Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The world seemed so dreary when Keigo was a kid. His mom was always on something, staring at the TV with that blank look in her eyes. His dad wasn't any better, the man finding time to beat the young bird. The world itself was a wash of grays and bland tones. There wasn't much to look forward to and so, Keigo didn't look forward. 

“Mom, what's color?” Keigo had asked one day, after one of her TV shows brought it up. The word was not something he was familiar with, though it's not like he had a formal education. 

“Fuck if I know kid. “ She hissed at him 

“Oh…Why can't I see it?” Keigo asked 

She rolled her eyes and only looks at him with one of her floating ones.  “You haven't met your soulmate or whatever the fuck.” 

“Oh…I see.” 

Keigo didn't know what a “soulmate” was either, but he didn't want to bother her any further. So he went to curl up in his corner of their home. The garbage was normal to him and the general filth was something he was accustomed too. A rat scampers out of one of the many piles of trash and his golden eyes trained on the rat. His stomach growling lightly and his instincts screaming at him. He pounced before the rat could notice and its screams were cut off by sharp talons. It's blood dripping over small fingers. Hawks didn't think about soulmates again until after the commission bought him. He didn't bring them up, as he didn't even know what it was.

“Have you met your soulmate?” 

“Uh…I don't think so? What is that?” He asked 

“It's a waste of time.” His handler, introduced to him as Narita, said 

“Now now, let's explain to the kid.” Another handler, introduced as Harada, said “Your soulmate is someone whose soul is connected to yours. They are made by the universe to be your perfect match! Once you meet eyes with them, you can see color!” 

“Woah.” Keigo said softly, someone made just for him? He hadn't had anything just for him before…Well…Other than his Endeavour plushie. 

“See. A waste of time. I just needed to know if the kid needed color training. “ 

Keigo didn't think it sounded like a waste of time, but maybe his handler just knew better. “What happens when I meet my soulmate?”

His handler sneered “You get them to leave you alone, they're just a distraction. You do want to be a good hero don't you?” 

“Oh…okay.” Keigo said, his excitement at the concept dissolving 

The official Commission Policy on soulmates was not all that different from what his handler had said. It was only a few months after that conversation, they taught him all their policies. He had to memorize each one, and he was tested on it regularly to make sure his understanding never faltered. 

Clause 27: Soulmates

     I. Upon meeting your soulmate, you are to explain that you are a pro hero, and therefore do not have time to be with them. 

    II. If they refuse to let you do your job, offer them bribes such as 

           A. Money

          B. Drugs

         C. Other (As approved ) 

    III. Instruct them not to speak on your soul bond under any circumstances. The world cannot know you have met your soulmate. Pay them extra if necessary. 

Keigo felt a bit sad he'd never get to be with his soulmate. Someone who was a perfect match for him. It didn't feel fair to force them away if they did meet. But, he wanted to be a hero. If they were really his soulmate they'd understand. Right?

At the age of 7, Keigo sat alone in his room. He was struggling with his colors. They all looked gray to him, which was why they were training him. He was trying to figure out if the card he was holding was blue or not. There was a knock on the door that had him look up curiously. The door opened to reveal his handler, she looked bored. Then again, she always looked that way.

“You have a roommate now, Hawks. “ She said plainly before dragging a smaller body into the room. “Meet Inferno.” 

Keigo looked at the new boy and the first thing he saw was a gorgeous blue.

Touya remembered learning about soulmates. He was cooking in the kitchen with his mom, and she told him to grab the red peppers.

“Which one is that?” He asked, looking at them all. They all looked the same to him, maybe a different shade…

“Oh right! I'm sorry I forgot you haven't met your soulmate!” Rei said 

“Soulmate?” Touya asked curiously 

“It's your perfect match! That someone that just…completes you. That makes you feel whole. Someone who will love you and you'll love them back. “ Rei explained

“Woah! That's so cool!” Touya exclaimed “But…how will I recognize them?” 

“Right now, you can't see any color at all. But one day, you'll see a beautiful world full of color. It'll be when you meet eyes with that one person..”

“Woah, was that what happened when you met dad?” 

If Touya had been older, he would've noticed her freezing at the question. He would've noticed her worrying her lip before smiling fakely. But he didn't so he was overjoyed when his mom said “Yeah…It was…wonderful.” 

Life used to be so much better then. When he was 5. The world seemed so perfect! So happy. Despite the grayness of life, Touya found it to be so colorful. He got to train with his dad and play with his little sister. His mom even said he was going to have a little brother. 

His flames hurt him but he was fine! A little pain wasn't going to stop him. One day, he's going to be a hero and meet his soulmate, then they'll live happily ever after in a stupid castle or something. He didn't read a lot of romance stories. 

That world shattered at 8 years old. When Shouto was born. His father dropped him and ignored him as if he never existed at all. His mother was clearly out of it, barely looking at the crying child she had just given birth too. Perfectly split in half. Touya knew then that Shoto would replace him. Take his place in the training ground and take their father's attention away even more. Touya wanted to resent him, and in a moment, he'll always regret…he almost killed the kid. Shouto didn't deserve it, Touya was just so angry that this little baby got everything. His father's love and attention, his legacy… Endeavour separated them in opposite wings of the house. Despite that, since their mom struggled sometimes to take care of the kid, he did his best to cradle and care for his baby brother. Using the bottles his parents had prepared when his mom was too tired to breastfeed. Which was more often then not. One day, he was using his flames to put on a little light show for the baby. Shoto's mismatched eyes watching in wonder, two different shades of grey trained on the flames. He knows he's not supposed to be here but Shoto was crying late in the night. He wouldn't calm down and Touya was trying everything. Eventually, this worked so he flew little specs of flames around in the air while gently rocking the baby in his other arm. 

“What are you doing?!’ Enji announced, storming into the room

“I was sho-” Touya didn't get to finish. The baby was ripped from his arms, causing Shoto to start crying again. Enji put Shoto down in his crib before pushing Touya into the wall. His head hit the solid wall with a noticeable thud and he couldn't focus anymore as the world seemed to start spinning. 

“I won't let you kill your brother. “ Enji growled before taking Shoto and leaving. 

Touya sat there, the world swirling in his vision and his ears ringing. It took a moment for everything to catch up but after it did he started crying. Touya kept doing his best for his family but nothing seemed to help. His mom was barely here mentally. His sister was convinced that everything was okay. Natsuo is barely even 3 years old at this point so he clings to Touya like one would regularly do to a parent. Touya still did his best for Shoto even if it meant a few bruises and burns. Nothing he couldn't handle. 

It was the middle of the night and Touya was shaken awake by large overly hot hands. He flinched at the heat and creaked open his eyes to look at his father. The man was glaring at him, like usual. He wonders briefly what he sees when he glares at his own son like this. 

“Get up.” His father commanded 

Touya did as such, though his arms ached with burns and his ribs from the beat down he got last night after attempting to feed his siblings. Enji took to caring for Shoto better, which Touya found disgraceful. Of course he cared only for Shoto. He barely even made food for the others, and Rei mostly went through the motions. Rei ended up burning their food and she didn't even notice. Too caught up in her thoughts. So as a quick fix Touya did his best to make a meal the others would love. Of course. This somehow pissed off Enji who decided to beat him in front of his siblings. Something about not being grateful to their mom’s cooking. Touya would've loved to watch him eat the burnt chicken, but the man discreetly threw it away instead of eating it. Hypocrite. Regardless he stumbled out of his room, barely dressed in his clothes. Endeavour grabbed his wrist and pulled him into the back of a rather large black car. There was a woman there who looked incredibly bored, next to her was an over-exuberant man. Endeavour then left him there as the doors locked and the car drove off. 

“Hello! I'm your new handler!” The man said 

“...Handler?” Touya asked

“Your father has enrolled you in our special hero program! We're so excited to have you inferno!” 

“Inferno?” Touya questioned

“That'll be your name at the facility.” The man explains

“Oh.”  

Touya didn't understand. A small part of him hoped this meant his father finally saw his potential. But the logical part shot that idea down.  This was just a way to force him to leave. He hated it.

 They arrived at a rather bland-looking facility. He had learned the woman was the main handler for a kid named Hawks. She was only here because his new handler, who he can't remember the name of, made her come with. Touya shuffled behind the two awkwardly as they walked the halls. Eventually ending up at a door. The woman knocks and barely waits before opening the door. 

“You have a roommate now, Hawks.” She said blandly, dragging him into the room. It's not painful, just a bit jarring.  “Meet Inferno.” 

Touya's eyes met the other kid, and suddenly he could see the most beautiful shade of gold. 

Chapter Text

Keigo and the new kid sat across from each other on Keigo's bed, despite each having their own. The handlers had shuffled out at some point and Keigo barely even noticed. Instead, he found himself studying the other boy…His…His soulmate. It felt surreal. His hair was white with red streaks and his eyes were so blue. So beautiful. His new favorite color. He noticed his soulmate was studying him too, his blue eyes flitting around. 

“Hi.” The kid finally said, breaking their silence. 

“Hey.” Keigo said 

“I'm…Inferno I guess.”

“You don't have to be. Here we can use our names.” Keigo said “I'm Keigo!”

“Oh…I'm Touya then.” 

“Your eyes are beautiful.” Keigo said softly and Touya flinched lightly 

“Thanks…” Touya said “I like your wings.” 

Keigo smiled at the comment, his wings fluffing up as pride filled him. His soulmate thinks his wings are pretty. His instincts were overwhelmed with this pride but he let it happen. It felt…nice. 

“So we're-” Touya started to say

“We can't talk about it.’ Keigo whispered “They'll separate us and make it so we can never see each other again.” 

“Oh…” Touya said back “Okay.”

“It'll be our secret.” Keigo said and Touya smiled softly

“Yeah…Our secret.” 

The boys went to bed that night. Keigo was buzzing with excitement over his soulmate. He was so pretty! And his eyes! Keigo could see color now and he was happy his first color was the gorgeous blue of his eyes. Touya stewed in his worry for his siblings. He was overjoyed to meet Keigo of course, but now that he was gone.. 

Who would protect his siblings?

------------

The two of them became quite good at their color training class. After all, they see color so they don’t really need it. Still, Keigo knew if he instantly was a natural at it they’d grow suspicious. So, he studied his past mistakes so he could make those same mistakes until he could eventually phase them out. Touya had a fun time mixing up colors on purpose. Keigo has seen him do his homework with a small smirk on his face. 

Keigo was learning a lot about his soulmate and it clashed with his mental idea of a soulmate. He was told that a soulmate was someone made just for him but he couldn’t imagine Touya being made for anyone. Touya was just…Touya. He found himself in awe at the man’s independence. He would talk back to the handlers even if he knew the punishment. Touya would come back from training covered in bandages and slathered in burn cream, but he was always so strong. He would insist he could handle it and with the beautiful way his eyes glowed, Keigo believed him. He had spent every free moment cataloging the shades of blue that exist in Touya’s eyes. Deceptively they may seem like a bland teal but he found so many different shades. You could find the deepest oceans and the most gorgeous sky. When he used his quirk you could almost see the blue itself come alive like his flames. His favorite color was blue and he likely would never change it. Not when the most beautiful color is the first one he saw. 

Today, Keigo had woken up not to the usual sound of the Wake Up bell that rung every morning at 6 AM. But instead he drifted awake to the darkness of the room. It was completely silent except for the sounds of Touya’s breathing on the other side of the room. He used his feathers to listen to Touya’s heart as it steadily beat. He didn’t feel tired despite being awake before the bell and sometimes the only thing that calmed him down was hearing Touya’s heartbeat. It was probably a bit creepy and he would never admit it to the other’s face, but it was nonetheless true. 

A moment later the bell rang. He hated the brash sound as his senses were heightened and the shrill ringing always made him a bit disoriented in the morning. Keigo got up slowly and stretched out his wings with a small yawn. He heard Touya slowly sit up as well, or well more like prop up on his elbows. Keigo looked over his shoulder to see that cute little glare of hatred aimed towards the speaker in their room that played the wake up sound. His white brows scrunched up and his blue eyes darken with his annoyance. His hair had turned to be mostly white rather than the bright red and Keigo was conflicted. The red was pretty but the white was gorgeous. Especially on Touya’s porcelain skin. He could almost imagine Touya as an ice king who watched over his ice kingdom with benevolence. Of course, his quirk was fire but still. 

“Good morning!” Keigo said, suppressing a happy chirp. The handlers hated when he made bird sounds and have been trying to wean him from them, it was hard when his mate was here. 

“How are you always so awake this early?” Touya complains rubbing his eyes before pulling his hand down to hide his yawn

“Early bird gets the worm yeah?” Keigo said with a small chirp he couldn’t push down. 

“Keep the worm. I need sleep.” Touya said and Keigo laughed 

Keigo carefully tucked his tail feathers into his pants as Touya finally stood up to dress up in his commission uniform as well. Keigo was already finished brushing his teeth by the time Touya got there to spread toothpaste over his teeth with a slow, tired scrub. Not so much brushing anyway. 

It was after they were ready that Touya said “They should really tailor your pants for your tail feathers.” 

“Oh…” Keigo said, not having really thought about it. But they did tailor for his wings and his tail feathers had to be important too. “I hadn’t even thought of that…” 

“Birdbrain.” Touya teased “Just imagine how much easier it would be to fly if you had your tail feathers out to balance properly. “ 

Keigo thought about it and acknowledged the fact that it was probably the truth. He was so used to repressing the parts of himself that the commission found unsatisfactory for a hero. His bird sounds and talons. They still filed down his fangs every year, as his quirk had a part of regrowth in it that surpassed normal healing. Filed down teeth should not grow back but his always did. HIs talons always grew back the same despite how deep they go to tear them out. He hadn’t told Touya any of this, because he was a bit ashamed. His mate didn’t need to know how much of a flawed bird he was. His fangs and talons were a part of that image his inner bird brain had for who he should be. He was a hawk after all, he should be able to tear flesh and drink down the blood of a fresh kill. He wasn’t allowed any of those things and he felt a base level shame. 

“Yeah…” Keigo said softly, looking at his hands where for now his nails looked somewhat “normal”. Especially with the fake nails they loved to glue onto the growing talons to hide their unsightly look. 

“Hey, if you're nervous. We can go to the tailor later, I outgrew my pants again anyway.” Touya said  

Keigo’s eyes traveled to Touya’s legs where indeed the pants were once more short on him. He had already surpassed Keigo in height, though Keigo was horrifically short and was waiting on his growth spurt. Touya seemed to be growing like a weed and Keigo was definitely falling behind. “Yeah. Okay.” 

Keigo was grateful for Touya. Keigo couldn’t help his shy nature. Living with his father, he learned to be as quiet as the mice he would tear into with his talons for food on the rough nights. He wasn’t allowed to think for himself then and he isn’t allowed to now. But Touya was always there, reminding him of injustices against him that he should speak up on. Touya was always there to advocate for Keigo when the man was too terrified to do it. 

That’s what the idea of a soulmate became to Keigo. Not someone made for him to be his perfect match. But someone who would inspire him to be himself. Inspire him to be just as independent. He wanted to be like Touya, not afraid to speak out on the wrongs he perceives regardless of the punishment he would receive. He needed to be confident in himself in the way Touya is every day. 

Training that day was particularly rough. They had tied a blindfold over his eyes and made him find and hit moving targets and when he missed they would hit him on the wrist. When he couldn’t find a target they would take the feather and shove it into the target, snapping the spine and making him wince. He had learned to hit the targets pretty quickly to avoid their punishment. 

He got to dinner and Touya looked just as tired. His eyes were a dull grayish teal that Keigo found to be his least favorite color. He knows it’s shallow to derive his favorite and least favorite color out of his soulmate’s eyes but he never found it in him to care. Touya was bandaged up again and the scent of burnt flesh mixing with copious amounts of burn ointment was not pleasant on Keigo's sensitive nose. But it's not an unusual scent for Touya so he ignored it.  

“Hey.” Keigo said, messing with his chopsticks.

Touya, who had been staring at the tofu on his plate, looks up and his eyes brighten at seeing him “Oh, I didn’t even notice you sit down.” 

“I have been working on my stealth. “ Keigo said cheekily 

“Really?” Touya said “You are soooo stealthy with those bright red feathers of yours.” 

Keigo’s squawk died in his throat as his handler’s glare found him and he instead coughed to cover it up. Touya raised an eyebrow and Keigo just smiled “ Sorry, choked on air.” 

Touya shook his head fondly “Silly Birdie. You are supposed to breathe the air.” 

“I personally think I'm supposed to fly through it.” Keigo counterd cheerily 

“Spoken like a true bird.” Touya teased

Keigo looked at his meal and it wasn't all that…appetizing. It was mainly a mix of vegetables and fried tofu, and while he likes these things well enough there was no meat. The commission forbade him to eat meat and instead forced him on a strict vegetarian diet with supplements for meat. Keigo just had to feel so hungry all the time. 

“Hey…I know you aren't supposed to have it buuuut…” Touya slid a napkin across the table and Keigo stared at it before bringing it closer “I'm sure Narita won't notice a thing.”

Keigo looked for his handler and found her lecturing someone else. So he pulled the napkin close and opened it to reveal a piece of beef. It was quite rare and his eyes trained over the surface with interest. “W-where did you get this?”

“I have my ways birdie.” Touya said slyly 

Keigo didn't hesitate, bringing the small bit of beef to his mouth. It was bloody and delicious as it slid down his throat. He had to suppress the happy coo as his bird brain started praising Touya. Good mate! Provided us with food! He then ate the rest of his dinner without issue. 

After dinner the two boys headed to the commission tailor. The commission had a strict uniform policy for all the students, so they kept a tailor on hand to fix any issues. Especially because many of the recruits are growing children. 

They didn't hold hands, but occasionally their hands would bump against each other. Touya's hands were always so warm, with his quirk hiding under his skin. Keigo wanted to hold hands but he didn't want to risk Narita or Harada finding them and separating them so they don't get distracted. Or something. Harada was not as strict as Narita from what Keigo has seen, but he is Touya's handler so perhaps the guy was actually an ass. The handlers all seemed to be like that.They got to the tailors, which was one main person and her apprentices. She was busy so she barely acknowledged them. Well until Touya spoke up.

“Susuki-san.” Touya said 

“Inferno..You're back….Again.” Susuki said blandly 

“I brought Hawks too.” 

“Oh…I haven't seen you in a while boy.” She said fixing her glasses 

“U-uh yeah. “ Keigo sputtered nervously 

“Why are you two here today?” 

“I need new pants.” Touya explained and Susuki looked down and sighed with an eyeroll.

“And you Hawks?”

“O-oh I was hoping maybe I could have pants made that allow my tail feathers to be free. “ Keigo said

Suzuki eyes him for a moment “No can do kiddo. Narita has it on strict authority that you're not allowed to show your tail feathers. “

“Well why not?” Touya asked

“Something about them being useless.” Susuki said “Better to hide them.” 

Keigo's wings sagged. He quite liked his tail feathers…maybe he can't control them as well as his wings but they were still useful! They were still apart of him and so they had to be useful…right？ 

“That's bullshit.” Touya said

“Young man! No profanities.” Susuki said

“I don't care. Hawks needs his tail feathers out! They are a part of him too so they deserve to be given their freedom too.” Touya said

“My hands are tied. Take it up with Narita.” Sasuki said

Keigo sighed. Narita barely let him have anything and now he can't even have this. Surely a hero doesn't need to hide so much of themselves right? He always thought a hero was supposed to be honest with themselves and others. 

“Know what…” Touya said, breaking his thoughts “I will.”

“Wait! No!” Keigo said 

Touya however was already gone and Keigo did his best to follow Touya. Touya is pissed. If you couldn't tell from his body language then it would've been the literal steam pouring out of his ears. 

“It's fine Touya. I'm sure it's for a good reason.” Keigo said

“No! They keep suppressing parts of you! They stop you from chirping and singing. They cut your talons off and plaster on human nails to make them look normal! They can't keep doing this!” 

Touya was undeniably smart and Keigo forgets sometimes how observant he is. Perhaps he never brought it up before because he didn't want Keigo to be distressed about it. Keigo felt bad he had to deal with this at all, if only he was only born with his wings…

Touya marched right into Natita’s office, the woman was clearly doing paperwork and glared at Touya at his arrival. 

“Don't you know how to knock?” Narita sneered

“Don't you know how to not be a racist bitch!?” Touya spat and Keigo's jaw dropped at the daring words. 

“Excuse me?” Narita seethes 

“You heard me.” Touya said daringly

It was hard to tell who was more pissed off at the moment. Narita looked aggravated, her green eyes narrowed at Touya with his fingers glowing with her quirk. Touya looked ready to combust any moment, with that distinct fire in his eyes.

“You disrespectful brat. You're only here because your father decided to throw you out like the trash you are.” Narita sneered “You're lucky he pays well otherwise we'd have to throw you to the streets.”

Keigo didn't know much about Touya's family. He has three younger siblings who he cares very deeply about. He didn't talk about his parents much other than explaining he was the result of a quirk marriage. But to hear Touya's father threw him away like garbage and the commission didn't even want him either…Seeing him as a failure…Touya never failed at anything, sure he hurt himself with his own flames, but he didn't let that stop him. He was just so strong and powerful. How could Touya’s dad not see that? 

“I don't give a fuck what that old man does or doesn't do.” Touya growls

“Watch your mouth boy, we'll have to wash it out with soup.” Narita threatens 

“Try me.” Touya said angrily

“What we're doing with Hawks is for his own good!” Narita argues

“Bull-fucking-shit!” Touya growls 

“He doesn't need his tail feathers to fly anyway.” 

“Need I repeat how bullshit that is?!” Touya yelled “You keep forcing him to suppress more and more of himself for your stupid ideal hero!”

“Please, acting like an animal is no way for a hero to behave.” Narita said

“I know the type of people you allow to be a fucking hero!” Touya snarls “You're fabricating a fucking issue that isn't there!” 

Hawks shrunk away when the air around Touya grew hot and the first few flames tried to crawl onto his skin. Narita looked about ready to snap his neck with the deep scowl on her face. The door opens again and Harada shows up.

Immediately Touya is drenched with the water Harada made with his quirk. He could add or remove water at will and that was probably the reason he was Touya’s handler. The water was strong and Keigo watched helplessly as Touya was forced to the ground by the water. He started coughing after the water stopped having had the air knocked out of him by the water pressure alone. 

“Sorry about this one Narita, apparently his lesson from earlier didn't work.” Harada said, kicking Touya in the side. Causing Touya to wince and Keigo desperately wanted to rip Harada's throat out for hurting his mate. Not that he had the talons to do so. 

“Go and punish him properly.” Nartia said, “Hawks, I need to speak with you.” 

Shit. Oh god he just cursed…even mentally that was wrong. He was pretty sure Narita's quirk wasn't mind reading but you never knew with her. Harada did the honors of literally dragging Touya out. The fire-user was still a bit out of it from the barrage. Keigo watched them go with a sinking feeling that only got worse when the door clicked close. 

“Since you're already here, we have deduced you don't have any need for your tail feathers. We have scheduled to have them surgically removed tomorrow morning.” Narita said 

“O-oh.” Keigo said with his wings drooping “But why? I can just tuck them away can't I?” 

“No, the President herself has an image of you that we must make. Don't you want to be a hero Hawks? A good one?” 

“W-well yes but-”

“Then don't complain. Maybe we should give you a new roommate. Inferno is making you lose sight of your vision.”

“No!” Keigo said

“No?” Narita said 

“Please don't separate us.” Keigo said “He's my friend.”

“Hmm…So indeed. Fine, I won't separate you.” Narita said and Keigo perks up “But only if you agree to the surgery and every surgery after willingly.”

“...Okay.” Keigo said dejectedly. 

“Good boy.” Narita said with a pleased smile 

Touya's handler is a fucking dumbass. The man has a room temperature IQ. His brain is as liquid as his quirk. 

His idea of a punishment is shoving Touya in the freezer for multiple hours or even a few days. It's not so much a punishment as it is a mild annoyance. It's also fucking stupid. Touya was convinced his brain dead vegetable of a handler was like “What's the opposite of fire? Oh right Ice. He'll surely suffer then. “ 

Multiple reasons that's stupid as fuck. One he has a fire quirk, he can legit just heat himself up. Though perhaps his handler thought he wouldn't because his fire hurts him, one issue with that logic. The reason his fire hurts him at all is his resistance to ice. Which means cold doesn't fucking bother him to begin with. His handler is so empty in the brain cell department he can't even do his job and read Touya's file. 

Giving him the benefit of the doubt, he must hope that the combination of beating his ass and icing him would be a literal hell. But that is still stupid considering his ice resistance. Usually he fucking hates it but right now he is just worried about Keigo. 

Regardless he spent the night laying in the freezer and counting the icicles on the ceiling. There weren't any new ones since his count a few hours ago, still at a solid 267 icicles in the freezer. After his count, he chopped off another chunk of meat for Keigo, using his flames to heat up his finger and slice into the meat. Really it was his handler’s fault for literally shoving him in the cafeteria freezer. It's always fun when a cafeteria worker walks in and sees him, most of the time they ignore him. Some wave and he'll wave back. One he gives the peace sign too everytime she enters and she sneers at him. His favorite is the new guy who is nervous around him. 

He knows it's mid day by the time his handler comes to fetch him. Touya noticed immediately that the man's shirt was not only backwards but also inside out. It took real talent to fuck up that badly. This man is going to get a Darwin award once day. 

