Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Tilt your head a bit. Other way. Perfect! Now hold.” 

Dabi stared down the camera with blazing blue eyes as the photographer did his job. He was dressed in black leather pants that grabbed onto his muscular thighs in a way he knew people liked. A distressed white shirt and long trench coat were also part of the outfit. Janky black platform boots that made it easier to look down at people.

“Okay, let's take a break.” The photographer said 

Dabi's posture slouched lightly and he wandered over to his chair. He sat down with little decorum. 

“Here you go.” One of the photographer's assistants said, holding out a chilled water bottle. 

“Thank you,” Dabi said gruffly as he grabbed the bottle. The girl squeaked before rushing off at the photographer's call. Dabi held the bottle in his hand and took a long sip. He supposed it was probably cold due to the fact that part of it was somewhat frozen. Due to his stupid fucking ice constitution he couldn't really feel cold. Able to withstand the cold better than some people could ever dream of. It's great until you realize that means his own fucking fire quirk burns him. 

“These are looking amazing.” The photographer cheered loudly 

Dabi didn't care if they looked all that amazing. As long as he got paid he cared very little. His sense of shame died with who he used to be. Plus any sense of self-doubt was lovingly beat out of him. If not by his dear father, then the harshness of the streets that whipped him into shape. He only recently was able to eat regularly, which meant he was able to work out regularly. It's funny how he went from a knobby teen to the filled-out man he is today. His phone pinged and he looked down with very little interest. Dabi took it out of his pocket. 

Agent Fuckface: Don't forget the shoot tomorrow with Pro Hero Hawks. 

You: k

Dabi sighed lightly. Right, for some reason they decided Hawks needed more publicity and that the best way to do that was to have him do a photoshoot with Japan's “Gothic Hottie”. Dabi thought it was stupid seeing as Hawks is literally the number 3 hero. How much publicity does a man need?  He already had a high approval rating (Higher than Endeavour. A fact Dabi found to be hilarious) so he certainly didn't need to gain any more approval. If he was shooting to beat All Might it’s a lost cause. That man had so much national and international acclaim no one could feasibly beat his approval rating.  Dabi supposes he doesn't really care. They're paying him a hefty chunk of money to pose with the bird. Money needs to come from somewhere and Dabi would love to be able to pay rent this month…Not that he'd had to worry too much about making rent since he gained national popularity and became a highly requested model. It was just a really hard habit to kick. You spend three years on the streets and any amount of money and shelter is precious. 

“Okay Dabi, just one more session, and we're done for the day.” The photographer said

“Cool,” Dabi said as he stood, handing off the now empty water bottle as he went back to the photo setup. 

Dabi went home that night, slinking through the shadows. He didn't care if someone tried to mug him, after all, his flames were strong so really he'd be mugging them. You get used to the shadows and how to not get bothered. It wasn't the worst kind of town, but Dabi did prefer the paparazzi didn't find him. He spent more energy hiding from them these days. That was almost hilarious of a thought.  His building was plain. His fans would like to believe he lived in a penthouse somewhere at the height of luxury. Dabi didn't need that. He was rich once( technically is now ) so the reminder of his childhood wouldn't be appreciated. Besides his middle-class fucking one-bedroom apartment was good enough for him. 

Dabi finds himself climbing the stairs and entering his apartment without much thought as he starts to think about the shoot tomorrow. He had a day off after that, then his agent said he may be shipped on a plane to New York for the International Fashion Competition. If he gets enough votes from the citizens of Japan to represent their nation he'll spend an entire week doing that. It would be his first international event. He isn't exactly excited about it. He absolutely hates planes due to his motion sickness, among other things. Hell, he didn't even have a passport so unless his agent shits one out he isnt even sure he can fly to New York. He'd be surprised if he did win though, there were a lot of conventionally attractive people who were far more popular on the vote. Dabi toes off his shoes, putting them carefully by the door. He then takes off his jacket and throws it on a random chair as he passes. He'd forget where it was later but honestly, he was too tired to care at the moment. He enters the kitchen and hums to himself as he looks at his options. He had leftover takeout from last night, he supposed that would work since he didn't feel up to cooking. He usually loved to cook so this was an off day for him.  Dabi took out the cold bowl of udon and gently warmed it with his quirk. He had a microwave but he didn't use it due to the lack of need. It came with the apartment. He found this was something that didn't melt his skin off. So at least there was that. Not using his quirk regularly like this led to it building up under his skin and it was a very unpleasant feeling. If he doesn't let it out in some way it'll burst out in a massive wild mess.  After he slurped up his udon, he discarded the trash and slumped down onto the couch. He took a deep breath, the staples in his chest rattling as he exhaled heavily. It was a feeling one had to get familiar with and he's had since he was 16.  Dabi lazily pulled out his phone, a rather simple device but it worked for him. He brought up Twitter with slight disinterest. Naturally, he'd been tagged half a dozen times on things but he didn't care to check. He quickly gets bored and lightly drops his phone into his chest. He then stares at the ceiling for a moment like it'd help him feel more human. More alive. Which…is ironic if you consider that he legally is dead. (Yet all these modeling gigs don't even check if he's a real person. )

Dabi was a bit afraid that his family would recognize his ugly mug in a random magazine. He was afraid that they would pound on his door demanding he return to their shitty family. Though, if that were to happen he could just fake his second death. It'd be less believable but he could be in another country faster than they could figure it out again. He does like the little life he's got going so restarting again would be tiresome.  Perhaps, because none of his siblings or his dad came for him, they didn't give enough of a fuck about him to chase ghosts. His mom got the free pass, seeing as she was locked in a hospital. Hard to track him down and demand he come back.  The thing about the Todoroki family is that everyone is selfish in their own way. Their father is driven by his own need to best All Might, driven so far off the cliff it was a wonder he didn't crash and burn. He bought his wife and made kids he didn't really want. His mom held close to Shoto until she burnt his face off, she wanted to keep him all to herself so Enji would fuck off. Fuyumi was desperately trying to get a happy family to the point she was willing to forgive the unforgivable for her own fantasy. Natsuo was more than ready to live for himself when the opportunity presented itself, he didn't care who he left behind. Shoto…oh poor baby Shoto was still trying to find himself and push away their dad.  Dabi hadn't actively seen them since he was thirteen but in the roughly 8 years he's been awake he kept tabs on them. He couldn't shake that part of him that cared for his family. If anything it was vindicating to mock Endeavour. He feels his phone buzz and he lazily brings it up so he can see what's up. Of course, it has to be his annoying ass agent. Dabi would get a new one, but then he'd have to jump through the legally dead bullshit. His current agent had been the one to pull him off the shady side of modeling and was a shady ass man to begin with. 

Agent Fuckface:  Make sure to keep in a good weight. You're looking a bit round. 

You: k 

Dabi raised an eyebrow, this prick seemed to think he could control Dabi and his body. By destroying his body image or whatever. Jokes on him, it was already destroyed. He wasn't sure when he stopped caring about his physical appearance. Perhaps the particularly suggestive photos they took of him when he had just stumbled out of a three-year coma and been on the streets for a few months as a 16-year-old. He kind of just went with it after that. Also, he didn't have a good body image to begin with, he never considered himself to be all that attractive. Especially with his scars. He can't talk now, apparently people like when he models shit. They probably have a mental illness but honestly who the fuck doesn't. Perhaps in a way he was so far removed from his body that it didn't really matter anymore. His body hadn't been his own since the coma. He was 13 in a 16-year-old's body, it was unbelievably depersonalizing. His body was also held together by hopes, dreams…and a mega fuck ton of staples. 

Dabi decides to head to bed, after all he has a photoshoot with Japan's number one bachelor. Dabi also would like to selectively ignore his spot on that list, as acknowledging that people apparently found him attractive would be too much to ask. Plus he was certain, based on interviews alone, that Hawks would be exhausting to be around.  He enters his bedroom and lazily pulls off enough layers until it's suitable for sleep. He then plugs in his phone and slumps down on his futon. Dabi rubs his eyes lightly (lightly because if he was rough he'd tear something) and sighs.  Dabi wasn't sure what kept him going, perhaps it was his resentment for his father. Or his stubbornness to die. Dying would've been too easy really. He doesn't know if modeling really filled any gaps, but he found it was something he liked doing most of the time. He didn't care if it was only for adults. He'd done enough shirtless and suspect photo shoots to know how they go. He hasn't done specifically porn since he turned 19, those images were likely still circulated in the underground and he found he felt no shame.  With that wonderful thought, he resolved to stop having existential thoughts and try to sleep. Of course, it wasn't that simple, but he didn't want to think too hard about life tonight. 

Dabi arrived at the location before the bird, despite his bad boy look, he had punctuality beat into him. Hawks clearly had no such beatings, as he arrived fashionably late. First impression, the bird boy is hot. Like, properly attractive with sun-kissed skin and fluffy blonde hair. If he wasn't a Pro Hero, Dabi'd be tempted to take him somewhere private. 

“Sorry I'm late, I ran into a villain on the way here.” Hawks explained 

“It's okay Hawks-san. We understand.” The photographer said, the woman quick to please 

Hawks surveyed him with sharp golden eyes and Dabi just stared at him boredly. Hawks was then thrown into a different room for outfitting. Dabi had already undergone the pleasure. He quite liked the black leather jacket they had put on him. A red distressed T-shirt with a low v-neckline. Baggy ripped jeans adorned with chains. Sturdy black combo boots. The hairdresser had fluffed up his black hair as well. Hawk's outfit was similar. Though he had a well-fitting blue shirt under a denim jacket with leather pants that hugged his lower body in a way that should be illegal. Dabi knows a good piece of ass when he sees one. 

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” Hawks said with a bow 

“Yeah, sure,” Dabi responded also with a bow. 

“I'm actually a big fan of yours,” Hawks says

“Oh…Yeah?” Dabi asked

“Yeah! You're ho- Really great at modeling. Especially in Meluh Magazine.” Hawks said quickly his face turning pink 

“Well now birdie, you'd almost make me believe you like the look of me.” Dabi teases and Hawks turn completely red.  

“Dabi, Hawks. Time to get started.” 

The first pose had Hawks standing behind a seated Dabi, his red wings framing the man in front of him. It almost looked possessive in the way Hawks was wrapped around him. Dabi was looking at the camera, a taunting look on his face. The photographer was an energetic one, the kind that usually got on his nerves. It was strange, usually he was annoyed when posing with others. But having Hawks be so close to him was different. He noticed himself paying attention to the other man's breath and his presence.  He wasn't sure why he felt so in tune with the other but he is. 

“Hmmm…Oooh! Hawks, would it be possible for you to lean more on top of Dabi?”

“Sure.” 

Hawks leaned forward and pressed his chest against Dabi's back. His arms wrapping around the front and his wings circling the pair. Dabi wasn't sure how to feel but there was something about it that he couldn't get enough of. Hawks eventually rested his chin against Dabi's shoulder. The photographer loved it and took half a dozen photos. 

“Cool, let's do something else! How about the two of you stand together over here! Oh like this!.”

Hawks pulled away and Dabi felt a bit disappointed. He wasn't sure why exactly, just something about the way Hawks had so easily leaned against him. Most people were intimidated by him. He's extremely unique and different. Even in a quirk world. He's scary to those unfamiliar with a hard aesthetic. So before when he modeled with others they weren't so comfortable. Hawks isn't fakely confident. Perhaps he really was a fan of Dabi.  The rest of the photoshoot was fine, even if Dabi's skin tingles from Hawks’ touch…He was convinced it was just the grafts acting up. Yeah, that's probably it. Stupid things barely stayed on half the time. Dabi was finally leaving for the day when a hand grabbed his wrist.

“Hey wait! That was fun. We should do this kind of thing again.” Hawks said

“Sure. Whatever.” Dabi said

“Here's my number.” Hawks continued passing him a sticky note 

“Thanks…I guess.” Dabi said and Hawks beamed at him. 

Dabi shook it off and left. When he got home he was tired and very hungry. He opened his fridge and grabbed some ingredients to make something simple for dinner. He decided to stir-fry some shit. As he was eating he went to the trouble of putting Hawks' number in his phone. 

You: This is Dabi. 

Bird: Hey there! 

Dabi had a message from his agent as well

Agent Fuckface: The flight to New York is a go. Pack your bags tomorrow. Should be a full week. I've also acquired a passport for you to use. 

You: K 

Greeeaaat... He gets to spend 15 hours on a plane. Isn't that so fun? Then a full week in New York of all places. Honestly, he wasn't sure why he even does this shit other than the fact he needs the money. Perhaps he should've chosen villainy, at least then he'd get to stay in Japan. 

Also, how the fuck did he win the vote? 

Chapter Text

Hawks found the model known as Dabi just after his debut. He was 18 and freshly on his own. He knew nothing other than what the commission taught him. He had fighting and detective skills. He'd attended countless lectures and even given a sexual hygiene class. Still, Hawks at the time didn't understand basic things about himself. He suddenly had so much more freedom and in his spare time he tried to understand himself. 

One day after quickly wrapping up an attempted robbery at a convenience store, he noticed a magazine. It was called Meluh Magazine and on the cover was a boy who made his heart skip a beat. The lighting on the cover was particularly dramatic so the seeming staples in his face shimmered in a way that had his bird eyes enraptured. He wasn't a well-known hero at the time so he had no issue buying that magazine for later. 

When he got home that day he relaxed on his couch and pulled out the magazine. Meluh Magazine wasn't the most popular magazine out there but at the time it didn't matter because Hawks was eager to learn about the model on the front page. 

Just looking at him had Keigo flushing lightly, his heart beating a bit faster. He was never sure what this feeling was, but it was a nice one. The magazine was mostly ads but there were a few full-page spreads of the model. Keigo felt his jaw drop at one picture. The man was lying down in such a way that the bottom of his shirt had ridden up exposing the skim there. His legs were hugged by very tight leather pants and he was looking at the camera as if to challenge those who were looking. He was dressed up in almost full black and Hawks couldn't look away from the bright blue of his eyes. 

It turns out Meluh magazine was a locally owned Japanese brand that specialized in the goth aesthetic. Dabi was perfect as the clothes fit him in ways that had to be Illegal. (Hawks would need to check later.) Hawks didn't know if it had the intended effect of making him want to buy the clothes though. He'd buy them if Dabi was wearing them. 

Wait what? Hawks flushed hiding his face at the thought. What is wrong with him? Thinking that? He's never thought things like that before. Even when the commission tried to pair him with a girlfri- 

Wait a minute…The commission intended for him to become a heartthrob. A lady killer. But he never really felt anything when a girl flirted with him. He can admit that some girls can be aesthetically attractive but he never felt that spark that people attribute to attraction and love. Wait…Could it be because he doesn't like women? What does it mean if he doesn't? 

Hawks got on the internet and quickly looked up “What does it mean if I'm not attracted to women?” the first thing that popped up was: 

If you're not attracted to women, it could mean that you are likely identifying as a gay or homosexual man, meaning you are primarily attracted to other men; however, it's important to explore your feelings and consider the possibility of asexuality, where you may not experience significant sexual attraction to anyone, regardless of gender. 

So…He might be gay? Because he definitely felt something when looking at Dabi. He hasn't felt any strong attraction towards women before and now that he thinks about it he hasn't really been around many men in his life. This would actually explain quite a lot…He did some more research into the subject. One article was like “Are you questioning your sexuality?” and Hawks was like “I'm questioning my whole life right now.” 

But at the end, he had come to the conclusion that he is gay. This happened after Hawks looked up Dabi and found a few new images to appraise. They were from even more obscure magazines and websites that get almost no attention. It didn’t matter because Dabi looks so gorgeous. 

Now Hawks is 23 and today he is going to be doing a photoshoot with Dabi! He usually hates his modeling jobs, because he'd rather be out there saving people and he usually got paired up with people he didn't like, or have any chemistry with. Like the one time, he had a photoshoot with Endeavor. That man was much more of a prick than Hawks thought. He already thought the guy was kind of a jerk, but as it turns out he is a massive jerk!

Anyway! Today he's going to be posing with Dabi and it's not something he'd ever even considered before. He started doing these modeling jobs while Dabi gained more and more popularity. He'd been keeping up with his modeling career. He subscribed to the Meluh Magazine despite rarely buying their clothes. Dabi wasn't in every issue but the ones he was in were kept in a shoe box under Hawks’ bed so his handler didn't find them. Hawks also followed a lot of people on Tigtog and Twitter who talked about Dabi. He loved the edits people made after his appearance at Best Jeanist's Fashion Show. (Hawks got to attend that one, Dabi looked perfect even from so far away) 

Of course, right as he was leaving to get there he ran into a villain who was robbing a jewelry store. Yes, that cliche. Hawks cursed as he realized he was going to be late, that would leave a bad impression on Dabi for sure. He flew as fast as he could anyway and his wings ached as he finally landed and entered the building. He was led to a room where the photographer was quick to greet him. 

“Sorry I'm late, I ran into a villain on the way here.” Hawks explained and she just waved off his worry

“It's okay Hawks-san. We understand.” The photographer said

His eyes found Dabi and he almost choked as his heart beat faster. It was the same feeling he got at 18 when he had his gay awakening, the feeling he had been chasing for years. He got a taste with the few partners he did have but none of it ever felt right. Dabi is so very pretty in person, sure he's already seen him in person before but not this close. His eyes are a vibrant blue that reminded Hawks of the sky. He was wearing a black leather jacket and a red shirt that dipped down to show where the scars on his neck connected to the porcelain skin of his chest. He's also ripped based on the way the shirt sat on him. The staples in his skin were so shiny and Hawks felt his inner bird coo at the shiny objects.

The moment was unfortunately broken as Hawks was dragged away to be outfitted. Hawks thought about how it felt to have those gorgeous blue eyes trained on him. For Dabi to actually lay eyes on him. Once they let him go though, he took a moment to psych himself up for a conversation. Okay, be cool. He's just going to talk to his long-time crush and fascination. 

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” Hawks said with a bow 

“Yeah sure.” Dabi responded also with a bow, it was textbook angle. It made Hawks believe he was raised somewhat traditionally. 

“I'm actually a big fan of yours.” Hawks says before he could stop himself 

“Oh…Yeah?” Dabi asked, tilting his head lightly. His black hair moving out of his face and the light slid across the staples in his cheeks in a way that made his inner bird coo. 

“Yeah! You're ho-” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. ” Really great at modeling. Especially in Meluh Magazine.” Hawks corrected quickly his face starting to burn

“Well now birdie, you'd almost make me believe you like the look of me.” Dabi teases and Hawks feels his entire face flush. He didn't even have a response to that but luckily he was saved by the photographer. 

“Dabi, Hawks. Time to get started.” 

The first pose had Hawks behind Dabi and he was trying to look at the camera but his eyes kept getting caught on Dabi's spiky hair and the shiny piercings in his ears. He didn't even notice the way his wings were raised to claim Dabi as his. 

“Hmmm…Oooh! Hawks, would it be possible for you to lean more on top of Dabi?”

“Sure.” 

Hawks leaned down until his chest pressed against Dabi's back and he wrapped his arms around him for a more comfortable position. His chin resting on the other's shoulder. He couldn't believe it for a moment that he was actually embracing Dabi! He expected the normal warmth you'd get from another person, but Dabi's body was cold. Perhaps something to do with his quirk? 

When they did switch poses, Hawks was reluctant to let go. He did and they moved. On a break he carefully wrote out his phone number on a sticky note. This was his chance to get to know Dabi who he very much still has a boyish crush. You'd think he was a pining school girl with how flushed his cheeks were at the thought of giving his crush his number. He was just missing the giggling. They did one more block of photos before packing up everything. Hawks made sure to change quickly so he could catch Dabi on the way out. 

He was wearing a baggy black coat that was really ragged. He also had on some platform boots that made him even taller than Hawks. They were really cool with straps and chains. Actually, they look like Meluh limited edition boots from their 10 year anniversary a few months ago. Yes, he still keeps up with the magazin to this day. He quickly catches up to Dabi though and stops him from leaving by grabbing his wrist. 

“Hey wait! That was fun. We should do this kind of thing again.” Hawks said, trying to be casual

“Sure. Whatever.” Dabi said flippantly 

“Here's my number.” Hawks continued passing him the sticky note

“Thanks…I guess.” Dabi said and Hawks beamed at him. He did it! He gave Dabi his number!

He was buzzing with excitement the whole way home, his phone feeling like it weighed a ton in his pocket. He got home way faster than he should've and he landed on the balcony kinda rough. Even that didn't disturb him as he popped up and danced into the house. He took out his phone and noticed he hadn't gotten a text yet. Dabi's probably just on his way home still. 

Hawks pulled up TigTog and the first video was an edit congratulating Dabi on winning the vote for Japan's male model in the IFC. Oh right! Those results were today! Obviously Hawks voted for Dabi. He was actually so excited he was one of the options this year! The competition happens every other year and it alternates countries. Sadly it's in the United States this year so Hawks can't go see it in person. Hawks is glad Pro Heros can't be entered into the competition, via HPSC rules, because he was sure he'd be nominated. He really didn't want to spend a full 5 days doing that. 

The televised part was only 3 nights, featuring the female model, the male models, and then on the last night was the awards ceremony. It's a competition after all, so they need to decide who did the best in each category. The best overall design is given on the basis of technique, style, and adaptability. Awarded to the different designers behind the outfits. The top model is decided by the same criteria for the most part, though they have a presentation category. The top model also decides which country is on top in any given year. Japan hasn't made first place in quite some time now. 2nd and 3rd occasionally. Not first. 

Hawks already scheduled late shifts on all three of those days. Seeing as they will be held in America, the showing here will be from 7 AM to 9 AM. If he goes to work at 10 AM then he can get home at 11 PM…That's only 13 hours! He knows he shouldn't be working such short shifts but he can't help but want to see Dabi

His phone chimed with a notification and he jumped. He looked down and noticed with joy that it was Dabi! Dabi had texted him! He quickly saved his contact so he'd have it in his phone.

Dabi ❤️: This is Dabi.

You: Hey there!

Hey there? What is he thinking? Now Dabi will think he's a weirdo. Probably…But seriously who leads with “Hey There!”?!

Dabi ❤️: do u seriously want to do more photo shoots with me hero? 

You: Yeah! I thought we had some pretty good chemistry today! 

Dabi ❤️: i suppose 

You: Oh! congrats on getting in the IFC! 

Dabi ❤️: not sure how i won the vote to be honest 

Hawks was perplexed by this, as Dabi is very popular. He took Japan by storm and when the IFC votes were tallied he didn't win by a landslide, but he still had a large lead over the second place. There were still some (misguided) people that didn't like Dabi because of his scars or whatever. Hawks was among the many who loved how he looked. Regardless he is very popular and no one is surprised he won…Except apparently Dabi. 

Dabi ❤️: i'm going to bed

You: Goodnight! 

Dabi ❤️: goodnight 

Hawks wanted to talk more but it was getting quite late and he had patrol really early tomorrow so he should probably get to bed. He hoped he didn't leave a bad first impression on Dabi. He wants to properly court him, his bird side demands it. That's why he was still hung up on Dabi. Other than the fact he is hot as fuck. His bird side only becomes this active when Dabi is involved. As if to say he has chosen the one already. It was stupid.... He put his phone on to charge and laid down. He didn't want to sleep but if he didn't he'd hate himself tomorrow. After that thought he eventually faded to sleep. 

Chapter Text

DabiNews @DabiNewsTwt

@DabiOffical won the vote for the International Fashion Competition! He'll be representing Japan in the male model category. 

[Image attachment]

1.4k replies 2,850 Reposts 7, 268 quotes 73.3k likes 

Replying to @DabiNews 

BestestJeans ✅️ @BestJeanistOffical

Dabi is an excellent model, truly deserving of this honor. 

600 replies 25 reposts 2.5k likes 

Replying to @DabiNews 

Falcon @Falconfeathers 

I'm so happy for him! I've been following him for 5 years! It's an honor to see him now.

2 replies 1 repost 10 likes 

Replying to DabiNews

Cheese @Wafflesaregreat23

I convinced my entire family to vote for him i'm so happy it worked out

5 replies 2 reposts 20 likes 

Replying to DabiNews

DabiFan @DabisRightTeet

 LEZ GOOOOOOOOOOO 

5 replies 2 reposts 20 likes 

Replying to @DabiNews and @DabisRightTeet

Clare @CagedRose 

Wtf is that @? 

1 replies 0 reposts 14 likes 

Replying to @Dabinews, @DabisRightTeet, and @CagedRose 

Dabiiiiii @DabisLeftTeet 

I don't see anything wrong with it

1 replies 0 reposts 13 likes 

ClubPresident@EndeavorSucks 

Daily reminder that Endeavor sucks. 

106 replies 20 Reposts 17 quotes 2k likes 

Replying to @EndeavorSucks 

DoctorIce @Frostmonster 

Amen 

1 replies 0 reposts 25 likes 

Replying to @EndeavorSucks and @Frost Monster 

FireNIce @Iceisbetter

Amen 

1 replies 0 reposts 22 likes

Replying to @EndeavorSucks, @Frost Monster and @Iceisbetter 

MissFreeze @TheIcePrincesss

Amen 

0 replies 0 reposts 20 likes

Hawks ✅️ @Hawks_Official

Newest photo drop comes out in 8 hours! Featuring @Dabiofficial ;) 

5k replies 613 Reposts 117 quotes 16.3k likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Offcial 

Dabi ✅️ @Dabiofficial 

 It was nice meeting you

21 replies 14 reposts 4.4k likes 

Replying to Hawks_Official

Artemis @BowMommyHot 

Bro Hawks and Dabi together in one photo? Like I'm lesbian but hear me out-

30 replies 5 reposts 500 likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Official and @BowMommyHot

Shrimp @MeetmeOutside23

Listening 😏

24 replies 0 reposts 420 likes

Dabi was at the airport at 4 AM. He'd been up since 2 AM when he met his agent in an alleyway for official business. His agent handed him a fake passport that they had gotten made a few days prior. It had his face and the name Taro Yamamoto. He almost hated it more than he did Touya Todoroki. Almost. There wasn't exactly anything wrong with those names, it just very clearly wasn't him. He's just Dabi. But apparently that can't be his legal name. Lame.

Regardless with his new passport in hand he had made it to the gate. He was dressed up almost entirely in black. A soft black hoodie pulled over his head and a mask to cover his face. No one even looked twice. His agent was also on the flight but thankfully he didn't have to speak to him. Dabi got first class so that was nice. He already hated planes so maybe first class will make it…bearable. 

As he waited for boarding though he was on Twitter. He was tagged in 20 million different posts and he lazily browsed through them. He for the most part stayed uninvolved with his fans. Mainly because surely no one actually likes him that much. 

Hawks' post caught his attention of course, and he briefly replied. That bird was strange, but still undeniably handsome. Despite how annoying he seemed, he actually wasn't that much of a nuisance. He didn't bombard Dabi with texts at least. He usually said good morning and goodnight every day. Sometimes he asked how Dabi's day was. Dabi replied to these. He wasn't sure why. He still hates heros. He ignored most people. He'll just say it's his stupid pretty face. Wait- 

Dabi shook his head lightly and looked back at his phone. He really wasn't looking forward to this flight. His first class allotted him his own private little cuticle where he could ignore everyone and everything for a good while. He bought these stupidly expensive motion sickness pills in the hope that they'd help his stomach. At least he had the Endeavor hate memes. As president of the Endeavor hate club, he gets to see them all the time. He reposts the best ones. 

The call for boarding comes and he gets in line. They are boarded rather quickly, at least in first class, and he checks out his cuticle curiously. Damn first class is nice, if he was rich he would use it all the time. But he doesn't go much of anywhere and he isn't rich…Regardless,he's drugged up and relaxed, he turns on some random movie to watch. The plane takes off after that. 

The next 15 or so hours made him want to set the entire plane on fire and see if he could rocket back to shore or just let himself drown. The pills worked fine surprisingly, so at least his stomach wasn't flopping around the whole flight and making his life hell. His asshole of an agent kept trying to bother him though, the annoying pest. Dabi just ignored him until the flight attendants wrangled him back to his seat. He almost felt bad for them. 

When they arrived it was not even dawn yet. Dabi wanted to yeet himself off a bridge…or maybe just get some proper sleep. He didn't sleep for shit on the plane even with first class. His agent still somehow held the energy to yap on deaf ears. New York he had already decided is only better in one regard, it didn't have Endeavor. That thought made him chuckle lightly. Dabi is removed from this brief happiness by a short woman addressing him. 

“Oh hey! You must be Dabi!” She said and Dabi looked at the scars on his arms before shrugging “I'm Sakura, otherwise known as Suzuki Hirami.”

Oh right. He forgot that there is also a female model in this thing. He's never met Sakura before but you'd have to live under a rock to not recognize her. She has an unbelievably pretty face and her quirk gave her red hair that glowed. He is actually not even surprised she is here. 

“I'm Dabi.” He bowed 

“Sakura you can't just run off like that!” A different much taller woman says 

“But it's Dabi!” Sakura complains 

The taller woman fixes her glasses and squeaks when she sees him. Dabi notices that she had large antennae on her hair and her eyes were a bug like black. “Hello, I'm Yato Nagi. I'm Sakura's agent.” 

“Nice to meet you.” Dabi said

“I'm Tomita Kouki, Dabi's agent.” Agent fuckface introduces. Wait… He has a name? Dabi had been calling him Agent Fuckface for so long he actually forgot. 

Sakura and Yato both looked at Agent Fuckface and their faces scrunch up at his appearance. Dabi didn't blame them, the man's hair looks greasy and he smiled like a creep. Probably because he is one. They smiled politely and did a short bow before turning back to Dabi.

“I'm a really big fan of yours!” Sakura said and Dabi was starting to wonder why everyone was suddenly his fan. 

“Thank you…” Dabi said “I liked that shoot you did for that Boba shop.” 

“Oh my God! You know that one?!” Sakura seemed to literally have stars in her eyes

“Yeah.” Dabi wasn't a super fan. It's just that that boba shop was also a cafe and they had the best garbage meals in the neighborhood. He grew attached until the owners chased him away. 

Sakura and Yato giggled together and Dabi just stood there awkwardly. That's when another person walks up to their group and Dabi recognizes her. Nomura Hana is a fairly respected new fashion designer in Japan. He knows her from her tendency to mix traditional with modern in ways unprecedented. 

“Hello, I'm Nomura Hana.” She greets with a bow “You two must be Sakura and Dabi.”

“Yup!” Sakura said

“It'll be lovely to work with you guys.” Numura said with a smile 

Sakura looked like she would burst with joy, Dabi just wanted to go to the hotel and sleep. Thankfully he was given the chance as the group found their ride provided by the event organizers to the hotel. As soon as he was checked into his room he tore off most of his clothes and almost immediately passed out. 

Roughly 7 hours ago.

Hawks ✅️ @Hawks_Official

Photos with @DabiOfficial are out now! 

Thisisalink.com/Hawks/DabiCollaboration/thisisabelievablelink 

6k replies 567 Reposts 103 quotes 17.5k likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Official 

Heteromorph Rights! @Monkeyingaround

Are you guys…seeing what I'm seeing? 

35 replies 23 reposts 240 likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Official and @Monkeyingaround

Bluebirdie @Birdsofafeather

Hawks is clearly claiming Dabi. As a bird heteromorph myself I'm scared to even look at Dabi without his approval.

18 replies 12 reposts 200 likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Official and @Monkeying around 

Flyhigh@Birdsaremypassion

I've never seen such an obvious claim before, are we sure they aren't secretly together?

12 replies 2 reposts 132 likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Official, @Monkeyingaround and @Birdsaremypassion 

DabiHawks?!@TheOGShipper 

They have to be together! The chemistry is off the charts!

2 replies 1 reposts 120 likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Official

Amy @Warnbeforn

They could pass me around like a blunt. 

12 replies 2 reposts 235 likes 

Replying to @Hawk_Official and @Warnbeforn

Shrimp @Shrimpsahoy

Heard. 

2 replies 0 reposts 140 likes 

Relying to @Hawks_Official 

Lemme cook @Strawberryspice

Soooo…is it Dabihawks or Hawksdabi?

100 replies 5 reposts 400 likes 

Replying to @Hawks_Official and @Strawberry spice 

Wario @Mymustache

Obviously it's Hawksdabi. Hawks is a pro after all so clearly he's more dominant than some model. #Hawksdabi

Replying to @Hawks_Official, @Strawberryspice, and #Mymustache 

Yuki @TaroBobaYum 

Just because he's a pro doesn't mean he doesn't take it! I mean, look at them. Dabi is clearly the top. #DabiHawks  

Replying to @Hawks_Official and Strawberryspice

Mochi @ChiChiChums 

#Dabihawks. Dabi absolutely tops no doubt in my mind. There is no way Hawks is out here topping Dabi!

Replying to @Hawks_Official and @Strawberryspice 

They absolutely take turns! I imagine they are both switches who take turns giving and receiving. #Dabihawks #HawksDabi

Trending in Japan:

#IFC 

The International Fashion Competition returns for another week of fashion filled wonder!

#DabiHawks

Following the drop of a photoshoot featuring number 3 pro-hero Hawks and model Dabi, fans question if they are dating or not

#MarioKart

Potential leaks about the drop of Mario Kart 10 get fans curious about what lies in the future for the series. 

#HawksDabi

Following the drop of a photoshoot featuring pro-Hero Hawks and model Dabi, fans question which bunk bed the two prefer.

The photos dropped at noon, and Hawks didn't think anything of it until he opened up Twitter while on the roof of a building. He was resting his wings for a bit after a fight with a villain. Things had blown up rapidly he noticed as people started asking if they were secretly dating. He didn't foresee this happening. To be honest, when he looked at the photos he was focused on Dabi. He didn't even notice how possessive he was posing behind him. Even in other shots his wings are arched as if to show he was the bigger bird. 

Hawks was going to soon receive a very angry call from his handler, and Narita already has a base level anger. He didn't even know what to say “Sorry I think Dabi is hot and I couldn't control the inner bird.” She'd literally kill him! They spent so much of his childhood trying to get the bird instincts repressed and just for them to go out of control over some boy? His handler doesn't even know he's into men! Maybe he can play dumb? Yeah, he'll play dumb. He's on patrol and shouldn't be on his phone anyway. Hawks tries to forget about it when he goes back, and he's flying through the air when his phone rings. Dread pools in his stomach and he takes his phone out. Of course it was his Handler. 

“Hello!” Hawks answers 

“Hawks.” Narita hisses. Oh, she's pissed. 

“Whatever it is, I didn't do it.” Hawks said 

“So you aren't sleeping with Dabi?” Narita asks 

“What? Where'd you get that idea?” Hawks asked 

“I'm guessing you have not been on Twitter then.” Narita said 

“I've been on patrol.” Hawks lied “I haven't been on my phone until now.” 

“Your recent photoshoot with Dabi comes off in a way that has the public buzzing with rumors. This was supposed to boost your popularity! Not tank it!” Narita screams 

Hawks was okay if his popularity dropped because he dared to be gay, because he hated being the “straight playboy” number three. He'd prefer to be the “Gay mess” number 304. His handler however wouldn't dare let that come to fruition unless she was dead. 

“I don't think it'll tank my popularity.” Hawks said “Dabi is popular, he got voted for IFC after all. People like the idea of a secret romance.” 

Narita seemed to think it over for a second and Hawks hoped she didn't see through his bluff. He knows how popular Dabi is, and people these days love a drama. He heard her tap her fingers on the other side and her chair squeak as she leaned forward. 

“Fine. I'll allow it. We'll see how this goes.” Narita said and holy fucking shit. What the actual fuck? 

“Thank you ma'am.” Hawks thanks

“Whatever, if things go south though we're denying it firmly.” Narita said

“Of course!” Hawks was overjoyed he got out of a scolding and actually got to be himself for once. 

The call ended and he didn't even feel the need to fly because he was already floating. They weren't going to actively confirm or deny the relationship between them. Hawks wishes it were real, because he adores Dabi and wants to have a real relationship with him. Maybe even finally follow the sexy v-line…His face grew hot at the thought. He'd certainly had his fantasies in the past about Dabi. Wondering what his mismatched lips would taste like and if he had piercings in other places….cut it out brain! 

Hawks knows Dabi is on a plane right now, because he very cutely complained about his 15 hour flight to him the night before. Dabi didn't talk much but he had been opening up to Hawks a bit more. Though he could've just wanted to complain about the flight…Hawks didn't care. He loved talking to Dabi. He needs to reel it in because this is embarrassing. 

The point! Is that Dabi is on a plane and probably hasn't seen what's blown up on Twitter, and he certainly can't message him to check. He needs to think of what to say, should he ask him to pretend to date him? But then what if that ruins the chances of them actually dating? Romantic fiction is one thing, this is real life. What if he asks Dabi to not say anything to boost their popularity? But then he comes off as some popularity obsessed asshole! He doesn't want Dabi to think he wants to be this popular…More than he probably already probably thinks that…

Hawks shook the thought away and focused back in control, he'll message Dabi about it later. Right now he's on the job. Perhaps it'll come to him what to say…

Chapter Text

Dabi was woken rather abruptly by someone pounding on his hotel door like there was a fire in the building and he slept through the alarm. His body felt heavy as he raised himself off the mattress. He squinted at the door as it continued to be battered down. He wasn't sure what time it is now but there is light pouring from the cracks in the curtains. 

“Get your ass up!” 

Dabi recognized that fuckwad’s voice and immediately laid back down. He knows that asshole isn't bothering him right now. Dabi isn't stupid, the actual competition starts tomorrow. Today everyone is arriving and sleeping off the jetlag…or whatever. So that asshole has no reason to bother him until tomorrow. 

Dabi buries his face into the pillow and uses the other one to cover his head. It mostly muffled the sound. Eventually the banging stops and Dabi feels himself drift back to sleep again. When he does wake up again he's greeted by silence. He looked at the clock on the side and it was now 2 PM. Oh wow maybe 8 hours of sleep does make you feel better. He didn't feel like shit for once. 

He looked for his phone and found it on the floor, still in the pocket of his pants. He turned it on and cursed himself as it only had 5%. From the notifications he had 74 missed calls from his agent and over 100 text messages. Wow. Dabi didn't know what he did to piss his agent off this time, but he did it good. Perhaps he should do it more. He plugs in his phone and lets it charge. He wanders around to check the room. Despite being more high end it was still smaller. It's New York City after all. The bathroom was rather spacious despite this and Dabi curiously looked at the amenities. He's only stayed at a hotel a number of times and he remembers running off with the soap on more than one occasion. He decided to go ahead and shower. It'll help him feel less like shit after the 15 hour flight. 

After his shower he walked into the main room in just a robe. He sits on the bed and pulls his phone over. It now had 25%. That was nice. He boredly skimmed the messages from his agent. It was all fairly normal shit. He was cursing him out for ignoring him…Calling him a massive whore…Oh look! He's even started calling him slurs. He eventually realized that it had something to do with Hawks. Though it was hard to tell really from the barage of insults. He notices a text from said bird and opens it. 

Bird: Have you seen what they are saying on Twitter yet? 

You: nah let me check

Dabi got on Twitter and the first thing on his timeline was DabiHawks fan art. Damn…the devil works hard but artists work harder. So that's what is going on. He eventually makes it to the thread with their latest shoot, the start of it all. By that point Dabi was hysterical. People actually think he's secretly dating the number 3 hero! No wonder his agent lost his shit. Not only is he openly homophobic but he's shady af and doesn't want Heros involved in any way. Oh this is rich! Imagine if his father could see him now! He'd hopefully have a heart attack! 

You: oh thats hilarious!

Bird: So you've seen it?

You: yuh

Bird: I'm not going to release a statement confirming or denying. Are you?

You: fuck no!

this is hilarious! 

im dying XD

Bird: Yeah lol 

Dabi scrolled through some more DabiHawks posts with interest. People were raising some pretty interesting theories. Dabi notices the same signs that they do, but that would imply Hawks is a Heteromorph and officially he isn't. So unless Hawks is hiding more than just his name, it didn't necessarily mean he was “claiming Dabi.” Dabi felt a bit weird about that, the idea that in the photos Hawks was claiming him and daring others to challenge. He couldn't imagine anyone wanting him, much less enough to willingly fight anyone for him. Why would Hawks choose him anyway? 

Dabi saw a few new art pieces pop up. One was in a chibi style and had them holding hands with a little heart in-between. He liked how cute it was. The next was the two of them in an anime style. He wondered what it would be like to be in an anime. His life was fucked enough for him to be a protagonist. The last one was a realistic rendition based on the photoshoot, but Hawks was leaned in to kiss Dabi's cheek instead of just pressing against his shoulders. He reposted that one. For shiggles.

Dabi eventually got hungry and realized he'd have to go out to eat. He didn't really feel like it. He opened his suitcase, which he barely remembered hauling here. He pulls on a fresh pair of boxers, and digs around until he finds a t-shirt to pull over his head. The neckline is worn low and the original print is so faded you can't really tell what it is. Yes it makes him look homeless but if he is sassy enough it looks intentional. He pulls on some black cargo pants and socks. He is finished lacing up his boots when there is a gentle knock on the door. He stands and walks over, he opens the door and looks down to see Sakura smiling at him.

“Hey Dabi. We were just heading to dinner and wanted to know if you want to join?” Sakura asks

Dabi notices that Nomura and Yato were there as well. He figures he's going to spend the next week with all of them anyway so might ad well get comfortable. 

“Sure but I'm not bringing Agent Fuckface.” Dabi said and the others looked stunned at the name. Sakura then laughed while Yato hid a laugh behind her hand. Nomura did her best not to break her composure. 

“We heard him harassing you earlier.” Nomura said quietly

“Yeah, Nagi called the hotel security on him!” Sakura said excitedly

“Oh, thanks. I guess.” Dabi said 

“Why was he banging on your door so much anyway?” Yato asked 

“He thinks I'm in a secret relationship with Hawks.” Dabi said blandly 

“The pro hero?!” Sakura gasped

“Yeah…it's a…long story.” Dabi mentioned 

“Are you actually dating him?” Nomura asks 

“Why would he date me?” Dabi asked “I'd be his last choice.”

“I don't think so.” Sakura said “You two are fairly popular! And you are number 1 and 2 of Japan's bachelors.” 

“When did I get number 2?” Dabi asked 

“Hmmm…A year ago?” Sakura questions

“Yes.” Yato confirms and he wonders briefly how he missed that…

“Let's go eat.” Nomura suggests breaking the pause in conversation. 

“What are we getting?” Dabi asked as he followed them towards the elevator.

“We were going to check out the restaurant in the hotel. I hear they serve good food.” Yato said

“I heard it's a buffet!” Sakura cheered

“I heard they have a good wine and spirit collection.” Nomura said 

“Sounds good then.” Dabi mentioned 

The four of them went downstairs where people from all over the world were already gathered. It was indeed a buffet style restaurant that served a lot of food options. They were greeted at the entrance by a hostess who gave them a booth to sit at. 

“What can I get for drinks?” She asks 

Sakura and the others seem a bit nervous and Dabi realized they didn't know English. “She's asking what drinks we want.” 

“Oh! I'll have a…What do they have?” Sakura said

“Do you have a menu?” He asks their waitress in perfect English, taking her off guard. 

“Oh! Yes! Of course, hold on!” She scurried off 

“You know English?” Nomura asks curiously 

“In my house, everyone had to be perfect. Anything less was thrown out.” Dabi said plainly 

“That's terrible!” Sakura said 

“It's just what it is.” Dabi said

“I always did badly when learning English, the classes never quite helped.” Yato said and Nomura nods her agreement 

The waitress comes back with a menu and they look it over. They each order a drink, mainly by pointing at the menu. Dabi gets water, yes basic. But the carbonation fucks over his throat. Sakura orders a sweet tea to try. Yato orders the other flavor Sakura wanted to try. You'd think they were dating or something with how much Yato does over Sakura. He won't assume anything. Nomura orders some wine to try. 

Dabi offered to stay at the table while the others raided the buffet. He got out his phone and opened Twitter again. His entire home page was all Dabihawks posts. People sure caught on fast to the rumor. He opens up his conversation with Hawks again at a notification. 

Bird: How was the flight?

You: fine

Bird: Any motion sickness? 

You: not really

surprisingly 

the pills helped

Bird: That's good! Motion sickness isn't fun, I get it sometimes when I fly too fast.

You: its because you do tricks 

Isnt it?

Bird: You caught me! I do love a good roll! I should've known you'd figure me out. 

You: not hard to guess 

Birdbrain

Bird: You wound me! 

“Ooooo, texting your boyfriend?” Sakura teases as she sits down

“He's not my boyfriend.” Dabi is quick to deny.

“That's what you say now…” Sakura said, eyes trailing after Yato “Perhaps you two haven't seen it yet.” 

“If you're into your agent, you can just say it.” Dabi said plainly.

“W-what? No! We're just good friends.” He didn't think it was possible for her hair to glow brighter. You'd think it was on fire with how red it got. 

“Yeah, and I'm The Emperor” Dabi teases 

“Just don't tell anyone!” Sakura shouted

“Tell anyone what?” Yato asks and Sakura jumps out of her skin 

“She was telling me an embarrassing story from her childhood.” Dabi said

“Was it the time the power went out and everyone used you as a nightlight in school?” Yato asks and Sakura flushes

“Yeah.” 

Dabi left that drama and went to look at the food options and honestly it was a bit overwhelming. This buffet had a lot of options and he was already a bit picky. Certain foods didn't go down well. In fact some go down so bad he wants to burn himself alive again just to feel anything else. He wouldn't recommend it as a way to relieve pain/discomfort though, it surprisingly enough does the exact opposite. He did end up just grabbing a bunch of things that looked good. He was fairly pleased with it all. 

He arrived back at the table and let the others talk around him. He didn't talk to others often but this was fine. Dabi listened to them babble with slight interest. Mainly talking about the competition that starts tomorrow. After they all finished their rounds, they found out that apparently their meals were covered by the agency behind IFC. Because IFC organizers legitimately just checked out the entire building for the event. They all went back to their rooms and by that point Dabi's social battery was almost as charred as his skin. He waved goodbye to the others and entered his room. He shrugged off some clothes and threw himself into the bed. Tomorrow was going to be a long day and he hoped that he could avoid his agent as much as possible. 

Dabi woke up at 3 AM. He opened his eyes and stared up at the darkened ceiling. He didn't feel tired at that moment. Perhaps he'd finally just caught up on enough sleep. He sits up and ruffles his hair lightly. The thick damaged strands were more like straw than hair. He considered for a moment washing out the black dye, but no. He doesn't want his family to even vaguely recognize him. He didn't want to go back to that shit family with their shit ideals. He may hope everyday that Endeavor will go to hell, but he'd rather go himself than even go back to that shit. Besides, he liked the black. Even if it meant not having the silky smooth strands he inherited from his mother.

Dabi wonders if Hawks is awake, he isn't sure what time it was in Japan as the time differences are pretty large. It's 3 AM here so it can't be that late there. Wait, why does he even care about the bird? It's not like they're actually dating! Dabi groans into his hands. There is definitely something wrong with him if he's thinking about a hero of all fucking things. 

Dabi tugs his phone off the charger and opens up TigTog. The first thing on his FYP is an edit, not unusual. Except for the fact it was an edit of him and Hawks. They might have already let it get way too out of hand. People in the comments were genuinely convinced that they are together and haven't announced it yet. It was a good edit though so he liked it and scrolled. 

Liking that one video led to his FYP being entirely composed of himself and Hawks. Not always together. Sometimes it was just Hawks. Dabi ended up watching them in their entirety. The bird is hot, even if he is a pro hero. He gets a text and exits TigTog to check it. 

Bird: I'm not sure what time it is for you, but goodnight! 

Dabi checked and it was now 5 AM. He hadn't even realized he had been watching TigTog that long. 

You: night 

Dabi gets out of bed and starts to get ready for the day. Stretching causes the staples in his back to creak and he carefully checked them to see if any popped out. Luckily for him they were all intact. He may have to change them out soon. He takes a quick shower before dressing up for today. 

Today is the first day of the competition, but only really for the fashion designers. They have a few days to create the outfits shown on the televised days at the end of the week. He was meeting up with Nomura and the others so she can alter her designs in whatever way she wants to fit them better. He really hopes he can ditch his agent somewhere, the reason he was even here is because many agents accompany their model to these international events so anyone who wants to potentially hire the model can talk directly to their agent. 

Dabi dressed in his favorite hoodie, some ripped jeans and of course, his boots. He looked at himself in the mirror for a moment, thinking about how much he looked like shit right now. No matter. He grabs his phone and opens the door. On the other side of it is his agent who looked about ready to knock the door down. They stare at each other for a second before Dabi slams the door in his face. Dabi turns around and considers the logistics of jumping out the window just to avoid his agent. Did these kinds of windows even open? Sure he could probably burn a hole in the glass but that's illegal. 

“I'm just here to make sure you leave on time.” His agent grumbles through the door 

Dabi sighs internally and opens the door again “Well, thanks…I guess.” 

“We do need to talk about the whole scandal with Hawks though.” His agent said

“What is there to talk about? It isn't true, let people have their fun.” Dabi dismissed passing right by the guy and he was clearly angry with his response. 

“So you're going to let people think you are into men?” His agent was clearly disgusted by this 

“Why not? I am into men.” Dabi said before adding “and woman.” 

His agent was seemingly shell shocked by the idea of someone liking more than one gender and Dabi had to wonder which shithole he had originated to be this way. Dabi found he didn't much care for what this asshole thinks anyway. Dabi left him behind to travel down the stairs, he saw a few more contestants but hadn't caught sight of the other Japanese representatives. Usually you can spot Sakura pretty quickly due to her glowing hair. Perhaps they already left.

The actual site of the competition is down the street and Dabi walks casually towards it. He passes by people on the street, and most pay their own mind. He can appreciate that, but he did get a few looks. He's not unused to it, people see the scars and react. Some gawk, others reel back in disgust. Apparently some find it hot though…Don't ask him how that works, he isn't sure either. Either way he makes it to the venue and enters the building. There were already a few people milling about but what caught his attention was the food table in the lobby. Dabi walks over and snags a muffin from the table.

“Dabi! You're here!” He didn't even notice but at the other end of the table Sakura was grabbing enough croissants to feed an army 

“Hey.” He greeted casually “Do you need help with that?”

“I got it!” She announces 

They walk towards the studio together where they find Nomura to already be hard at work with her designs, flipping through her sketchbook with an insanity. She jumped when the door closed behind them and looked up at them. She relaxed and smiled. 

“Goodmorning Dabi.” Nomura greets 

“Sup.” He says

“Here you go!” Sakura drops the croissants on a plate on the desk

“Thank you.” Nomura said grateful

“How's it going?” Dabi asked curiously

“I just learned that you two are allowed to use your quirk in your presentation and I didn’t even think about that in my outfit planning. What’s your quirk Sakura?”

“My hair lights up according to my emotions but I can also extend that glow to other parts of my body.” Sakura explains 

“And Dabi?” 

“Oh, this.” Dabi casually lit his hand on fire and the two gaped lightly at the blue flames spilling over his palm. He snuffed it out soon after. 

“Dabi makes a lot of sense now.” Sakura said and Nomura nods slowly 

Nomura turns towards her sketchbook with a thoughtful look on her face, and flips through the pages before landing on one and using her pencil to scribble a little bit. Dabi eats his muffin unbothered by this. This muffin was surprisingly good for a mass produced snack. Sakura was eating her croissants while curiously watching Nomura work, eventually she looked over at him, her mouth stuffed full of croissants. He snickers and she rolls her eyes before looking away. Dabi takes out his phone and opens the Endeavor Hate Club discord. 

#General 

WolfieRock: I legit saw him in person today

PresidentSnow: my condolences 

Frostmonster: Its terrible I know

WolfieRock: can we talk about how stupid that mustache is?

Sevika’sWife: Literally. Like we get it you use flames.

Iceisbetter: He does it even when out of the suit.

PresidentSnow: i wish it burnt him everytime it touches his skin

Frostmonster: That would be cathartic 

Frostmonster: He deserves it

Iceisbetter: I approve of this message. 

Wiremire: How you been President?

PresidentSnow: fine ig out of the country for work

Wiremire: Where?

PresidentSnow: US

TinkyTonky: Ooo how are you liking it?

PresidentShow: doesn’t have Endeavor so i like it fine

TinkyTonky: Fair enough

Iceisbetter: Anywhere without Endeavor is great 

Frostmonster: Yes

TheIcePrincess: I couldn’t imagine leaving Japan…

PresidentSnow: the flight was shit do not recommend

TinkyTonky: Oh god yeah 

Wiremire: I get really bad motion sickness I could never

PresidentSnow: i had to take the strongest drugs i could find

“Hey Dabi?”  

“Yuh?” He looked up and noticed Sakura was smiling at him

“Did your agent give you any trouble?” 

“I only briefly had to consider the legality of melting the glass to escape.” Dabi said and Sakura giggled

“Say Dabi, how much can you control your flames?” Nomura asked and he looked past Sakura to look at her.

“uhhh…Pretty well I guess, what’s on your mind?” Dabi asked

“I wanted to theme the outfits over light and darkness since you two are uniquely able to produce light.” Nomura said showing her sketchbook, the outfits sketched into the paper were a take on Japanese street fashion. He noticed the male outfit had a very deep v-neckline, which he preferred. The outfit was mainly black in the sketch, with silver chain accents on the pants. In fact it looked like a more traditional robe retooled into a form fitting garment. 

“Oooo! I love love love!” Sakura squealed

Dabi looked over at the female design, her outfit definitely reminded him of the harajuku style. But the gothic kind, not the colorful kind he’d expect from her. Though there was still some reds and pinks in the black to make it uniquely Sakura. Nomura really knows her stuff.

“I want to know what you can do with your quirks.” Nomura explains 

“I can control it pretty well.” Dabi pondered “There is a trick I haven’t tried since I was a kid.” 

“Ooo what is it?” Sakura asked curiously 

Dabi looked at his hands and focussed on the flames that gathered beneath his skin. The flames gather inbetween his fingers and he struggles to get them to conform to his vision. It was almost akin to shaping clay as he pressed the flames together. He took a deep breath and his exhale came out in smoke. Then he released his hands and from them a small dragon made of flame flew into the air above his hands. He smiles lightly as he leads the fire in a spin in the air before the dragon fizzles out in his hand. He looks back at Sakura and Nomura who were staring at him with wide eyes. 

“I can probably do bigger with a bit of practice.” Dabi said 

“That was gorgeous.” Nomura said 

“Just wow.” Sakura agrees

Dabi shrugged “I wanted to train my control as a child, I never did get good enough.” 

“For who? That is amazing!” Sakura said 

“My father, he was never pleased with me.” Dabi said 

“Well, he’s wrong for that.” Sakura said firmly 

Dabi shrugged “I’m dead to him anyway.” 

“If you think you can lead in with that dragon, then your presentation for the judges will be beyond astonished.” Nomura said 

“I probably can.” Dabi said fairly confidently 

“Okay, so let's start with the fitting and I'll get to work immediately. There are only 2 days before the showing.” Nomura said “Sakura, we’ll do you first. Your outfit is a fair bit more complicated to measure for.” 

“Okay!” Sakura says proudly 

There was a knock on the door and the three of them looked over, the door opened to reveal one of the many event workers. The man smiled slightly at them before saying in perfect Japanese “We’re gathering models for interviews, would it be possible to take one of you for interviews?” 

