The Stars Guide Us; They do not Bind Us - TodoMomo

||Chapter 9 - The End||

"Lady Yaoyorozu?"

Momo blinks in surprise and turns from the window to see Midoriya at the edge of the library staircase. "May I join you?"

She drops her hands from where they twist in her necklace and curtsies. "Of course, my king."

He blushes and his hands fidget. "Not quite yet, but I guess that means you've heard that Lord Todoroki is stepping down from the line of succession?" He laughs awkwardly and scratches the back of his neck.

Momo's expression hardens, and she looks out the window at the men gathering below. "Yes. Lord Todoroki told me last night."

"I see," Midoriya says.

Runes are drawn in the dirt. Portals to bring them back north.

"Do you have anything in mind what you'll do now?"

Momo looks back at him. "Aren't we to be married?"

"What?!" Midoriya's voice cracks.

Momo stills. "Was that not why you requested to join me?" Her mouth is dry.

Midoriya's face turns red and he sputters. "I don't - That's not - We aren't getting married. That's not what I was coming out here to talk to you about."

"Then," Momo's eyebrows furrow, confused. "What may I assist with?"

Midoriya smiles shakily. The redness starts to fade from his cheeks. "I was wondering if you have any plans now for your future? And I don't mean getting married to me!" he adds quickly.

Momo's lips thin, and she shakes her head. "No." She reaches up and rubs her opposite arm. "I don't have any family left or a place to call home. I thought - but if we aren't..." she trails off.

Midoriya smiles sympathetically. "Well, we could use your expertise here if you are willing."

Momo blinks. "Lord Midoriya?"

He stares at her, his forest green eyes serious. "Your operations and strategies led us to victory countless times, and Todoroki told me you were the one who discovered how to break his curse. We could really use your help as an advisor to the crown. I mean – only if you want to."

Momo is silent for a moment. Unconsciously, her fingers reach up and touch the creation stone hanging from the pendant around her neck. "Thank you but I - I don't think I want to stay here. The palace – this place has been my prison since my parents died. I don't know where I'll go but," she hesitates and swallows. Todoroki's words from the night before echo through her and settle in her chest. Momo inhales a shaky breath. "I've come to resent my position in life," she says softly.

Midoriya's green eyes soften. "I understand." He looks back down at the men below the library window. "But you don't have to be here to advise the crown," he says after a moment.

"My lord?" Momo tilts her head.

Midoriya smiles wistfully. "The road to reconciliation is going to be long and we could really use your assistance. The country is big. You don't have to stay here. Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

Momo's throat feels tight. Outside, sunlight reflects off of red and white hair as Todoroki walks amongst the men, preparing for their departure.

Her fingers tighten around the creation stone.

Her heartbeat quickens as a foreign feeling fills her chest. "If – If I may, I think I know where I'd like to go."

XXXXX

"Lord Todoroki, wait!" Momo calls as she hikes up her dress and hurries through the crowd of men gathering in the yard.

The sun shines down brightly from a cloudless sky.

Todoroki looks up. "Yaoyorozu!" He steps forward as she stops in front of him. "I was looking for you," he says, his gray and blue eyes study her face. "I wanted to see you once more before I leave."

Momo shakes her head and smiles. "I'm going with you."

"What?" Todoroki blinks, owlishly.

"I'm – King Midoriya has asked me to be an advisor to the crown and gave his permission for me to assist with the northern reconciliation" She raises her head and juts out her chin. "I'm going with you."

Todoroki opens his mouth and then closes it and his lips thin. "Are you sure? The north is harsh and they keep to the traditional ways. There are easier lands to help reconcile."

"I know." Momo hesitates.

Does he not want her to join him?

She licks her lips and summons her courage to meet his gaze. "But you'll be there," she whispers.

Todoroki's eyes widen a fraction, then his expression softens and it's like ice melting in the summer sun as he smiles. "I see." His eyes are silver and turquoise as he stares down at her, and for the first time it feels like she is seeing the real him. "I look forward to working with you then."

Momo's heart clenches. An unknown feeling rises in her chest. "As do I."

The world fades away around them.

He stares at her for a moment longer, then straightens. "Go get a few items that you'll need. We can come back for the rest later, once we've settled in."

Momo shakes her head. "I don't need anything. I can go now."

Todoroki tilts his head. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Her smile widens, and she reaches up to touch the creation stone around her neck. "I have everything I need."

His expression flickers down, and then a faint smile pulls at his lips. "I see." He holds out his hand. His turquoise and gray eyes shine in the sunlight. "Let's go then. Don't let go of me."

Momo slides her hand into his, her fingers slotting between his. Her heartbeat quickens. His palm is warm, and he holds her hand as tenderly as she had once only imagined in her most forbidden dreams.

In the distance, bells ring signaling noon.

Todoroki squeezes her hand once, and they step into the center of the circle.

The ruins carved into the dirt begin to glow a fluorescent blue.

Magic crackles around them and for the first time it feels like the future she chose for herself.

XXXXX

That's a wrap! 😆 Thank you everyone who read, commented and liked this story!! I really appreciate all your support and hope you enjoyed the ending. 💖🥰

✨And if you liked this story, I have a number of other fanfics that I'll be posting. So keep an eye out. 😉