“Your punishment is over.” Harada said as if Toyya couldn't have guessed that. 

Touya puts on a good show of looking cold. The water from when Harada drenched him had solidified and his clothes were stiffer than normal. His hair was also stiff with ice. He shivers, albeit fakely. As soon as Harada fucks off, Touya quits the act and heats his body temperature. He didn't care if the water dripped in the halls, that wasn't his problem. He made it back to his dorm room and his clothes were dry. 

Touya creaked open the door and it was dark inside. He pauses in the doorway when he hears a sniffle. He walked in further as his eyes adjusted to the dark. He heard muffled sobs and he walked f until he made it to the closet. Slowly he pulled open the door. Keigo sat in a small little nest of their clothes, his wings hiding him from view as he sobbed. Touya sat down at the edge of the small little nest. They wouldn't let Keigo have a nest at all and Touya was pissed about that. Keigo is beautiful the way he is and these assholes are stupid. 

“Birdie..” Touya said softly 

“T-tou?” Keigo asked

“It's me Kei.” Touya responded 

Keigo immediately tackled him and sagged into his arms. His entire body was shaking with his tears and Touya did his best to try and sooth the bird by rubbing his back near the base of his wings. 

“What's going on birdie?” Touya asked gently

“They…they. They cut my tail feathers off.” Keigo said 

Touya had to make a conscious effort to not heat up with rage as it wouldn't help Keigo. “Those bastards…” 

“I…I let them.” Keigo said

“Why?” Touya said

“Because otherwise they'd separate us. I'd rather have you.” Keigo said

“Kei…” Touya said softly

“I know you don't think anyone wants to have you! Your father threw you away! But I want you. I need you!” Keigo said desperately 

Touya was shocked by this and he couldn't even speak. He'd never really told Keigo about his problems. The bird saw him as this strong independent person. He didn't need to know about Touya feeling like a failed abortion. He didn't need to know about the overpowering emptiness he feels every day because no one really ever loved him. He didn't want Keigo to see the weakness that everyone else points out so readily. Perhaps he didn't give the bird enough credit. 

“It's okay Kei. I'm here. I'll always be with you.” 

If only that were the truth. 

Chapter Text

Dear Touya,

You are an absolute disgrace! I sent you to the HPSC because I had hoped you weren't as much of a failure as I thought but clearly you can't defy anyone's expectations! 

Do you know how much time and money we've invested in you just for you to turn into an absolute failure?! It's embarrassing to even think of you as my son at all!  

I know about the filthy language you use against your superiors and it's embarrassing! It's embarrassing to have to get the phone call that you are insulting people that are higher than you! 

I can't keep paying for you so unfortunately I have to take you back home. Pack your things and I'll come get you this weekend. There will be hell to pay when you get home.

Enji Todoroki 

Touya re-read the letter for possibly the fourth time. His stomach twisting in knots and his hopes dying. His father had decided he hadn't made enough progress in 4 years and he was being pulled out of the program. He was…going home. He should be pleased.

But…He wasn't. His mom was always so terrified of him and his dad threw him away the moment his quirk burned him. Fuyumi always means well but tends to side with their parents, even when their parents are wrong and it drives him insane. Natsuo and Shoto were still young when he left. Natsuo was 3 and Shoto was just a baby. He doesn't really know them. 

Besides the fact he has a straw brained scarecrow for a handler, and the training was shit. The commission wasn't all that bad, especially because he had his soulmate. His soulmate…They hadn't really spoken about it but Touya felt it was the proper title for them. The universe knew what it was doing. 

Regardless he didn't have a choice. He was being forced to go back home and Keigo will be alone again….Keigo had gone through so many surgeries since the deal a few months ago and each time Touya has to comfort the crying bird until he eventually cries himself to sleep. Now Keigo would have no one. 

“Hey Tou! You'd never guess but I actually beat my record today! I'm so fas…What's wrong?” 

Touya looked up at Keigo. His eyes were a warm gold color that Touya had grown to love and right now they were full of worry. Touya didn't have it in him to say anything, he felt nothing at all really. Should he be sad because his father still thought of him as a complete failure of a human being? Should he be mad that his father treats him like a project he can just cancel at will? 

Keigo walked over and gently extracted the letter from Touya's death grip. The places he had been holding it were noticeably singed black. In fact it was probably the fact the paper his father uses was made to be more fire resistant that stopped it from burning away entirely under his hotter than normal flames. Keigo read it over and his eyes sharpened dramatically and a very angry chatter left his lips. 

“That bastard.” Keigo said and Touya had never heard the nervous little bird boy use such words before. Keigo then pulled Touya into a hug, his wings reaching around to seemingly shield them from the world. “You are not a failure.” Keigo said firmly 

Touya wanted to feel something at those words but there wasn’t anything he had left to give. It was almost as if he was iced over from the world itself and no amount of fire would be able to breach this ice. Keigo said he wasn’t a failure, but it was hard to believe when he had been a failure his entire life. 

“You're so strong and you never give up when things look bad!” Keigo continues “Your fire is more powerful than anyone else and you can use it well! Even when it burns, you keep going! I don’t care what anyone else says! You are amazing!” 

There was an awkward silence that followed. Touya didn’t have the proper words to refute what Keigo was saying as he was sure Keigo would shoot that down very quickly. Keigo didn’t continue, seemingly searching Touya’s eyes for…something. Touya found himself memorizing the gorgeous gold in the hopes it would follow him home. 

“I don’t want to leave you.” Touya eventually uttered 

“I don’t want you to leave. “ Keigo responded 

“...I don’t have a choice.” Touya said looking down 

“...You don’t.” Keigo agreed “...But, once we’re heroes we can meet up again! We can go…” His cheeks turned pink “We can go places together! We can…We can do whatever we want without Narita and Harada watching! We can…Oh! We can make an agency together!” 

“An agency?” Touya said a bit amused 

“Yeah, We can call it the uh…The Phoenix Agency! Because I'm a bird and you have fire!” Keigo said with a small little chirp that escapes him. 

“That sounds good to me.” Touya said in confirmation and the two entered a silence.

“Do you need help packing up?” Keigo asks 

“Uh.. yeah.” Touya said 

Both of them were silent as they packed up Touya’s things into a singular bag, it’s not like he had much besides his uniform. Especially that fit. It was the act itself though that brought an almost funeral silence in their room. 

Touya had a few days before the weekend hit so the two of them spent as long as possible together. Touya got Keigo as many meat snacks as possible which the bird appreciated. He looks absolutely adorable when he gets all excited for the meat Touya sneaks him. They did their homework right next to each other, pressed against one another. Touya would help Keigo learn English, his father having mandated all his children speak English fluently at a very ypung age. They ended up sharing the bed the last few nights because they didn’t want to be apart until it was forced. 

Touya woke on Saturday to Keigo’s wing being used as his blanket. The soft red feathers brushed against his body with the gentle rise and fall of Keigo’s chest as he slept next to him. Occasionally cooing as he exhales. It still is the most adorable sound on Earth. Touya studied the sleeping bird. Like this he looked more at ease than every single day of his life. 

Naturally this moment had to be interrupted by a loud and aggressive banging on their door. Keigo startled awake and choked down a surprised squawk that looked physically painful to stifle. Keigo stumbled out of bed much faster than it took Touya to even peel his body off the sheets of the bed. Keigo opened the door promptly. Harada was gazing down at them in that way he does when he thinks he’s better than them, just because he has authority. Touya might’ve been intimidated if the man wasn’t a dumbass. 

“Your father is here to get you Inferno.” Harada said sternly 

“Give us a moment will you, I need to get dressed.” Touya said and Harada sighed 

“Five minutes, don’t be late.” Harada closed the door 

Touya dressed as he did every morning in his commission uniform, seeing as the clothes he came in 4 years ago obviously don’t fit. Keigo watched sullenly as this happened. 

“I’ll write.” Keigo said softly “Whenever I can.” 

“I’ll write back.” Touya said 

Keigo’s eyes grew wet. “I-I’ll miss you.” 

Touya hugged him closely as his own tears began to hit “I’ll miss you too.” 

“Take care…” Keigo whispered. 

“I will.” Touya responded 

They eventually broke apart and Harada did the honor of escorting Touya out of the facility he had spent the last 4 years in. It was early in the morning, as in the sun hadn’t even woken up. But he could see his father’s disapproving face because of the man’s flaming mustache. Touya couldn’t imagine using his quirk so casually but his father wasn’t limited like he is. 

“Touya.” His father greeted oh so very kindly with a scoff

“Father.” Touya responded sullenly 

“You’re a disappointment.” His father said 

Tell him something he didn’t already know. 

Keigo curled up in the bed after Touya left. His wings circled around him to protect him. He watched Touya leave and the emotions he’d been avoiding hit like a train. He needed Touya. Not just because his inner bird wanted their mate. Or because the universe had labeled them as soulmates, or even because they were best friends for years. He felt like he needed Touya to live at all. 

He spent the next hour or so he was supposed to be sleeping remembering the blue. The blue that was the first color he had ever seen and had grown to love. Touya’s most striking feature... He wished desperately this was all just a nightmare he would eventually wake from and Touya would be in the other bed, peering at him through the dark to visually check if he was okay. 

That moment never came and his life continued from there. It felt dull and gray again despite the fact he sees color perfectly. So much of his appreciation for color itself had come from Touya and without him everything seemed bland. He could barely pay attention during class and his homework looked like a jumble of characters that couldn’t have been Japanese and couldn't have been English. Perhaps it was a messy new language his brain didn’t want to comprehend. 

Narita was pissed at him, saying it was disgraceful with how his grades tanked and how he gave up. She kept yelling at his face, he kept not listening. She kept hitting him, he didn't ever really feel it. Currently, Keigo had finished dinner and was sitting in his room staring down at his homework. It was his history homework and he was staring at it blankly. There was a firm knock before the door slid open.

“Hawks, tomorrow morning you are to report to the infirmary for your next surgery.”Narita said with no preamble

“No.” Keigo said plainly

“what?” She snarled

“I said no.” Keigo responded weakly 

“We have an agreement Hawks.” Narita said firmly

“The agreement was if me and Touya were not separated, then I would consent to the surgeries willingly. Touya is no longer here so our agreement is invalid.” Keigo said blankly 

Narita's eye twitched and her quirk threatened the edge of her hands. Keigo did not back down and she let out an angry grunt before storming out of the room. Keigo looked back at his homework before ultimately deciding to just write to Touya. Taking out a blank paper he drafts a letter and when it is done he sealed it inside an envelope and ran to the mail desk. 

“Hawks?” The man at the desk said 

“Can you send this to my old roommate Inferno?” Keigo asked placing the letter on the desk

The man smiled and said “Sure kid.” 

Keigo felt a small spark of something again and returned to his room where he was able to do his homework. 

Life at the Todoroki estate is the worst. Touya feels like a stranger inside his own childhood home. Their mother seems to be drifting through her days and mainly is only there to cook and try to protect Shouto. 

Natsuo and Fuyumi are still afterthoughts to his father and Touya felt like he himself barely knew them at all. Natsuo was an extroverted kid so he immediately attached himself to his older brother. Fuyumi was altogether the same. She still sided with their parents even when they clearly were wrong. She still wanted that perfect family in her head. Touya barely knew Shouto at all, seeing as Endeavour isolated the poor kid. 

It was late and Touya found he couldn't sleep. The night air seemed so much better than his day to day and he had Keigo's latest letter clutched against his chest. It was Keigo's usual bubbly ramblings that made Touya feel alive again. The fire inside of him dims most of the time but when he gets a letter from Keigo it roars to life and it feels like flames may lick out of his skin. 

This moment of peace was broken by the sound of his mother screaming in the other room. Touya acted immediately and ran out of his room. The letter forgotten on the futon. He entered the kitchen and froze in terror at what he was looking at. His mom was crying and apologizing to Shouto, whose face was burnt. The kid was completely silent with shock. Touya acted by pulling his mother off of Shouto as her ice was only making it worse. He pulled his baby brother into his arms and gently rocked him as he ran to the bathroom.  

He set Shouto on the toilet as he ripped through the cabinets and found the first aid kit he was looking for. It was well used, probably because of him. Touya did his best to take care of the wound but seeing his brother's melted skin made him want to vomit. That's not even mentioning the fact the kid was still in shock. 

“It's okay Shou.” He found himself repeating. He wasn't even sure when he started but he was saying it over and over. The main problem was the fact Rei had directly iced it with her quirk meaning the burn got cooled too rapidly. Touya knew a few things about burns and he knew due to the ice his poor baby brother would be scarred. 

Touya took the newly bandaged Shouto to his room and gently rocked him as if he were still a baby. Shouto eventually broke and started crying into his shoulder and Touya just comforted him as best he could. Naturally this moment was broken the second Enji burst in. The man had literal smoke pouring out of his ears as he glared at Touya for the crime of caring for his little brother.

“Touya!” Enji yelled, running over and ripping the child from his arms. 

Shouto screamed and Touya tried to pull the kid back. Enji naturally was stronger and manhandled the child to his chest because Shouto was squirming like a frightened animal. 

“I won't let you harm my masterpiece! Not after what that woman did!!” Enji yells

“I was helping him!” Touya yelled back

“I don't want your excuses! You're just as broken as your mother!” Enji said before storming out with a terrified child clawing at him. 

Broken? Perhaps he was. His own quirk was too much for his body to handle and the commission could never find their solution. He wasn't very good at most things, bare color studies for…obvious reasons. He couldn't protect his siblings. His father barely even looked at him and when he did it was to berate him for existing. 

Touya felt nothing again. That creeping emptiness settled like a beast on his chest and he eventually ended up on his Futon. He picked up the letter from Keigo again and pulled it close like a hug. He missed Keigo so much. His soft red feathers that would drape over him like a weighted blanket. He never felt this alone when Keigo was curled up against him. He didn't have a life here and he desperately misses Keigo. His…soulmate. He'd do anything for a chance that he and Keigo can go out and buy a house together. A cabin or something. Where no one would ever bother them and Keigo could be a free bird. Flying about and chirping all cutely. Establishing himself as the dominant predator in that part of the woods. Silly stuff like that. 

Touya woke up the next day to the news that his mother had been sent to the mental hospital yesterday after the incident. Enji refused to let Shouto out of his sight and even took the kid to work today. Fuyumi and Natsuo are doing their best to pretend like they don't exist. That leaves Touya with the job of trying to pick up the pieces. He started by making breakfast for the two others in the house. Touya didn't get much time to learn about cooking but he can figure it out…probably. The eggs he made ended up a bit…weird looking but they seemed edible so it was probably fine.

“Yumi, Natsu. I made breakfast!” He called

The two kids emerged from the shadows and sat at the table. Natsuo looked a little glassy eyed as he stared at the plate put in front of him. Fuyumi looked like she was mentally anywhere else but here. Touya sat down with his own plate and he honestly didn't feel like eating either. Fuyumi moved first, taking a bite of egg and her brothers followed. Breakfast was a quiet affair as if speaking would cause the house to explode. 

“Mom is gone.” Natsuo finally says

“Yes.” Touya confirms 

Fuyumi starts to whimper as Natsuo gets visibly upset “It's all Enji's fault!” 

“Mom hurt Shouto though.” Fuyumi said softly

“No! Enji drove our mom to snap! It's his fault.” 

“Natsuo, our mom was a broken woman.” Fuyumi tried

Natsu looked like he might explode despite having an ice quirk. So Touya took the liberty to speak up. “Mom had been losing it for a while

“ Fuyumi nodded and Natsuo looked betrayed “but it was Enji who tipped her over the edge.” It was funny how their responses flipped. 

“He's our dad and now he's all we have!” Fuyumi said “Our mom is a sick woman. We need to cling to what we have!” 

“Oh like how you cling to the idea that we can be a happy family?” Natsuo snarked 

“We can! We still have our dad!” 

“You mean the dad that neglects us?” 

“Both of you stop. Fighting isn't going to help. We're in a shit situation and our shitty parents aren't going to help. We need to stick together.” Touya said

“I just can't believe you guys.” Fuyumi said, shaking her head, “We need our dad.”

“No we don't.” Natsuo immediately says

 Touya has officially given up on being the mediator. He sighs and just starts to clean up their breakfast. Fuyumi and Natsuo kept arguing and Touya tunes them out. He wonders to himself what Keigo is doing right now, perhaps he's training. Touya needs to send his reply to his latest letter, perhaps have someone to rant about his family problems too. No…he'd spare the bird. Touya found himself in the kitchen washing the dishes. He felt nothing even as the water grew hotter and hotter. He could hear Fuyumi and Natsuo still going at it in the other room and Touya just sagged. He was hoping that they'd at least get along so they could try and pull back together the shambles of their family but with Fuyumi's strong delusion and Natsuo’s even stronger anger… 

Fuyumi is not necessarily wrong to cling to their parents. Touya knows that despite everything Enji has a soft spot for his only daughter. Not that he’s good at showing it. Fuyumi still clings onto the love they got before Touya’s quirk started to burn him. The only difference between them is Touya learned better. Natsuo was born after everything started to go to shit so all he knows is the abusive old man who broke their mother and sent away their older brother. Who knows what Shouto thinks at this point. The kid got his fucking face burnt off by his mother and his father makes a grand show of giving a shit. Tonight it'll be the same “training” as usual. Touya decided that he would do what his mother never could and stop Enji.

Chapter Text

Dear Touya,

Everyday without you is more tortuous than anything Narita could come up with. I have a new roommate now and she's kind of a bitch. She also likes to get in my personal space. I almost bit her hand off the other day. It's monotonous really. Day in and day out. The training doesn't change and the meals are so bland. I never did figure out where your secret meat stash was. You could've told me you know! But I'll talk to you soon yeah? 

Take care of yourself! We'll be back together before you know it! 

Love, 

Keigo 

Touya was clenching his side as his chest heaved. His arms were covered in blistering burns and his side ached with a giant bruise. Possibly some bruised ribs as well. His father stood above him with fire pouring out of his mustache. His baby brother was behind him on his knees. The poor kid had been beaten down. 

“I told you to leave him alone.” Touya said angrily

“Insolent brat.” Endeavor growls

Endeavor goes to hit him again but if being at the commission has taught him anything it's how to dodge. He learned quickly and with Keigo as his usual sparring partner he got fast. Endeavor just had most of the advantage. He was a huge man with decades of real fighting experience, Touya is one bad sneeze away from bursting an organ. Touya dodges the punch and builds heat beneath the surface of his skin before punching his father in the gut. The flames push up the power of the strike and Endeavor actually stumbles back slightly from the punch. 

Touya doesn't get even a moment to celebrate as Endeavor roars like a feral beast and charges his son. He proceeds to slam his entire body weight into Touya sending them to the ground. He started to pummel Touya’s face until he manages to raise his arms to block the punches. Shouto is crying loudly somewhere next to him and Touya tries to focus on not being punched to death.  

Endeavor eventually stops and growls “Useless child. I can't believe I once had faith in you. So weak still even after everything.”

Touya wanted Enji to get body slammed by someone 3 times his weight and see how he liked it. Half the time he wouldn't be opposed to the guy getting into an unfortunate accident. He's fairly certain that if anything could kill Enji it would be Touya's flames. Endeavor storms out angrily, sporting a sour look on his face. Touya lays his head back down with an undignified flop. He feels small little hands dig into the fabric of his shirt and he only sits up in order to embrace the kid. Shouto is still so small and to think Endeavor wanted to beat the kid into the ground. At least he didn't think Touya wanted to kill Shouto anymore. Shouto was crying and Touya shushed him softly. He picks up the kid and walks out of the dojo. In the next hallway over he spots Natsuo, who looked concerned. He was slinking around in the shadows again but he brightened when he saw them. 

“You want to play ball?” Natsuo asked 

“Sure.” Touya should probably deal with his wounds but when did he start to care about himself? “Want to join Shou?” 

The kid nods eagerly and they go out to the courtyard where Fuyumi was already standing using her feet to practice maneuvering the ball. She looks up at their arrival and smiles weakly. 

A few days ago her and Natsuo got into a huge fight and Touya couldn't be bothered to fix it. Eventually though Fuyumi admitted quietly that their father was the reason for most of their problems and she apologized profusely for belittling their problems. Natsuo apologized as well for being so mean to her when she needed support. Touya was mainly happy that the tense atmosphere was gone now. He was starting to think it was his cooking that made a terse eating experience. 

Shouto is horrifically bad at the game they are playing but seeing as it's his 3rd time playing and he's like…5? Fuyumi is ever so soft with the kid and teaches him when he loses or breaks a rule. Touya thought she'd be a good teacher with her seemingly infinite patience. Natsuo is a little snot, has been for years, and he doesn't give Shouto much of a chance. Touya, well he just wants everyone to have fun so if he lets Shouto score when he shouldn't then he wouldn't admit it. 

“You definitely just let Shouto have that!” Natsuo accused

“Nope.” Touya dismisses 

“Oh right! And the sky is gray!”

“It's actually blue…more purple actually.” Touya muttered softly, “...Periwinkle.” 

“Looks gray to me.” Natsuo said

“Assumably everything looks gray to you.” Touya said 

“Why is that?” Fuyumi asked cautiously 

“Well…The moment you meet your soulmate the world becomes so bright and colorful. Every color is at your fingertips.”

“A soulmate?” Shouto asked cautiously 

“Someone who completes you. You'll love them and everything about them. You'll get lost in the gorgeous color of their eyes.” Touya said

“Woah.” Shouto said

“Does that mean you've met your soulmate?” Natsuo asks

Touya looks around the empty courtyard before leaning in closely and his siblings lean in as well. Touya then whispers “I have met him and he's wonderful.” His siblings gasped delightedly, “He has the most stunning golden eyes and a large pair of ruby red wings.” 

“Wings?” Shoto asked 

“Yeah, they are like a bird's wing. They are huge and are able to easily lift Keigo off the ground.” Touya said

“Keigo? Isn't that the guy who has been sending you letters?” Natsuo asked

“Yeah.” Touya said 

“I want a soulmate.” Shouto said

“You have one! You just haven't met them yet.” Touya assures

“Oh…I want to meet them.” Shouto said seriously and Touya laughed

“I can't wait to meet mine.” Natsuo said 

Fuyumi smiled softly and nodded her agreement. Touya isn't surprised they aren't familiar with the idea of soulmates as he's sure their parents hadn't brought it up. Rei isn't here physically anymore and she wasn't here mentally much longer than that. Enji couldn't be bothered with the spawn he forced into existence.  

A few hours pass and Touya is serving dinner by the time their father returns from his self-pity party and he doesn't even spare them a glance as he storms out the front door. Touya supposed it was whatever since the man didn't want to actually be a father anyway. He'd gotten much better at cooking and his siblings didn't hesitate to compliment him now. He briefly considered what he was going to send Keigo in his next letter. Keigo's new roommate gives off bad vibes trying to move in on his soulmate like that. Touya also had been training outside of fighting Endeavor so his brother didn't get beat as much. His flames were getting stronger and last night he remembered being able to change them blue at will. He wanted to experiment more with the blue flames tonight. 

He puts the kids to bed. Fuyumi and Shouto have their own rooms. Being the only daughter and the masterpiece. Natuso and Touya still share a room so he put Natsuo to sleep last. Touya walked into the living room and took out some paper to draft a reply to Keigo's letter. He started writing and felt at peace for a moment. He thought about Keigo. He was probably asleep right now with his wings tucked around him. Keeping him safe…Touya finished his letter and sealed it into an envelope with practiced precision. He then wrote the address and stuck on a stamp. He smiled softly and imagined Keigo's reaction to getting the letter. Naturally any moment of calm is interrupted by his father storming in. Their blue eyes meet immediately. 

“Touya…You're awake quite late.” 

“Yes.” Touya said simply 

“I've been thinking “ Enji said

“Must've been hard.” Touya muttered under his breath 

“What was that?” Enji asked 

“Oh nothing.” Touya dismissed mock innocently 

“I was thinking that perhaps we could have a special training session on Sekoto peak. Just the two of us.” Enji said 

“...Really?” Touya asked with his breath caught in his throat 

“Yeah, I was wrong this morning. You did surprisingly well considering your…Lack of skill.” Enji might as well have slapped him across the face.

“I don't think you've completely convinced yourself.” Touya said incredulously 

“Let's just go.” 

Dread curled in Touya's gut as he and his father made the trek up Sekoto peak. He didn't like this at all, but perhaps this meant his father wanted to train him again. Maybe he'd leave Shouto alone now. Touya hopes he does, the kid doesn't deserve all this training. They arrived at the clearing and Endeavor stood over him. His frame large in the moonlight casting a shadow onto Touya who felt very small. 

“Show me what you got boy.” Endeavor snarled 

Touya blasted himself at Endeavor and when the older man dodged he was quick to kick him in the stomach. Endeavor grunted surprised but didn't stop as he started his own attack. 

The thing with fighting his father is Touya has the training from the commission. He can do hand to hand combat and he can handle himself. His father however had the advantage of not having his skin melt under his quirk. Touya's arms were tingling with pain as he started to get weaker, his flames couldn't keep up with Endeavor's and the few jabs he did get didn't so much against the tank of a man. His father shot him with a fireball he wasn't able to dodge. Fire burnt his skin and he screamed as his legs gave out. He tried to roll but was stopped by Endeavor's boot. His father was sneering at him with an evil glint in his eye. Touya didn't get a chance to run as Endeavor blasted him again. 