“I didn’t know there were going to be interviews.” Nomura said confused 

“They are new.” The worker assures

“I can go.” Dabi said

“Good, come with me sir.” The worker said

Chapter Text

Dabi followed the man as they made a brisk walk through the hallway, he wasn’t sure how to feel about being interviewed. It’s not like he hasn’t done them before but not on such a high level. He'd done a few for Meluh because they are his biggest and most well known sponsor. He didn't really give the “scoop” all that often. People didn’t need to fucking know. 

The interview room was the typical setup. Two plush looking chairs sat across from each other. Cameras placed everywhere to capture the interview. Someone running up to mic him up quickly. The mic was attached to the edge of his hoodie. He already hated this and they haven’t even started yet.

“Hello Dabi, I'm George Watson.” The man introduced, Dabi should probably recognize him but fuck it. 

“Hello.” He greets 

“We have a translator for you.” The guy gestures towards the guy who brought him here and before he could even open his mouth to speak it into Japanese, Dabi spoke up.

“Don't need it.” 

“Well, why don't you sit down and we can get started with the interview?” George asks 

Dabi drapes himself across the chair dramatically as George sits in the other one. Dabi waits patiently for everything to be set up around him. George sits and takes a deep breath, shuffling the papers on the table before looking up at Dabi. 

“Hello Dabi.” 

“Hello.” Dabi greets 

“You are the male model coming out of Japan, and by far one of the most mysterious models we've had in quite a while. “ George states 

“Some secrets need to be kept.” Dabi said simply 

“Indeed. Why don't you tell us about yourself a little?”

“My name is Dabi. I'm a model from Japan. I've been modeling for around 8 years now.” He said blandly 

“8 years is a long time! How did you get into modeling?” This guy's energy is exhausting 

“My agent picked me up off the street like a stray cat and decided I'd be a good model.” Dabi had no shame in saying this, him being homeless was a part of the backstory he shared before. Sometimes he wakes up and forgets he has a home now, and thus doesn't have to anxiously make sure no one is around to attack him or steal his shit. Shit times or whatever. Anyway he's distracting himself. 

“Oh…” George clearly didn't know what to say to that. Dabi enjoys seeing him sweat over his next words and Dabi stared at him eagerly awaiting a response. Eventually he manages to say, “Well, you've made it all the way to this international competition! That's a vast improvement.” 

“I suppose.” Dabi replied boredly 

“Are you excited for the days ahead? Nervous?” George inquires 

“It's just another competition. I've done many before, this one is just in the United States.” Dabi said and George was clearly disheartened by his short answers. 

“Speaking of the states, how are you liking it here?” George asked

“It's fine.” Dabi said plainly and George just looked at him unimpressed. Dabi’s lips twitched lighty in amusement. “I haven’t gotten to really explore much of it yet, been sleeping off the jet lag for the most part. Though, there is one thing that America has over Japan. It is Endeavor free.” 

“The pro hero?” George asked confused 

“Yeah, that shit bag.” Dabi confirms 

“Oh uh….Do you have a favorite pro-Hero?” George asked 

Dabi smirked and mentally laughed to himself before saying “Hawks.” 

“Any particular reason?” George asked and Dabi just stared at him blankly until the man got creeped out and just moved on. “ Well, anything you can share with us about your plans for the competition.” 

“Why should I tell you? After all, the best secrets are the ones revealed with dramatic flair.” Dabi said with a small smirk 

So yeah…The boring ass interview continued from there and after what felt like forever, Dabi eventually got to wander back to the studio the others were at. He loved messing with George as he could tell his nonresponse made him displeased. Dabi would rather burn himself alive again than tell anyone his secrets. With that rather delightful thought, he walks into the room. Sakura was on call (With her agent, clearly. Her hair lit up a specific shade of pink when they talked. It’s stupidly romantic) and Nomura was already working away at the outfits. 

“Oh Dabi! You're back!” Sakura cheers upon seeing him 

“Yuh.” Dabi said boredly 

“Oh great. I need your measurements.” Nomura said, already walking over with a tape measure.

“Cool.” Dabi replied 

Nomura was thorough but also very quick as she took down his measurements. He just let her move him for her needs. She then ran back to her work table and immediately got back to work on the garment she was sewing. Dabi watched her for a moment before sitting down and pulling out his phone. His mind drifted for a moment to Hawks. He wasn't sure why his brain was so hung up on a pro hero of all things but that stupid bird just had to demand a place is his head. Sure, he's handsome. Everyone can see that whether they like Heros or not. He's not as annoying as advertised, maybe that's why Dabi can't stop thinking about him. He's hiding something, a real personality behind the hero perhaps? Dabi understands that some secrets are best kept locked in a box. But he can't help the curiosity. A challenge? Can he get the bird to open up? 

Anyway it was noon here, and since it’s only been a few hours it can't be morning yet there. Hawks is weird in the fact he anyways says goodnight at 8 despite the fact neither of them were going to bed at that time. They both knew this and yet every day at 8 PM goodnight are exchanged. Anyway, if he's doing the math right it's only 2 AM in Japan right now. Hawks should still be asleep. It's actually a bit weird, knowing it's 2 AM in Japan and yet noon here. 

Dabi entertains himself on Twitter for a little while, he's a bit impressed with how many people have made Dabihawks art. Would be funny if they wrote fanfiction too…Wait. That's hilarious! He's going on AO3 later. Mainly he's just curious what people make when they really like something, some of it is questionable but a lot of it has quality. He never thought anyone would genuinely be interested in drawing his ugly ass but evidently there were plenty of artists interested in drawing him. 

“What do you want for lunch?” Sakura asks Nomura and that catches his attention

“Whatever you can get is fine.” Nomura said distracted

“I've heard that New York Pizza is pretty good.” Sakura suggested 

“Sounds fine.” Nomura said

“Okay! Dabi? You want to get some pizza with me?” Sakura asked

“Why not?” Dabi said with a small shrug

The two of them leave the studio and walk down the street, Sakura is tapping on her phone looking for a place with good reviews. Dabi looks up at the tall buildings curiously, his feet on auto pilot as he follows her. His curiosity was interrupted by a squeal. An actual high-pitched squeal. Dabi looked back down and saw a group of girls just standing there awed. Oh, perhaps they recognized Sakura. This theory was then disproven when they ran up to him.

“Are you Dabi?!” One of them asks

Dabi looks at the scars on his hands to make sure they were still there before saying “No.” Though this only caused the group to laugh. 

“You have to be him! Can we get a picture?” A different one asks

“I guess.” Dabi said boredly

So he took pictures with this group of girls real quick before running to catch up to Sakura. She smirked at him, “Mr. Popular over here.” 

“Not really.” Dabi said and she blinked at him with disbelief for a moment before they kept walking.

They were stopped 5 separate times on the way to a pizza place. Had to take pictures with people at the pizza place, and then got stopped 3 more on the way back. Most of them were seemingly interested in Dabi for some reason, he thought Sakura was way more popular. Though, perhaps that's just Japan. It's surprising how many Americans seemed to recognize him.

“Next time, I'm wearing a mask.” Dabi said

“Awe, but they love you.” Sakura teases 

“They're annoying. I don't understand why people are so obsessed with me.” Dabi said with an eye roll 

“Probably because you're an attractive guy.” Sakura said

“You don't even need to lie.” Dabi dismissed 

“I'm not! Like I'm Lesbian, but I can admit you are very attractive.” Sakuta insists 

“Whatever.” Dabi said boredly 

Today was the first night the competition would be televised. Meaning that the female model competition would soon start. Dabi was sat next to Nomura who looked one moment away from passing out. She'd really outdone herself the past 2 days. Dabi and Sakura took turns making sure she ate and drank more than just coffee. Now after the time had been cut off she was basically just catching up on lost sleep. Dabi thought the 2 day quota on making the outfits is very unrealistic. Perhaps that's what makes it a competition… Either way, waiting for Sakura's performance made Dabi himself start to doze off. He didn't particularly care for the other nations and those that he tried to pay attention to were quite bland really. Uninspired work and uninspired presentations. Really he's so bored of it already. People actually sit down to watch this? …He's being mean again. These people are all trying their best (probably) though some are definitely questionable. Perhaps he doesn't understand their culture enough to get it?...Perhaps he didn't really understand women's fashion?…Doesn't really matter he supposes.

You knew it was finally Sakura's turn when the lights in the stage phased out, music started playing as pink light highlighted the steps of buckled black boots. The light traveled up her body and reacted with the fabric of her skirt that glowed a bright pink. The glow finally settled in her hair and the rest of the stage finally lit up again just in time to see her stomp down the stage dramatically. The outfit fit her perfectly with flowing skirts and a black tank top fitted with sheer sleeves. Her hair is styled in pigtails and the light in them bounces as she walks. The bracelets on her arms jangling dramatically as she poses at the end of the catwalk. Batting her eyes with large pink lashes. 

Dabi was thoroughly impressed with her performance and he glanced to his other side. Her agent Yato was sitting there. Her cheeks were pink and her jaw was dropped. Dabi smirked to himself. Oh, so it does go both ways. He looks back at Sakura and she was in her element. Dramatically pouting before turning dramatically, her hair flipping behind her in a brilliant shine of pink. Her steps are heavy and it almost felt like the ground was shaking just watching it. When her performance was done everyone was in awe. Perhaps the reason Dabi was so critical of the others was because he knew what Sakura would be doing. She really pulled it off too, especially with her quirk. 

“Might want to lift your jaw.” He said to Yato “You'll catch flies.” 

Yato recovered and pulled up her jaw “I'm just so proud of her.”

“I'd say a little more than proud.” Dabi says cheekily

“Well uhhhh…Fine. I may have feelings for her.” Yato said to the surprise of literally no one. 

“Why don't you ask her out?” Dabi said 

“Ah well, she would never go for me. I'd probably be her last choice.”

Wait…is that what he sounds like? Shiiiiiiiiiiit. He needs to reevaluate a few things like, does this mean the bird likes him and actually wants to date him? But he's just too stubborn to see it, so he lies to himself that no one could possibly love him when there is palpable evidence that the bird is into him?...Nah! He's overthinking things, he and the bird are different from these two hopeless lesbians. 

“I'd say go for it.” Dabi said 

“I don't want to ruin our working relationship.” 

“It can't get worse than mine.” Dabi said and she cringed

“Why do you still have that guy as your agent? He's annoying and gross.” Yato said

“Hah. It is what it is, there are certain things I can't access without him unfortunately.” Like a modeling career. 

“I can't imagine what could hold you back at this point you're the top male model in Japan, you may even be in the top 10 models period. Any agent would be lucky to have you.” Yato says 

“Yeah well, I've accepted it.” Dabi said “It is what it is.” 

Yato gave him a concerned look and he decidedly looked at the stage, the woman on stage was dressed in essentially a souped up bed sheet. Whatever, maybe he doesn't see the merit in such a design. He glances at Nomura, based on her facial expression perhaps there wasn't any merit to be seen. 

“You did a good job.” He said and Nomura looked at him

“Thank you, it's really been an honor to work with you guys.” Nomura said

“Don't say that yet, I still have to present tomorrow.” Dabi chides 

“Please. If you do the thing, it'll be a walk in the park.” Nomura said 

The thing being the dragon that Dabi had spent his free time the past few days practicing the control over. He hasn't used this much flames in a while and his fingers were still a bit burnt but he couldn't really feel it anyway. He'd gotten really good at it though. He doesn't doubt that he can do the thing but his score is probably going to be tanked just because of how he looks. People judge that way all the time so it wouldn't surprise him. This must be how heteromorph models feel. 

The first night eventually ends and they all go to meet up with Sakura. She looks exhausted, probably from overusing her quirk to such an extent. Not only did she have to manipulate the glow around her, but she had to suppress her hair until it was time. It takes a lot out of someone who doesn't use their quirk a lot. Yato takes to immediately doting over her and giving her an ice cold water. Nomura pats her on the shoulder proudly, and Dabi…Well he decides she's crowded enough and checks his phone. 

Agent Fuckface: I expect you to do your best tomorrow. 

You: k

Agent Fuckface: STOP REPLYING WITH ONLY K!

You: 

k

Dabi could almost hear his agents yell of frustration…Oh wait. Yeah he's in the room somewhere, he was sitting on the far side away from them thankfully. Dabi forgot about that…Oh well. The guys an ass. Dabi doesn't even remember his bitch ass name. 

“Good job out there Sakura.” He finally speaks up and she beams at him.

“Thanks Dabi! I appreciate it.” Sakura said

“You deserve praise.” Dabi said easily 

“You really do.” Yato said and Sakura's hair glowed a shade brighter. They need to do him a favor and get together already. 

“I'm gonna go back to my room now, got to prepare for tomorrow after all.” Dabi said

“Okay Dabi, see you tomorrow!” Sakura cheered 

“Sleep well.” Yato said 

“Rest well “ Nomura said softly 

Dabi entered the lobby of the studio and snagged some food before walking back to the hotel. It was late out and he glared at anyone who even looked at him funny. The scars are good for one thing and that's intimidation. He does make it back to the hotel in one piece and even further to his room. He opens the door and shoves a piece of garlic bread into his mouth. It tastes rather good, though he'd already had a bit to eat before the competition. He sits on the bed and opens Twitter. Let's see…Oh yes, Dabihawks artwork. It looks great on his timeline. Wait. Dabi burst out laughing at a short clip of Endeavor launching himself face first into a wall. He couldn't stop laughing as the video looped. Though he was interrupted by a text message from Hawks.

Bird: Sakura did a really good job tonight

You: yuh

Bird: I'm sure you'll do amazing too

You: dont give me too much credit birdie

Bird: You're talented what can I say?

You: whatever 

Im going to bed

night

Bird: Goodnight! sleep well! 

Dabi smiled to himself for a moment. He then caught himself and schooled his features back to neutrality. He didn't care about some bird even if it is kind of nice to have someone to talk to. He must have some sort of disease though, actually taking to a pro-hero and not hating it? He would go to a hospital but then they'd be like “Give us your insurance and past medical papers” and then he'll be like “Nah bro cause I'm legally not even alive.” And then they'll be like “Let us fix that.” And he'll respond “Nah I'm good bro.”.  

Dabi shook it off and plugged in his phone. He stretched and cringed as his skin tugged a bit before relaxing. He decides to take a shower because tomorrow will be a big day. He enters the bathroom and reluctantly looks at himself. The scars are as garish as ever. He ruffles his hair and looks closer. Fuck, the roots will start to be visible soon. He'll have to dye it once he gets back to Japan. He turns on the shower and jumps in. Once he is clean, he finds himself carefully inspecting his staples and skin. He rubs on a cream that makes the burns less dry, it makes him a lot less ashy. He had done some experimentation with products but not much. Too much work if you ask him. Not to mention the fact he'd need a goddammit miracle to cure this shit.

Dabi walks back into the main room and pulls on some boxers. He then lays down in the bed. For a moment he looks at the ceiling and just thinks about tomorrow. He's done this kind of thing before, though never with his quirk. Japanese completions were strict like that. He always thought the blue flames were beautiful, possibly the best part of himself, and he was sure others would agree. He was unsure what to expect come tomorrow but he knows it'll drive Hawks crazy. Shit! Why does he care!? He doesn't give a shit what the bird thinks! He rolls over aggressively and closes his eyes. He's going to fucking bed. 

Chapter Text

Hawks sits on his couch eagerly anticipating Dabi's performance. He'd been up since 6 AM because he simply couldn't sleep. His life had been a mess because Dabi constantly has been liking and reposting Dabihawks fanart (most of which he unreposts later to mess with people). Does this mean he actually thinks they look good together？Dare he hope Dabi would consider being with him? His heart basically bursts every time he thinks about it. He has to be overthinking. A bit too hopeful. 

Hawks shakes the thoughts away to look back at the IFC screening. He loves the way Dabi looks and he can't wait to see what he'll do. Because the competition is in America, they're allowed to use their quirks and no one knows what Dabi’s quirk is. Not even a hint of what to expect… perhaps his name. “Cremation.” That could mean a number of things really. Regardless, Hawks needs more Dabi content in his life and if his performance is anything like Sakura's he isn't sure he'll survive it. The worst part though is waiting because sure he liked Canada's performance, but it wasn't Dabi so he doesn't care! 

The first sign that it was Dabi's turn was the lights on stage cutting out. It wasn't the gradual but quick phasing of Sakura's performance. It was almost as if the power went out. The only light came from a small speck of blue that then blazed out into the form of a dragon. (The eastern kind, not western kind). The dragon roared down the catwalk then over the judges and audience before returning back to heel at its master's side. Chains clink as heavy boots stomp across the stage the dragon disburses into blue flames that travel and light up the stage in a brilliant blue. 

Amid the azure light is Dabi, his black hair fluffy over his blue eyes that glowed the same blue as the flames around him. Dabi's black platform boots have large chunky chains that clank with every step. The main outfit was akin to a bodysuit as black fabric clung to every little divot in Dabi’s skin, there was a jacket over it but it only clasped at the bottom so the large v can reveal the skin underneath. And how good he looked filling out the top with his muscles. The coat was lined with a sharp silver that glowed blue under the flames light. The outfit was additionally decorated with staples on the collar and parts of the body suit.

He stops at the end of the catwalk and poses with an arm on one hip. He then blows a kiss towards the audience, wisps of smoke escaping from his lips. The crowd was absolutely losing their shit at that point. Dabi smirked before turning on his heel and starting his dramatic walk back. When he reached the other end of the catwalk he looked over his shoulder sinisterly before stomping his foot down on the ground. All at once the flames snuffed themselves out and by the time the lights came on again, he was already gone. 

Hawks’ jaw was on the floor, his heart had already fluttered out of his chest, and his mind was blue screened. His wings had actually poofed at seeing Dabi, his feathers fluffed and stiff. His lips felt dry and his mouth a desert. His brain finishes its system restart and he mentally slaps himself back to the present. He collects his jaw from the floor and licks at his dry lips to attempt to revive them. He'd been so caught up in Dabi that they had already gotten to Spain. Hawks wasn't even watching at that point as he saw what he needed to see and what he needed now was some water. 

Hawks enters the kitchen and quickly fills a glass with water that he then drinks like he's dying in a desert. His wings are still poofed and he can't get them to relax. He fills the glass again and this time savors it as he pulls out his phone. He opens up Twitter. 

DabiNews @DabinewsTwt 

@DabiOffcial performed tonight at the International Fashion Competition. Full performance at Thisisalink.com/IFC/Performance/Japan/MaleModel/Dabi/anothercompletelybelievablelink 

1.2k replies 1,356 Reposts 2,268 quotes 69.7k likes 

Replying to @Dabinews

Shrimp @Meetmeoutside23

Awooooga 😍

5 replies 0 Reposts 438 likes 

Replying to @Dabinews 

DabiFan @DabisRightTeet 

Hot DAMN I want to motorboat his teets

100 replies 57 Reposts 1k likes 

Replying to @Dabinews and @DabisRightTeet

DABIIII @DabisLeftTeet 

Sameeeee

2 replies 0 Reposts 50 likes 

Replying to @Dabinews

Heran @Jalona

Raw, next question. 

20 replies 1 Reposts 7 likes 

Shrimp @ShrimpsAhoy 

Replying to @Dabinews 

I'd let him brand me. 

40 replies 5 Reposts 69 likes 

Replying to @Dabinews

DabHawks?! @OgShipper

 OMG he is such a top! Hawks is so luckyyyyy #Dabihawks 

37 replies 5 Reposts 38 likes 

Replying to @Dabinews 

Wario @Mymustache 

I take it all back, Dabi definitely tops wearing an outfit like that #Dabihawks 

12 replies 2 Reposts 33 likes 

Replying to @Dabinews 

Julienne @Cutmeup

I'm not a dog but if he told me to bark I would 

200 replies 5 Reposts 375 likes 

Replying to @Dabinews and @Cutmeup

Moonlight@Starlight 

Fr I'm not a dragon made from fire but I'd heel at his feet like one 

98 replies 6 Reposts 102 likes 

Hawks chattered angrily and for a moment he stood in his kitchen and just had to wonder…Why? He just felt so angry that all of these people were so openly thirsting over Dabi. They were ogling him and making lewd jokes. How dare they look at what so rightfully belongs to him!...But…Dabi doesn't belong to him. They are only kind of friends and Dabi definitely doesn't see him that way. How could someone as gorgeous as Dabi look at him and see anything more than a momentary note in the greater storyboard of life? 

Hawks chugged down the last of his water and went to his room. He attempted to get ready for Patrol, but he was on edge. His instincts were still screaming at him. He was so thoroughly convinced he didn't have issues like this anymore. Narita would kill him now if she knew he was acting this way. All of the training and surgeries all for nothing if it meant he acts like some territorial pest at the sight of a Tweet. There has to be something wrong with him. He decided to try and ignore it for now. He didn't want to submit himself for reconditioning and the best way to move forward is to keep pushing through. He left his penthouse for patrol and blocked it out as best he could. 

Shouto always came early to class, he always found any excuse to be away from his father at any given time. He arrived today at 7:10 wherein he walked to UA. Everyone was very stressed recently with the rapidly approaching Final Exam. Those who passed would get to go to a training camp and hone their skills. Shouto was not worried as he can handle a anything that is thrown at him. When he arrived today he found a surprising amount of his classmates were already there and were huddled around Ahsido’s desk all looking at something. His curiosity got the best of him and he crept closer. It was a live stream of some kind of event with a runway on it. He believes they are called Fashion Shows. Though he had never really seen or been to one before. He mainly thinks of his father when he complains about the frivolities of Best Jeanist. 

“Oh hi Todoroki!” Ashido greeted 

“Hello.” Shouto said calmly “What are you guys watching?” 

“The International Fashion Competition!” Ashido was quick to answer 

“Possibly one of the most famous fashion events out there.” Yayorouzu informs excitedly “I quite enjoy fashion.” 

“Everyone is super manly.” Kirishima says

“I think it’s interesting to see all of these different cultures take on fashion.” Midoriya said “So rarely do others experience techniques and designs so different from their own.” 

“Nobody cares nerd!” Bakugo said grumpily, though he was watching too so clearly he had some kind of stake in this. 

“Kachan…” Midoriya said exacerbated

“I see…” Shouto is not familiar with the idea of fashion 

“Isn’t this year’s male model Dabi?” Hagakure asked excitedly

“He is so fucking hot.” Jiro said 

“Jiro!” Yayorouzu said aghast 

“Am I wrong?” Jiro said 

“I have never heard of him before.”Shouto admits 

“Do you live under a rock Todoroki!?” Ashido gasps 

“No. I live in a house.” Todoroki said calmly and a few of the others snickered at his response

“Well he should be coming on stage soon.” Ashido said

The video on her phone went dark and they all looked at it confused, unsure if the live had ended or if there were technical difficulties. Ashido tapped the screen confused and the live was still going. That was when a massive dragon made from blue flames blasted onto the stage. Shouto had never seen such a thing achieved with something as versatile as flames and he found himself transfixed. The man in the flames caught his attention and something strange happened. He felt a pull of familiarity but he has certainly never seen the man before. There was something about his blue eyes and the way they glowed. Shouto recognized burn scars all over his body and he almost reached up to touch his own. 

When the performance was over, Shouto just blindly walked to his desk. Surely class would be starting soon enough and he can think about something other than this weird feeling in his chest. He often times felt this way when he got caught up in a theory. Something didn’t make sense so he felt it was his duty to answer it. Like Midoriya’s connection to All Might, the only seemingly correct answer is that they are connected genetically in some way. Though Midoryia did not seem keen on the idea of being a secret love child. Shouto still thinks they must be related. Relation….There was some sort of relation he felt towards this model guy…What was his name? Dabi? It’s curious to him that someone with a fire quirk would name themselves cremation and have extensives burns all over their body. Almost as if he himself was almost cremated and lived. It didn’t leave Shouto’s mind even after the school day ended and he was at home. 

After an hour of trying to focus on Homework, he sighed as the nagging feeling just got so much worse. He got on his computer and looked up Dabi. There were a multitude of images on the internet and Shouto looked at them curiously. He had blue eyes, a similar blue to the one he shares with his father. The scaring was even more intensive than he had initially assumed and was held on with staples. Shouto decided is was time for some investigative journalism. He went though many websites, but the greatest help was Meluh Magazine and they had an entire interview published with him. No one knows his real name or background. It was almost as if he crawled out of hell one day and started modeling. The only thing that Dabi seems to willingly talk about is the years he spent on the streets. He was very clear that he had no home to go to and his family had already forgotten about him. Those words were quite specific and Shouto turned them around in his mind for a moment. 

Blue eyes…Fire quirk…Extensive burn scars….It was almost as if Dabi’s quirk burned him…Just like- Shouto’s eyes widened as a taboo thought drifted through his mind. Touya…Touya had a powerful flame quirk that burned his body, he had blue eyes unlike their other two siblings. Touya died in his own flames on Sekoto peak. Dabi has extensive burn scars. Could it be at all possible? Shouto is unsure as he does not really remember Touya all that well. But from what Natsuo and Fuyumi have told him there was a resemeblace he cannot miss. The final nail in the coffin was his jaw line. One side was much softer than the other, as if Dabi was missing a jaw bone. The only thing his father found of Touya’s body was his jaw bone. 

Touya is…alive! He has to be alive because it makes too much sense. Shouto had doubts before with other past theories but not this one. There was only one thing that didn’t add up. 3 years are blank on the record. Dabi said he had been modeling for 6 years in an interview from two years ago. So he’s been modeling for 8 years. The age he gave in that old interview was 22, he would be 24 now. Shouto notes that he is the age Touya should be had he lived. When he started he was 16, there was no record of him before that point. There are three years between the ages of 13 and 16 that are missing. Surely if it were Touya he would’ve come back home during those three years, but he didn’t. Of course, if given the choice Shouto would also get as far away from his father so he cannot really blame Touya for leaving. Touya…Err Dabi said in the interview that his family had forgotten about him. That didn’t add up though because Natsuo constantly misses Touya and reminds their father of what he did to their eldest brother. Fuyumi often times gets emotional and brushes it off as simply missing someone. Even their father spends his nights at Touya’s shrine praying. No one in his family can move on from Touya, even so many years later. 

Shouto wants to bring up his theories to Natsuo, he knows Touya best after all. If anyone can definitely disprove his theory it would be him. He opens up his message app and selects Natsuo’s contact, previous conversations appear and Shouto takes a moment to type a message. 

You: Natsuo, I would like to speak with you. 

Natsuo: jeez kid are you gnna stab me?

You: There is a theory I would like your input on.

Natsuo: not sure if i can help but shoot 

You: Due to the content, I would prefer to speak with you in person.

Natsuo: now im nervous 

You: It is very important to me and without your input I may be jumping to conclusions. 

Natsuo: k lil bro, we can meet up at my dorm or a cafe

Im not going into that ancient carcass of a house though

You: Very well, send an address and I can head over.

Natsuo: rn?

You: I am not sure what that means…

Natsuo: Right now?

You: Yes. It is of the utmost importance. 

Natsuo: serius shit huh? K heres the address

Shouto collectd the address and got ready to travel there. He feels an anticipation because if this really is Touya, perhaps they can finally get their older brother back. 

Thousands of miles away, Dabi is completely oblivious that Shouto had found him. Instead, he feels exhausted. His throat feels dry and his arms are pink with burns he cannot feel. After the performance he felt a bit light headed and ended up stumbling into a wall. A few witnesses of the event were concerned but he shook them off. He ended up drinking the first bottle of water that was offered to him. The untrusting part of him had a thought that perhaps they would try to drug him but he was already so out of it that he didn’t care. It seems luck was on his side as he was not drugged by the water. 

“DABI!!!!!” Oh shit, there’s Sakura. She tackled him and Dabi barely caught the both of them before they tumbled to the ground “THAT WAS AMAZING!” 

“Thanks” He mutters

“Truly a great performance.” Nomura said a smile on her face

“It was really quite beautiful.” Yato agrees “The light really drew me in.” 

“I did what I could.” Dabi said 

“If you don’t place, this competition is rigged.” Sakura declares rather loudly 

The good vibes were then ruined by Agent Fuckface approaching “You did good. Should get me more sponsors. Didn't have to act like such a fag though.”

Wow. Dabi knew he thought these things but hearing it outloud was crazy. Sakura looked aghast. Yato furled her lip, his antennae flicking angrily. Nomura glared at Agent Fuckface. 

“You need to shut the fuck up!” Sakura said and holy shit she can curse?! “You've been harassing Dabi this entire time and I can't stand by and watch you do it any more!” Her hair flared a bright orangey red. It was almost as if her hair caught fire. “Dabi deserves so much better than you!”

“That slut deserves exactly what I give him!” 

 It was then that she slapped the man right across the face. Dabi watched in awe as the flub of his cheeks deformed to the shape of her hand. It was a firm slap, he'd rate it a 10/10 for execution. He'd seen a lot of slaps in his days, been subject to quite a lot of them. So he feels uniquely informed on the subject. Agent Fuckface clutched at his cheek and Sakura froze, having realized what she did. Dabi felt like applauding because someone finally took that self satisfied smirk off his face. Yato went up to Sakura's side and gently took her hand, the look they shared was excessively soft. Nomura grinned widely in a massive display of emotion. 

“You hit me.” Agent Fuckface said as if it wasn't evident. 

“I'm surprised you felt it.” Dabi heckled 

“You shut the fuck up!” Agent Fuckface said “And you Bitch! You fucking hit me!” 

Agent Fuckface advanced towards Sakura and Yato quickly went on the defensive, pulling Sakura behind her. Her antennae were glowing lightly and her eyes sparkled darkly. Dabi however was the first to step in, grabbing his agent by the arm and pulling him back. His grip was firm and the man squirmed but couldn't get out. Dabi glared down at him darkly as his quirk boiled under his skin. This man can hurt him all he wants, but other people he cares about? Never. 

“I do not fear going to prison.” Dabi whispered sinisterly “I'm certain we both have our fair share of crimes. We'll be in there for a long time and you know what they do to pedophiles in there.” His agents eyes widened in terror. “Why don't we just calm the fuck down huh? Wouldn't want to do anything that we'll regret?” His agent nodded quickly, “Good.”

He released his arm and the man simply fell over. Dabi looked down at him pitifully. When he was younger he thought this man held so much power. That he had to do what he said or he wouldn't get food. He would be forced to sleep outside if he didn't comply. That the little bit of money he did have would be so easily stripped away. That without him he’d have nothing again. Now looking down and seeing a sniveling mess he wonders how he let this man control so much of his life. He felt like throwing up knowing the things this man made him be a part of. 

Dabi decides at that very moment, that consequences be damned he is finding a new agent. He just needs to get a few things in order. His money is held in an account that his agent has access to, the only problem is that because he's legally not even alive he can't actually just take over the account. Being legally dead fucking sucks but it does beat the alternative. He'll have to look into getting a fake identity. Dabi needs more than just a passport. The passport got him here but not much farther. After getting a new identity together, he'll figure something out. Surely there is an agent somewhere that'll want him. 

“Are you okay Dabi?” Nomura asked him softly and he looked up. She looked rather concerned. He looked towards the others. Sakura was freaking out over the fact she slapped someone and Yato was trying to console her. 

“I'm fine…Jackass just gets on my nerves.” He finally responds 

“You should drop him as your agent.” Nomura said calmly

“It's about time I did.” Dabi agreed and Nomura nodded 

Dabi then approached Sakura “Thank you.” She looked at him with glassy eyes “You may have slapped some sense into me.” She laughed weakly 

“W-well I wasn't going to let him harass my friend.” Sakura said meekly 

Friends, what an interesting concept. Dabi had long forgotten what that meant even when he was a child hopelessly chasing his fathers nonexistent approval. It was somehow different then what he had going with the bird and that's a bit alarming to think about but he's too tired to process such emotions. 

“Let's all go get some rest. We've earned it.” Dabi said

“O-okay. Yeah…” Sakura agrees

“Let me help you to your room. “ Yato insists taking Sakura's hand 

“Fine.” Sakura mutters

The two leave and Nomura turns to him “Fantastic job tonight, can't wait for the results tomorrow. 

“It's all because of your hard work.” Dabi refutes

“Give yourself some credit. The dragon was fucking cool.” Nomura fights back 

“Fine. Goodnight Nomura.” He addressed

“Goodnight Dabi.” 

They left his agent on the floor to sniffle and cry, Dabi didn't care to check. Instead he entered his room and numbly did his nighttime routine. Dress down, apply creams and bandages, crawl into the bed and pass the fuck out. Tomorrow was another day he wasn't sure what the results of the completion will be. Either way he's gained a lot of things from this competition. Clarity on his shitty agent and possibly some people he would call a friend. 

Chapter Text

Shouto arrived at Natsuo's apartment and it was late. Around 8 PM to be exact. The building itself was rather large and he walked forth to be buzzed in. After the door opened for him he walked into the lobby and up the stairs. It was calming to walk up the stairs and it gave him a small piece of time to consider what he'll say to Natsuo. He should not just drop it in his brother's lap, people are sensitive to emotions he's found. Especially around loved ones. He doesn't quite understand but he should still be weary of the possibility of upsetting his brother. He gets to the apartment number and rings the doorbell. A moment later Natsuo opens up the door. His hair is a mess and he's dressed casually. He smiled gently at seeing his younger brother. 

“Hey Sho.” Natsuo greets 

“Hello Natsuo. Thank you for letting me come over.”

“Whatever it is must be important if we need to speak in person about it.” Natsuo said with a small chuckle. 

Shouto took his shoes off at the door and set his bag down on the floor by the couch. Natsuo's apartment was cluttered, but not necessarily messy. There were papers and charts on every flat surface and books shoved in every corner. However there was no trash littered about. Natsuo wants to be a doctor and it's clear he keeps busy. Shouto admires Natsuo for that. 

“Can I interest you in some water or something?” Natsuo asks

“I am fine.” Shouto said

“Okay.” Natsuo walks over and sits down on the couch. Shouto sits next to him and grabs his bag. He pulls out his laptop and opens it. 

“This topic may be very emotionally trying, I will try to make it less brutal as I have been told I can be too direct.” Shouto said 

“Sounds fun.” Natsuo said but his leg was shaking. This miss match of response confused him a little but he moved past it. He'll analyze it later.

“Are you familiar with the model known as Dabi?” Shouto asked

“I've heard of him.” Natsuo confirms 

Shouto brings up a picture of Dabi. It was a confident pose, staring directly into the camera. Black hair shading the blue of his eyes. He turns to Natuso who was looking at it curiously.“Those scars are narly. I heard he had scars but I didn't think they'd look like that. They almost look like rejected skin grafts that were then burned again.” 

“Hmm…perhaps.” Shouto said

“Do you know his quirk? With burns that bad he must have like an ice quirk or something making him susceptible to fire. Sure most people are susceptible to burns but to this amount? I think we'd have heard about such a big accident.” 

“His quirk is fire.” Shouto said 

“...What?” Natsuo asked 

“He has blue fire.” Shouto specifies 

“O-okay. So he has a fire quirk…no resistance to fire.” Natsuo's leg was shaking and his fingers were tangled together as he thought. “Extensive burn scars…” 

Shouto played a video from the International Fashion Competition from that morning. As soon as the dragon came on screen Natsuo launched forward pausing the video. His eyes were wide on the dragon and Shouto watched him confused. 

“Hey Natsu.” 

“Nii-san!” Natsuo said launching himself at his older brother 

“Careful! You'll take me out.” Touya said with a small laugh 

“Are you injured again?” Natsuo asked concerned

“Nothing I can't handle.” Touya dismissed 

“I can help!” Natsuo said.

“You're a kid.” Touya said patting his head

“W-well one day I'm going to be a doctor and you'll have to let me help!” Natsuo declared 

Touya laughed, “Sure okay kid.” 

“You'll see.” Natsuo said with a pout 

“Hah…You want to see something?” Touya asked 

“Oooo, is it a new trick?” Natsuo asked

“Yeah, just don't tell anyone okay? Dad doesn't want me using my quirk

“My lips are sealed.” Natsuo said zipping his lips

Touya lifted his hands and they lit up orange as fire built between his palms. His blue eyes were concentrated on the flames and Natsuo watched excitedly. After a moment Touya opened his hands like a book and from the orange flames burst a lively little dragon. Natsuo gasped as the little dragon flew towards him and circled once before it dissolved. Touya coughed lightly and smoke came out of his mouth. He patted his chest roughly until it all escaped. 

“W-what'd you think?” Touya asked

“That was the coolest thing EVER!” Natsuo shouted “I've never seen anything like it before.” 

“I've been working on it a lot recently. My quirk is always so close to bursting. I needed a new way to control it.” Touya said, “So, I thought I'd try sculpting with it.” 

“It's really cool! You're the coolest big brother ever!” Natsuo cheered 

“Hah. You're funny.” Touya said

“You shouldn't listen to dad.” Natsuo said “He doesn't know nothing.” 

“Ah well…perhaps you're right…I still think I can prove to him that I'm good enough.” Touya looked at his hands that were singed a pinkish color “I'm not worthless.” 

“You've never been worthless.” Natsuo said with a pout 

“Just…wish I could believe that.” Touya said softly 

“Natsuo?”

Natsuo caught his breath and turned back to his youngest brother. His eyes were wet and his hands were shaking as he dug his fingers into his legs. Shouto did not understand the response from Natsuo.

“You think he is Touya.” Natsuo said 

It was a simple response and yet the emotions behind it were raw. Even Shouto can recognize that. He felt unprepared to continue with his explanation. He never got to know Natsuo all that well due to their father but seeing him in pain like this was not pleasant. 

“Yes…I'm sorry.” Shouto said

“It's fine. I just…I've missed him so much you know. To think that he's still out there…Living a life without us…It kind of hurts. But I can't even blame him! His life was so shit with Endeavor. Why would he want to come back?” 

Shouto carefully placed a hand on Natsuo’s shoulder, he was uncertain how to comfort him. “I get it too.”

“Do you have more evidence?” Natsuo asked

“I have a few speculations I wanted to confirm with you.” Shouto said quietly “You knew him better than me.” 

“Lay it on me Shou.”

“Are you sure?” Shouto asked.

“I need to know.” Natsuo said 

“Okay.” 

Dabi drifted into consciousness slowly, his entire body felt like it had been hit by a truck and then the truck reversed over his body. He opened his eyes slowly and groaned to himself because he forgot to close the curtain and now the sun has decided to burn his retinas. He stumbled out of bed to close them and barely caught himself before he tumbled forward. Clearly he used his quirk more than he thought last night, he must've been rusty. Either way it felt like the bones in his legs wanted to detach from the muscle. He rubbed his eyes and his hand caught on a staple, he cursed as it tugged painfully. Shit, he can barely feel anything but his staples being pulled always hurt like a motherfucking bitch! 

He grabbed a plastic cup from the coffee maker in the room and used the tap in the bathroom to fill it with water. He chugs it down and the lukewarm water slides down his dry throat. It felt like some sort of blessing and for a moment he let it wash over him. Fuck, he needs to take better care of himself.

Dabi looked at himself in the mirror and for a moment just winced at himself. He rarely looks this close, really looks for a reason other than checking his staples. He never looks at…himself. He looks…Like shit. His eyes are blue; the same blue as the man he hates. His face is misshapen and scared to the point he's certain even his mother can't love him. Well, not that she cared for him very much in the first place. Dabi sees this creature staring back at him in the mirror and he has to wonder how he's gotten as far as he has. Why does anyone want to look at him? Why does anyone even want to deal with him? Why is he even still alive at this point? He doesn't have anything to gain from living and yet he's too stubborn to just die. He's thought these things before and yet they never leave him. Why? Everyone and everything always leaves him so why not these stupid thoughts? This stubbornness that drives him to keep going even when the situation is shit. 

There was a knock in the door and Dabi paused. He released the counter where his knuckles had turned white and looked to the side and wonders who it was. What time was it? It can't be too early can it?

“Hey Dabi!” Sakura, oh. 

He calmed down and went to the door. He opened it and she blinked at him before flushing in embarrassment. Oh right, he's not wearing a shirt. 

“Sorry.” He felt the need to say

“It's fine. I didn't mean to interrupt!” She said 

“What did you want to talk about?” He asked

“Oh well…Last night I…I stepped out of line. I was very violent and-” 

“And? You did it to protect me right?” Dabi said.

“Well…Yes.” She said silently 

“Then don't worry about it. That piece of shit won't even try to press charges. Not with his cop phobia.” Dabi said 

“...Are you doing okay?” Sakura asks

“I'm fine.” Dabi said, “Nothing I can't handle.” 

“I see…well…We’re going to get lunch together in like an hour if you want to join…It's the last day after all. We'll be able to go home after the awards ceremony and probably be really busy when we get back… you know.” 

“I'll go.” Dabi said “Lunch sounds good to me.” 

“Okay! Wait! I don't even have your number! Let's exchange them so I can text you when we're leaving. “ Sakura said.

“Why not….” He muttered 

He was then added to a group chat and perhaps he should celebrate it a bit more since it's his first one. Instead he felt a bit of weariness. Sakura helped him fill out the contacts.

Yato: What is this?

Sakura: Group chat!🥰🥰😍😊

Nomura: I see.

You: i hate it here already

Sakura: Ahhhh Dabiiiiiiii. Don't be such a party pooper! 😊

You: no

Yato: Maybe it'll be nice

Nomura: Perhaps. 

Sakura: That's the spirit! 😄🥰

Dabi took the time to change their names. Sakura became Flower. Yato became Bumblebee (Because Bees are attracted to flowers) Nomura became FashionGod. They seemed like fitting names. 

Flower: Sooo what are we feeling for lunch? 🤔

Bumblebee: I'm fine with whatever you want 

FashionGod: Food is good. 

You: i dont care

Flower:You guys are so bad at this! 😅

Bumblebee: What would you prefer?

Flower: I don't really know…Hmmmm 🤔🤔

Yeah I got nothing 😅

FashionGod: Guess we could just eat at the hotel. 

Bumblebee: I can agree to that. We’ll be able to come upstairs to get ready for the awards tonight. 

Flower: There we go! That sounds good to me!!😄

You: sounds fine 

Dabi dressed up for the day, or at least until he had to change later. He went over to his suitcase and dragged out the suit he was going to wear. He found it in the back of his closet and he doesn't even remember obtaining it but he needed a suit and he was just happy he found it. Though it was quite wrinkled now. He hummed to himself for a moment. He then drags the suit over to the closet where the ironing board is. He sets it up and lays the suit down on top. Then, instead of grabbing the iron like a normal person, he used the palm of his hand. It worked just as well and he's too lazy to plug the iron in. He'll add that to his list of things. Portable microwave and iron. 

He left the suit on the bed when he was done. He then left the room and met up with the others in the lobby. Unsurprisingly the room was full of other contestants that had the same idea as them. He didn't recognize any of them if he was being honest. He should've looked up the competition before competing but he honestly gave zero fucks. 

“Hey Dabi!” Someone shouted at him “Good job last night!” A few others who heard chipped in as well. 

“Thanks.” He said simply 

“You really did do good last night.” Nomura said 

“Yeah! The audience just about lost their minds!” Sakura said

“Didn't you guys say this last night?” Dabi asked

“I thought we'd repeat it.” Sakura said with a shrug 

They got their drinks and then their food. Dabi ended up grabbing a lot of food. He felt irreparably hungry as if he had burnt up all the calories in his body with his performance and his body is aiming to fill that deficit. He ate way more than he was used to and he wonders if he'd ever eaten that much before….He remembers when he was training behind Endeavor's back he was constantly hungry but at the time he had just attributed that to being a kid. Is it possible that the whole time his quirk has been eating at the calories he consumes? Would explain how hungry he was on the streets when he had to use it for defense… Dabi is making a lot of discoveries about himself lately, next thing he'll know one of his siblings will have figured him out too…Nah. At this point, why even give a shit about poor little Touya Todoroki? He died over a decade ago. Nothing but a figment of the past. 

“Hey Dabs, you've been spacing out a lot…Is everything okay?” Sakura asks

“Yeah…Everything's fine.” Dabi said

“Is it because of last night…?” Sakura asked softly

Most would think she's referring to the performance, Dabi knows what she is really talking about though. He hadn't seen his agent since he left him shivering on the floor and his life was already much better for it. Still, he does owe that man for getting him off the streets like he did. Even if Dabi had to work for every drop of water, every scrap of food, and every inch of shelter. Dabi had to work the full day just so he could go to bed with a full belly. He didn't care past the first week who touched him or what was done to him…He didn't feel anything actually. The work was just his way of living. He had no other choice…right? Why is he thinking so hard about it now? The past is the past. 

“Hey…” Sakura said concerned “We're here for you if you need to talk “ 

“It's fine. Nothing I can't handle.” Dabi muttered though his mind was still in another place. 

“Just because you can handle it, doesn't mean you can't receive help shouldering the burden.” Nomura said calmly, though her worried expression gave her away. 

“I said it's fine.” Dabi said

“Okay…” Nomura said quietly 

They ate lunch in a weird silence after that, Dabi didn't feel like talking anymore and the others apparently didn't either. Dabi felt a bit bad for worrying them with his stupid bullshit. He'll forget about it later once his life returns to normal. 

After lunch they all disbursed to their rooms to get ready for the day. Dabi pulled on the suit and blankly stared at himself in the mirror for a moment. It doesn't actually look all that bad on him. He likes the color, it was a simple black suit with a tie. Though the tie is actually a light blue color that matches his eyes. Blue looks good with blue. Even on him. Once he's done he opens his phone, nothing unusual. There are a few messages on the Endeavor Hate Club discord server and he opens them up. There were a few alerts on the Endeavor sightings page, used so people know where to avoid. Of course there were a few new memes that Dabi got the kick out of. 

When it was time to go be met up with the others in the lobby, they looked rather nice all dressed up. Sakura was wearing a long bright pink dress and noticeably Yato was wearing a pantsuit of a similar color. Nomura was dressed in black dress with a deep red cloak over the top. He came up beside them and he was quickly noticed.

“Looking nice Dabi.” Nomura said calmly 

“Yeah!” Sakura cheered “That blue really suits 

you!” 

“Thanks.” Dabi says simply 

They walk together to the studio and find their seats relatively quickly. Overnight they had changed the stage from the catwalk to more of a standard looking stage. The area that used to hold a catwalk was filled with chairs and the first few rows were reserved for the contestants and their agents. The four of them sat together near the front on the right side. Nomura was on the far left with Sakura and Yato in the middle, and Dabi on the far right. 

The awards ceremony started with a musical queue and George Watson walked onto stage with a big smile. Dabi kind of remembered him from the interview a few days ago. He must be the host or something. Everyone cheered at him as he walked on stage, Dabi gave like a polite golf clap. 

“Hello everyone, I'd like to thank you all for being here tonight!” George announced proudly “Everyone has been working so hard the last few days and finally we can award everyone for their hard work!” Those in attendance cheered “Let's take a moment to commemorate the hard work put in by the models and their fashion designers.” 

What followed next was a slide show of photos and videos all from the week they've spent in this country. Dabi saw himself a few times, and even recognized a selfie Sakura took with everyone. Minus his agent. There were a lot of people shown and some behind the scenes images. Like a picture of Nomura fast asleep on the work desk. Dabi chuckled and he heard Nomura elbow a laughing Sakura. Once the video ended George stood on stage once more. 

“The models usually get the most recognition from this completion but none of it can be done without the work of a talented fashion designer who combined their talents, techniques, and styles to create the pieces for each model and theme. In order to recognize this, The Greatest Design award was created to award fashion designers for their work. This year the competition for this award was very steep and the judges were all thoroughly impressed.” George blabbered “To announce the top 3 winners of this award, I'd like to welcome Mary Josephine on stage!”

From the wings came Mary Josephine, a woman Dabi had never even heard of before. She had styled blond curls and very red lips. She was wearing a black cocktail dress that fit really snuggly. She smiled at the crowd and waved politely with one hand. In her hand was a card and she walked right up to the mic. 

“Hey everybody!” She greeted in a thick American southerner accent “I'm very happy to share these results with ya'll. Everyone did such a good job this year!” Dabi doubts the sentiment but there was effort from everyone at least. “Taking third place for the best design is Hana Nomura!” 

Everyone cheered loudly, but no where near as loud as Sakura as Nomura made her way up to the stage. Dabi put in an effort this time when he clapped. Her designs were really good and she deserves the recognition. Nomura took the award and stood proudly. She looked directly at them and gave a small smile.

 “Taking second place for the best design this year is Mike Jones ! And finally, taking first place this year is Sofia Martinez!” 

After that Mary left the stage, George announced an ad break. Nomura joined them back in the seats and Sakuta immediately cheered for her. Nomura showed off the little trophy they gave her to signify 3rd place. 3rd place was still impressive given the scale of the completion. You don't have to be first place to receive respect and recognition. Something Endeavor still doesn't understand. 

“So what's next?” Sakura asked

“I believe they do top female model, top male model, and then top country.” Yato pondered

“Top country?” Sakura asked 

“Basically which country did the best according to theme, design, and performance. “ Yato explained

“Weird I thought they just did top model and that decided the top country?” Dabi muttered 

“They changed it this year.” Yato said “Apparently they got complaints last time that it wasn't fair to everyone “ 

“I am sure we will do well.” Nomura said confidently 

“Yeah!” Sakura said “I mean, everyone is still talking about Dabi's performance! I think it started trending on Twitter.” 

“Really?” Dabi asked, he must've missed it. Actually…he hadn't been on Twitter very much at all recently. He's only really gone on to do the daily reminder of how much Endeavor sucks. 

“Yeah, people are going feral online.” Sakura said

Dabi briefly wondered why people would “go feral” over him. He knows he had fans and he just chalked that up to some people having weird taste. But the fact it's apparently enough people to cause a trend is a bit inconceivable. They didn't get to talk more as George came back and started blabbering about the next award for the top female model, wherein he explained the change in the awards and how they'd be given out this year. A new lady named Peggy came on the stage to introduce the winners of the Female Model division. Dabi paid like a bite size amount of attention. Third was some lady, from France he thinks? He didn't even notice the new woman on stage who was presenting had even started. 

“Taking 2nd place for the top Female model this year is Sakura!” 

Sakura cheered and bounced on stage like a balloon. Yato was clapping so hard Dabi swore he heard her skin bruise. 2nd wasn't bad either, it was still impressive. Sakura was just so happy to have placed, which is surprising to him considering how well her performance went. First place went to the woman from Ukraine. He vaguely remembered the performance but the specifics escaped him. Another ad break came after and Yato praised Sakura a lot. Like an excessive amount. At one point Dabi peered forward and Nomura glanced between the other two before meeting eyes with Dabi in question. Dabi nodded slowly and Nomura made a little o with her mouth before leaning back. 

“I'm sure you'll do great Dabi.” Sakura suddenly said

“Whatever.” Dabi replied, mainly to make the point that he doesn't particularly care if he places or not. It's just whatever. 

George walked back onto the stage and smiled widely at the crowd. Dabi blinked at him boredly as he started his speech. “Now for the men. Our male models work hard every year and this year in particular there were many stunning performances. To announce the winners for the Top Male Model I would like to invite Alex Whitney to the stage.” 

Alex Whitney was a rather stout man with aging blond hair. Dabi didn't recognize him either but apparently the crowd did as they cheered rather loudly. Dabi watches as he waves at the crowd walking across the stage towards the microphone. He fixes his tie with a wide smile.

“Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen! It is my greatest pleasure to be here with you tonight! Talents from all over the globe gathered in one place and we've been treated with the best. Picking the top 3 will always be hard and I'm very happy to present who won the Top Male Model award for this year's IFC. Starting with third we have Vicktor!” 

Vicktor as it turns out was a rather lanky guy, he's from like Romania or something? Could've been Slovenia actually…Dabi isn't sure actually…Doesn't really matter to him. The man took the award and stood there confidently. 

“Taking the 2nd place spot will be Starburst!” This one was from United States he…thinks. He's a pretty burly man with very bright blonde hair, it was almost blinding under the stage lights. He took his prize and proudly held it up for everyone to see. There was cheering and when it died down eyes went back to Alex. 

“Last, and certainly not least, we have the top male model for the entirety of this competition. The number one spot goes too…” he did something the others so far haven't and drew it out. Everyone leaning forward waiting for it to drop and Dabi took a deep breath “Dabi!” Dabi exhaled in disbelief. 

Dabi stood from his seat shakily, everyone was cheering around him. They felt almost entirely too loud around him and he had to resist the urge to cover his ears. He felt hot like everyone was lasering holes into his back with their eyes. His hands were even a bit clammy.  

The award was handed over to him and he held it carefully with two hands. He looked out into the crowd and realized…that were all cheering for him. This was his achievement…He did this. They were excited because it was him. Not only that but he's number 1. He'd always said he could be number 1, but he never thought it didn't refer to being a hero. For once he can sort of understand his old man's wish to be the number one hero but he couldn't imagine ruining lives to get here. 

“You did a really good Job.” Starburst muttered from his left and Dabi glanced over with his eyes.

“Thank you.” Dabi responded before politely saying “You did good too.” 

This seemed to make Starburst very happy and Dabi just looked back into the crowd. He spotted Sakura because she was cheering very loudly, his lips twitched with a smile. Yato and Nomura were both clapping with more energy than the norm. He almost couldn't believe he even made it up here. 

Eventually they were let go and Dabi went back to his seat. Sakura gave him a hug and the way in and he hugged back briefly. He sat down next to Yato who patted his shoulder gently. He looked at the award in his hand and smiled gently to himself. Number 1 huh? 

Chapter Text

Hawks was perched on his couch watching the IFC screening. The awards ceremony is like most ceremonies, being that it's very boring until they announce winners. Hawks for the most part was only here to see where Dabi placed. It's not a matter of if because he definitely placed. Hawks had been on Twitter and Tigtog since the performance and everyone was losing their shit. Tigtog editors were already editing up the footage in honestly unbelievable ways. Dabi looks so entirely good surrounded by his flames and the artists have already taken note of that. They are quick with it. 

By the time they got to the Male model category Hawks was lying on the couch with his phone like 2 inches away from his face. He had kind of been paying attention but the host really liked the sound of his own voice. Hawks almost threw his phone though as soon as Alex came on stage to announce the winners for the male model category. He sat up instantly and went back to his perched position on the couch. Third place…Not Dabi. Second place…Not Dabi. First place…Hawks chattered angrily at the announcer drawing it out. This was cut off by the guy announcing Dabi as the winner. Hawks chirped and cooed as the camera found Dabi. 

Dabi looked fucking stunning in his suit, Hawks was used to loose t-shirts, gaping v-necks, and hoodies. This was…Hawks didn't blink even once as he watched Dabi go onto the stage and accept the award. Hawks couldn't help the pleased coo that escapes him even if it goes against his training. His bird instincts are screaming “Mate!”. Over and over. He brushes it away and ignores it. Dabi isn't his mate. No one can be his mate. Narita would actually flay him. He ended up biting his tongue until the bird sounds ceased. By the time they stopped his tongue was starting to bleed. 

Dabi went back to his seat and Hawks made an attempt of normalcy. Almost immediately after that there were commercials. Over and over. To the point you get bored. One commercial they even played twice in a row! Eventually though the showing came back on for the top country award. 

Hawks watched curiously as the countries were listed. United States got 3rd, Spain got 2nd, and 1st, of course, was Japan. Dabi, Sakura, and their fashion designer Hana Nomura (he thinks her name is) are taken to the stage and hold up the trophy together. Sakura has the widest smile on her face while Dabi has more of a smirk. Nomura had a small smile on her face. Hawks once again is transfixed on Dabi. He looks so very handsome and that suit was just everything. Everything. If he doesn't get edits on Tigtog about Dabi in that suit he's going to riot. 

