Chapter 3 - A Meeting Under the Shade

The soft murmur of voices filled the living room, tension threading through the air like a stretched cord ready to snap. Minoru sat, his mouth slightly open, grappling with the revelation from his other halves. The weight of their words settled around him, making each breath feel heavier than the last. Katsuki's voice cut through the haze, sharp and direct.

"Now that doesn't mean you have to be with him. No, that's not what we are saying," he insisted, his eyes fierce yet filled with a protective brotherly warmth.

Akoyano, elegant in his posture, leaned forward, his legs crossed casually but his intent crystal clear. "What we are saying... is that you have a chance to get to know him and see how things go."

Minoru looked to his older brother for reassurance. Akoyano embodied calm, his presence grounding. "I see you as my brother Minoru. My little brother." He smiled, the affectionate gleam in his eye sending a ripple of comfort through Minoru.

"With that being said, I would never let an alpha I know that can hurt you near you, Minoru. Believe that."

A wave of gratitude washed over Minoru, and he responded with a soft smile. "Tak, storebror. Jeg elsker dig."

Akoyano beamed back, and the atmosphere shifted, softening just a fraction. "Og jeg elsker også dig, lillebror." Katsuki's smile mirrored that of their brother, while Izuku nodded in support; his encouraging presence felt like a warm blanket.

Taking a deep breath, Minoru finally spoke. "Fine, I will meet this alpha, but Akoyano has to come with me. His quirk is powerful and dangerous, so he can kill him if he does anything."

Akoyano simply shrugged his shoulders, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips. "And I am totally fine with that. Let's go."

The two siblings stood, the momentous nature of their decision hanging in the air around them as they stepped outside.

Outside, the daylight wrapped the world in its golden embrace, and Minoru felt the sunlight's warmth seep into his skin as they made their way to the meeting spot. "You ready?" Akoyano asked with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Minoru looked up, his heart thumping steadily against his ribcage. "Ready as I'll ever be."

He took the first step out, his breath hitching slightly at the sight before him. The male waiting under the towering oak was breathtaking. Wearing gold glasses that accentuated his striking greenish-black eyes, he had black hair that cascaded effortlessly around his angular face. But it was his skin, a rich milk chocolate hue, that mesmerized Minoru, leaving him feeling like he was waiting in line for a ride far beyond his reach.

Just as he hesitated, contemplating retreat, that deep, mellifluous voice sliced through his uncertainty. "Hello."

"Hey," Minoru managed to reply, his own voice barely above a whisper, seemingly intriguing the other boy.

"My name is Averill, Averill Achlys," the boy introduced himself, an easy smile brightening his face.

"Minoru Midoriya."

With a smile that radiated warmth, Averill settled comfortably against the sturdy trunk of the oak. He gestured for Minoru to join him, and though Minoru hesitated, he quickly glanced back at Akoyano, seeking reassurance.

"You can go back inside now; I'm going to be okay." Minoru's words were steady, and Akoyano, after scanning Averill with cautious approval, nodded.

"Okay. I'm trusting Averill. Don't fuck it up." With a smirk, Akoyano retreated, leaving Minoru standing before Averill, a rush of mixed emotions swelling within him.

Minoru took a seat next to him, feeling the weight of the moment unfold. "I love the colors green and black." Averill began, sparking a gentle conversation, each word a stepping stone towards comfort.

"My favorite colors are black and white," Minoru replied, a soft laugh escaping him as he playfully nudged Averill. "Really? You like shades??"

"Don't judge me," Averill shot back, raising his hands in mock defense, bringing laughter to Minoru's lips.

"So, how old are you?" Minoru asked, leaning against the cool bark of the tree.

"I'm sixteen," Averill said, tilting his head slightly, his eyes glinting with intrigue.

"Fourteen."

Averill hummed thoughtfully and then revealed a book nestled within his belongings. "I love reading, and when Akoyano said I was meeting someone, I thought maybe I could read to you."

Minoru felt warmth bloom in his chest at the thought. "Of course you can."

As Averill opened to the page where he had left off, Minoru relaxed into the moment, stealing glances at the ease with which Averill dove into the narrative. "The story is about a girl who is the niece of the king. She had killed someone with her bare hands at the age of eight. She had the privilege to live life since she is the niece of the king, but the king had other plans, and she became his thug."

A smile played on Minoru's lips, the sound of Averill's passionate voice igniting something akin to admiration within him. "I love fantasy, adventure, and love stories, so I have like four to five filled bookshelves of stories like these. What do you like to do?"

"Cooking," Minoru confessed, his voice soft as he imagined the delicious meals he'd concoct. "Well, I have bookshelves filled with books like you, but they are cookbooks."

Averill's smile widened, a spark of excitement igniting in his eyes. "You should start reading. I know you can't wait to hear the story. I can see it in your eyes."

As Averill's enthusiasm enveloped him, Minoru felt his nerves untangle. "The story is called Graceling Realm, the first book, and it's made by Kristin Cashore." Averill glanced at him, an invitation in his gaze. "Ready?"

Minoru paused, the weight of the moment lingering, then he reached for the book with a newfound determination. Pulling Averill up with him, he gestured towards the cozy interior of the house. "Let us go inside so we have somewhere comfortable to sit."

Averill nodded, a smile stretching across his face that brightened the atmosphere around them. Together they navigated the path back, the world around them fading as they ventured into the realm of stories and the promise of burgeoning friendship.

As they stepped through the door, a new chapter of their lives began—together.