It hurts! He screamed until he couldn't scream anymore. Fire had eaten into his skin and he could feel air on his flesh. His nails dug into the earth and he pried himself off the ground. Not even noticing his father having left the scene. Touya ran towards the nearby pond. He jumped in and sobbed out at the cool water against his raw body. The water seemed inviting to him and for a moment everything seemed so quiet, so peaceful. He wanted to close his eyes forever and let the pain wash away. 

Golden eyes flash in his brain and he screams, grasping at his burnt throat for air. He pushed his body to the surface. He can't die! He needs to get back to Keigo! He needs to get back to his siblings! He needs! He needs….He needs to…rest. Touya's eyes drifted closed and the fire on the mountain burned on. 

Chapter Text

Keigo hadn't received a reply back from Touya in over a week, it was unusual as usually it only took a few days for the next letter to arrive. Perhaps Touya just got busy and sent it out late. Keigo was alone now, his new roommate got moved after he tried to bite her throat out for the second time. She knew they weren't soulmates and yet still tried to touch him. He wasn't letting that happen. He has a mate already, and he is perfect. This now empty room left Keigo with his thoughts as company. 

He felt more alive now then he did when Touya left but only barely. His handler only let him have Touya’s letters because without them he became an empty shell. No amount of torture or drugs she tried made him act “appropriately.”. Eventually she just had to let it go. Of course, this meant they had a new deal. No surgeries, but they still got to chop his talons off and pluck the undesirable feathers. He was almost always in pain but he was just so happy to have Touya’s words. He wished he could have Touya though. 

Touya’s letters haven't been as bright recently. Keigo thinks he's hiding a good portion of what's happening at home. Keigo understands as his home life was never that good. Keigo understands because he knows Touya’s father is an asshole. Keigo just wished that Touya knew he understood. That Touya would talk to him and feel safe to do so…It was probably the fact it was letters and Narita probably read every one. Keigo decidedly just wanted to see him again. The door opened and Keigo peeked up to see Narita. She had a sour look on her face, not unusual, and it deepened when she looked at him. It was hard to gauge what she was thinking at this point despite his training in body language. 

“This is for you.” She huffed and she threw a letter at him. 

Keigo caught it with a feather excited! It had to be Touya's newest letter. His wings puffed excitedly and he carefully cut open the delicate white envelope. Keigo opened it and frowned at the handwriting.

Dear Hawks,

A few days ago, my son Touya went to train on Sekoto Peak without me knowing. He lost control of his quirk and burnt to death. There is no need to send any more letters. 

Sincerely,

Enji Todoroki 

Keigo choked for a moment as a sob escaped him, no…No! NO! Surely this was some kind of lie! A bad prank! A…A fluke. There is no way Touya is actually dead! Touya wouldn't die. Touya couldn't die. He's an unstoppable force! He'd never let his quirk take him like that! He knew his limits! Keigo's vision was blurred with unshed tears and he tried to wipe them away. It was in vain however as they just kept getting worse. His heart left like a rock bludgeoning against his chest and his throat felt like it was shoved full of cotton. 

“Even from the grave, that little brat makes my life hard.” Narita muttered and Keigo elected to ignore her. 

Keigo didn't want to accept the news because that means he will never again lay eyes on Touya. Never again see those gorgeous blue eyes. Never ever get to laugh with him and cuddle with him. He'll never receive another letter talking about bland things. He didn't want to believe that Touya was dead, because he was sure he couldn't live without him. Keigo was stress gripping the letter but he didn't even care. Nothing mattered anymore.

“You're being allowed to go to his funeral this afternoon. Do not disgrace us.” Narita commanded and Keigo nodded numbly in reply.

Narita left him then and Keigo curled up into a ball. Using his wings to shield himself from the world as he wordlessly floats the letter Touya had sent a little over a week ago into his grasp. His hands were shaking too hard to read the textbook perfect letters and his eyes were too blurred to catch a single word. He knew the words in his mind however and he tried to place them on the page. 

He wasn't sure how much time passed before someone came to fetch him for Touya’s funeral. The only clothes he had was the Commission Uniform so he was forced to wear that. The ride there was a blur as he stared out the window. He didn't get to leave very often so he got to see the outside world. He'd rather he stay locked in a concrete box than this. 

They arrived at a graveyard with large ornate iron gates and Keigo stepped out when the car stopped. He felt sick to his stomach as he was led to a small group of people. He saw two boys, aged probably 5 and 8. A girl around 12. As well as the towering form of the number 2 hero. Keigo might've once held respect for the man but he felt nothing. He stopped just behind the group, and stared solemnly at the grave they were centered around. 

Touya Todoroki was spelled out on the stone and everything felt too real. He felt like he was burning from the inside as the pain clawed from his heart into his chest into his throat. He wanted to crawl into the dirt with Touya and spend eternity together. 

“Y-you must be Keigo.” The girl said and Keigo noticed the family was looking at him. The two boys had puffy red eyes, though the youngest looked a little confused as to why everyone was so sad. Endeavor did not spare Keigo a glance. Keigo looks at the girl and nods once.“H-here he would've wanted you to have this.” 

A letter was placed into his hands and he stared at it for a moment. Was this…Touya’s reply? Did he want to open it? Surely he wanted to know… He clenched the letter in his hand and bowed in thanks. She didn't smile but she bowed in return. Keigo walked up to Touya’s grave, he had apparently arrived late as the dirt was already set on top. One of his feathers flew from his wing and nestled itself among the flowers. He felt himself shake before tears fell again, landing on the dirt. His knees finally gave out and he landed in the dirt. 

He felt a hand on his shoulder and recognized it as the girl, probably Touya's sister now that he properly thought about it. Her name is…Fuyumi? Sounds right. Her hands were cold and he missed Touya's touch more than ever before. 

“Thank you for…Being his friend.” Fuyumi said weakly 

Keigo still couldn’t speak and she didn't seem to want an answer. Endeavor was the first to leave, dragging the two boys with him kicking and screaming. Keigo wanted to help them but couldn't move from his position on the ground. Fuyumi didn't want to leave either but quickly followed after her father as to not get left behind. Keigo was left alone with the grave. 

“Touya…I'm…I'm sorry.” Keigo muttered “I didn't have anything to bring. I only have my feathers…” 

Keigo looks at the letter he was given and carefully opens it. The paper weighed down his hands but he pushed it open anyway.

Dear Keigo, 

That bitch sounds really annoying. Make sure to actually bite her hand off next time yeah? It'd give Narita a heart attack. I'd pay to see that actually.

Also, my meat stash is a secret that cannot be shared so easily where peeping eyes can see them. Next time I see you though I'll bring you some of my fried chicken! That way you can eat real food!

I can't wait to see you again! Hopefully it'll happen soon. I'm getting rather tired of my dad's ugly mug. I much prefer your company.

Anyways take care of yourself!

Love,

Touya 

A tear landed on the page next to Touya's name followed by two more sprinkling the page. It hurt how perfectly Touya this letter was. It didn't feel like final words, just their usual until we see each other again. Keigo mourned for the boy in the letter. He'd never get to eat that chicken with Touya. He curled up around the letter. His wings blocking the world out. 

It's dark by the time the driver comes to drag him back to the facility. By that point Keigo was already drifting, his fingers were stress gripped onto Touya's letter and he blankly stared out the window. When he drifted back to the present, he noticed he was in his room and he numbly sat in his closet. 

The closet was his safe space…His and Touya's…Touya didn't need to hide very often but Keigo remembers one time he had to hide. Keigo had come back from training late and when he entered the room it was pitch black. He looked for Touya everywhere and finally stopped when he opened the closet door slowly. Touya was sitting there, hiding his face on his knees. His hands wrapped around his legs. Keigo felt the heat from there and knew Touya was upset. Keigo had reached down to comfort Touya and flinched away at the searing heat. 

“Don't…I'll only hurt you.” Touya muttered miserably 

“I can help.” Keigo said 

“I can't stop it.” Touya mutters “Everything is just…too much.” 

“Then don't. Let it out. I'll be here.” Keigo said, placing his hand against Touya and this time he let the burn happen. He pulled Touya into a hug even if it hurt. 

“I don't want to hurt you!” Touya squirmed away

“It's okay Tou, let me help you.” Keigo said and Touya had starting sobbing 

Keigo never did figure out what made Touya so upset, but he would assume safely it had something to do with his piece of shit father. If Keigo wasn't so out of it earlier perhaps he would've slit the man's throat. Number 2 hero or not. To think Keigo once looked up to the guy. It was disgusting. 

The closet had never been so lonely. Usually when one of them hid in it the other was close behind. But no….Touya wouldn't be coming to comfort him. He'll never see Touya again. Desperately Keigo tried to recollect the blues of Touya's eyes. He had to remember. He has too!

Keigo then realizes he doesn't have a purpose anymore. He wasn't going to be a good hero because he couldn't even save the one person who meant everything to him. He should've been there. He should have saved him. What was the point of life without Touya? His world felt grey again even though the colors did not fade away with Touya's death. Before he knew it he had a sharpened feather in his hand. He doesn't want to live in this world without his soulmate. He can't imagine living in a world where he doesn't have letters to look forward to. A world where he'll never again see Touya. He doesn't see himself living in the future, it seems impossible to grasp a world where he lives on. What would he do? Be a hero? Would he be happy? He can't tell. 

The red blossoms from the sharpened feather and he felt nothing as the blood pours from his new wound. He'd join Touya in the afterlife. They'd be happy there. The two of them would spend everyday together…Never having to be apart. That's a life he can envision himself living. He wasn't sure what heaven would be like, but he hoped he and Touya could live together. Live their afterlife in a house that they take care of. They'd share fried chicken. Perhaps even…kiss.He wasn't sure how much he had cut but soon his arm was drenched in blood and a smile fell onto his face. He couldn't wait to join Touya. 

His vision was blurry when the lights suddenly snapped on and he protested as hands tried to put pressure on his wounds. No! No! Let him die! He needs to die! However, his worry started to fade away and he closed his eyes. This was what happiness feels like. He hadn't felt it in so long… 

There is a bright light when Keigo wakes up and for a moment he believes he has succeeded. But the light starts to dim and he recognizes the sterile room of the infirmary. He tries to sit up but he can't due to the restraints on his wings. He pulls attempts to reach them but his wrists are also restrained. He squirms uncomfortably and tries to get out. 

He's supposed to be dead. Why isn't he dead? Why did he fail? The one thing he wanted to do for himself and he couldn't even do that. He's so fucking useless. He can't even kill himself properly! 

“I'm disappointed in you Hawks.” Narita's chilling voice said

“That makes two of us.” Keigo responds 

“You will remain here until it is deemed you are mentally fit enough to continue training.” Narita sounded displeased. Good. He hopes she chokes to death on her own spit. She eventually leaves him alone and he messes with his restraints. He now notices the thick bandages on his arm that make it hard to even move in the restraints. He should've slit his own throat. That way it would've taken better. It was obvious now but he hadn't been thinking clearly, the arm was just so easily accessed. He tried to move his feathers to do the job but realized he couldn't feel them anymore. They must've had some sort of quirk suppressants on him.  

He throws his head back and screams. It turns into an animalistic screech. How dare they take away his freedom! How dare they take away his only means of escape! How dare they! Anger festers and he thrashes in his bonds. Years of repressed hatred towards his treatment comes to a boil and he pulls until the restraints snap. He barely makes it two feet from the bed before he is tackled and a syringe jabbed into his neck. He continues to fight and claw until the drug takes effect and he passes out to the scent of blood.

Chapter Text

As it turns out, being a pro hero is not all it was cracked up to be. Hawks would pretend to be surprised but even he can't lie to himself that well. He didn't feel much of anything at all really. His emotions were a fabrication the commission crafted. His soul died 11 years ago with a boy named Touya. Despite his wishes and attempts to join him in death, the commission always found a way to breathe life back into his body. Following his debut he got a therapist. She was great. Except he can't really legally talk about most of his trauma. But she did give him ways to sort out his thoughts of suicide. Sure he had to lie and say he only thought of killing himself once or twice a week instead of the 10 times a day it really is. She didn't need to know that. 

He spends most of his days biding his time, if a villain didn’t kill him then surely the commission would eventually decide he has outlived his usefulness. He was hoping either one came sooner than later but no…He still had to live. He hadn’t actively tried in a few years but that’s probably because the commission watches his every move. He can hear the cameras zoom when he takes out a knife for dinner. Really you’d think they’d be more subtle knowing his hearing is immaculate. Whatever, just means he was being watched 24/7. He should care, but he doesn’t. He cares so very little that it’s a wonder his persona is so believable to the citizens of Japan.

Today though was different as Hawks got the day off. He never got days off but occasionally after a mission the commission would tell him to relax for the day. Of course he didn’t care for the commission watching him barely exist in his penthouse. Instead he spent his time at the graveyard. He brought soba and cake for the two of them to share. As usual when he arrived, Touya's grave was barren. There were only flowers here a few times a year. Keigo places his offerings down and carefully flies a feather to lay in place of flowers. He always forgets to buy them, but presumably Touya wouldn’t really care for them anyway. He sits down on the ground, tucking his wings behind his back. 

“Hey…” He greets quietly “It's crazy to think that the world is still going without you…” Keigo huffs lightly before remembering “Oh! Yesterday, your sperm donor fell through a sewer grate and came out covered in sewage. You would've gotten a kick out of that.” 

He tried to imagine Touya's laugh. The way his eyes brightened when he was laughing. There was a specific shade of blue that escaped him despite all of his attempts to remember each shade of blue. Hawks slurped his noodles and imagined he was once again eating with Touya. Hawks was allowed to eat meat now that he was a debuted hero, but he still missed the morsels that Touya always managed to sneak him. He never did figure out his source. Hawks could eat whatever he wanted but there was something about the secret. Their secret. The many ones that they kept. 

“They still want me alive” Hawks admits ”…Otherwise we'd be together. I'm sorry about that. It's out of my control. You get that though… You'd tell me to fight back and punch Narita in the face. You're so much braver than I am.” 

Hawks drifted back to silence. It was easier to think when he was here. His head felt clearer and he finally felt like a person. The emotions he felt weren't exactly happy but…He still felt something. Perhaps that's why he spends so much time here. He didn't get days off all that often and when he did he was here. People were too respectful to hound him here and he liked the peace. Even if usually it was only him and a grave that doesn't even have a body. 

Hawks eventually learned the details of Touya's death. He had burnt Sekoto Peak and himself down to ash with only a jaw bone that remains. Hawks didn't like that story. He knows Touya. He knows how he trains. Quirk flare ups happen sure, but not like this and not from Touya. Touya is used to the burns and he knew his own limits. He knew how to control it as if it were another limb on his body. His therapist had said he was just trying to cope with the horrific loss of his best friend. Maybe he was. His therapist didn't know Touya was his soulmate. There were only 4 people who knew that. Him and Touya's siblings. Fuyumi had explained that Touya told them in confidence before his death. They didn't tell their father or anyone else for that matter and Keigo was thankful for that. 

Even if Touya was dead, he would keep their secret. The commission didn’t need to know shit, he’s probably kept more to himself then he’s shared with them. He knows it pisses them off, especially Narita. Narita is always mad at him these days, probably because he is much harder to manipulate now that she had nothing over him. He just wished she’d make the call that he wasn’t worth the effort anymore. The only problem with that is his sudden ascension to number 2. It was a real thorn in the side because not only was he in the public eye, he also had to breathe the same air as Endeavor. It’s very hard not to strangle him every chance he gets. 

Hawks curls his wings around himself like a blanket in a form of comfort he was rarely afforded. If Touya was somehow alive, he’s desperately awaiting his embrace. If Touya is dead, he’s waiting for Death’s embrace. 

“He's here again.” He mutters to himself 

He'd been watching Keigo for a while now, and he often came here. All to visit the grave of someone who was left to die by his own father. Dabi almost felt pity for the boy that died. Really, he did. There were still remnants of that very boy that urged him to watch Keigo. Always so close and yet…so far. 

Dabi is a villain, and Hawks is the number 2 hero. Hawks wouldn't hesitate to bring him in. Dabi knew he looks different now, with the scars on his face and the black hair. He fears more than anything that Keigo won't recognize him. Won't believe him that he isn't ashes spread across Sekoto Peak. He fears that they'd never get to be together again. 

Dabi watched over him from afar, covered head to toe in black. He wore sunglasses and gloves. Essentially none of his skin was showing, it was for his safety. He sometimes feels moved to run to Keigo and beg him to recognize him. It was a risk he couldn't take. 

Keigo eventually flies off and Dabi wanders over to his own grave where the food was still there. His stomach rumbled against his better interest. He hadn't eaten in a week…Maybe a bit longer since he gave up his portion to Toga yesterday. She's a teenager, they need lots of food to grow properly. He shrugs as technically these are meant for him. He scoops up the food and leaves before anyone can notice. He enters an alleyway and slurps up the soba noodles. He hums lightly at how good it tastes. The food they'd been eating had been whatever they could steal and sometimes that meant worse quality for more quantity. 

Dabi didn't think he'd find a home with the league, but they'd quickly grown on him. He was going to leave after the whole training camp debacle. He ended up putting his baby brother in danger and he didn't want to hurt literal fucking babies despite his villain exterior. But then he saw Shigaraki in shambles and he saw himself. A broken boy who just lost everything he had. Well, he's unfortunately soft at heart. 

The league is full of broken people, except for Compress…Who seems weirdly self-actualized as far as Dabi could tell. He was more a thief than a murderer though. Regardless, they had a family in the league. They knew society was corrupt and the only thing they can do now is try to tear it down. Dabi would still love to murder his father though. That's on his bucket list if he was honest…

He entered the hideout and noticed the entire league was there. Shigaraki was playing on a stolen game console with his soulmate Spinner. They were very intense as they shouted at each other about the game. Toga was on the couch talking rather loudly with Twice as she showed off her favorite knife. Compress was preparing them something to eat in their kitchenette. Kurogiri had disappeared a few days ago and Dabi had started to wonder if the hero's had caught him. Kurogiri didn't like to leave Shigaraki alone for long. He's like the guy's dad or something. 

“Dabi!! You're back.” Toga cheered, not without throwing a knife at him. He doesn't even flinch as it hits the wall behind him. 

“Hey crazy.” He said, taking the knife out of the wall where similar holes were seen. He walks over and she giggles joyfully after the knife is returned 

“We're so happy you're back. No we're not! “ Twice says 

“Oh Dabi, be a dear and help me?” Compress asks

“Sure whatever.” Dabi says 

He walked over to help Compress and quickly realized the metal plate they used as a stove wasn't hot enough and sent a little bit of flames at the fire under it. 

“That is really convenient.” Compress notes 

“The food should at least cook correctly.” Dabi said with a shrug 

“Any luck recruiting today?” Compress asks

“If blasting a few rapists straight to hell counts for anything, I'd say it was fine. “ Dabi says 

“Such good deed for a villain.” Compress teases

“I'm not going to stand by while people fucking attack innocent people, but I'm still not a good guy.” Dabi refutes 

“If that's what you think.” Compress states

They finish dinner a minute later and the entire league sits together as they eat. The meal today was a cup of noodles for each person. Compress got out with a whole box of them this morning apparently. Dabi already ate but he was still hungry. He did end up having some extra that he gave to Toga who happily took it. It felt nice really to have a family dinner even with the most dangerous people in Japan. 

“We should play Never have I ever!” Toga suggests, this being her modified version where you raise your hand if you have. 

“Yeah! No way!” Twice cheers 

“No.” Shigaraki said and Dabi agrees 

“Aweeee pleeease!” Toga begs 

“No.” Shigaraki answered 

“Please! Please! Please! Please! Plea-”

“Fine. But only one question per person.” Shigaraki relents 

“Yay!” Toga cheers 

“I'll go first!” Twice announces excitedly “ Never have I ever been locked in a freezer!” 

“What the fuck kind of question in that?” Shigaraki asks “As if anyone here has actually been locked in a free-” Dabi groans internally and raises his hand. Shigaraki stopped talking to stare at him. “You've been locked in a freezer?!” Shigaraki asks

“Yeah.” Dabi said casually 

“Why were you locked in a freezer? Not that I care.” Twice asks

“Long story.” Dabi said 

“Booo…You don't have to keep up the mysterious act you know!” Toga haggles 

“It is quite intriguing to know more about you dear boy.” Compress admits 

“It was an idiot's idea of a punishment.” Dabi said without context. It makes veryittle sense and is a bit concerning. This was mirrored in everyone's expressions.

“Let's just move on.” Spinner suggests 

“Okay, hmmm.” Compress was next “Never have I ever robbed a bank.”

Compress raised his hand and Twice was quick to follow. In fact Twice was very excited to do so jumping up and down. Shockingly, the rest of the members of the League had not in fact robbed a bank. Unless stealing Endeavor’s credit card when he was 12 counted. Nah…

“I’m surprised more haven’t.” Compress admits 

“I have no need to do such a stupid ass thing.” Shigaraki explains

“Pickpocketing is easier.” Toga said 

“Don’t you stab them first?” Dabi asks 

“...Well obviously.”

“I think that’s just straight up mugging someone.” Spinner said 

“Oh.” Toga said 

“Let’s just move on.” Shigaraki said boredly 

Of course this means Dabi is next. “Uh…Never have I ever burnt down the kitchen?” He raises his hand obviously. One day Endeavor walked into the kitchen when he was cooking and he got so pissed off he set the entire kitchen on fire. Endeavor wasn’t amused but for some reason Natsuo couldn’t stop laughing. Fuyumi hid a smile behind her hand and Shouto just looked confused. This was in that brief period where their mom was still there. Yeah…she just didn’t care. 

Shigaraki raises his hand bitterly, his soulmate reluctantly following. Twice raised his hand excitedly again. Toga didn’t and obviously neither did Compress. Dabi was almost certain it was the fact Toga ate her meat raw and that Compress can actually cook. Shigaraki famously cannot cook as All for One is a shit parent and Kurogiri couldn’t even teach the kid. Spinner truly is his soulmate because he is no better at it. Twice isn’t a surprise either. 

“I’m shocked Dabi.” Compress said 

“I commit arson all the time.” Dabi replied 

“Ah…” 

“I guess i’ll go” Spinner mentioned “ Never have I ever uh…cursed out a teacher?” Spinner didn’t seem to know what to ask

Dabi raises his hand, because Narita counts right? Either way she fucking deserved it. That wench. He’s fairly certain he had to have cursed out Harada a few times too. 

“I knew you were a bad boy Dabi! Did your mom spank you? No ignore that.” Twice said 

“Why did you curse your teacher out?” Toga asks 

“That racist piece of shit deserved it.” Dabi said calmly and the others burst into laughter at the absurdity of him saying that with a straight face. 

“Does cursing out Kurogiri count…?”Shigaraki asked, “I didn’t go to school.”

“Raise that hand Mr. man.” Twice said and Toga eagerly nodded. Shigaraki then compiled. 

“I guess it’s my turn now.” Shigaraki said bitterly as he lowered his hand “Uh…Never have I ever…” He paused, “Been arrested.” 

Compress raised his hand “It was truly a great learning experience.” 

Spinner surprisingly raised his hand as well and when they all looked at him he said “In my town, being a heteromorph was enough to get you arrested.” 

Well that made too much sense. Thank you hero society for reliably being a piece of shit. Jeteromorphs really could not catch a break. It made Dabi want to burn down Narita’s house. How that connects is intuitive. He’d also like to burn down the commission as a whole but he’d bookmark the idea for now. 

“Ooo! My turn!” Toga cheered “Hmmmmmmmmm…OH! Never have I ever met my soulmate!!” She raised her hand immediately, not surprising since she talked about the hero brat more than she did blood. And that’s a miracle really. Spinner and Shigaraki were next, as everyone here knew they are soulmates. Dabi sighed to himself internally and raised his hand knowing Toga is going to jump on him as soon as he does it. 

“Wait. Wait. Wait! Dabi! You've met your soulmate!!” She indeed said giddily 

“Yes.” He said 

“OMG Who? Do I know them? Is it a girl or a guy? Non-binary? How did you meet? Did you make them bleed? What do they look li-”

“Stop it Crazy.” Dabi complained 

“I just want to know more about youuu.” Toga pouts

“I’m curious myself.” Shigaraki adds ‘helpfully’ 

“I ain’t telling you shit about him.” Dabi said 

“It’s a him!” Toga cheers and Dabi cursed himself 

“Does he know you’re a villain?” Compress asks 

Considering the fact he thinks he is dead, no probably not something he knows.”No.” 

“When did you meet him?” Toga asks 

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Dabi said 

“Tell meeeeeeeeee.” Toga said

It might’ve worked on someone who’s never had a younger sibling, unfortunately for her he has three. So he is unbothered by the childish ways to get him to spill his secrets. She proceeded to shake him and yet he still didn’t spill.

“I think we’re done.” Dabi said and Toga pouted 

“I believe I have a game to get back to.” Shigaraki said leaving and Spinner goes with him. Dabi peels Toga off of him and leaves her to pout on the couch dramatically. 

Dabi has to go out recruiting. Again. They needed resources and while it looked like he just used it as an excuse to commit murder, he really just found those that wanted to join to be absolute scum. He was trusted with this job by Shigaraki due to his untrusting nature and overall strength. Shigaraki said he had the best stats for the job, which is a…weird way to say it. 