The screening ended an hour or so earlier than the last two nights or at least Hawks thought it had ended. He was already considering if he should just go to work early when George takes the screen and says:

“We're not quite done yet, stick around for interviews recorded with the contestants earlier this week.” Hawks perched back on the couch immediately. 

“So uh…Do you have a favorite pro-hero?” George asked

Dabi looked at George with mischievous blue eyes and a smirk barely held back on his face. “Hawks.” 

Hawks squawked in surprise and fell off the couch as he tried to cover up his embarrassingly red face. 

Natsuo has been struggling to focus ever since last night when his brother came over to tell him about his theory. That their older brother is still alive. He had class that next morning and he never noticed how popular Dabi was until he was actively trying to avoid thinking about it. There were people on the train watching videos about him. His classmates were even whispering to each other very loudly about Dabi and the International Fashion Competition. It was through this whispering that he learned Dabi got 1st in the male model category. 

Natsuo was torn between believing Touya is alive and wanting it to be a fluke. Because if Touya really is alive that means he'd always been right in front of him and he was too blind to see it. Touya believes they'd forgotten about him… 

Natsuo never forgot about Touya and everyday he regrets not being there for him when he needed him most. If only he had listened to Touya when he would rant to him at night. If only he'd found him sooner… Everyone knows the narrative of Endeavor searching the remnants of Sekoto Peak for weeks, but no one knows that Natsuo spent months. Every night for months he searched for Touya because his brother was much too stubborn to die. Eventually Fuyumi made him stop. 

Touya was stubborn. He never let Endeavor stop him nor did he let his burns stop him. Natsuo highly doubts he'd let death stop him either. 

That's what made the theory so compelling really.

Believing he is alive, that he is Dabi, is much easier to fathom. 

So…Let's say he is Touya. What now? Natsuo has no idea what to do with this information. He wants to reach out to Dabi and beg him for forgiveness. Ask for him to be his big brother again. Promise him he doesn't have to go home but plead he have a relationship with him again. He doesn't even know how to reach out. He doesn't have a phone number or an address. Even then he may come off as some strange fan. 

Natsuo sighed and flopped down on his thin mattress. His class came and went and he isn't sure he learned a thing. Can you blame him? It's not everyday your supposedly dead brother isn't as dead as you thought. He opens Twitter after a moment of moping.

Dabinews @Dabinewstwt 

@Dabi_Official✅️ got first place for Male Model at IFC!!!!!! 

Thisislink.com/link/bestbelieve/itsalink

2.1k replies 2,567 Reposts 3,268 quotes 234k likes 

Natsuo paused before hurriedly pressing his finger against @Dabi_Official✅️. Of course! He's a famous model! He'd have a Twitter account!

Dabi

@Dabi_Official ✅️

literally just a model idk 

237 following 3.4M followers 

Natsuo opens up private messages with Dabi and for a moment he stares at the keyboard of his phone, his fingers twitching with the need to type but unsure what to say. He wants his brother back but he doesn't want to scare him away by being too direct. What can he say? What should he say? He tried a few different ideas but just as quickly deleted them. What are the chances Dabi will even read this? Even if he does, would he even reply? 

DoctorIce: Hey Touya, it's me Natsuo. I'm sorry it took this long but I'm happy to know you're alive. We need to talk. 

Doctorice: I miss you. 

There was no reply, Natsuo didn't expect one. It is late in the US right now…that's why. That's the reason he won't reply. No other…reason.

Natsuo puts his phone down and rakes a hand through his hair. He'd probably need to bleach it again soon, the red was starting to show. He already looks enough like his piece of shit father without the red highlights to add to it. Touya chose the most direct way to erase his past, going completely black. He probably had an easier time since his hair was white beforehand. It was a pain in the ass to find the right bleach to completely remove the stubborn red hair. A lot of trial and error really. Natsuo toys with the idea of dying it black too. In solidarity or some shit. It would be rather drastic and Fuyumi might kill him.

Speaking of Fuyumi…Are they going to tell her? She deserves to know even if they aren't 100% sure it's Touya. Well, Shouto seems completely convinced but Natsuo knows how it sounds. “So our dead brother is not actually dead. Instead he is this very popular model.” It's crazy and Fuyumi is the most pragmatic of them all. She likes the facts and this was very much speculation. But also, she and Touya grew up together. They were only a year apart and were quite close for a while. Their relationship suffered when Touya's quirk started to burn him but they were still close. Even when Touya swore she was completely wrong and avoided her input. Fuyumi liked the facts, the fact was Touya was hurting himself. Touya lived on possibilities and he believed he could still be good enough even with the pain. They didn't agree, but they still cared for each other very much. Natsuo decide to texts Shouto.

You: Shou we need to tell Yumi

Shou: Yes. I thought so too but I am unsure how to approach without being too abrasive towards her. I want to keep her emotions in mind but do not have a fluent understanding of emotions. 

You: jeez kid no need for a paragraph 

we can tell her together 

Shou: Perhaps at family dinner, she was planning to invite you.

You: not if that bish is gonna be there 

Shou: Do not worry, I have it on good faith that he will be in a different prefecture for a week due to a mission. That is why Fuyumi wanted to have a family dinner. She may not act like it but she despises him as much as we do. She is aware of your aversion and as such avoids inviting you when he is home. 

Natsuo taps his fingers against the bed as he reads over the paragraph Shouto had sent him. Their old man was going to be out of town for a bit huh…He does owe Fuyumi some family time. Then as if summoned by thought alone he got a text from his sister.

Yumi-nee: Hey Natsuo, I was wondering if you wanted to come for dinner this Friday? 

Before you say anything, father will not be there. 

You: sure Yumi

Yumi-nee: Great! See you at 6!

You: see you then 

Natsuo knew this wasn't going to be easy but when was anything ever easy? Especially for their family. No matter what happens, he swears he will reconnect with Touya and they'll be family again. And Enji Todoroki will never need to know. 

Dabi had just finished packing his bag for the return trip home. There was quite a lot on his mind with the situation with his agent, the new realizations about himself, and most importantly his win. He couldn't seem to comprehend the fact he had actually done it despite standing up there with an award. Even still, he needs to decide what he's going to do when he gets back. It's going to be very messy with his agent and God only knows how much it's going to take to create a new identity. How much money he's gonna have to shell out….All the unsavory ways of paying for something that he needs to move forward. He's done it all before, though it's been a good while….

His phone buzzes and he is temporarily broken from his thoughts. He noticed it was a text from Hawks and his heart beat a bit faster. The traitor. He eagerly opened the message regardless of his denial.

Bird: Perhaps I can treat you to a celebratory dinner when you get back

You: can't really go out to eat without getting mobbed

Bird: at my place then! I'll cook. 

Food he doesn't even need to pay for? Absolute score! Though perhaps Hawks will still expect some form of payment. He'll just have to learn what it is when he gets there. 

You: sounds good birdie 

Bird: Any allergies?

You: not really an allergy but I hate fish

Bird: got it! No fish! 

Dabi chuckled lightly at the enthusiasm. Hawks is still a bit of a mystery to him, he's definitely not what he claims to be. Dabi doesn't know what the bird wants from him but his company isn't…bad. His gut said to trust the bird's intentions and his mind warned him the bird wants him for something. After all, Dabi is good at being used. He's never certain anyone really sees him as a person. Hah…Legally he isn't a person because that “person” died at the age of 13. His past is not something he's…particularly proud of but it is part of how he got here…Even if…Even if he…

Dabi threw his phone to the side and just stuffed his head into a pillow as he tried to ease the terrible pressure of tears that would not fall. He should be over this by now. It's been years and he's an adult now. He shouldn't cry over every little thing in his life…it's stupid. He's…stupid.He's not used to these high emotions but perhaps it's a byproduct of everything going on in his life. His agent being a massive shitbag. Winning first in the male model category. Talking with the stupid bird! Why does thst stupid fucking bird take up so much of his fuckung mental capacity?! He's a fucking pro-hero and all pro-heros are heartless dickbags who want money and fame!! Dsbi screams into the pillow and once he'd had enough he rolls over to stare at the ceiling. He really needs to figure shit out…it's not helping his mental state. 

Tomorrow he'll be on a flight back to Japan, and he'll finally be home. To figure out all this shit in his life. It'll be nice being home because he's a bit homesick. Yes, already. He's always been a creature of habit and he misses his natural habitat. Besides, he has dinner with that bird to look forward too. Free food is the best kind of food. He just hopes the bird is somewhat decent at cooking or knows a good takeout place…

Dabi needed to sleep. His spiraling thoughts don't help but when has anything worked out for him? He decides to make a small list of things to do, because that'll totally help. He needs to fire his agent, easier said than done. That man is like a cockroach, as soon as they're back in Japan he'll probably give Dabi some sort of punishment for letting him get slapped. Or some stupid shit. He needs to forge a new identity…Fuuuunnnn. Dinner with the bird, possibly figure out what it is he wants from him. And uh…he should also repost more Endeavor hate memes and Dabihawks fanart. Honestly, he isn't even sure why he likes it so much…It's kind of funny. Seeing people go feral over the two of them possibly dating. That's…the reason…. Right?

Of course that's the reason! There isn't any other reason. Dabi thinks it's funny and Hawks isn't all that serious either so it's all in good fun. So why does that leave a sinking feeling in his chest?  

Chapter Text

Ever since Dabi had agreed to dinner with him at his place, Hawks had been cleaning and rearranging his place. It needed to be perfect and his bird instincts were continuing to screech at him. “Make it presentable. Good for mate. Impress mate.”. He'd already dusted, swept and mopped. His clothes are washed and put away. His kitchen and bathrooms are completely spotless, he even cleaned the toilets. Still, none of it felt right. Hawks knew why…

This entire time more than anything his instincts want him to make a nest. He's had to lock his softest blankets in the closet after he found himself subconsciously weaving them together. His bed had been stripped down to just a sheet and it kind of reminded him of the facility he trained in. The blankets then were always thin and any comfort in that place was a reward for pleasing your handler. He never did please Narita…Hawks was washing the dishes for possibly the fifth time when his work phone chimed in a call. He dropped everything at the ring tone and answered it.

 “Hello!” He greets

“Hawks.” Narita greets him, less pissed this time. 

“I already finished my double shift if you're concerned.” Hawks said

“This is about that thing you have with Dabi.” Narita said

“What about it?” Hawks said nervously, were they cutting it off? Would she forbid him from talking to him ever again?! His instincts were screeching at the thought. 

“I got a call from the Commission President, and she seems rather pleased with the situation. Following his win in the International Fashion Competition, Dabi's popularity had skyrocketed internationally and with that boost came a significant amount to your own.” Narita said in that generally bored tone she was so good at. “This immense boost is unprecedented. You're even challenging Endeavor's spot as number two.” 

He is? Hawks hadn't thought too hard about it before as he never cared for the rankings. Endeavor's popularity had been at an all time low this year and the only thing propping him up at all was his case count. Hawks also thinks he has some sort of IOU with the commission for…something he's not privy to. Either way, Hawks just hadn't considered the idea that he could overtake Endeavor who has held onto the number two spot for decades.

“We have no obligation to keep Endeavor in second.” Narita says “However, keeping him there makes him the perfect pawn should All Might go down.” That tracks actually… though they already had him so why do they need Endeavor too? Control freaks the lot of them. 

“What does this have to do with Dabi?” Hawks decides to ask

“He's a mystery, even to us. He seemingly just popped into existence when he started modeling. There are no records of him and no trace of his history. Not even a paper trail. As you said, people love a mystery.” Narita said and she was clearly just spitting stuff at him. Didn't really answer his question on why she's bothering him. “The president thought it would be a good idea if you brought him as your date to the upcoming annual hero gala. People seeing you with him would drive up the interest significantly. Though don't confirm anything in words.”

Hawks was certain he accidently got hit with a quirk at patrol because he's hearing shit. Narita and the Commission President want him to take Dabi as a date to the hero gala?! He grew up on the whole “Don't date anyone Hawks.”, “Heros can't afford to have a significant other.”, “You're not a bird so you don't need a mate,.” And his personal favorite “No one will ever truly love you, they'll only use you for your status.”. What kind of drugs is everyone on? Hawks decided to pinch himself and yup…It hurt. Like a bitch actually because they recently declawed him again and his nail beds felt the trauma still….This is his life now. 

“I can ask him.” Hawks eventually said “He might not agree to it.” 

“Hawks. We trained you better than that. Get him to agree to it, we know you can.” Narita said firmly and finally some normalcy. 

“Got it.” Hawks said 

Narita hung up after that. Hawks sighed to himself and ran a hand through his hair. He doesn't know if he can get Dabi to agree to go to a hero gala. If he remembers correctly Dabi isn't that fond of most heros (except for him, apparently he's his favorite hero.) Being in a room with them would probably be a great pain. But they did train him to be persuasive even if it feels wrong to treat it like a mission…Narita has a talent for ruining the things he has going on in his personal life, not that he has much of a personal life. He won't let her ruin this though. Dabi isn't just a mission. He's someone Hawks genuinely has a romantic interest in. 

Anyway, Dabi's plane should land pretty soon. Hawks really hopes that this celebratory dinner leads to further dinner dates in the future but for the purpose of just being together rather than for celebration. Not that there isn't anything to celebrate here. Dabi got number 1 internationally as a model and he's seen the aftermath on Twitter. He still gets irrationally angry at the thirst comments but it's not like he doesn't agree-

They do need to agree on a day though, he has tomorrow night off so perhaps then. It is a Friday though so Dabi might not agree to it. Can't really ask him until his plane lands. And now he has to invite him to the hero gala? Hawks will admit they get entirely lonely, especially with the commission up his ass. He'd prefer Dabi up his ass instead- OKAY! Moving on! He won't mind the company, besides Dabi isn't fond of heros so at least they can talk shit together. Hawks is so tired of pretending he actually likes everyone he has to brush shoulders with. His phone buzzes and he looks at it expectantly, his heart jumps as he recognizes Dabi’s contact. Hawks can't help the smile on his face as he opens it up. 

Dabi ❤️:plane landed

want to die lol

You: Was the flight bad?

Dabi ❤️: confined spaces make me want to commit arson 

You: I'm glad you made it okay then ☺️ 

Dabi ❤️: okay is relative 

You: alive at least?

Dabi ❤️: legally no 

physically yes 

i guess 

Hawks briefly wondered why Dabi said “legally no”. Perhaps he meant literally instead but the words were so different… Hawks didn't want to pry but his curiosity peaked. Still he was unsure how to respond. 

You: Okay! 

Well, how about we have that dinner tomorrow night? 

Should give you some time to settle in tonight. 

Dabi ❤️: sure 

remember no fish

You: Absolutely no fish! 

Hawks chuckled lightly at the insistence and his smile grew. No fish at all. Well, it does limit a bit options wise but he'd do just about anything for Dabi. Though he does need to decide on a good recipe. He isn't the best cook, since it wasn't something the commission gave a fuck about, but he can cook decently. He does have to go in early though so he can guarantee tomorrow night. He'll get…4 hours of sleep. That's actually a lot considering his usual schedule. His schedule has been weird due to the competition. Almost immediately after Narita was like “Stop slacking off, here's a double shit.” 

Hawks sighs lightly and ruffles his hair to try and get the dark thoughts out. They creep up on him when he thinks about his life and his situation. Always at the beck and call of his handler. A bird trapped in a cage with its wings clipped. Meant to stay obedient forever and never sing its song. Oh but how the bird wants to sing…

Dabi got home from the airport and it was a little after 11:30 PM. He pulled off his hood and mask before he stretched with a giant yawn. He rubs his eyes and attempts to not aggravate his staples. Speaking of, he's fairly certain one of them came loose on the flight and now he has the fun job of finding it. His staples are a pain like that. He tugs on one the slightest bit and it hurts like a motherfucker, but one can decide to remove itself and he won't notice until the wound is already infected. Then he has to induce a fever on his own body to fight the infection or he'll literally die. 

He sets his suitcase down next to his bed and tugs off his hoodie and shirt. He carelessly tossed it onto the bed before entering the bathroom. He carefully inspects all of the staples on his chest before turning around and doing his best to check his back. They naturally were the worst to replace when they came out. Finally after looking for a good while, he notices a staple on his side that was bent at the oddest angle known to man with one side barely stuck into the scared purple skin. He takes the time to remove it before cleaning it thoroughly. Once that's done he takes out his staple gun and lines up the shot on the newly santised area. He barely reacts as the staple shoots into his skin, too used to the feeling and a bit too numb to the pain. Once that was done he cleaned up the mess he made in this debacle. 

Once that was done he went back to his bedroom and pulled his suitcase onto the bed. He opened it carefully. Buried in his clothes and secured in a foam box was his award. Number 1 male model…he carefully cracks open its casing and is a bit thankful it survived the 15 hour flight home. He takes the award and puts it on the shabby little bookshelf in the corner. There were quite a few books he'd shoved in there, mainly ones found in free bins at different bookstores. The award looked out of place but at the same time Dabi didn't really have anywhere else to put it..

Dabi stares at it for a minute, hardly believing he'd gotten this far. He wonders briefly what his family would think of him now? You know, other than being shocked he is alive. He imagines Endeavor wouldn't be too happy about it, but he did encourage him to pick anything but hero. Meh, he can choke on a pickle for all Dabi cares. His mother? Bah! When has she ever given a shit about him or his achievements? Perhaps she'd be embarrassed of what a slut her son became. Fuyumi? Well she'd probably be more concerned trying to corral him home than anything else. Perhaps she'd say “I'm just glad you aren't using your quirk anymore.” The thought pisses him off even if it's somewhat true. Natsuo was his closest friend and confidant, though he never understood what Touya was trying to tell him. Perhaps he'd be proud that his useless older brother did something with his pathetic life. And Shouto…Hell he isn't sure that kid even knows who he is, much less would he care that he is a successful model. The perfect little puppet is probably more concerned with being a good hero and all that bullshit. 

Who is he even fooling? No one gives a shit about him. Even if they knew he was alive, they wouldn't care. They never cared. He was the problem and as soon as he removed himself, their lives got so much fucking better. No one needs Touya, just as no one needs Dabi 

Fuyumi doesn't find the time to visit Touya's shrine often. She's usually busy with grading homework assignments, cleaning, and cooking. Her father takes over the room its in most nights and despite what her family may believe, she hates seeing him almost as much as her siblings. Possibly more. She tolerates his presence for Shouto and only wants to make it safer for him. 

She kneels down in front of the shrine and lights some incense. She closes her eyes and prays to Touya. She apologized for being away so long and that she'll try to come visit more often. She prays he's having a better time in the afterlife and that he's happy there. She promises to protect their younger siblings like Touya would've done. She also promises to slip something into their father's tea when he gets back so he suffers a little bit. That causes a small smile. 

Fuyumi looks up at the boy in the picture, one of the only ones they had of Touya. It was a middle school picture so he didn't show any of the emotion that Fuyumi knew him for. When she was a child she used to tell the picture jokes and funny stories like she could see that smile of his again. When she was a teenager, she had finally recognized Endeavor for what he really is. She had apologized to Touya profusely for never once siding with him because she saw her brother hurting himself and thought her parents knew what was best for him. In the end, she had allowed Touya to be smothered and his last attempt to reignite the embers ended in his death. Touya only wanted the attention his father had given so readily when they were young, before Natsuo and before Shouto. He tries everything to prove he wasn't broken and look where that got him. Natsuo says their father killed Touya and Fuyumi knows it to be true. It was a fact. Touya had a future, one Endeavor was too blind to see. 

Fuyumi sat there for a while, imagining her older brother was there with her. They were always close, even during their divide. He's probably laughing at her from heaven for even worrying about it. He'd say “You worry too much Yumi. It's not good for you, you know.”. He was right of course, her stress levels could get bad and her therapist was working on ways to manage this stress level. 

Yes, she goes to therapy. Possibly the only one in her family to do so. Though she makes her father pay for it because she gave them his credit card for payment. She's a teacher, she doesn't have therapy money. Besides, her father is mainly the reason she needs therapy so he might as well pay for that. Her current therapist works at the same hospital where their mom stays, so she at least believes Fuyumi's recount of her family. She was the first to not brush it off as her being dramatic. Three others before her thought she was just making shit up for attention, after all her father is Endeavor. The number 2 pro hero. This world is so blind when it comes to him and she hates it. At least she had the comfort of her siblings and the Endeavor Hate Club. She joined the discord server a little while ago and as it had turned out, her brothers had joined separately as well. It was a whole community of people who strongly dislike Endeavor and she almost felt thankful to the club president for making it. She truly felt safe there in ways she didn't anywhere else. 

Fuyumi finishes her prayer and goes onto the next order of business. Tomorrow night Natsuo agreed to join her and Shouto for an Endeavor-free family dinner. She's excited as it's been way too long since she's seen her younger brother. Natsuo jumped at the chance to escape to med school and she understood because she wanted to do the same with her college degree. She stayed instead so Shouto didn't have to be alone with their father in their empty mausoleum of a house. 

She’s really excited because she got a new recipe from the discord server. She thinks it's actually an old post from the club president about his signature soba dish. Fuyumi knows how much Shouto likes soba so hopefully he'll like the new recipe. She isn't sure why there is a recipe channel but she's thankful for it. The channels didn't all make sense really, she thinks over time people have just asked for random things. 

Fuyumi chuckles to herself before moving on, she wants her family back. Not a family with Endeavor. Not even with their mom. She only wants her brothers. All of them. She desperately wants Touya to sit at the table with them and eat soba while they joke about stupid things, a wide grin on his face as he talks about something he did. She wants Natsuo to feel comfortable at the table again and not be stiff and quiet. She wants Shouto to be able to get to know the siblings he was estranged from and properly learn about his oldest brother. She sees herself delightfully sipping her tea as she listens to her brothers just be themselves. 

But that would never happen because Touya died. At the time she desperately believed Touya had survived. Even when their father had come back a singular jaw bone clutched in his hand looking so unlike himself. She followed Natsuo at night when he went out to make sure he was okay, and because she wanted to look too. She isn't sure he ever figured it out. They never found Touya and yet, Fuyumi’s gut told her that Touya wasn't dead. He couldn't be. He wouldn't let something as pedestrian as death kill him. Her therapist said it was a grief response, her denial in the situation was overwhelming and she had convinced herself Touya was alive despite the fact he wasn't. Fuyumi took that as fact because her gut was wrong and the facts needed to be trusted. Even now she sometimes feels in her gut that Touya is out there. That he's still alive and free from their father's wrath. He couldn't be alive because he was burnt to ash. He couldn't be alive because he would have spent more than a decade alone without his annoying younger sister to ground him and support him. He couldn't be alive because Fuyumi isn't sure she could handle a world where he survived but never came home. 

Chapter Text

Fuyumi was just finishing up dinner when Natsuo arrived at 5:56 for family dinner. She had gone a little overboard with the spread. Soba, of course, but also some yakitori, sashimi, karaage, vegetable and shrimp tempura, and to round it off she made plenty of rice. You can never go wrong with some extra rice if you ask her. She sets the table and proudly looks over her spread. Surely this will make her brothers happy.

“Wow Yumi-nee you outdid yourself!” Natsuo said upon entering the dining room 

“It looks very good.” Shouto agrees following just behind him

The two of them had ducked off somewhere while she finished up dinner and she didn't think much of it. Shouto was probably just showing something off to Natsuo. Though the looks of apprehension that they got when looking at her did give her an inkling that something was going on with them. Perhaps it's nothing but still she hates when they keep things from her. She knows everyone has their secrets but she can help them if they need her help. The three of them sit down properly for dinner.

“This is very good.” Shouto said with stars in his eyes as he slurps up his soba. 

“Yeah it's amazing.” Natsuo said very politely with vegetable tempura in his mouth. 

“I'm glad you two like it.” Fuyumi said with a small smile “So, how have you guys been?” 

They exchanged a look and Fuyumi's smile fizzled a little at their response. Eventually though she gets a response in the form of Shouto saying “Good.”. 

“Yeah. Good.” Natsuo readily agrees 

“I passed my finals.” Shouto said calmly

“Oh! Good job Shouto! I'm proud of you!” Fuyumi cheered lightly 

“Yeah good job bro.” Natsuo said 

“Thank you.” Shouto said calmly

Silence. That's what fills the room next. Natsuo and Shouto keep glancing at each other. Shouto looks apprehensive if he shows any emotion at all, and Natsuo looks down right nervous. Fuyumi frowns lightly wondering what was going on with them. Their father isn't here so they shouldn't be acting like this. Are they wary of her now too? 

“What's going on with you two?” Fuyumi eventually just asked and they froze

“Uh-Well- you see!” Natsuo stutters

“There is a theory that we need to brief you on.” Shouto explained 

“A theory? Please tell me you aren't accusing people of being love children again.” Fuyumi said dryly

“No, though I still believe Midoryia is All Might's love child.” Shouto said

“Moving on! This is different…” Natsuo said 

“Okay…?” Were they going to keep dragging this on or just rip off the bandaid? She is getting a bit impatient. Especially as the two of them seem to try to communicate with each other through facial expressions which doesn't really work because Shouto doesn't emote that much. 

“Touya is alive.” Shouto eventually said 

Fuyumi drops her chopsticks and they clatter against her plate. What? What was he talking about? Touya…Touya isn't alive…Right? RIGHT?! What is Shouto even talking about? 

“Shou!” Natsuo scolds 

“I thought it was best we get into it.” Shouto explains and Natsuo shoots him a dirty look 

“W-what?” Fuyumi responds breathelessly “W-what do you mean?” 

“Are you familiar with the model known as Dabi?” Shouto asked sliding his phone across the table. The picture was of a man that had really painful looking scars on his face, his skin held together by staples. But what caught her attention was his bright blue eyes. They were familiar to her…Shouto took his phone back and changed the image to a video before sliding it back over. Fuyumi hits play and watches as Dabi used blue flames in large amounts around him, those blue eyes she had noticed were now glowing. 

“We believe that Touya may have survived and is now known as the model Dabi.” Shouto explained calmly like he wasn't shattering her entire world view. 

“T-touya.” Fuyumi mutters weakly pulling the phone closer and bringing up the picture of Dabi again. He's almost unrecognizable unless you really look at him but… she sees it now. The shape of his eyes was unmistakable even with the scars. Not to mention the color. When they were younger he was so proud of them, how he looked just like their dad with his red hair and blue eyes. As his hair turned white though the blue became incredibly dull. It was only then that Fuyumi recognized that Touya's eyes were not like their father's because Touya's would shine with his emotions and glow with his quirk. Endeavor only felt envy so his eyes were an unbelievably bland teal. Dabi’s hair was spikier than Touya’s was, likely due to the dye he uses, and the scars. Oh how the scars looked so painful and the staples…She was so worried for him. He was all alone and he didn't have his siblings to support him! What had he been through? Where had he been? Why didn't he come home? Well…She knew the reason why. Their piece of shit father. She looked up at her siblings. Shouto was composed as ever but there was some worry in his eyes and Natsuo looked nervous. She focused in on his hair, he bleached it and they all know that. It was a way to disrespect their father. Fuyumi felt rage boil at her father. 

“Natsuo…?” She quietly asks

“Yeah?” Natsuo responds nervously

“What do you use to bleach your hair?” Fuyumi asks and Natsuo chokes 

“Wh-what?!” Natsuo clearly wasn't expecting that

“Oh. Fuyumi, you are very smart. I too would like to bleach my hair.” Shouto said 

“Ah well uhm.” Natsuo sputtered “it's a certain kind, I can send it over later.” 

“Lovely.” Fuyumi notes “I no longer want to be associated with Enji Todoroki.”

“I agree.” Shouto said 

“We could all come over to my place and do it…I guess.” Natsuo suggests

“I don't think I've been to your place Natsu.” Fuyumi said 

“You haven't?” Natsuo seemed perplexed “Well, I'd be happy to have you over. I'd need to clean first.” 

“It's not even dirty.” Shouto said blankly

“My shit is still everywhere Shou!” Natsuo said 

“Why would you shi-”

“Shouto no!” Natsuo yelped 

Fuyumi laughed at their antics, glad they were once again comfortable to be themselves. She smiles down at her hands softly. Touya is alive and in a way she always knew it. That gut feeling she had never quite went away as she had just gotten better at ignoring it. She wished she hadn't. Now she wishes she had kept looking because he was really truly alive. 

“So, what has Touya been up too? You said he's a model?” Fuyumi asked

“Oh yeah, he won number 1 top male model at the International Fashion Competition.” Natsuo said

“He did?!” Fuyumi gasped wondering how she missed that, it was a pretty big competition after all. Not that she followed it. She was usually teaching when it aired in Japan. 

“Touya has been busy.” Shouto said calmly

“I'm curious to know what else he's done.” Fuyumi said 

“We can tell you.” Shouto said

“Please do.” Fuyumi said earnestly 

“Well, let's start with Meluh Magazine.” Natsuo suggests

Fuyumi listens to them as they explain what Touya had been up to for the past 8 years and she couldn't help but feel proud of her brother. She always knew he could do anything he set his mind too and he had done very well for himself. Though it was worrying the amount of very low cut shirts he wears. Surely he doesn't need to show that much of his chest!

“Wait I just realized.” Natsuo said “Touya got number 1 before our father did.” Fuyumi laughed and Shouto had the smallest amused smile on his face. 

Hawks was double checking to make sure the chicken was cooked properly but it was more like his fifth check. He wanted to provide Dabi with a good meal for dinner tonight. He needs to be able to provide to be a good mate after all. He tries to ward off the thought as really it's embarrassing to think this way about Dabi.  

The doorbell rings and Hawks practically jumps for joy, because he's here! Hawks quickly takes the food off the burner and rushes over to the door. He takes a quick two seconds to fix his hair and clothes. He decided on something between formal and casual. Deep blue jeans hugged his muscular legs and a red turtleneck with an open back. His hair was styled perfectly and he even carefully preened his wings. They were shinier than normal, possibly to impress their mate. Who is not their mate.

He opens the door and on the other side was Dabi and oh how beautiful he looks. Hawks’ eyes got trapped on the shiny staples and piercings, he was wearing eyeliner too that really made the blue of his eyes pop. He was wearing a long black jacket, one he recognized as the Meluh limited edition Dabi jacket. (He owns one-) Under it was a grey v-neck and black pants with staples. Not to mention the Meluh boots he seems to really enjoy wearing.

“You just gonna stare birdie?” Dabi asked 

“I can't help it when you're this gorgeous.” Hawks said before clamming up at the words 

“You're funny.” Dabi said with a small smirk 

“Why don't you come in?” Hawks invites 

Dabi walks in and shrugs off his coat exposing the muscle of his upper arms and Hawks has seen it before but not in person so he tries to commit it to memory. He hangs it on the coat wrack and leaves his boots on the shoe wrack. He was wearing adorable purple socks. Hawks goes to the kitchen and grabs dinner. He walks over to his dining table and sets out their meal. 

“Wow birdie, must say I'm impressed.” Dabi said upon seeing the food and Hawks’ wings puff pridefully. Betraying how much that pleased him to hear. 

“I hope you enjoy, I made sure there was no fish at all.” Hawks said 

“I can appreciate that.” Dabi said with another smirk that made Hawks weak at the knees. 

The two sit down as Hawks finishes setting up their meal, they sit across from each other. Hawks finds himself lost in Dabi's beauty for a second before quickly moving on “What did you want to drink? I have like water, uh…Sake? Maybe some wine.” 

“Sake is fine.” Dabi said 

“Coolio.” Hawks brought over two glasses (with his feathers) and poured the mentioned alcoholic beverage into them. He hands one to Dabi and moves one to his side. Dabi takes a sip and hums lightly at the taste. 

“Itadakimasu.” Dabi said properly before they started the meal.

It was rather simple, chicken karaage on fried rice with a side of steamed vegetables. Probably the peak of Hawks' cooking ability but he wasn't going to share that with Dabi out of embarrassment. Dabi hums as he takes a bite of the chicken.

“It's pretty good birdie.” Dabi said and Hawks had to physically stop the very pleased chuff of pride that wanted to escape him. 

“I'm glad you like it.” Hawks said “ After all this is a celebration of your win.”

“Oh yes…Still unbelievable.” Dabi said taking a sip of his drink 

“Unbelievable? You killed it out there.” Hawks was in disbelief 

“I mean…look at me.” Dabi said gesturing at himself with one hand

“Okay and?” He was already doing that.

“I'm not exactly top model material.” Dabi said as if it were obvious. Hawks squinted at him for a moment. 

“Why would you say that?” He eventually said

“I mean, I know my face is disgusting to look at.” Dabi said “but some people seem to like it.” 

“I think you're goregous!” Hawks is quick to comfort and Dabi snorts but doesn't respond. 

Dabi refills his glass and they get back to eating in an uneasy silence. Hawks loves chicken, very much. But he can't help but craze something a bit more…rare. He finds his tongue traveling over his canines that were filed down to look “normal” and for a moment he desperately wished to dig his fangs into some raw chicken that was all bloody and- He shakes away the thought and looks at Dabi. Still so gorgeous even when eating, Hawks just can't get enough of seeing him.

“I suppose I around thank you for having me, I'm sure you're busy being a pro-hero and all.” Dabi said

“I don't mind at all, besides it's a special occasion. “ Hawks said, knowing full well he would make the time for Dabi. He isn't sure what would have more sway; Narita's fear tactics or Dabi's mere existence. At the moment Dabi could tell him to jump and he'd ask how high. Hawks shook off the rather embarrassing thoughts. 

“This is pretty good Sake.” Dabi notes “not my usual go too but it's good quality.”

“I mainly get it as a gift at like gala’s and stuff.” Hawks said

“Ah right, the annual hero gala. Where the heros get all dressed up and brush shoulders for the night.” Dabi said before sipping his drink 

“That reminds me.” Hawks said, his nerves immediately shooting through the roof but he pushed them down “I was wondering if you would come to the hero gala with me this year.” 

Dabi looks at him like he's the stupidest man on Earth, or at least that's how Hawks interprets to general apawl on his face. He looks almost insulted by the invitation. “You want me to go to a gala with a bunch of heros in attendance?” 

“It'd be a good way to mess with the fans, you know show up together but not claim anything. I know how much you're liking the chaos.” Hawks said, his nails dug into his leg. 

“That's true…I love sowing confusion and chaos.” Dabi said tapping his fingers against his glass in thought “But I hate heros more.”

“We can talk shit behind everyone's back.” Hawks tries weekly

Dabi inclined his head back in thought, as if genuinely considering it now. He took another deep sip of his drink before looking at Hawks again. “I'll think about it.” 

“Cool.” Hawks said, that's all he needed. 

After that they finish their dinner and Hawks moves their plates to the sink with his feathers as he ushers Dabi over to the couch. Dabi sits on the couch and crosses one leg over the other, his glass still held in his hand. Hawks set his own glass down on the coffee table as he sat on the seat perpendicular to the chair Dabi was now gracefully laying against. 

“You know, tonight has actually been quite nice.” Dabi admits 

“Yeah?” Hawks said 

“You're a good host is all birdie.” Dabi dismisses 

“Thank you.” Hawks replied happily 

Dabi pours himself another glass, Hawks having lost count of how much he'd had. He himself wasn't sure what glass he was on but alcohol doesn't affect him as quickly due to his high metabolism. Still he felt a little buzzed and even then he couldn't bear to tear his eyes away from Dabi. So effortlessly beautiful and dramatic. His bird instincts were very pleased with it all, wanting to keep Dabi safe in his nest. The nest he will never have. 

Suddenly Dabi was sitting in his lap, his legs on either side of Hawks’. Hawks panicked lightly as he was so close now and he could almost smell the campfire smell he had come to associate with Dabi. Dabi uses his arms to pres him against the chair back and began to nibble at the underside of his jaw. His hips pressing down on him in a way that made his heart race.

“You're very handsome.” Dabi said with slurred words, before kissing down his neck. Using his hand to pull away the fabric of the turtleneck. 

Hawks wasn't sure how to react, this was everything he'd ever wanted. But it wasn't right. Hawks knew it wasn't right to take advantage of Dabi while he's drunk like this. He probably doesn't even want Hawks normally. Hawks would love for them to continue but not like this. Hawks carefully pushes Dabi away and he doesn't resist the movement. Hawks gets a closer look at his face and he looks confused if anything. His blue eyes are dilated by the alcohol and his brow twisted. 

“Whatz wrong?” Dabi asked 

“Nothing’s wrong.” Hawks assures “But you're drunk.”

“and?” Dabi asked

“You can't consent when you're drunk.” Hawks explained 

“Never stopped anyone before.” Dabi said 

The way he said it was so sad, and it broke Hawks heart to think someone had hurt him in that way before. Someone had taken advantage of him in the past. Not for the first time Hawks wondered just what Dabi had been through. Regardless, Hawks was firm in his stance of them not going anywhere tonight. They need to properly talk about it before they decide to do anything, especially if Hawks is right about someone hurting Dabi in the past. 

“Am I not pretty enough?” Dabi asked quietly 

“Dabi, you're gorgeous. Trust me when I say you are. Just…Not like this.” Hawks said 

Dabi sat back and for a moment looked so hurt. It hurt Hawks but he knew it was for the best. He didn't want to hurt Dabi. Dabi deserved so much better than that. Dabi hugs himself for a moment as he seems to catch up with what's happening mentally. Dabi stood up and wobbled a bit before gaining his balance. Hawks watches him carefully as his expression seems to morph between horror and disgust. 

“I need to go.” Dabi said 

“Wait, I can't let you go outside when you're drunk like this.” Hawks stood up 

“I need to go.” Dabi just repeated and Hawks watched helplessly. 

Dabi puts on his boots with a few tries and grabs his coat from the rack, he tries to put it on but he's too drunk to even get his arm into the sleeve. So he instead just grabs onto the jacket. Hawks can't let him out there alone but he knows Dabi would be mad if he followed him. So he compromised and slid a feather into the coat pocket just before Dabi opened the door. He watched with concern as Dabi slammed the door behind him. 

Sadness settles over Hawks as the emptiness of the too large penthouse settles over him. His wings drooped and his heart hurt but he ignored it in favor of tracking the feather with Dabi. He focuses in on the vibrations to tell what was going on. Dabi was slinking through the shadows, barely even stumbling despite how drunk he is. Hawks refused to let his focus slip until Dabi gets back to his place. Hawks relaxes when he recognizes that he made it and lets his focus on the feather drop. 

All that he is left with then is his empty penthouse. His wings drag behind him like weights and he curls up on his bed. His instincts mourned the lack of nest to comfort themselves. He wished he did more to help Dabi, to comfort him in some way. But he didn't…He was worried for him, since tonight clearly struck a nerve. Hawks didn't know how to help or if Dabi would even accept it regardless. He'll just have to try and be there…perhaps Dabi will open up to him… 

Chapter Text

Shame weighed heavy on his shoulders and heat crawled up his neck. He felt like he could barely breathe and his eyes burned with tears he couldn't spill. He crawled into bed and tried to forget. He claws at his throat as if it'll let the air in.

Dabi couldn't believe he had really done that. He wasn't sure what he was thinking…No…he does. Shortly after he started working for Agent Fuckface, he often had “house calls.”. Agent Fuckface had a lot of clients and they'd pay to have him for the night. Oftentimes they'd love to see him become very drunk and then demand certain favors. Over time he had just come to except that when someone fed him dinner. He had tried to forget about it. Dabi certainly didn't think about it and he definitely didn't think it'd impact his life still. But clearly he was fucking wrong! 

Now Hawks knows how fucked up he really is and will want nothing to do with him. Perhaps before he had seen Dabi as a way to get more popular, and hell if he ever beat out Endeavor, Dabi might've married him. But now…Hawks will never look at him again. That should make him feel better, he didn't care about the hero or what he thought. Yeah! He doesn't care if Hawks thinks he's a disgusting whore. 

Dabi turns over on his bed and hugs himself tight. His chest hurts. Like genuine hurt. It was almost like the feeling he felt when he realized his family had forgotten about him and moved on. The utter devastation and loss of it…It really hurt. Even if Dabi pretends his heart is made of stone it has never really been the case. He'd always been so sensitive to this kind of shit, always a moment away from tears. Burning his tear ducts had made it bearable but then the pressure behind his eyes threatened to break him. He doesn't want to think about his mistakes or his family. He wants to think about anything else. He can't escape it. The thoughts scraped through his mind like a knife. He resolves to try and sleep. He has nothing else to do. Dabi plugs in his phone and turns off the lights. He pulls the covers over himself before trying to relax. He tries to escape his spiraling thoughts to very little success, the alcohol definitely not helping the rapidfire self-hate. 

Something snaps and blood starts to pour from the scars under his eyes and he is forced to launch out of bed so he doesn't stain it. He enters the bathroom and looks at himself in the mirror. Blood. Blood is pouring from his scars with seemingly no end. He pressed against the edge to try to stop the bleeding but it only ended in his fingers covered in blood. Dabi wanted to scream but felt unable to open his mouth at all, lest he choke. He didn't know if it was in the air or his blood he would choke on but he was certain he'd choke to death. 

He kept applying pressure until finally the blood stopped. His hands were soaked at this point and the sink looked like that of a murder scene. He choked on his breath and tried to capture a normal breathing pattern. He fell to the ground and stared at his bloodied hands with a shaky breath. His body was shaking, he realized as he shuddered through another breath. There was a moment of calm that then washed over him as he finally caught his breath. He didn't feel much of anything now, blankly staring at the rapidly drying blood. His heart beat in his chest and his lungs took in air but no longer did the shame and hate come to crush him. His one thought before he drifts off is that he should probably take a shower. 

Hawks woke up to his alarm and for a moment he stared up at the ceiling. His heart still weighed heavy in his chest. His worry for Dabi had not faded in the slightest with time and sleep. He wanted to fly to him right now and bundle him into his arms. To try and reassure him that it's okay and Hawks loves him regardless. But logically he shouldn't. Because Dabi is his own person and he's entitled to his privacy. He wanted to be left alone last night. At the same time Hawks wished he'd followed him to make sure he would be okay. That Dabi is in danger and needs him to help and protect him. 

He rolled out of bed and went through the motions of getting ready for the day. A shower, his hero outfit, and to end it all off crushing worry for Dabi. He made it home, but that doesn't mean he's okay. Hawks just decides to go into work and attempt a sense of normalcy. 

Things start off okay but as he keeps going he gets increasingly fast and ruthless. His sidekicks struggle to keep up with him regularly but today they were very far behind. His focus was elsewhere and at a certain point he was following his instincts more than he was actually paying attention. His feathers were always sensitive to danger and he's able to rely on them to lead him through his shift. 

Hawks finally awakens when he lands at the scene of a car crash, a bus of people were hit when a van crashed into it after running the red light. Hawks’ focus was on making sure everyone made it out okay. His feathers whizzed around pulling people away from the vehicle and helping to carry them to ambulances that were starting to arrive. Luckily it seemed most injuries were mild and people would just need a little bit of patching up. The driver of the van though wasn't doing so hot. The paramedics ran over and with Hawks' help were able to get the guy on a stretcher and to the hospital. It was a rather routine car crash if he was being honest, usually he's good at stopping them before they crash but he can't be everywhere. Once he was done he called back his feathers and they slid back into place. All except for one. The one still nestled in Dabi's coat pocket somewhere else in the city. He still felt a connection to it because he didn't sever it. He decided to just keep it there.

That was when his sidekicks showed up looking winded. He almost felt bad as he had been running them all over the city all day but he couldn't help it. He wanted to protect Dabi but he wanted to respect his boundaries. Not to mention he hasn't replied to his text yet, he didn't expect him too..He might straight up ghost Hawks now and that'd be the greatest punishment of all. Narita's methods looked like party tricks compared to how much it hurts to not hear from Dabi. The moral of the story is that his protective urges are extending into his work and despite the fact it's nowhere near enough, Hawks decides it's just barely enough to satiate the beast inside him. The beast that wants to find everyone who hurt Dabi and rip their throat out. Watching them choke on their blood as life slowly drains from their body. It's a sick thought but one his inner bird likes very much. Wanting to be a bird of prey, a predator. Ready to claw open anyone who even looks so his mate wrong. Not that Dabi is his mate. Because he can't have a mate and Dabi certainly wouldn't choose to be his mate anyway. (Even if Hawks’ instincts had already decided, Dabi wasn't bound by the same instincts )

When Hawks finally got home he checked his phone hopefully. No new messages. He opens the text messages sadly. He shouldn't have gotten his hopes up but he's determined to reconnect with Dabi. 

You: I'm here for you Dabi if you ever want to talk. 

He noticed a small little read receipt meaning that at the very least Dabi had read it. That was enough for Hawks, just the knowledge he saw it at all. He just hoped that Dabi would see that it's safe. Hawks is a firm believer that the past doesn't define you as a person. Dabi had a rough past. Hawks knows he was homeless for a number of years and now he suspects he had to do certain services to survive. But that's not who Dabi is. Hawks has done plenty of things to please Narita and those acts don't define him either. Hawks can only hope he and Dabi can talk it through. Not because he wants to take him to the hero gala, or because he wants to continue their fake non-relationship…relationship. No because he wants to properly date Dabi and be with him for real as boyfriends. Communication is important for that kind of thing…

Hawks didn't feel much of anything now that his tasks for the day were over and he was at home, that empty feeling clawed into his chest and settled there. It's going to be fine…they just need some time….

Natsuo was at the beauty supply store buying more bleach for him and his siblings. A few days ago they had mentioned they'd like to get their hair bleached like him as another fuck you to their father. He had mentioned that night that he didn't really have the money to afford it. Shouto just wordlessly handed over a credit card with Enji Todoroki embossed on it. So here he was buying everything (plus maybe some more) that he needed for that night. He buys new towels, because he's probably going to stain the old ones. He purchases some new ponchos so they don't stain their clothes. He only had one so it was necessary. He also got a tub of bleach powder and the brand of volume he liked. He was hoping it'll work for his siblings as well. He took his items to the checkout counter and started to hand over the object to be scanned.

Not that far away a group of teenagers were crowded around the store's magazine rack, it was a small area where they mainly kept beauty magazines. The group was evidently gushing about his older brother. Natsuo can't help but smirk to himself. Touya really is just everywhere.

“You think he'd go for me?” One of the girls asks

“No way man, he's dating Hawks.” Her friend said

“Wait Dabi and Hawks are dating?” Someone else in the group asked, echoing Natsuo's thoughts.

“It's not confirmed but it might as well be.” That friend explained to the others, “Like look at this.” The girl shows off her phone and her friends suddenly just get it. 

“Oooooh, yeah they're together.” 

“They have to be.” 

Natsuo walked to the grocery store with this interaction in mind. Was his brother actually dating Hawks? The number 3 hero? It's kind of a funny thought that his brother who hates their father, so much he brought it up in an interview for an international competition, is actually dating a hero. If Natsuo remembers correctly, there had been some rumbling about Hawks taking Endeavor's number 2 spot. Ever since the IFC people had been loving Hawks and being wary of Endeavor. Just when you thought his approval rating couldn't get any lower. There had been many new members in the Endeavor hate club. Anyway, it'd be beyond funny if Dabi was dating the man about to take the number 2 spot from Endeavor. Hell if Hawks did it, Natsuo would give his blessing for them to be married. 

He needed to look into it more, but right now he was just gathering some food. He relies mainly on his own finances, meaning what he gets from his work-study mainly. He isn't starved of food but he is starved of snacks. He grabs a few different things he thinks his siblings might like for when they come over to bleach their hair. They're coming over tomorrow and the next day Endeavor returns home. He'll be met with a surprise. 

Once Natsuo hauled his groceries home, he placed them on the counter of his kitchenette and fished his phone out of his pocket. Upon opening Twitter he looks for Dabi and Hawks posts, leading him to browsing the #Dabihawks tab. There was a lot of fan art, like he was shocked by the sheer volume. Some of them were very good, like proper portraiture examples. Life Drawing II ahhh finals. Others were cute and some were straight up anime. Natsuo wonders what it'd be like to be in an anime, he'd probably be the side character brother who exists to explain conflict in his family. Would Touya be the main character? He had the main character vibe. 

Finally, he stumbled into the photoshoot that started it all and yup…they definitely have something going on. With the way Hawks was posturing and claiming Dabi like a bird, Natsuo has done a lot of research on heteromorph behavior and its crazy how much Hawks is just making his claim. Natsuo couldn't believe he had missed this. He knew Dabi had done a photoshoot with Hawks but he didn't know it was anything like this. 

Hawks wasn't a heteromorph on any official listing but with posturing like that he'd be a fool not to think so. It's actually a bit suspicious that someone so heteromorph coded is not listed as such anywhere. Then again Hawks is very private, not even his name is known. 

Natsuo went down a rabbit hole then and found that Hawks and his brother weren't that different. Both of them didn't have public histories, in fact less is known about Hawks than Dabi. Both of them just appeared out of nowhere at 18 during their debut in their respective fields. They'd been in the public eye ever since and both had careers that boomed very quickly. Hawks himself entering the top ten literally the same year as his debut.  

Natsuo wasn't worried about Hawks hurting his brother, from the way he was postured he wouldn't even let a fly annoy Touya. If he is really a Heteromorph his instincts will tell him to protect at all costs. He isn't sure if he can trust him as a person though. He's a pro hero and one with a completely missing past. Natsuo doesn't think all too highly of most heros.

You: did you guys know about this?

ThisisalinktoTwitter.com/fuckyouelonitstwitter/dabihawks/thread 

Yumi-Nee: I had no idea! 

Shou: I had not looked too closely into it in my research, but it was an oversight on my part. 

Yumi-Nee: I'm glad Touya has someone at least!

Shou: I had not thought them to be as close as people are implying, but I will do further research into it.

You: i think its obvious

 I mean look at the way Hawks is laying claim over our brother

Thisisanotherlinktotwitter.com/Hawkstoldonhimselfsohardinthisphotoshoot

Yumi-Nee: Wow that's…

Shou: Hmm…I agree that is interesting. Is Hawks a Heteromorph? 

You: not officially 

Shou: That is very interesting and requires more research. 

Yumi-Nee: Touya deserves to be protected so I'm really happy for him 🥰 

I was so worried about him being all alone…

But I'm glad he has Hawks. 

They seem happy together! 

Natsuo chuckled lightly at Yumi's response. She has been a worry wart ever since they told her the other night. She constantly frets over Touya, wondering if he is eating enough, wondering if he's hydrating, even worrying if he gets enough sleep. 

Natsuo has not received a reply from Touya on Twitter, he wasn't really expecting it to be honest. Really it was stupid to think he'd even see it. It was his public account and probably hundreds of people messaged him to congratulate him. Or try and bully him or whatever the fuck people on the internet say to celebrities. Still Natsuo wants to have hope for a reunion. Have hope for a relationship…

You: we still on for tomorrow?

Yumi-nee: Yup!

Shou: Yes. 

Natsuo loved the new relationship they all had after that family dinner, it was almost as if the news of Touya being alive had brought them closer. Even Shouto who they never got to really know before. They didn't have a group chat before either. Is it wrong that he hopes one day Touya will join them? It'd be really cool to have him join their group chat and they could be family again. But…Touya probably doesn't want them back in his life…Natuso has no way of knowing because all attempts of contact have failed and he didn't have many options to begin with. He just has to hope one day the opportunity will arrive. 

Chapter Text

Shouto and Fuyumi made it to Natsuo's apartment slightly early, but Fuyumi was always one who hated to be late. She tells Shouto all the time that being early is being on time and Shouto isn't so certain of that. He thought on time meant…being there at the specific time asked of you. He trusts Fuyumi's opinions though and has tried to be earlier to things recently. Anyway, Shouto did much the same as the other day when it came to entering Natsuo's apartment. Fuyumi just followed him as he went to the correct door and rang the bell. Natsuo opened the door and beamed at them.

“Nee-san, Shou! You guys made it!” 

Shouto stopped to remove his shoes and Fuyumi did the same. Natsuo’s apartment was a fair bit cleaner than it was the other day. Books stacked neatly and papers filed away properly. Still devoid of garbage. Fuyumi seemed to be appraising the place as she looked around curiously. 

“This is nice Natsuo.” Fuyumi said politely

“Well, since I have a full-ride, I have the extra money to afford this place. It's better than being on his dime. “ Natsuo said 

“I see…I personally like spending his money but there is merit in avoiding it too.” Shouto notes, he finds spending his father’s money excessively to be cathartic. Especially when he gifts it to Uraraka during trips to the mall. He understands not wanting anything to do with it though, less that Endeavor can grab onto and claim he's a good father. 

“Soooo…You have a girlfriend?” Fuyumi teases 

“Uhm…Maybe.” Natsuo said a blush creeping up his neck.

“Oh, what is her name?” Shouto asked

“Kobayashi Izumi…I met her in my psychology class…” Natsuo explained 

“She sounds lovely.” Fuyumi said and Shouto nodded 

“Here.” Natuso opened his phone and on the home screen was a picture of a girl with large mouse ears. Shouto thought that she looked nice, perhaps it was her gentle smile. 

“Aweee, isn't she so cute!” Fuyumi cooed and Natsuo blushed in embarrassment 

“Well yeah.” Natuso agrees bashfully

“You'll have to introduce us one day.” Fuyumi insists 

“I would like to meet her.” Shouto agreed 

“Sooo…Have you been seeing anyone Yumi?” Natsuo asks, trying to change the subject. 

“Ah…no. I've just been so busy you know, haven't gotten a chance to meet anyone.” Fuyumi said “Being a teacher is a lot of work. Especially before a break.” 

“I can imagine. Aizawa-sensei seems to have trouble with our class.” Shouto said

“I think there is something to be said about your class's penchant for getting into trouble.” Natsuo said “You were already attacked by villains like what…twice?” 

“...That is a fair point.” Shouto notes quietly

“Let's not worry about that right now.” Fuyumi said “Are you excited for your time off Shouto?”

“It will be a great time to work on my skills and quirk.” Shouto said 

“Don't forget to relax Shou.” Fuyumi frets, “All that work isn't great in the long run.”

“I will keep that in mind.” Shouto said thoughtfully 

“My therapist recommends having days where you can relax and do pretty much nothing. You could also try meditation.” Fuyumi says

“Wait…you go to therapy?” Natsuo asks

“Yeah, you should try it.” Fuyumi said 

“Nah I don't need someone telling me how to think.” Natsuo dismissed 

“It'll help you with your pent up anger.” Fuyumi suggests

“I don't have any pent up anger!” Natsuo shouts “...okay maybe I do…” 

“What does therapy entail?” Shouto asked curiously 

“Mainly just finding someone you click with who can help you sort through your thoughts.” Fuyumi said “I've been seeing this one therapist for a good while now. She helps me think through a lot of things.” 

“Do you think your therapist would see me too?” Shouto asks 

“I can ask her.” Fuyumi assures 

“Okay! So we should probably get this show on the road!” Natsuo announces and the other two watch as he walks into the bathroom. The two of them followed behind him. The bathroom was relatively cramped but still big enough for the three of them to all stand in it with a bit of breathing room. Natsuo starts handing over ponchos for them to wear and Shouto clips his on with relative ease. 

“What does this entail?” Shouto asks curiously 

“Well. I already mixed up the bleach. The only thing left to do is apply it.” Natsuo said 

“I see.” Shouto said

“Yeah it'll be a bit different for everyone considering our different degrees of red hair. For you Shou we'll start at the bottom and make our way to the roots. Yumi well…It'll probably be a lot of spotting.” Natsuo explains

“Sounds like it'll be fun.” Fuyumi said, her tone dry. It doesn't quite match up with the words so Shouto assumes it may be sarcasm. 

