Ethereal ◆ Shoto Todoroki x Reader

51 | Scandalous

(A/N: I apologize in advance for the chapter ahead.)

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"Hiro," you say, "tell me the details. When did he set the ceremony? I'm sure we can stop it before then."

Hiro, who's eyes are now dried and no longer puffy, sighs. "Your wedding is in a week, so . . . maybe a week and three days?"

"What? Why so fast?"

"He told me he wanted to have both of his children get married really soon to strengthen the kingdom," Hiro explains, rolling his eyes, "but honestly, it sounded like a lie. It just doesn't make sense."

"It sounds like he thinks we're both stupid," you reply, clenching your jaw. 

"Yeah," your brother agrees. "But maybe we can use that to our advantage."

You look up at him, a question in your eyes. He grins.

"I have an idea." He leans forward, a glint in his eye. "but you have to go along with it."

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"Hiro, are you sure about this?"

"Yes," he assures you, "just be as unpredictable as possible. You know how he gets when we mess up."

Memories of sleepless nights and shouting tunnel their way into your head, but you push them back, in the deep confines of the shadows.

"I know."

Most people don't know King Mizuki very well, and even those who do never see his temper. No, he saves that side of himself for his children.

"The goal is to humiliate him," Hiro says, turning to you, showing off his ridiculous outfit, "just do whatever you can to make him mad." Your brother is wearing an interesting and very revealing outfit; something no royal should ever wear. You want to laugh at the sight, but you know he hates tight clothes so you preserve his dignity. You know father will freak out.

"Is your goal to seduce the staff?" You giggle. "You don't have to go so far."

He twirls. "This is our stab at father. I just happen to look good doing it."

It's a dark red top, with a low v-neck and no sleeves, showing off Hiro's chest and collarbone. He's paired it with a pair of tight black pants, which thankfully doesn't show anything down there. You'd rather not see that part of your brother.

He matches the Todoroki palace, which will probably anger King Mizuki more than the fact he's showing off his body.

Suddenly, someone knocks on the door, and Hiro's guard pokes his head in. He ignores your brother's outfit.

"Dinner will be ready in ten minutes," he explains, "the advisory and all of the guests are expected to eat together." He shuts the door.

Hiro starts to blush. "Dang it," he complains, "I probably shouldn't wear this."

You tilt your head. "Why? Having second thoughts?"

"Are there any . . . " Hiro pauses. " . . . any younger guys in the advisory?"

You laugh. "That's what you're worried about? Not our father's wrath but if a cute guy will see you?"

Your brother nods.

"It's all old men," you scoff, "you don't have to worry about embarrassing yourself."

He gives you a thumbs up. "Then let's do this."

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You couldn't wear something as revealing as Hiro did, but you picked a dress with no back and a lower neck than you usually wear. 

"Trying to impress someone?" Takahashi asks you walk with him to dinner.

"More like the opposite," you smile, "plus, maybe I just wanted to feel pretty."

Takahashi nods. "Everyone has the right."

The dining hall is packed; King Todoroki sits at the head of the table, with Shoto beside him. There's two empty seats you assume are for you and your brother. The Yaoyorozus sit right next to you, and the Bakugous and Iidas after them. On the other side of the table sits the king's advisory, including Sobakasu. 

At the very end of the table sits King Mizuki.

When you enter the room, all eyes turn to you, scanning your dress then glancing to your brother who's matching you. 

Some, namely prince Tenya and prince Bakugou, blush when you walk by them, but Hiro gives you a smile when you sit next to him. 

Shoto blushes as well and avoids your eyes. Of course, his cheeks are redder than anyone else's, but he's very good at hiding it so you don't notice.

To your surprise, King Todoroki doesn't seem bothered by you and Hiro's choice of attire, but when you look to the end of the table, your father is fuming.

His brows are forced together, enhancing the wrinkles in his face. His lips are turned down in a hard scowl.

You snicker internally, then turn to Hiro who's laughing silently. You nudge him them imitate your father's face. He laughs for real this time, a sound like music to your ears.

You laugh with him, ignoring the strange look you're both getting from everyone else in the room.

Your father frowns.

Shoto smiles.

King Todoroki sighs.

You and Hiro laugh, happy to be reunited once again.

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