Chapter Text

Hawks had been working non-stop for a week. Mission after mission, the most he got outside of that was 3 hours to eat and sleep. That is, if he was lucky. He didn't really care because if he had a stroke from stress and died, then he'd be dead. It's a bad outlook he knows, but it's not like he can change Narita’s mind. She got even more bitter with age. 

Anyway, he'd been awake for two days straight and was coasting off of a coffee with like 5 shots of espresso. Fuck a quad, he needed 5. Anyway, he was essentially a caffeine zombie when he got called into the HPSC HQ. It was around 5 PM, he was ready to go home and pass out. But nooooooo, he had to fly to the HQ. He barely lands on his feet. His legs were a bit numb but also spasmy, that can't be healthy. Despite the fact he looks like the walking dead, he still has to be here. This summons was directly from the president and he can't ignore it. 

Hawks got to her office and knocked, standing patiently until he got permission to come in. The president was at her desk, looking at him with a perfect expression of impassiveness. Next to her was her vice president, and the man looked like he was nervous to even be here. Of course, on the couch to the side of the room, Narita was lounging. She just haaaad to get her grubby little fingers into this. 

“Madame president, you wanted to see me?” Hawks greeted 

“I have a mission for you.” She said and wow, he'd neeeeever guess that. “The League of Villains has been suspiciously quiet ever since we acquired All for One and Kurogiri. We have no idea when they'll strike next. We need to know what they are planning.” Ah, an infiltration mission. His favorite.  

“What's the angle?” Hawks asks, usually they'd say he was going on leave while he was undercover as someone else. It's hard to hide himself with his quirk but he's an expert by now. 

“You've seen the ‘error’ in society and want to being it down as a member of the league of villains.” Well, that's not bad motivation to join a villain group. “They'd be delighted to have the number 2 hero as their pawn.” Hold up what?

“You want me to infiltrate the League of Villains as the number 2 hero Hawks?” Hawks asked incredulously and Narita huffs displeased with his tone. He ignores her.

“Yeah, you see we can't have you stop your hero duties during all this turmoil. So, the solution is to have you do both.” The president seemed pleased with herself and her plan

“How do I get in then?” Hawks asks

“Their recruiter.” She throws a photo at him. It was a blurry photo with a lone figure standing in a mass of blue flames. It was hard to tell, but the figure had patches of skin that was an unnatural magenta. Hawks couldn't tell if they were rashes or scars of some kind. But he does recognize the flames. The blue-flame weirder Dabi. No one had gotten a good look at his face, but the aftermath of his “recruiting” sometimes pops up on the hero network. He leaves a trail of barbecued bodies in his wake. There are theories that there are more murders than reported due to the high heat of his quirk being able to cremate people. Hence the name Dabi. Hawks briefly wonders if he'll share the same fate as the nameless husks of people. 

He isn't dumb, they want him to die. From the way Narita is smiling for once like she's just won the lottery, it was intuitive. He's finally outlived his usefulness in their eyes. Perhaps he was getting too close to overtaking Endeavor and we can't have that. Perhaps his hobby of visiting Touya's grave got back to the home office and they weren't happy that he is still attached. Perhaps it doesn't matter because at the end of the day they didn't want him anymore. He's never been so thankful in his life. 

“You are to meet up with the recruiter and convince him to let you join. Using any means you deem necessary. Your handler has the details.” The president says 

“Understood.” Hawks said with a bow “Thank you for this opportunity.” 

“You're dismissed Hawks.” The president says offhandedly 

Hawks takes the files from his handler, flashing her a wide grin which clearly unnerves her. Good. He takes it with him back to his home. He sets the paper on his desk in his office, goes into his bedroom, removes the hero costume, and finally passes out on his bed. 

He woke up and it was dark outside. He felt like shit but still he sat up and looked at his phone. It was now 3 AM. That means he'd been out for roughly 9 hours. Probably the most sleep he'd gotten this month. Still his eyes were droopy and he could barely keep himself awake, even sitting up. Hawks felt very cold so he wrapped his wings around himself. He trudged off his bed and into his office where the files sat. 

He cracks it open and is met with a large red classified. Fair enough. He reads through it for the most part. He knows it doesn't really matter because he'll be dead before most of this matters. A few of the words do blur together and he rubs his eyes to try and clear his blurry vision. One thing he does read is that outside of patrol, he will be doing no other missions. That means, in the event he does not immediately die, he might be able to sleep. What a foreign concept…

Hawks has morning patrol at 6 AM. And it ends around 6 PM. That's the usual schedule, sometimes he takes the evening shift from 12 to 12. Sometimes he gets a morning shift and a night shift (9 PM to 9 AM). Assumably he only has morning patrol today, because at night he's going to be looking for the League's recruiter.  

Hawks closes he documents and put them in the safe with the other classified documents. He stands with a stretch and the vertebrae crack as he straightens his back. He curses and rubs his back as he goes back to the bedroom. He enters the bathroom and throws himself in the shower. The water was startling, it could be because he started it as he was standing in the waters path. He tries to wipe away his weariness. 

Soon. He'll be meeting a similar fate as his soulmate. Burnt up by flames hotter than anything on record….Much hotter than Endeavors which is significant more than just because Endeavor has a strong quirk…He shook his head at the weird direction his thoughts were taking him. He roughly scrubs his fingers through his hair with shampoo and notices a few feathers trying to break through his scalp. He usually would pluck them before Narita got the chance but today, he didn't bother. He's a bit relieved that at least he'll be a bit more true to himself in his death. He dressed up in his hero outfit and looked at himself in the mirror. He honestly looks like shit and he tried (in vain) to cover it up with concealer. Well, it's not like anyone's going to see him up close.  

Getting to his agency is arduous as it always is, with people pointing him out as he flies by. He does make it in one piece though. He checks in with his sidekicks before starting patrol. Patrol was as boring and monotonous as usual. For the most part crime has been down in his city, so the main thing he stops for is helping old people cross the street and save cats from trees. Other than that he just flies around scanning the streets. He begins to wonder where he'll be able to find the League. They likely are more towards Musutafu considering their historical obsession with UA high-school.

He'll have to start looking through the different prefectures, he has really good eyesight as a hawk so he can see most things from the air that others would miss on the ground. He's assuming most Villains would be more comfortable working at night. There were many underground heroes, but not enough to cover the city. It's been a rising problem in recent years as the youth want to be in the limelight and the underground heroes are aging. The lack of underground heroes leaves gaps. Hawks would love to be underground but Narita and the Commission President would flip their shit. Though, Hawks will admit the commission may be letting certain illegal activities have more freedom. The hypocrites. 

Hawks hadn't even realized it had gotten late until he noticed the sky dipping down into the shade of sunset. He probably kept patrolling after his scheduled time, but he supposes he stopped actively patrolling a while ago. He was looking for any sign of the villain known as Dabi. Mainly if he could catch a sight of his quirk then he'd find him easily enough. 

During this time, Hawks reflects on his death. When he is murdered, will there be anyone to mourn him? Perhaps the commission will throw a public funeral full of fake tears. He imagines the president will say: “He was such a good hero, and it's a shame he was taken out this way.”. Maybe the Todoroki’s would miss him as the last connection to their dead brother. He should've asked if they would bury him in the spot they buried Touya. Like a couple. That way the grave won't be as empty anymore…Well too late now. He was supposed to get an intern from UA following their licensing but he's sure they'd get whatever puppet they jam into his spot.  

Hawks jumps as he spots a flash of blue in the alleyway below and he flares his wings out to stop his movement. He gets his bearings after a moment and focuses in on that spot. He flies closer and tries to get an idea of what was happening. He eventually lands on a roof overlooking an alleyway full of ash and barbecued bodies. In the center stood a man with spiky black hair. From behind it was hard to get any of his features, he wore a long dark blue coat and black boots. The coat was stitched together with the help of staples. The sleeves were short allowing Keigo to get a glimpse of the skin, his arms were a red-purple color that ended at the wrist where the skin met with healthy skin, held together with staples. 

They looked like some kind of skin graft, and Hawks started to make a theory. Perhaps Dabi was not resistant to fire and ended up burning himself when exposed to it. Touya had a similar issue, though his stemmed from having an ice constitution. Perhaps more and more fire welders these days are not resistant to fire. Or maybe the fire quirk is becoming too strong even for a fire resistant body to handle. At the end of the day, Hawks wouldn't get to know. After all, he's probably going to be dead. 

The villain started to move and Hawks was quick to follow. The two of them ended up at a empty warehouse where Dabi stopped in the middle. Hawks sat in the rafters, using his feathers to make sure it's clear before initiating contact. 

“Come down.” The villain demands 

Hawks is taken off guard but compiles, landing gracefully on his feet. The villain angles his head back to look at him but freezes at the sight of him. From this angle all Hawks can see is the cut of his jaw and the glisten of the staples in his cheeks. His ears also had shiny earrings that caught the attention of his bird side. 

“How long did you know I was following you?” Hawks asked curiously

“I've known since the moment you landed on that building, you're not very stealthy.” Dabi said, “Especially with those bright red feathers of yours.” 

Now where had Hawks heard that sentiment before? It was a blurry memory and he couldn't reclaim it at that moment. Dabi hadn't turned fully to look at him yet and for some reason that made his inner bird be very distressed. 

“Why are you here Hero?” Dabi said hero with disdain 

“I've noticed that society isn't all it's cracked up to be, so I want to bring it down. I believe me and the league have similar goals.” Hawks said and Dabi broke down into laughter. 

“Oh, so you want to join the league?” Dabi asked, “You think I'd believe your lies?!” 

Dabi turned and lit his arm up with flames, the blue crawling over the burnt skin. Hawks should've been afraid, but he met the blue of the Villains eyes and he froze. His heart shuddered out of his chest. Those eyes…They are a special blue and they glow like the blue flames in his hand. The only person whose eyes he'd seen glow like that is Touya. It was unmistakable…

Those were the same blue shades he had cataloged in Touya's eyes. All at once it made sense, Touya burnt alive due to not having resistance to fire. Dabi is covered in burn scars. There was no body to find on Sekoto Peak, other than a jaw bone. Dabi's jaw was less defined on one side. Those blue flames are hotter than Endeavor's. Touya's flames were always hotter than his father's. 

“T-touya?” Hawks croaked and it was Dabi's turn to freeze. The flames in his hand abruptly sputtering out “Is it you?” Hawks got closer and Dabi didn't move. He was frozen with surprise. 

“I…” Dabi looked down, his hands coming together to fidget. In the way Touya would when he was nervous. “I didn't think you'd recognize me.”

“How could I not?” Hawks asked, “You're my soulmate.” 

The two were locked in silence, it was the first time either of them had said it out loud. It was never something they could talk about. Dabi was staring at him bewildered and Hawks moved forward to take Dabi's hands. They were surprisingly cold, just like Touya's always were. Keigo missed it more than he realized. Dabi looked down at him and their eyes met once more. That blue…bluer than the sky. Deeper than the sea…More alive than Endeavor could ever hope to emulate. It's a color he never thought he'd get to appraise again.  

A single drop of blood escapes from the scars under Dabi's eyes and he is quick to wipe it away. Hawks is the one that completely broke. He wept as he pulled Dabi into a hug. Dabi hugs back and soon heated fingers gently shift through the downy feathers. It was as if all his worries were melted away by the warm touch and he cooed contently. He shouldn't make the noise, but at the moment he didn't care. Neither would Dabi. Touya always encouraged him to be himself.  

“I'm here Birdie.” Touya whispered “I'm sorry I left…” 

“I forgive you.” Hawks whispered back. He doesn't know what happened on Sekoto peak, he doesn't know how Touya survived and why he didn't come back. He can understand as for years he'd been looking for ways to hide from his own life. With a father like Endeavor, he could understand wanting to leave. Hawks also assumes he didn't want the commission to know he was alive either so he couldn't directly talk to Hawks. 

“I…I thought about you every day we were apart.” Touya admits “Sometimes I'd come to watch you visit my grave… just to see you again…” 

Hawks remembers all the times that he'd been to Touya's grave and wonders how many times Touya was there too. He wonders what might have happened if Touya had approached him sooner. In the end, he didn't care for the what ifs. He had Touya now and he would never let him go. The two ended up sitting down, their knees touching as Hawks laid against Touya’s side. 

“So…Who gave you that speech? Was it Narita? She seems like the type to make up that bullshit about “I've seen the error in hero society and think I should join up with villains.” Touya jokes

“It was actually the commission president.” Hawks explains

“That's actually hilarious!” Touya wheezes 

Hawks smiled softly, he missed Touya’s ability to laugh at the people who had authority over them. His ability to stand up to them without fear. Maybe that's why, out of the two of them, he became a villain…Hawks thought for a moment, maybe…Maybe he wanted to be a villain too. He was only a hero because the commission made him one. They forced him to continue. He always wanted to be with Touya though. In the past it was through death, but now…it was by joining up with a group of villains.

“Are the league…nice?” Hawks asked

“They have a few screws loose, but who doesn't I guess.” Touya admits “They don't get mad at you for being yourself though. We're all outcasts of society…” 

“That's…nice.” Hawks said softly 

“Yeah…We're kind of like a family…Which you know what my family is like so that's saying a lot…” Touya chuckles at himself and Hawks snickers 

“I'm happy you have them.” Hawks concludes 

“Yeah…” Touya mutters 

“How are things…with the league?” Hawks asks

“Things have been a bit hard since we lost Kurogiri…It's been hard to feed everyone since we're laying low until we figure out what's next.” Touya admits “I'm the one that really leaves the hideout these days.” 

Hawks frowns for a moment before an idea hits him like a train. He can help them! It's a stupid plan but it would be hilarious. He smiled and said “I have an idea.” Touya raises his eyebrow at his admittance and Hawks giggles at his stupid plan. “You know how the commission pays off people's soulmates?” 

Touya's smirk turned absolutely sinister “You sneaky bird.”

Chapter Text

The first thing that tipped the league off that something was going on with Dabi was the fact he entered the base with a smile hinting at his lips. That in itself was enough to raise the alarm. His only known expressions are anger and nonchalance.  

“Did he finally kill Endeavor?” Spinner wonders aloud

“The news hasn't reported anything.” Shigaraki answers. Scratching his neck subconsciously. 

“Did he get laid? Who would want him?” Twice asked

“Maybe he got to make someone bleed!” Toga suggests excitedly

“Think that's just a you thing.” Shigaraki says 

“Maybe he found some cash on the ground?” Compress suggests 

“More plausible, but still inaccurate.” Shigarki says suspiciously

“What are you looking at?” Dabi snapped 

“Nothing! We're judging you! No we aren't!” Twice struggles to cover up

“Whatever.” Dabi muttered as he walked to his room. 

“There is definitely something very wrong with him.” Spinner said and the others agreed 

Dabi laid down on his bed and stares at the ceiling for a moment. His heart was awash with emotion. He…he talked to Keigo. He finally…talked to him. He wanted to talk all night long to try and make up for all the years they had been apart. All the years he was gone. But…Keigo was tired and Dabi didn't want to keep him up any longer. 

Dabi's hand travels to his pocket and he pulls out a singular red feather. The lights in the room were off and yet the moon's light snuck in through the shitty shutters. The red glistened in the light and made the feather look out of place in this shabby shit hole. He'll admit he stole it off the ground. He knows if Keigo really wanted to he could use it to spy on him. Maybe…he wants that. To know Keigo was thinking about him too. 

Dabi's family had moved on, they don't spare much of a thought for their dead brother anymore. Dabi was terrified Keigo forgot about him and moved on too. He isn't sure he could handle that rejection. His skin would peel off and his staples would pop as he boiled himself alive in his heartbreak. But…when Keigo realized it was him…His golden eyes were so gooey and beautiful. He…he looked like…He looked nice. Cute even. Dabi's face pinkens a bit and he rolls onto his side. 

Keigo is very attractive, it's even more apparent in person. Though that khaki shit does him no favors, Natita had to be drunk when she approved that or she just really hates Keigo. That's plausible too. Still his beautiful golden eyes that Dabi loves. His skin was littered with freckles and other small imperfections from being out in the sun. So different from the deathly pale skin of their childhood Dabi almost wished he could sleep in the same bed as him again. Not in a sexual way but more like they used to as kids. He doesn't sleep very well these days but he always thought he slept better with Keigo. Perhaps it was his soft feathers or the soft thump of his heartbeat. The rhythm on his breathing that causes him to fall asleep too. 

Still…Dabi isn't Touya. Dabi is jaded. Mean. He's burnt people and done some bad things. He doesn't trust the world to be kind. He doesn't believe in heros. He wants his father in a motherfucking coffin. Not to mention…his expiration date. He should already be dead, but he keeps pushing onward despite this. His body was failing him already and it couldn't be long before it fell apart. Dabi almost wished their meeting never happened because now Keigo knows he is alive and he'll be forced to watch him wither away. Bury him for real. At the same time he's giddy. Keigo knows he's alive! Now they can talk and be together again. Who cares if they're on opposite sides of society? Most people would but Dabi doesn't give a shit.

What would the league think if he brought Hawks home? Other than trying to kill him, they might open up to him. It's not like Dabi shared information about himself and now he just suddenly brings back his soulmate? Toga would have a field day. Dabi thinks he'd be a fine addition to the league if he wanted to join. Birdie is well trained and talented. Besides if he joins the league they'd be together and never have to part. Like proper soulmates…

Yeah…soulmates. It felt so unreal hearing Hawks say out loud that they are soulmates. They'd never been able to say it. It was a secret that Touya took to the grave. Dabi can't imagine it was easy on Hawks, thinking he was dead all this time. Dabi just hopes he didn't do anything drastic…Who is he kidding? Birdie is obsessed with Touya just as much as Dabi is obsessed with Keigo. Of course the death would cause him to do something drastic. Dabi is so fucking stupid for not finding him earlier. Dabi isn't sure even he could continue if Hawks had killed himself thinking Touya was truly dead. His body was already falling apart and Keigo dying would crush him. 

He decides to try and sleep. These thoughts aren't helping. Besides, he promised birdie he'd see him tomorrow night. It was…something to look forward to. 

Hawks woke up early that next morning and started on the paperwork for the soulmate thing. He set the terms as high as he was allowed to. That being 2 million yen a month. 24 million a year. Though Hawks had to make an entire fake identity for Dabi. The most important part being getting him a bank account to store all of the money once the paperwork is approved by his handler. That…may be the hardest part. Narita may try to whittle down the amount and even then may demand to speak with Dabi herself. He's certain Dabi would chew her out if he ever got the chance. He just has to hope his paperwork is sound.

He flies into the commission before his patrol shift and he knows Narita is at her desk because her schedule stays the same everyday. Besides in his mission brief it said to report in the mornings at this specific time. He gets to the door and mentally psychs himself up. He knocks on the door and waits perfectly still. Breath abated like a statue. 

“Come in.” Narita bothers to answer 

He opens the door and Narita is sitting at her desk, already doing paperwork. Her steely gaze met his and she bore into his soul.

“Hawks. Did you make contact with the league recruiter?” She asks 

“Not yet.” Hawks lied, he decided before this meeting not to mention Dabi until a few days later. Just so she doesn't make the connection.

“Then why are you here?” She asked annoyed. She could make more of an effort not to seem deeply disappointed he's still alive. He'll ignore it. 

“On patrol yesterday, I ran into my soulmate. I already filled out the paperwork here.” Hawks said holding it up “It just needs to be approved.” 

“Oh joy, more problems. Bring it here.” She said with an eyeroll 

Hawks hands it to her and watches as she barely even skims it before signing off on it. Hawks thought she was the type to always read paperwork fully. After all, she made sure Hawks read every detail and if he didn't recount it all perfectly, she'd burn a feather. Apparently the thought that Hawks was going to perish soon made her less of a stickler. After all they wouldn't have to pay the soulmate anymore if Hawks is dead. Because at that point no one would believe them. 

“I always thought your soulmate might've been that Todoroki brat, I'm glad it isn't though. Otherwise it'd mean you were lying to me for years. “ Narita said venomous

“Touya was just my best friend.” Hawks lies “I was dependent on him for years for friendship but with his death I have become independent.” 

“Whatever, get out of my office and don't come back until you find Dabi.” She sneers 

“Understood ma'am.” Hawks said before bowing and leaving

Really they shouldn't have taught him how to lie so well if they didn't want him to lie to their face. Of course, he'd been lying for years and he doesn't plan to stop now. Once the paperwork is all processed there will be money funneled into the account he set up. Then all he had to do was ensure Touya got a credit card he could use. Hopefully he can have it all done before they meet tonight. That reminds him, he gets to see Touya again tonight! He feathers puffed excitedly and he grinned. He can't wait! He has so much he wants to talk about. 

Touya looks gorgeous, first of all. Hawks hadn't gotten to appraise him properly. His eyes were the same blue he'd loved since they met. That color he was obsessed with and he always found himself looking for in the sky. His hair was spikey and black now. Hair dye no doubt. Hawks liked all colors of hair on Touya. Though he'd love to see what he looks like with white hair again. Surely he'd look even more beautiful… like a fallen angel! He had many pretty staples and piercings that were very shiny and Hawks was obsessed with the shinies. Not to mention his cheek bones and did Hawks mention those eyes? He sighs dreamily. Is this what they'd call a crush? Hawks wasn't sure. 

Hawks was sure that he feels so much more alive now that he knows Touya is alive. He feels like there is a future and that he'll have someone to be with… It felt so simple. Being happy. So simple knowing Touya was out there. He tries to imagine what Touya was up to at that very moment. He never was much of a morning person so Hawks can only assume he's still fast asleep. Hawks tries to imagine the big scary villain Dabi curled up in a burrito of blankets and hissing at anyone who tried to dig him out. Hawks laughs to himself. 

Patrol seemed incredibly boring today, he wasn't certain if it was because he was way too fast or because it was the only thing keeping him away from Touya. Either option was speaking to him. Though it also felt weird considering just last night he was considering becoming a villain. Or at least actually join the League of Villains and spy on the commission. He notices quickly that the people he caught on a normal day were villains and criminals who dared to do crime in the daylight in the middle of his jurisdiction. Namely people who have anger issues and decide to take it out on others. Hawks’ main duties as a hero however are stopping car crashes and assisting in emergency situations. He isn't that useful in case of a fire but he can help in other cases. He's even helped the police catch a few criminals who took off in a car. 

Today though seemed so incredibly dull. It wasn't that different from a normal day of course, just the fact he had plans tonight that didn't include getting turned into ash. Blue was on his mind and he found himself searching the sky. The sky was blue but not quite blue enough, it seemed reluctant to even try and mimic the color Hawks wanted to see. That just made it worse in his opinion. This probably wasn't healthy behavior but he found he didn't care. His bird instincts were definitely part of it. He was entirely attached to Touya and nothing would separate them again. Other than time because Hawks wants to see him now! Hawks decides to drift through the air and text Dabi. 

You: Boo!

Touya 🩵: Keigo? 

You: Oh yeah sorry, I got the burner.

Last night Touya had Hawks memorize his number so he could buy a burner phone so Narita doesn't know. Hawks actually bought the burner last night and made sure it had the same case as his normal one. He was just too tired to really use it so he put it off till today. Anyway, he can text Touya all he wants now and Narita will never know

Touya 🩵: arent you suppst to be on patrol? 

You: Well yes but it's so borningggg 

Ain't nothing happening today

Touya🩵: poor birdie

want me to stage smth?

You: No its fine 

Means I can text you all I want

Touya 🩵: texting and flying? 

naughty naughty 

You: when have we ever been good at following the rules?

Touya 🩵: fair

You: speaking of, Narita signed the soulmate paperwork 

Touya 🩵: u mean the agreement we already broke?

You: Yup

Touya 🩵: lol

Shows her

You: I would've asked for more money if I knew she was just going to sign it and not even read it fully

Touya 🩵: there's no way

You: It's what happened 

Touya 🩵: lmfao

she's lost her edge

You: I think it's because she expects me to die soon

She's waiting on me to be barbecued I guess

Touya 🩵: how rude of her

You: I know right?

After all she did to stop me from killing myself?

Touya 🩵: Keigo… 

Hawks had said too much. He hadn't meant to dump his problems on Touya. Hawks hadn't thought about suicide today at all but he knows it's a habit at this point. You spend so long wishing you're dead that it becomes a thought pattern. He dares to glance at his phone. 

Touya 🩵: Kei, I just want you to know that I love you and…

I'm sorry for leaving all that time and didn't even give you a clue I was still alive. Just know that I think about you constantly and if you ever want to talk to me or hell, yell at me. Then I'll listen. If you want to chirp and trill, then I will listen. 

You: You love me?

Touya 🩵: ofc I do Birdie 

Always have. 

Always will. 

Hawks felt like he was melting on the inside, he was just so happy. He wanted to hear Dabi say it in person. Those three silly words. It takes a while to recognize what these feelings are, these feelings of more. Touya was always more. More brave than him. More angry than him. More than just his friend. Even as a kid Keigo understood. Now he knows it's love. More than familial or friendly love. Pure romantic love. The kind that develops between two people who know each other very well. 

You: I love you too Touya 

Touya 🩵: <3 

Cute. 