“Yeah! Though the red is notoriously stubborn so it may take a few tries. “ Natsuo explains 

“I'm prepared for this journey.” Shouto said with complete seriousness

Natsuo started on Shouto first, carefully applying bleach to the tips of his hair and up towards the middle. It was a bit uncomfortable of a feeling he notes but not overly painful. Natsuo then helped Fuyumi with the spots on the back of her head as she applied the beach to the front of her hair. Natsuo also takes the time to touch up the white of his highlights. Shouto looked at himself in the mirror and found himself to be curious how it'll look in the end. 

“Okay, so now what?” Fuyumi asks

“We let it process, keep a close eye on it, and kind of just chill?” Natsuo said

“I see.” Shouto said

“What do you want to do while we wait?” Natsuo asks

“Hmmm…We can watch a movie.” Fuyumi suggests 

“I think that's a good idea, I'll make sure to set a timer though as we don't want the bleach in our hair for longer than 45 minutes.” Natsuo said

“Which movie will we be watching?’” Shouto asks curiously

“That's a good question Shou…” Natsuo said

“Do you have Spirited Away?” Fuyumi asks

“Oh yeah!” Natsuo said “I haven't watched it in a while though.”.

“More reason to watch it now.” Fuyumi aaid

“I don't know if I've seen it.” Shouto notes and both of his siblings looked at him in horror. 

“Oh, I should've asked this earlier. But since we're cooking our hair do you want some pink or no pink?” Natsuo asked as he applied bleach to Shouto’s roots

“Uh…no pink?” Shouto said confused 

“Leave no trace of red behind!” Fuyumi declared dramatically 

“Yes.” Shouto said with a nod 

Fuyumi was brushing her fingers through her hair as they had just washed out the bleach. The red had been very stubborn but finally all that was left was Fuyumi's thick white hair. “Do you have a hairbrush Natsu?” 

“I think my girlfriend left one here?” Natsuo said “Look in the medicine cabinet. Otherwise I probably have a comb.” 

“Oh found it.” Fuyumi said

Shouto felt a bit of peace as he finally got some proper time with his siblings. Especially Natsuo, who he doesn't really know as well. Shouto had observed that Natsuo is much more outspoken outside of the Todoroki residence and is also very smart. He knows quite a lot about medicine, which makes sense since he aims to be a doctor. But he also knows a lot about quirks and the leading theories behind explaining them. Shouto feels Midoryia would get along with Natsuo. 

“I wonder how Touya is doing.” Fuyumi said quietly 

“I'm sure he's doing fine.” Natsuo said

Shouto also wonders how Touya is right now, hopefully he's enjoying a good bowl of soba. Shouto thinks that would be nice. 

Dabi had spent the past few days post his breakdown just trying to recover emotionally. He wasn't sure why he reacted like that but perhaps that bird was just starting to get to him. He ended up popping a few staples in his face which are always the worst to replace, not the hardest to replace but definitely the most painful. After that he dyed his hair black again and has since curled up on his bed and scrolled on his phone. Occasionally worming from his blankets in search of food and water. 

His agent had been suspiciously quiet. The man usually spends so much of his time being up Dabi's ass it's strange that he hasn't harassed him yet. He likes keeping Dabi busy because then he gets more money, this is possibly the longest Dabi has gone without a break since…uh…Since he died. Yeah! Actually…the last time he got to rest was the three year coma….

Anyway, his agent being quiet meant one of two things. One, he was busy with his other exploits and couldn't be bothered with him. Dabi didn't know if he believed that since his agent basically used him as a cash cow and has cut a significant amount of business since Dabi got popular. Second option, his agent was planning something to get back at him for what happened at IFC. His agent loved his punishments and though Dabi hadn't personally received one in…a good while. He had a lot of reasons to be pissed at Dabi , including his relationship non-relationship with Hawks. His shithead of an agent probably sees it as a threat. Also Dabi had actually threatened him so there is that too… 

There is a reason that outside of seeing Hawks the other night, he was holed up in his house. He was paranoid that the moment he steps outside it'll be like stepping into a bear trap. His agent had a variety of tools he likes to use so it was really hard to guess what he'd be planning. Dabi knows if he called Hawks and was like “Yeah my agent might try to kill me.” he'd be put into witness protection or some shit. He doesn't want the bird involved in this as he's already way too involved in his life. Besides, Dabi can handle his own shit. He doesn't need some fucking hero to “save the day”

Currently, Dabi was browsing Twitter when he got a text message. He half expected it to be his agent but surprisingly enough it was from Sakura. Usually any conversation that happened between them was on the group chat and honestly Dabi was behind on that as Sakura and Nomura talk a lot. You'd never expect it for Nomura but she really is talkative. 

Flower: Hey Dabi 😊

So, I got invited to do a photoshoot at that boba place again! 😋

The owner actually made a drink based on me and you to honor our win at the IFC!! 🥳🥳

Anyway, we couldn't get in contact with your agent 😅 she asked me to ask you personally if you'd like to do it! 🫡

Sakura sure does like her emojis, Dabi thought as he read through the messages. He remembers that place, they had the best dumper food. His favorite was the small scraps of shokupan as theirs had a certain amount of amazing flavor that melted in your mouth. It'd be a bit weird to be back there…Also he isn't sure if it's safe to leave his apartment.  Dabi hums to himself. He can protect himself if he needed to; he just wasn't sure if he was actually willing to go to jail. People don't usually care who did what, if there was any kind of injury they'd blame him and call him a villain. They'd sooner throw him in prison than actually look into what happened. Would his agent be daring enough to attack him in broad daylight near the nicer side of town? 

You: that weird cafe place? 

Flower: Yeah!! 

You: i guess i can do it

Flower: Cool cool, so the shoot will be this upcoming Friday! 

you: k 

Flower: here's the address

ADDRESS

You: cool 

Dabi needs to figure out where his agent is and find a way to tell him to permanently fuck off. But at the same time there's a part of him still absolutely terrified of that man. He held a lot over his head for a while and he still tries to do it now that Dabi has more independence. Dabi then got a message and he opened it without thinking. 

Bird: Goodnight!

Dabi stared at it for a minute, Hawks had been sending these every night and yet Dabi felt unable to reply. Hawks seems ready to move on but Dabi doesn't know if he can forgive himself. It's embarrassing letting something like that happen. Hell, he's never going to drink again if he starts doing stupid shit. His past should stay in the past. Todoroki Touya is dead. That nameless boy on the streets is dead. Dabi is all that remains…

You: goodnight 

Bird: ❤️

…Stupid bird…making him feel…

things…

Chapter Text

Fuyumi heard her father come home just as she had finished dinner. Shouto was in the training room, he was working on his form so he can use his quirk more effectively. Fuyumi starts to set out dinner as Endeavor walks to his room to drop off his suitcase where she would inevitably be cleaning his clothes and putting them away. This man wouldn't be able to function without her help. She was almost tempted to dump bleach on his clothes… Just a thought. 

“Fuyumi.” Speaking of the devil, he doesn't even look at her twice as he sits down at the table. She had expected him not to notice her new hair but it still kind of hurt to realize he didn't care enough to really look at her. 

“Hey dad, how was your trip?” She asked to be polite 

“Fine.” Her father said 

“Yeah, you get to do anything fun? Or was it just work?” Fuyumi asks

“Work.” Her father says 

Talking to him is like talking to a brick wall and she's always so tired of trying to connect with a man who doesn't care about connecting with her. Fuyumi resigns to just finish setting the table.

“Where is Shouto?” Endeavor asks 

“He's in the training room.” She said blandly 

“Good.” Endeavor said simply 

“I will go get him for dinner.” She excuses herself

She walked down the hall to the training room and she knocked on the door. The sounds of Shouto beating up on the dummy in there cease and a moment later the door slid open. Shouto was covered in sweat and he looked exhausted. Fuyumi worried he might overwork himself. 

“Hello Fuyumi “ Shouto said

“Hey Shou, dinner is ready and at the table. Father is already waiting.” Fuyumi explained.

“Oh, thank you. I will be right there.” Shouto said 

“Okay!” Fuyumi said with a smile

Fuyumi went back to the dining room and sat down, a minute later Shouto came into the room. He had clearly wiped off the sweat as he walked over and sat down at the table. 

“It looks very good, Fuyumi.” Shouto said, announcing his presence 

“SHOUTO!” Endeavor yelled upon noticing his hair “What happened to your hair?!” 

“Whatever do you mean?” Shouto asks

“You know what I mean!!” Endeavor shouts 

“Fuyumi, is there something wrong with my hair?” Shouto asks

“I don't see anything… Did you get hit with something on your trip dad?” Fuyumi asks 

“Where is your red hair?! Your hair was half red and half white!” Endeavor was getting frustrated now. 

“Red hair? I haven't had red hair since I was 7?” Shouto said 

“That's not true!” Endeavor shouts

“His hair changed to white a while ago, dad.” Fuyumi said “It started to change after he got his quirk.” 

Endeavor stormed over to the wall where the few family portraits they have were held and he looked ready to blow this whole thing out of the water. Little did he know, Fuyumi had gone through every photo in their house, scanned it and changed Shouto’s hair color. The originals were hidden in her room. So anyway Endeavor was practically smoking now. He turned around with this confused look on his face and Fuyumi knew that they had got him. It was hard to keep up the confused and concerned act when she wanted to burst out laughing at his face. Endeavor sat back down looking like he was questioning reality and Fuyumi discreetly captured a picture of him. It was a hilarious sight to see. She'd laugh at it later. 

They ate dinner in complete silence after that. Endeavor was staring at his food like it would explain the answers to the universe. Shouto was content to eat his soba with a hint of amusement at the situation their father was in now. Fuyumi could barely contain her smile. This was amazing, she and Shouto really get to bond and their father gets a three-quarter life crisis. She secretly sends the image to Natsuo and almost immediately is met with a wall of laughing emojis. Her lips quirked at the messages that followed.

Natsuo: LMAO his face

oh thats priceless

I almost wish I saw this in person 

you guys got him good XD 

Fuyumi was very pleased with everything that was transpiring here. Endeavor deserves it. 

“Shouto.” Endeavor finally said

“Yes?” Shouto responds

“I need you to represent my interests at i-island.” Endeavor said firmly, though it lost a lot of its edge after the face he was just making. 

“Can't you go yourself?” Shouto asks boredly 

“I'm busy with hero work.” Endeavor said simply 

Always so busy and yet not busy enough because Fuyumi still has to deal with him for more hours out of the day than she would care for. Though he seems to be going even harder recently, taking more out of city jobs and basically scorching half of his prefecture with him consistently going around to solve crimes. Fuyumi ponders why for a moment when it hits her. Hawks. The hero is very close to taking Endeavor's spot with his high case load and high popularity. What Touya said at the International Fashion Competition has impacted that significantly. Now Endeavor is forced to try to be faster than Hawks at casework which is nearly impossible from what she knows of the current number 3. There is a reason he got to number 3 as quickly as he did. 

Speaking of, Fuyumi is glad that Touya isn't alone. She doesn't know much about Hawks as a person but she wants to believe he and Touya have a good relationship. That they support each other. Fuyumi's guilt over her older brother has more or less resurfaced since she found out he was alive. She isn't even sure what she'll tell her therapist, it's not like she can walk in there and be like “ My older brother isn't actually dead, you see he faked his death and is now a fashion model.” She'd sound crazy and since her family has a known history of crazy, her therapist may think she finally snapped like her mother. Doesn't matter because at the end of the day at least Touya is alive. She has hope they'll one day see each other again because the two of them had a bond they didn't share with the other two siblings. Something about growing up only a year apart and knowing of a time where Endeavor was a father. They always cared for each other, though Touya was always less obvious about it. She could always see it in his face sometimes, especially after he yells at her, the guilt at being mean to her. She'd always wanted to tell him she forgave him. She knew her brother wouldn't let the flame die and because of that he was always in pain. Always acting out. He didn't mean to yell at her so much because more often than not he was just angry at their father for ignoring him.  

Presently, she greatly wishes she could go to her brother and pull him into a tight hug. Maybe also give him a punch to the shoulder. She doesn't blame him for leaving and she forgives him. She forgave him a long time ago because he is her older brother and he always had her back until the end of the line. 

Dabi leaves his apartment and immediately regrets it as his paranoia peaks and he feels like everyone is watching him. His blue eyes are skittish as he glances across every street corner. Would his agent be waiting around the corner? It felt like everyone was out to get him. 

Regardless, he made the trek to a familiar Cafe. His eyes immediately traveled to the alleyway behind the shop where a dumpster was firmly closed. He tries to imagine what goods are inside and has to avert his eyes so he doesn't get too caught up in thinking about it. Instead he finds a familiar pink shade of hair. Almost as if she felt his eyes she turns on her heel and beams at him.

“Dabi!” 

“Hey.” He said, trying to be casual as he walks up to her 

“I'm glad you could make it!” Sakura cheers 

“Yeah, yeah…” Dabi said dismissively 

The shop is very cozy on the inside and he notes blankly he hadn't ever been inside it before. Overall it was very pink which made it a perfect place for Sakura to be the main model of. There were couches and cushions everywhere, it almost looked like a lounge except for the Cafe set up against the far wall. Sakura is already at the front talking to assumably the photographer. Dabi eyes the treat counter and spots the shokupan innocently just chilling there. He remembers the taste well, considering it was the best he'd ever had. Back then he hadn't eaten well in weeks. His agent wasn't pleased with him so he threw him out and wouldn't let him come back until he learned some kind of lesson. Dabi wasn't sure what it was but eventually his agent decided he learned it. The bread and other treats in the dumpster were like heaven to him and even the smallest bit of scraps made the hunger pains slightly better. Not to mention the sweetness and the fluffiness mixing in his mouth. 

“Dabi…are you okay?” Sakura interrupts his thoughts. She has a habit of interrupting his darker thoughts. 

“What? Oh yeah. Just lost in thought.” Dabi said 

“This is our photographer Yoshida Hina, I've worked with her before she's a darling.” Sakura introduces

“Hey there!” Yoshida greets “It's an honor to meet you Dabi. I'm a big fan of yours.” 

“Hey.” Dabi greets back, unsure what else he should say at this point, why do most people state immediately they are a fan of his? Everyone seems to be a fan, perhaps she's just saying that to try to get on his good side or something. Didn't really matter to him. 

“The owner is making the drinks for you guys to pose with right now, so we're waiting on that before we start the shoot.” Yoshida explains 

“Ahh. I see.” Dabi said, that made sense. 

“I had so much fun last time! This is going to be great!” Sakura said her hair glowing more with her excitement. Dabi wasn't really sure what to expect at this point. 

The door to the backroom of the Cafe opens and a short woman walks through holding two drinks in her hands. One was a very pink, likely strawberry, boba with red popping pearls and it even looks like some luster dust to make it glittery. The other was a deep purple Taro with black popping pearls, strangely enough though in the lights it seemed to shimmer blue. More luster dust perhaps? Dabi looked closely at the woman and recognition slapped him. He remembers her, she had found him in the dumpster one night and ran him off. Perhaps she wouldn't recognize him now...He'd grown a lot since he was roughly 17, he started dying his hair and gained muscles. Even his skin doesn't look as dead (not the scarred skin, that still has that carcass purple color. Though it could've been more magenta back then.). He just won't make too much eye contact and she won't recognize him. 

“Sorry that took so long, I accidently put the blue on the pink and had to restart.” The owner said 

“You're perfectly on time!” Sakura assures “Also they look really good Hirata-sama” 

“Thank you dear.” The owner, Hirata said 

She was a much older lady, possibly pushing her 60s. Glasses were balanced on the tip of her nose and behind them were warm brown eyes. She didn't seem as intimidating as she was 7 years ago but that could be because Dabi was very skittish back then. She looks at Dabi and adjusts her glasses. She looks at him for a moment and Dabi feels a bit nervous. He doesn't care if she recognizes him, it just might make things unreasonably awkward. 

“Oh, you must be Dabi!” She said

“Yes.” Dabi confirms

“It's nice to meet you.” She bows

“Nice to meet you too.” He bows in kind

“What are we thinking for the shoot? Are we going to create some scenes in the Cafe or pose in front of a backdrop? I have a few options for that. We could also go outside the shop.” Yoshida explains, holding up her camera. 

“Hmm…” Hirata hums quietly “Perhaps we can try multiple? How much would that cost?” 

“Hmm…Well I don't necessarily charge extra for trying different scenes, mainly the cost goes up with editing.” Yoshida explained

“Oh! Lovely!” Hirata said excitedly 

“What about that table over there, the one in the corner with all the plushies?” Yoshida said

The corner booth was indeed covered with various stuffed animals, the two of them ended up on either side of the table. Dabi was relaxed against the seat, a soft plush pressed against his side. He was wearing his jacket today over his favorite v-neck shirt, similar to what he wore for the bird the other day. Dark jeans and his favorite boots from Meluh. Sakura was dressed rather cozily with a hoodie with cat ears, a skirt and some flats. Her socks went up to her thigh and were a soft pink color. The drinks were handed to them. Naturally Dabi held the drink in one hand, tilting his head slightly to look more at Sakura who had the drink held up in both hands at the moment. Clearly trying to decide on a pose, eventually she settled into holding it with both hands. One hand at the bottom and the other holding the straw. It essentially looked like Sakura was spilling the tea about something. That was the scene they created, almost if if they were caught gossiping. Yoshida directed them into a proper pose for the camera and took more than a few snaps. After that she directed them again and captured a few more. Yoshida then took the time to show them to the owner. Dabi took the time to talk to Sakura.

“So, how are things with Yato?” Dabi asked 

“Oh uh..” Her hair turns red as her cheeks flush “Fine fine…Yeah. Uh…She's been really busy you know. I've gotten a lot of offers and requests since the International competition. I'm certain you've gotten triple what I got though.” 

“I see.” Dabi didn't know how true that statement was since his agent usually just books him for random shit all the fucking time. But seeing as the bastard is MIA, Dabi doesn't have a clear picture of what that looks like.

“I don't want to bother her when she's this busy.” Sakura said

“Nah she'd never think you're a bother. “ Dabi said “You could dance on her desk while screaming and she'd be fine with it.” 

“I would never do that.” Sakura said with a horrified face 

“I'm just saying.” Dabi said raising his hands in surrender 

“Okay you two, we've decided we want to do some shots in front of the cafe.” Yoshida said excitedly

“What if we get mobbed?” Dabi asked 

“I'll scare them away.” Hirami said seriously and damn, he was right to fear this old lady. It was crazy the transition from sweet old lady to monstrous nightmare. 

“It'll be fun!” Sakura said 

They went outside and leaned against the glass windows of the shop, the shop's logo and name in clear view from the place Yoshira set up the camera. Dabi holds the cup in one hand again, in clear view so you can see it. The purple and blue colors of the drink seemed to really shimmer in the sun. His other hand goes into his coat pocket where he feels something particularly soft. His eyebrows scrunch lightly as he tries to decipher what it is. It was fluffy and yet there was also something firm in the middle almost like a leaf or a feat- Dabi's heart skipped a beat as he realized what it was. It had to be one of Hawks’ feathers because he didn't have a habit of running around with feathers. He doesn't even remember obtaining this one. He imagined it's ruby red color. The feather was so very soft and it made Dabi wonder what Hawks’ wings felt like. He quickly abandoned that train of thought as his cheeks heated up. He's not stupid, touching his wings is surely off limits. He finds himself messing with the feather anyway as they take quite a few pictures with the shop front. Obviously some people stopped by to look curiously but they were relatively unbothered by the general public. 

Once they go back inside Yoshira and Sakura run off to do some solo pieces. Dabi sits down at the table they started on and pulls out his phone. He was entertained for a bit but he grew tired after a while. When he's bored he browses Twitter and when he's really bored he browses his Twitter DMs. He gets hundreds of messages a day, possibly more now he doesn't keep a good count. 

There were the usual messages. Death threats. People comparing him to a piece of beef jerky/fried chicken/ any kind of burnt food item. Fan art. Some honestly creepy fangirl shit. He avoids those. People who seem too young for Twitter that he rejects the chat of. He notices a message from Doctorice @FrostMonster from roughly 2 weeks ago. Where had he seen that username before? It was familiar to him. 

DoctorIce: Hey Touya, it's me Natsuo. I'm sorry it took this long but I'm happy to know you're alive. We need to talk. 

Doctorice: I miss you. 

Dabi choked on his own spit. What the actual fuck?! How did he know? Dabi didn't do all that much to hide it, but why does he suddenly care now of all times? Surely he doesn't give a shit!?! Why now? “We need to talk” is he mad at him? It would make sense for him to be mad if he learned his brother didn't actually die. The part of being happy he's alive had to be fake. Surely he just wanted to yell at him or hit him. Maybe he's mad Dabi has made a name for himself as a massive slut. But then why care? It's not like Dabi is connected to that family in any way publicly. What was strange to him was the small “I miss you.”. Why would Natsuo lie? No one misses Todoroki Touya. So Natsuo is lying for some reason. Does he want something from him? Maybe that's it. Doesn't explain what. It's not like he needs money being on daddy's dime. Shit, what if his father knows? Thats it! They want to talk to him so he can endorse their father despite his earlier comments. That way his popularity will be out of the gutter. Natsuo is just them attempting to lure him in. Shit if his father knows he's alive, he's going to need more than a new identity. Hell he'll need to move to a new country. 

“Dabi-san are you okay?” Hirata asked 

“Yes, I'm fine.” Dabi said weakly and it was clear neither of them believed it. 

“Is there anything I can get for you that may help?” Hirata asked politely

Dabi thought on it for a moment “Shokupan.” 

“Oh yes, food. That usually helps me when I'm feeling down too.” Hirata said excitedly as she walks to the counter. 

Dabi watches for a moment before looking down at the table. He wonders for a moment how the universe just seems to hate him. Natsuo knows he's alive somehow and possibly so does his entire family. How? How does he know? It has to be due to the International Fashion Competition? He was so stupid using his quirk so much, it was practically a flashing neon sign of his identity. Dead or not. Then it hit him, he had almost forgot, but the only person he ever showed his dragon trick too as a kid was Natsuo. Of course Natsuo knows, no other fire user is insane enough to try and sculpt forms out of flames. Dabi's hand travels into his pocket where he fidgets with the feather. It was strangely soothing to run his thumb over the barbs.

“Here you go dear.” Harita said

Harita set down a plate with a few slices of shokupan. His mouth waters lightly as he takes a piece. He's never had a full slice, much less 3, just for himself. 

“Thank you “ Dabi said 

“Of course.” Harita said “You know, you look familiar to me.”

Dabi gulped “Yeah?” 

“Yeah, some years ago there was this boy who came here to dig in our dumpster.” Dabi froze “Every night I'd watch him, thin as a twig that one. I was so worried he wouldn't come back every night and yet he did. He had scars all over his body and hair white as snow. One night I accidentally scared him off, I had been dealing with pranksters all day and when I heard the trash rattle I assumed they were back…. I regret that night…seeing the fear in that kids eyes as he ran away and never returned….” She turns to him and smiles sadly “I'm glad you're better now.”.

Dabi is silent as he stares at her, unable to utter a word. She wasn't mad at him for robbing her dumpsters? Now that he thinks about it there was probably more scraps than was normal of such a popular café. Was she helping him and he didn't even notice?

“I don't know your story but…I'm happy I can help you now. I'll leave you alone, try and enjoy your Shokupan before they drag you back for more pictures.” Harita said quietly

“Wait!” He says, surprising even himself “Thank you…” 

“Don't thank me.” Harita said “I don't deserve it.” 

Dabi watches her leave and looks back at his bread. He takes a bite and hums delightedly. It was just how he remembered it…

Chapter Text

Dabi got back to his apartment pretty late, they wrapped up shooting around noon. Sakura had offered to drive him home after the shoot but he denied the request in favor of just walking. In the end, he decided to buy some groceries while he was already out. When he got back home it was late, very late. He was quite tired as he opened the door, but still he noticed it was unlocked. His lips turn into a deep frown. Someone was in his house and he had a decently good idea who it was…

He flicked on the lights and was greeted by the sight of his agent. He was sitting on the couch, his feet on the coffee table. The man hadn't even bothered to remove his shoes before tromping all over Dabi's shit. He looked at Dabi with a sick sort of glee and Dabi felt his stomach drop. He doesn't show it though as a mask of impassiveness is built on his face.  

“Make yourself at home I guess.” Dabi said dryly as he put the groceries down on the ground slowly. The chances of them making it any further than that being quite slim.

“You only have this home because I allow you to have it.” His agent sneers and Dabi scoffs lightly 

“Sure, if it helps you sleep at night.” Dabi said

“Don't disrespect me again!” His agent yells “You've disrespected me enough!” 

“Womp womp.” Dabi said and this pissed his agent off more. The man stood up, his fists clenched at his side as he glared at Dabi. Dabi knows he should probably try not to aggravate him more for the sake of self preservation. But it's always a bit fun to get under the guy's skin. Also, when has he ever been good at self preservation? 

“It's time you learned your lesson.” His agent said, a sneer on his lips. Dabi narrowed his eyes at him, wondering what he was planning. His agent whistled and 3 others came from other rooms. Two of them were men and the fourth was a woman. He couldn't be sure what their quirks are but they can't be good if his agent recruited them for this punishment. 

The first man was rather large, likely meant to be the muscle of the group. Perhaps some kind of strength enhancing quirk. The second guy had a moderate build and it was hard to tell from looking at him what his quirk might be. The woman was fit but not particularly huge and her hair was a silvery color. Though that doesn't really tell him what her quirk is. 

The guy with a moderate build flicks his fingers and before Dabi can react something stabs into his arm. He feels his quirk that had been bubbling under his skin quickly fade. He took the thing out of his arm, it had a red casing and looked like some kind of dart. He'd heard of this before, a quirk erasing bullet. Still in its infancy it temporarily disables someone's quirk for an indeterminate amount of time. Cheap tricks huh, coward. 

The muscular guy surged forward and immediately hit Dabi in the stomach causing him to keel over. The man hits him on his back and he is sent onto the ground. Fuck that shit hurts. Dabi feels something wrap around his arms and body and he's pulled forcefully into a kneeling position As it turns out it's barbed wire jammed into his body by the woman whose eyes are now glowing silver. The barbs dig into his clothes and further into the skin of his neck and face. He hissed as blood spilled from his wounds. His instincts were screaming at him to light up his quirk but he couldn't access it. He started to hyperventilate as he realized the situation he was in. 

“Seeing you like this…It brings back memories.” His agent said sinisterly “Remember when I found you? On the streets and desperate? I found you. I saved you.” 

“You fucking bastard.” Dabi spat

The barbs tightened causing the fabric of his clothes to start to rip. The muscular guy stomped on his leg and it broke with an audible crack. Dabi screamed audibly but his glare didn't break from his agent. Crazy fucking bastard. The third guy decided to get involved, throwing a few playing darts that landed in his chest. He coughed as the pain caught up to him. He threw a few darts of something else that made the pain feel so much worse. 

“You have become a real thorn in my side. Fucking a pro hero. Being disrespectful.” Agent Fuckface said, walking up to him. The fucker runs his fingers under Dabi’s chin, grease sliding across his fingers. The bastard's quirk was literally grease, that's why he looks so greasy all the time. Dabi’s stomach twists dangerously. “I'd kill you if you weren't such a profitable whore.” His said, digging his nails into the seams of Dabi's face and getting grease in them. They'd no doubt get an infection from it.

The muscular guy comes in to stomp on his other leg and Dabi feels his mind go fuzzy as both legs pulse painfully. No doubt broken if the cracks were any indication. The lady squeezes the barbed wire tighter and Dabi hears his staples start to fail where the skin was pulled too tight. He was certain blood was streaming down his face and mixing with the grease making his skin feel icky. 

“Oh how I love seeing you in pain.” Agent Fuckface actually sounded gleeful 

“Bastard.” Dabi spat 

“Don't be rude, you're at our mercy!” Agent fuckface cheeree as he slapped him across the face. Dabi chokes as blood pours from his lip. 

His vision was getting fuzzy and the pain was almost unbearable. He was used to pain, having almost burnt to death. But his legs throbbed and the staples holding him together tore at his skin as they were forced open. Helplessness started to settle in as he realizes he might not make it out of this. 

Would anyone care if he died? His family never did when he gave it his best shot at 13. Even if Natsuo was genuine in missing him he really wouldn't care. His friends from IFC…. Surely Sakura will have Yato and they won't care about him. Nomura might care but not for long. Hawks….Perhaps the bird might care, if only because he lost his toy. 

Dabi found himself at odds with what's happening. Was he just going to let it happen? Murdered in his own home? No one to find his body? He wonders what his agent might do with his corpse after he dies. None of it seems particularly fun or.. pleasant. 

Dani feels a spark. A familiar spark of denial. A spark of rebellion that welled up in his chest. No. He won't let himself die here. He refused to let this fucker get the fucking honors! That spark grew more and more until it exploded out of him. Blue flames tore through the room and quickly singed people and furniture alike. Screams tore out and Dabi was dropped onto the floor. His vision was blurry as his flames continued their rampage similar to 11 years ago. He felt himself laugh, unable to breath but still wheezing as he heard the screams of his tormentors. At least he can die on his own terms. A second passed and the room felt oddly cold. His eyes struggled to adjust as he noticed ice where the fire once was. Ice? Dabi didn't think about it. Much too tired for that. He needs to…Call someone. Call who? Hawks?He dug his phone from his pocket, luckily unharmed. He opened it and dialed Hawks number.

“Dabi?” Hawks asked, he sounded concerned 

“Srry, didn know who else to call” Dabi slurs 

“Are y- ay? Whe- y- Dabi?!” Hawks spoke but Dabi couldn't understand 

“Wha?” Dabi asked

“Sta- -ght th-.” That made even less sense to him

“Kay.” Dabi breathed 

Hawks kept talking but Dabi didn't catch it as the world got really fuzzy and dark. Ah, must be his time then. Only 11 years too late he supposes. He hopes Hawks isn't too mad at him when he finds his dead body. Perhaps he'd even bury him…

Hawks had a bad feeling that crawled up his back and over his throat. He hated this feeling that someone was in danger but it was so much worse. Dabi was in danger. He felt it in his entire being. His phone started to ring and he noted immediately that it was Dabi.

“Dabi?” He answered, fear creeping into his tone.

“Srry, didn know who else to call.” Dabi slurred on the other end, his voice sounded so weak.

“Are you okay? Where are you? Dabi!?” Hawks pleaded 

“Wha?” Dabi finally responds 

“Stay right there.” Hawks demanded

“Kay.” Dabi responded 

“I'll find you, I promise I'll be right there. Just hold on okay?” Dabi didn't respond and Hawks had to take a few deep breaths so he didn't hyperventilate. He doesn't have any idea where he is or where he could be. He needs to find him! Then it hits him. The feather! Dabi still has it! Hawks focuses all of his energy on locating the feather, the connection was weaker due to the fact it hadn't been with him for days. Usually he'd cut the connection completely by now but not with this one. His instincts latched onto the feather and he was off. His wings snapped open and he was flying before he even knew where he was going. Find. Save. Protect.

Any previous record of speed was shattered as he shot through the sky, barely a red blur to anyone who spotted him in the hazy evening air. He tore through the air and grit his teeth. He didn't have his goggles but his nictitating membrane slid over his eye like it was natural to do so. When he got to the right place he slammed through the window with such force that the glass shattered around him. He shook the glass off as he desperately looked for his mate. The room was covered in burnt furniture and a thin layer of frost with ice jutting out. Burnt bodies littered around almost indistinguishable as human. Hawks ignored it all as his eyes found Dabi.

Dabi lies there crumpled on the ground, his legs bent in an odd position. Blood stained his skin. Burnt metal stuck in his flesh. Hawks rushed over and checked his vitals. His heart beat weakly in his chest and Hawks signed in relief. He bundled him up in his arms and that was enough to stir Dabi.

“H-ks?” Dabi asked 

“I'm here, hold on okay? I'm going to take you to the hospital.” Hawks said

Dabi squirmed “No! No hop-tal. Ne-vr go back. Ne-vr.” The squirming causes blood to leak out of his wounds. Hawks was unsure how to quell his anxiety “No pl-se.” 

Hawks didn't spare much of a thought as he took Dabi out of the window. He was unsure what to do. Dabi doesn't want him to bring him to a hospital but he needs medical attention. Hawks fears if he does bring him to the hospital he won't let them help. Would he squirm around until he bled out? Hawks bites his lip and quickly decides to just take him home. He is trained in emergency medicine and has supplies at home but there are some things he cannot fix. He'll need a doctor at some point…but perhaps Hawks can just make him more awake before then. 

Hawks arrives at his penthouse and clears off his table. Dabi is barely even awake at that point. Hawks cut off Dabi's clothes with his feathers and got to work. Cleaning up his cuts and bandaging them as best he could. Dabi's skin was pink with burns and Hawks made sure to apply salve on them. It was a hero grade burn cream that he isn't supposed to share but any thought of that was non-existent. Chunks of metal were lodged in the flesh and Hawks was forced to carefully remove them. Taking care of the bleeding and sewing up the larger wounds. He takes to sewing to keep the seams together. Hawks didn't have a medical grade stapler so he tried to put some stitches. 

Then he is given the task of crafting splints for Dabi's legs. Without true knowledge of how they got broken it was hard to know how to help. Hawks prays he can convince Dabi to see a doctor. Even in secret! Hawks can ask his friends at the central hospital for a favor…or something.

Around an hour later Dabi is covered in so many bandages he looks like a mummy. His heart is beating steadily now and he's breathing at a steady rate. None of the same things can be said for Hawks. Worry caused his heart to thunder in his chest and his breaths were uneven. Hawks looked over Dabi nervously. 

He looks so uncomfortable on the table like this…Hawks enters his bedroom, sticking around 10 feathers around Dabi. (If he so much as breathes weirdly Hawks will know.) He goes to the closet and unlocks it. He stares at the soft blankets for a moment. He said he'd never do this but…this wasn't for him. So it was okay. 

His instincts were pleased as he finally weaved a nest on his bed. He fluffed and shoved the blankets around. Once he got the overall shape he took to making it perfect. He'd never really done this before but he had to make it perfect for his mate. Perfect. His attention briefly goes back to the feathers with Dabi. Still breathing evenly and his heart beating steadily. Hawks turned back to punching the blanket into place and smoothing it over. Once it was done he looked at it. It was wrong. Narita will- No. This is for Dabi. 

Hawks walked back into the other room and pulled Dabi into his arms gently. Dabi didn't react at all, perhaps finally resting. Hawks was gentle as he set Dabi into the nest. His inner bird pleased that their mate was safe. Safe at last. Hawks perched on his bed frame, the bed sturdy enough to hold him. He watched Dabi for a moment and he seemed okay. 

Hawks should have brought him to a hospital…He wasn't sure why Dabi didn't want to go. But he looked so scared and Hawks…he's a weak man. There has to be a reason and perhaps it has to do with his history…Medical trauma perhaps? Hawks thinks back about what Narita had said, they have no record of him. Meaning he had no medical record at all. There had to be a reason why though…Hawks remembered something that Dabi had said that was particularly odd. When Hawks asked if he was alive after his flight, Dabi said legally no. At the time, he didn't think too hard about it. Then it clicked. Dabi is legally dead. That's why he doesn't have any paper trail or files. They'd never think to look for a dead person. This makes it complicated to get Dabi the care he needs. 

Hawks is then reminded to take care of the bodies in Dabi's apartment. He takes out his work phone and sends some of his sidekicks and the police there. Hawks isn't sure what happened but he knows someone hurt his mate and that any damage was in self defense. Hawks didn't think to count the burnt bodies in the room but he wishes them the worst in the afterlife.  

Hawks was still perched in the bedframe when the sun started to rise and he was quick to slam the curtains closed. Dabi was still unconscious but his vitals were still holding steady. Hawks didn't want him to be uncomfortable in any way. Dabi looked small in the large nest and Hawks considered making it smaller but figured it was better this way so he has more room to move. He then gets a call and answers it, just barely leaving the room. 

“Hey boss, that scene you sent us too is intense . Three dead and one in critical condition.” 

“I see.” Hawks said quietly 

“There seems to be some fire damage but the ice in the room stopped it from spreading to the other apartments.” 

“One of them had an ice quirk then?” Hawks asked

“Well…we're still IDing the bodies right now. There isn't much left of them to go off of. “ 

“I see.” Hawks said

“One thing, the apartment belongs to Dabi. You know, the model?” 

“Yes.”

“He's nowhere to be found though, the police think he was the one behind the fire.” 

“He's with me.” Hawks said

“He is?” 

“He called me asking for my help and I rushed him out of there to get care. “ Hawks explained 

“Oh I see, are you at a hospital?” 

“Something like that.” Hawks muttered 

“We'll have to get his story, the detectives are labeling it as self defense based on the available evidence.” 

“Good…I don't know much either but Dabi wasn't in the best shape when I got there. “ 

“Hopefully he'll have a fast recovery then, this is all sort of crazy “ 

“Yeah…” 

Hawks checks back in with Dabi, his golden eyes pinned on his sleeping form. He notices that Dabi was shivering and ran over to try and comfort him. His skin was chilled, unnaturally so. Hawks panicked and covered him with a thick blanket. Then another when the shivering continued. Dabi slowly stopped and relaxed into the blankets. Hawks took a quick sigh of relief. He hadn't even noticed he had hung up the call in his panic.  

He knew then that he couldn't possibly leave Dabi for more than a minute. The minute he loses sight of Dabi his instincts scream. Anxiety floods him if he leaves the room for longer than a few seconds. His feathers shuddered any time he thought about leaving him alone. Hawks knows what he has to do but his handler won't like it. For once, he found he didn't give a shit what she thought. There was a small sense of freedom there that felt odd to him. Narita had been controlling his life since he was a child and never once had he defied her. Well, in his eyes. To her, looking at her too long was a defiance of its own. Slight exaggeration but it feels that way sometimes. Narita always knew what hurt the most and yet, right now. Nothing would hurt more than losing Dabi. 

He started to set up his plan. He can't stop hero work all together, Narita might actually cut his wings off, mount them and then fry him like chicken. But he can put himself on paperwork duty. It was never the most fun thing and his wings often grow restless but it didn't matter to him right now. The benefit of doing paperwork now is he can sit next to Dabi and do his work. He won't have to leave the house and can be right here by Dabi's side. 

Hawks has a few guesses on what Narita will say. He'll lose his challenge against Endeavor, he couldn't care less. He might lose his number 3 spot, again he couldn't care less. He could derank out of the top ten, need he repeat his opinion? The only thing that he cares about is his mate. Yes, he finally accepts that Dabi is his mate and he will always be the one he cherishes most in the world. He may never be Dabi's but Dabi will always be his.

Hawks brings his laptop into the bedroom using his feathers, his eyes barely leave Dabi long enough to grab onto the electronic. First order of business is to email his secretary, she handled everything when it came to paperwork and scheduling. His email was brief but in essence he told her he had a family emergency that meant he couldn't do field work but would be doing paperwork in that time. By this point it was 9 in the morning. Hawks wasn't sure he slept a wink last night. She emailed back immediately telling him to take care and not worry at all. She's actually a saint… She tells him that they'll handle the field work and not to worry as she'll explain it to the sidekicks who actually get to do their jobs for once. 

Hawks smiled softly and looked to his left where Dabi was resting, his heartbeat was still steady and so was his breathing. Hawks had a feather pressed up against his neck to always have a clear line to his pulse. Dabi must've been in so much pain…Hawks wished he could personally slice open the necks of whoever hurt his mate. Didn't his sidekick say one survived and was in critical condition? Might be worth it to send a feather to cut off his life support. His feathers are sharp enough…

The only thing left to do…was call Narita. It'll be a harder sell. Narita knows well that he has no family. His father was in prison (and possibly dead, Hawks never really checked) and his mother was living a life free from him. He never cared much to see her either. Narita will want a proper reason…Maybe Hawks can break his legs and she'll take that as reason. No, she'll just send him to a doctor with a quirk that can heal it instantly. (Which he would love to have for Dabi right now but that is unrelated to this train of thought.) He shouldn't talk about his instincts as that will piss her off. He's left in a pickle. He could just say he's putting himself on paperwork duty for an undisclosed amount of time and hang up. That has the risk of her breaking into his house and strangling him. Though his instincts are so high if she did that he might perceive her as a threat and deem her kill on sight. Then he'd have to explain to the commission president that Narita mysteriously disappeared and get a new handler. He finds it stupid anyway that he has one, he's 23 and has his own agency but Narita still loves to boss him around. He should be able to make these decisions for himself.

Dabi's breath hitched and Hawks head snapped over, it was a brief moment as Dabi's breathing evened out again. Hawks thought he might be waking up but no…not yet. Hawks took an ungloved hand, the starts of talons hiding in his nail bed. He's gentle as he runs a hand through the scraps of black hair sticking out of the bandages. It's rougher in texture but he didn't care. Hawks had always wondered what Dabi's hair felt like but he never thought he'd learn like this…

Chapter Text

Japan's number 1 male Model Dabi was attacked in his own home by his agent and three others. 

Official reports of the event claim that the aftermath of the event was catastrophic with three confirmed dead and one in critical condition. The model is currently missing having last been seen the day of the attack. There has been no statements from anyone officially as of late. 

Dabi's agent, Tomita Kouki, is in critical condition, having sustained extensive burns. He is being held in a villain hospital at the moment while investigators get the full story. The others are currently still unidentified due to the nature of their casualty.

Much of the investigation is being put on by the Hawks agency as the number three hero was first on the scene. When asked for a comment, Hawks declined…

Fuyumi was preparing lunch for her and Shouto. The news was on in the background and she didn't think much of it until she heard the name Dabi. She turned, expecting a story about his success in IFC or nationally in Japan. Perhaps even a new photo shoot had done that caught a lot of attention or something. She dropped the pan she was holding when she saw the headline. It landed with a loud clang, hot oil spilling everywhere and food splattering on the floor. 

Someone had attacked her brother! Multiple people! What's worse is no one knows where her brother is! He could be hurt somewhere or dying! Fuyumi's thoughts were rampant as she feared not being able to reconnect with him after all! Could she survive mourning him again? She isn't sure she could…It hurt so much the first time. She reasons that if he survived Sekoto Peak, then he can survive again. Her brother’s tenacity knows no limits and his endurance was unmatched. She has to hope that to be the case anwayy. Touya is stubborn, even being ganged up on by 4 people isn't enough to stop him. Even if one is his agent. Fuyumi doesn't know who he is, that agent, but she has already decided that he deserves everything that's coming to him. She hopes he chokes on his own vomit for daring to hurt her brother in any way. 

“Fuyumi?!” Shouto asked upon entering the room

Fuyumi didn't say anything, she just pointed at the TV. Shouto looked at it and a second later his face went firm. His lip curled the slightest bit and his eyebrows furrowed. He genuinely looked very upset. More upset than she'd ever seen him.  

“I...Was hoping to meet him properly.” Shouto said quietly 

“You will! I'm sure he's fine “ Fuyumi tried to say, though her own lack of belief was a tad too evident in her tone. 

“I want to believe that…” Shouto said quietly 

“We have to have faith.” Fuyumi said, though her own was so low. 

“Which agency is investigating?” Shouto asks

“Hawks I believe.” Fuyumi said 

“Hawks will want these people to come to justice just as much as we do.” Shouto said calmly 

“I…I suppose that's true.” Fuyumi said sadly though it did little to quell her anxiety. 

“I'll help you clean this up.” Shouto said kneeling on the ground 

“Oh! I'm sorry. I'll have to restart lunch.” Fuyumi said

“We could always go out.” Shouto suggests 

“...I suppose we could do that. Oh! We can even see mom.” 

“...Yes.” Shouto said

“We don't have to Shou.” Fuyumi appeased 

“I just have not seen her since I changed my hair, I am afraid she will be angry with me.” Shouto said.

“Oh Shou…She won't be mad at all. Besides, she doesn't like our father either. Perhaps she'll find it funny too.”

“Perhaps…” Shouto said 

“Do you think Natsuo has seen the news yet?” Fuyumi asks

“...I am unsure, perhaps he will have messaged if he did. “ 

“I'm texting the group chat.” Fuyumi said

You: Hey Natsu, did you see the news yet? 

Natsu: no? what news?

Fuyumi bites her lip lightly as Natsuo presumably goes to look it up. Her stomach twists once more as her worry starts to get to her. She ignored it in favor of looking back at the group chat. 

Natsu: FUCK

I cant lose him again Yumi 

never again 

You: I want him to be okay too, Natsuo. 

Natsuo: i need him to be okay

Fuyumi looked up from her phone, and saw Shouto who was visibly upset which was something she hadn't really seen in a number of years. The kid didn't show many emotions and when he did it was the very visceral ones. The kind that can't be contained even in the biggest bottle. It made Fuyumi's heart sink further as she just wanted the best for his brothers. She has to stay positive, because if she doesn't then her brother doesn't have anything to hold on to. 

“Let's go ahead and go eat. It'll help clear our minds a little.” Fuyumi said

“Yes.” Shouto agreed quietly 

The two of them leave the house, the pan Fuyumi dropped forgotten in the sink.

Hawks was perched on the bed frame, millions of ideas swirling in his head as he stared down at his phone sitting on the floor. His handler's number pulled up and the call button leering at him. He wasn't sure what he was going to say. Every scenario ended in Narita killing him and/or Dabi being taken away. She was always so strict. Hawks couldn't get away with anything in the facility and she spent all her free time tormenting him.. 

The only way this would work is if she thinks it's something that would benefit the commission in some way, or that she likes personally. If only he could somehow convince her that she was the one that came up with the idea but she wants him out on the field working. That's what he'd been trained for after all. No personal injury or emergency will convince her to let him work paperwork. 

What would benefit the commision? They like…power. They love any scrap of power they can dig their claws into. It's the reason why they have been trying to take over other governmental departments despite their role as a governing body for Heros. Heros have taken over society much the same as the commission had. That amount of power attracts a specific kind of pest. 

They also love control. It's why they curated him and his identity. Their perfect puppet that they can mold and change to their heart's content. Also as a scapegoat for Narita to remind herself who's in charge. They wanted him to infiltrate the top 10 because they wanted more control over them. All Might continues to be always out of their grasp and he knows it pissed them off. Endeavor…Well, he owes them for something. Something big considering how they just seem to have him in their pocket. Perhaps it's the reason he's still number 2? No Narita said they aren't obliged to keep him in 2nd so it has to be something else…Either way, they have Endeavor in their pocket… If All Might goes down, he may very well be crowned number 1. But then Hawks is in the way of that. Sure Endeavor would still be number 2 but if Hawks ends up passing him, Endeavor may become irrational. Unpredictable. Things the commission hate. That…That might work. If he convinces Narita that he's taking this break to let Endeavor keep his spot for the sake of them still having control over him. Hawks’ own popularity is so high that even less casework can't rank him too hard. Even then he can simply rank back up again. It'll be a very hard sell. She'll probably suspect it's something else…

Still…If he doesn't call her soon, then she'll call him and she won't be at all happy when she does. Hawks takes a deep breath, dismounting from the bedframe and swiping his phone off the ground. He takes a look at Dabi, he looks fine but dread pools in Hawks stomach as he considers what injuries he might not see. Hawks withdrew to the other room and took a deep breath. He's got this. Just…got to call…his handler.. He presses the call button and waits impatiently for his handler to answer. She takes her sweet time answering as the phone rings 4 times before she answers.

“Hawks.” She greets 

“Good morning ma'am.” Hawks said, trying to mask his nerves. 

“Why are you calling me?” Narita sounds so very pleased

Moment of truth then… “I will be taking a leave from fieldwork.” 

“...What?!” Narita sounded pissed 

“I think it'll be for the betterment of the commission if I take time away from the field. I will still being doing paperwork and keeping up with my casework but I will not be on the ground.” Hawks explained

“How can that benefit the commission? We need you at your best Hawks!” She prodded “We trained you better than this, surely you don't really think this will do anything other than tank you ranking?” 

“I know you have control over Endeavor. I don't know what you have over him but I know he owes you quite the debt. If All Might were to fall for any reason he'd become number 1, but only if I stay as number 3. If I take his spot now he may become irrational and hard to control. He's been aiming for number 1 for years and if you take that away you lose that leverage over him. So it is my belief that if I take some time away from the field it'll provide better opportunities for control in the future. ” Hawks explained 

There was a moment of silence that made Hawks' heart shudder in his chest. Narita seemed to be thinking it over. Please take the bait. He begs internally for her to accept this idea. Even adopt the idea and pretend it was her own. He even starts to wish that she will say anything at all. Even a stark denial is better than this soul crushing silence. 

“You raise a good point.” Narita said finally “Endeavor is a power-hungry man. That hunger for power is his greatest strength and also his greatest weakness. Allowing him to have power will push him into the palms of our hands. Fine, I'll approve a leave of absence from the field but only for a month! No more than that. “

“Very well.” Hawks said, his heart shuddering in disbelief. She hung up and he physically sagged. Holy shit that worked! He ran a hand through his hair and realized he was sweating pretty hard. Holy shit. Holy. Shit. 

Hawks walked back into the bedroom, his eyes doing a visual check over Dabi. He needs to get him a doctor…someone who can help him and not tell the commision. It's hard to find someone who isn't in the commission's pocket, most doctors benefit immensely from it. More pay and any lawsuits are brushed away. It's how much of a grasp the commision has on the government, they give benefits that Doctors can't get without it. A doctor that would be willing to come to his house and not tell the commission anything is practically nonexistent. Not to mention the equipment they might need that he doesn't have. Like an X-ray machine… He might be able to solve that but it wouldn't be the most…legal thing…

Hawks hadn't slept properly in a number of days now, too paranoid and too fearful of losing Dabi in the night. Dabi's vitals have been holding steady still thankfully but occasionally his quirk would fluctuate. Right now Hawks was sitting on the floor with his laptop in his lap, filling out some paperwork his secretary sent over for him. The usual stuff, file the case into the database and compress the information. He had done the casework for Dabi's case already, being that it's a clear cut self-defense case. Using your quirk to fight off people in self defense is bad. Everywhere but inside your home. It's funny how much the laws change once you're attacked in your own home. 

He glanced over at Dabi, he hadn't woken up yet…Hawks was really worried but perhaps his body needed to heal still. He hadn't had any luck finding a doctor because he's been so swamped with paperwork. Narita used it as an excuse to dump everything onto him, which may be why she agreed. Any free time is spent trying to search for a doctor. The damage done to Dabi was pretty extensive from the burns and the chunks of metal that welded to his skin. The last thing Dabi had done was beg him not to bring him to a hospital, and Hawks was going to listen. There was something more to his begging than being legally dead, it was almost like a full on fear of going to the hospital. Hawks furrowed his brow trying to remember what Dabi had said exactly but it escaped him. 

He was alerted by the scent of smoke and he was quick to tug the blankets off of Dabi. Dabi's skin was visibly very hot, the healthier skin taking on a pinkish tinge. Hawks can't leave for 2 minutes without Dabi's body reaching an extreme. One minute he'll be cold as ice and the next he'll be burning like a furnace. His temperature is always in flux and Hawks doesn't know what to do about it. Quirks are so unique to each person and so caring for them can be hard. In the medical journals he's been reading in an attempt to help Dabi, no one had mentioned the natural temperature of someone with a fire quirk or what to do when their temperature is finicky. He supposes it's because fire users don't tend to get as heavily sick due to their ability to burn the virus out themselves. He'd read a few journals about these self-given fevers. He wonders if Dabi's body was trying to emulate the same thing. After all, he's been fighting an infection in the seams of his face for the past few days. Hawks has been trying to keep it clean but perhaps his body is also trying to counteract the infection.  

Hawks takes a closer look at Dabi, covered in bandages and squirming lightly in discomfort from being so hot. He wants to reach down and comfort him but Hawks learned the hard way what happens when he touches him in this state. Perhaps he should just be thankful Dabi didn't burst into flames. He had been considering purchasing fire-proof blankets for the nest and maybe some cooling ones that might help him cool down. Hawks wasn't sure if the temperature fluctuations are hurting him but they cause him great discomfort which is almost worse. 

Hawks takes the time from his paperwork to go shopping online. He needs to order more medical supplies anyway. He browses different kinds of fire-resistant and fire-retardant blankets mainly for emergency situations, they didn't look all that cozy though so his instincts immediately rejected the nesting materials. After some prodding around on the internet and different sites he finds a website called Fire-buddies. It's marketed towards people with fire quirks who struggle to control their power in their sleep, the blankets were woven together and had a pastel color to them. Hawks found one that was a pale blue and smiled fondly at the thought of Dabi's eyes. He buys a few different colors though, blue, purple, pink. The company is based in the United States though so it may be a while before they get here… He ignores the thought in favor of looking for cooling blankets. He finds a few that work well enough but finding ones that won't ignite proves to be harder. Eventually he finds one that comes from a very small Japanese company, cooling technology in fire-resistant blankets. Hawks then has the thought that perhaps he should buy some heating blankets as well for when Dabi is cold rather than hot. 

Anyway, Hawks bought enough blankets to fill his bedroom and had to force himself to move on before he bought a third pillow…fourth pillow. He sets up an order for groceries to be delivered and refills his stock of medical supplies. They should all arrive by this evening so he'll probably be able to deal. Hawks rarely used his money for a little more than groceries, he never had a reason nor really the time to spend his money. It was just growing with his lack of spending. He was more than pleased however to spend it on Dabi. 

Hawks got back to work, and yawned widely. He'd kill for some coffee right now. However he already drank it all, Thankfully he ordered more but that doesn't solve his current dilemma. He knows everyone is worried about Dabi since he just seemingly disappeared but Hawks didn't feel safe sharing the fact he had Dabi with him to the public. 

Hawks decided to do some research into Dabi’s agent. Tomita Kouki, which as it turns out is an alias. Koizumi Hayato is his real name and they were able to identify that with dental records. The man had been arrested and charged with human trafficking, rape, and pedophilia. He was in jail fire a few hours but managed to slip away when a villain attacked the police station. He was never seen again and assumably he took on the new identity. Hawks hated him more and more as he read about the man. Not that Hawks didn't already want to slit his throat. Hawks knows someone took advantage of Dabi in the past and this man has a history of doing that to dozens of individuals. His teeth rattled lightly in his anger, his wings sharpened and puffed.  

Then Hawks is met with his thoughts that he should have been there to protect Dabi…He wasn't there to protect him when his agent tried to kill him…Hawks wings drooped lightly, he feels a lot of guilt over it. He should've been a good mate and kept a better eye on him. Not that Dabi would ever want him as a mate….He just wanted Dabi to have his privacy, the man was entitled to it after all. He doesn't even know Dabi's real name, which is only fair because Dabi doesn't know his either….Hawks hadn't thought about his identity much, having been Hawks for a number of years. Did he even still remember his name…? Hawks thought about it for a moment. He does remember but he doesn't want to. He stopped being that kid a very long time ago. 

