[ dabi doesn't want anyone else. not after this. all of what he had been chasing after here were just replacements for keigo that could never even compare. even with blonde hair and pretty eyes, they couldn't even come close to what he sees in front of him now.
maybe dabi needs some time, but he knows he won't go fuck around out there anymore as long as he knows keigo will come back. he doesn't have to be this empty shell trying to fuck something into himself ever again. ]
Not it, Keigo. You. I don't just want your body or this thing you're offering me. I want you.
[as much as keigo is his, he's not property. it's something they're both going to have to learn. he squeezes keigo's wrists before he lets go. they really do need to figure this out right now.]
Let's figure out the details. I'm good at details. Let's go sit.
[he can think about this much more clearly now, hopefully. he has something to look forward now. a goal. a reason to make things work. he pushes away from the counter, sliding a hand to the small of keigo's back to lead him to the couch where they can talk.]
[there's a flutter in his chest and a tremble that goes down his spine at the possessive words. keigo can even feel his cheeks heat up to the declaration. it feels so...enthralling to hear those words. to be wanted like that.]
You'll have me. I'll be yours.
[he agrees with a hiding smile. he honestly feels like he's a teenager being recognized by a crush, even though it was so much more than that.
he can't wait for that day then. to be completely owned by dabi.
for now, he'll focus on the here and now, and he nods his head. keigo also leaves the kitchen, being lead to the couch to discuss the details of their plan.
keigo might not prefer to kill, he could do it in this instance. he didn't have dabi to do the honors, so it was on him. and keigo desperately needed to keep endeavor from ever touching dabi again.]
I have a feeling he'll be over me when I wake up. Unless he's been called out for hero work, he's usually at my bed. If I talk with him about you...I can keep his attention off me.
[ dabi wasn't sure how this would work out, but now he knows. he wants back what they lost before. it won't be easy and he knows he'll likely still have a hard time with some things, but he wants it. he wants keigo.
they have to do this shit in order to make it happen. it's frustrating because dabi was so close to doing it while he was alive. he could have gotten rid of endeavor. maybe he and keigo wouldn't have worked out, though. he doubts he would have been able to forgive him then. ]
W... what are you gonna tell him?
[he can't help the waver in his voice at the thought of endeavor being there, being on top of keigo... he has to swallow hard, sitting on the couch near the other man, but far enough away where he can still think.]
I know how you can get him outta there. If you can get in touch with Natsuo, he can help ya. If he finds out what happened, he'll help you, Keigo. You can trust him.
[keigo doesn't immediately answer, trying to think of what exactly he should tell endeavor. as long as it involved dabi in any manner, the man would be inclined enough to answer. he had such a strong fascination towards his eldest son.
keigo isn't sure he could really stomach it too well, but to get back here, to paradise, he would do it. he would do anything for dabi and their future together.]
Just...anything to get him talking. If it's you, he'll tell me anything in great detail.
[it's hard to keep the frown off his lips. but, that monster was disgusting.
keigo perks his head up when dabi brings up natsuo. it wouldn't be hard to reach out to the other male. keigo had messaged him before, in the last few weeks. he's the only one keigo had even been able to reach out with in the todoroki household. rei, fuyumi, and shouto all had their own issues regarding endeavor, him, or the late touya todoroki.]
Are you sure? What if he's suspected in helping me? I don't want him to be punished for my crime.
[ for keigo to get back here, dabi wouldn't care what keigo told him. anything at this point. what does it even matter anymore, as long as keigo can get back here safely? ]
Yeah... okay. Tell him anythin' ya want about me to reel him in. Just not anythin' that'll make him jealous. If he finds out what I've been lettin' other assholes do to me, he'll lose it.
[and he doesn't want keigo to take the brunt of that. ]
You can't do this by yourself. You gotta kill him and hide the body and get back here, ya said. All before someone notices. You gotta have some help.
The last place I was crashin' at. It wasn't far from where ya lived. I barely even stayed there cause I was at your place all the time. But I think I got somethin' there that can help ya kill him.
