her stance. "Then we are on the same page. I am unfamiliar with their dances too."

They sway from side to side for a bit. "So," Katsuki begins. "Why did you ask me to dance?"

She hums, tilting her head to smile at him. "Can I not just wish to dance?"

Katsuki gives her a look and she chuckles.

"Very well, I come with a marriage proposal."

Katsuki almost trips but manages to catch himself. "Really-" He clears his throat and tries again without it breaking this time. "Really?"

"Yes, well, sort of." The music changes slightly and they turn, though Katsuki is more focused on her than dancing. "I must make it clear, this would be a political marriage in every way. And-"

She tilts her head to the side, towards two other women. "It would be one of many."

Katsuki's eyes flick to them before he smirks at her. "What's this, building a harem?"

She laughs. "Not in the traditional sense, no." She licks her lips, eyes darting around before she leans into him.

Katsuki ducks down, eyes also flicking around. He sees Toga, dancing with her own partner while looking at them.

To the left, he sees a man with dark messy hair and dark eyes looking at them too.

"Has the Shinsou heir talked to you yet?"

"Briefly. But I have a feeling not about what you want to discuss."

She nods her head. "It would be advisable that you meet with him again by the end of the night, he could explain the idea better."

Someone clears their throat and the two break apart.

It's Kirishima, who gives them a bright smile, showing off some fang. "I apologize, my Empress, but I was wondering if I may break in to take your partner?"

Yaoyorozu's lips curve up. She dips her head, to both Katsuki and Kirishima.

Then she turns to Katsuki again. "Please, think of my proposal. A marriage alliance between our families would be a tremendous thing."

Katsuki's lips turn up. "Well, certainly if I get no other offers tonight, I would have no choice but to take yours."

She snorts. Eyes wide, she covers her blushing face, nods again, and makes a swift exit.

Katsuki turns to Kirishima, raising an eyebrow. "I suppose you were so enchanted by my marvelous dance move of swaying back and forth that you couldn't resist?"

Kirishima chuckles, and Katsuki is delighted to find that he's a full-body laugher. There's something more genuine in his smile this time. "Actually, I find that we keep get interrupted and I was wondering if you would indulge me in finding someplace quieter to talk?"

Katsuki considers it. The whole reason he was forced to come here is to mingle with other Royals, something he can't do if he leaves the ballroom. But he finds himself...intrigued by the redhead and would love to have an actual conversation with him.

~Should Bakugou go somewhere quiet with Kirishima?~

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"You know what, sure. Let's go," Katsuki says, curiosity too great.

There's a part of him that is fascinated by the redhead, that sort of longs to hear Kirishima talk more.

They slowly start to head off the dance flow, having to move around people.

It forces Kirishima to lean close to him to talk.

Not that Katsuki minds it that much.

"Was that a marriage proposal from *the* Empress Yaoyorozu I heard?" Kirishima asks breath tickling Katsuki's ear.

Katsuki has to lean up to whisper back. "Crazy right? She said I needed to talk with Shinsou for some reason. I think she's trying to collect Royals." He chuckles but for the first time Kirishima does not laugh along with him.

He hums instead. "Were you serious? About taking up the offer if no one else asked?"

"Well...I originally said it as a joke," Katsuki says. They have to split around a dancing pair, big grins on their faces, but then Kirishima is immediately back by his side.

"Though, thinking about it, my old hag-sorry, *mother*- might kick my ass in front of everyone here if she finds out that the Empresses proposed to me and I turned her down."

Kirishima hums again, an unreadable look on his face.

Katsuki frowns but the two have to split again, weaving around more dancers. "Why?" he asks when they come back together. "Thinking about giving her some competition?"

He says it as a joke, wanting to make Kirishima laugh again, but a look flashes over Kirishima's face that has his stomach tightening.

But then Kirishima shakes his head and Bakugou berates himself for even thinking that.

"Would you be happy...with a political marriage?"

"Any marriage I enter will be political," Katsuki replies.

"Of course," Kirishima is just as quick to say. "But is that all you want? Just someone to be used and have negotiating power with?"

Katsuki thinks it over before replying.

"I've always known that eventually, my hand in marriage will be used for one reason or another. I am a Prince, a vassal for my people, and their continued safety and prosperity is my number one goal."

"If my marriage to someone will assure that, then it is my duty to go through with it."

They're silent for a second, just listening to the music around them. "But?" Kirishima asks and Katsuki smiles at the fact that he knows there's a *but*.

"But, no, that's not all I want. I would love to have a partner, someone to share the troubles of running a kingdom with. Someone I could lean on, not because they are stronger than me, but because we are equals and I know they can handle it."

"Maybe that's not love, but something close to it."

They are silent all the way till they reach the end of the dance floor.

"And you?" Katsuki asks.

Kirishima's lips split into a smile and it's something Katsuki hasn't seen from the redhead yet. It's not a cocky smirk or one of his smiles to dazzle.

It's soft, really.

"The same, actually. I would love to find someone who I could just relax with, who can handle the busy life we tend to live."

"I think everyone here would be very familiar with that."

"Yeah."

"But?" Katsuki says.

And there's that soft smile again. "*But*, what I would really love is to find someone who isn't afraid of my family's reputation. Who isn't afraid to speak their mind and go toe-to-toe with me."

Kirishima looks down at Katsuki. Briefly. But Katsuki catches it and he can't help the pounding in his heart.

They reach one of the doors that lead out into the rest of the castle. Kirishima stops and turns towards him. "Where should we go?"

Royals were free to go almost anywhere in the castle, except the east wing, where the Queen stays. Other than that, they could wander where they please.

Katsuki has been to this castle many times and two places immediately pop into mind.

They could go to the library. If Kirishima wants somewhere quiet, there's nowhere better than there, filled to the brim with books. Katsuki had spent many afternoons in every nook and cranny while his mother strong-arms the King into another trade deal.

Or they could go to the gardens, where Katsuki used to run with the Prince and Deku, the flowers taller than their heads. It expands to encompass half of the backyard, and the two could get lost in there.

~Where should Bakugou and Kirishima go?~