He and Dabi are similar in that way, they don't use their government given names anymore. Dabi is legally dead and Hawks might as well be the same. His identity is tied to the commission and what paperwork they provided for him. Hawks assumed that Dabi stuck with that piece of shit agent because he could get him jobs even without a real identity. If only Hawks could help…

That's when it hit him. He can! There is a way of creating a new identity in the commission channels. It was created to allow heros to make identities while they are undercover. It's obsolete compared to the new way the commission handles undercover missions and ID dispersion. The old way still exists, one of those systems that no one got around to getting rid of. That means it's unmonitored, meaning Hawks can do it without alerting his handler. 

He opens up the archives and painstakingly looks through each section (Some psychopath never added a search function) until finally almost 2 hours later he finds it. His eyes are droopy at this point and he barely keeps them open as he connects with the website; it was ancient and took almost 20 minutes to connect. By that point Hawks was slumped over against the wall sleepily. 

With a large yawn he gets to work, it's fairly obvious why this way isn't used anymore. It's a pain to fill out the forms. There were a shit ton of things he had to fill out and some he left blank for when Dabi woke up. Mainly just what name he’d like to choose and such. Hawks also needed an image for the ID but seeing as Dabi was still out he couldn't get one. He’ll have to bookmark the page and hopefully it'll be figured out. 

Hawks stretched lightly and looked back at Dabi. He hopes he wakes up soon…He hated seeing him covered in bandages like this, it looked like it hurt… Dabi would probably feel it when he woke up but at least then Hawks would know he's going to wake up. Hawks falls back against the wall and almost immediately drifts off. 

Dabinews @dabinewstwt

Today marks 1 week since Dabi was last seen, though no hospital claims to have him. Now however he is not labeled as missing. We have no sources on why that could be and may add more to this thread later. 

4.1k replies 4,335 Reposts 6,246 quotes 85.2k likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt 

DabiFan @DabisRightTeet 

My shayla 😭😭😭😭

25 replies 10 reposts 250 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt and @DabisRightTeet

Dabiiii @Dabisleftteet

😭😭😭

0 replies 2 reposts 230 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt 

Cheese @Wafflesaregreat23

Please let him be okay 🙏🙏🙏

34 replies 7 reposts 134 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt 

Shrimp @Shrimpsahoy 

“Dabi is gonna be fine guys” I say as they drag me to the mental asylum. 

20 replies 2 reposts 156 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt 

Sakura @SakuraOfficial ✅️

I miss him so much 😭😭😭😭 

I want my bestie back!!

234 replies 53 reposts 488 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt

Wario@Mymustache

Dabi support chain ❤️❤️❤️❤️

120 replies 30 reposts 375 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt and @Mymustache 

Doctorice @FrostMonster 

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

1 reply 0 reposts 5 likes

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt, @Mymustache and @FrostMonster 

MissFreeze @Theiceprincess

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

1 reply 0 reposts 4 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt, @Mymustache, @FrostMonster, and @Theiceprincess

FireNIce @Iceisbetter 

❤️

0 replies 0 reposts 4 likes 

Replying to @DabiNewsTwt

Falcon @Falconfeathers 

I'm sure he's just recovering right now and will be back soon. 

2 replies 1 reports 32 likes 

Endeavor Hate Club

#General

2:23 PM

Wolfierock: does anyone know if the president is okay? he's never missed the daily reminder for this long

Frostmonster: I hadn't even noticed…

the reminder really did stop like 

1 week ago? 

Lovekiller: oh gosh what if he's hurt?! 😱

Waffles: Maybe he's just been busy? 

Wolfierock: @Presidentsnow you good? 

3:02 PM

Woflierock: He's dead guys RIP

Bananabus: F

Waffles: F

Lovekiller: F

20bucks: F 

Frostmonster: F 

Sevika's Wife: F

Gravestone: F 

Kattyqueen: F 

IcePrincess: What is going on?

Wolfierock: The club president is dead

IcePrincess：What the fuck?! 

Lovekiller: Allegedly! 

IcePrincess: I see…

F 

Wofierock: May he rest in peace 🕊

Bananabus: we need a condolences channel 

Waffles: @Mods make it happen 

Snowman:...

Fuck it we ball

#condolences 

Endeavor Hate Club Discord 

#condolences 

Snowman: RIP @PresidentSnow

???? To 20XX 🕊

Woflierock: He was a good man, a hater unlike any other but one that brought this community together. All to unite us into one hateful front against Endeavor. We did not learn his name nor his occupation, but we loved him like a brother. 

Kattyqueen: We lost a real one 😓

20bucks: He was a good guy, he paid me 20 bucks to draw Endeavor hanging upside down over a pit of ravenous sharks. It was worth every cent 😢

Lovekiller: PresidentSnow really showed me the meaning of compassion when the rest of the world only shows hate. There is no greater compassion than creating a community based on hating one person. 

Bananabus: I've been on this server for like a week, but the guy who made it must be pretty chill since the community here is so chill. 

Frostmonster: I've always hated Endeavor and this community finally made me feel seen. It's terrible that the president passed away so early when he had so much hate left to give. Hopefully from the afterlife he can haunt Endeavor and make his life a living hell 🙏

Wolfierocks: Amen 🙏 

Lovekiller: Amen 🙏 

Chapter Text

Hawks was on the Commission database looking for someone specific to a case, when a file stood out to him. Oshita Daiki was a name he was familiar with. He clicked on the file and recognized the face almost immediately. This man was his own doctor at one point. He was an expert in heteromorph anatomy and behavior, hence why he was brought onto Hawks’ case. He was the one behind every operation Narita wanted. Apparently he had been disgracefully discharged around a decade ago. His medical license had been suspended and an NDA signed. 

Hawks was caught on the “disgracefully discharged.”. He was fired, but not killed. You see there were three ways the commision fired people. Respectfully discharged was usually forced retirement. Disrespectfully discharged meant they had pissed someone off and they were fired. But kept alive. Discharged meant someone was sent to kill them. Those that are disrespectfully discharged tend to hold quite the grudge against the commision but are unable to act on it. Maybe…he can convince the guy to help him. 

Hawks started an email. It had to be vague. Incredibly so. He needed to set up some kind of communications line that Narita has no idea about. He considered his personal phone, but that was too close to home. He'll have to buy a burner then…Usually you would buy those in person, or simply station yourself at a phone booth. Hawks quickly realized the dilemma he was in. He couldn't leave Dabi alone, but he also really needs to get him medical attention. This may be the only way it'll happen. Hawks ran a hand through his hair and hissed as he tugged on the feathers hidden in the blond. He'd have to remove them before Narita found them…Anyway, the problem at hand is he needs to go out to buy a burner. Which means he needs to leave Dabi and buy it discreetly so Narita doesn't know about it. 

Hawks reluctantly dressed in incognito, his wings were for the most parts deconstructed with much of the feathers weaving themselves in and around Dabi in the nest. He keeps a few for safety but for the most part just hides his much smaller wing bases in a coat. He gets one more glance at Dabi before leaving. Almost immediately his anxiety spikes. He pushes through it despite the fact his stomach twisted and bubbled with worry. Even having almost every feather around Dabi didn't help his instincts relax. 

He goes to the nearest cheap electronics store and quickly picks out the first prepaid phone he can find. He brought it to the register, his wings refused to relax so he probably looked strange from the beck. The cashier didn't look at him twice as he scanned the one item. Still Hawks felt like everyone was staring at him. Like they'd be able to see right through him. He paid with cash and it felt like it took forever for the cashier to count it. Finally the cashier gives him a receipt and he shoots out the door. 

Once he was out of the store he felt the urge to fly back as fast as possible. However he refused to let his feathers leave Dabi’s side so he instead ran as fast as possible getting more than a few strange looks. When he did get back to the apartment he opened the door really fast but was able to catch it before it slammed into the wall. Hawks closes the door behind him and finds himself mindlessly returning to Dabi’s bedside. He's okay from what Hawks can tell, it hadn't even been longer than 10 minutes and yet Hawks felt like he could barely breathe. 

 Once Hawks is able to catch his breath, he opens the box and gets to work finishing his email. It was essentially just the phone number encrypted into a puzzle he's certain the doctor can solve. If not he'll have to come up with…something else…Hopefully he responds quickly though because he's having a hard time fighting off the infection. 

Hawks wanders over to Dabi's side and gently takes his hand. Dabi didn't react, and Hawks needs to stop hoping he will. For his sanity. His temperature seems to be level right now, he didn't feel hot or cold really. Perhaps he was just warm. Regardless, Hawks felt comfort in holding his hand when he could. As if to remind Dabi he was still here, even if he can't feel it. It's the thought that counts…

His phone buzzes in his pocket and an unfamiliar ringtone hits his ears. He goes just outside the room again and answers. “Hello?” 

“I must say, it's not often I get an encrypted email. Especially one so fun to solve.” The man sounded excited 

“You are Oshita Daiki yes?” 

“That depends, who's asking?” 

“...You may know me as Hawks.” 

“Ah, the little birdie. Tell Narita I don't give a shit what she wants!”

“She doesn't know about this.”

“Interesting….Very interesting. What is it you want then?” 

“I have a…friend. He needs medical attention but for legal reasons cannot go to a hospital.”

“I see. And you need a doctor who won't snitch on you to your handler? ” 

“...Yes that.” 

“Well you my friend are in luck, not only am I a doctor but I hate Narita so fucking much that I’d rather sell my own eyeballs than talk to her again.” 

“Good.” 

“I have been doing my own doctor work on the side, though illegally because that bitch wanted my license revoked for no reason. It’s more of a charity than a real form of payment though… I’m hoping that I'll be paid heavily for my work and my silence.” 

“Of course.” 

“Lovely, then I will be deciding payment based on the work I have to do. In the meantime, try to get the patient ready for travel. I’ll send you an encrypted address, I shall be expecting you soon.” 

“I understand.” 

“Alighty then, see you when you arrive.” 

The man hung up and Hawks was left staring at his burner. He felt a bit anxious about moving Dabi to a different location. He didn't want him out of the safety of the nest. But, it would be for the best. Maybe after Dabi gets the treatment he needs, he can rest at home. He walks into the other room where Dabi is and resumes his position perched on the bed frame. He's going to get him help. If this Oshita guy does anything other than help Dabi, he'll simply have to snap his neck. 

Hawks landed gently at the location given, Dabi bundled up in his arms. A blanket covering him for warmth and modesty. From the door emerges a familiar face though notably much older now. He was graying and yet his mustache was still curled in a perfect loop. He was pushing a gurney and Hawks slowly placed Dabi down on it at the doctor's insistence. He followed close behind as they traveled inside. The building greatly resembled a hospital but a smaller one. The walls were a sterile white and the halls weren't even an attempt at comfort. 

“His injuries are severe.” Oshita notes “Were the grafts there before the injury?” 

“Yes.” Hawks confirms shortly 

“Wait…Is this that model? Uh…Dabi?” Oshita asks

“Yes.” Hawks confirmed though reluctantly 

“Relax, you're paying for my silence. It just helps to know what his baseline was…” 

They enter another room and the doctor takes the blanket off, he looks over Dabi. Hawks watches his every movement closely. If he so much as moves wrong Hawks feels at liberty to take his finger off. The doctor hums lightly as he examines the wounds on his face. The infection made the seams really puffy and gross. The doctor hummed once more.

“It's a wonder he's still even alive with injuries like these.” Oshita mentioned “Though, you've clearly done a lot for him.” 

Hawks didn't say a word, much too focused on watching the doctor. He doesn't perfectly trust him but he doesn't have many options. The doctor looked up at him for a moment, an eyebrow quirked. Then his mouth opened slightly in an o.

“It makes sense now.” 

“What does?” Hawks asks

“He's your mate.” 

Hawks doesn't deny it. It would be stupid to do so at this point. Especially not to a man who knows a lot about heteromorph behavior. Hawks’ eyes narrowed and his wings sharpened lightly as if to signal “yeah and you better not hurt him or else.” The doctor doesn't appear to be overly threatened though. 

“I should've known! The signs were all there! Oh how I love to be right! The little bird is finally gnawing at the bars of his cage! That fucking bitch had me fired because she didn't like my professional opinion. I warned her that as soon as you met your mate, any control she had would mean nothing! Nothing! How I'd love to see her face when she realizes I was correct all along!” He was gleeful, seemingly reveling in the image of Narita being pissy. 

“Help him.” Hawks demanded angrily 

“Yes, yes. I'll help your boyfriend.” The man got to work, and Hawks quickly remembered the doctor's quirk. He has a fairly standard healing quirk, he’s able to heal in small doses using touch. The man was thankfully quite quick in his care, as he healed when he could without overwhelming Dabi. It was strange seeing the rather loud man turn into this focused doctor. Hawks didn't let his eyes close for more than a millisecond even though his eyelids felt like they weighed several tons. He didn't really need to blink but the exhaustion weighed heavily on him. As the Doctor started to look over the splints on Dabi's legs Hawks felt his eyes droop. The dry taste of exhaustion made him yawn lightly and his eyes drifted closed. 

He wasn't sure what happened next as he woke up with a start. He was slumped in a chair and Dabi was on a bed in front of him. Covered in fresh bandages and overall just looking less like death itself. The doctor was nowhere to be found but it took Hawks a while to realize that until after he had checked that yes, Dabi is okay. The door opened and he jumped, sharpening his feathers protectively, but it was just the doctor who raised his hands in surrender. 

“Relax.” Hawks reluctantly did so. The doctor studies him for a moment before saying”...I know your instincts are urging you to return him to the nest immediately but it would be in his best interest to keep him here where I can monitor him. The infection is still pretty bad and his scarred skin is ready to peel off, I'm not surprised he started using staples. Besides I want to keep a close eye on his condition due to how much his temperature seems to fluctuate. If I remember correctly he has some kind of fire quirk, yes?” 

“Yes.” Hawks confirms shortly 

“I suspect that he can go home with you in around a week but only if you let me monitor and heal him. It's in his best interest.” Oshita said and Hawks just stared him down for a moment. He wants Dabi to be safe in the nest and his instincts are acting out more than usual. But he also wants Dabi to get better. He doesn't really trust this guy and Hawks had already failed to protect Dabi by passing out earlier. 

“I imagine your instincts in this situation are pretty loud, though…perhaps not due to the inhibitor chip.” That…what?

“The inhibitor chip?” Hawks asks

“Oh…You didn't know?…When the commission first acquired you, well…You were this little bird who was raised by shit parents, you were acting wrong in their opinion. So, they had me slide in an experimental inhibitor chip meant to suppress heteromorphs. Essentially, people like your bitch of a handler wanted to eradicate the more animal side of heteromorphs like yourself. Research into the chip was discontinued a few years later due to “ethics concerns”. I think someone they couldn't kill found out and they had to nip it in the bud. Anyway, I imagine it's lost a good part of its effect with age and well, meeting you mate. Your instincts around him could've been strong enough to override the chip. Oh how intere-” 

Hawks let the man babble on. He was still caught by the fact there was actually some kind of chip to inhibit his instincts. He'd always assumed he just grew out of them or learned to control them better under Narita but…This made more sense. Oh god he felt so stupid. Of course, only someone as wicked as Narita would come up with this kind of shit. Remove the animal from heteromorphs? Insanity. 

“You know, I could probably remove it for yah. It'd be on the house, anything that directly disrespects Narita is free.” The Doctor finally stops talking after that

“Is it really possible to remove it now?” Hawks asked 

“Probably.”

“I see.” Hawks doesn't know what to think. He shouldn't, because he's already struggling to control his instincts around Narita and removing it now would make it much harder. At the same time he wasn't sure it sat right with him at all. He knows they did a lot to alter his body but this just made him even more uncomfortable with the idea.  

“I can tell this is rather distressing, perhaps you would wish to rest. You look rather exhausted.” Ohshita says and Hawks glares at him suspiciously. The doctor raises his hands to show himself to be unarmed. “I'm not going to hurt him. You look like shit and clearly haven't rested well in a while. It's in my best interest to keep him alive and healthy after all you'll be paying me rather handsomely. Also, any harm done to him means you'll do triple that to me.” 

Hawks didn't trust him but logically he had no reason to betray him. Still. It's true that he's exhausted, he hasn't slept in a number of days and he was reading so much paperwork and reading already made him tired. He sometimes felt like he was essentially floating around the room. He had a headache that never really left. He sometimes sees strange things in the edges of his vision that he ignored. 

“Why don't I remove that little chip of yours? I can knock you out medically and when you wake up you'll be free.” The doctor thought out loud  

Hawks eyes traveled to Dabi. He does look so much better. He isn't going to be back to health anytime soon though. If he ever was in good shape to begin with. Hawks doesn't know what to do. He shouldn't want this, for his instincts to be freed. But at the same time, he can't imagine living any further with it. 

“Let me think about it “ Hawks responds 

“Fair enough.” The doctor says with a shrug 

Hawks ignores him and instead looks at Dabi. He promises to him that as soon as he gets his talons on the people who hurt him, he'll kill them. Hero image be damned. 

Shouto and Fuyumi were eating lunch. Fuyumi had this worried expression and was pushing her food around more than she was actually eating it. Shouto doesn't like seeing her like this, but he is also worried. They all want Touya back and who knows what was done to him and what condition he is in. 

“He's gonna be fine Fuyumi.” Shouto said to try and comfort her

“I know! I know…I just can't help it. Losing him again and for real this time? I don't think I'd ever recover.” Fuyumi said, hugging herself 

“You would.” Shouto said

“...Maybe I would. Maybe they'd lock me up with mom. I just want him to be safe. I was so happy to learn he was alive and living rather successfully. It hurts to be so close and yet so far from him. But I'd rather we never meet again because him being alive is enough.” 

Shouto was unsure how to respond as he is not good at emotions and comforting others. Still he feels similar things to her. He has a brother who he never really knew. One Endevor never let him see. He had heard so much about Touya from his siblings but he'd much prefer to get to know him now. Time and near-death experiences change a person. 

“He's going to be okay. We'll meet up with him again one day. And…We can be a family again.” Shouto said 

Fuyumi looked at him with glassy eyes and he thinks for a moment he had said the wrong thing. But she smiles lightly and releases her self hug. “Yeah…family.” 

The two of them finish lunch after that and walk to the hospital their mom is in. They specifically ate lunch not too far away so they could walk here. Shouto felt a bit of apprehension as he felt through the previously red section of his hair. The two of them don't even get a second glance from the nurse as they pass by and enter the elevator. When they get to the right floor, the two of them walk side by side to their mom's room. Fuyumi goes in front and knocks on the door.

“Come in.” He hears his mom’s voice say 

Fuyumi pulls open the door and closes it behind them. Their mom is looking out the window and when she hears the door click she turns towards them with a small smile. This smile then morphs as her jaw drops at the sight of her children. She is quick to school her features.

“Hello mom!” Fuyumi greets “How are you doing today?” 

“Oh, yes. My doctor cleared me to go outside to the courtyard the other day and it was quite joyful to be outside. “ Their mom said “I see you two have white hair now…”

“Yes, we bleached our red.” Shouto said factually 

“I see, I assume your father was not too fond of it?” Rei said

“Oh. Well, we led him to believe Shouto's hair changed years ago and he never noticed.” Fuyumi said “It was quite funny actually.” 

“That does sound quite hilarious” Their mom said with a small smile “I remember when Touya's hair started to change…At the time both of us were worried about him but then…Anyway, maybe we're all going to have white hair now.” 

“White is better.” Shouto said and the girls smiled at him. 

“Yeah! Now we can all be one big family…” Fuyumi said, though her smile was weak after saying that. 

“I imagine Touya would be quite fond of you three spiteing your father by changing your hair color.” Rei said softly 

“Yeah…” Fuyumi said, her expression darkening

“I'm sorry for bringing him up. I've been thinking about him a lot. There was this man on the International Fashion Competition that reminded me of him.” Their mom said sadly 

Fuyumi and Shouto made eye contact across the room. No words were exchanged and yet a conversation happened. They decided not to tell her, because she didn't need any extra stress. Maybe once they find Touya they can all come see her together. Until then, they'd keep it to themselves. 

“I miss him too mom.” Fuyumi said, taking her hand 

Their mom smiled again. Shouto felt a strange feeling grow, it was almost like happiness but it gelt more…airy. He's felt it before…But he doesn't know what the feeling is… He sees his mom happy and he feels hope. Ah that's what it is! hope. He had forgotten how strong it could feel. 

Chapter Text

Hawks was sitting on the floor of the hospital. He heard the bustle of others outside this room but the doctor was audacious enough to give them this privacy. He'll probably ask for more money but Hawks didn't care about that. He used his feathers to bring his laptop here and continued to keep up with his work. 

Dabi was still asleep and the doctor said he might have woken up by now but due to the healing quirk he may be asleep a bit longer. In the long run it’ll benefit him. Still Hawks hated it. He felt useless just sitting here and waiting. The doctor only stops by on occasion to check on Dabi's injuries. He said he was healing rather well and should be safe to move back home soon enough. Hawks always felt the nagging sensation to bring Dabi back to the nest but he refrains. He even considered the possibility of making the hospital bed more comfortable but there wasn't anything around to do so. Besides he didn't want to increase the chance of reinfection now that it's mostly been dealt with. 

His work phone rings and he answers it without much thought. “Hello, Hawks here.”

“Hey boss, the three bodies from the Dabi case have been identified.” His sidekick said

“Is it in the system yet?” Hawks asked

“Yeah, you should be able to pull it up! It's been filed under the case evidence.” 

“Cool…” Hawks mutters as he opens the files and sure enough there were three new files to look through. 

“I'll let you look through it boss, just thought you'd like to know.” His sidekick says

“Thanks.” Hawks said 

After they hung up he started to go through the files. The first one was a medium built man named Shirai Keiji. His quirk is called “Trajectory” he's able to manipulate the Trajectory of any object he throws or of his own body. Assumably he had a hand in the half melted darts Hawks had to remove. The next was Hirose Mari and he was a low tier villain with the quirk “Embiggen.”. He is a frail man with the ability to change his form to be very muscular and strong for a limited time. He had escaped arrest many times by switching back to his frail form and fleeing the scene. No doubt he had been the one to break Dabi's legs. It made Hawks chatter angrily. The last one is Okado Suzu, her quirk is “metal manipulation.”. She is able to manipulate any type of metal in a 50 meter radius. She's a B tier villain who had been seen in a string of robberies previous to her death. And of course, there was Koizumi Hayato. His quirk is Grease. He's able to emit a very greasy oil substance out of the pores of his skin. It was a fitting quirk for such a sleazy son of a bitch. Hawks would deal with him later. 

There was something bugging him though. None of them had an ice quirk. Who was the one that put out Dabi’s flames then? Was there a fifth person they didn't know about? Surely Dabi would have been killed if that were the case. Unless the last person ran away after putting out the flames… Hawks didn't know exactly what happened that night as his key witness is unconscious and the main perpetrator is just about dead. If he remembers correctly, the man's jaw was held onto his face with steel bars. He wouldn't be talking anytime soon. 

Either way he is worried that someone is out there having gotten away with hurting his mate. He couldn't allow that. He opens up photos taken of the crime scene hoping something will give him a clue. Hawks hadn't spared much of a thought when he was there originally. Looking at it now the damage was rather extensive. The burnt furniture was almost unrecognizable as such. The fire seems to have blasted out in a radius. Hirose's body was found behind where Dabi was while the other three were in the front. There was evidence to suggest that Dabi's agent had pulled Shirai in front of him to be used as a human shield and it's the only reason he's still alive. Hawks notices something rather peculiar with the ice though. If there was someone else in the room with an ice quirk you'd expect the ice to come from outside the radius of fire but the way it's formed was in the same radius. Almost as if they had the same origi- 

Hawks eyes widened as he looked at Dabi who was naturally still unconscious. Is it possible? It…It actually made sense. Dabi's temperature was always in flux, Hawks and the doctor had attributed it to his fire quirk flaring and rapidly declining. Still it never explained why he could turn into being like ice. But if he has an ice quirk as well…Did Dabi always have an ice quirk? Surely he would've used his full potential at the International Fashion Competition….Unless he didn't want to be recognized? There were a lot of fire users but fire and ice? Hawks could only think of one and it was Endeavor's son uh...Todoroki Shouto. That's a pretty interesting coincidence actually. Hawks wondered if it was possible they were related in some way. Cousins maybe? He didn't think too hard about it because he wants to respect Dabi's privacy. 

Okay so, Dabi has the fire and ice quirk. Hawks grows curious why they were able to do so much to Dabi before he exploded. A quirk like his could've blasted them away long before they could lay a hand on him. They had to have caught him off guard, maybe even knocked him unconscious? God Hawks really doesn't know. He runs a hand through his hair where he had feathers growing still, he hadn't bothered to pluck them yet. 

He stands and sits in the chair next to Dabi. It was probably a bit creepy but watching Dabi and knowing he was safe made his worries drift away. Dabi is going to recover and Hawks will do everything he can to help him when he wakes up.

HawksWatch @HawksWatch 

Hawks has not been seen on the field in a little over a week, he has made no official statement about this leap of absence. His sidekicks are still going strong though. 

2.3k replies 2,534 Reposts 2,435 quotes 24k likes

Replying to @HawksWatch

Dabihawks!! @TheOgShipper 

It's obvious he's looking for his man! Dabi is literally missing! I'm not surprised that Hawks can't bear to work right now. 

154 replies 23 reposts 2k likes

Replying to @HawksWatch and @TheOGShipper

Wario @Mymustache 

I 100% agree! We've been worried about Dabi but imagine how worried Hawks is right now. He must be making himself sick with worry. 

12 replies 2 reposts 37 likes 

TheoristAbby@Justatheory 

I have a theory regarding Hawks absence from the field (A thread) 

So, recently Hawks has not been on the field and people are starting to notice. Especially due to @HawksWatch's posts that follow the sightings of the hero. 

2.1k replies 1,426 Reposts 234 quotes 5k likes 

Replying to @Justatheory 

TheoristAbby@Justatheory 

I'm also not the first to notice that this started around the same time that Dabi was labeled as missing following an attack in his own home. Many people have said Hawks is busy looking for Dabi and thus hasn't been seen in his usual spots. 

TheoristAbby@Justatheory 

My theory: Hawks know where Dabi is. My evidence is more speculation but notably only a few hours after Dabi was labeled as missing, his status was quietly changed. He was no longer missing and I think that it's because Hawks has him. Hawks was reportedly first on the scene.

TheoristAbby@Justatheory 

So Hawks hasn't been seen because he is with Dabi during his recovery, possibly making sure he is safe in case anyone else wishes to do harm to him. I think this holds more weight because if Hawks truly was actively looking for Dabi, we'd be seeing him more. Not less. 

Replying to @Justatheory 

Heteromorph Rights! @monkeyingaround 

This! If our theory that Hawks is a heteromorph is correct, then I have no doubt he can't even take his eyes off of Dabi. He's probably in full protection mode!

154 replies 35 reposts 420 likes

Replying to @Justatheory and @monkeyingaround 

TheoristAbby@Justatheory 

You're onto something! It makes more sense if Hawks is a Heteromorph and refuses to leave Dabi's side while he is injured! I can't believe I didn't think of that!!

43 replies 0 reposts 200 likes 

Replying to @Justatheory and @monkeyingaroud 

Humanly@HarmonicaCharmica

Stop foring your beliefs onto people! Hawks is not a hetromorth and clearly just has a wing based quirk. You hteromorths are so persumtias

42 replies 0 reposts 10 likes 

Replying to @Justatheory, @monkeyingaround, and @HarmonicaCharmica

Bluebirdie @Birdsofafeather 

Real presumptuous of you to comment on a topic you have no knowledge about. 

20 replies 2 reposts 134 likes 

Herostats @JapanHeroBillboard

@Hawks_Official✅️ reached a record breaking approval rating. The hero has not been on the field, however the people are very sympathetic towards him with the case relating to his (alleged) boyfriend. With Endeavor's dropping rapidly, there may be a change in the billboard. 

1.4k replies 320 reposts 28 quotes 4.5k likes 

Replying to @JapaHeroBillboard 

MochiPi @Mochipi 

honestly I didn't trust the guy before. His career was too clean and his origin too mysterious. But this raw human emotions that he seems to be feeling made me realize he's a person too. 

23 replies 4 reposts 230 likes 

Replying to @JapanHeroBillboard and @MochiPi

SobaYaki @YakiSoba 

I agree with that. He seemed so fake before but right now he must be so worried. It's easy to forget that heros are people too. 

2 replies 0 reposts 24 likes

Shouto was browsing Twitter as he waited for the flight to I-Island and his eyes caught on a thread by TheoristAbby. It was talking about Hawks and his brother. Shouto read through it and felt his heart start to beat faster. Does Hawks know where Touya is? He knows that the Hawks agency is investigating Touya's case. Hawks was first on the scene. Shouto hadn't noticed Touya's status was changed from missing. He opens up the public website and sure enough he was labeled as safe. None of the news channels had brought up the fact Dabi was found and Shouto found that a bit strange. Perhaps they didn't want to bring too much attention to it? Shouto supposed it was a little late for that now. 

Still, Dabi is safe. Hawks is more than likely keeping him safe. Shouto doesn't trust pro heros…Though he trusts his classmates and his teachers. But only because they've proven to be trustworthy. Shouto believes Hawks has his brother's best interests in mind. He's forced to trust that belief. As usual Shouto texts his siblings the news, or more accurately he links the Twitter thread. He was then herded onto a plane. He's going to I-Island and hopefully by the time he gets back Touya will officially be okay. He isn't sure he can handle this uncertainty any longer. 

Fuyumi was dusting the living room when her phone beeped with the Todosib group chat notification sound. She had assumed it was Shouto saying he was getting on the plane so she went over to tell him to have a safe flight. Instead though Shouto had linked a Twitter thread and Fuyumi opened it curiously. She gasped as she read the contents and her body seemingly just relaxed. Tension she didn't know she was holding seemingly melted away. Touya is safe. She obviously had been very worried about him but had no way to know if he really would be okay. 

She smiled to herself softly. She trusts that Hawks will take good care of her brother. However, if he does anything to hurt her brother in any way she will have to flay him and use his feathers as a duster. Touya has already been through so much, he deserves to be treated right. He deserves…so much. In all honesty, she wishes she could go back in time and make sure her brother had everything he'd ever want. She might not have been able to get their dad to acknowledge Touya, but she could have supported him. She could have encouraged him to keep trying and when he got hurt, she'd tell him to come to her for help. Maybe if she had been there on that fateful night then Touya would've never burnt up. 

Fuyumi shouldn't dwell on the scenarios too long. What happened in the past is set in stone, but the future isn't. She can shape the future. She can reconnect with her brother and support him now. He's an adult and doesn't necessarily need his little sister but she doesn't care. She's going to do the best she can no matter what. She just had to find Touya somehow…

Natsuo was in the middle of a Avatar the Last Airbender marathon, because that's what he does in his freetime when he doesn't have work or school. He's watched the show probably like 20 times already but he hadn't kept count. It's a good show. Anyway, he phone buzzed and he leaned forward to grab it from the coffee table. The couch squeaking from the movement. He notes its a message to the sibling ground chat. Shouto had linked a Twitter thread and Natsuo paused his show to read it.

Though after he read it he couldn't stop thinking about its contents. Hawks knows where Dabi is and is keeping him safe. Natsuo felt relieved and also a bit apprehensive. He does not trust heros, unless you count his younger brother, and Hawks is no different. Natsuo doesn't have a reason to believe Hawks will harm his brother in any way but he also doesn't have a reason to not. Natsuo reasons that Hawks actually took time away from being on the field to be with Touya, something their father would never do. Touya “died” and the man only stopped for a day, as if it were a momentary loss. Natsuo didn't care for his reasons, either way it was pretty scummy. If Hawks is willing to take the time to care for his brother then that must mean he really does care. 

Touya deserves to be taken care of, if only because they never took good care of him. Touya learned to treat injuries and cook for his siblings. Touya was really good at cooking from what Natsuo could remember, he just absorbed a talent for it. Fuyumi has tried to match that level of homeliness and comfort but there was always something not quite right about it. Perhaps Touya had a secret ingredient he never shared. He'd like to ask him. There were a lot of things Natsuo wants to ask his brother about, so many things he'd love to discuss. He wants to know his brother as he is now and how he feels about…everything. 

Oh…That's what it is. Natsuo still feels guilty for not listening to Touya all those years ago. He still in part blames himself for Touya's “death”. He'd been assured many times that it wasn't his fault. By his sister…by his mother. But he couldn't help how he felt. Perhaps Fuyumi was right about them all needing to see a therapist…. Perhaps he's hoping now he can make up for all the times he had pushed Touya away. 

Hawks better take good care of his brother because there will be hell to pay if he doesn't. Natsuo resolves that murder is fine as long as you don't get caught. With that thought Natsuo goes back to watching his show, only time will tell now…

Chapter Text

Many things had happened the past few days, particularly an incident at I-island. Hawks only knew about it because there was an absurd amount of extra paperwork given to him. At this point he was certain his handler went out of her way to give him someone else's shit. He didn't care because at the very least he was here with his mate. 

Speaking of, Dabi's recovery had been remarkable. The doctor had checked on him this morning and was surprised by how well he'd healed. The infection was gone. He was still hurt where his staples tore and metal melded with his skin. His legs are wrapped up in casts. His temperature was always in flux, even now the air around him was the slightest bit hotter than the otherwise cold hospital. Hawks still held onto the hope that he would be able to wake up soon. 

Hawks would like to pretend that he himself was getting better rest but that would be a lie, in fact his sleep schedule was arguably worse now. He wasn't kept awake for the same reason as before since Dabi isn't on the brink of death anymore. Instead his instincts are untrusting of the hospital environment so he feels the need to keep watch. Mainly he wants to bundle Dabi in his arms again and fly home where it was safe. Mate would be safe in the nest. He's not safe here. Not safe. He already failed him before so he refused to fail him now. Anyway his appearance was rather ragged and he was certain he looked dead on his feet. If the slightly concerned looks the doctor gave him was anything to go on. 

There was a knock on the door and his eyes darted over from where they had traveled to Dabi's sleeping form. The doctor opens the door slowly, knowing there won't be a response. Oshita found him and didn't so much as flinch when Hawks’s eyes narrowed at the sight of him. A predator watching his prey. 

“Don't worry, I'm just doing a final check.” Oshita explained 

“Final check?” Hawks asked 

“Well, he's recovered quite a lot and if everything checks out then you can take him home.” Oshita said 

Hawks was immediately intrigued, take him home? Back to the nest. Nest would be safe, warm, and comfortable. Hawks didn't realize it but he had chirped at the thought, Oshita didn't say anything about it. There was a silence in the room as Oshita did his thing with Hawks watching.

“His infection is gone, but with his grafts being the way they are I assume infection could come back.” Oshita says “You'd have to wash and change the objects in the nest to prevent the chance.” The doctor notes as he then looks towards the bandages on Dabi's body “If you keep up with changing his bandages, then that should heal. The legs will take much longer, you'll have to bring him back to remove the casts…” The doctor stops at the foot of the bed in thought “So…You should be able to take him home tonight.” 

“Now?” Hawks asks 

“I'll let you take him as soon as I write down some care instructions and figure out the bill.” Oshita said with an eyeroll and Hawks didn't quite like that answer. He wants to take Dabi back to the nest. Now.

Seemingly sensing his displeasure, Oshita got to work writing out the appropriate things. Hawks stood over him watching him. He outlined the promised care instructions as well as some reminders to watch out for. There was a section specifically talking about Dabi's legs and the general recovery process. He said they needed to come back for a check up in 3 or 4 weeks. Finally he wrote an address, a date, and a fairly large number of yen.

“I want this money in cash at this date at this location.” The doctor said tapping the paper before looking at Hawks. 

“Okay.” Hawks agreed 

“If you decide you don't want that chip anymore, you know how to contact me.” The doctor said as he wrote it down on the bottom. Hawks hadn't put too much thought into that, especially considering he doesn't want to think about how fucked it is. 

“Oh also, don't fly too fast. I know you probably want to get back as soon as possible but take it slower “ The Doctor said and Hawks glared at him for thinking he would be dumb enough to be so careless with his mate. The doctor chuckled and raised his hands “I didn't think you'd do it, but in case you had the thought.” 

“Done?” Hawks asked angrily 

“Yes, yes. Take this and you can take your mate back to the nest “ The doctor offers the papers he had written on and Hawks takes them. He puts them in his laptop bag (Yes he brought the whole bag, it was safer to transport his laptop that way. ) Once all his shit is packed he walks over to Dabi. 

Right now he looked so fragile, covered in bandages almost everywhere on his body. Hawks watched the bandages curve down under the thin material of the hospital robe that the doctor put him in. Hawks was incredibly careful as he pulled Dabi from the bed. He made sure to support his body properly, his weight not a problem at all for the seasoned hero. In fact Hawks had always suspected his bird genes gave more than just speed, perhaps some extra strength. Regardless, he carefully situated Dabi in his arms where he would be safe and comfortable. 

Oshita opened the window for him, it was fairly big and definitely enough for him to pass through. Hawks didn't even look at the doctor twice as he carried his precious cargo through the window. His wings were quick to catch air and he slowly drifted through the currents. The air felt great on his feathers and his inner bird was momentarily distracted by that small freedom. He hadn't gone out to fly in recent weeks, for obvious reasons, and it's…nice. 

Hawks looked down at Dabi, he looked so sorrowful in his slumber. His expressions can change quite a lot but most of the time there always seemed to be some kind of trouble worrying him, even in sleep. Regardless, there was just something so beautiful about him. His hair was greatly ruffled by the air and the black spikes drifted like leaves on a lazy river. He almost looked like a sleeping prince…

He gets to the penthouse much slower than he would've flying at his top speed, but he didn't give a shit about that because he got to enter the penthouse with his precious mate in his arms and slot him back where he belongs in the nest. He tried his best to settle him down in the most comfortable position. Hawks doted on him a moment longer with a small smile. Safe. Mate was now safe. Hawks had already confirmed that by securing the perimeter with feathers as soon as he landed. If anything dares to pose a threat he will get rid of it.  

His instincts seemed to quiet down a bit now that Dabi was where he was meant to be. Hawks carefully shifted the nest around a bit in order to make sure it was perfect. Nice, comfortable, safe, and most importantly, worthy of his mates approval. He did however have to stop himself from crawling into the nest next to Dabi. Hawks’ eyelids are heavy and the exhaustion in his body weighed him down. The nest was so soft and he wanted to curl around Dabi like a protective shield. Still, that more rational part knew if he gave in now he may never stop nesting again and if Narita ever found out she'd probably force him to retrain. He shivered at the thought. 

Besides, Dabi needed space to recover…So Hawks elected to sit on the floor next to the bed wherein he fished his laptop out of his backpack. He sets it up and waits impatiently for the lock screen to come on. Once he's able to unlock the computer he gets back to work. There had been rumors circling of a new kind of drug able to erase a quirk temporarily. The rumors are few and far between and can only be found on the dark web. Hawks had been tipped off to it by his handler who wanted him to look further into it. Currently there wasn't much of anything he had to go on. No mentioned origin or formula of any kind. Hell he can't even find a place where you would buy it off the black market. It's likely due to the newness of the drug, it's still in testing so much harder to get your hands on. There is another drug that seems more readily available that boosts quirks. It was not cheap at the moment but with more testing, and probably some diluting, Hawks suspects it'll be a problem in the future. 

Hawks didn't know what to expect from the future, his only priority now is his mate. Perhaps the doctor was onto something when he said that as soon as he met his mate Narita would have nothing over him. Unless she tried to hurt Dabi! Hawks chattered angrily at the prospect. He'd kill her. He'd rip her throat out before she even got a finger on his mate. Hawks paused at the thought, he didn't consider himself to be that violent before but now he's rethinking that. He thought he didn't like the violence he was forced into before, but then again that violence was senseless. It had no purpose. Now he has a purpose, to protect his mate by any means necessary. Hawks…kind of liked that…Having a purpose. He'd wanted to be a hero as a child, not knowing the truth it entails, but then his only purpose in life had been to do whatever Narita ordered him too. He hadn't realized just how much hope and life Dabi had given him. 

He glances over at his mate and he prays to anyone that will listen that Dabi has a smooth recovery and that he isn't in too much pain when he wakes up. It would break his heart to see him be in so much pain. 

Hawks had taken to his role of caretaker quite quickly, in fact he kept track of when he changed certain bandages and sheets so they were always clean. His inner bird didn't like him washing off the scents that accumulated on the blankets and sheets but the rational side won in the end. He had been keeping good count in a notebook so he didn't have to worry if he forgot or not. Thankfully Dabi seemed to be healing well, even now that the doctor isn't here to use his quirk. 

Hawks had delivered the money already and it was a pain in the ass to get that much cash without leaving Dabi's side but he was able to call up the bank and get it all figured out. He was glad they didn't ask too many questions about it. He only had to leave Dabi's side long enough to get the cash and deliver it on time. Once he was done he shot back home and perched on the bed frame watching over him.  

It had been almost three weeks since Dabi was attacked and Hawks felt like time was moving way too slow. Every moment he was worried and Dabi hadn't woken up. His handler expects him back in a week and he doesn't have an excuse on why he should stay out longer. He could bring up his and Dabi's relationship and say it has to do with assuring the public he had a heart but he didn't want Dabi to be too involved in his shit. Especially with Narita. She may think he'd gotten too attached and get rid of Dabi somehow. She never liked giving him anything and her favorite punishment was the room. That room being a small room with no windows, and no real door. It's white and empty and the air in there always seems to stale. It's too quiet in there and it's very unpleasant to his bird brain. He wants to see colors, and shiny objects. He wants to see his precious mate. She never lets him have too much of anything. Enough freedom to let him think he has breathing room but not enough for him to have his own life. 

Hawks’ wings came to protect him from the thought of that room. She would never take anything away from him. Dabi is his. His to protect. His to love and to provide for. She cannot take him away. The only person who can stop him is Dabi, because if Dabi doesn't want him then he can't change that. He has to hope that it's possible for Dabi to love him back. Because he didn't have much else to hope for. Perhaps he can hope Narita doesn't find a reason to punish him later. 

At the moment he had work to do as there was seemingly no end. He supposed he signed up for it but still it's not fun. He's starting to wonder if there is anything that his sidekicks actually do since he's filling out their reports and paperwork half the time. There was even a backlog of police reports that needed information to be put in. Hawks is annoyed because at least when he arrests someone he remembers to do the fucking paperwork. The police are very particular about that and not to mention the commission. Then again the commission is only up his ass in the agency. 

He'd been sleeping a bit better since Dabi’s return to the nest but still he struggles to sleep for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Sleep made him vulnerable and thus meant Dabi was vulnerable. Despite the fact the Hawks would know if the perimeter was breached immediately. He'd honed the skill as a kid since he had to sneak sleep in between training sometimes and if Narita found him asleep she'd punish him. Still it seems any time he finds a moment to relax his eyes drift closed almost immediately. Which is why when he lays his head back against the wall he almost immediately starts to drift asleep. He's just so tired…

Blue eyes burst open and he launched up from the bed. Panic crawled up his spine as memories of waking up after the accident haunt his mind. The sterile environment of the fake hospital flashing across his vision as his chest shudders and quakes. It takes a moment for reality to hit. He wasn't there. He was…somewhere else. The room was very minimalistic and yet the bed he was in is large and covered in blankets. The blankets are wrapped up in a circle around him and he finds himself choking on his breath before he manages to catch it. He hears someone else's breath and his head snaps to the side.

…Hawks? The bird was slumped against the wall, his wings bent in a way that looked uncomfortable. He looked…unwell. His usually ruby red feathers were much more dull and ragged and the bags under his eyes were something to behold. Blue eyes drifted down his form, he looked as if he had just passed out there. A pile of paper sat next to him and a laptop stood open in front of him. Why was he here? 

Finally he looks at himself, his arms covered in bandages and from what he can tell his legs were both in casts. He didn't feel pain the same way he did before his 3 year coma, sometimes the pain was stinging and seemingly had no end. Sometimes he felt nothing at all. He vaguely remembered the new incident. His agent…That fucker and his gang of assholes had broken into his home and hit him with a quirk erasing shot. He remembers his legs breaking and the pain of metal sinking into flesh and then…It gets a bit blurry with a blast of blue flames. He must've exploded again, like he did at 13. How did he survive this time? Was it…Hawks? He wished he could remember but it was all so fuzzy. 

Blue eyes once more found the bird and he took a deep breath. Did Hawks save him somehow? He doesn't remember the bird ever being there. The two were still a bit on edge after that dinner, or at least he was, but he's a bit confused on the details. He tried to remember but really he couldn't grasp the fuzzy memories from after his explosion. Why would Hawks help him? It didn't make sense why the hero would care at all. Sure they were kind of friendly and had a fake relationship. Surely Hawks wants something from him right? That didn't make sense either…That dinner Hawks gave for free and he didn't even have to pay anything back…

As if his gaze finally hit him, Hawks began to stir. His golden eyes blinking open slowly and a yawn escaping from his lips. Their eyes locked together for a moment, and in that movement Hawks seemed to be properly waking up. 

“Dabi?” Hawks muttered before realization seemed to finally hit. “You're awake!”

Dabi wanted to make a snarky comment but as soon as he opened his mouth he was hit with the fact his mouth was as dry as the Sahara and it continued down into his throat that felt full of cotton. Hawks rushed over in a flurry of red feathers, concern now etched into his features. He started checking over Dabi with light touches all over his face and upper body. Dabi weakly swatted his hands away and tried to gesture for some form of beverage. Hawks looks at him confused for a second before it seemingly strikes him. Hawks rushes over with a chilled bottle of water and opens the lid for him. Dabi takes it and realizes his hands are a bit unsteady but still he tilts the bottle back. 

The water is like heaven on his tongue and he has to stop himself before he chugs it because it'll only make things worse if he drinks it too fast. He pulls the bottle away and finds himself pushing his tongue against the top of his mouth. His lips felt even more dry even as he took another drink of water to try to wash down the sticky feeling that comes with rehydration. Finally when his mouth feels normal again he looks over at Hawks who looked quite concerned from his position at Dabi's side. 

“Thanks birdie.” The words scraped out of his throat and ended up being very weak but he could tell the bird still heard them because his wings poofed up and he just looked so pleased with himself. It was cute actually. 

“How are you feeling? Do you need anything? Are you too warm? Too cold? How about some more rest?” Hawks then asked in rapid succession 

“I'm fine.” Dabi explained quietly and even as Hawks looked at him searching for the truth he didn't back down. 

In actuality, he felt almost nothing done to surface level as his nerves were strange like that. They must've been truly burnt this time to be so unresponsive. Still, looking at his own injuries is almost like observing someone else's. He doesn't feel them even when pressure is applied. On the other hand, his muscles ached really bad and his dead nerves did him no service. His legs hurt as well and thinking about them made them throb painfully at the acknowledgement. Regardless of all of that, the pain was manageable. 

Dabi had a lot of things to do now that he had fired his agent, not in the way he had intended, but he still fired him. He wasn't sure if after this time he would still be pretty enough to model, but hopefully he is. He still needs to get a new identity and find a new agent and start making money for himself again. He'll probably have to buy a new apartment as he's certain he must've torched the entire building. Perhaps somewhere even further from his family. It hits him that Natsuo had messaged him and he knows. They all probably know. Maybe he should just move to a different country? One of those fashion-obsessed European countries or some shit. Not only would he need a new identity, a new passport, and a shit ton of money, he'd also need a valid visa. He doesn't know where he can get any of that. Well, he has a good chunk of money already so that's the least of his problems. Dabi also needs to properly thank Hawks for saving him and taking care of him for…He wasn't sure how long. Maybe a few days? 

“How long have I been out?” Dabi asked before coughing because his throat was still a bit dry

“Let's see…3 weeks.” Hawks said 

The universe must really hate him. 3 years…3 weeks. So much of his time lost. Time seemed so different after waking up from a long term sleep like that. To him the incident had just happened and he had woken up. But Hawks, he had to have dealt with him for the entire 3 weeks. Dabi wasn't sure there was any way to repay the hero since he clearly doesn't want physical payment like everyone else. Maybe Dabi can pay him back with money for the medical bills and expenses, that way it'll be less of a hassle to have taken care of him. He can iron out the details later. 

“I'm sorry, “ Dabi said quietly 

“It wasn't your fault “ Hawks said 

“But…” Dabi should've been more careful, he had been careless. If he had checked his home before he entered the front door, he could've blasted them to hell. If he was stronger then he could've fought back against them. If he wasn't such a failure with a broken quirk then he could've been anywhere else. 

“It wasn't your fault.” Hawks repeats interrupting his spiral

Dabi looks at Hawks properly, his gaze having drifted to his lap. Hawks had a look of pure intensity on his face. There was a firmness in his statement. It's not your fault. None of this is your fault. Dabi almost wanted to believe it. He almost did believe it. There was a seething voice in the back of his head that argued it was his fault. Everything is his fault. Dabi didn't know which to listen to. 

“So…” Hawks breaks the long standing silence that follows with a question.”How long have you had an ice quirk?”

An ice…”Huh?!” 

Chapter Text

“An ice quirk?” Hawks asks 

“What do you mean?!” Dabi asks 

“You…have an ice quirk?” Hawks seemed to be confused now

“What.” That…that wasn't possible. That couldn't be possible! 

“When your flames exploded 3 weeks ago, you used your ice quirk to put them out.” Hawks explains as if that was a perfectly logical statement to make. 

“That can't be possible.” Dabi said

Hawks grabbed his laptop and after a moment of clicking he showed the screen. It was Dabi's apartment. A radius of charred black was covered in ice. A radius of the same origin. Him. He has an ice quirk. 

The world suddenly seemed so far away as the crushing reality of his life came to destroy him. He felt the overwhelming urge to curl into a ball and cry. At the same time he wanted to laugh because once again the universe was playing tricks on him. Had he always had the quirk inside him and he just never activated it? Why has it manifested now? Why not a decade ago when Touya Todoroki burnt to death? 

He was the masterpiece all along, of course that would be the sick joke. His father had given up on him before his true potential could manifest. He forced more children ino the world because he was determined to get something he already had if only he had just fucking looked closer for once. Or looked at all. Enji stopped looking the moment Touya's flames hurt him. He stopped bothering the moment his ice constitution was announced but never once thought that there was a possibility there was more to that ice constitution than being weak to his flames. How had Dabi not noticed in all of his training and time spent using his quirk to survive on the streets aiming to kill him? He had worked so hard on controlling his quirk and yet couldn't figure out he had a second part of it?! Of course not. He feels so stupid for not making the connection sooner. He's going to start crying oh wait…He already is. He hadn't noticed it but there was blood pouring from his face and onto a…towel? He hadn't remembered there being a towel. He was suddenly grounded again as a hand gently rubbed circles into his back. There was talking and…laughing? Wait…that was him. He's laughing. 

Dabi was manically laughing, his hand buried into the roots of his hair where the strands strained to stay connected to his scalp with how hard he was tugging. He couldn't breath as he was laughing too hard. A second hand came to gently ease his hand from his hair before he tore out chunks of it, which is a very real concern as he'd done it before. The talking was gentle and he realized it was Hawks trying to sooth him. Trying to understand what happened. The bird wouldn't understand and he can never know the truth. Dabi isn't sure he could explain it. Not in a logical way. Not in a way the hero would believe. People don't cling to the perfect image of the number 2 hero quite so hard anymore, it could be in part to his little club of haters. As a child he had thought his father's reputation indestructible. Untouchable because he did such good. But in forming the hate club he had realized his father had hurt many people and had a stink to his reputation. Still, Hawks is a hero. He probably can't fault Endeavor for anything. Heroes are like that, they preach justice yet are so blind to injustice. 

His quirk roared like a beast inside him and he tried to quench the volatile flames. He tries to calm down a bit but he feels a threat to burst again. No. No! He won't let it happen again! He takes a shuddering breath and smoke pours out. He chokes on the smoke for a moment before he's able to catch his breath again. Once he finds rhythm he starts to calm down. He lets Hawks take his hand away from his scalp and just tries to breath through the wispy bits of smoke stinging his tongue. Hawks was quiet now but his presence was loud enough to show he was there. Dabi felt his body give out and he landed against Hawks. A moment of quiet passes as Dabi feels the calm take over. His limbs feel numb and his grasp on reality is flimsy. Still he can feel the general warmth from Hawks body. 

“Sorry…” Dabi felt a need to say

Hawks was quiet for a moment “I'm sorry I brought it up. I should've let you recover a little.” 

Dabi didn't respond, now able to process a bit better. He has an ice quirk. He wonders for a moment how it works and how it combines with his fire. Can he mix them? Is there only a certain place where he can use ice, like Shouto's half and half? He can't help his curiosity, always wanting to improve his quirk. Quirks? Outside the meaning of his life there were so many questions about the physical properties of having an ice quirk on top of his powerful fire quirk. All of which he wouldn't get to try out now. 

He looks at Hawks and his heart stops when he spots the hero's hands. The skin is a deep red and blisters have already broken out of his palm. He had burnt him. He. Had. Burnt. Him. Panic ensues as he realizes he had just majorly fucked up. Would the hero get mad? Throw him out? Hate him forever? 

“I hurt you.” Dabi utters horrified 

“Oh…” Hawks looked at his hands like he had just noticed “That's okay. I'd much rather burn with you then leave you alone to suffer. “ 

Dabi blinked a few times, that sentence revolving for a few seconds. He'd…rather burn then leave him alone to suffer? Dabi had never…heard anyone say that. Burns are painful and damaging. Permanent in some cases. Especially with his flames. They aren't something taken so lightly. Yet…Hawks was…willing to burn with him?

“Why don't you lay down while I wrap this up? I'm sure you're tired.” Hawks said

Hawks eases Dabi back into a lying position and takes his leave. When he comes back his hands are covered in bandages and the heavy scent of burn cream. He was wearing a shirt sleeve shirt so the bandages clearly ended just above his wrist. Dabi took the time to properly analyze his look. Again he looked dead on his feet, even now his eyelids looked as if they'd droop closed and he'd fall asleep standing up. His wings were ragged and dull, there were a number of feathers sticking out at odd angles. He was barely dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. He didn't look that clean either. Dabi had to wonder how much he'd been eating and drinking in this time as he looked rather unhealthy. 

“When was the last time you ..slept?” Dabi asks 

“Uh…I was sleeping a little bit ago.” Hawks said 

“Properly? In a bed? For a healthy number of hours?” Dabi questioned further 

“Uuhhhh.” Hawks looked guilty as his eyes skirted away from Dabi's. 

“Why not sleep in your bed?” Dabi asks

“You're in my bed “ Hawks said plainly 

“The guest room then?” Dabi asked 

“I turned it into an office.” Hawks explained 

“Your huge ass penthouse only has 2 bedrooms?” 

“Uhhhh….Oh!” Hawks said “There was a third but I made that into a training room.” 

“I see…” Dabi says 

Dabi finds it strange that Hawks would give up his bed for him and not just shove him on the couch. Or the floor. Or something. He was surprised that Hawks didn't dump him at a hospital now that he considers it. Then again… Hawks might be a Heteromorph. In that case, Hawks seemed to be attached to him in some way and willing to care for him in place of himself. It wasn't that healthy though, he looks…terrible. 

“When did you eat last?” Dabi asks

“Oh you know…2…days ago.” Hawks admits 

Dabi sighs, this bird is going to drive him crazy. Dabi could try and command the bird to eat but he seems more concerned with Dabi than himself. Even if Dabi said to do something for himself Hawks would probably just brush him off. Which is why he gets an idea. 

“You know, I've been asleep for 3 weeks. I'm quite hungry.” Dabi said innocently “Maybe you could go get food for me and you to eat.” 