The league don't go out, other than Dabi who goes out only a night. Meaning during the day they have to find other ways to entertain themselves. Usually they choose games as it's something everyone can find some kind of common ground on. Today was a movie day wherein they watched whatever tacky movie was on the local channel. The one they were watching was about two heroes coming to terms with the fact they love each other and that makes them stronger as a duo. Or something. Not that most would tell you that as the only one actively watching was Toga. This was her kind of bullshit. 

Twice had gone to his room because he wanted to be alone. They were used to it, sometimes his split personality became too much for him to manage around others. Spinner was watching Shigarki silently play a video game. Compress was practicing a new card trick and Dabi was on his phone. 

“Okay something is very wrong here.” Spinner whispers to his soulmate

Shigarki looks over at Spinner who nods his head to the side, Shigaraki looks in that direction and sees Dabi on the phone texting someone. He didn't see anything wrong at first until a small hint of a smile appeared on Dabi's face. 

“Oh fuck.” Shigaraki said horrified 

“What?” Toga asks and Shigaraki points at Dabi “Oh my god! He's smiling!!”

“Shhh!” Shigaraki and Spinner shush 

“I need a picture.” Toga said ignoring them, she takes her phone out and angles it at Dabi. Just as she goes to take the picture any semblance of a smile is gone completely. She curses and stashed her phone away “I'll get him someday.”

“Who do you think he's even messaging?” Compress adds from the armchair 

“His boyfriend!” Toga said immediately “He's clearly smiling because he's so in love every. Also I can smell the love on him.” 

“There is no way you can smell love.” Shigaraki said

“You two reek of it!” Toga accuses pointing her finger at Spinner and Shigaraki 

“Oh yeah, you already know we're together.” Shigaraki said

“Believe what you want I guess, just know I always know when someone is in love and Dabi over there is very much obsessed.” Toga says

“He…He did mention a soulmate.” Spinner said

“Ooooo right! He's probably messaging his soulmate.” 

“Who even is his soulmate?” Shigaraki asks

“I'm sure we'll know in time dear boy.” Compress says 

“Can you all shut up? You're interrupting the movie.” Dabi said dryly 

“Oh right, right sorry.” Toga said and Dabi just rolled his eyes before getting back on his phone. He's not even watching the movie… 

Chapter Text

Sunset came and Dabi left the base. His excuse was recruiting but he wasn't really going to be doing much of that tonight. It was…more like a date really. Dabi smiled softly at that thought, a hand mindlessly shifting through his dyed hair. They had agreed to meet at the same warehouse as yesterday. It wasn't horribly far from the League's current hidey hole, still it was about a mile away. He made it there just as the sun finally gave up at peaking over the horizon and the night fully took over. The night air was better than the sweltering heat of the day and he found calm in the shadow. He made it to the warehouse and peeled open the door before making his way in. Dabi wasn't afforded a moment to wonder if Keigo was there as two arms immediately wrapped around him, a chin nestled into his shoulder and red wings wrapped around him blocking much of his vision of the warehouse. 

“Hey birdie.” Dabi said and Keigo hums contently 

“Missed you “ Keigo says quietly 

“I missed you too.” Dabi said amused 

“Never want to let go.” Keigo says before burying his face into Dabi’s shoulder

“Then don't.” Dabi said simply

“Kay.” Keigo mutters, the vibrations of his speech tickling the healthy skin of that shoulder. 

“Did you have a good day?” Dabi asks

“It's good now.” Keigo said “So boring without you.”

“Yeah? Fair enough, I thought it was quite boring without you too.” Dabi said 

Keigo perks up a bit and lifts his head off Dabi’s shoulder “You took one of my feathers.” Keigo accuses

“Guilty as charged.” Dabi said, taking the feather out of his pocket “Want it back?”

“No, you can have it.” Keigo said “That way I can keep you safe.” 

“Going to keep track of me birdie?” 

“Only when I miss you…and when I think you’re in danger.” Keigo says

“But you miss me all the time.” Dabi teases

“Hmmm…maybe so.” Keigo said “Can't help but miss you.” 

“If it helps, I miss you all the time too.” Dabi says softly 

Eventually they moved positions so they were facing each other. Keigo's wings were huge now, big enough to wrap around them both and hide them from the world. Keigo's golden eyes were molten as he looked at Dabi. His hair was a windswept mess that defied any sense of gravity. 

“Your wings grew to be huge.” Dabi mentions and Keigo practically melts 

Keigo coos softly and seems surprised at the sound. Dabi just leans forward and cups his cheek. Their eyes meet and Keigo seems entranced. Dabi smiles softly, the feeling unfamiliar to him and yet so natural in Keigo's presence. Hesitantly Keigo coos again and Touya finds it to be adorable. 

“Your coos are cute.” Dabi tells him and Keigo flushes

“Really?” He asks meekly

“Yup. You're just the cutest.” Dabi said and Keigo cheeps. His face reddens at the very unexpected sound. 

“Jeez.” Keigo said embarrassed 

“You're allowed to be yourself Birdie. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially that fucking bitch Narita.”. Dabi said 

“Kind of hard not too.” Keigo said “She's been controlling my life for so long.”

“You don't have to listen to her anymore. You want to be a villain, don't you? Break some rules.” Dabi explained “I've always been good at breaking the rules. Now it's your turn. You already have a good start. You broke the soulmate rule from the very beginning. Now…well…The only person who can tell you what rules to follow is you. I can only try and corrupt you a little bit.”

“Hah…What if I want to be corrupted?” Keigo mutters

“I'd say I know how to do it pretty well.” Dabi leans forward and draws Keigo in closer, but hesitates to go further even as their faces grow ever closer “But only when you want me too.” 

“Good. Because I want all of you.” Keigo declares before closing the distance. 

 Their lips met and the two were hesitant as they pressed their lips together. Dabi lets go of Keigo’s chin and wraps his arms around his body as he presses the kiss deeper. Keigo's lips were rough, chapped even.  Dabi wouldn't have it any other way. Dabi feels Keigo's hands grab onto his hips. The mental image of talons in his skin had his body heating up against his will and he chose to ignore the mental images for now.  Keigo was the one to pull back, but not too far. This close he looked completely feral as he caught his breath. His eyes in particular were pinned at Dabi and were dilated past what could be considered human. Dabi smirks because he loves the feral side of Keigo. The side that is his most honest. The side that is constantly neglected. Dabi can't get enough of it because Keigo was looking at him.  No one else would get the soft dewy look he gives his soulmate. 

“I…I love you birdie. “ Touya whispers 

“I love you too…hotstuff.” Keigo says

“Really? Hotstuff?” Dabi teases 

“If you can call me birdie,I can call you hotstuff.” Keigo defends 

“I suppose. “ Dabi said 

Keigo pulls back and his eyes drift over Dabi again, then something hits him and he starts searching through his jacket. Dabi feels a bit of disappointment of his hands leaving his hips. He's just gluttonous for Keigo’s touch apparently. Keigo seemingly finds what he's looking for and happily holds up a credit card. “For you.”

“Ooo.” Dabi takes the card and holds it up to his face. “Really? Mashiro Kuro?” 

“I was on a tight timeline.” Keigo said guiltily 

“Meh…could be worse…I guess.” Dabi pockets the card 

“At least it was a quick delivery.” Keigo said rolling on his feet 

“Hmm…I suppose it was.” Dabi said thoughtfully “I suppose you want a reward for that?”

”A reward? Oh no no, it's fine! I'm just happy to help you. “ Keigo said

“Too late.” Dabi declares before attacking Keigo with a flurry of kisses. Keigo giggles as Dabi kisses his cheeks, his chin, his forehead, and even his nose. Finally ending with a quick kiss on the lips. “There, a reward.”

Keigo looked like he had just been kissed into a stupor and Dabi laughed. Keigo responds by pulling him close by the hips and kissing his face in return. Dabi couldn't help how ticklish the still healthy skin was. It was quite sensitive, especially when berated with kisses. The scars were obviously dead nerves but it seemed Keigo made up for that by pressing a bit harder than the light kisses called for. It ended the same with the two kissing deeply. Dabi hesitantly opens his mouth and sticks his tongue against Keigo's lips. Apparently understanding his intent, Keigo was quick to open up and slide his own tongue into Dabi's mouth. The two then swirl their tongue together trying to get a good taste of each other before they have to pull apart for air. When that happens, Dabi feels like he can barely breathe. His breath having been stolen. Keigo looked to be the same, looking at Dabi with those soft eyes again. It made Dabi feel like he actually had a heart. 

“That's.. that was…nice.” Keigo said

“Yeah…” Dabi huffs “Jeez birdie. You're gonna kill me”

“Noooo…You can't die. Not again.” Keigo whines 

“Hah, guess you're right.” Dabi said with a sinking feeling. He pushed it down and instead gets an idea “You want to go shopping with me?”

“Right now?” Keigo asks

“I mean yeah, I have money. We're on a date. Let me get you something nice.” Dabi said

“I really don't need anything.” Keigo said

“Too bad. I've already decided bird boy. “

“We'll be recognized in two seconds.” Keigo said 

“That's why we'd be dressed in disguises.” Dabi deadpanned

“Oh…yeah…That makes sense.” Keigo said sheepishly 

“Do you have a costume?” Dabi asks

“Well uh…I could go home and change real quick. I'm the fastest hero for a reason.” Keigo said

“Hmm…Fine then. Go change and I'll meet you outside the mall.” Dabi said “I'll send the address so you can know which mall specifically.” He takes out his phone and messages Keigo with the address. 

“Ah, okay. I'll be quick!” Keigo said 

“Yup.” Dabi said 

Keigo blasts off and Dabi meanders over to the nearest dumpster and sees if there was any clothes in there. He's cheap and people throw away perfectly good clothes all the time. He does have a mask he can wear but he figured if he could find a coat or something he could wear that. He stalks through the shadows and searches through the dumpsters at his whim. Finally he has a stroke up luck and pulls out an old jacket with only a few holes in it. Damn, why throw this away? He might actually keep this for himself later. It was a bit big on him but it fits over his “villain” coat. So that's a plus he supposes. 

He ends up beating Keigo to the mall despite the fact he walked here. If he remembered correctly, this was the mall where Shigaraki threatened that green haired brat. What was his name again? Meh, he doesn't really give a shit. Eventually though he spots Keigo walking up. He indeed looks very different without that ugly khaki shit. He'd forsaken the goggles and seemingly removed most of his wings. Dabi spots him holding a duffle bag and assumes he hid the extra feathers in there. He was wearing a oversized hoodie that no doubt hid his remaining wings. He hadn't worn a face mask like Dabi but he didn't need it because he was barely recognizable. Dabi only knew it was him because he could spot Keigo just about anywhere. He just knows how he looks. 

“Kei!” He calls and the aforementioned bird looks at him.

“Touya!” Keigo greets “Sorry I took so long, I couldn't find this duffle bag anywhere.” 

“Nah its fine. I wasn't even waiting that long.” Dabi dismisses 

“Cool. Let's do it then! I've…I've never actually gone to the mall before.” Keigo said blandly 

“Me neither. Guess there is no time like the present.” Dabi said with a shrug before dragging his soulmate into the district. 

The place was huge with various kinds of shops crammed into the place and there was even a second level connected by bridges. Dabi spots a Gothic looking shop and b-lines into the building. Keigo is pulled in as well. The place was grungy and covered with multiple kinds of his preferred fashion. Leather, band tees, fishnets and of course, the adult items. Dabi smirked at how red Keigo's face got upon seeing a rather large selection of dildos. He's a total bottom isn't he? Dabi would love to confirm that later. 

“This is my kind of shop.” Dabi said 

“Seems like it.” Keigo said his eyes catching on the rows of shining jewelry and he was distracted rather quickly. 

Dabi decides to browse a little, his fingers traveling over clothes and mainly rifling through the clearance because he may have money but he's still cheap. Keigo wandered over to the jewelry and was distracted quite thoroughly. Dabi found a few shirts he liked and even a nice set of sleep pants. He walks over to Keigo after that and glanced at the jewelry himself.

“Need some new studs Birdie?” Dabi asks 

“Uh…Well noooo.” Keigo said 

“But?” Dabi teases 

“Fine this pair…” He points to a pair of blue studs. “I…I like the color.”

“You're a fucking simp.” Dabi teases 

“And proud.” Keigo said

Dabi looks around for an employee to open the jewelry case and spots some girl walking past “Hey, could you help us? We'd like to buy some earrings.”

“Oh yeah! Which ones?” She asks walking over

“Thise blue ones right there.” Dabi said

She opened the case and picked up the mentioned earrings, looking at them for confirmation. Keigo nodded and she smiled “Anything else for you guys?” 

“Nah I think we're done here.” Dabi said 

“Cool, I can help you check out if you'd like.” She offered

“Sure thing.” Dabi said 

The three of them walk to the checkout counter and she rings them up. The earrings were a cold ¥15,000. (Roughly $100) but he was spoiling his bird and seeing how goey his eyes got made his impulse control weaken. Dabi tapped his new card and was very pleased to see it go through. 

“Here's your receipt, and here's your stuff. Have a nice night !” She said

“You have a good night as well!” Keigo said happily and Dabi nodded his agreement. 

The two of them exit the shop and Dabi leads them to a bench where he fishes the earring out of the bag and gives them to Keigo. Keigo chirps cutely and switches out his red studs for the blue ones. After they were secured he looked at Dabi for approval.

“You look cute birdie.” Dabi said and Keigo trills happily in response. 

Dabi takes the previous studs and puts them in the bag. Keigo had taken out his phone and was now admiring the blue studs in his ears. His eyes were pinning and he looked at Dabi. Dabi thinks he looks adorable. Besides, a small part of him was glad to have some kind of claim over the bird. His birdie… 

“Let's keep going birdie.”  Dabi said upon standing up. Keigo hooped up and grabbed his dufflebag. The two then continued deeper into the mall. It was late at night and yet the shops were still open. Not to mention relatively popular. They blended right into the crowd. 

“What's an Arcade?” Keigo asks and Dabi follows his line of sight to a rather large arcade. The sign for it was a bright neon rainbow. 

“It's like…a place with a bunch of games and prizes you can win.” Touya says “I haven't really been to one before though.” 

“We should go!” Keigo said, taking the lead this time

“Yeah, okay birdie.”

Keigo dragged them into the arcade and it was lined with arcade cabinets that flashed brightly and made Dabi have to squint his eyes a little as to not get flash-based. Claw machines also had their place against the wall. His eyes trained over the variety of prizes at the prize counter in the corner. He looks at Keigo and his eyes are wide with wonder. Fuck he's cute. Dabi steps forward and pays for them to have 100 play tokens each. He hands one of the cups of tokens to Keigo and he chirps excitedly. Keigo then rushed forward to look at all the machines, akin to a small child. Dabi giggles at him. Hawks finds a rhythm game that catches his interest and inserts a token. His eyes were focused on the notes as they started playing and he started hitting the keys with perfect accuracy. Dabi was quite impressed with his birdie. He has real good hand-eye coordination. The notes got harder but Keigo still hit them. Finally he finished the game and got the big jackpot. 

“Omg! Did you see that?!” Keigo cheered as the machine started spitting out tickets 

“Didn't miss a moment.” Dabi assures 

The two gather the tickets up and continue to walk around. Dabi finds a game with a cooking theme where you had to stack up the pancakes without dropping them while the cakes got faster and smaller. Dabi was drawn in by the cute cat mascot. He starts the game and it's initially incredibly easy, to the point he wants to snore. But as the difficulty goes up so does his enjoyment. When the cakes approach the jackpot line, they were incredibly fast and Dabi locked in. His heart was pounding and every so often it jumped when a pancake was too far off the edge. He gets the jackpot line and cheers inside but rest makes him miss the next cake as he hadn't realized the game wasn't over. Whatever, the game ended and his winnings still spit itself out. 

“I didn't realize the commission made us this good at arcade games.” Dabi mentions

“Well, at least they're good for something.” Keigo said blandly 

“Yup.”

About half an hour later, they two of them walked up to the prize counter with giant swaths of tickets and the poor employee on the other side looked overwhelmed but put their tickets into the counting machine anyway. 

“You have…3,435 tickets.” The guy says 

“Oh. Dang.” Dabi said “Well birdie, anything you want?”

“Uhhh…” Keigo said looking closer at the prizes

Dabi spots an Endeavor plushie and cringes causing Keigo to follow his vision and cringe as well. “I want to burn it.”

“Don't do that.” Keigo said

“But it'd be funny.” Dabi said

“It…would be.” Keigo agreed 

Dabi looked some more and spotted an obnoxiously large chicken plush that was round like an egg. There was a yellow bean, large beady eyes, and strangely enough red wings attacked to the sides. It was 600 tickets.

“Can I get one of those chickens?” He asks, pointing at the thing and the employee brings one down for him. Dabi takes the obnoxiously large thing and happily hands it off to Keigo. 

Keigo's eyes watered and he cried softly“It's so soffffft.” 

Dabi spots a game console in the locked up case that reminds him of the one Shigarki had. It cost a steep 1,200 tickets. “Can I get that game console?”

“Sure, let me unlock the case.” The employee fishes out their keys and unlocks the case. The guy points at the console and Dabi nods in confirmation. He hands it over and Dabi thought it'd be a good present for the league. Keigo kept looking at things with his head resting on his chicken. 

“We have 1,635 left.” Dabi said having done the math. 

“This is hard “ Keigo said “I wanted to choose something for you too.” 

“You're cute. That's enough for me.” Dabi said. In response Keigo cheeps and hides his face into the plushie. 

“Know what, get me one of these.” Dabi said pointing through the glass of the counter. The employee reaches in and grabs one for him. Dabi suspends the thing by its cord and shows it off to Keigo. 

“Really?” Keigo said blandly 

“What? it's cute.” Dabi said playing with the little red wings of the Hawks doll “Like you. “

“Oh jeez.” Keigo said embarrassed 

“I'll cherish it forever.” Dabi said mock sappily and Keigo rolls his eyes. 

The two get back to looking and didn't really spot anything else. Dabi was tempted to buy the Endeavor plush so he could burn it in a massive blue bonfire but decided against it. It'd be a waste of tickets. 

“Know what we'll keep the rest.” Dabi decides 

“Oh. Yeah. I'll load them onto this card so you'll be able to spend them when you come back.” The employee said putting 1,600 tickets onto a card and handing it over. 

The two took their winnings and exited the arcade.  Keigo had both arms around the chicken so Dabi took his duffle bag. They slid the game console inside with the feathers so it didn't get stolen. Keigo said it was okay and he'd be able to make sure it stayed safe with 100 percent certainty. 

“I'm actually so hungry right now.” Keigo complains 

“Good thing too, because I found a place for us to try.” Dabi said “They should still be open.” 

“Lead the way then.” Keigo said excitedly 

Dabi takes him to the second floor to a place called Kanaka's Specialties. It was a bakery type shop with a special gimmick. Luckily they were still open and didn't close till midnight. It was almost 10 at this point. Dabi brings them inside.

“What do they sell here?” Keigo asks

“Food.” Dabi said 

“Very specific.” Keigo responds 

Dabi pulls Keigo to the counter so they can see the menu. There were a bunch of options. Meat, sweet, savory, vegetarian, pescatarian, you name it they probably have it. Keigo's eyes bulged at the large amount of fresh looking raw meat that ranged from chicken to things like venison. 

“It's a shop that caters to Heteromorphs.” Dabi explains “Since their diet is so different.” Which can be translated as ‘since your diet is so different and you need to eat properly.’

“Oh wow.” Keigo was visibly drooling 

“Hello you two!” A woman said from behind the counter, she was actually a pig heteromorph which was interesting considering the amount of pork products they sold. Whatever, Dabi isn't one to judge someone's business practices. “Anything I can get for yah?”

“Oh jeez it just looks so good.” Keigo said 

“Pick whatever you want birdie.” Dabi said “Treat yourself.” 

“Don't say that I may buy the entire store! Oh jeez look at that bloody sausage…” Keigo croons

“I certainly wouldn't mind that.” The woman behind the counter chuckled, “You two are just adorable. How long have you been together?”

“Oh you know, we've known each other forever but this is actually our first proper date.” Dabi explained as Keigo was too distracted drooling over chicken. “Figured I'd treat him to something nice.” 

“Look at this Tou!” Keigo says his eyes sparkling “A whole meat pie! Ooooh it looks so good.”

“Then get it.” Dabi said with a soft smile hidden behind his mask

“I dunno though…” Keigo said “It just all looks so good…”

“Want some samples?” The lady offers

“Really?!” Keigo said 

It was nice to see him so excited, perhaps he really did just love raw food that much. It makes perfect sense considering he's a bird. Dabi was almost surprised at how eager he was to give into his bird instincts but at the same time, he was very glad. Dabi ended up with the chicken plush as Keigo tried just about everything in the shop at the owner's insistence. Dabi only knew she was the owner because she told them as such mid way though offering a piece of raw beef. Keigo was over the moon and his little wings were occasionally fluttering under his jacket. If you didn't know what they were you'd think his back was morphing like a horror movie but Dabi knew better. Obviously. 

“Okay I've decided!” Keigo says “I need some of that, ooooh some of that. Definitely one of those and a meat pie!” 

“Sure thing kid.” The owner says starting to wrap up the meats and treats. Keigo had liked just about everything but mice. Said it reminded him too much of the past. Dabi didn't prod further. He'd ask later but if Keigo doesn't want to share that's his business.

“Okay, anything else for you boys?” The owner asks

“...Actually.” Dabi hesitates “I have a friend with a blood-based quirk. Do you have anything she might like?” 

“Of course, do you know if she has a preference for certain kinds of blood?” The owner asks

“I think she likes any and all blood." Though her favorite is apparently her soulmate's blood. Which is its own can of worms he doesn't want to get into right now. 

“Cool. We have these special made blood pies that appear to actually bleed when you cut them open. We have a few just straight up bags of blood of course. There's also a few treats that are filled with a blood-based jelly. Oh and of course, our blood popsicles.” 

“I'll take the pie and a few pastries. I fear the popsicle will melt before it gets back to her.” Dabi said 

“Of course, let me get that all wrapped up for you.” She said as she started to grab the items

“Tou…?” Keigo asks timidly

“Yes Kei?” Dabi responds 

“Can I get a blood popsicle?” He says nervously 

“Of course you can Birdie. Just don't tell my friend you like blood too or she'll go even more crazy.” Dabi teases 

That's how they ended up walking out of the shop with multiple bags of food and Keigo happily lapping at a blood red popsicle. The two of them ended up sitting down on one of the benches in the plaza. Keigo intertwined his hand with Dabi's and the two just existed together for a moment. 

“What about you?” Keigo asks

“What?” Dabi asks

“Aren't you hungry too?” Keigo asks

“Not really.” Dabi said and it would've worked too if his traitorous stomach hadn't decided to rumble like an earthquake at that very moment. 

“At least try to be convincing when you lie hotstuff.” Keigo said

“Yeah yeah, whatever. I don't need anything “ Dabi dismisses

“I'll buy you soba.” Keigo offers

“Okay when? Now? God I'm starving to death!” Dabi says dramatically 

One trip to the soba shop later the two of them ate their dinner and just chatted about random nonsensical bullshit. It felt just like old times. Keigo scarfing down a piece of raw beef and Touya slurping his noodles. It was their own little bubble of content.

Chapter Text

After finishing their meal, the two of them wander around before eventually leaving the mall. The two of them looked at the night before glancing at each other. Hawks’ heart had never felt so full.  Maybe because his stomach was full of delicious food that made his inner bird roll with joy. Maybe it was the way Touya's eyes glimmer in the night’s light. 

“You know. I've been meaning to ask since god…since childhood I guess. Where was your secret supply of meat at the commission?” Hawks asks

“Oh. Hah! That. “ Touya laughs “Yeah so, Harada. You remember that bitch right?”

“He was your handler I think?” Hawks confirms

“Yeah. So uh, his idea of a punishment was beating me and then throwing me in a freezer for however long. Of course, he's lazy and the only available freezer was the one in the kitchen. So, I would slice you a piece of meat with my quirk. “ 

“That's actually fucked up. He really locked you in the freezer?!” Hawks asked, his wings twitching in agitation 

“It wasn't so bad. I have ice resistance so mainly it was just chilling.” Touya dismissed

“You said he beat you up though?” Hawks said concerned

“Yeah well, my dad hit harder.” Touya said with a shrug

Hawks wanted to say more but he was out of words. His poor mate spent so long in the freezer with who knows what kind of injuries! Keigo wanted to wrap him up in a nest and keep him nice and warm forever. His face starts to heat up as the originally innocent thought registers and his mind takes a jump into the gutter. Touya must’ve noticed his face heating up because he smirked and tugged him into a nearby alley.

“You know birdie…” Touya said “I've had such a good night tonight…I know you're supposed to wait for like the third date but…” His eyes blaze with passion “I'm struggling to keep my hands off you.” 

“Really?” Hawks asked with a small gasp

“Yeah…want to go somewhere we can be alone?” Touya asks 

“Yes please.” Hawks mutters 

“My place is out. Yours?” Touya asks

Considering it's bugged all the hell…He had the option of angering Narita by destroying it all or seriously pissing her off by fucking the villain Dabi on camera. Even though it's his fucking home! 

“Nah. I've got bugs.” Hawks said 

“Well then. Abandoned warehouse or love hotel?”

“Love hotel! You heathen!” Hawks squawks

“Warehouses are cheaper though.” Touya says with a smirk

“I'm not getting some kind of disease because you want to jump my bones.” Hawks said blandly

“I'm sure a love hotel is just as nasty.” Touya said with a smirk “The cheap ones anyway.”

“Then we'll go to an expensive one.” Hawks said 

“Fine. Let's go then birdie.” Touya said 

They found a high end love hotel on the somewhat good side of town and were able to secure a room no problem. It resembled a normal suite, except for the obvious things. Like the huge bottle of lube. And the boxes of condoms. Touya places their food away in the room's fridge and Hawks checks out the king size bed they got. It was covered with soft blankets and pillows. Hawks removed his hoodie and well, he was wearing nothing underneath it. He unzips the duffel bag and retrieves his feathers to fill out his wings. Hawks sits down on the bed and watches Touya as he continues to put the food away. Eventually Touya looks over and smirks. Something dark and hungry makes his blue eyes darken as he looks over Hawks sitting on the bed. 

“Hey there pretty bird.” Touya says as he walks over 

Hawks’ wings flutter at the name and he allows Touya to lead him into a kiss. The initial kiss is brief and when they break Keigo moves so Touya can get on the bed too. Touya kneels on the edge of the bed and quickly scoops him up in his arms. Hawks ends up in Touya's lap as they share a deep kiss wherein Touya is quick to ensnare his tongue. Hawks feels Touya start to harden against his ass and he feels himself start to harden as well. Touya's hands have a mind of their own as they slide over hard earned muscle, his nails dragging lightly across his skin. Not wanting to be outdone, Hawks delves through multiple layers of clothes to finally reach Touya's chest. It gets more heated as Touya pulls away and moves to start sucking on Hawks’ neck but Hawks is struck with a thought.

“Wait!” He says and Touya stops, looking at him with soft blue eyes full of concern. “I…I uh.” Hawks flushed in embarrassment “I want to um…” 

“It's okay birdie.” Touya soothes “What do you want?”

“It's stupid.” Hawks says

“No.” Touya said “No, it's not baby bird. Whatever it is, tell me.” 

“I…For our first time…I wanted to do it in a nest.” His words were meek and for a moment he braced for…something. Yelling, punishment. Anything. He waited breathlessly. 

“Okay…” Touya said “Yeah, let's make a nest. “ Hawks looked up and the look Touya was giving was so sincere. He had that soft blue that seemed to glow when he was feeling extra soft. 

“Really?” Keigo asked his wings fluttering lightly as he smiled softly 

“Of course! You know what, you start and I'll go check the closet for an extra blanket. That way you can make a big nest.” Touya said 

“Okay! Yeah. Lets…Let's do it.” Keigo whispered 

Keigo got to work on his nest. He's never really made one before but he's pulling out all the stops. He takes the blanket and topsheet off the bed and starts to weave them together, shoving the pillows in for stability. He laces the blankets with his feathers because it just felt right. Touya showed up with an extra blanket and Keigo was delighted to expand the nest. He finally settled in the middle and spread his wings over the nest protectively. His nest. All his to share with his mate. His soulmate. His beautiful Touya. 

Touya had stripped and was now completely naked. Keigo's eyes widened and his jaw opened slightly. He was covered in so many shinies from the staples on the grafts of his stomach to his legs that were scarred in such a way they resembled thigh high socks. The thing that caught his eyes the most though was the line of piercings up the underside of his hardened dick. Keigo felt like he couldn't breathe as he tried to take in all that was his mate. His own dick perking up in interest.

“May I enter the nest birdie?” Touya asks, approaching the nest slowly. 

Keigo draws back to make room and nods happily. Mate! Mate can enter the nest. Touya crawls in, and settles with his legs spread around Keigo's. His dick was on full display and his eyes were an intense blue that had Keigo entranced. Touya's hands came and tugged down Keigo's pants. Keigo wiggles to help Touya remove them and they are thrown out of the nest. Touya returns for the underwear and slowly removes it. As soon as the underwear is down enough, Keigo's dick pops out. The air hits his heated dick and he shivers at the change in temperature. Touya removed the last article of clothing and the two were now completely naked in the nest. 

“You're so gorgeous Keigo.” Touya says “My pretty bird.” 

Keigo coos softly as if to say he thought Touya was pretty too. So pretty and shiny! All his. His soulmate. His life mate. His. His. His! 

Touya moves and forces a knee between Keigo's legs. Forcing him to spread his legs open around the intrusion. Toya's fingers wrap around Keigo's dick gently and he feels his entire length. “Is this for me?” Keigo coos in confirmation. Touya smirks and starts to generously pump up and down his dick with warm fingers. Pleasure sparks through his body and he desperately wants more of Touya's touch. It was at that point that Touya eases his legs open further and slots in his other leg. Successfully swapping the position of their legs all while being very generous with stroking his dick. Keigo looked at Touya and his thighs were pushed together and looked very plush with his dick on full display. The sight drove him crazy. 

Touya used a free hand to press the pad of his thumb against Keigo's hole and slide over the ring of muscles. Keigo jumps in surprise at the initial stimulation but soon relaxes as Touya takes off the edge a little. Touya then reaches over to the bedside table and takes the bottle of lube. He squirts some on his fingers and rubs it between his fingers to warm it up before rubbing at Keigo's hole again and working the lube in enough to press in one finger. Keigo gasps as he starts to wiggle that finger around and stretch the tight walls. Touya continues to do that, taking his hand off Keigo's dick to put the lube back on the bedside table. 

“Feel good birdie?” Touya asks 

“Y-yes.” Keigo answers 

“You're doing such a good job Kei.” Touya praises and Keigo coos 

Touya slides in a second finger and is very gentle as he presses open Keigo's walls. His other hand returned and was once again quite generous as it stoked up and down Keigo's dick. Keigo wanted to touch Touya but he felt unable to move his arms from where they were holding onto the blankets of the nest. He instead curved his wings upward and pulled Touya in a bit closer so he was in the bubble of safety provided by his wings. Touya just shifts his weight a little and goes back to opening Keigo.

The third finger feels like too much and yet not enough. Keigo can't help the gasp that leaves him as Touya slowly spreads open his three fingers and presses him open. Touya then relaxes his fingers and Keigo catches his breath for a moment. Only a moment and Touya stretches them again. Keigo felt his gut start to coil and he knew he was starting to get there. He was becoming incredibly desperate to feel Touya inside him. Especially when he glances down and notices Touya's dick twitch just from watching Keigo be opened. Keigo grinds down on Touya's fingers for a moment before pulling off them. Much to Touya's surprise. 

Keigo crawls so he's sitting on top of Touya’s lap again and properly gets a feel of his hard dick against his ass. Keigo grinds down softly and Touya gasps this time. Keigo raises his hips and grabs Touya's dick. It was incredibly warm. Hot even. He slides the pads of his fingers over the ladder on Touya's dick. He watches Touya's face morph at the sensation and Keigo feels great success at making Touya feel good. Keigo reaches for the bottle of lube and pours some onto his hand. He starts to rub it between his fingers like Touya did as he puts the bottle back. Once he's decided it's warm enough he slides the lubed hand over Touya's dick and successfully covers it in a layer of lube. He slides his hand up and down a few times before getting a firm hold on his dick and lining it up with his hole.

“Wait Keigo.” Touya says and Keigo looks at him “Are you sure you're ready?”

Keigo answers by sliding Touya's dick inside of him. The initial penetration was fine but as he got deeper Keigo forced himself to relax his muscles to ease the intrusion. The first bar of his ladder slides in and Keigo gasps as it tugs on the muscles of his rim just right. He enjoys each rung of the ladder but eventually reaches the base. At that point Keigo was sitting on the entirety of Touya's dick. 

“Good job birdie.” Touya praises, breathlessly. Keigo took a few deep breaths as he just took in the feeling of Touya inside of him. Touya’s dick was just so hot, literally. It felt amazing and his entire body seemed to heat up to match. Touya was gentle as he rubbed Keigo's hips and left kisses against the skin of his neck. 

“It feels so good.” Keigo mutters and Touya hums into his skin. Keigo's wings are stiff with pleasure and his body shivers with anticipation of more. Touya starts to nibble on his skin. Sucking and kissing whatever he could reach. Keigo sighs at the feeling. 

It was then that Keigo decided to grind his hips down and Touya let out a soft moan that vibrated through his upper body. Keigo himself gasps at how good it feels rubbing down on the dick inside of him. Touya's hands were still on his hips and yet they were hot. Keigo's mind was quick to fantasize about Dabi leaving handprints all over his body and claiming him forever. Keigo puts his hands on Touya's shoulders to stabilize himself. One shoulder was made of milky white skin that slid effortlessly under his hands. The other was made of deep purple scars that were rough against his skin. Keigo wouldn't have it any other way. Well…he'd prefer Touya didn't have to suffer to get these scars but it's not something he can change. This was the Touya of now and he is beautiful. 

“You got that look in your eyes Kei.” Touya said softly

“What look?” Keigo asks

“That one when you're thinking about me.” Touya said “You get all soft.”

“Hah…maybe it's because I love you.” Keigo says

“Yeah? Well maybe I love you too.” Touya says

“Well…” Keigo grinds down again causing Touya to gasp “In this position it's more than a maybe.”

“Guilty as charged.” Touya said 

“I…I think I'm ready to move now.” Keigo whispers 

“Start whenever you're ready.” Touya says sweetly 

Okay. He's going to do this. Keigo hypes himself up and he makes sure to steady his grip on Touya's shoulders. He secures his legs on either side of Touya's. Then, he raises himself off of Touya's dick slowly. The ladder slid out much the same way it came in and Keigo couldn't help how hot it made him feel. His gut melting into molten lava. After nearly reaching the top, Keigo sits down much quicker than the first time and they both gasp. Keigo gets the confidence after that to start a reasonably slow pace. Touya moans softly and makes sure to help Keigo rise and fall. Keigo's nails end up digging into Touya's shoulders but the man doesn't protest. If they were his talons then perhaps he'd complain. Knowing Touya though he'd probably prefer it. Keigo quickens the pace and his wings puffed up with pleasure. 

“Fuck birdie.” Touya breathes “You're too good.” 

“T-Thanks.” Keigo gasps out 

Keigo goes faster and fuck it feels so good. Touya's hands are increasing in warmth on his hips and Keigo just wants to be branded properly. Oh fuck he doesn't care  if it scars he'd wear it with pride. Holy shit Touya is just such a perfect fit inside him. Fuck. So warm. Keigo felt like he was burning up and he loves it. It was then that Touya's dick hit in such a way he saw stars and his toes curled. His wings puffed open and he gasped loudly. Fuuuuck. Keigo chased after that high and managed to find the proper angle for Touya to hit it each time. Keigo couldn't help the noises he made as they bordered on inhuman. It felt so fucking good and already he felt like he was about to explode. Touya's hands slip off his hips and he complains loudly. 

“I don't want to…burn you Keigo.” Touya explains breathlessly 

“Don't care.” Keigo says “Do it.” 

“You s-fuck-sure?” Touya asks

“Please!” Keigo begs “Brand me! Mark me! Please! I'm yours. Only yours. Prove it. Everyone else will see. They'll know.” Keigo was desperate as he was completely turned on by the idea. 

Touya's hands return hotter than ever before and Keigo feels his dick twitch hard. Oh fuck he's so close now. So close. His gut was so wound up and tight. He felt like a bomb ready to explode. Touya didn't seem to be fairing that much better if the fluctuations of his body temperature were anything to base that assumption on. Maybe that's why Touya grew concerned he'd burn Keigo. Keigo did his best to go as fast as he could with the leverage he had. His nails dig into Touya's shoulders.

“I'm gonna…Oh fuck Touya I'm gonna!” Keigo tried to explain

“Me too.” Touya gasps “I'm close.” 

“Inside please!” Keigo begs, needing to be filled. To have his insides be claimed by Touya's cum. 

“Fuck.” Touya said his hands getting hotter at the request. 

It's hard to say who came first, perhaps that came at the same time. Regardless of the order, Keigo felt his senses white out as his orgasm hits and white hot pain traveled from his hips where Dabi had lost control of the heat of his quirk. At the same time heat grew in his gut as Touya filled him. Keigo settles down on Touya’s dick unable to catch his breath. Touya looked like he was completely overheated and overwhelmed as he too caught his breath. He then leans forward and starts to bite and suck Keigo's skin. Leaving marks where he could. Keigo’s wings wrapped around the pair as if to protect them from the rest of the world. 

“Fuck Kei.” Touya says as he pulls away “Fuck you're so fucking pretty.” 

“Yeah?” Keigo says

“Look at you…all marked up.” Touya looks down “We’ll have to get some burn cream for your hips though.”

Keigo didn't care about any after care, instead he cared more about finding Touya’s lips. He presses their lips together and they share a chaste kiss. Only shortened by their lack of breath. “I love you.” 

“I love you too.” Touya responds 

Keigo surveys their situation. Touya’s chest had cum dripping over his defined muscles. Staples glimmering in the light. Keigo’s skin definitely hurt on his hips but he didn't mind that at all. He was still sitting on Touya’s now soft dick. Keigo pulls off completely and already feels cum dribbling out onto his legs. He then maneuvers Touya so he was laying back on the bed. Touya looked so perfect, his short hair was spread out over the blankets like a dark halo and his eyes were a shiny blue. His skin was glistening with sweat and his shiny staples were so alluring. Not to mention he was laying in the nest he made for them. A nest! Keigo coos happily. 

“You're cute.” Touya says simply

Keigo notices the mess of cum on Touya’s chest and he feels the urge to lick him clean. Keigo ends up settling his legs on either side of Touya and leans down. He felt like it wasn't fair Dabi got to bite him all he wanted. Keigo licks a long strip up Touya's chest and Touya jumps in light surprise. Keigo took smaller kitten licks against the healthy skin before sucking really hard on the scars. He wants Touya to feel him through the rougher skin. His teeth nick at the purple before he starts to suck on the healthy skin he could reach. Keigo finds a nipple and is happy to suck and tease the bud. 

“Jeez birdie. Are you trying to eat me?” Touya asks breathlessly 

Keigo was unrepentant as he continued to suck and bite. Every inch of Touya was his to mark up and claim. He leans forward as far as he can and bites into Touya's healthy shoulder. Harder than he meant too but Touya moaned so beautifully. Keigo still feels bad so he licks the bite softly. It was definitely hard enough that if he had fangs he'd draw blood.  Keigo pulls away and the skin is a mess of red and pink as blood flows to the injured area. Keigo coos sadly as he was definitely being too much. Touya cups his face and raises it. Touya was smiling, his face flushed and his pupils dilated.

“That felt amazing birdie.” Touya said reassuringly 

Keigo hadn't noticed it until now but the act of marking his mate had made him hard again. He reaches back and much to his delight Touya was hard as well. He wastes little time after that sitting back down on Touya's dick. He was still stretched from earlier and Touya's cum aided the remaining lube. The movement was so swift that Touya didn't even have time to prepare and it showed on the pleasantly surprised expression on his face. 

Keigo wasn't hesitant as he started moving. In this position he felt like he had more leverage and was able to go even faster. Touya's face was full of the bliss that Keigo was chasing after. His eyes were the glowing blue typically associated with using his quirk. His hands were smoking from where he was grabbing the bed so hard but the fabric hadn't caught fire. Leading Keigo to believe they were fire resistant. These logical thoughts fly out of his head as once again Touya strikes his prostate dead on. His wings arched up and fluffed so much they appeared to grow in size. 

Keigo kept going and already he felt his gut start to wind up. He doesn't want it to end right now. Too addicted to this feeling of Touya inside him. The way Touya's piercings feel against his inner walls. The way Touya was so hot as his quirk spread through his body. Keigo just couldn't get enough of it right now. So he sits down and starts grinding down, his hips moving at the same speed but right at the base. It felt even better and he couldn't help how weak it made him feel. Against his wishes he ended up cumming right there and then. His hips continuing to move in spasms with his release. This led to Touya cumming as well and Keigo's hips kept rutting though it all until he eventually ran out of energy and stopped. He was taking large gulps of air to try and fill his lungs again. He slid himself off of Touya and laid down. He relaxes fully with his mouth right in range of the bite he made in Dabi's shoulder. He half-heartedly sticks his teeth into the existing divots. The two managed to catch their breath and total exhaustion seems to be the mood. Keigo's wings took on the job of becoming large feathery blankets on their little nest. 

“Fuck birdie.” Touya eventually mutters “You're way too good at this.”.

“Just doing what feels good.” Keigo mutters into Touya's shoulder

“We really do need to get some burn cream on your hips.” Touya says

“Not right now.” Keigo mutters 

“The burns might scar.” Touya mentions 

“Let them.” Keigo says sleepily “Just want to…be close right now.”

“Okay Keigo…” Touya agrees 

“Love you Tou.” Keigo says on the verge of sleep

“Love you too Kei.” Touya responds and it follows him into his dreams.

Hawks woke up slowly to the sound of his phone alarm somewhere in the room. He's supposed to wake up and get ready for patrol but fuck he's so fucking exhausted and warm. He cuddles back into what he thinks is a pillow but an annoyed sigh breaks him out of his sleepiness. Hawks blinks open his eyes and notices he was cuddled on top of Touya. The night before is happy to jump into his mind and the memories have him mentally jumping out of his skin. The alarm eventually stops and Hawks knows he can't be late to patrol...Despite how much he wants to stay here forever. 

He crawls from the nest and glances at Touya. They hadn't bothered to really do any kind of clean up before falling asleep last night. Keigo felt a bit bad as poor Touya had crusty dried cum all over his chest. Keigo hadn't cleaned him up the second time. He resolves to go get a cloth from the bathroom to clean him up. His legs hit the floor and immediately feel sore. Like he had just done a work out. He wobbles a bit but makes it into the other room wherein he catches sight of himself. 

He hadn't really put much thought into it but it looked like Touya had mauled him. Hickeys of various colors spiraled over his skin with the darker being a deep purple and the lightest a baby pink. However, Keigo’s eyes were drawn to the large red hands on his hips. He could tell why Touya was a bit worried as they were bordering on 2nd-degree burns. He spots one or two blisters but otherwise it's just a harsh pink. Regardless of the injury, his instincts had never been more satiated. He was a marked up birdie. He places a hand on top of the prints and marvels at how much bigger they were than his hands. 

He allows himself to imagine for a moment that these marks scarred and he was forever marked by his mate. Everyone would know if they saw it. He trilled lowly at the thought. He'd wear the type of clothes that showed off his hips so everyone would see. Flaunt his mating marks and let everyone know he was taken. Of course Narita would kill him if he did this. Part of the reason you're not allowed to have a public soulmate is heroes without soulmates are statistically more desirable. People want to be that hero's soulmate. Keigo sighs, his wings lowering sadly. He can't do anything for himself…Not while he's a hero…

But…as a villain he could. He'd be able to nest. Be able to grow out his talons and fangs. He could grow out his head feathers. Wear the clothes he wants to wear… He hadn’t really spoken to Touya about the possibility of joining the League of Villains in detail. He’s not sure if he even cares about the group specifically, only because Touya is a part of it. Touya said they were like a family and perhaps they’d accept Hawks as well. Of course, he’s a pro hero so they may try to kill him on the spot. It doesn’t change the fact that he’d like to meet them, even if just to understand Touya’s new life. Acceptance is something he’s appreciate but even he knows that he doesn’t really fit in. Not that good at being a hero. Too much of a hero to be a villain. Perhaps there isn’t a place for him at all…His eyes find the marks on his hips and he cracks a small smile. There would always be a place for him with Touya…That’s all that really matters. 

Speaking of, he came in here for a washcloth. He grabs one from the stack on the counter, he then turns on the tap and tries to make the water warm. He knows Touya can’t feel the cold but it’s the thought that counts. He wets a corner of the wash cloth and turns off the tap. He turns around and enters the main room. Touya was still fast asleep in the nest and Hawks walked over to get a closer look. He had taken up the space Hawks used to occupy and was stretched over the majority of the nest. Hawks tip toes closer and very gingerly starts to dab at his chest. He is very careful not to be too rough and thankfully it comes clean pretty easily. Once he’s done he takes the time to dry it a little. Touya didn’t so much as stirr. Hawks imagines him as a nocturnal creature. Fast asleep during the day and awake all night. He giggles to himself mentally at the image. 

After that he returns to the bathroom. The next order of business is cleaning himself up, in the shower though. Since he’s already naked all he has to do is start the water. He turns it on and flinches away at the temperature of the water. Unlike Touya he is not cold-resistant. Luckily it heats up pretty quickly and he’s able to jump in. He notices the soups attached to the wall and happily does a full body cleanse. Sure his hair will be wet but flying around will dry it quickly enough. Once he’s cleaned himself of the sins of last night, he tiptoes around the hotel room gathering up his clothes. He has patrol in like 30 minutes but he’s fast. He can zoom home and change in no time. Once he’s fully dressed in his incognito outfit he turns to look at Touya one last time. He frowns as he hates to leave him…He’d rather they wake up together. What if Touya woke up all alone and thought Hawks abandoned him? We can’t have that. 

Hawks can’t message him as the reason his alarm shut itself off is because his phone died. He looks around and spots a pen and pad of paper. Perfect! He walks over and writes a cutesy little message for his mate. So when he wakes up, he can find the message and be assured that Hawks wanted to be there but couldn't. He puts the note on the bedside table and looks around the room. The large chicken stands out to him and well…It was a present. He decides to leave the dufflebag for Dabi, tucking his wings in real tight to his body instead, so he leaves the building with a giant chicken stuffed under one arm. 

Patrol is probably gonna suck but he’s in such a good mood after last night that he’s not sure he cares all that much. He’s gonna have to charge up both his phones and text Touya later. They should talk about the league probably. Plan more dates definitely. He finds a nice safe place to take off and flies himself home. He lands on his balcony and opens the door in one swift motion. His shoes get put on the shelf by the door and he quickly changes into his hero costume. The stuffed chicken is thrown at the bed sometime during this quick change. Hawks secures a portable charger and is out the door in no time. He cannot wait to talk to Touya again. 

Chapter Text

Dabi wakes up slowly and a yawn escapes him as he sits up. He surveys the room and realizes very quickly he was butt naked in a hotel room. He briefly recalls last night and scans for Keigo. The bird was nowhere to be seen and his heart sank a little. He looks to the side and spots a note on the bedside table. All is right in the world.

Dear Touya,

I'm sorry I have to leave but if I'm late to patrol then there'll be consequences. Text me when you wake up!

Xoxo

Keigo 

Dabi smiles softly and makes his way over to the bathroom. He desperately needs a shower. He jumps into the shower and turns on the water. The water beats down on his body and he definitely feels the bite mark in his shoulder. He will never admit how turned on he got when Keigo bit him like that…Like he wanted a chunk. Dabi ignores the thought in favor of hosing himself down. 

After successfully washing himself, he returns to the room. He notices that the duffel bag was still there but the stuffed chicken was not. Dabi meanders over and opens the bag. It only had the game console inside. Keigo must have left it here for him…That was kind of him. Dabi goes to where he took off his clothes yesterday and decides to dress incognito. Mainly because he has the money now so he’s going to buy some groceries. Sure he’d be more noticeable in broad daylight but he wouldn’t be doing anything illegal and certain parts of town are used to weirdos that are completely covered. First though, he has to text Keigo. 

You: Good morning birdie 

Chicken: Touyaaaaaaaaaaa

Hi 

You: hows patrol?

Chicken: boring af

Like actually so boring omg

You: sucks to suck

Chicken: blame Narita for giving me this stupid patrol 

You: Well if you join the League I won’t make you go on any patrols 

Chicken: sold 

Where do I sign up?

You: lmao birdieeee

Chicken: In all seriousness I would be interested in joining the League

For real

You: I can talk to the League ig

Need to like brief them and shit

Chicken: I assume because i’m a hero

You: I mean I can just bring you and they can attempt to kill you

Chicken: Seems like a lot of work

I’ll pass on that

You: exactly

Chicken: Any plans for today?

You: buy groceries

Chicken: Oooooo fun! 

You: u’d find anything more fun than patrol

Chicken: Because it’s so borinnnnnnnnnnnng

There is nothing going on😭

Most i’ve seen is a car accident man

You: u r just too good at your job

Chicken: I didn’t even want this stupid job 🙁

You: Yes you did

Chicken: OKay fine maybe when I was 6 

But nah bro fuck this shit

Past me was stupid 

You: lmao

Chicken: Don’t laugh!

You wanted to be a hero too

You: Oh wow look at the time

gotta check out of the hotel

Chicken: You little shit

You: Love you too chicken <3

Dabi chuckled and put the phone in his pocket. He shoves his villain coat into the bottom of the surprisingly spacious dufflebag. He then takes all the food and other items and shoves them in as well. He picks up the little Hawks doll from the arcade and messes with its cute little wings again, he laughs to himself quietly before shoving it in his pocket. As a final thing, he called the front desk to check out. It was easier than going to the front desk and he could just leave. With one final check of the room, he swings the duffle bag over his shoulder and leaves the hotel.