Hawks’ eyes widened and his wings puffed up cutely. He let out what sounded like an aborted chirp before quickly saying “Yes of course, hold on I'll go make something!” 

Hawks rushed out of the room and Dabi let his body relax against the bed. His brain feels a bit fuzzy now that he thinks about it. It reminded him of the time after his 3 year coma where the fuzziness was significantly worse. He remembers being so frazzled on the way home, unable to focus for too long and the lights blurring together. His only goal was to get back to a home where he was no longer even a thought. He barely remembered those first few days, always spacy and scared. Terrified. 

But then, the hunger caught up with him. In the days after his coma he didn't feel hungry and even when he saw food he didn't gain an appetite. It was sudden when his stomach cramped up demanding to be filled. He remembered the pain was almost unbearable as the hunger got worse. His appetite came back full force, even a bit more. The hunger was a beast always looking to be quenched. He remembers eating anything, no matter how bad it was, to calm it. Anything to put an end to the pain. Perhaps that's why he had accepted Agent Fuckface's offer, food and board for some small favors. Of course at the time he didn't know he meant sexual favors, even if he did know he might've been forced to accept anyway… 

Hawks walks into the room with two bowls in hand, a tray comes flying in behind him and feathers set it on the bed. Hawks sets the bowl down on the tray in front of him and Dabi sits up enough to look at it. It looked like a relatively simple miso soup. He didn't really feel hungry, even when offered food, but he knows Hawks won't eat if he doesn't. He takes the bowl and noticed it wasn't hot to him at all despite the steam. It might've been really hot to the touch but he couldn't feel it. He brings it up to his lips with shaky hands and manages a little sip. The broth is very tasty on his tongue and he feels a bit of contentment. Hawks finally takes a sip of his own soup. He had been watching Dabi to make sure he had no problems with holding the bowl. Dabi is a bit grateful for the simplicity of the meal as he isn't sure how well he could manipulate chopsticks right now. 

Hawks is apparently reminded about hunger and slurps his soup down. Dabi finds it adorable as Hawks licks his lips after finishing his bowl. Dabi giggles lightly at the face Hawks made upon realizing the bowl was empty. Dabi slurps his soup again, much slower than Hawks did. When he looked at Hawks again he was watching him with shiney golden eyes. 

“What?” Dabi asks 

Hawks’ cheeks turn pink at being caught and he cheeps. Both of them are stunned by this new sound. Hawks’ cheeks go a shade or two darker and Dabi feels the need to coo at the adorable little noise of embarrassment. Hawks makes a lot of bird noises for someone who “isn't a Heteromorph”. Dabi is surprised no one has figured it out because Hawks seems unable to help it. Dabi just doesn't understand why he's forced to hide it. It's not about popularity. Dabi is fairly certain that if Hawks made that cute little cheep around his fangirls they would lose their mind. The thought made him a bit angry and he doesn't know why. He thinks it's adorable when he chirps and coos like he does. 

“You're cute birdie.” Dabi says 

That seems to please the bird as his wings flare out proudly, his room being big enough to hold his impressive wingspan. His feathers still looked rather rumpled and neglected, Dabi felt the need to brush his fingers through them to slot the feathers back into place. 

“Do you need help with your wings?” Dabi asks before he can stop himself 

Hawks looks at his wings and frowns deeply. As if just now noticing their condition. He pulls them close to his body and hides them from view. Shame and sadness paints his expression. Dabi's heart pangs at the dejected look. 

“Let me help you fix them and they will be even more beautiful than they already are.” Dabi prompts 

“You…don't have too.” Hawks said quietly 

“I want to “ Dabi said and Hawk's pupils dilated and constricted for a few seconds. “Besides, it'll help me to get my motor functions working again.” 

Hawks seemed to actively be considering it now and he scooted closer to the bed. Dabi takes them time to finish his food, even if it feels like a little much. Once he's done Hawks moves the tray off the bed. Hawks lays at the end of the bed and extends his wing so Dabi can reach it. Dabi is unsure what to do as he realized he'd never actually done this before. 

“Uh…What's the best way to do it?” Dabi asks nervously 

“Here, there's a gland that releases an oil.‘’ Hawks pulls Dabi's hands to the base of the wing 

causing him to have to bend over a little to reach it.

Still Dabi presses against the spot and indeed feels an oil. He takes the oil and starts to gently ease it into the red feathers. Hawks shivers and Dabi pauses hoping he hasn't hurt him. When Hawks doesn't say anything he slowly gets back to work. He is gentle as he rubs the oil onto the healthier feathers. When he gets to a jagged one, it's barbs broken and twisted, the vein practically split he pauses. He hadn't noticed it before but Hawks was purring. Like a cat. It was actually so adorable. Hawks paused and looked at him confused. Dabi gently tugs on the broken one and Hawks seemingly understands. Dabi carefully pulls it out and Hawks doesn't even flinch. Instead his eyes close contently as his fingers go back to rearranging the healthy feathers. 

His fingers refuse to work with him though, his control over them being flimsy. The action itself was quite pleasing, the soft feathers were nice. Slotting the healthy feathers into their proper place was satisfying. He began to understand how the feathers fit together and lay. The oil had the effect of making his feathers red and shiny again. Hawks was still purring and Dabi wondered if he was like a cat in that regard. Stray cats love him, especially when he heats his fingers…Dabi considers it for a moment before warming his fingers the lightest amount. Hawks reacts immediately, his purring getting louder and his feathers seemingly pushing themselves into his fingers. Dabi smiled softly at how cute it was. His chest felt incredibly light despite the pain he was in. The corners of his mouth were constantly upturned and he couldn't get them to go down. Dabi was finished with this wing when he noticed the purring had stopped at some point, he looked up at Hawks concerned. The bird was out, his face smoothed over with sleep. Dabi was glad he finally was able to rest as well. They'd both need it…

Dabi wasn't sure how to label this feeling, looking at Hawks. Knowing he did so much just to take care of him. So much time wasted on caring for someone like Dabi. Dabi was definitely going soft and he isn't sure he can stop it. Heroes, especially top ones, they never care for anyone. So then why would Hawks care so much? Is it possible that Hawks is different…? 

Dabi suddenly has the idea to look for his phone and he notices it on the bedside table. The case was burnt all to hell but it had done its job of protecting the device. He spent an arm and a leg on the case for a reason as it was fire resistant. He grabs his phone and unlocks it. He had, several thousand notifications. Text messages, missed calls, voice mails, discord messages, Twitter notifications, emails, and so much more. Dabi is a bit overwhelmed by it all. He decides to do texts first. 

Most of them were the group chat and if Dabi was behind before he's never catching up now. He opens it curiously and reads back a little. Sakura was talking about the continuing popularity of Dabi’s boba drink even 2 weeks after launch. Then it was the usual daily blabbering. 

Flower: Good morning everyone!! 😁😁

Bumblebee: Good morning

Fashion god: Morning 

You: morning 

Flower: How is everyone today? 😀

Wait 

DABI!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

You: sup

Flower: DABIIISIIJIJSBDHDJSHA 

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

YOU'RE ALIVE 

You: i guess 

Bumblebee: We were very worried for you. Are you doing okay? 

You: yuh

was in a coma the past three weeks 

Flower: Oh god! I'm so sorry Dabi 😞😞😞

Hugs! 🫂🫂🫂🫂

FashionGod: I'm glad you are okay now. 

You: I have a weighted feather blanket to help.

Flower: Oh that sounds nice! 🥰

Dabi chuckled lightly and looked at Hawks who was still fast asleep, he quickly snaps a picture and for a moment couldn't help but admire his adorable sleeping face. 

You: My blanket [Image Attachment] 

Flower: AWEEEEEEE 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

You two are so cute together 😭😭😭😭

Bumblebee: I'm happy you have someone with you.

FashionGod: Simp. 

You: we arent together 

Flower: Boooo

Why not? 🥺🥺🥺

You: as if he'd be interested in me 

FashionGod: You are all dumb. 

Bumblebee: What do you mean by that Narita? 

FashionGod: If you can't figure it out on your own, then you don’t need to know. 

Flower: Why are you so mean Naritaaaa 😭😭

FashinGod: I speak only the truth. 

You: I understand what you are talking about but that still doesn't apply to me

all heros are self serving assholes

Hawks doesn't give a fuck about me

FashionGod: Dumb shit ^ 

Dabi rolls his eyes and leaves the conversation, he has other things to go through after all. Narita is implying that he and Hawks are similar to Sakura and Yato. Two hopelessly enamored idiots who can't see the other loves them. Dabi is certain that's only the case for the lesbian couple. Dabi has been shown over and over that no one will ever care about him the way he cares about others. Dabi may feel something for Hawks but letting that continue is asking for heartbreak when the hero decides he's outlived his usefulness and chucks him aside. 

Endeavor Hate Club Discord 

#Condolences 

Snowman: RIP @PresidentSnow

???? To 20XX 🕊

Woflierock: He was a good man, a hater unlike any other but one that brought this community together. All to unite us into one hateful front against Endeavor. We did not learn his name nor his occupation, but we loved him like a brother. 

Kattyqueen: We lost a real one 😓

20bucks: He was a good guy, he paid me 20 bucks to draw Endeavor hanging upside down over a pit of ravenous sharks. It was worth every cent 😢

Lovekiller: PresidentSnow really showed me the meaning of compassion when the rest of the world only shows hate. There is no greater compassion than creating a community based on hating one person. 

Bananabus: I've been on this server for like a week, but the guy who made it must be pretty chill since the community here is so chill. 

Frostmonster: I've always hated Endeavor and this community finally made me feel seen. It's terrible that the president passed away so early when he had so much hate left to give. Hopefully from the afterlife he can haunt Endeavor and make his life a living hell 🙏

Wolfierocks: Amen 🙏 

Lovekiller: Amen 🙏 

8:43 AM 

PresidentSnow: seriously? I go on a 3 week vacation and you think i died? 

Lovekiller: AH A ZOMBIE!!! 

Wolfierocks: AH A GHOST!!!

PresidentSnow: bruh

Snowman: I miss our dear President, he was a good man. 😢

PresidentSnow: I'm still alive 

Snow: Sometimes I can still hear his voice. 😭

PresidentSnow: I hate you all

20bucks: My patron is alive yess 🙏

Frostmonster: You were sorely missed President Snow. 

PresidentSnow: yeah yeah whatever 

Endeavour Hate Club

#general

Snowman: @PresidentSnow is back!!

PresidentSnow: I regret coming back 

Kattyqueen: Aweeee don't you miss us?

PresidentSnow: I'm not sure anymore 

IcePrincess: Where were you anyway? It's usual for you to be gone this long. 

PresidentSnow: i was traveling for work and was mainly off grid for a while

WolfieRocks: Bro what do you do for work?

PresidentSnow: wouldnt you like to know 

WolfieRocks: Yeah thats why I'm asking duh

PresidentSnow: I'm not telling you

WolfieRocks: aweee :( 

KillerQueen: What about me? 

PresidentSnow: no

KillerQueen: aweee :( 

Dabi chuckled and shook his head. The action causes the muscles in his neck to start screaming so he stops immediately with a small hiss. That shit fucking hurts. He decides then that he is done interacting with people and opens up a browser. He starts to do some research on proper preening techniques and methods as he felt earlier he was fumbling around worse than a baby learning to walk. Once he's armed with the knowledge he gained and the experience he had before, he painstakingly crawls (more like bodily drags himself) to the other side of the bed. Wherein he takes Hawks’ other wing into his hands. He then gently starts to preen this wing. That way both of them will be all pretty and healthy when Hawks wakes up again. It's the least he can do after all that Hawks had to put up with for him.

Chapter Text

Hawks was very warm and cozy right now, his eyelids felt heavier than usual and he didn't feel like moving at all. Wakefulness teased him and yet he mentally warded it off. He felt movement and he snapped awake. He noticed very quickly he was sprawled across the bed acting almost as a blanket. His wings was stretched across to cover Dabi's body protectively. The mentioned man is fast asleep. Hawks felt his cheeks heat up as he remembered Dabi had preened his feathers. His instincts were purring their happiness at their mate accepting them. Because clearly preening his wings was very clear mating acceptance. He looks at one of his wings in awe at how pretty they looked now. All shiny and red. His mate did such a good job. Dabi is a good mate. Hawks trills in the back of his throat before he forced it to stop. He doesn't want to wake Dabi up with ugly bird noises. 

Hawks went to pull away from the bed but two arms shot out and pulled him back. Hawks jumped lightly and watched as Dabi's eyes cracked open “What are you doing Birdie? Come back to bed..” 

Well…Who is he to argue? He lets himself be pulled into the nest properly. Contentment and happiness overflow as everything clicks into place. His instincts are singing and tiredness arrived to help him to sleep. Dabi's body was warm, maybe a bit more warm than normal. Either way Hawks curled into the warmth like he just came out of a winter storm.

Waking up the second time, Hawks blinked awake. He was still cuddled up in the nest but noticed gentle fingers trailing through his hair. He let out a trill of affection and heard an adorable laugh. He looks up. Dabi was sitting up (aided by a mountain of pillows) and scrolling on his phone. Hawks’ head was in his lap wherein he was petting him. Mate is so pretty…Hawks was in awe. His blue eyes just sparkled so beautifully and his bird brain attached to the sparkle pretty quickly. His instincts were basically screaming that this must be mate acceptance. Hawks disagreed though. Dabi is fully human and he has an emitter quirk. He'd have no idea about mating behaviors like preening and petting…and nesting. 

“What are you thinking about so intently?” Dabi asks curiously 

Hawks looked at him and wanted to explain but refrained. Dabi is still recovering and Hawks already overwhelmed him with the ice quirk thing. Hawks doesn't want to hurt Dabi by explaining a permanent life bond. He will tell him eventually, just…when the time is right. “Uh…just a case I'm on.” Which doesn't narrow it down because he's been doing paperwork for 20 different ones. Because apparently none of his sidekicks can do their jobs properly. The only one he's found who did their due diligence was Tokoyami during his internship. Which isn't that surprising. 

“I see…” Dabi said softly 

“What are you doing?” Hawks asks curiously 

“Catching up on some things. I've been gone for three weeks after all.” Dabi said

“Oh…yeah.” Hawks said quietly 

“Do you make want to go make something for dinner?” Dabi asked 

It was dinner time? Hawks looked at the time and yup, he'd slept until 4 PM. He vaguely remembers having falling asleep around 9 AM…7 hours? Wow, that's kind of a lot… 

“Yeah. Any requests?” Hawks asks

“Nothing too complicated to eat, I'm not sure if I can do much with chopsticks….Feel free to eat whatever you want though.” Dabi said 

Hawks walked into the kitchen full of glee. He got to do his own mating behavior now! He got to provide. Good mates provide food and safety to their partner. He can do that! His instincts are once again singing at this whole situation. Mate is hungry and he can provide the solution. Hawks gets out the ingredients for a different soup. Nothing with too many large objects you'd need a pair of chopsticks for and not miso. He makes a broth-based soup with small bits of vegetables that are easy to slurp up. For himself, Hawks can't help but add a bit of meat. Dabi did say whatever and Hawks adores meat. Meat tastes so good and he loves the feeling under his fangs. (Fangs that are growing back，Narita would probably have them filed in a few weeks time.) He wishes the meat was bloody and raw though…

Hawks shakes away the thought and happily brings his soups into the other room. He sets up the tray table again and Dabi smiles at him so genuinely. Hawks couldn't help the proud puff of his wings. Dabi took the soup. Hawks made sure he took a sip before having his, though he had to use chopsticks because he had a lot of bigger pieces. He takes a large chuck of beef into his mouth and he has to suppress a trill. The flesh tears under his fangs and his instincts are pleased. Rip and tear. Hawks stomach grumbles loudly and he slurps his soup down almost as fast as he did this morning. He looked at Dabi who had a smirk on his face as he brought his bowl up. That satisfied smirk of his was so cute. 

Hawks remembers then that he should probably make sure he's on schedule with Dabi's bandages and the blankets. He flies the notebook over and checks it. Dabi's bandages usually get changed daily or even twice a day in some places. His arms for example were hurt pretty bad and need to be changed more frequently. Hawks should probably change them soon as he had slept the whole day away. He will admit the food and the sleep really does make him feel better.  

“What are you up to birdie?” Dabi asks curiously

“I've been keeping track of when I need to change your bandages “ Hawks explains “I need to make sure you heal as well as possible.”

“Oh. Do you need to change them?” Dabi asks

“Uh…yeah. “ Hawks said 

“I've finished my soup so we can do it now. I can help, I'm used to doing my own bandages.” Dabi said 

Hawks frowned deeply at the implications, he felt a familiar hatred for anyone who would dare to hurt his mate. He doesn't know much about his history. How he got his scars for example was a mystery to him. But Hawks didn't want to pry into something traumatic like that. His instincts urge him to keep mate in the nest forever so he was safe from all the dangers. Hawks brushes those thoughts away and goes to get his supplies. When he returned Dabi was looking at his broken legs with a resigned look on his face. He pokes at one of the casts. 

“I'm back.” Hawks said

“Oh…” Dabi looks up at him 

“Let's get started then, I can do your arms if you'd like.” 

“I'm sure I could do them.” Dabi said

Hawks didn't want to tell him no despite the fact he was certain he was still having some issues with his finger control. Still, Hawks would be there if he struggles. “Okay, but I can help if you need it.” 

Hawks started to change the ones around Dabi's torso area while Dabi attempted to do the one on his left arm. He was clearly struggling but was too stubborn to say anything. Hawks let him keep going until he looked extremely frustrated with himself. 

“Hey it's okay.” Hawks said, taking hold of his hand, “You're still recovering, it takes time for these things to come back.” 

Dabi was looking at him with this soft expression on his face that had Hawks’ cheeks heat up. He hid the blush as best he could when he started to properly wrap up Dabi's arms. Once all the bandages were changed Hawks wrote it in his notebook.

“Sooo…Did you do the casts too?” Dabi pondered aloud 

“Uh…No actually I had to take you to see a doctor.” Hawks explained 

“...What?” Dabi asked an expression of panic hinting on his face 

“Don't worry, it was strictly off the record! That way they won't figure out you're legally dead.”.

“You…know I'm legally dead?” Dabi asks as the panic on his favorite increased 

“I! I made an educated guess and it made sense to me!” Hawks explained quickly “Don't worry I didn't dig into your personal life at all.” 

“Okay…” Dabi said though he still looked a bit concerned “This doctor guy, do you trust him?” 

“Enough? He was actually my doctor when I was a kid.”

“Yet it's off the record?” Dabi asked

“Ah well he was fired and then he made his own practice. “ Hawks explained

“I see…” Dabi said quietly 

“He was a bit strange but he meant well. I mean he told me about the chip they put in my hea-” He hadn't meant to say that. He wasn't even sure why as he had been avoiding thinking about it. The worst just tumbled out. 

“There is a chip in your head?” Dabi said, a haunted look crossing his features 

“Ah well, it's nothing too serious “ Hawks said

“Hawks. You're telling me someone put some kind of microchip in your head and it isn't too serious?” Dabi’s eyebrows furrowed as his frown cut into his face. Smoke poured from the seams of his mouth. 

“Really it's nothing.” Hawks said trying to diffuse the situation

“What does this chip even supposedly do?” Dabi asked

“Ah…well.. it.” Hawks couldn't tell him that truth because then Dabi would know how much of an animal he is. He was certain it's probably for the best that his instincts are repressed because being more of an animal would terrify citizens and make him a bad hero. He wouldn't be able to keep to his duties because he'd be fulfilling his bird…needs. Which he doesn't need. What if he removes the chip and everything changes for the worse? He'll have a harder time avoiding Narita's punishments. He doesn't want to go through retraining. His hand ghosts his neck at the thought of the “training tool” they had used when he was young to cut down on all bird sounds. He's not sure he could handle going through that again. Would Dabi even love him if he got rid of the chip and turned into a feral monster? Would Hawks become to aggressive and overbearing? He didn't want to hurt Dabi and his instincts already wanted to coddle him. 

“Can you remove it?” Dabi finally asked breaking the very tense silence 

“The doctor offered but I uh…said I'd think about it.” Hawks said

“If my legs weren't broken, I'd drag your ass over there right now to get that shit removed!” Dabi said rather darkly 

“What why?” Hawks said

“I don't know what they told you that chip does, but I can guarantee it's probably more than that. You have to remove it as soon as possible!” Dabi said “Who knows what kind of damage it's done to you over the years!”

“It's probably just in my best interest.” Hawks said which was not the correct thing to say as Dabi looked even more angry. 

“No, it's not! I don't know who they are that hurt you or why they felt the need to chip you but whatever it is it can't be good.” Dabi said 

Hawks knew Dabi was right. Of course he was right. That was the hard part. Hawks didn't want to think about the things the chip was really doing, because it was no doubt more than just his bird instincts. The chip in its origin may have been strictly about suppression of heteromorphs but Narita loved to add her own spins to things that suited her peculiar taste. It's why he was always in surgery as a kid and then thrown back into training with fresh new surgical wounds. Narita had this perfectly crafted image since the moment she became his handler and she would do anything to make him fit that. 

“I…I am scared.” Hawks admits quietly and his body sags as he buried his hands into his hair. His fingers found the soft feathers sneaking into his hairline and he started to pull at them. Clumps of blonde and red feathers are pulled out and little pinpricks of blood start to dot his scalp. “I don't know what to do.” 

Two hands grab his wrists and tug them away from his scalp. Dabi looked saddened as he gently rubbed his thumb against the back of Hawk's hand. He had apparently scooted his body to the edge where his broken legs were now limpy laying over the edge of the bed. He was bent over to reach Hawks. 

“Let me help you. Give me this guy's) number and we can set it up.” Dabi said “It's the least I can do after all you've done for me.” 

Hawks thought he looked like an angel. His expression was so gentle and his touch was so warm. Hawks wanted to crawl back into the nest with him and cuddle into him until this anguish went away. Oh and his eyes, they were the softest blue that Hawks has ever seen and right now they were looking at him. Hawks wanted to smother him in kisses and affection until he could get him to smile. Dabi let go of one of his hands and made a give me motion. Hawks reluctantly unlocks his phone and brings up the number before handing the phone to Dabi. Dabi starts the call, making sure to put it on speaker. The phone rang for a while and for a moment Hawks wasn't sure if it was dread or relief he felt at the thought of the doctor not answering. Finally at the last minute the phone clicks.

“I knew it wouldn't take you long to contact me, Hawks.” Oshita said “Finally ready to get that chip removed?” 

“He is ready.” Dabi said plainly

“Ooooo, Dabi was it? I wasn't expecting you to be awake yet. I'm glad you're doing better now. How are you feeling?” 

“Can it.” Dabi snapped “When can we get this shit removed?” 

“Hmm…Well we can schedule an appointment for the end of the week, it's been a bit busy around here. “  

Hawks didn't like the end of the week, because then he wouldn't get a chance to try and recover before Narita started to harass him to come back to work. He was fairly certain he wouldn't be able to even hide it.

“That's not going to work.” Dabi said “Today or Tomorrow. “

“How about Friday?” 

“Wednesday.” 

“Thursday?” 

“I can and will burn down your hospital.” Dabi said

“I wish I could do it sooner but I'm a busy man and something as delicate as brain surgery needs a lot of prep.” The doctor explains

“Fine. Thursday.” Dabi said

“Lovely, what time? How about noon?” 

“Does that work for you Birdie?” Dabi asks 

“...Yes.” Hawks said

“I'll get to set it up. I'll send over some instructions later so you can prepare for the surgery.” The doctor said “I'm going to have to rush to get it all ready by Thursday though.” 

“But you can do it right?” Dabi asks

“Probably.” The doctor says 

“Good. We will be there Thursday.” 

Hawks should have been concerned about a potentially life changing surgery, but he was captivated by Dabi. He was so hot when he was assertive like this but also so so adorable because his pout is so dramatic and cute. Dabi hung up the phone and looked at him. 

“What?” Dabi asks and Hawks’ cheeks turn pink and this time he's able to repress the cheep that wanted to escape at being caught staring again. 

“Did he tell you anything else? Any other thing you didn’t know about?” Dabi decided to ask

“No.” Hawks answered truthfully 

“Okay.” Dabi said 

Hawks yawned again after that, he was still very tired despite all this sleeping he's been doing. Dabi smirks at him “Bed time?” 

“Nooooo, I have to stay awake.” Hawks complains childishly

“But why?” 

“I have to keep you safe.” Hawks said 

“I'd feel safer if you slept a little.” Dabi counters 

“Still…” He shouldn't get back into the nest, he'd already broken his own rules to not nest. 

“Get your ass in here before I burn down this building.” Dabi said

“Okay okay.” 

Dabi scooted back into a lying position and Hawks slotted in next to him. The bed was large and big enough for the two of them to have space. Hawks didn't want that though, he wanted to curl up against his mate and stay there forever. Still he resisted because he didn't want to overwhelm Dabi.

Chapter Text

Hawks was snoozing behind him, having fallen asleep easily. Dabi wasn't so lucky as any sense of sleepiness escaped him. He had slept with Hawks most of the day and before that he was in a coma. He doesn't feel like sleeping yet. So, Dabi found himself pondering. Thoughts swirled around his brain and he couldn't pinpoint where to start unpacking everything. 

He'll start with Hawks. Earlier he was worried for Hawks when really it was none of his business. He can't help it though. He was worried. Perhaps it was because he was possibly experimented on in the past at that shitty hospital and the thought of someone doing something like that to Hawks triggered him. Even then he was still worried for the bird as an individual. He needs to stop worrying so goddamn much…He rolls over and looks at the sleeping bird next to him. He's very handsome. Dabi isn't afraid to admit that. His eye bags have started to get better and he looks a lot less like death now. Dabi was glad he is okay….But why? Why does he care? Dabi shouldn't care about anyone because that only leads to pain. He's good at being alone. Really truly alone….

Hell…even Dabi knows that's a lie. After all, he was so desperate for his father's attention he almost burnt to death. Even then he never got it. Not even his death made his father think twice about him. Dabi is constantly wanting to be around others and wants them to truly see him. He wants to be seen and he wants to actually exist with them. Hawks was different though. His eyes were sometimes caught on him and he was just staring with sparkling gold eyes as if Dabi was the most beautiful thing in the world. Hawks never seemed to shy away from him even when his worst flaws are exposed. Dabi's heart thunders as he remembers the line Hawks had told him. “I'd rather burn with you then leave you alone to suffer.”.It was right out of a sappy romance movie and Dabi's cheeks kept heating up. All over some stupid sappy shit. 

Does he…like Hawks? No.. love Hawks? Dabi’s heart jumps and he rolls over to bury his red face into the pillow. It's hard to ignore it, this warmth. It wasn't like the heat of his quirk. It filled up his entire body and traveled through dead nerve endings to tingle his skin. His heart fluttered and small butterflies mimicked the feeling in his stomach. He felt stupid, like a schoolgirl who was deeply in love with a boy. He was an adult dammit! He shouldn't be acting this way. 

Still…He rolls over so he can look at Hawks again. Dabi smiles softly as his eyes travel over his features. He loves him. There. He admits it. He loves Hawks. The Number 3 Pro-Hero. He loves him so much that it almost hurts. He doesn't care anymore if he is a pro hero because he's proven over and over again that he's different…He actually cares. Dabi’s face heats up so much it starts steaming. Does Hawks love him too? 

Dabi had to ward off the demons wanting to deny it. It's possible that he does. He took care of him for 3 weeks and just has such a soft expression whenever he sees Dabi….Even if he does love him, how would Dabi bring it up? Hawks may not love him the same way. He may see how obsessive and touch-starved Dabi can get and be disgusted. Dabi isn't sure that is something he could handle. Being rejected after getting to know what real love feels like. 

A wing comes to cover him like a blanket and he jumps lightly. Hawks is fast asleep still, but he had been shifting closer without Dabi realizing. His wing now came to blanket him with soft red feathers. Dabi knows he's warmer than normal right now but the sleeping bird didn't seem to care as he ended up cuddling against him despite starting at a distance. Dabi couldn't feel the heat of Hawks’ body but he could feel the weight. It was comforting to him as Hawks’ weight made the affection-hungry side of him feel so much better. It reminds him of being a child and curling up with Natsuo on the worst nights because his youngest brother was such a teddy bear.

Natsuo….Dabi hadn't replied to his private message on Twitter. What is he going to do? If his family knows he's alive then he'll be forced to speak with Endeavor again. He'd rather set himself on fire (again) and this time he wouldn't come back. He's fairly certain anyway. Maybe it'll be harder this time with an ice quirk. Would the quirk be able to stop him from burning? The ice is something he hasn't played with yet. He doesn't know what properties it holds or if it'll even be useful to him. He'd need to figure it out ..Anyway he was thinking about something else a second ago…

Right! Natsuo. His siblings. How did they react to the possibility of him not really being dead? In the past he'd easily say they wouldn't care but Natsuo had reached out to him. Maybe he wanted to give him a piece of his mind for leaving the family…Dabi doesn't know what to expect. Fuyumi will probably urge him to speak with Endeavor to let bygones be bygones but he'd tell her the same thing he thought earlier. He'd rather burn alive again. Shouto, well that kid was always hard to read but maybe he'd look down at him for having manifested his ice so late in life. Would his father be mad at him? “How dare you run off and sully my good name?” His mother…Well, she never cared to begin with. Why care now? 

Maybe Dabi is scared of facing his past. It's not something so easily done after all. Even just his time in the streets made his stomach curl uncomfortably. Would his family find him disgusting? For whoring himself out like that for some shitty food and even shitter shelter? It would've been so much easier if he had just stayed dead on Sekoto peak. That way he'd stay a regular failure and not a complete failure like he is now. But then…if he had died then…He wouldn't have gotten to know Hawks… 

He sighs lightly as the thoughts don't seem to be any clearer. He loves Hawks but what if Hawks doesn't love all of him? He…he kind of misses his siblings but…at the same time he wants nothing to do with that family. He left them behind when he was 16 for a reason, they'd left him in the past….But then why would they want to see him in the future. Why does Natsuo care enough to even reach out? Sure they were really close as kids and Natsuo was the unfortunate target of a lot of depressed rants kind of similar to this one. Even then Dabi knew Natsuo had grown tired of him and his ramblings. Touya Todoroki was too stubborn and angry as a child and that furthered the rift in their family. 

Hawks nuzzles his arm and mumbles something incoherent. Dabi looks at him curiously his thought train derailed. What was his story? Dabi knows he's the number 3 hero. He can't recall where he went for hero training though, it was as if he popped into existence at his hero debut and took off from there. Someone in the past had a microchip installed in his head and that made Dabi feel a lot of emotions. Anger. He was angry someone would hurt his bird…er the bird. Sadness. He was sad that Hawks had been through so much. Dread. When he had asked Hawks what it did he hadn't been able to answer. Whatever it was it definitely was not good in the slightest. Dabi doesn't want to pry, especially considering how hard Hawks is working not to pry into his business. Perhaps they're both a bit curious about each other but don't want to dig too deep, less they unearth some skeletons that were never meant to be dug up. Dabi can't imagine telling Hawks everything, even with his affection for him. 

Though maybe they both have their secrets and sharing them would make them both breathe easier. It was similar to his quirk. Whenever he repressed the fire too long it tended to explode. Suppressing secrets and their connected emotions it was a ticking time bomb. Perhaps he'd always been waiting for it to go off. Would he explode again in a large burst of flames and never be seen again? Say something he can't take back? He's conditioned himself not to think about it all too deeply and yet here he is overthinking everything. 

…Did he want to see his family? Even just…his siblings. If he's honest he's always been curious about what path they've taken in life, except for maybe Shouto. Knowing what he's been up to is as simple as bringing up the news. It's actually concerning now that he thinks about how many incidents Shouto and his class have been a part of thus far. So…maybe Dabi does care. Hell maybe they all fucking care too. He's not the same bastard they knew. They'd see the new him and wish he had just stayed their dead brother. 

Ah that's what it is. He couldn't handle their rejection if he met up with them again. He couldn't handle being forgotten again. Tossed aside like a broken doll. Worse if they wanted to use him. He was tired of being used. In every sense of the word. Of course, he knows…knew them. Natsuo was headstrong but mainly a softie on the inside and Fuyumi was always soft and caring. Even if her happiness bordered on delusion sometimes. He never really knew Shouto not since they were separated. He doesn't think a hero brat would want to make use of him somehow but then again heros of all forms can be misleading. There is a pang in his heart as he signs softly to himself. 

He thought this side of him was long dead. Apparently life had other plans. Maybe opening up emotionally to Hawks had started the leak of all of his repressed feelings. That would be the new joke huh. Now he's going to flood with emotions again and become a huge crybaby. Wait….He can't cry. Maybe…that was the greatest joke of all. 

Natsuo finds himself wishing summer would end because the lack of classes left him with very little to fill his time with. Instead he found himself endlessly worrying about Touya. It had been 3 weeks since his disappearance and there was no word of him. The rumors and theories were numerous and Natsuo wanted to believe Hawks was somewhere keeping his brother protected from everything. 

Still, he's worried. In fact, right now he was staring at his phone though nothing really registered. A heavy blanket was on his shoulders and the apartment was noticeably cold with small bits of frost decorating the glass in the room. He struggled to control his quirk with emotions. He read in his Intro to Psych class that often quirks having to do with elements are more connected to temperament than others. Fire, ice, even water and earth quirks. Quirks often affect the person and cause them to act a certain way. Someone with an ice quirk may generally act more cold than average. It was an emerging new branch of psychology that stems from a general lack of understanding into quirks. 

Natsuo had an interest in quirks, particularly ones that are dysfunctional or don't mesh well with someone's body. He wanted to help people understand their quirk and their relationship to it so he can help others like Touya…Even as a kid he was passionate about helping his brother understand, because he was very talented with fire and yet didn't have the resistance. Natsuo wanted to help him figure it out. He had hoped there had been something they could have done to fix it or at least mitigate the damage. Touya died young and Natsuo never got the change.

Except for the fact, he isn't dead. Covered in scars over most of his body, the continued use of a quirk not compatible with the body taking its toll. In a sense Natsuo feels like he'd failed Touha even more. If only he had been able to help when they were younger, then Touya wouldn't have had to suffer so much. He knows it's stupid, he was a kid. He couldn't have done shit. He wants to help now but that starts with knowing Touya is safe and alive. His phone buzzes and he blinks down at it. 

3 weeks ago

DoctorIce: Hey Touya, it's me Natsuo. I'm sorry it took this long but I'm happy to know you're alive. We need to talk. 

Doctorice: I miss you. 

Now

Dabi: i have no idea who this Touya person is but its not me

Natsuo gasped delightedly. Touya had answered him! He's okay! Natsuo knows it's a message of dismissal but he'd be more surprised if Touya readily fessed up. 

Doctorice: I know it's you Touya. 

Dabi: you got the wrong guy 

Doctorice: I know for a fact that the only person who can craft a dragon out of flames is you, so you ain't fooling anyone. 

Dabi: so what if that kid did it? I learned it on my own

I'm not your brother

Doctorice: I never said Touya was my brother 

Caught red handed. Natsuo smirked as a watched Dabi type for a minute before giving up entirely on trying to salvage that. Natsuo is actually surprised Dabi didn't just straight up block him at that point. He’s just glad to have made any sort of contact with Touya. He screenshots the DM conversation.

You: gottem

[Image attachment]

Shou: Touya is okay. I'm glad 

Yumi-Nee: TOUYAAAAAA 😭😭😭😭

Natsuo chuckled lightly at his siblings differing reactions. He knows Fuyumi is probably weeping right now. She's got her hands in the air and she's on her knees screaming. Tears streaming down her face. 

Shou: [Image attachment ]

Damn, he almost had the whole image correct. The only difference is Fuyumi was holding her phone in her hand still. 

Shou: Should I be concerned?

You: she will be fine

probs

Yumi-Nee: TOUYA IS ALIVEE AHAHSBSB FBSNANABS

You:...

probs

Shou: She's started screaming at the top of her lungs…

You: Shou. Get her a pillow.

Shou: Why?

You: Trust me. Get one right now for your safety. 

Shou: okay

Shou: She is aggressively beating the pillow.

You: that's good 

She won't take it out on you

Shou: I didn't know Nee-San was so aggressive 

You: It's how she expresses high emotion

Shou: How do you know this?

You:...You don't want to know.

Shou: Has he said anything else?

You: I think he's ignoring me at this point. I'm just happy to know he's okay.

Shou: I hope his injuries aren't severe 

You: me too 

So…is she still screaming?

Shou: she is…

Baking?

You: I see 

I think she is stress baking since she's now worried about Touya's injuries being bad. 

Shou: How did you know?

You: I just know

Shou: huh

You: Are you excited for summer camp? 

Shou: I am. I will be working really hard on my quirk.

You: just that?

Shou: It's a training camp. We're meant to be training. 

You: You hero students have it rough

Shou: It's a great opportunity. 

 You: sounds dreadful

Yumi-neei: Does anyone know where Hawks lives? 

You: Uh no 

Yumi wtf 

Shou: No 

Yumi-nee: I made cookies and I want to give them to Touya.

You: we don't even know if Touya is with Hawks 

Yumi-Nee: and? We can figure it out.

You: We can't just show up at some guys doorstep and demand to know if our brother is in there 

Yumi-Nee: But how am I supposed to get rid of all these cookies?

You: You could donate them to your favorite younger brother.

Tuni-Neei: I don't have a favorite younger brother.

You: Donate to your favorite brother? 

Yumi-Nee: I wanted to but I don't know where he is 😭😭

You:I don't know if I should be hurt or not because Touya is pretty cool

Shou: You are my favorite sister Nee-san.

Fuyumi: Aweee Shoutooooo 

You: BISH SHE'S YOUR ONLY SISTER 

Shou: Touya's my favorite brother 😤

You: Wait no I'm sorry

Fuyumi: SMH Natsuo

You: You are both my least favorite siblings

Yumi-Nee: You wound me 😢

You: >:P 

Can I still get some cookies?

Yumi-Nee: Well dad isn't home if you wanted to stop by

You: OMW

Dabi was in full panic mode at this point. He had fucked up. Majorly fucked up. He had tried to throw Natsuo off his case but had slipped up without meaning too. Natauo had mentioned that fucking dragon trick and he was suddenly reminded he had shown Natsuo that move when he was developing it origimally. At that point he was panicking too hard. God he's so fucking stupid. The most he could do at this point was bury his face into the pillow and scream. Of course the action had Hawks walk into the room concerned. 

“What's wrong?” Hawks asks

“Nothing.” Dabi muttered into the pillow 

“Seems like more than just nothing…” Hawks asks sitting on the bed next to him 

“It's nothing.” Dabi said rolling over 

“If you say so…” Hawks said

Hawks stood up and looked at him for a moment before walking back into the other room to continue making lunch. Dabi grabs his phone from the end of the bed where he threw it, which was not at all a comfortable or painless process. When he finally sat back having barely grabbed onto the thing he never wanted to raise his body again with how sore his muscles are. Dabi had ended up on Natsuo’a profile as he had considered blocking him. 

Doctorice @FrostMonster 

I nominate Endeavor for the Ice bucket challenge. 

335 following 20 followers 

The name Frostmonster was familiar to him and he couldn't put his finger on it. It escaped him despite how much it scratched the back of his brain. Just where had he seen it before…A message from the Endeavor Hate Club pops up and there it was. Clear as day. He remembered now. Frostmonster was one of the first to join the discord server and to follow his PresidentSnow Twitter account. He'd been an active member ever since. Touya felt like he should've seen this coming, no one hates Endeavor more than the Todorokis. Oh god were all of his siblings on the Discord server? Well, maybe not Fuyumi. Shouto may very well be. Fuck…He can't escape them can he. Who knows how long they'd all been talking and not recognizing the other. 

“I finished! I hope you like it.” Hawks said walking into the room. He placed a plate in the tray table that had several katsu sando's on it. Damn they looked good and Dabi felt his stomach rumble rather loudly. He flushed embarrassed. At least his appetite was back… Hawks of course looked very proud of himself. Dabi takes a bite of the sando and fucking hell it was so good. 

Hawks saw him take a bite and immediately dug in himself. His sandwiches had a lot more pork cutlet than Dabi's. Maybe the bird was more of a carnivore. That would make sense since a hawk is a bird of prey. Dabi wonders if Hawks has a different diet than most. Maybe he can't eat certain things. Are there some things that are poisoness to birds? Dabi really doesn't know a whole lot but he'll have to look into it. Maybe he can pay Hawks back with some food. Everyone likes a good meal. 

“Do you like them?” Hawks asks

“Yeah, they're good.” Dabi says 

Hawks trills and happily shoves an entire sando into his mouth. He didn't miss a beat though as he swallows it. Dabi finds himself wondering about the bird's eating habits again. Does he also stop himself from eating what he wants? He is seemly embarrassed by his bird sounds so maybe he's embarrassed of what he likes to eat too. Dabi didn't understand why Hawks feels like he can't be himself, even when he's at home. Maybe it has something to do with his past…

With little warning Dabi's phone started blowing up with notifications and Dabi grew concerned. Either Sakura was ranting again or it was something far worse. He unlocks his phone. Dear God it was worse. So much worse. 

Doctorice added MissFreeze, FireNIce, and Dabi to the group chat. 

Doctorice renamed the groupchat to “Todoroki siblings reunion” 

Doctorice changed the cover photo. 

Doctorice: Let's go group chat! 

MissFreeze: Touya-nii! We miss youuuuuu 😭

Please come home

I want to see you again 

FireNIce: I want to get to know you. 

Yeah no fuck that. Dabi immediately leaves the group chat only to be added back. He pouts at this before leaving again. He was once more added back. 

Dabi: I'm not Touya 

Doctorice: You so are

Dabi: No

Doctorice: I know it's you

Dabi: It's not me. Let me leave this group chat.

Doctorice: No

MissFreeze: How are you doing Touya-nii? 

Dabi: I'm not Touya

MissFreeze: It's okay! You don't have to deny it!

Shou: I have drawn a comparison [Image attachment of a picture of Touya next to a picture of Dabi that compares the two]

Dabi: that's not me 

DoctorIce: Looks like you though

MissFreeze: The resemblance is even more noticeable with that picture. 

Dabi sighed heavily and buried his face in his hands. They knows it him and there's no reason to deny it now. Even if he blocks them now they'll still know and find him eventually. He's majorly fucked up.

“Is…everything okay?” Hawks asks and Dabi peaks up at him through his fingers 

“Just some…family stuff.” Dabi said 

“Oh.” Hawks said with a touch of surprise 

“Yeah it's…shitty.” 

“I understand, my family wasn't so great.” Hawks said 

Dabi looked at him curiously. “Guess families are just that way huh.” 

“Yeah…” Hawks said

Dabi picked up his phone again with a resolve. He can't hide it now. Time to see what they really want from him. His fingers feel like their on fire as he types and his heart shudders with nerves.

Dabi: So what if I am Touya? 

Doesn't matter anyway 

MissFreeze: It's Doesn't matter?!

Of course it matters! You're our brother and you're alive! 

We've all missed you so much! 

How could you say it doesn't matter?!

Dabi: You left me in the past

That boy you knew is long dead 

Doctorice: Left in the past?

What are you talking about? 

There wasn't a day that passed where we didn't miss you！

Dabi: Bullshit

FireNIce: They talk about you a lot, it has made me want to know you properly. 

Dabi: You guys stopped caring about me a long time ago

MissFreeze: That's not true.

FireNIce: Nii-san if I can ask, if you were alive all this time why didn't you come home?

Dabi: You think I didn't? 

MissFreeze: What do you mean by that? 

DoctorIce: Touya…

Dabi: Know what?

Fuck this

Don't message me again. 

Dabi threw his phone away and he only barely noticed Hawks catching it before it slammed into the floor. Dabi's eyes burned with tears that couldn't fall and he curled up into a ball. Everything hurt. His muscles screamed at him and his injuries throbbed. He wants to believe that they care, but he can't bring himself to. Not after what he saw. He was left behind, forgotten. The only remnant of him was a shrine tucked away in a small room. It was as if he'd never lived at all. 

Hawks crawled into the bed next to him and laid down a bit away. Soft wings lay on top of him like blankets and the weight of them starts to ground him. Hawks then hugs Dabi properly. Dabi tries to relax a little and ease into the hug. It was comforting. Hawks didn't say a word. Dabi didn't either. The two were locked in a comfortable silence as Dabi started to calm down. Dabi knows friends don't do this but they had cuddled in this bed a lot by now. It was as natural as breathing at this point. Dabi could lie and say it was because he wanted to trick Hawks to sleep…well it kind of was. But he also wanted to be this close. 

“Thank you.” Dabi mutters softly 

“Of course.” Hawks responds just as softly 

It was then he wanted to say…

I love you. 

Chapter Text

Hawks worried a great deal for Dabi. Yesterday he was apparently dealing with some family issues and all day today he was silent. He sat in the middle of the bed and just stared at the ceiling for hours in end. It was unlike him to be so quiet. Hawks wasn't sure what happened but it wasn't good. He just wants to comfort him in a way that helps. After getting all his work for the day done, Hawks noticed he was still out of it entirely. 

“Did you want to do something?” Hawks asks and Dabi doesn't really react to the words as he figeted with his fingers. He was very clearly lost in thought. “Hey Dabs….” 

“Yeah?” Dabi asks suddenly alert

“Did you want to do something?” Hawks asks 

“Like what?” Dabi asks

“I don't know really, I've never done much outside of work.” Hawks said

“I see… Have any board games?” Dabi asks

“Uhh…I may have a deck of cards somewhere.” 

“I'm guessing you don't have Uno?” 

“Uh…No.” Hawks said 

“Dang.” Dabi said 

“Uh…I guess I could set up the TV in here and we could watch a movie together. “ Hawks suggests 

“That could be fun.” Dabi said thoughtfully 

“Yeah okay. I'll set it up!” Hawks aaid

He was very eager to please so he was fast when he went to the other room to grab the TV. He unplugged it and hefted it under one arm. He walked back into the bedroom and started to set it up. He struggled for a moment to get it to work but it eventually starting working as intended.

“What do you want to watch?” Hawks asks

Dabi was spaced out again with a sad expression on his face. He probably hadn't even noticed Hawks return from getting the TV. Hawks worried his lip but didn't say anything directly. If Dabi wanted to talk about it he would, otherwise Hawks just had to be there. Hawks sits on the bed in the nest next to Dabi who jumped at his sudden arrival. 

“Any requests?” Hawks asks with a cheeky smile 

“Uh…I don't even know.” Dabi said 

“Hmmm…Maybe something light and dramatic? 

“Light and dramatic?” Dabi quotes with a raised eyebrow

“What? I think I'd be nice.” Also he doesn't know any movies period.

“I'm assuming you have a bunch of streaming services?” Dabi asks

“Yup.” 

“Give me the remote.” Dabi said

Hawks is happy to oblige and hands him the remote. What Dabi selects is a movie Hawks has never heard of but Dabi seems quite pleased with the choice. It was a movie called “A Whisker Away.”.

“It's an old movie.” Dabi explains “Like very old. Pre-quirk.”  

“I see.” Hawks said 

The movie starts and Hawks finds himself relaxing a bit into the story. It was about a girl who wanted the attention of her crush so she turned into a cat. Hawks doesn't really get it because he's never been good with cats. Maybe it's easier to be something like a cat though in the face of someone you love. Does this mean Dabi would like him even if he was fully a bird? 

He looks at Dabi and Dabi wasn't really watching the movie. His eyes were pinned on the screen but he didn't appear to be reacting at all. Hawks feels like he had failed again to make Dabi happy. He'd have to buy some board games next time! Uno or whatever it was… That's not really the problem though. No matter what, Dabi is still going to be upset. Hawks doesn't expect him to be happy all of a sudden but he does want to take his mind off of the problem for a moment. Suddenly Dabi looks at him and Hawks blushes at being caught staring again. 

“Can I preen your wings again birdie?” 

Hawks turns bright red like his feathers and nods quickly in agreement. He moved himself so he was to the side of Dabi where his wings would be in reach. A second later he felt warm fingers start to gently shift through his feathers and it sent a shiver up his back. He melted under the attention. Dabi was meticulous with his preening. Straightening feathers and removing broken ones. Hawks felt each feather click into place as the tension he didn't know he was holding faded away. At this point he was only barely watching the movie but he was too blessed to care. 

“You are adorable.” Dabi said and Hawks doesn't get a chance to respond as Dabi starts on the downy fluff. It was at that point that rational Hawks checked out. 

Dabi knew he was being incredibly selfish right now. But preening Hawks’ feathers was the kind of distraction he needed from the catastrophic thoughts he was having. The movie was cute but he was barely watching it. His attention was on the purring bird in front of him. His purring is so adorable, like a little kitten. 

He wonders how anyone could dare to hurt someone so precious. Who convinced him that making bird sounds was something he needed to silence? They were all very cute and Dabi thinks Hawks is perfect no matter what. A cute little birdie. Dabi finished both wings and Hawks slumped against him. Dabi took the time to gently pet Hawks' head and also fluff the cute little feathers in his hair. They weren't all red like the ones on his back, there were more than a few blond little feathers mixed in. Dabi found himself cooing at how cute the little baby feathers are. Hawks cooed back and Dabi smiled at how cute it was. 

“Cute birdie.” Dabi says and Hawks doesn't respond with words. 

Hawks does roll over and stare up at him with wide sparkling eyes. Dabi smiles at him and Hawks coos again as he dragged himself forward to nuzzle into his heat. Dabi's heart starts to beat much faster and his cheeks heated. Hawks didn't seem to care much as he nuzzled his neck happily. Thankfully Hawks was surprisingly light so Dabi didn't feel crushed. Dabi looks up and noticed the movie had ended at some point. He hadn't noticed. 

“Thank you” Dabi said softly, feeling a need to thank him for the distraction. Hawks didn't respond. He didn't need to either. 

Fuyumi had been down since the other day. She felt…bad. She had gone back to old habits and was overbearing with Touya. She had acted like he was still that stubborn kid who she didn't want to see hurt. Touya is a man. He has his own life and struggles. He was different than the kid she knew. The guilt had started to eat at her so she was quick to schedule a new therapy appointment. That's where she was now. Quietly sitting in the waiting room as thoughts rushed through her mind. It's possible that Touya will never want to speak with her again. Is she okay with that? She'll have to be okay with that. It just hurts…knowing he's so close and yet he couldn't be further away. 

“Todoroki-san?” Came the voice of her therapist. 

“I'm here.” Fuyumi said standing up

“Great. Come on in.” Her therapist said 

Her therapist was an older lady, her dark brown hair having streaks of silver. She had green glasses on her nose because her vision had gotten worse with age. There were smile lines on her face but also some wrinkles from stress. Doctor Oshita Yuri was really so kind. 

“Thank you for making time.” Fuyumi said respectfully 

“It was no issue at all.” Yuri assures

Fuyumi settled on the overly soft couch and Yuri closed the door. Yuri settled in her chair and smiled at her gently.

“So, how have things been?” 

“Uh..good. I guess.” Fuyumi said “I've been fine at work and have even bonded with my siblings quite a bit.” 

“That's good. If I remember correctly, since Natsuo has moved out the three of you had been particularly distant.” 

“Yes that's correct.” Fuyumi said 

“Siblings are so complicated.” Yuri said “I am quite distant from my own brother so I can understand that feeling of missing them and wondering how they are.” 

“Yeah it's…crushing.” Fuyumi said

“At least you are talking to them again! I know they mean quite a lot to you. Having had to raise them by yourself.” Yuri said

“Yeah…” Fuyumi said quietly 

“There is something else though?”

“Ah well…I recently got in contact with my…very good friend. We used to be close when we were kids but it's been more than a decade since we've last spoken.”

“I'm glad you were able to reconnect. Especially if you were so close.”

“Well…Yes.” Fuyumi fidgeted with the pillow on the couch to calm her nerves 

“How did it go?” Yuri prompts 

“Uh…not well. Not well at all.” Fuyumi said ducking her head

“What do you mean by not well?” Yuri asks softly

“I…In the time we've been apart, he's gone through so much all alone. So I was really concerned about him. I was far too pushy and overbearing which only pushed him away.” Fuyumi explained “I just care too much.” 

“I don't think it's wrong that you care too much, after all you guys were good friends. From what you said this friend of yours has been through a lot. But don't forget you've been through a lot too. You had to grow up really quickly to care for your two younger brothers. You've had to take care of them and make sure they were safe for many of your most formative years. It's only natural that you'd want to give your friend the same care.” Yuri said “The thing is this friend sounds like he's very independent and has to face a lot of challenges without anyone else to support him. People like that tend to not trust anyone but themselves. It's harder for them to be open to others after crafting such a tough shell. So when given care they often push it away or run away themselves.”

“Oh.” Fuyumi said quietly, unsure what to say in reply 

“He's not ready to let you in, because he doesn't want to let anyone in.” 

“But…I just want to speak to him again. I- I miss him so much- I…It hurts.” Fuyumi wipes at her eyes that were starting to tear up. Yuri leaned over and handed her a tissue “Thank you.” 

“The best case scenario is you show him you care and he reaches out to you. A simple message every so often to remind him you're there but not expecting anything. A simple good morning or wishing him a good day. No more than that. He won't answer immediately.If he wants to reconnect he will reach out but you also may have to accept that he doesn't want to reconnect with you. He doesn't owe you a relationship because you knew each other in the past. No matter now close.”.

He doesn't owe you a relationship. What a funny sentence. Fuyumi swallows a lump in her throat. She's right. Touya doesn't owe her a damn thing. Just because they were siblings at one point doesn't mean he'll be her brother again. She was so blinded by the idea of getting him back that she forgot Touya is his own person who genuinely believes his family had buried him. Hell they had buried him! The fucking small shrine being the only thing Endeavor allowed as a reminder of their dead brother. He has every right to resent them. 

“Yeah I…I didn't think about that.” Fuyumi said 

“It's perfectly understandable.” Yuri said “Being apart from someone so close to you is painful. Like a piece being ripped away from you. It's hard to imagine they wouldn't want to be the same even after so many years but the peices won't fit together anymore. So, you either make a new puzzle or part ways to connect with other people. “ 

“Yeah…I…I just hope he doesn't resent me.” Fuyumi said 

“I'm sure he doesn't.” Yuri said comfortingly “It's hard to resent someone you knew well, even when you've been apart for so long. “ 

“But…I haven't always been the best. I…I was far too overbearing as a kid and often we would disagree on things and he'd push me away and…and I'd just let him leave.”

“it sounds like you two have been in this situation far longer than you realize, a tear in relationship has only grown with time. “

“I wish I could change it…I regret every day how I never heard him out and just listened! I was so worried about him getting hurt.” 

“You have a big heart.” Yuri said “You care so much that you want to make sure that the people you care about are smothered in love. But it can be hard to know what to do with that when someone is hurting. He knew then and he probably knows now that you really do care about him. But he can't get himself to trust you. To trust anyone for that matter. “ 

“Yeah…I guess.” Fuyumi says quietly 

“Trust is hard to gain.” Yuri said calmly “Just showing him that you care in small amounts can really start building that bridge. But only if he wants to trust you too.” 

“Yeah…okay.” 

Natsuo knows he fucked up. He'd been holed up in his apartment with his hands buried in his hair. He fucked up. He hadn't meant to get so excited but he just couldn't help it. He wanted to have his family again. He fucked up. 

Natsuo was alone most of his life. His father never even looked at him and his mother stopped caring the moment he left the womb. His only companion was his older brother. His best friend. Touya always saw him and talked to him. Kept up with the shows he liked and the games he enjoyed. Touya was absolutely terrible at league of legends but he still played to make his brother happy. Natsuo had Touya until he had no one. Rei was taken away and Fuyumi was forced to step up. Natsuo could never repay her kindness, but even then no one paid him much mind. Natsuo will be fine, he's always fine. He's the stable middle brother who can hold his own weight. 

He was always cracking under the pressure of being the self-actualized son. Fuyumi was allowed to be stressed as both sister and mother. Natsuo had to stay the same, less the family crumble. Shouto was allowed to cry because he was going through the worst of it. Natuso never had a reason to cry even if it felt like the world was crumbling and no one could see it. 

Finding Touya again had.. sparked something and he desperately wanted him again. His best friend. The boy who easily saw the cracks in their family. He'd see him cracking and tell everyone. But then Natsuo got too excited to have his family together again. That stupid fucking group chat. He's so fucking stupid! It was far too soon. He'd be surprised if Touya ever talked to any of them ever again! 

Natsuo tugged at his hair for a moment before releasing the chunks and buying his face in his hands. He was ashamed of himself for pushing that hard. There was a reason Touya didnt come back and Natsuo feared he was part of it. Touya was right. They had buried him and his memory. Other than the whispers they'd share in the dark of the night, they had moved on following their father's ideals to suppress his memory. By that point Natsuo had given up on finding Touya and he was only a kid at the time. He did what his father said because he didn't know what else to do. Unable to properly process the loss of his older brother. 

Natsuo knew that Dabi thought he was completely forgotten…Dabi had been vocal about his abandonment and time spent on the streets. It was the backstory he gave every interviewer. A story that told very little of his actual past while giving a small piece to satiate the curious. Natsuo knew it wouldn't be easy and yet yesterday he had a lapse of judgment. 

Dabi was never going to talk to him again. He had betrayed any amount of trust he may have had. Dabi had been the one to slip up in denying it but Natsuo was the one who took it too far. Too eager to reform the siblings.In the past he had criticized Fuyumi for trying to force their family together and yet he had just done that very thing. 

His phone buzzed in his pocket with a call and Natuso tugged it out of his pocket. The thing was practically dead, having not charged it since last night. Still he was able to recognize his sister’s contact. 

“Hello Nee-san.” Natsuo says quietly

“Hey. Are you doing okay?” Fuyumi asks 

“I'm fine.” Natsuo said though just heart wasn't really…in it. 

“Hey, if you're upset it's okay. We all messed up. I…messed up.” 

“You didn't do anything Yumi! I d-”

“I did. I was overbearing and pushy. I expected him to run back to us like he was still the kid we knew. He's a different person. Heck, we're all different people now than we were all that time ago. He doesn't owe it to us to be our brother.”

“That was…Surprisingly different from your usual opinion.” 

“Ah well, I just got out of therapy so all of this is fresh on my mind.” Fuyumi said quietly 

“I just…wish I could go back and change my approach. I did what you used to do and tried to force the family together again. It never works out.” Natsuo said

 “I know you and him were close when you were kids and I know you missed him. You went out every night to try and find him. Not that you've finally found him you'd do anything to be brothers again.” Fuyumi said quietly 

“Yeah…” Natsuo said

“Did you maybe want to come eat dinner? Our father is out of town for some mission so we can have something just the three of us.” Fuyumi said

“I don't know…” Natsuo said

“You don't have too, but I'd be nice to see you. Shouto is going to be going to summer camp soon so you should at least see him before then. We can talk about Touya then too if you want, try to clear everyone's heads. I don't want to pressure Touya any more than we already have so maybe we should talk about the possibility of him not wanting to see us again….Even if the idea of it hurts. “ 

“Yeah. We need to talk.” Natsuo agreed meekly “About a lot of things.” 

Shouto isn't very good with emotions. Particularly when it comes to other people's. It's even worse when it comes to texting and messaging. People are so complex with their emotions and oftentimes don't convey them well in their messaging. 

That being established, he could tell Touya had not been too happy yesterday with the group chat. He isn't sure exactly what emotions everyone was feeling but Shouto felt pretty bad. There was a pang of something in his chest. It was similar to the feeling he feels when meeting his mom. Shouto thought perhaps they were all too upfront. 

Shouto just wants to get to know Touya. He'd never gotten to really know any of his siblings due to his father but with Natsuo and Fuyumi he got the chance. He doesn't know anything about Touya. What is his favorite food? Does he have any hobbies? Favorite color? Shouto wanted to know but it seemed Touya does not wish to speak with them. Shouto did not want to push him with these questions, so he's left a bit lost on what to do. Shouto heard the front door open. He looked at the punching bag in front of him for a moment before deciding to figure our who was home. So he wandered from the training room to see who it was. Fuyumi was taking off her shoes as he entered the room. She looked up at him and smiled.

“Hey Shouto.” She greets 

“Welcome home Nee-san.” Shouto said. He remembers her mentioning going to therapy today at breakfast. Shouto had nodded his understanding then. It made him wonder if it was something he'd like to try. “How was your appointment?”

“Good, good. Helped me clear my head a bit.” Fuyumi said 

“That's good then.” Shouto said

“Did you want anything specific for dinner? Natsuo is coming over tonight “ Fuyumi said 

“Soba.” Shouto said 

“Of course.” Fuyumi said exasterbated

At dinner that night three Todoroki siblings gathered at the dinner table to dine together. Fuyumi was trying to start up some small talk but Natsuo was unusually quiet. Shouto wasn't sure what responses she was looking for because he was not good at that kind of thing. 

“We should talk about Touya.” Natsuo said quietly, almost too quietly

“Ah…yes.” Fuyumi said looking grave “Yesterday we messed up. He was overwhelmed and we pushed him away from us. Not to mention we…didn't think about how he'd changed. He's been through a lot.”

“I shouldn't have made the group chat.” Natsuo said quietly 

“Your heart was in a good spot Natsu. This situation is just far greater than us. Touya has no reason to trust us. He has no obligation to even talk to us.” 

“Oh…” Shouto uttered “I suppose that makes sense.” 

“I know you were really hoping to learn more about him Shouto.” Fuyumi said quietly 

“I'd rather not make him uncomfortable. I'd be happy as long as he's happy. “ Shouto said 

“We can try to message him individually from time to time but I wouldn't do it all too often. Just a small reminder that we are here for him. There is no promise he'll answer back.” Fuyumi said

“He's probably already sick of me. I'll just leave him alone.” Natsuo said defeated 

“Natsu…” Fuyumi said softly with concern etched into her features. 

“No matter what happens, I want the three of us to stay together. I…want to be family.” Shouto said

“Aweeee, Shouuuutoooo.” Fuyumi coos 

Natauo smiles “Yeah, let's stick together.” 

“We should also burn dad.” Shouto said 

“Yeah! I have an ice quirk though.” Natsuo said

“Shoutoooo.” Fuyumi said “No killing.”

“So maiming is fine then?”

Natsuo lost it then and started laughing hysterically. Fuyumi clutched at her metaphorical pearls. “Shouto no!” 

“Always an idea to keep for later.” Shouto said innocently 

Chapter Text

Hawks was nervous. Today he was getting brain surgery to remove the microchip. He had followed the doctor's instructions to not eat or drink for some time. He was practically shaking with nerves yet he was trained in how to hide it. He's scared. Terrified. He can't help it really. Even as he flies both him and Dabi to Oshita's hospital. When they land, Oshita walks out with a wheelchair and waves at them widely. A small grin stretched across his face. 

“Good morning.” Oshita greets 

“Good morning.” Hawks said cordially 

“Morning.” Dabi said boredly 

Hawks helps Dabi settle into the wheelchair before pushing him as they follow the doctor into the hospital. Hawk's hands were gripped so tight to the handles that his knuckles were white and his hands were starting to cramp. The doctor takes them to a waiting room. It was fairly normal with fake plants and a small TV, as well as some basic refreshments in the corner. 

“Okay, here's how this is going to go. Me and him are going to go to surgery and you'll be waiting here. Once it's done I will come fetch you and bring you to him.”.

“I hate this plan.” Dabi said bitterly 

“It's the only thing that is going to work since I need the room to be completely sterile. “ Oshita said

“Fine.” Dabi said with a (honestly adorable) pout 

Hawks helps Dabi choose a spot to sit until after the surgery or at least a starting point in case he wants to roll off later. He walks in front of Dabi and tries to smile reassuringly. For the look in his blue eyes it was clear he could see right through him. Dabi purses his lips lightly. 

“It's okay to be nervous.” Dabi said taking his hands “It's going to be okay though. And when you wake up I'll be there. Not to mention that chip won't hurt you anymore.” 

Hawks was speechless because Dabi said he would be there. In all of the previous surgeries Hawks would wake up alone and almost immediately be sent back to his empty room where he couldn't even have a blanket. He remembers those nights in pain. All alone as he has to cope with the new surgical wound. Most of the time a removal of something like his tail feathers. The next morning he was expected to report to training as normal. As if it had never happened. But this time Dabi is going to be there. His mate. His beautiful and kind mate. Hawks has to repress a happy coo. Still…Hawks is worried about what he will be like after. Will he change drastically? Become the monster Narita always told him he would've been? 

“I just…” He says “I don't want to change and have you resent me.” Hawks said

“I don't think I could ever resent you.” Dabi said softly and Hawks felt like he was stuck by Cupid again

“Take care okay?” Hawks said gently 

“You take care.” Dabi said pushing him away playfully 

Hawks stands to his full height and looks over at Oshita who looks a little too pleased. That fucker is just so happy to watch him directly disrespect Narita. Hawks walks over to the doctor who starts to walk off and Hawks followed behind. 

“So, this procedure will be rather simple. I'm going to put you under general anesthesia. I'll have to make an incision, take off a small piece of your skull and remove the chip. I'll likely have to shave a good portion of your head. After the surgery is done I'll be keeping you and your mate here for some time to make sure everything is okay. Any questions?” The doctor asks

“Makes sense to me.” Hawks said

“I'm going to need you to change into this and remove any jewelry while you're at it.” 

“Okay.” 

Hawks took the hospital gown and went into the small changing room. He wore a simple outfit today knowing from past surgeries it was standard procedure. Meaning he had left his earrings at home already. He walked out and the two entered the operating room where the Doctor was already set up. Hawks tried to act confident but he wasn't doing a great job. 

Hawks is sat on the table and the doctor is careful as he sets everything up. An aide that Hawks had never seen before comes in but is only there to help the doctor with the small things. Hawks is connected to the monitors and an IV. The doctor then sets a mask on his face and tells him to breathe in. Hawks is familiar with this process and lets the gentle sleepiness overtake him.

“Goodnight Hawks.” The doctor's voice bounced around as he fell asleep.

Dabi was restless. He had taken to rolling his chair around the empty waiting room. It had been 3 hours and Hawks was still in surgery. Dabi knew these things take time but that didn't make him any less anxious. Maybe he was wrong to overstep and somewhat force Hawks to do this. God he shouldn't have forced him. He just looked so lost and Dabi wanted to help. His arms were starting to get tired and his muscles started to really ache but it was better than sitting here and doing nothing. He wishes his legs weren't broken because then he could actually feel the movement of pacing. 

He had made himself no less than 10 cups of coffee at the abused little coffee machine in the corner. Probably way more caffeine than he should have but again drinking coffee was something to do. He could be on his phone but he's barely touched the thing since his blunder the other day. At most he replies to Sakura and Nomura in the group chat. He's in the mindset now that if he ignores it then it's not a thing. His siblings definitely do not know it's him and aren't trying to make contact with him desperately. Dabi had made the forty-fourth left turn in his wheelchair race when the door to the waiting room opened and he brought himself to a stop. The doctor was a bit unreadable as he surveyed the caffeine fueled Tokyo drifter. 

“The procedure was a success. I had no issues removing the chip.” The doctor said 

“Good. Where is he?” Dabi asked sharply 

“I'm going to take you to him. Relax. You're acting like you're the heteromorph here.”

“So he is a heteromorph then?” Dabi asks as the doctor wheels him out of the room 

“He hadn't told you? Ah I suppose he's still worried about Narita. She was always quite strict when it came to that knowledge.” Oshita said before adding “That fucking bitch.” 

“I don't know who that is.” Dabi said blankly  

“She's a bitch. “ Oshita said “She hurt your boyfriend over here a lot.” 

“That fucking bitch!” Dabi said outraged

“See, you get it now.” 

“How dare she hurt him!” Dabi has no idea who the fuck this woman it but if she really did hurt Hawks then he wants to burn her house down. 

“She was the one who arranged all of his surgeries, including the implantation of the chip.” 

“So it was her…” Dabi said. He was now considering all the ways in which he could burn her to a crisp. How he would enjoy her screams as she finally got what was coming to her…

“You two really are meant for each other.” Oshita said a bit dryly 

“Whatever do you mean?” Dabi asks 

“You're both so protective of each other, which I understand Hawks because you're his mate. I didn't think you'd be just as protective, it's a good surprise though. Despite our history I had always hoped the kid found some happiness.”

“I'm his…what?” Dabi asked

“He…didn't explain that either?” The doctor asks 

“...No?” Dabi answered 

“...I'll explain it once we get to his room.” 

Dabi was learning a lot from this man about Hawks and his past. There was some bitch named Narita and she had been the one behind a lot of Hawks surgeries. He doesn't know who she really is or where to find her but he wanted to strangle her. Burn her alive. Let her ashes disburse as if she were never even alive to begin with. He is probably hearing more than he should about all of this but the doctor seems unable to shut up about it. Finally they made it to the room and the doctor pushed the door open and allowed Dabi to wheel himself in. 

Hawks was on the hospital bed. Bandages wrapped around his head. He was plugged into a heart monitor and his heartbeat was steady. Dabi rolled right up to his bedside and noticed immediately his arms and legs were restrained. Dabi frowned deeply as his eyebrows furrowed. 

“Why the fuck is he restrained?!” 

“It's a safety precaution. For both him and us…Well, me. His animal instincts have been repressed for a number of years, we're talking more than a decade. When he wakes up all of them will be at their full power and it will be overwhelming. He may lash out violently and attack anything he thinks is a threat. I don't want him to hurt himself or others when he wakes up. Eventually he'll find a natural equilibrium between his instincts and his rational thought….probably. “ 

“I…suppose that makes sense.” Dabi said giving him some side eye 

“Don't worry. With you here, he'll be easy to calm down.” 

“Why me?” 

“Cause you're his mate.” 

“Elaborate.”

“Hawks over here is a heteromorph, as you know, and heteromorphs can take on more or less of their animal's features and behaviors. One of the behaviors is mating. A bird of prey like Hawks tends to mate for life.”

“Wait. Wait. Wait.” Dabi said “For life?!” 

“Yes. To him you are everything. The sun, the moon, the air and the sea. You are his entire world and for the rest of his life he will do his best to make sure you are safe, well fed, and loved.” The doctor explained “When he does wake up, he'll probably be very disoriented. But he'll know your scent and the sound of your voice. Heck, with a body temperature as unique as yours he'll probably recognize that too. “ 

“So…” Dabi started a bit unable to comprehend the whole idea of being that meaningful to someone. “We're mates…isn't that like about sex or some shit?” Dabi inquires

“Oh haha, well yes. But I wouldn't worry about that until spring. “

“Spring?” Dabi asks

“Mating season! The main reason Narita wanted this chip placed in as soon as possible. If he had his full instincts he'd be unable to do hero work for part of the year during mating season.”

Dabi supposes that it made sense if you were a psychotic racist bitch but otherwise it was bullshit. So what if the bird was out of commision for a little while, the public would understand. There aren't as many heteromorph heros as there probably should be but whoever they have instinctual urges no one thinks twice about it. Honestly so fucking stupid. He still has no idea who this bitch is but when he finds her! 

“She curated what she thought was a perfect image of Hawks. Trimming more and more until he was ‘perfect.’. I was called in to do the surgeries and I will admit at the time I was struggling quite a lot. I was barely out of college at the time. I was relying on my older sister for money. So when the offer came I just took it.” The doctor said “I regret it though. Not only because that bitch got me fired. The real shame was forcibly changing one of the most interesting heteromorph quirks I've ever seen. Hawks is one of a kind. His wings had a slightly different structure due to his ability to detach them at will and-”

“I get it. You butchered Hawks and now you regret it.” Dabi said darkly 

“...Yes I suppose that is what I implied. I always felt bad but I was a fool and believed I had to listen to Narita or my livelihood would be at risk. Her firing me was a gift more than a curse. Even if I have to do less than legal practices. My sister would have a heart attack…” Oshita said 

There was a sudden jolt from the bed and Dabi's head snapped to look at Hawks. Hawks had snapped up and pulled on the restraints. He screeched out of the back of his throat and Dabi had to cover his ears to protect them. Hawks’ pupils were merely a pin point as he screeched and pulled at his restraints. His wings are jutting around attempting to flap without having the room to do so. One of the restraints snap at Hawks’ force and Oshita presses himself against the wall terrified. Dabi pushes forward and takes Hawks hand. The bird screeches trying to pull away. Dabi just rubs his thumb against the bird's hand “It's okay birdie.” Hawk's head snaps to him “I'm right here.” 

Hawks’ pupils dilated until the gold was almost swallowed and he chirped in question. “Yes, it's me.” Dabi said 

Hawks cooed and tore the rest of his restraints before he crawled into Dabi's lap wherein he nuzzled into the crook of his neck. Hawks started trilling lightly as he did this. Dabi rubs his back lightly and Hawks coos delightedly. Dabi glances over at Oshita who had yet to move from the wall, he eventually took a step forward but it was very small because he was still shaking so badly.

“I didn't think he'd be able to snap them so easily.” Oshita admits “Perhaps he had been holding back more than I realized.” 

Dabi hummed and looked down at the birdboy in his lap. Hawks had buried his face into Dabi’s neck where he seemed content to stay there. It was actually kind of cute. Dabi was careful not to move too much as Hawks may aggravate the head wound from the surgery if he turns his head too fast. 

“Well, I can't say I didn't expect this to happen. Him cuddling up to you that is.” The doctor said “I'm lucky you were here otherwise I'd probably be dead.” 

“Whatever.” Dabi muttered 

“It is as I suspected, he is entrenched deep in instincts right now. His only thoughts are probably mate, water, and food. He probably won't understand what you're saying exactly but your voice should sooth him. “ Oshita theorizes 

“Endeavor sucks and I wish he'd die.” Dabi said and Hawks cooed in response. “I suppose he doesn't understand.”

“That is…one way to test it I guess.” Oshita said 

Dabi gently dug his fingers into the wings on Hawks back and the purring started up almost immediately. He could feel it resonate in his body since they were so close. 

“Wait you had no idea you were his mate but you know how to preen his wings?” Oshita asks

“Uh…I thought it'd be helpful…I didn't know it was mate related.” Dabi said 

“It's…one of the most important mating behaviors.” Oshita explained 

Dabi was fucked… He realizes now that the two of them were more intertwined than anticipated. Hawks for some fucking reason chose him to be his mate. Why him? Why choose someone like Dabi for the rest of your life when there are so many options out there? When they had met…Hawks said he was a big fan. How long had Hawks been a fan? Dabi had at the time assumed he was just saying that but with how devoted Hawks had been this whole time Dabi had to wonder. He can't comprehend someone liking him enough to want him around and want to see him. 

“I'll give you some privacy.” Oshita said before slipping from the room.

Dabi was left alone with Hawks and Hawks was an overgrown kitten nuzzling into his warmth. He didn't seem to have any thoughts left in his head. He was additionally adorable. Dabi decides he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life with this guy. He is possibly the best thing that has ever happened to him. 

“No matter what birdie.” Dabi whispers “No matter what happens I'll be with you.” 

Hawks doesn't understand the words. Dabi knows he doesn't but…maybe it was better that way. He'd rather be caught dead then go down as a total sap. 

The door opens again about an hour later and the doctor walks in with a tray holding two bottles of water. Hawks hadn't moved from his cuddly position at all, Dabi didn't mind it too much though he was getting tired of holding the bird in his lap. 

“He needs to stay hydrated “ Oshita explained 

Oshita approaches them like one would approach a sleeping lion and set the tray down on the bed. Hawks shifts slightly but otherwise stays in position. Oshita looks relieved as he backs away. Dabi reached over to the tray that was right there and grabbed a bottle. He couldn't help but check the seal to see if it was intact, he couldn't help but be antsy about this kind of thing. Hospitals made his paranoia worse. Luckily for Oshita, it was still sealed. Unopened. Dabi opens it with a little crack that startles the bird.

“Hey, hey…Birdie. It's okay.” Dabi tries to calm him 

Hawks sits up and looks at him then the water bottle suspiciously. Dabi offers it to him and Hawks just stares at him. Dabi realizes his birdbrain wouldn't recognize what he was looking at. So, Dabi takes a sip as an example. Hawks watches carefully with unblinking gold eyes. Dabi hesitates for a moment before offering Hawks the bottle he had just taken a drink from. Hawks leans forward and sniffs at it. He then takes the entire top of the bottle opening into his mouth and Dabi helps by slowly tipping it back. Hawks seems to be watching him carefully but softens up when the water hits. After that he's like an obedient baby drinking the water down. Dabi has never done anything like this before other than maybe when he bottle fed baby Natsuo. Hell he barely remembered that. He was like…5? Either way he supposed whatever works…works. 

After Hawks was done Dabi extracts the empty bottle and Hawks is just watching him at this point. He tilts his head and leans forward. His hands reach up and tangle themselves in black hair. Dabi realizes a second later that Hawks was doing a version of preening as he tries to fix the strands with his fingers. Dabi just lets it happen. 

“I'm sure you're tired of holding him up…” Ishita whispers “But I'm unsure how to move you without disturbing him.” 

Dabi considers it for a moment and just shrugs. The bird didn't seem to want to move any time soon. In fact he seems content to try and get the knots out of Dabi's frankly disgusting hair. Dabi hadn't thought about it but he hadn't exactly taken great care of his hair. Hawks’ finger gets caught in a knot and Dabi hisses lightly causing Hawks to freeze entirely. 

“It's fine birdie.” Dabi said and Hawks of course doesn't understand him but he does look at him concerned.

Then as if finally noticing Dabi was still very injured the bird panics and immediately starts chirping worriedly as he falls back onto the bed. He flails for a moment as his wings get jammed behind him before he eventually gets his bearings. He sits up with his legs curled under him and he looks at Dabi with wide golden eyes. 

“I'm fine.” Dabi tries to assure but of course Hawks doesn't understand that so his wings droop behind him. He looks skittish now as he seemingly worries over having hurt Dabi. 

Dabi reaches out his hand and Hawks eyes it warily. His eyes darted between the hand and Dabi for a moment before slowly leaning forward until the hand was right up against his cheek. Dabi smiles at how cute it was to see the bird press his face into the outstretched hand. 

“The good news is he doesn't seem to have any problem swallowing or with his motor functions. I was afraid prodding at his brain may cause some issues. Thankfully it seems only his ability to regulate between rational thought and instincts is out of whack, which was to be expected.” Oshita whispers “I suspect I won't have to keep you too long before I can send you home.”

“Even if he's still all bird?” Dabi asked

“Ah well…I'm sure as soon as you mention wanting to go back to the nest he'll be all about that. I'm sure he'll understand words soon enough.” Oshita said rather flippantly 

Dabi glares at the doctor who just raises his hands in deference. Dabi just decides to ignore him and get back to his bird. Hawks was nuzzling Dabi's hand and cooing softly under his breath. He was being very gentle now. He was pressing into the hold but only the lightest amount. 

“We’re going to be fine birdie.” Dabi assures and Hawks doesn't answer. Because he doesn't understand a word he just said. Dabi was okay with that. At least Hawks knew he wasn't alone in all of this confusion. That makes it easier to breathe. Dabi knows what it's like to wake up alone and confused about everything. What he wouldn't give to have someone back then…Someone to hold him and assure him that it's going to be okay and that the world isn't so scary. 

“Don't worry Birdie. I'm here.” 

Chapter Text

He opened his eyes and he squinted at the bright morning light creeping through the curtains. He closed his eyes and rolled away from the window. Disturbing the body on top of him. He opens his eyes again to see the rather unpleasant view of the hospital. God he hates hospitals. Arms come to wrap around him and he sighs as he lets the bird behind him cuddle close. Maybe it wasn't all bad. 

“Morning.” Dabi mutters and Hawks chirps happily 

Last night after Hawks had briefly fallen asleep, Oshita had helped Dabi transfer onto the bed. This act had woken the bird who tried to snap at Oshita but was stopped by Dabi pulling him down into bed. Of which the bird was distracted by being cuddled with his mate and he settled down immediately. Hawks had then attached himself to Dabi's side. He draped one large red wing over him like a blanket and Dabi felt his heart beat a bit more at the weight of it all. He couldn't get over how nice these cuddles were even now. Perhaps it's because he'd never been given such gentle affection. He'd been held before but never like this. No…not like this at all. Dabi closes his eyes sadly. He's been cuddled before…usually by Agent Shitface's high dollar clients. Old men with too much money and a perversion for younger men. Their cuddles were artificial and forced. Usually following…less than ideal situations. It was almost always these older men forcing their bodies together after the act and Dabi wishing he could be anywhere else. 

Hawks chirps softly and Dabi opens his eyes. Hawks sat above him with the morning rays illuminating the gold strands of his hair. The bird titled his head to the side and chirped again. Before he leaned in closer and looked at Dabi with wide golden eyes. Was he…concerned?

“I'm fine Birdie.” 

Hawks quirked his head to the other side then leaned in even closer until they were almost nose to nose. Dabi's heart speeds up and he chokes on his breath. He was so close now and Dabi couldn't help the flush hinting at his cheeks. Hawks then backed off and laid at Dabi's side wherein he pulled him into a half hug and buried his face into his neck again. Dabi had to catch up with his heart.

The door opens and Hawks immediately starts hissing. His wings lift and he leaves Dabi's side to get into a more aggressive stance. Oshita, who was barely even in the room saw Hawks posture to pounce and made the smart decision to fuck off. Once the threat was gone Hawks flopped down dramatically and looked at Dabi for approval. 

“Good bird.” Dabi praised as he patted his shoulder. He would've pet his head but it was still bandaged up. Hawks purrs happily melting into a bird puddle. 

A few minutes later Oshita makes a much more subtle entrance. He rolled a cart in with two trays. He pushed it up to the bed where Dabi could reach before making his retreat. Hawks looked at the door when it closed but otherwise ignored it. Dabi leans over. One was simply a plate with a few pieces of toast, some scrambled eggs and….Ew salmon. Dabi scrunched his face at the fish and noticed the other plate was covered so he pulled off the lid. Inside was a rather large stack of raw meat. Beef, Chicken…Fish. Obviously for Hawks. 

Speaking of, Hawk's head perks up at the smell of fresh meat and his eyes go to a pinprick once he spots the food. He is on the other side of the bed in a moment wherein he grabs the piece of raw chicken on top and tears into it. Bits of blood dripping down his fingers and his chin. Dabi figured he must be starving and wasn't at all surprised by the rather bloody show that follows. Dabi took a bite of toast first and it was exactly as you would expect it to taste. He internally sighed in relief. He eyes the fish wearily for a moment. 

“Hey birdie.” He says and Hawks looks at him , watching curiously as he picks up the salmon. “Catch.”Dabi tosses the fish and Hawks immediately catches it in his mouth. He swallows it and trills happily before getting back to tearing into the piece of beef he was eating. 

Dabi noticed Hawks’ nails seemed to be sharpening to a point. Now that he thinks about it they were always trimmed very short before his whole coma thing. It was a minimal detail at the time, something he had just picked up subconsciously. Was…was he supposed to have claws or uh talons rather? Dabi was angry at the thought, but also saddened to see how much they'd mutilated Hawks. What parts of him were cut off permanently? Did Hawks struggle with phantom pieces of himself, similar to a phantom limb? How much damage had been done to him mentally, through trauma and the chip. That stupid fucking chip. Dabi still didn't know a thing about this Narita character but he wanted to burn her. Not to ash as that'd be too quick. He'd prefer to cook her like a lobster, slowlh turn up the heat until she's boiled alive…. Okay so maybe he needs to chill out. That's insane even for him. 

Dabi watched as Hawks devoured a whole fish, bones and all with no difficulty. Dabi worried briefly about him eating the bones but figured he'd be fine. He's fairly certain birds eat bones all the time. Birds of prey that is. Like Hawks. Hawks had made a mess of himself with blood dripping from from his chin onto his hospital clothes. Not to mention his hands thst were now caked in blood and juices from raw meat. It was actually impressive how messy he got from eating his breakfast. 

“You need a shower birdie.” Dabi said and Hawks cooed as his only response. He really just likes the sound of Dabi’s voice. Dabi scooches to the edge of the bed and pulls the wheelchair into position, after which he painstakingly transfers between the bed and the wheelchair. Since he can't use his legs he had to use his arms to push himself and basically fall gracefully into the chair. Which worked. After he got his bearings he started to roll in the direction of the bathroom. Since this was a private room, they were given a private bathroom as well. 

He rolled in and noticed a pile of things.Several more hospital gowns. A box of shower caps and a box of cast covers. Some thin towels. Oh and a note. He grabbed the note and read it.

I figured you'd want to eventually take a shower and that Hawks will probably follow you in. As such I have provided all the necessities. Make sure your legs are covered using the provided covers, it's important to keep them dry. Also make sure Hawks is wearing a shower cap. It's up to you to figure out how to wrangle that on. We need to keep the area of incision clean. The shower is a walk in and don't worry there is already a chair in there that should be easy enough to transfer between. Hawks may be afraid of the shower but seeing you in there may make him feel better about it. 

-Oshita 

Dabi supposes he was a bit grateful for the effort. He opens the box of cast covers, there were two inside the box which was good for him. Considering some sicko broke both of his legs. He struggles quite a bit to line up his foot with the top of the cover while sitting in the wheelchair but he manages to pull the cover over his cast to where it could seal against his skin. He sighed deeply to himself before repeating the process on his other leg. Once that was done he looked over his shoulder at Hawks who was sniffing around the place curiously. He sighs to himself deeply.

“Birdie.” He calls and Hawks looks at him “Come here.” Hawks doesn't so much as blink so Dabi gestures him over. Hawks seemingly gets the memo and approaches. Dabi opens a shower cap and mentally prepares himself for the fun ahead. Hawks is watching him curiously with unblinking eyes and Dabi leans forward to tug him closer. Hawks loses his balance and panics lightly but manages to find it again after flaring his wings out. Dabi takes the chance to tug him down as well so his head landed in his lap. Hawks looked so confused as his golden eyes peer up at Dabi.

Dabi tugs the shower cap onto his head and Hawks freezes, his mouth opening and his eyes widening like he was just shown the secrets of the universe. Dabi was extra careful to not bother the bandages at all. As soon as Dabi let's go Hawks suddenly comes back to Earth and starts pawing at his head. 

“No.” Dabi lectures pulling his hands away 

This causes Hawks to pout like he was being tortured and flop onto the floor. Dabi rolled his eyes at the dramatics and maneuvered his chair around the bird to the shower. There was indeed a chair in there he could sit in. Dabi sighs and carefully takes off the hospital robe he'd been wearing for…way too long probably. Hawks hadn't changed his outfit at all and Dabi was…kind of glad. He trusts Hawks but…The thought…The thought of being unable to run away if things took a turn… It's irrational. Stupid. Hawks would never. Still…he can't help it.This felt different though, maybe he was more comfortable with Hawks. Maybe he felt at ease with the purely feral but still super sweet Hawks. 

Hawks had followed him over despite his earlier complaints. Dabi takes the time to transfer over to the chair and push the wheelchair away enough so it doesn't get wet but he'd be able to grab it again. He then forcibly drags Hawks, who was still pouting deeply, into the shower. Dabi knows this isn't going to be easy. But there is no way in hell feral bird brain over here will know what to do. Hopefully when Hawks rational thoughts catch up he won't remember this…

Dabi notes the clinical scentless soap bar in a rack next to him. He then notices the tap a bit away from him. Oh and the bird brain who's still mournfully trilling over the shower cap. Dabi thought he was being overly dramatic about it. Dabi leans forward and reaches past Hawks wherein he turns on the water. He didn't consider at the time that Hawks was standing and thus right in the way of the shower head. So he was blasted in the face with water. Hawks squaked and squeezed away from the water towards Dabi. Dabi takes the chance to rip off the hospital gown Hawks was wearing, pointedly looking up at his face. He isn't going to look. It'll be a lot less awkward this way. It does not help that Hawks is definitely looking at him though he might not be “checking him out” exactly. More just soaking in more of his appearance or something to satisfy his bird brain. This theory was proven by the bird turning around to survey the other side of the shower. 

Dabi grabs the soap bar and gets it wet before rubbing it to gather the suds. He then starts on himself setting the bar down as he rubbed the soap onto his chest. His body was…grotesque. To start, he hadn't been working out so his muscles had already started to fade making him appear skinnier. Patches of purple zig zagged over his chest and stomach, definitely having grown in the incident. More staples keeping the peeling skin together. He didn't want to look at himself any longer than he had too as the disgusted feeling grew. 

When he looked up again, he noticed the bird had gotten his hands on the soap bar and was now putting it in his mouth “Birdie no!” But it was too late as the bird's face scrunched and he spat the bar out. He made an agonized warble sound at the terrible taste of the soap. Dabi sighed lightly. That was his fault he shouldn't have let him get a hold of the soap. Hawks hacked at the taste and made sure to shove his face under the shower water and drink the water. Which he then quickly spat out as the taste of soap didn't dispurse so easily. Dabi felt a bit bad for the bird as soap isn't the most pleasant of tastes. Hawks finally just gives up and crumpled onto the ground dejected. 

“Birdie…” Dabi says and Hawks looks at him with this miserable look Dabi reached towards him and Hawks crawled over to settle at his feet. Water cascading down his back and drenching his feathers. 

Dabi is a careful as he grabs the soap bar from the floor, he reached forward to drench the soap bar with water. Once it was soapy again he started to rub it into Hawks's shoulder. He was hoping that if he washed his upper body then the run off would wash the lower body. Dabi doesn't want to wash such a private area, the thought makes him queezy. Hawk let's Dabi cover his chest and watches as he starts to rub soap onto the arms.  

Once he'd covered Hawks with an appropriate amount of soap he tried to trouble shoot a way to wash it off as Hawks wouldn't understand him telling him to go over and rinse it off. Dabi elected to lean forward and cup the water in his hands before pouring it over Hawks. Hawks squirms a bit away from the water but otherwise doesn't react. Dabi then attempts to pour water on himself which was a lot harder as the water mostly slipped between his cupped fingers before he could reach himself. One they were both cleaned Dabi eyes the shampoo and figures he should wash his hair at the very least. He did the same cupping strategy to pour water into his hair and immediately it tinged black. He is quick as he washed his hair because Hawks was notably restless. After all of that he turns off the tap. 

He opens the shower door and reaches for his chair. He'd probably get it a bit wet but he can dry out later. He pulls the chair over and did his best to transfer as he was still learning the best way to do it without the use of his legs. Eventually though he's settled and rolls over to the towels. He takes one and mushes it into his hair. He scrubs at his wet hair vigorously and when he pulls the towel back, the still somewhat wet hair flops down in messy clumps. The towel was white but now it had black hair dye stained into it where it had come free with the water. Oh well he supposes. He dries himself as best he can and puts on a new gown for now. He should've robbed Hawks house for clothes before they left. 

He turns the chair around with the other towel in hand to see Hawks standing on the title looking absolutely miserable. His wings were drooped onto the floor and his arms hung down as well. A huge pout on his face. Dabi chuckled at the display. He considers the logistics of drying the bird with this towel and figured the best course of action was to throw the towel at the bird. It lands against his chest and the bird squawks as he bats it away. Dabi can't help but laugh. Hawks pouts at him and Dabi rolls over to him and attacks him with his towel. Hawks squawks and moves away from the barage of towel. 

“Come here birdie~” Dabi sings and Hawks doesn't listen. Dabi rolls himself over to Hawks and corners him within wheel chair. “I've got you now.” 

Hawks pouts and dramatically accepts his defeat by ducking his head. Dabi takes the chance to remove the shower cap, careful of the bandages that were thankfully still dry. Hawks looks at him for a moment after it was taken off before chirping happily. Dramatics over then. Dabi towel dries his upper half before rolling away to get the hospital robe for Hawks. How he got Hawks to put it on is a mystery to even him but eventually he managed to get the bird dressed again. Dabi takes off his cast covers and the two are all done. That was…not something he'd like to repeat again without…talking to Hawks first. It was entirely awkward avoiding looking down at all costs. 

 The two exit the bathroom. Dabi rolls over to the bed and thinks about how hard it'll be to transfer. He doesn't get much time to consider it before Hawks decided to pick him up and put him on the bed. This is to streamline his way into cuddles. Dabi supposes that works and throws the towel at the wheel chair to try and dry it a little. 

Hawks has positioned himself on Dabi’s right side and Dabi takes the closest wing into his hands. He wasn't sure if it was generally discouraged to wash them with water or not. He'd have to research that later. For now they were drenched. Dabi digs his fingers into the first couple of feathers and starts to separate the feathers that clumped into a wet mess. Dabi decided on a cheat code and heated up his fingers which helped dry the feathers much faster. It also made Hawks into a content little puddle. Dabi would have to ask for a napkin or something next time Hawks eats to avoid having to shower every time. It's not Hawks’ fault he's a messy eater, not to mention he's probably starving after having to fast before the surgery. He wonders how much Hawks has to eat in order to be healthy and if that changes depending on how much he's using his wings to fly. Flying must take a lot of calories right? Dabi doesn't know. He'll look that up later as well.

Some time later Dabi had finished both wings and Hawks was fast asleep. Occasionally cooing in his sleep as he snoozes. Hawks had been doing a lot of sleeping, maybe it's surgery and rest related. Maybe all those days of not sleeping while Dabi was asleep had finally caught up to him. Either way he was unbelievably adorable right now. 

Chapter Text

Mate…So warm. He loves mate. He opens his eyes lazily to look at his mate. He's…talking? What is mate saying? Doesn't matter. Need attention. He presses himself forward and a hand comes to softly press into the feathers of his wings. He purrs happily at the attention. 

His head is foggy and he doesn't know why. He watches his mate as he talks but can't put together the words. He should be able to. Why can't he understand? He understood before. Mate must be saying something important. What is it? Hawks trills mournfully. 

Mate says something again but this time Hawks looks up, Mate keeps saying a word to address him. Mate is talking to him? What is he saying? Hawks grew frustrated with his inability to understand because he knew he understood him before. He wants to know what Mate is saying. Mate looks worried. Don't be worried, he wanted to say but all that came out was a series of chirps. Mate doesn't understand him either…Hawks hate this. Why can't he just understand？ 

He hadn't noticed but he'd started to grab at his head where his head was starting to hurt. Two hands came to stop him and he immediately knew it was his mate's hands. His mate feels different than most. His hands are usually cold but he seems to subconsciously warm them up whenever he touches Hawks. So warm… Never too hot, just hotter than one would expect. Perfect. Mate is perfect. 

Mate said that word again, he uses it a lot. Is it his name? His name is…Hawks though. Not…Bird…ie? Is that the word? “Birdie”. What does that even mean? He's terribly confused. Mate is talking to him again. About what? His head really hurts. All this…thinking. He doesn't like it. He'll do something easier to process. He decides to help mate. Mate is super good at preening and Hawks wants to preen him as well. Mate doesn't have wings though. Only hair. Hawks crawls over so he can reach and is very careful as he starts to preen. 

White? Huh. Mate had white hair. Right at the roots where there was once pure black was white with grey in-between the opposite colors. Is mate that stressed? Hawks is bad mate. Bad bad mate. He trills depressingly and flies to the corner of the room where he curls into a ball. Bad mate. Bad mate. He hugs his legs sadly. Bad. Mate is going to want to leave him. Mate will want to discard him. Mate has better options. Hawks is a bad mate. 

“Birdie….” 

Hawks looks up at that word . That special word. Mate leaned forward on the bed trying to get a look at him in the corner. His eyebrows are bent with worry and confusion hints on his face. Mate is…concerned? Hawks didn't want to cause him any more stress. He crawls back onto the bed and hesitates to reach for mate. Mate responds by pulling him in. Hawks allows himself to relax. He loves mate. 

The door opens and Hawks hisses. Mate calms him down by rubbing his back. But then he smells food again like earlier. Fresh and bloody. He goes to that side of the bed and sees a pile of food. He chirps happily and digs in. 

You shouldn't be eating that. A voice tells him and he wonders why not. Food is fresh. Food is good. Food is bloody. Like a fresh kill. He ignores the voice and looks at mate. Mate is eating. Good. Mate needs to eat. Mate must be given food. Mate needs to be kept healthy and happy. Hawks is happy mate is happy. Even if Hawks is a bad mate. 

Dabi watched Hawks eat his dinner with mild interest. There is something going on in Hawks’ mind that Dabi can't quite understand. Hawks had fallen asleep after their shower and the doctor stopped by to change bandages and ask for dinner preferences. Hawks luckily had slept through the bandages being changed. Though it could've been the doctor's quirks that had him out longer. His incision was healing well and Dabi was happy about that. 

Anyway, Hawks woke up and started to stare at him. Dabi started talking about random things at him, like their long ass hospital stay. Birdie didn't understand and eventually decided to preen Dabi’s hair. But then just as he started, he stopped and trilled out so sadly. It was a blink of an eye before Hawks was in the corner shaking as his wings protected him. He eventually came back right as dinner was served and seemed fine now. Dabi is so confused what happened, is there something wrong with his hai- 

His hair….He washed it and the hair dye that was there must've washed away. His hair had white in it. Oh fuck. Hawks saw the white and freaked out. Wait…Why？Sure his hair being white is a surprise but not enough to have Hawks put himself in time out. Dabi hasn't had white hair for a while and he's gotten used to his deeply fried black hair. It's been a good while since he'd dyed it last but it had also been a while since he washed it. He's surprised most of it still clung on to his hair as stubbornly as it is. Perhaps he's a bit thankful. How long until the black is gone? He wonders. He doesn't have hair dye to dye it again though from what he knows his apartment is still…mostly intact. He could in theory get it from there. Not that he could leave the room…much less the building. Or he could.. leave it. He'd dyed it before to hide from his family and his past but they already knew it was him. Besides, his career as a model is probably over so it doesn't really matter anymore what color his hair is. He's spent much of his time wanting Hawks to be his true self that, maybe it was time he stopped hiding that part of himself too…That's stupid. It's just hair, it's not like he's forcefully been stripped of the color. He chose that for himself. At a time where almost everything was directed by his agent. It was his decision. Maybe he's ready to let go of that sense of freedom…

His agent cannot touch him anymore. Cannot…hurt him anymore. The man may be alive but every moment will be agony. The skin peeled away and his body barely held together. Dabi knows what it's like to burn. He's quite familiar with the pain. Your skin peeling off and your body breaking apart at the seams. It's painful. Dabi doesn't feel pity for that man. He's hurt more than just him even if Dabi was his favorite bitch. His own little whore to sell out to anyone that asks. Dabi shivers at the memories and forces himself back to the present. Hawks was looking at him with concern. There were traces of blood from his meal dripping down his chin but he couldn't seem to care about that. 

“You've made a mess of yourself.” Dabi half-heartedly teases as he grabs one of the napkins the doctor provided upon request. He leans forward to wash the blood off of his face and Hawks squirms away. Eventually Hawks does relent and let Dabi clean him up. Once he was done Hawks crawled closer and peered closer at him. That look of concern was back. Maybe he could just tell Dabi was upset somehow. Dabi wouldn't know how to explain it to him….It's not like he'd understand his words….He wouldn't understand what he was saying….

“You know my agent was the guy who orchestrated my injuries but really he'd been dictating my life since I was 16. Though I had just woken up from a 3 year coma and was still 13 at the time mentally. He was never very nice to me and even when I did what he wanted he always found issues. I was always the problem in his eyes.” Dabi explained quietly and Hawks just watched him. His head empty of many thoughts. “Maybe I am just a problem.” He said even quieter “I don't know…I'm not actually all that good at most things…” 

Hawks apparently decided then was a good time to move in for cuddles and tactfully drag Dabi into said cuddles. Hawks nuzzled into Dabi's shoulder and cooed lightly. Dabi looks at the ceiling in reflection. He's never really spoken about that kind of stuff out loud before. He'd just never had anyone to tell it too. It was a bit freeing to talk about it. Even if it was to this bird that doesn't understand a word of it. It's probably better that way. Dabi's problems are nothing important. Others have it worse than him. This fucking bird has it worse than him. He doesn't want to stress the bird out any more than he already has with stupid issues that aren't relevant anymore. He sighs softly to himself. Tomorrow is another day. Hawks coos softly and Dabi realizes he's fast asleep again. Dabi smiles softly, Birdie is probably super tired. All those sleeveless nights, the surgery，and the doctor using his quirk again to heal up the incision some more. Dabi himself was pretty sleepy for that last reason. The doctor seemed pretty determined to also help him as well while he was essentially trapped here. Not that he had anywhere to go… At least he has Birdie. Hawks had done a lot for him, protected him in his coma…gotten him care. Fed him good food and made sure he had water. Dabi wasn't sure where the mating behaviors started and where Hawks's rational thoughts came in. 

Dabi wonders why Hawks never brought up the fact they were mates. He had to have known…Dabi can levy a guess considering how hard Hawks had tried to lock down his feral side. He didn't want to scare Dabi off with that kind of life long commitment. Well guess fucking what bird brain, Dabi isn't going to let him go that easily. Dabi loves him and when Dabi loves something he doesn't let go. Call it obsessive, call it unhealthy. He doesn't care. Hawks is his to love and his alone. 

Sakura @SakuraOfficial ✅️

Since @DabiOfficial hasn't made an official announcement, I'm going to calm everyone's nerves. I made contact with Dabi and he's doing fine. He's taking some time off to recover! 

3.5k replies 240 reposts 45 quotes 6.7k likes 

Replying to @SakuraOfficial

Dabiiii @DabisLeftTeet 

MY SHAYLA❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

45 replies 4 reposts 1k likes 

Replying to @SakuraOfficial and @DabisLeftTeet 

Dabifan @Dabi'sRightTeet

MY SHAYLA!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

2 replies 0 reposts 45 likes 

Replying to @SakuraOfficial

Shrimp @Shrimpsahoy

I'm glad he's okay! I was really worried 

10 replies 0 reposts 23 likes

Replying to @SakuraOfficial 

Cheese @Wafflesaregreat23 

Wishing him a smooth recovery 🙏🙏

25 replies 5 reposts 597 likes

Replying to @SakuraOfficial 

Wario @MyMustache 

It's good to know he's doing okay! 

2 replies 0 reposts 10 likes 

Replying to @SakuraOfficial

DabiHawks @TheOGShipper

Im certain Hawks is with him to help him recover

 20 replies 4 reposts 430 likes

Dabinews @Dabinewstwt

@Sakuraofficial confirms that Dabi is okay and is in recovery. 

Quote Twt: Sakura @SakuraOfficial ✅️

Since @DabiOfficial hasn't made an official announcement, I'm going… 

Replying to @Dabinewstwt 

Doctorice @Frostmonster 

I’m just glad he’s doing okay after everything 

6 replies 9 reposts 23 likes

Replying to @Dabinewstwt and @Frostmonster 

MissFreeze @TheIcePrincess

Don't stress too much about it. Sometimes you just need to let go. 

1 reply 0 reposts 4 likes 

Replying to @Dabinewstwt, @Frostmonster and @TheIcePrincess

DoctorIce @Frostmonster 

I can't help but worry...

1 reply 0 reposts 3 likes 

ClubPresident @EndeavorSucks

Daily reminder that Endeavor sucks. 

543 replies 80 reposts 1k likes 

Replying to @EndeavorSucks

Carrots @Mirkocouldcrushme 

I admire your dedication to hating this guy. 

2 replies 0 reposts 10 likes 

Replying to @Endeavor sucks  

Endeavorfan @Heroicsforasll 

How could you say he sucks? He's literally the number 2 hero.

30 replies 1 reposts 12 likes

Replying to @EndeavorSucks and @Heroicsforall

ClubPresident @Endeavorsucks 

He's a shit head. He's ugly. And most of all he's very bad at his job. 

13 replies 5 reposts 125 likes 

Replying to @Endeavorsucks and Heoricaforall

Endeavorfan@Heroicsforall 

He's captured countless criminals!

5 replies 0 reposts 2 likes 

Replying to @Heroicsforall 

ClubPresident @Endeavorsucks 

That makes him a glorified cop. Not a hero. That's a title he will never earn. 

3 replies 1 reposts 100 likes 

Replying to @EndeavorSucks

Linda @thoughtsandprayers 

You hold a lot of hate in your heart, I'm praying for you to let go. You need to repent🙏

2 replies 0 reposts 2 likes

Replying to @thoughtsandprayers 

ClubPresident@Endeavorsucks 

Lmk if this works. I pray every night for Endeavor to have a stroke but I always wake up to him being alive. 

5 replies 0 reposts 20 likes 

Replying to @Endeavorsucks

DoctorIce@Frostmonster 

Thank you for the reminder I almost forgot. 

1 replies 0 reposts 12 likes

Replying to @EndeavorSucks and @Frostmonster

FireNIce @Iceisbetter 

How could you forget?? 

1 replies 0 reposts 2 likes 

Replying to @Endeavorsucks, @Frostmonster, and @Iceisbetter

MissFreeze@TheIcePrincess

He was joking

1 replies 0 reposts 2 likes 

Replying to @Endeavorsucks, @Frostmonster, @Iceisbetter, and @TheIcePrincess

FireNIce @Iceisbetter

That makes a lot of sense.

0 replies 0 reposts 2 likes  

Judie @Fashionmother 

Check out my new video on YouTube about Japan's most mysterious model Dabi! We go over a lot for theories about him and what history we do know. 

Linktoyoutubeboopboop.com/thisisavideoaboutDabi

500 replies 45 reposts 3.5k likes 

Replying to @Fashionmother

Judie @Fashinmother

The video is mostly speculation because so little is known about Dabi. I've made it as part of the fashion theories series!

50 replies 2 reposts 1k likes 

Replying to @Fashionmother

Blue @BarleyFelt 

OMG. OMG. Yessssss he's actually my favorite!!

34 replies 5 reposts 446 likes 

Replying to @Fashionmother and @BarleyFelt 

H2love @Maybeidol 

Literally why? He's literally so ugly. 

45 replies 1 reposts 5 likes

Replying to @Fashionmother, @Barleyfelt and @Maybeidol

Clem @SweetClementine

You must think salt is too spicy

23 replies 4 reposts 50 likes 

Replying to @Fashionmother

Moony @NightNight

I've never even heard of this guy before 

5 replies 0 reposts 12 likes 

Replying to @Fashionmother and @Nightynight 

Cher @Cherrybomb

I'm surprised you haven't, he won first place in the male division at IFC.

2 replies 0 reposts 10 likes 

Replying to @Fashionmother, @Nightynight and @Cherrybomb

Moon @nightynight

That was him?!

1 reply 0 reports 5 likes 

Dabi has been on his phone a lot today, mainly trolling on Twitter. Despite what he thought apparently none of his siblings were actively texting him everyday. Anyway, he ended up stumbling upon this post about a youtube video…A theory video about him. Oh this is gonna be a riot. 

[Hello everyone, your fashion mother Judie is here with another theory video. Today we're going to be talking about the Japanese model Dabi. He is known for his unique alternative style and vast amount of scars over his face and body. A little background he gained international acclaim after winning first place in the male division of the International Fashion Competition. We've already covered the IFC extensively on this channel so if you're interested in learning more check those videos out. Even with all this attention and popularity Dabi remains to be one of the most mysterious models out there. First we're going to talk about what we know.]

Dabi yawned widely and looked at Hawks who was awake surprisingly but he was straight up just staring at Dabi. Not unusual really, just a bit startling when you don't expect it. 

[-ere isn't a lot that we know about him surprisingly, as he is intentionally very vague in his interviews. We know he's been modeling for 8 years and most prominently features in Meluh Magazine. Meluh is a loca-]

Borning. Dabi thought as she continued to explain the brand. Of course he knows the entire extended family of the owner of the brand. Though they've expanded their operations a lot in 8 years though. Mainly due to Dabi boosting their popularity. He's basically their cover boy at this point. He knows everything about the brand. At least…he knows the clothes are reliable. When he was 18 he remembers he got to keep a hoodie and it was the best thing that ever happened to him. (At the time) Of course he was still more or less homeless and his clothes were ragged or overly sexual. (The latter being “gifts” from his agent and different clients) Anyway-

[-te for Endeavor. We don't know why he has such a strong hatred for Endeavor but he seems to have brought together others that hate the pro hero. Endeavor is a pro hero in Jap-]

Oh fuck no. He aggressively taps his phone several times and skips almost a full minute with the skip 10 seconds button. 

[-is backstory is for the most part incomplete. All we know is he spent a portion of his life on the streets and his agent picked him up off the street. We don't know his family at all, other than the fact they had quote “forgotten” about Dabi. As he professed in an interview in this limited edition issue of Meluh Magazine. We don't know why he was on the streets or how his agent found him. Everything else is a complete mystery. ]

Well at least he covered his tracks well enough.

[Speaking of his agent, there seems to be some dark history there. Dabi is currently on hiatus after he was attacked by his agent in his own home. I've emailed several people who had been in contact with his agent because there is almost no information on the guy. I got a few replies, though one was from Nagi Yato. She's Sakura's agent. Another model from Japan.

Hello Judie,

Yeah I've talked to that fuckwad! He's a piece of goddamn motherfucking garbage and I hope every moment is agony for that piece of dog shit. He's as slimy and gross as a piece of shit. He treated Dabi terribly and he doesn't fucking deserve that. Dabi is actually a fucking sweetheart and he deserved so much better that the motherfucking piece of horse shit. ] 

Now that…was inspired writing. Dabi nodded in approval. He'd have to pat Yato on the back for that one later. 

[So uh…Anyway it's clear that Dabi's agent didn't treat him very well even before the attack. Leading many people to believe there was some kind of manipulation and abuse going on. ]

Well… if they didn't get the hint after his agent brutally attacked him then that's their own problem. Dabi supposed he shouldn't be so blasé about the whole thing but he's just used to it at this point. 

[Many people are curious about where he got his scars, they cover half of his body and have a uniquely purplish pink color. His skin is held together by lines of staples. While most agree they look to be burn scars it raises a lot of questions about how there hasn't been a known accident wherein there was a fire big enough to get them.]

Oh right, cause daddy dearest pretended he never existed when he died. Everything got covered up. Assumably by his father's “friends” at the commission. 

[Some people believe that Dabi got them from Endeavor. Endeavor has a very powerful quirk and if he ended up horrifically scaring someone then it would probably be covered up. Many haters of Endeavor claim the hero actively is negligent with his quirk and burns buildings and people often when capturing a villain. ]

…Well… it's kind of true? Just not the way people are thinking. 

[This theory could be true given his strong hatred towards Endeavor but someone with his popularity could've come clean with this much sooner. ]

Pfft, as if. 

[The leading theory is it has something to do with Dabi's quirk. He has a flame quirk that is notably much more powerful than anyone else we've seen. It's a blue flame and he has enough control over it to create forms. In his performance at IFC he even breathes out smoke. People think that his quirk is far more powerful than his body can handle and it even goes past the point of regular fire resitance.]