Dabi finds a shopping district some distance away and happily starts shopping around. Mainly starting with a supermarket at the center of this shopping district. He enters and is a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of foods available for purchase. Dabi starts to think about what kind of food he's interested in making. He likes traditional foods as much as the next guy. He's definitely going to buy lots of chicken. Dabi considers the best way to balance the meals and makes sure to buy lots of vegetables and meat. He knows Toga likes her food raw and Spinner likes it raw on occasion. Shigaraki will eat anything you put on his plate as long as it's not broccoli or cauliflower. The little trees freak him out or something. Compress has a refined palate but still eats anything Dabi cooks. It was a gamble when it came to Twice as his food preferences changed from day to day. But he was usually an adventurous eater. 

In the end, Dabi had bought enough food to feed a small country, okay that was a joke, but it was an entire kitchen's worth of food. He should head back to the League base since he has many time sensitive items. His eyes however got caught on a store that sold blankets and well…He got an idea. Keigo can't nest at home because it's bugged but maybe if Keigo joins the League he can nest in Dabi's bed…So he detoured into the shop and started feeling around for the softest blankets. He was quick as he piled a lot of blankets into his arms and paid for them with no issue. After that he made his trudge back to the League base. When he finally arrived he was certain his arms were about to fall off. He went to the side door of the building and kicked open the door. On the other side, the entire League froze but relaxed upon seeing it was him.

“You're home quite late my dear Dabi.” Compress said

“Where were you? Not that I care! “ Twice demands

“I was buying stuff.” Dabi said casually. 

“What the actual fuck? Did you buy an entire store or some shit?!” Shigaraki asks 

“Here let me help you with those bags, Dabi.” Compress said as he marbled the bags

“Thanks Compress.” Dabi said ignoring the looks he was getting 

Dabi went to their kitchenette and started putting things away. Compress started to help as well and they made quick work of it. 

“I have to ask where did you get the money for this? Did you steal a credit card?” Compress asks

“A little birdie gave it to me.” Dabi said and Compress just furrowed his brow at the answer 

“You're not gonna tell me, are you?” Compress said

“Nah.” Dabi said. He could explain but that takes time and energy he doesn't want to spend. 

“You know you can open up to us. Right?” Compress asks

“I mean, probably. “ Dabi dismisses “Doesn't matter.” Dabi then leaves the kitchen and Compress watches him leave with a resigned expression. 

Dabi enters back into the living room where the rest of the League were all just sitting there. They all turned to him at his entrance. Dabi ignores them and goes to the dufflebag. He takes off the overcoat because he prefers his villain cost anyway. 

“Dabi what the fuck!? Did you get into a fight or something?” Shigaraki said 

“Wha?” He looked down. He was only wearing his white tank top and it did nothing to hide the marks that Keigo had left. Right now the bite mark in his shoulder was particularly purple, it almost matches his scars in the intensity of the color. “Oh yeah don't worry about it.” 

“Don't worry about it? You look like you're gonna die!!!” Twice said 

“Did you make them bleed?” Toga demands 

“Sure.” Dabi waves away as he digs into the duffle bag. “Got you a treat by the way.” He threw the bag of treats at her and she opened it curiously. She gasped as she took out the blood pie and bit into it. She laughed happily and devoured the entire bag full of food. Yeah…sounds about right. 

“Thanks Dabiiiii!” She cheers her face now covered in blood 

Dabi rolled his eyes and slid his villain coat on, successfully hiding the fact he'd been mauled by a bird. He mauled Keigo so it was fair enough. He briefly remembers Keigo licking his chest clean and immediately shelves those thoughts for much, much later. 

“Oh right, got something else for you guys.” Dabi pulled out the game console and placed it on the coffee table. 

“What the fuck?” Spinner said as he leaned forward and grabbed the box with the game console inside. He opened it and seemed genuinely surprised there was an actual device in there “Where did you get this?” 

“The arcade.” Dabi said boredly, taking out the ticket card and flaunting it. 

“Isn't that like…1,200 tickets?” Shigaraki asks

“Sounds about right.” Dabi said “This card has 1,600 tickets if you want another one.”

“What the fuck?! Dabi, why didn't you tell us you were good at arcade games?” Shigaraki demands 

“Didn't know until last night.” Dabi said with a shrug 

“Why were you at the arcade last night?” Compress asked upon entering the room.

“Reasons.” Dabi said and the League all gave him a look of irritation 

“Dabiiii, you can tell ussssss!” Toga complains 

“Yeah! We'll listen! We don't care!” Twice joins in 

“Nah.” Dabi grabs the duffel bag that was still full of blankets and walks to his room ignoring the exasperated faces of the League. He'll admit he has a bit too much fun being intentionally vague with them. Half of it because it's not their business and the other half because he doesn't feel like going into detail. 

Dabi set the dufflebag by his bed and surveyed it. It wasn't huge but it could comfortably fit two people. If they were cuddled together anyway. He has one blanket but he rarely actually uses it because he doesn't get cold but he can get hot. He usually sleeps on top and he's been told that he resembles the dead when someone comes to wake him. It's accurate considering how close to death he constantly is. He considers the full extent of a nest set up on the bed and hummed quietly. He sat down and ran his fingers over the blanket. He misses Keigo…You'd think this longing would be better now that Keigo knows he isn't dead and they can see each other now. But perhaps it'll never get easier…After all Keigo holds a permanent residence in his mind…Also he is the entire reason Dabi even still has a heart. 

He should probably tell the League about Keigo now. He doesn't want to stop his joke but they do need to know about Keigo. That way he can bring Keigo here and then Keigo can make a nest and become all feral and cute. Dabi imagines they won't get up to much naughty business here because the walls are thinner than paper. He's like 90% that sometimes Spinner and Shigaraki send the entire League out, bar the two mentioned, because they want to get up to something. He's almost grateful they were at least considerate enough for that. 

He walked out of his room into the common room and the League were all just sitting there. Surprisingly Shigaraki and Spinner were not on their devices. In fact they were all just staring at him. 

“What?” He asked

“Dabi, sit down.” Shigaraki commands 

Ooookay then. Dabi plops down on the nearest arm chair and they all turn to look at him. “Is this like group therapy or something?” 

“This is an intervention.” Shigaraki explains

“We know you're keeping things from us!!” Toga says “We want you to know it's a safe environment!!” 

“You stay out all night and never bring any recruits back.” Compress said, dramatically dabbing at his mask with a handkerchief “We never see you anymore.”

“I literally stay here most of the day.” Dabi deadpans, he was ignored

“Hiding injuries from us?!” Compress sobs. Dramatic bitch. 

“You're almost smiling all the time now! It's freaky! It's ugly af!” Twice accuses 

“We understand you have your secrets, but it's concerning how much you're keeping from us.” Shigaraki says 

“Especially since you suddenly had enough to buy all that food.” Spinner adds 

Dabi thinks they're pretty bad at this. Though he's never had an intervention before so he supposes there is no president. He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Well I was going to talk about it but I don’t feel like it anymore.” 

“Wait noooo Dabiii! Tell usss!” Toga whined like the brat she is. “Please! Please! Please!”

“Please please please please-!” Twice joins

“You two shut up. Dabi. Speak.” Shigaraki commands effectively stopping their wining

“I recently got back in contact with my soulmate. The reason I was at the arcade yesterday is because we were on a date.” Dabi explained 

“Awwwwwww.” Toga coos 

“Do they know you're a villain?” Spinner asks

“Yeah.” Dabi said

“You told them?” Compress asks “Why?”

“I want you to take one look at me and tell me I'm not the villain Dabi.” Dabi said bitterly  

“Ah…fair enough.” Compress said

“They were okay with you being a villain?!” Toga asked excitedly 

“I mean, he sought me out because he wants to join the League.” Technically the truth. 

“Why haven't you brought him back yet?” Shigaraki asks

“Yeah! I'm sure your soulmate will have yummy blood too!” Toga said 

“Few reasons. We've been catching up the last few days. It was a fairly recent reunion. Mainly because he's a pro hero.” Dabi dropped the bomb

“He's a hero?!” The rest of the League asks 

“Not by choice.” Dabi said

“That fuck does that mean?” Shigaraki asks 

“It's a really long story and you don't need to know it. Basically if he doesn't perform his hero duties then he will get tortured. “...Among other things 

“I didn't think society could get more fucked. I knew it!” Twice looked discouraged 

“Oh my…How terrible a practice.” Compress said

“This goddamn society.” Shigaraki said angrily, scratching his neck 

“Yeah well you'd see why he wants to be a villain.” Dabi said

The others seemed to agree, except Spinner who looked like he was focusing really hard on Dabi’s shoulder. Wherein his coat had slipped and the bite mark was visible again. Dabi could fix it but he's too comfortable in this position. 

“Is your soulmate a heteromorph?” Spinner asks

“Yup.” Dabi confirms

Shigaraki looks at Spinner then follows his line of vision to Dabi and he seems to make the same realization that Spinner does. “Oh shit.” 

“What?” Toga asks curiously

“Well…when a heteromorph wants to ensure everyone knows their mate is taken, they'll give them mating marks. Like the one on Dabi's shoulder.” Spinner explained 

“Ohhhhh, that's so romantic! I want to bite Ochako.” Toga cheered 

“You'd do that anyway you maniac.” Dabi said 

“Oh. Yeah!” Toga said and Dabi rolled his eyes 

“So, your soulmate is a hero but he wants to be a villain?” Compress asks 

“Yeah, mainly because I'm a villain. He also hates heroes though.” Dabi said, fairly confident in that fact. 

“Hmm…I think he'd be a valuable game piece.” Shigaraki mumbles

Dabi thinks he'd be more than just valuable, Birdie was the best for a reason. His quirk was beyond versatile and he was very strong with hand to hand combat. He'd be better with talons but that's just Dabi's opinion apparently. 

“I want to meet him! No I don't ! Fuck him!” Twice says 

“I also want to meet him.” Spinner said, probably wanting another heteromorph around. 

“It's decided then, bring him to meet the League whenever you can. “ Shigaraki said

“Cool.” Dabi said and silence filled the room “Anything else?” 

“What does he look like? Is he adorable?!” Toga asks 

“He's the cutest.” Dabi said with a completely straight face causing Toga to giggle delightedly 

“What kind of heteromorph is he?” Spinner asks

“He's a bird.” Dabi said 

“Wait…Is that what you meant by a little birdie giving you the money for all the food?” Compress accuses 

“Yeah.” Dabi confirms boredly 

“How does that even work?” Shigaraki asks

“Ah well, you see there is a rule that my soulmate has to follow as part of being a hero. He's not allowed to have his soulmate, much less see them. So, basically the government is now funding our villain organization. Me and him aren't supposed to see each other in exchange for this money but we already broke that rule.” Dabi explained 

“That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.” Shigaraki said

“I happen to think it is quite innovative! If the government has a policy against soulmates then it's only natural that they exploit it. I can appreciate such a heist. “ Compress said 

“Are you going to cook for us Dabi? Ew please no.” Twice said “Wait, what no I like your cooking!” 

“I was planning on it. Unless you want Shiggy to cook.” Dabi said

“Oh God please no!” Toga says “Never again.”

“It was one time!” Shigaraki complains

“For a reason!” Twice yells 

“I'm sorry but you nearly killed Spinner with your cooking last time.” Compress said

“I thought it was…good.” Spinner said 

“You were in the bathroom for like 5 hours.” Toga reminded him “We thought we were gonna have to make Dabi cremate your corpse.” 

“I would’ve.” Dabi said offhandedly

“Jeez! Okay I get it! Damn!” Shigaraki said grumpily 

Dabi stood and got out his phone “I’m gonna call my bird.” was all he said

He walked into the other room and dialed the bird's number, and he picked up almost immediately “Hey Birdie.”

“Touyaaaaaaaa.” Keigo sings “Hi!”

“How’s patrol?” Dabi asks

“SUUUUUUPER BORING! I’m dying out here.” Keigo said

Dabi chuckles “Hah. But if you die, who am I supposed to kiss senseless?” 

“Hmm…That’s a good point.” Keigo said

“How’s your hips?” Dabi asks

“They’re finee, against my better judgement I went ahead and applied some burn cream. Only because I knew you would worry.” Keigo said with an audible pout

“Burns are no joke.” Dabi said softly

“I know I just…I like them.” Keigo said “My very own mating marks.” 

“I’ll give you more next time, I just don’t want you to be in pain.” Dabi said

“Sounds like a good time.” Keigo purrs 

“You’re relentless, you know that?” Dabi asks

“Can’t help but love my beautiful mate.” Keigo said

“Anyway, I'm calling because I spoke with the League.” Dabi said 

“Oh?” Keigo said

“Yeah, they want to meet you.” Dabi said

“Oh cool. Do they know I'm a hero?” Keigo asked

“I mentioned it.” Dabi said 

“Gives me so much confidence.” Keigo said dryly

“When are you free?” Dabi asked

“I have a double tomorrow, but I should be free the night after that. “ Keigo said

“Cool, cool. What do you want for food?” Dabi asks

“Oh jeez, idk…Chicken! Definitely something with chicken.” Keigo said

“You little cannibal.” Dabi said

“Hey! Hawks eat other birds all the time!” Keigo said

“Whatever you say.” Dabi said

“God you’re so annoying! “ Keigo said 

“You love me though.” Dabi said

“Unfortunately yes.” Keigo sighs

“Aweee birdie, you wound me.” Dabi said dramatically

In the other room, Toga snuck back into the room holding her phone up proudly. She flips it around to show the others. It was a picture of Dabi on the phone with a smile on his face. His eyes seemed to glow brighter and he looked to be in his own world.

“Okay what the fuck.” Shigaraki said “There is no way that’s Dabi.” 

“He looks like an entirely different person…” Spinner said

“I think it’s a nice sight to see, our dear Dabi is opening up to emotions again.” Compress said, wiping away fake tears. 

“His smile is so ugly! I love it!” Twice said excitedly 

“I think it’s adorable! He’s just so in love! I can’t wait to meet this soulmate of his! He makes Dabi so happy!” Toga cheers 

Chapter Text

Hawks has been lying to Narita a lot recently, but this morning felt particularly nerve wracking. He just had to tell her he made contact with Dabi for the first time the night before and make it believable. He decided on this scenario. Dabi does not trust him at all and wants to test out his loyalty first by basically using him as an errand bird. Get some files. Kill some people. All the normal things. She wouldn’t know that tomorrow night he is literally going to meet the entire League of Villains as possibly their newest member. Hopefully by the time she figures it out Hawks will be in good enough graces that the League will let him stay with Touya. He started to mentally psych himself up for it as he approached her office. He knocks and waits quietly for her to let him in. His arms tucked behind his back and his wings doing the same. 

“Come in.” She said releasing him 

He opens the door and she is on her computer, she doesn’t glance up at him for a good five minutes but when she does she sneered “Didn’t I tell you not to report back until you met the league’s recruiter?” 

“ I did.” Hawks said as calmly as he knew how to 

She looked at him, looking for any scrap of a lie. Hawks was not lying so there was nothing to find. Just yet. Her mouth drops lightly as surprise flashes across her face, very clearly surprised he had survived meeting Dabi. Her eyebrows rose into her hairline and she openly gaped for a moment. She regains her composure soon after and clears her throat. “Very good. Have you made contact with the League of Villains?"

“No. Dabi doesn’t trust me enough to introduce me to the rest of the League of Villains.” Hawks lie “He wants to test my loyalty.” 

“Hmm…Well I suppose that is good enough progress for now.” Narita said “I am a bit disappointed you haven’t gotten far but I suppose getting the villain to even listen to you was difficult enough. You will do what he asks and report back to me anything you figure out about him and the league.” 

“Understood ma’am.” Hawks said

“Is there anything else you’d like to report?” She asks as she clasps her hands together “I heard you weren’t home at all the other night.” Narita asks sharply

Fuck. “I was out too late looking for Dabi and decided to crash at a hotel until I had the strength to fly home.” Hawks lies effortlessly “It was a momentary lapse of strength and it won’t happen again. “

“It better.” Narita said as she glanced over him sharply “Fine. You are dismissed.” 

“Thank you ma’am.” Hawks said with a low bow

He left the room as quickly as he could without being suspicious and was out of the HPSC HQ in record time. He wasn’t all that eager to get started on his double shift but he certainly wasn’t eager to stay here either. The more he can limit his interactions with his handler, the better. Though…The double shift did mean he probably wouldn’t be seeing Touya today and that was a huge bummer. Of course he’s been meeting him every night since their reunion but it truly doesn’t feel like enough. 

Well, guess he’ll have to settle with texting him…and calling him. That still doesn’t feel like enough! He just wants to spend every minute he can with his soulmate. Is that so wrong? He spent way too long without him and now he knows he’s only a few minutes of flight away. Still, he has to at least pretend to obey Narita for the time being. He really wants to flip her the bird though and maybe that’s because he has been spending too much time with Touya. Touya has that “fuck that bitch” energy and apparently it’s contagious. 

Hawks’ boring patrol starts and he finds himself mentally planning all the things he wants to say to Touya. He then realizes it’s a bit strange to obsess over that for so long and instead thinks about meeting the League the next day. What is he even going to say? “Hi, don't kill me?”

Well, it's a start. Touya said he mentioned he was a hero but knowing him he probably didn't tell them which hero. They might expect some obscure hero they've never heard of, not Hawks. The literal number 2 hero. Who doesn't really want to be a hero but that's unrelated. Hawks thinks the rankings are stupid anyway. Number 1 is an actual villain and number 2 is about to hop sides. Whatever. Hero society as a whole is fucked. 

He stops to save a cat and its black fur reminded him greatly of Touya's current hair. He wants to pet Touya just to see what his hair feels like. Too bad he won't be seeing him today. He sighs deeply. Gosh he needs to stop obsessing so much. It's just so hard not to… His main phone buzzes and he should ignore it but he gives zero fucks. 

Fuyumi: Hey Keigo，I know it's been a while but we're having a family dinner and we'd really like it if you joined us. 

You: if Enji is there I'm out 

Fuyumi: You and Natsuo said the same thing. 

No, Enji is going to be out of town for business so it's just going to be me, Shouto, and Natsuo. 

You: I'll consider it 

Fuyumi: Just let me know.

It's going to be a few days from now on Tuesday night. 5 PM. 

Keigo has been invited to the Todoroki’s house before but he's avoided going. Mainly because they reminded him of Touya. And any reminder hurt him too much. But since he knows Touya is alive, it wouldn't be so much of an issue. Still, he'd essentially be going there to lie to their face. While he was exceptionally good at lying, to the point he could now fool Narita. Really it’s their fault for teaching him all of these skills and then not expecting him to use them. He isn't sure he feels good about lying to Touya's siblings. 

His other phone buzzes and he cheers mentally. He shoves his main phone in his pocket and takes out the burner. The thoughts of the Todoroki’s leaving his mind almost instantly as he sees that it was indeed his mate that had texted him. 

Touya 🩵: good morning birdie <3

You: It's noon

Touya 🩵: fuck u too then shit

You: Wait I'm sorry! Good morning!

Touya 🩵: im mad at u

You: I'm sorryyyyy :((((

Touya 🩵: fine. guess m not mad at u

as much

You: Yay!

Touya 🩵: how is patrol? 

You: Suuuper boring! I can't even see you because I'm working a double :( 

Touya 🩵: rip

sucks to suck

You: :(

Touya 🩵: anything else interesting happen?

You: Your sister invited me to dinner. 

Touya 🩵: damn

you still talk to them?

You: Not really. Been blowing them off since the funeral. 

Touya 🩵: wait

my funeral?

You: Yeah, it was kind of depressing how little your dad did. 

You should've been there 

Touya 🩵: ah well next time I have a funeral I'll be sure to show up

You: lmao 

Anyway I gotta go, patrol and shit

Touya 🩵: don't work too hard 

You: no promises 

Touya 🩵: love u

You: Love you too 

Hawks pockets his phone and locks in to fight a villain. Of course the villain was dealt with quickly and he was once again left with nothing to do other than entertain his vast amount of fans. He wonders what Touya is up to. 

Dabi was sitting on the couch and reading a book he borrowed from Compress. Toga was yapping in his ears though she'd been doing so for hours. Ever since she woke up. He'd been ignoring her this whole time. She was asking the same 20 questions about his soulmate and waving around a picture of him smiling like it was evidence of an affair. Ignoring her was an applied talent and he was very good at it. But he could tell from the way Shigaraki’s eyebrow twitched he was about to dust the coffee table again. Dabi made the educated decision to slide his feet off the piece of furniture. Just in the time before it turned into dust.

“Toga, I don't know how the fuck Dabi is able to ignore you but can you please shut the fuck up!?” Shigaraki yells angrily 

“I just want to know more about his soulmate!” Toga said with a pout “I know you and Spinner are soulmates and I know all about my soulmate. I want to know about Dabi's too!” 

“He's clearly not going to talk about it my dear.” Compress said

“Besides, he says he wants to join the League so you'll meet him then.” Spinner said 

“Oh yeah, he's coming to dinner tomorrow.” Dabi said 

“What the fuck? Why didn't you say something?” Shigaraki asks 

“Was waiting for her to shut up.” Dabi said gesturing towards Toga 

“You guys are so mean to me!” Toga said with a pout 

“You could have invited him to dinner tonight.” Compress says

“Nah. That bitch scheduled him for a double.” Dabi said 

“A double?” Spinner questions 

“Yeah, he already works stupid long hours but with a double he basically works like 20 hours with little break. “ Dabi complains angrily

“Isn't that like…illegal?” Spinner then asks

“It most definitely is.” Compress says

“I mean, when you're the one that makes the laws, you can break them all you want.” Dabi said

Shigaraki scratches at his neck lightly and Spinner stops him. Shigarki pouts but does say “Stupid society” under his breath.

“Wait, has your soulmate ever gotten a vacation?” Toga asks and Dabi shakes his head “A weekend?!” She asks and he shakes his head again. “When was the last time he had like more than one day off?” 

Dabi scrunched his eyebrows together trying to think of a time. He isn't 100% certain of his current schedule and when they were at the commission they pretty much trained everyday. Which leaves... “Right before his mom sold him to the government.” 

“What the fuck?!” Shigaraki asks 

“Is that like your phrase of the day?” Dabi asks 

“That’s fucked! Not that I care!” Twice said

“That's seriously fucked up.” Spinner said 

“The commission traffics children all the time. It's like, their favorite passtime.” Dabi said

“You mean the Hero Public Safety Commission?” Compress asks

“Yeah, didn't I mention it before?” Dabi asks and the League shake their heads no “Well yeah, the HPSC is fucked.” 

“I want to dust their headquarters.” Shigaraki said angrily 

“I'll help.” Dabi offers readily

“I believe they are paying for our food at the moment. Perhaps we shouldn't?” Compress said

“Damn…he's right.” Dabi said 

“We'll put a pin in it.” Shigaraki said  

“I wish there was another way we could get money. No I don't! “ Twice said. 

“Dabi could start an Only Fans!” Toga said

“I could what?!” Dabi asked and Toga giggled 

“That's a great idea! Ew! Who would watch that?” Twice said 

“His soulmate probably. “ Spinner answered 

Dabi regrets slumming it with these guys. They're all psychopaths. Though if he did start an Only Fans, he is certain Keigo would watch it...And also have to explain to Narita why thousands of yen was being spent on Only Fans. 

“Dabi is not getting an Only Fans.” Shigaraki said 

“Obviously.” Dabi said with a eye roll 

“Aweee” Toga said

“I thought it was a great idea! It’s the stupidest thing I've ever heard.” Twice comforts

“We can still find ways to get more money. I haven't had much luck with the doctor. Still we can keep looking. Meaning we'll have to leave the base more.” Shigaraki said 

“I leave the base plenty.” Dabi objects 

“Well obviously not fucking you.” Shigaraki said

“I thought we were laying low for the time being.” Spinner said 

“We are, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep our eyes and ears open to oppertunities.” Shigaraki said “And no that does not mean go rob a bank.” He looks directly at Twice and then Compress.

“Why are you looking at me? I would never suggest such a thing.” Compress said and everyone turned to look at him. “Okay maybe I would. Still, it doesn't matter.” 

“It's not a bad idea to keep an eye out. Besides, if Dabi’s soulmate really does want to join after tomorrow we'll have more members.”. Spinner says

“Wait, I just realized. All this time with Dabi going out, he finally recruited someone! I'm proud of you Dabi.” Toga said before patting his head and he squirmed away

“Don't touch me!” He complains 

“Awee but your hair is so spiky and fun to mess with.” Toga says 

“I trust Dabi's judgement of other people.” Shigaraki said 

“He seems to trust nobody.” Compress said

“He totally doesn't. He doesn't trust us either.” Twice says 

“So like, are we going to go out to look for ‘opportunities’ or whatever the fuck?” Dabi asks, aggravated and the room goes quiet.

“Don't feel like it.” Shigaraki eventually said

“Yeah, it's too late in the day to start anyways.” Compress said 

“I wanted to check on my island.” Spinner said taking out his game console 

“Staying here is so boring! Let's never leave!” Twice cheers 

“I have an idea!” Toga said

“No.” Shigaraki interjected 

“Let's play 2 truths and a lie!” Toga charged forward

“Absolutely not” Shigarki said

“Pleaseeeeee!” And just like that Toga had Shigaraki wrapped around her finger. This guy was clearly an only child or younger sibling. 

“Fine! I hate this game, I hate you all, and I want to dust the couch.” Shigaraki starts

“ Aweeee Shiggy, you're so mean.” Toga pouts

“Obviously the last one is the lie, he wouldn't want to disgrace Compress's hard work by decaying more furniture.” Dabi said casually 

Shigaraki glares at him “I hate you.”