Dabi laughed at that one, they were close. So very close. Yet they still don't have the full picture. They never will as far as he's concerned. 

[There are a few theories of his origin. Like…he's a cryptid? Yeah some people actually think he's a cryptid that crawled out of the dirt or…something…. ]

Personally, he thinks this one is correct. He thought with a smile. He thinks he'd make a cool cryptid. He looked down at Hawks who was still just staring at him, though he appeared to be creeping ever so slightly closer. Dabi smiled at him lightly and Hawks’ eyes sparkled. Adorable. 

[-ough one theory is that he's a runaway. There is an argument to be made about that considering how young he was when he was on the streets. The counter argument though is that there is no record of anyone matching Dabi's description being labeled as missing. Therefore he must have been kicked out instead. Personally, based on the Meluh interview, I think he was a heavily neglected child who ran away from home and his family didn't even notice he was gone. Hence they forgot about him. ]

Dabi found it interesting the kind of things people came up with. The last one felt true but it wasn't perfect. Not quite the truth. There was a time his family cared but that was when he was five. Before…everything. Then his father stopped caring about anything but himself and later Shouto. His mom tried to care but had a serious problem showing it. Then she was carted away. His siblings cared for a while and they're pretending to care now. His disappearance wasn't missed by his family but he was quickly labeled as dead. Even then nothing changed in that shithole. The child neglect and abuse kept on going despite the fact Endeavor drove his oldest to self-immolation. Dabi pauses the video, he wasn't listening anyway. He looks down at Hawks. Hawks was in his lap dog era, being that he was laid across Dabi's lap and was curled to stare at him . 

“Would you believe me if I told you the truth?” Dabi asks Hawks. Hawks doesn't respond but he tilts his head at Dabi speaking at him. “That a pro-hero could really be that bad in their own home?” 

Hawks didn't answer, Dabi knew he didn't understand. That's what made it easier to ask. Would the rational Hawks believe Dabi? Actually trust his story?...Or would he tell him what everyone else does? That there is no way Endeavor would even do the things he says. There is no way it could happen. Endeavor is a good hero and he saves people. Why would someone like that be an abuser? They may be mates but would the rational Hawks push him away, tell him they can't be together because Dabi is a “liar”. What if Hawks looks up to Endeavor? How would he react to the truth? Would he bury his head in the sand and tell Dabi it must be his imagination? 

Dabi didn't notice the pressure building in his eyes until it burst and blood started pouring down his cheek from the scar under his eyes. Hawks squacked in surprise, his feathers puffing in alarm. He pulls himself forward and catches the blood with his finger with a look of panic in his eyes.

“It's fine Birdie.” Dabi tries to assure but Hawks just looked so concerned “Birdie….Birdie look at me.” Hawks makes eye contact with him and Dabi smiles softly “It's okay….It's okay.” Hawks frowns deeply and doesn't seem to want to let it go. “It's fine.” 

Hawks pulls away his finger and by then the bleeding had already stopped. Hawks studied his face for further injury. Dabi takes a tissue from the side table and carefully cleans up the blood on his face. Once he was done he looked at Hawks with what he hoped was a reassuring look. Hawks was staring at him again suspiciously. Hawks eventually let it go and looked at the blood on his finger. Oh right Dabi should clean him up too. 

Hawks looked at the blood and back at Dabi. Then the blood again. “Birdie.” Dabi warns sensing shenanigans. Hawks looks at him then back at the blood “Don't.”. Hawks looks at him defiantly before shoving his finger into his mouth. Hawks cooed happily almost immediately and he melted into a happy little bird puddle. 

“Great. I'm mates with a vampire.” Dabi deadpanned and Hawks continued to purr contently. Not a care in the world...Maybe it's better that way. 

Chapter Text

Hawks woke up and he felt less like he was wafting through a formless cloud, his brain felt sharper. More put together. He opened his eyes slowly and was quick to notice mate was fast asleep. Mate is very adorable in his sleep. He was a very quiet sleeper, you barely even heard his breath when he was deeply asleep. Hawks has observed him and his sleeping patterns quite a lot. A small part of him wanted to believe that was creepy but Hawks didn't think so. He wants to know everything about mate so he can find ways to help him. If he sleeps better in a certain way then Hawks has to make sure he sleeps that way. 

He's unsure what time it is as the only window in the room had been firmly shuttered. He wiggles a bit to get out of bed and creeps across the floor to peak out the window. The moon greets him with gentle rays and his mouth falls open lightly as awe fills him. His wings began to itch as the need to fly became apparent. He pressed his hands towards the moon but is stopped by….Glass, his brain supplied. Yes, glass. How does he get rid of the glass? Something about a latch? He looks around and spots the latch. Of course, he has to open the window! How could he have forgotten? 

He opens the latch and pushed the glass to the side. Cold night air hits him and he takes a moment to take it in. He crawls up onto the window sill and lets himself fall forward out the window. The wind catches under his wings and he lets it pull him up into the sky where only the clouds and the moon reside. The gentle mist of the clouds passes over him as he flies through and he chirps happily. Hawks felt…free. He spun around and let his wings keep him up in the clouds. The air rushing past over his body should've made him cold but he never felt more alive. A membrane slides to cover his eyes as he looks out at the vast land before him. Thousands sleeping in their homes and not noticing the large predator cutting into the sky. His wings flap effortlessly. His feathers were in perfect condition and not one was out of place. It must've been his mate's doing. 

Mate is still injured so he can't be out too long, he doesn't want to risk his safety anymore than he already has. He should get his mate a gift. That way mate knows he can still be good. He drifts down and scans the ground below for some prey. Something to give to his mate that he'll like. His eyes trace movement and he locks onto the slithering body of a snake. Mate would like that yes? He swoops down with deathly intent and the creature didn't even have time to react before it was crushed in his capable claws. The snake immediately went limp as Hawks had killed it. The creature was smaller than he had first assumed but still very good for mate. He chirps happily and starts flying back to mate. 

He makes it back to the hospital room and notices immediately that mate was still asleep. He coos softly at how cute he looked. He takes his present and holds it for a moment. What if mate doesn't like it? Perhaps he'd have preferred something different. Hawks pouts for a moment as he tries to decide what to do until mate wakes up. He decided to perch on the window sill and watch. 

Mate wakes up just after the sun rises and blinks his blue eyes open slowly. He groans at having to be awake and rubs at his eyes. When he looks at Hawks in the window he squinted at him then looked at the present in his hands. Hawks chirps and hops over so he can present the gift. Mate looks at the gift for a solid minute with no emotion crossing his face. 

“Oh…Is that for me birdie?” Mate finally says. Hawks chirps his assent and Mate slowly takes the dead snake into his hands. He looks at it with this blank look for a moment before looking at Hawks. “You did very good.” 

Hawks’ feathers puff up proudly and he feels his face shape into a grin. A triumphant chirp ringing though the room. Mate looks at the present again before offering it to Hawks. “It was very thoughtful of you, but uh…I'm not hungry right now so uh…why don't you eat it?” 

Hawks look at the kill then at Mate. He was smiling though it was a very awkward smile. He wasn't sure what it meant though. He decides to do as his mate tells him and gobbles up the meal. He's actually very hungry after his flight earlier. 

“Wait…can you…understand me?” Mate asks. Hawks tries to confirm but all that comes out is a confirming chirp. He frowns lightly, how do words work again? “Uh…blink twice if you can understand me.” Hawks blinks twice. Two very slow flog blinks. Mate smiles more genuinely this time “You're cute.” 

Hawks coos because yes. He is very cute. In fact, he deserves pats. He rests his chin on the edge of the bed with wide golden eyes and looks up at Mate innocently. Mate rolls his eyes and gingerly pats the top of his head. Hawks coos again at the attention. Good mate. Hawks is getting better at being a good mate. Mate is worried about bothering his incision….His incision? He was injured too? Hawks tries to gather his thoughts but they seemingly just float further with each pull. His head was really starting to hurt now. He hissed and took his head away. He buried his head in his hands and tried to apply pressure like it would cause the pain to stop. He heard the worried voice of his mate become incomprehensible and he hissed again. Warmed hands came to try and comfort him and he leaned into the touch. 

He crawls onto the bed and his mate is happy to receive him. He is talking but he can't understand again. Hawks couldn't even hear over the sound of his head pounding. He buries his face into the crook of his mate's neck where he tries to get acquainted with the familiar scent of a snowy campfire. He focuses on that. The wood had a very earthy smell and as it burned it mixed with the gentle almost undetectable scent of snow. Hawks likes to imagine burning marshmallows over the fire to add some sweetness to the scene. Not that mate wasn't perfect the way he is. As he focused on this metaphorical scene his head stopped pounding and he let himself relax. Warm fingers traveled over his body and down his back into his feathers where deft hands got to work on what they could reach. He started to notice his mate’s steady heartbeat. The constant rise and fall of his chest. The vibrations as he speaks to Hawks yet no words make any sense. Hawks allows himself to rest. He just needs a moment. 

Well shit. 

It had been an eventful morning. Dabi woke to Hawks sitting in the window with a corpse of a snake dangling in his hands. Of course, he'd read up on birds and bird behaviors in the past few days and he'd expected to eventually receive presents like this but it was certainly a surprise first thing in the morning. 

Hawks understood his words for a moment until suddenly he crumpled and he had now buried himself in Dabi’s neck. Dabi didn't know what to do other than try and comfort him with physical touch and syrupy sweet nonsense that he would never admit to saying if you asked him later. Hawks eventually calmed down and Dabi was left with this feeling of dread as he let himself relax as well. 

This poor bird was going to have to go through the thick of it. Dabi doesn't expect to have the same bird back. He wouldn't even be upset if Hawks never spoke another word and only spoke like a bird. But the general public might have issue. If he was anyone else, he could be a bird. Not caring for anything but his mate. But he's Hawks. The number 3 pro-hero. They don't even know he's a heteromorph and it's because of that bitch Narita who he still does not know. He doesn't even know what it is that she looks like or where she resides. He doesn't care. That bitch can eat shit. Anyway, that was a tangent.

 Hawks is going to have to go back out on the field eventually and he's going to be expected to think rationally and basically be human. Dabi just hopes he doesn't have to repress it completely again. Regardless of what that bitch thinks. He should be able to do both. 

Dabi hates heroes but he knows Hawks is a rare exception. He has the least amount of property damage on record and he even saves a lot of people. He also doesn't have multiple cases of negligent manslaughter under his belt like a certain someone. He knows society would be lesser if Hawks retired now. There is always going to be people who hate on Hawks for being a heteromorph. That much is obvious. But imagine all the young heteromorphs he could inspire. Dabi knows the statistics. Heteromorphs have it rough and sometimes believe villainy is their only option. If they had someone like Hawks showing they can aspire to greatness then they'd have a chance at a decent fucking life in this shithole. God Dabi is thinking some really sappy shit. This damn bird must've infected him with something. Dabi pouts deeply. He is not a sap. He doesn't care about “the youth” or whatever the fuck. Fuck them kids. He only cares for himself….And Birdie…and Sakura, Yato, and Nomura…And (kind of) his siblings….Okay fine he kind of cares about other people but he's not going to sing kumbaya. People still suck. There are a lot of despicable shitbags in this world. He's met a good portion of them. 

The door opening broke his train of though and the the doctor waddled in with breakfast and looked at them then the open window. “Good morning.” 

“It is morning yes.” Dabi said bitterly

“Always so chipper in the morning." The doctor says with a little grin. 

“Whatever, thanks for breakfast.” Dabi said 

“Anything I need to know about.” The doctor asks and Dabi eyes him suspiciously “I'm both of your guys’ doctor. You can tell me.” 

“This morning he apparently went out and got me a present. Once I woke up he was able to understand what I was saying for a short time. He then crumpled into a ball before I was able to convince him to cuddle. I assume he had some sort of headache but I don't speak bird.” 

“That's interesting, it seems he's easing into the more rational side. Though, maybe if he pushes too far his subconscious panics and forces him back under…It could be a trauma response…” The doctor notes “This is good progress though, that means he's healing. I was worried my quirk may force it all at once.” 

Dabi looks down and catches the top of the bird's head in view. Recently the doctor has decided his incision was healed enough they could stop fully covering his head with bandages. The wound had closed up nicely and still needed to be treated with a lot of care. The doctor had given the bird a very short mohawk at the top of his head and the feathers in his hair poked out defiantly. As if to dare someone to rip them out. Dabi thought he looked better without that weird haircut. Like there used to be random pieces going up and everywhere and honestly it wasn't a very good match for who Hawks really is. 

Dabi looks down more towards his legs. Stupid things. With the doctor's assistance, the healing time was shorter and the doctor said at this rate they'd be able to take them off any day now. The doctors quirk was relatively weak compared to others known for healing. He can't heal things instantly but he can speed it up significantly with repeated exposure. 

Hawks shifts and trills softly reminding Dabi he was very much still cuddled into his neck. Dabi supposed maybe he's more worried about this stupid bird. He hated seeing him be in so much pain. It hurt to see him crumple up in pain… Dabi couldn't help it. His stupid heart burned for this stupid bird. Dabi looks down and realizes Hawks had shifted and was staring up at him with wide gold eyes. 

“HI Birdie.” Dabi said and Hawks trilled happily at the acknowledgement. “Are you doing okay?” Hawks chirped in confirmation and Dabi surmised he was able to understand him again. 

“He seems to understand you.” The doctor echoed 

Dabi had forgotten he was even here. Hawks didn't look away from Dabi or even acknowledge the presence of the doctor. Which was probably for the best because he'd been violent in the past. Dabi gently ruffled the feathers on top of Hawks’ head and Hawks cooed happily. 

“I suspected he'd only focus on trying to understand what you're saying. Since you've been speaking to him so much. His brain is filtering information it deems important and ignoring the rest. It means he's progressing well. Slower than expected but slower is good. Better even. Though with how long it could take i’m worried about Narita.”

At the sound of her name Hawks started shaking, it was subtle at first but then he was shaking like a leaf. Dabi tries to calm him down by rubbing his upper back. Hawks buried his face in Dabi again but he didn't stop shaking. “She's not here birdie. She can't reach you when I'm here.” This seemed to calm Hawks a bit but he was still shaking. Dabi felt burning hatred in his soul for this woman. 

“I'm sorry, I thought since he didn't understand me he wouldn't understand her name…” The doctor said

“It's not your fault. It's the fucking bitchs fault.” Dabi said 

“I don't know what kind of deal he made with her to be at your bedside but I assume she can't be held off for long.” Oshits said “With how slowly he's progressing she may get antsy and then I'm not sure what's happen if she gets her hands on him…”

“That bitch will never lay her hands on my bird ever a fucking again!!” Dabi snarls and Hawks finally relaxed. He even coos softly as he nuzzles into Dabi’s heat. 

The doctor looked a bit too pleased with this outcome. Of course it's probably because he hates Narita for getting him fired. Dabi hates her infinitely more now. He means it though, if she dared trying to hurt his bird he isn't certain he could stop himself from turning her to ash. Dabi realizes he was heating up too much and tried to temper the flame inside him. Hawks doesn't seem too bothered by it even if Dabi was defiantly bordering on hot stove territory. 

“Speaking of recovery, I wanted to get you an X-ray so we can look at how your legs are healing.” Oshita said “With my quirk and the month or so they've had to heal they should be healed by now. “ 

“I see.” Dabi said 

“Considering your condition a month ago you've healed miraculously well.” Oshita says 

“That is how quirks are, are they not?” Dabi asked

“ Well, your baseline wasn't all that great to start with.” Oshita says sheepishly 

“Oh yeah, I'll be sure to send my complaints to the fuckwad who sewed me back together. “ Dabi growled 

“I'm just being honest with you here.” Oshita said 

Dabi supposed the real miracle was that he was alive at all. Dabi would love to attribute this too his staunch stubbornness that kept him off Death’s door despite how many times he's flirted with Death. Really he isn't sure how he's still going, by all accounts it made no sense. Especially after his agent did his best to kill him a month ago. 

“I can remove your casts today for the final x-ray, I just have to hope Hawks doesn't kill me.”

“Who? This innocent little baby?” Dabi said mock sweetly as he rubs Hawks back. Hawks unburies his face to look at Oshita suspiciously. Not helping show his innocence. “He wouldn't hurt a fly.” Dabi's fingers travel into Hawks’ wings and the bird practically melted against his. 

“He would.” The doctor said 

“Nah, Birdie is a good boy.” Dabi said and Hawks preened under the praise. 

“Well…Then…” Oshita sighs “I'm not sure if you're familiar with it but there is a special kind of saw for removing casts like this. It doesn't actually cut. It wiggles back and forth so if it touches human skin it might just tickle a little. I'm sure your boyfriend may think of trying to cut you open. “ The doctor explains 

“Don't worry too much.” Dabi dismissed 

The doctor sighs but goes to grab the saw he had stashed here at an earlier date. He approaches the bed and moves Dabi's legs slowly so they'd be better accessed. As soon as he turns the saw on, Hawks shoots up and chatters at Oshita. 

“Birdie, down.” Dabi said calmly and Hawks looks at him unsure “He's just removing the cast birdie. These things on my legs.” Dabi gestures to them. Hawks still looks suspicious. “It doesn't even cut.” 

Hawks looks at the doctor and Oshita takes the liberty to provide a demonstration by using the saw on his own arm. The blade just moves back and forth but does no damage to the skin. Hawks watches for a moment before reluctantly relaxing against Dabi.

“Good birdie.” Dabi said pushing a heated hand into the downy fluff of Hawks wings and Hawks just melts into a purring mess again. 

The doctor then gets to work removing the cast on hist right leg. Dabi watches with mild interest as he cuts a line down the cast, then uses a different tool to pop the casing open. After all of that he takes a pair of scissors and carefully cuts off the soft bandage underneath. As soon as the cast is completely off he notes his legs look even more ashy than usual. He had scars from the top of his thighs down to the top of his feet so it's no surprise just how flaky the skin really got. 

“Try not to move until I've checked to see if your legs healed properly.” The doctor instructs 

“Kay” Dabi said his hand traveling up Hawks’s wings 

The doctor then gets to work on the other leg. Soon two crusty ass legs are revealed and Dabi resists the urge to twist and move them. By this point he'd already preened most of the feathers he can reach on Hawks' wings and Hawks is purring like an engine. 

“I'll go get the X-Ray machine now and you can explain what's going on to Hawks over there. That way he doesn't bite my hand off when I come in here to do it. “ Oshita said walking out the door

“Yeah…Yeah. Okay. “ Dabi sighs “Birdie.” Hawks looks up at him on command. “The doctor wants to check on my injuries using an x-ray machine and you're probably going to have to sit off to the side for a moment as he does.”

Hawks chatter angrily and Dabi sends him a look that makes him back off and pout. Dabi smiles and Hawks’ face softens. Hawks reluctantly backs off and goes back to his perch on the window sill of the window that was still open. The doctor eventually returns with the X-ray machine and Hawks watches Oshita but doesn't move to attack. The doctor sets up the machine and takes the images he needs. As soon as he's done, Hawks flies back to Dabi and wiggles his way in against his side. Dabi ruffles the feathers on the top of his head and Hawks coos happily. 

Oshita leaves and Dabi continues to pet Hawks’ head. His hair was already growing back. The doctor mentioned offhand that the bird has a faster growth factor as a part of his quirk. Mostly to counteract how many feathers he can lose. It's not surprising that it applies to his hair. Which is why it was good the wound sealed up so quickly. Hawks had a fine layer of fuzz on the parts that were shaved and the hair left alone had grown longer as well. Dabi softly felt that fuzz and smiled at how soft it felt, it was actually a bit addicting. Hawks eventually started purring as Dabi pets his head. This moment was then interrupted by Oshita coming back and Dabi did his best to remove the glare off his face. He was, for the most part, unsuccessful. If Oshita noticed he pretended not to. 

“Okay, so. These were your legs when Hawks first brought you here.” The doctor said giving him the x-rays. 

Dabi looked at them and tried to puzzle together how these shrapnels of bones came together to form anything even resembling a bone. In fact, he's certain there's supposed to be two bones in the lower leg. Not that you'd be able to tell. 

“This is them now.” The doctor hands him two new x-rays

Dabi didn't want to believe it as the bones were together again. There was clearly some metal fixture that was keeping the bones together but there was no sign of fracture. He compared one from before and one from after and tries to piece together in his mind how the fuck it healed so well. 

“As you can tell, you made a frankly miraculous recovery. I didn't think I'd be able to piece them together but it's clear they healed up well. “ The doctor says 

“I suppose it's your quirks work…” Dabi said 

“Yup. Your bird will be happy to know you're healed now.” 

“Oh…yeah.” 

“Maybe he'll be less likely to snap my head off now.” Oshita said 

Dabi looked down at Hawks who was glaring Oshita. “Don't count on it.” 

“I…I deserve it frankly.” The doctor admits 

“Yup…Guess what birdie?” Hawks looks at him with large curious gold eyes. Fucking adorable. “My legs are all healed up.” Hawks looked at his crusty legs and back before chittering happily. He nuzzled the side of his neck and continued to coo happily. Dabi dared to lift his leg up a bit and flex his toes as he rolled his ankle around. There wasn't any lingering pain surprisingly, though he's definitely lost some muscle definition. He's certain it'll be fine. He walked off a three year coma. Definitely crusty though.  

“If you want to try standing, you can but I wouldn't push yourself too hard.” Oshita says

Dabi sits up properly and swings his legs off to the side of the bed. This disrupts Hawks who watch him curiously. Dabi takes a deep breath and plants his feet on the ground. He applies a bit of weight to his legs and feels the weak muscles strain under the pressure of holding his weight. Resolving to not let that stop him he pushed himself further and forced himself to stand. His knees started to shake and his balance was flimsy but he refused to let that stop him. This only led to his knees giving out and two hands coming to catch him. Hawks helps him to sit down again and he reluctantly lets the bird pull him in for a hug from behind. 

“That was a really good start. It'll be a long recovery process before your legs work like they did before. Even then they may never be quite the same again.” Oshita said and that just pissed Dabi off. He should be fine by now. 

Dabi berates himself for his weakness. Why couldn't he just be stronger? His stupid fucking weak body. If only he had pushed a bit harder surely he'd have stood longer. These thoughts get derailed as Hawks starts to gently preen his hair. The soft scratch of talons was really nice on the scalp and it seemingly made the thoughts drift away. Hawks coos gently and Dabi just lets Hawks comfort him.

Dabi needs to get better soon. He’s useless just sitting around all day. Sure he'd always had one foot in the grave before and he was probably one really good nap away from never walking up again. But he'd be damned if he died in this shit hole. Besides…

He has a bird now.

Chapter Text

Hawks woke rather abruptly to the sound of a phone ringing and the ring tone had his whole body go rigid. That ringtone was never a good sign. He moved without thinking, knowing if he didn't answer he'd be in big trouble. Panic consumed him as he crawled from the bed and looked for his phone. Where is it?! There!! Once he grabbed it he answered immediately.

“Hawks.” Came the vicious voice of his handler and he choked on a distressed chirp at the sound of her voice. 

“M-Ma'am.” Hawks struggled to say 

“You were supposed to be on patrol an hour ago.” She snarled angrily 

“Oh…Yea. I will…fix.” Hawks struggled to say the words, needing to quell her anger. 

“I don't need your excuses. I expect you to be out on the field in thirty minutes. Otherwise we may have to consider new training regimens.“ Narita says with a flicker of excitement at the end. 

“Yes. I understand.” Hawks said already moving automatically to open the window

“Oh and Hawks. Don't test my patience again. I've already been too lenient with you because of your status as a top hero.” Narita said hanging up

Hawks’s entire body was shaking and he choked for a moment in his panic. He looked over at Mate who was fast asleep still. It wasn't even morning yet. Hawks wants to crawl in with mate where it is safe but his fear forces him to push down the irrational thought to hide away with mate all day. He jumps out the window and lets his wings take him to his agency. Luckily for him he had already stashed a few flight suits here just in case a situation like this arose.

He landed at his office on the top floor of the agency and pulled on his hero costume. Or well he tries but he couldn't figure out for the life of him how to put the shirt on. Eventually he managed to get it on. Mostly. He thinks…There was a dull throbbing in his head that he ignores for now. He managed to pull his entire uniform on and fly back out the window. Usually if he wasn't so late he'd check in with the agency. Not today. 

Patrol is something he'd done practically everyday since he was 18. Something he'd practiced for since he was 6. It came naturally to him. Protect the innocent, stop villains, and if you have time stop for photos. He hated stopping for photos. People talk and talk and then grab at his feathers as if he can't feel them pull out his feathers. Only mate can touch his feathers. He chitters angrily at the thought. The bird sound causes his mind to panic and his headache gets worse. He grinds his teeth together to stop himself from expressing this pain outwardly. 

His eyes pinpointed a criminal running away with a stolen bag and his body moved before his brain could catch up. With unprecedented speed he dived down completely silently and pushed the thief to the ground. The guy screams and goes completely still as he meets Hawks angry gaze. Hawks didn't blink, he merely stared 

“I'm sorry! I-I I didn't!” The guy pleaded and Hawks just narrowed his eyes at him. The guy pisses himself and Hawks thinks it's rather odd of him to do so. Regardless he held the guy pinned until the police took the guy and the man whose bag was stolen was able to recover it. “Thank you Hawks.” The guy said with a bow and Hawks was unsure how to respond so he just bows back before taking off again. 

As he goes on the aching in his head gets worse to the point he can barely even think and every movement feels arduous. He hears a crash a block away and already his body is moving before his thoughts could hope to catch up. In the middle of the street a woman is tossing pieces of rocks at the random citizens and Hawks gets into action. His feathers come to stop the rocks before they can hit anyone and his feather blades fly to his hands. 

“You cannot stop me! I'm too strong for you puny hero.” The villain declares but Hawks’s grasp of human language is so bad right now that it sounds like she's just yelling random nonsense. 

In the past, Hawks would've made a quip and then swiftly beat her ass. The present Hawks felt like he was a moment from passing out entirely and he decided to attack her directly during her speaking. She jumps away just in time and lobs a boulder at him. He dodges but the rock still clips his wing and pain blossoms from that area. It was a good distraction from his head throbbing like it’s about to explode. He dashes forward with a speed not seen before and manages a swift punch to her gut. She stumbled back but recovered as the ground came to stabilize her. Some sort of earth elemental quirk then. The distinct thought made the pain worse. He ignores it and starts to swiftly swarm her with feathers until she loses her footing. She stumbles back a few feet before she growls and grabs a new rock this time bashing it directly on Hawk’s head. 

Hawks screeches as the pain gets significantly worse and his vision goes blurry. What happened next was a feral attack from a pained bird and soon the lady was on the ground with claw marks all over her body. Hawks finally noticed she was down and stumbled back looking at his opponent. The scene swirled in his vision and he closed his eyes. Once she'd been removed from the scene by the police, Hawks took off and landed wobbly on a nearby building. His legs gave out and he landed on his stomach. The air was pushed from his body and his head felt like it was splitting in half. He growled and hissed as he pushed the palms of his hands into his eyes and raked his talons into his forehead. His thoughts were a jumble as his instincts screamed while his mind screamed back. Both wanted vastly different things. His brain was afraid of punishment and urged them to continue less the pain be even worse. His instincts were tired and said he needed to go back to safety with his mate. 

His mate…He wants his mate. He cries softly and curls up into a fetal position with only his wings to shield him from the outside world. He wants his mate. He wants his warmth and his cooling touch and his scent and his…everything. Hawks continues to cry out as the pain continues to throb with no end in sight. 

Hawkswatch @Hawkswatch 

Hawks was spotted at 6:28 this morning helping with a purse snatcher. He swooped in at record speeds. 

45 replies 566 reposts 4.5k likes

Replying to @Hawkswatch 

Charles @ChooChoo 

He's back! I missed him!

2 replies 2 reposts 500 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

Wario @mymustache 

I hope he's doing okay! He was gone for quite a while…

3 replies 1 reposts 235 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

DabiHawks @TheOGShipper 

Does this mean Dabi is okay?! I hope so. 

4 replies 2 reposrs 345 likes 

Hawkswatch @Hawkswatch

Hawks was spotted at 9:45 helping a cat from a tree.

Image by @flowershine

[Image attachment] 

6 replies 115 reposts 1.3k likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

DoctorIce@Frostmonster 

This guy is the literal definition of a comic book hero. He should be number 1 

4 replies 2 reposts 234 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

Jelly @JellyPelly 

Are we going to talk about that hair? 

34 replies 4 reposts 534 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch and @JellyPelly

Mira@OniHunter 

It's a total upgrade, I think it looks sick 

12 replies 2 reposts 324 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch and @JellyPelly 

Krait @Barrelnstuff 

It looks like someone attacked him with sheers

23 replies 1 reposts 254 likes 

 Replying to @Hawkswatch and @JellyPelly

Cheese @wafflesaregreat23

Personally I think he pulls it off. Totally edgy 

24 replies 2 reposts 126 likes

Replying to @Hawkswatch, @JellyPelly, and @wafflesaregreat23

Dabihawks @TheOGShipper

Like Dabi-

5 replies 1 reposrs 23 likes

Replying to @Hawkswatch, @JellyPelly, @wafflesaregreat23, and @TheOGShipper

Cheese @wafflesaregreat23

Omg u right- 

1 reply 0 reposts 5 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

Bluebirdie @BirdsofaFeather 

Are those feathers in his hair?

3 replies 0 reposts 10 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch and @BirdsofaFeather

Heteromorph Rights! @Monkeyingaround 

Holy shit you're right! They're so cute! I wonder why we've never seen them before… 

1 reply 0 reposts 3 likes

Hawkswatch @Hawkswatch 

Hawks was spotted at 1:30 fighting a villain. He was hit pretty hard but flew off pretty soon after the villain was apprehended.

177 replies 293 reposts 9k likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch 

Shrimp @Shrimpsahoy 

Oh god! Is he okay?! Does anyone knows? 

34 replies 5 reposts 456 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

Wario @Mymustache

I saw it on the news, the fight was brutal! Poor Hawks got hit on the head really hard. 

43 replies 2 reposts 323 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch and @MyMustache 

Cheese @wafflesaregreat23

I'm so scared, the videos were frightful 

23 replies 1 reposts 212 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch 

Herowatch @Mallsalt 

[Video attachment of Hawks getting hit on the head.]  

This was so hard to watch, I wanted to throw up. 

46 replies 6 reposts 654 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch and @Mallsalt

Heteromorph Rights @Monkeyingaround

That screech was so primal and real…it sends a shiver down my spine 

2 replies 0 reposts 23 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch and @Mallsalt 

Bluebirdie @BirdsofaFeather 

That sound he made made my entire back seize up.. it sounds so painful… 

3 replies 1 reposts 43 likes 

Dabi woke up alone. He rolled over to peak at the window and it was empty. The window itself was open and yet no bird was perched on the sill watching him closely with golden eyes. A sinking feeling hit him as he sits up and glances around the room. Hawks wasn't there. 

Perhaps…He had gone flying. Birdie must be so tired of being cooped up in this room. Dabi was still dead weight at this point. The most he was able to do was walk to the bathroom by himself and even then he had to hold onto different objects like a life line. Typically he was holding onto Hawks but that's a separate issue. 

Dabi leans to the side to retrieve his phone off the bedside table. It was roughly 6:40 in the morning and Dabi was tempted to go back to bed despite the fact he wasn't even that tired. He decided to open Twitter. One of the first things on his feed was a post from the Hawkswatch account. 

Hawks was…on patrol? But…He certainly wasn't ready for that. Perhaps he felt good enough to go but surely he would've told Dabi first right? He doesn't have too…They're not like together together, they're just personally bonded together as mates…Which is probably more than just dating but still Hawks is his own person. He doesn't have to tell Dabi shit. Still….Dabi hated the implications. All he could do now was digitally stalk Hawks. 

Around 8 AM, Doctor Oshita rolls into the room with breakfast. He looks around cauciously for Hawks but furrows his brow at his absence.

“Where's your shadow?” Oshita asks

“On patrol…apparently” Dabi said

“What?!” Oshita said 

“I don't know either! I woke up, he was gone, and according to Twitter he's back in the field!” Dabi said

“Oh this is bad….He's not ready for that and if he acted like a bird in front of Narita.” Oshita's face paled several shades 

“He's fine for now…I'm trying to keep tabs on him. If I had the leg strength I'd drag him back myself. “ Dabi said 

“He'll return to you…wherever you are he'll come back to you. Hopefully before Narita gets he claws on him….” Oshita said “Okay…” He took a deep breath “I'll take his breakfast back to be refrigerated. Do you need anything in the meantime?” 

“Nah.” Dabi dismissed pulling out his phone 

“Okay.” Oshita left. 

Dabi barely had an appetite at lunch, there was a thick knot of dread in his gut. Something is wrong. He doesn't know what but it's probably Hawks. He'd refreshed the Hawkswatch account 5 times on the past minute and nothing. Suddenly a new post popped into existence. 

Hawkswatch @Hawkswatch 

Hawks was spotted at 1:30 fighting a villain. He was hit pretty hard but flew off pretty soon after the villain was apprehended.

177 replies 293 reposts 9k likes

SHIT! Shit shit shit. Dabi swung his legs off the side of the bed and attempted to stand again. His legs were stronger today or perhaps he was desperate enough. Where is his bird? Oh fuck he doesn't know where he is. Dabi leans against the window sill as he quickly looks through the local news site. There was a video…He hits play as is forced to watch his birdie get hit in the head with a rock. Fuck! Dabi focused on the scene as best he could ignoring his birdie’s cry of pain. Wait! He knows where that is! 

Dabi looks out the window and notices the room was definitely on the third floor. Fuck. Okay so his options are to try to walk out of the not so legal hospital and risk being recognized…Or jump out the window… He knows it's stupid to jump off the third floor but he really doesn't like the other option. He can catch himself with his flames but he's out of practice. Dabi summons a ball of blue flames into his hand and figures he'd be fine. Probably. He's doing this for his birdie after all. 

Dabi then jumps out the window before he has time to hesitate. The ground gets closer and closer and fear fills him for a moment. He pushes out his hands and flames shoot out, slowing his descent. Even then he landed rather ungracefully. He hissed as his legs cramp up with pain but he limps onward. It was only at this point that he remembered he was wearing hospital clothes. Oh well, it's not the first time he's ran away from a hospital. This is the first time said hospital wasn't on fire. He's making progress. 

Dabi manages to keep to the shadows despite his legs hindering his movement. The bones were fine but the muscles were the ones screaming at the sudden use. He manages to get to the place Hawks was. It was actually only a few blocks away and by the time he got there he was bent over like he just sprinted a marathon. He took a moment to catch his breath as he looks over the scene. The road where the fight had taken place was closed off and there were police officers directing the resulting traffic. The road that was once there was fucked up and half of it looked like it had been ripped out. Dabi tries to determine where Hawks could be from here. 

Dabi gets noticed by a police officer who then stares at him. Dabi looks like he just ran away from the hospital. This is because he did. The officer starts slowly approaching him and Dabi darts into the nearest alleyway. He looks around frantically for an escape and sees a fire escape to his direct left. He hoists himself up and starts climbing. He pauses and goes completely still when the officers enter the alley way and start looking for him.

“Where did he go?” The officer who first spotted him 

“He's gotta be here somewhere.” A second officer said before running through the alley way. 

The first officer looks around for a moment, he looks just about everywhere but up. Eventually he starts jogging down the alleyway and Dabi relaxes a bit. He takes the time to crawl up the rest of the way to the roof. His legs were shaking pretty bad and he just needed to sit down for a minute. He sat on the flat concrete roof and took a deep breath. 

Okay. Where is he going to find Hawks? Birdie couldn't be too far after being hit that hard. Dabi struggles to his feet and keeps walking. His muscles trembled but he pushed forward anyway. If not from will…Then probably sheer stupidity. He looks at the surrounding buildings. They were all around 6 or so stories high. This part of the city had shorter buildings apparently. He looks for a speck of red. 

“Come on Hawks where are you?” Dabi mutters 

A moment later a red feather comes flying towards him weakly and he took the feather in his hand and it squirmed until he let go. It then took off in the direction it had come from. It flew over to the next building and paused before floating down like a lifeless red feather. Dabi figured he had the option of trying to climb the other building or just jumping. The latter being a stupid idea in his condition. Too bad he gave zero fucks. He stood back and started running before leaping over the ledge. He soars over the gap and with a little extra boost of flames he lands on the other roof. On his ribs. He groans in pain at the rather unpleasant landing. He'll be fine though…probably. 

Dabi sits up again and sees Hawks in the fetal position. Dabi crawled over immediately and noticed the birdie was crying. Blood spilled from where his growing talons had scratched up his forehead. He pulled Hawks into his own lap and Hawks started shaking and squirming. 

“It's me birdie. It's me. It's me. Dabi. Your mate.” Dabi said desperately as he dodges the talons aimed for his face 

Upon hearing him speak, Hawks freezes completely before relaxing into Dabi. He crawls until he can bury his face into the nape of Dabi's neck and his wings come to shelter the two of them from the world. Dabi wraps his arms around Hawks. Together they just breathe. Dabi didn't care about the mix of tears and blood soaking into his hospital clothes. Hawks needed him and he is going to be there. It's the least he can do…after everything. 

Chapter Text

Now that Dabi has found Hawks, he realizes he has a tiny problem. He can't walk annnnnnnnd Hawks…probably can't either…. He knows they should go back before Oshita threw a fit. The man might already know actually. Maybe Hawks has his number? Does he do patent pick up? 

Dabi searches Hawks's coat and eventually finds the device. He pulls it out and turns it on. He's met with a lock screen and 50% battery. Dabi is glad he decided to charge it while Hawks wasn't using it earlier. He slides the screen open and it asks for a code. A code he does not know. Fuck….Wait, he recognizes the icon for face ID and angles the phone so it could see Hawks’ face. The phone unlocks and he cheers mentally. He felt a bit bad for snooping. He opens the contacts and tries to locate Oshita. He doesn't find any mention of it. He opens the phone logs and nothing. Though there are half a dozen calls from Narita. That bitch. There was one from this morning that Hawks answered and a picture started to form. Narita had called Hawks and he went back to work before he was ready. Dabi was livid! How dare she!! Dabi feels a lot of things. Anger, murderous rage, and above all, worry for his birdie. He remembers Hawks had a second phone, a burner, and he hoped Hawks grabbed that one too. He decides to go searching through more of Hawk's pockets and finds the second phone. Aha! This one didn't have a lock on it, which was probably bad but he supposed Hawks doesn't expect anyone to know about it. On this one he finds many calls to one guy so he tries his luck and waits for it to ring. It rings once before it clicks “Hawks?!” The worried voice of the doctor says 

“No. Worse.” Dabi said

“Dabi?!” Oshita asks “Where are you? Do you know what will happen to me if he doesn't find you? Wait…How do you even have his phone?!” 

“Aha so funny story.” Dabi said “Birdie was in trouble so I jumped out the window to come save him.”

There were several moments of silence when Dabi could only assume the doctor was face palming and/or regretting his choices. The silence stretched so long Dabi began to question if the guy was still on the line. 

“Okay, and why are you calling me now?” 

“Uh, I was kind of hoping you could pick us up.” Dabi said “My legs don't work and Hawks is…” he looks down at the birdie who is apparently fast asleep against Dabi's shoulder “He's asleep. I think… Just come pick us up, we're not even that far away.”

“ I don't do patient pick-up.

“Hawks got hit in the head pretty hard.” Dabi mentions “With a rock. He needs medical attention.” 

“Fine. Send me your location and I will collect you.” 

“We're on the roof by the way.” Dabi said mock innocently 

“....I'll figure it out.” The doctor said before hanging up.

Dabi sends the address and wraps his arms around Hawks again. The bird doesn't move but he likes to assume this was much more comfortable. He wanted to snuggle into Hawks’ fluffy hair but refrained due to the fear of hurting him even more. Instead he just holds him close. 

Some time later the doors to the roof open and Dabi tenses. He relaxes when he sees Oshita and his assistant roll onto the roof with wheel chairs. Oshita spots them and walks over.

“You don't appear to be doing well.” Oshita says politely 

“You can just say I look like shit.” Dabi offers. 

Oshita disregards this comment and says “I didn't anticipate Hawks would attach himself to you, which makes things harder. Nakagawa, would you mind helping me?” 

“That's why you brought me.” Nakagawa, his assistant, said 

“Okay, let's try to get Hawks in a chair. If he wakes up, he's going to freak out and go back to Dabi. Hopefully he’ll stay asleep. Otherwise we’ll have to reevaluate.” Oshita says 

Nakagawa steps forward and softly eases the sleeping bird's body away from Dabi. Dabi reluctantly lets go and watches as she gently lifts the bird. He knows from personal reference that Hawks weighs like nothing. She sets him in a wheelchair and settles him down. Hawks squirms a little and appears to be waking up before he settles down into the chair. 

“Okay, him next.” Oshita said pointing at Dabi 

Nakagawa walks over to him and easily lifts him up. Dabi also weighs like nothing at this point. He was in a coma for 3 weeks and on bedrest for 4. She puts Dabi in a chair and Dabi catches sight of Oshita inspecting Hawks’ head. He then slides a medical mask and a hat onto Hawks. 

“I’m placing you guys in disguises.” Oshita explains upon catching Dabi’s eyes. “You two are very popular celebrities and I'm not taking any chances of being recognized. I don't want any attention. “ He then offers Dabi a mask and a hat. Dabi takes it and pulls on the mask first. Followed quickly by the hat. 

“Great. Let's get out of here.” Oshita said 

“How’d you even get up here?” Dabi asks

“The elevator.” Oshita said smartly 

“Yeah okay genius.” Dabi said with an eye roll 

“We told the person at the front desk we were picking up some patients for their doctor's appointment and he just let us through." Oshita explains “Apparently it's common enough he didn't even look twice.” 

“I see.” Dabi said 

Oshita wheels Hawks into the elevator and Nakagawa wheeling Dabi in behind them. Oshita in the meantime hits the button for the first floor. The elevator descends and Dabi’s eyes travel to Hawks who was sleeping. The scratches on his forehead had apparently been healed by Oshita, though it was hard to tell with the baseball cap. He looked peaceful in his sleep and Dabi thought that was good. The door opened and they got out in reverse order. No one looked twice as they exited the building, in the parking lot there was a van parked in the front and they stopped next to it. 

“Didn't know you had a van.” Dabi said 

“I rented it.” The doctor said plainly 

“Maybe you should buy one.” Dabi suggests amused 

“I run a very low-profit and less than legal hospital.” Oshita deadpans

“Fair enough.” Dabi said 

They're loaded into the van and strapped in. Dabi reaches over to softly touch Hawks’ hand. Hawks was still asleep and it was…better that way. Who knows how much pain he is gonna be in once he wakes. Dabi hopes it's much nicer in the dream world. The real world is such shit all the time. It's almost unbearable. 

Obviously it took like a couple minutes to get there because they really were not that far away. The doctor parks the van and a moment later he and his assistant are unloading the two of them and pushing them into the aforementioned less than legal hospital. The outside of the building resembles any building this side of the city, but the inside was definitely giving hospital vibes. There are a few people hanging out in the lobby. Apparently there is a waiting room even for a hospital that isn't legal. Dabi imagines these people are criminals, villains, and people like him who don't have any other option. These are people who need help but can't get it through legal means. No one looks at each other for longer than a second and Dabi is the same way. They enter the elevator and Oshita hits the number 3 calmly. 

“If I may ask, how did you get this all set up?” Dabi asks

“When I was fired, they paid me a hefty amount to not tell the public about Hawks and my job there. A severance package if you will. I used that money to buy this place and refurbish it. You wouldn't believe me but it was a really run down building before I got my hands on it. “ The doctor explains 

“It was a shit hole.” Nakagawa added 

“Yes, that.” Oshita sighs 

“Nice.” Dabi said

The door of the elevator opens and Oshita takes the lead to their room. He props open the door so the two of them can be rolled in. Dabi notes with some amusement that the window is still open. Nakagawa parks Dabi to the side of the bed while Oshita takes the time to transfer Hawks to the bed. 

“Thank you Nakagawa, I appreciate your assistance. You may go have a nice lunch now.” Oshita says

“Thank you Doctor.” Nakagawa said politely before leaving. 

Dabi watches Oshita remove Hawk's disguise and goes to remove his own. His eyes are still trained on Hawks in worry. Dabi was worried about how the hit to the head could have hurt him. What damage could it have caused? Oshita moves to analyze Hawks’ head for injury. He was gentle but through as he looked for any substantive external injury. Oshita hums and tilts his head for a moment. He grabs hold of a baby feather and holds it up. It was snapped in half. He pulls out a few more with similar damage. 

“Is he going to be okay?” Dabi dares to ask

“I…It's hard to tell at the current moment but the surface of his scalp is mostly unharmed.” Oshita said “I think I know why….”

“Okay? Gonna share?” Dabi asks anxiously 

“Hawks’ feathers can harden enough to be tough as metal. This was a trait only observed in his wings when he was younger so Narita demanded the removal of all feathers outside his wings. However, I think these ones on his head were able to harden and form a sort of protective shield against the hit. If all of his feathers were grown I imagine he could form a helmet of feathers to protect himself from blows. “ He seems a bit too pleased when he says “Narita can eat shit.” 

Damn. Dabi thinks, this man only curses when it comes to Narita. He gets it. She's a massive bitch. “So he's okay?” 

“He’ll be fine. I'm more worried about what caused him to go on patrol. I imagine being back on the job wasn't easy on his fractured mind ”

“Oh, it was that bitch Narita. She called him this morning.” Dabi notes

“I hate that woman.” Oshita seethes 

“Tell me more about this bitch.” Dabi asks

“She’s basically Hawks’s boss. His…agent if you will. I won't get too into it since it's not my story to tell. She is really high up on the chain of command in the Hero Public Safety Commission because of her success with Hawks.” 

“The HPSC huh. Always knew those fuckers were corrupt.” Dabi said because yeah, he'd always thought there was something odd about the fact Endeavor's rank always stayed high despite his shit approval level. Not to mention the amount of crimes that get swept under the rug. Now he knows they hurt his birdie and he's pissed off about it. If he could walk right now, he'd be tempted to torch their HQ. 

“Yeah, corrupt is putting it lightly.” Oshita dismisses looking back at Hawks.“We won't know if he's okay until he wakes up. My best guess is he’ll do a hard reset and rely on instincts for a while. “ Oshita mentions 

“That's okay.” Dabi says

“I'm worried. If Narita forced him to go back today, then she clearly expects him to be back tomorrow. When he doesn't show, I fear she may…get…angry with him.” Oshita says, the implications of that last part were heavy in his tone 

“She can try, but I'll burn her fucking hands off if she tries to put them on my bird.” Dabi said firmly “Birdie isn't going anywhere until he's healed.” 

“I just hope this doesn't end up in my hospital being burnt down….” Oshita said

“Don't worry, I've only done that once.” Dabi dismisses 

“Oh good. Wait what?” Oshita asks 

Hawkswatch @Hawkswatch 

Hawks has been quiet, presumably gone home to recover. 

269 replies 56 reposts 7.6k likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

Krait @Barrelinstuff

I mean yeah?! He got a rock smashed on his head! 

2 replies 3 reposts 25 likes

Replying to @Hawkswatch

Cheese @Wafflesategreat23

I hope he's okay… 

3 replies 2 reposts 34 likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch

Bluebirdie @Birdsofafeather 

I can't get that scream out of my head. As a heteromorph myself it hurts when I hear others in pain. 

67 replies 45 reposts 1k likes 

Replying to @Hawkswatch and @Birdsofafeather

Aplle@Atapplelappe 

Are you implying Hawks is a Heteromorph? Because he isn't. 

10 replies 2 reposts 5 likes

Replying to @Hawkswatch, @Birdsofafeather, and @Atappleapple 

Bluebirdie @Birdsofadeather

Okay but there is more evidence to support that he is. I'm talking pure facts here. He acts like a heteromorph and he looks like one too. Look at this man and tell me he isn't a heteromorph.

[Image of Hawks with feathers in his hair and his eyes narrowed so much the gold practically swallows his pupil.] 

29 replies 6 reposts 50 likes 

Replying to @Birdsofafeather

Aplle @Atappleapple

So what, he had wings so of course he could have feathers in his hair too. That doesn't automatically make him a heteromorph, besides humans constrict their pupils all the time. 

7 replies 0 reposts 4 likes 

Replying to @AtappleApple

Bluebirdie @Birdsofafeather 

Okay, if we assume that's true. Can you explain the way he's claiming Dabi like this? [Photo from Dabihawk's photoshoot] 

5 replies 0 reposts 7 likes 

Replying to @Birdsofafeather 

Aplle @Atappleapple 

He's clearly just doing it for the photo 🙄

3 replies 0 reposts 2 likes 

Replying to @AtappleApple 

Bluebirdie @Birdsofafeather 

Linktoofficialscientificwebsiteregardingheteromorthbehavior.com/mating/mate-behaviors

This website clearly shows an example of this behavior and it is only found in heteromorphs. Heteromorphs would only do this around their mate or courting pair. Hawks is a Heteromorph. 

5 replies 2 reposts 7 likes 

Replying to @Birdsofafesther 

Aplle Aplle @Atappleapple

Well you're wrong. 

2 replies 0 reposts 1 like

Heteromorph Rights @monkeyingaround 

#HeteromorphHawks

Hawks is a Heteromorph. I know a lot of online discourse has been going around following the attack but I've written an essay that proves it. 

Thisisabloglink.com/heteromorphHawks

171 replies 1.1k reposts 11.4k likes

Replying to @Monkeyingaround 

Bluebirdie @BirdsofaFeather 

Thank you so much for this! I can't believe after everything people are still on the fence! #HetermorphHawks

23 replies 4 reposts 96 likes

Replying to @Monkeyingaround

Dabihawks @theogshipper 

This also doubles as proof that Dabihawks is real. Hawks is a heteromorph and he treats Dabi like his mate, therefore they are definitely together. 

5 replies 2 reposts 35 likes 

Replying to @Monkeyingaround and @theogshipper

Wario @mymustache 

Oh absolutely! I mean it was obvious from the start. 

2 replies 1 repost 12 likes 

Replying to @Monkeyingaround

Marla @AlanticPanic

Stop spreading misinformation! Hawks is not a heteromorph!!

156 replies 4 reposts 23 likes 

Replying to @Monkeyingaround and @Alanticpanic

Heteromorph Rights @Monkeyingaround

Did you even read the paper? It is peer-reviewed by medical experts that are well versed in heteromorph behavior and physicality. I myself have a MD in heteromorph children's care and am a heteromorph. 

21 replies 7 reposts 235 likes 

Cheese @wafflesaregreat23

Hey, is anyone else not seeing @Monkeyingaround‘s post? It's just gone? 

245 replies 12 reposts 1k likes 

Replying to @wafflesaregrest23 

Jelly @JellyPelly

It's like it never existed 

2 replies 1 repost 23 likes 

Replying to @wafflesaregreat23

Dabihawks @TheOGshipper

No because I was JUST debating with someone about the validity of Dabihawks on that post and then poof. 

34 replies 4 reposts 32 likes 

Replying to @wafflesaregreat23 

Heteromorph Rights! @Monkeyingaround 

Twitter deleted my post and any time I post it again it just deletes it! For some reason my website is down too. I've started sharing the PDF to as many people as I can. 

78 replies 23 reposts 125 likes 

Replying to @wafflesaregreat23 and @Monkeyingaround

Cheese @wafflesaregreat23

Fear not, we will spread your message as much as we can!

34 replies 28 reposts 87 likes 

Trending in Japan:

1 

#HeteromorphHawks

Online users debate if Hawks is a heteromorph 

2 

#Dabihawks 

Online users debate the truth of a relationship between the model Dabi and the hero Hawks. 

3 

#OswaldRabbit

Kingdom Heart fans try to convince Disney to let Oswald the Lucky Rabbit be in the game. 

4 

#ChessWorldFinals 

The chess world finals take place and the stakes are high. 

5

#Endeavorfalls

Following a viral clip of Endeavor tripping and falling face first into the concrete the community laughs at the hero's slip up. 

Endeavor Hate Club Discord

#Conspiracy 

Iceisbetter: I think it's strange how hard the government is trying to deny Hawks is a Heteromorph. 

Iceisbetter: I think they've been actively covering it up

Iceisbetter: Hawks has no records from before his hero debut, not even a record of going to a hero school or program. 

Wolfierock: Wait wait let him cook 

Lovekiller: I mean they’ve been covering up Endeavor's crimes for years, it's not even a jump of logic.

FrostMonster: I mean yeah if the country knew all of Endeavor's crimes then there would be a riot

Wolfierock: We have no confirmation he is a heteromorph  

PresidentSnow: He's a heteromorph. 

Wolfierock: Source? 

PresidentSnow: Hawksisaheteromorph.PDF 

Iceisbetter: Oh. I've read that, it's very well written. 

Frostmonster: Wait, I haven't seen that?! 

PresidentSnow: The commission is actively deleting it 🤷‍♂️ 

Woflierock: Well damn, I'm convinced.

Why go to such lengths to hide it though?

Iceisbetter: They actively discriminate against Heteromorphs in the hero rankings, they probably wanted to pretend Hawks wasn't one so they could continue to discriminate fairly. 

Frostmonster: “fairly” 

20bucks: Those assholes 😤

PresidentSnow: It's 100% a discrimination thing 

Lovekiller: This just makes me sad 😔  

Wolfierock: Hell we all know the government is covering a lot of shit up, who knows what else they're hiding from us? 

Frostmonster: More than we can imagine no doubt 

Kattyqueen: Wait, @PresidentSnow are you talking about the Hero Public Safety Commission?

PresidentSnow: obviously 

They're corrupt af

Iceisbetter: They do control all the licensing with heros and such. So they'd be the ones hiding the fact Hawks is a Heteromorph.

I'm just surprised they're making their involvement so obvious. 

PresidentSnow: that's true

You'd think they'd hide it better

Lovekiller: They've done a shit job of covering up Endeavor's crimes so I'm not too surprised 

Frostmonster: They've done better than you'd think 

20bucks: Still a shit cover up

Frostmonster: Yeah

It's why his approval rating is shit 

Wolfierocks: no but seriously!!(edited)

what else could they possibly be covering up?! 

I'm getting scared 

PresidentSnow: I could fill a book with how much they don't want the general public to know 

They'd rather gaslight us than help us

Frostmonster: I hate this! This world is so unfair! 

Iceisbetter: It will be okay. We just have to work together to stop his corruption. 

Lovekiller: I like the sound of that 

PresidentSnow: I mean, I'm ready to burn the government down but that's like illegal 

Frostmonster: But it would be funny 

PresidentSnow: You are so right 

IcePrincess: Let's just keep our cool and not commit arson. There is a peaceful way to do it.

Frostmonster: But that's not funny 

Iceisbetter: I was thinking the same thing as @IcePrincess 

If we work together there is nothing we can't do. 

Lovekiller: But arson is a fun idea

Iceisbetter: We don't want to burn down things and ruin people's lives like Endeavor does.

PresidentSnow: Okay but the government ruins more lives than we'd ruin by burning the government

Frostmonster: Yeah! 

IcePrincess: Arson is still illegal 

Lovekiller: The government can't enforce laws if there is no government 

PresidentSnow: this ^

Literally this

IcePrincess: We are not committing arson. 

PresidentSnow: Booo