“Oh my God that means Dabi is right! “ Twice interjects

Dabi chuckles and says “Point for me. I'll go next.” He just wanted it to be over with. “ I hate spiders, my favorite food is soba, and I have three siblings. 

“ Obviously the food one! He definitely hates spiders! Or maybe he doesn't have three siblings…?” Twice said clearly confused on his decision

Toga realized they were doomed and said “We know nothing about Dabi…”

“ Have we ever seen him around a spider?” Compress asks 

“This game is stupid.” Shigaraki said bitterly 

“ C’mon Shiggy at least try!” Toga says 

Shigaraki sighs and says “I know for sure that freak likes soba.” He should see himself before calling others a freak. 

Spinner looks at Dabi and hopefully asks “Can we get a hint?”

“Defeats the purpose of the game. Doesn't it?  “ Dabi said 

“ I agree that he definitely likes Soba. “ Compress states 

“ Uh…Do you think he has three siblings? “ Toga asks and the others, minus Shiggy, shrug.

“ I think he hate spiders” Spinner said 

“I agree with spiders! That can't be right!” Twice announces 

Shigaraki is getting restless and snaps “ Let's just go with spiders. So the lie has to be the fact he has three siblings.” 

Dab’s face remains stoic as he asks “Is that your final answer?”

“Yup! You don't have three siblings!” Toga accuses 

Dabi chuckles “Point for me. I love spiders. 

“Omg! You have three siblings!?” Toga asks 

“ I guess. “ Perhaps he should've chosen a different truth but it seemed harmless enough.

“Why haven't you told us about them?” Compress asks 

“I mean,” Dabi thinks about it, “I'm dead to them.” Technically the truth

“Aweeee I'm sorryyyyyy. You can be my big brother is you want” Toga sais 

“No” Dabi said and Toga just giggled 

“Know what I'll go next.” Compress says “ I've been to jail 3 times, I once threw a marble at the sky and I haven't found it since, and my favorite book of all time is The Setting Sun.”  

Dabi thought that was stupid “That's too easy bro. We all know your favorite book of all time is Pride and Prejudice.” The room was completely silent as they all looked at him. He sighs and says “I know your favorite book of all time is Pride and Prejudice. “ 

“Another point for Dabi” Compress said 

Shigaraki huffs “ He is way too good at this game.” 

Toga looks at him and accuses “I thought you weren't really playing?” Shigaraki grumbles under his breath and Toga giggled delightedly 

Spinner sighs and says “I’ll go. Uh… I once cosplayed Sailor Moon, I spent 5 days in jail because the police forgot about me, and I didn't know Tomura was my soulmate for a week because of the hand covering his face.”

Shigaraki sighed deeply and muttered “....Unfortunately the last one is true.”

Toga cackled “That's hilarious! “

Dabi snorts and says “Cringe”

Twice joins them and says “Hah! You two are so dumb!” 

Shigaraki's face is incredibly red and he yells  “Shut up!” This causes everyone to laugh harder. 

Dabi actually tries to consider the answer. Does he care about playing? Not really. However, something to do was something to do. “The police seem dumb enough to forget about someone in their jail.”

“It's a sad reality.” Compress admits 

Toga hums and says “I agree. I think that the lie is that you cosplayed Sailor Moon!” 

Spinner chuckled “I get a point. The police knowingly kept me locked up for 5 days for no reason.”

“That's fucked up. Sounds fun!” Twicce said 

“It is what it is.” Spinner shrugs

“You would happen to have a picture of that cosplay…would you?” Shigaraki said scratching his neck nervously 

“Oh hoho Shiggy, what are you going to do with that picture?” Toga asks 

“Nothing! I just was curious.” Shigaraki said

“I'll show you later.” Spinner said with a smirk

“Ew. Get a room!” Twice heckles 

“Oooh wait, I want to go next!” Toga said excitedly “Okay, so my favorite animal is a bird, I think Kurogiri's blood is super tasty, annnnnnd my favorite color is pink!” 

“Well, the last one is true.” Dabi said blandly, it was a given considering her favorite thing ever was her soulmate and she had literal pink cheeks. 

“I can't see her not liking the taste of anyone's blood, especially someone who was in the league.” Compress said

“When did she even get a chance to try Kurogiri's blood?” Shigaraki said

“I wasn't even aware the man had blood.” Spinner said 

“I think the second one is a lie.” Dabi said. He remembers only briefly that she mentioned liking birds. 

“No way, it's definitely the first!” Twice declares 

“It's probably the first, I just can't see her not enjoying blood.” Compress said

“I'm going to agree with Dabi.” Spinner said 

“I don't care. Guess i'll go with the bird thing” Shigaraki said

“Hehehe, Dabi and Spinner are right! Points for them!” Toga cheered 

“Shit Dabi is at like what 4 points?” Shigaraki said 

“He's dominating.” Compress said dramatically

“I just know things.” Dabi said, analyzing people and information was like Commission training 101. 

“Well, I definitely won't let him get any more points!” Twice declares and Dabi rolls his eyes at the dramatics. “Let's see. Grass is green, I like to eat bowls and it's 2:30.” 

“Jin-kun…That's not…” Toga said exasperated 

“It's the second one.” Dabi said 

“Dang! How is he so good at this?! He must be cheating!” Twice said 

“I'm just good.” Dabi said with a smirk on his face

“Fuck this shit I'm done.” Shigaraki said

“Bros mad cause he has a skill issue.” Dabi says to Toga and she giggles. Shigaraki just flips him off and disappears into his room. 

“I should probably go make sure he doesn't dust the bed.” Spinner says before leaving

“Are you gonna tell me about your soulmate now?” Toga asks

“Nope.” Dabi said

Dabi woke up at 11 PM to a call. He barely remembered deciding to go to bed early but he sits up and answers the call.

“Hello?” 

“Oh I'm sorry did I wake you?” Keigo asked

“Nope. I was wide awake.” Dabi yawns

“Mmhmm.” Keigo hums 

“How's patrol?” Dabi asks

“Meh. It's fine. Just tired I guess.” Keigo said

“Mmsorry. I'd invite you to cuddle in my bed but the League doesn't know you yet.” Dabi said

“If I didn't have any survival instincts I'd take you up on that offer.” Keigo said with a giggle 

“Run into any scary villains?” Dabi asks

“Nah. Mainly just had to interact with fans today.” Keigo said “It's gotten better since the sun went down.”

“I'm sure you're tired of being adored.” Dabi teases half-heartedly

“I don't really mind it, I guess. “ Keigo sighs “I just…there are always people touching me and grabbing my feathers. It's so hard to keep my feathers soft when people just walk up and tug on them. “ Keigo says

Dabi sits up straighter, “That sounds pretty serious Keigo.” 

“No really, it's fine. “ Keugo chuckles “People are just curious.”

“They still shouldn't touch you without permission. Your wings are very sensitive Kei. It's.. It's fucking assault.” Dabi said

“I don't know if I'd go that far.” Keigo said

“I would. “ Dabi said “They can't just touch you. Hero or not. It's your body Keigo. Your wings included. No one should be touching it without permission.” 

“Well, you know…Some are just kids. I don't really want to disappoint them.” Keigo said “They don't know any better.”

“Fuck them kids.” Dabi said 

“Tou…” Keigo said

“I'm serious Kei. Fuck them kids. They need to learn they can't just go up and touch someone. “ Dabi said angrily 

“You really haven't changed.” Keigo said “Always advocating for me.”

“Well apparently you're shit at it so someone has to.” Dabi said with a huff “I want you to arrest these people if they go too far. I don't care what Narita says about it.”

“...Okay.” Keigo said 

“I'm sorry. I just…worry about you.” Dabi said, running a hand through his hair. 

“No its…its nice to have someone who cares.” Keigo said softly “Guess I'm so used to being exploited that it's hard to see that it's wrong.”

Nah, when he sees Narita again it's on sight. She's going to be ash long before she can even notice she's fucked. He digs his nails into his thigh to try and stem some anger. Naturally he catches a staple and he feels a light pain that causes him to hiss.

“Tou? Are you okay?” Keigo asks

“Yeah…Just tugged on a staple.” He admits

“Sounds…painful.” Keigo says

“It's not so bad.” It would be worse if his nerves weren't dead. 

“If you're sure.” Keigo said 

Chapter Text

Hawks got home from his double and slept maybe…4 hours. He had an early morning shift the next day. Waking up, he considered stabbing himself through the chest so he doesn't have to go to work. But then he remembers he has to go see Touya and meet the League. He's reminded that suicide isn't a valid solution anymore. He will simply have to suffer through the shift. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, he has a patrol in the afternoon tomorrow. So he can sleep in a little. He's going to try and get Touya to cuddle him.

And so, Hawks crawls out of bed with all the vigor of a sloth and pulls on his hero uniform. He walks into the bathroom and has the worst case of eyebags he'd ever seen. He sighs and gets out his concealer. The media would have a fucking field day if they saw these. After making himself presentable, he goes into the kitchen and finds his usual diet planned meals. He sighs deeply but does eat the meager breakfast portion. He could make his own food but he's far too sleepy and he might actually cut his fingers off with a knife or something. 

Hawks is so used to the sound of the cameras buzzing that he is almost able to ignore it. Still he knows he's being watched. They don't trust him to not kill himself, which like a week or so ago was valid enough. Now he only wants to slice off the Hawks part and go back to being Keigo…If only it were so easy. He's lucky he never really felt any sexual urges while he thought Touya was dead because he sure as hell wasn't giving the commission a free show. If he hadn't checked like a paranoid schizophrenic, he'd be certain there was a camera in his shower. There's definitely one in his bathroom, so he can't take a bath with a toaster, but thankfully he does have that small piece of privacy. Yes, he has a shower and a bath separately. The bath doubles as a hot tub. He's never used it. Thoughhe can't say he's used most of his huge ass penthouse. He has mainly body rotted on his bed, showered in the master bathroom, and haunted the kitchen. Most of the time he was on patrol anyway. Besides, this place was never his home. A. Touya wasn't in it so he could care less and B. Narita chose the design and her taste is shitty minimalism. 

Hawks arrives at his agency and immediately locates some iced coffee. The Hawks Agency had a brand deal, basically he promoted it and they supplied the building with coffee. Anyway, he had already chugged two by the time he was leaving the office to go patrol. If he was a bit jittery with caffeine, then no one had to know. 

He flies around. Looking for villains and civilians in need of help. Apparently he was so efficient that villains gave up on this sector for the most part. So he's been helping with bland stuff. Mainly stopping car accidents when he can and assisting in emergencies. He doesn't actually hate this part, he just has no real passion for it anymore. Then again he had no passion for life. 

One of the feathers he sent out to probe had been plucked out of the air and it startled him so much he nearly fell out of the sky. Hot fingers were rubbing the barbs and Hawks was off like a bullet. And there he was, chilling in an alley way with the red feather caught in his fingers. Touya! Hawks chirped happily.

“Hey birdie.” Touya said

“What are you doing here?” Hawks asks

“I was in the area. Figured I'd say hi.” Touya said “Also I bought you clothes because I'm fairly certain you only have commission sponsored outfits.” 

“Guilty as charged.” Hawks said with a small smile and he took the offered duffle bag “Wait this is my duffle bag.” 

“Obviously. It's about time I return it.” Touya said with an eye roll

“Ooh” Hawks opened the bag

“I had to guess your measurements.” Touya said, “Hopefully they fit.” 

“I'm sure they'll fit fine.” Hawks said. He was thin as a twig but Touya knows that. Narita had been essentially starving him all his life. Never letting him eat the raw foods that make up his diet. He never really cared but he's suddenly self conscious. 

“I should probably go now. Have some shopping to do for dinner tonight.” Touya said “Besides, wouldn't want you to get caught fraternizing with a villain.” 

Touya is right of course. But Hawks doesn't care. Mainly because he wants to follow Touya around like a good little song bird. Rationality wins in the end and they eventually have to part. Even then he watches Touya stalk into the shadows until he can't spot his coat billowing behind him. He will not admit out loud that he continued to follow him through the connection to his feather. Touya had two now. Though the originals connection was only barely kept alive. He decided to break the connection. The feather would more or less die but Touya ran off with a new one. 

He's back in the sky in a moment, quickly flying back home to drop off his duffle bag. On the way he's able to save someone from being mugged in broad daylight. Who even mugs people during the day? It's like they're asking to get caught. Of course, most heroes aren't as fast as he is. Maybe the criminals felt emboldened.

In all of this, the sidekicks that were meant to be with him are 3 cases behind. As usual. Whatever. He's more of a free spirit anyway. It let him get the chance to meet up with Touya. He trills low in his throat and swallows down any other bird noise. Can't be too vocal. It'll get back to Narita somehow. Fucking bitch. 

After patrol, Hawks went home and was very excited to change into the outfit Touya had bought for him. He changed quickly, pulling on the dark blue jeans. He finds a really soft red button up and gasps when he sees the wing holes. Touya really went to the trouble of buying him a shirt made for people with wings! He swallows his bird noises, the buzzing of the cameras becoming unbearably loud, and happily pulls on the silky smooth red shirt. He looks at himself in the mirror and damn it was a perfect fit. He can't help but check himself out. He looks good. Touya had the thought to buy him a new belt and shoes. He's so considerate and perfect. Hawks is going to kiss him when he sees him. 

After that, Hawks leaves the penthouse and flies to their usual warehouse. He felt the connection to the feather long before he saw Touya but when he finally laid eyes on him, he cooed. Touya was wearing his usual villian outfit but he looked fucking good in it. Hawks lands and spreads his wings proudly for his mate to appraise. Touya looks at him and smirks. 

“You look good birdie.” Touya said, walking closer 

“You're the one who chose this outfit for me.” Hawks said

“I didn't realize it'd be this sexy on you.” Touya said, messing with the buttons of Hawks’ shirt “Almost tempted to take you somewhere else.” 

“Later hot stuff. We don't want your cooking to go to waste.” Hawks says

“Fine. How about a kiss then?” Touya said 

Hawks steps forward and presses their lips together as requested. The kiss was wonderful. Perfect. Just like his soulmate. It was the kind of kiss you wished could last forever because the world just stopped for that moment. When they part, Touya looks into his eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes that he adores. The first color he had ever seen. The color he loves most in this world. 

“You're looking at me with that look again.” Touya said 

“I can't help it. I adore you.” Hawks said with a smile. 

“You're crazy for that.” Touya says

“I'm crazy for you.” Hawks says and Touya groans at the corniness 

“I can't with you. Let's go. The League are probably about to rebel and eat your dinner.”

“Mmkay.” Hawks said obediently 

So Touya left the warehouse and Hawks followed obediently. He ended up walking next to Touya and hesitantly reached over to grab his hand nervously. Touya snatches his hand out of the air and Hawks coos delightedly. They walk through the alley ways and Hawks can only focus on holding Touya's hand. It's so warm! Touya usually runs a bit cold but he obviously warmed up his hand for him. When they finally stop they are in front of an old abandoned building that had been boarded up a long time ago. Touya takes Hawks to a side door. 

“Okay. So prepare for anything I guess.” Touya instructs 

“Right.” Hawks agrees, his nerves about meeting the League coming back at full force.

“Oh and, don't tell them my real name or identity” Touya said 

“Understood.” Hawks said 

Touya pushes open the door and Hawks follows behind him. They end up in an empty hall and Hawks follows Touya into a big main room where he spots the other members of the League. Shigaraki and Spinner were sitting on the couch with handheld consoles they were intently playing. Hawks noticed that Shigaraki was practically sitting in Spinner's lap. Toga and Twice were on the floor playing a board game of some kind and Compress was reading a book on the couch. 

“Finally you showed up we were going to sta-” Shigaraki starts before looking up “What the actual fuck?!” 

Everyone else looks up and spots Hawks. Various reactions follow. Toga pulls out a knife, seemingly out of shock. Compress drops his book. Twice falls over with a loud gasp. Spinner stops Shigaraki from dropping his console and grabs for a sword.

“This is my soulmate Keigo.” Touya said blandly, Hawks’ wings fluffing at being called his real name. 

“Heyo!” Hawks greets 

The silence that follows was palpable and when Hawks glances at Touya…This bastard was enjoying this. If you didn't know him as well as Hawks does, you'd say he looks as stoic as ever. Oh but he's obviously enjoying himself. He loves sowing chaos. 

“Dabi. LOV huddle. Right now.” Shigaraki said. And so the League huddles together and Hawks listens in via feather. 

“Dabi! What the fuck!?” Shigaraki said

“What?” Touya said “I told you he’s a pro hero.”

“You didn't say he was the number 2 hero.” Spinner accuses 

“You didn't ask.” Touya said

“Toga pestered you for like 5 hours straight yesterday!” Shigaraki yells 

“Did she? Hadn't noticed.” Touya said 

“That's just rude!” Toga complains with a pout 

“So, your soulmate is the number 2 hero?” Compress said 

“Yeah.” Touya confirms

“Not by choice?” Compress presses further 

“Nope.” Touya confirms again

“That's bogus!” Twice complains 

“I don't know what to tell you.” Dabi said with a shrug. Hawks felt warm fingers against his feather and he realized he'd been caught eavesdropping. The rest of the conversation fades into warmth and he suppresses a purr in the back of his throat. 

“Well. I made dinner so let's eat.” Touya said, breaking him from his trance. Hawks obediently followed Touya into the dining room and sits where Touya tells him to sit. Touya then disappears into a different room. The League walked in after him and sat down. He smiles nervously as their eyes peer into his soul.

“It's uh…Nice to meet you all.” Hawks says 

“So…You're Dabi's soulmate.” Toga says finally breaching their silence

“Yup.” He says with a small smile 

“How did you two meet?” She asks

“Uh…” Hawks squints “At…The commission hero program?” 

“Oh?” Compress asks 

“Yeah. We were roommates.” Hawks explains 

“Oh my god they were roommates.” Twice and Toga said at the same time before 

“How long have you known each other?” Spinner asks

“Uhhh…” Hawks tries to do the math. He was…7? So… technically… ”16 years.” 

“Wait, so you knew Dabi before he was a sarcastic asshole?” Shigaraki asked

Hawks squinted at him. “No?” Pretty sure he came out of the womb that sarcastic. It's how he copes with his trauma. 

“So he's always been that sarcastic?” Spinner confirms

“I guess so. “ Hawks says nervously 

“Wait, you knew him for 16 years. Does that mean you know his real name? “ Compress questions

“...Yes.” Hawks said hesitantly 

“Oooh! What is it? Not that we care.” Twice gushes 

“I'm not going to tell you.” Hawks said simply 

“Boooo.” Toga pouts

It was at that moment, Touya walked into the room balancing two massive platters in either hand. He sets them on the table and Hawks's mouth starts to water at the smell. Oh jeez, vegetable tempura and stir fried rice? Touya squints at everyone suspiciously and asks “Are we playing nice in here?”  

“Hawks told us he knows your real name. He won't share! It's annoying! Toga complains

“Wow. It's almost like it's none of your business.” Touya said before flouching off 

“So why were you guys apart? Dabi mentioned that you two were separated for a while.” Compress asked

“It's a really long story…” Hawks considers his options. Because he does have options. He could talk about how he genuinely thought Touya was dead and spent years of his life trying to find a way to kill himself because living without Touya was more torturous than whatever awaited him in the afterlife. He wasn't sure he wanted to expose more of Touya's life without him being here. So he decides to say “But uh, the short version is Dabi got pulled out of the program and I was forbidden to contact him.” A half truth 

“Oh…by the same people who force you to do hero work?” Spinner inquires 

“Yup.” Hawks readily confirms

“Assholes.” Shigaraki muttered, scratching his neck.

Touya returns with even more food and lays it down on the table. This time there was regular white rice for those who prefer that and a large thing of fried chicken that had his mouth watering. Wait…He'd finally get to try Touya's infamous fried chicken! The one he promised in his last letter. The one he wanted more than anything in this world. The League also looked very intrigued with all the food in front of them. Hawks has never personally tried Touya's cooking so he's very excited. Especially with how good it looks. It was the kind of food you fantasized about when you got hungry. The ideal craving that finally hits the spot. 

“He's really going all out today.” Compress said “Know what I'm going to go help him.” He stands and walks off, presumably to the kitchen. 

“Dabi's cooking is the best!” Toga said excitedly 

Hawks smiled proudly because his soulmate was so talented. He's glad others see it. When they were kids, Touya was constantly told he wouldn't amount to anything because of his quirk. Hawks never once believed that to be the case. Touya was always so strong and powerful. No one ever seemed to notice but him…

Compress walks in a moment later and starts putting things on the table from the marbles in his hands. Eventually he sits back down and Touya comes in with two more plates in hand. He places one in front of Toga and she squeals. Touya then turned to Hawks and placed the other plate in front of him.

“For you Birdie.” Touya whispers 

It was a whole chicken. Raw and fresh. His raptor senses spike as he looks over the meal. He then looks at Touya with stars in his eyes. Touya sits down next to him and starts helping himself to the food. 

Toga gasped when she saw Hawks’ meal “You like your meat raw too Hawksie?!” 

“Uh…yeah.” Hawks admits shyly 

“Wait, is this why you came back with an entire live chicken?” Shigaraki accuses Touya who stares at him undisturbed. 

“Obviously. The fresher the kill, the better.” Touya said plainly and Hawks felt his heart lighten. Dabi had truly gone to the trouble…of ensuring he had the freshest meal possible. 

Hawks happily dug into the chicken and it was indeed a very fresh kill. The flesh was bloody and tore easily under his grip. It would've been shredded to pieces if he had his talons… The League digs into their meal as well as soon the sounds of eating can be heard. 

“Wow, this is truly exquisite.” Compress said he and was still wearing his balaclava so Hawks couldn't see his face fully to gauge his full reaction. 

“Dabiiiii this is so good!!!” Toga wails, her face already covered in blood from her own raw meal. 

“It's okay.” Shigaraki said, like he hadn't already cleared most of his plate. 

Hawks takes a bite of the chicken breast and the raw meat is delectable on his tongue. Blood rushing out as he bites into it and it engages the instincts inside him causing him to coo loudly. Upon which he froze completely. He's only ever felt confident cooing around Touya. He glances around the table and surprisingly the League didn't seem bothered by it. Maybe…maybe they'll accept him. They didn't seem to care that he cooed, or acted like a bird. Toga eats raw meat too and they don't even flinch. Maybe…this is where he was always meant to be. 

Touya noticed he had stopped eating and nudged him lightly. Hawks digs back into his raw chicken. After a moment he is reminded he wanted to try the fried chicken and puts some onto his plate. He sikes himself up before bringing it to his mouth and chomping down. 

Holy shit. It was delectable! Amazing! The breading was so good and seasoned so well then the chicken inside was juicy and hot. He trills happily, his wings fluffing. He's in heaven. He's glad he lived long enough to try Touya's fried chicken. Nothing else compares. Not even KFC. He knows it's blasphemy but he doesn't care. He's going to have to get in Touya’s good graces to ensure he gets more. His wings then push over to softly press against Touya's back.

“You like it that much birdie?” Touya teases

“Yes.” Hawks answers 

“It's just fried chicken.” Touya said

“But it's your fried chicken. The one you promised in your final letter to me.” Hawks said 

“...I barely even remember writing that.” Touya admits after a moment of thought. 

“I kept every letter.” Hawks responds 

“I…I don't even remember sending you that letter.” Touya said suspiciously

“Your sister gave it to me.” Hawks said 

“Oh…I assume…?” Touya trailed off and Hawks caught his wavelength

“Yeah.” Hawks confirms, and Touya nods. Accepting that it was at his funeral.

“What are you guys talking about? Tell us!” Twice said loudly 

Hawks looks up and noticed the whole league had been watching their interaction. Shigaraki was fake gagging and Spinner was boredly watching as he chewed on his food. Toga's eyes were sparkling as she was seemingly enraptured. Compress was polite enough to not stare but he seemed to be hiding a smirk. Twice was the loudest of the group wherein he had half his mask up so he could eat and he seemed to be all over the place. 

“What we were talking about is none of your business.” Touya said

“Ahhhh, but Dabiiii!” Toga complains “We want to know more about you guys!” 

“Too bad.” Touya said 

“Why don't we ask simple questions?” Compress suggests “Like favorite colors.” He looks at Hawks expectantly 

“Blue.” Hawks said

“Awweee, Dabi’s eye color! That's so sweeeet. Wait. Dabi what's your favorite color?” Toga asked

“Gold.” Touya admits 

Hawks felt a blush creep up his neck. He wasn't sure why. Maybe confirmation that Touya loves his eye color as much as Hawks loves his. Though he isn't sure he has the same gradient in his eyes as Touya does. 

“You guys are disgusting.” Shigaraki said

“Pot meets kettle.” Touya said 

“We are not that bad.” Shigaraki said

“Yes you are.” Touya said blandly and Shigaraki looked at the rest of the League for backup. 

“Sorry Shiggy, but he's right.” Toga admits sheepishly 

“I hate you all.” Shigaraki muttered 

“You love us! I hate you too! “ Twice shouts 

Hawks chuckles lightly at the resulting chaos as the League argues. He feels Touya's hand reach for his hand and he happily clasps it. This was…nice. It didn't feel like he was sitting at the table with Japan's scariest villains. He was sitting at the table with a chaotic family who had accepted Touya with no questions asked. An acceptance he hopes to achieve one day.