[nodding his head, keigo quietly pockets the information to himself. he wouldn't try to make endeavor jealous at all. it shouldn't be much of an issue. it never worked out in his favor with dabi, so he was accustomed to trying to keep the peace. as long as he teased information here or there or requested details of dabi when he was younger, he's sure that will be enough to get endeavor preoccupied.
it's hard to not feel guilty about bringing natsuo into all of this. but...maybe the middle son knew more than he let on. maybe it's why he kept in contact with keigo.
dabi is right too. keigo can't do this all by himself. he wouldn't be able to move endeavor's body in his weakened state. curious golden eyes look back over to dabi then.]
What is it?
[endeavor was a hero, after all. he was made to withstand many things.]
[ keigo's right about that. if keigo asks endeavor about when he was younger, he's sure to keep the old man going. those were probably the best days of his life. he lost it when dabi supposedly died.
dabi knows keigo is worried about natsuo, but the kid is smart and he knows how much natsuo hates his father too. between the three of them, they can pull this off, even if dabi can't physically be there. ]
Natsuo knew I was Dabi. He helped me out at times. He kept my secret. They won't suspect Endeavor's son.
[especially natsuo. he's so quiet when he needs to be. he's kept everything inside. he knows this is his only hope. natsuo, and this thing he has.]
I've got one'a your feathers. Stashed away. If ya get close enough to it, you can still use it, right? Still part'a your quirk. You can kill him with that.
[it would be sickening to listen to, but keigo could muster through it all. he'll have to keep this place and dabi in his thoughts, that he would be back here to spend all of eternity.
keigo does find it curious to know how much natsuo was aware regarding dabi. in a way, he's glad that his former lover had that stability. it must have been lonely for the eldest todoroki son. keigo doesn't want dabi to ever be lonely again.]
Okay. I trust you.
[he says honestly with a smile. he does trust dabi. and if dabi believed natsuo could help keigo, then he would reach out to the middle todoroki son.
it's hard to not get a little flustered though, as dabi comes to admit about owning one of keigo's feathers. he always assumed he'd give one anyway to the hothead, as a sort of token of affection. it does help their situation though.]
Yeah. I should still be able to use my quirk.
[he states thoughtfully. he hasn't had the chance to try in a long while, but the technique was unique to him. it was like trying to forget a piece of him. it'd be impossible to not remember how to use his own quirk.]
As long as I keep him distracted, I can take him down with it.
[ dabi was wary about natsuo finding out at first. he wasn't sure just how much he could trust his younger brother after all this time, but they had always had that connection with each other. natsuo had been there for him as much as he could have been, even though dabi knew it was wearing him down over time.
now he's thankful he had been able to get through to natsuo, because he knows this might be the only way. ]
He hates the man almost as much as I do. As much as we do.
[dabi tries not to get flustered himself. he thought maybe keigo knew that he had snagged one of his feathers, or that he had probably left one behind to spy on the league anyway. but even then he had wanted to keep something of his pretty bird with him and now he's glad for his small bout of sentimentality.]
He won't see it comin' so you've got more of a chance. He won't be expecting you to use one on him. I know how fast you are. Just channel that into this. Go for the heart, or the back. I know how damn precise you are too. He deserves it.
He does, huh? That explains why he continued to check up on me.
[maybe with natsuo's help, as soon as endeavor is taken care of, the middle todoroki son can take keigo to sign away his rights to life. the former hero didn't need or want to see the fallout with the number one gone. he just needed to get back to dabi as soon as possible.
in this instance, keigo never did expect dabi to have one of his feathers. maybe if the prior villain had played around with it, keigo would have known. or suspected him. the feathers were always so sensitive, along with his wings. he could feel each and every one of their movements and each time someone touched them.
he kind of wished he had that same ability here. he would love to feel dabi touch him without touching him. or just having something he could give the other male. maybe...he could think of something like that. later on, when this was all fixed.]
He shouldn't expect anything if I keep him talking about you. I'll aim for his heart, through his back.
[as dabi says, his precision is impeccable. keigo wouldn't, no, couldn't lose.
a look to the clock on the stove, and keigo sees their time is run down to ten minutes left. he's nervous, but, ready too. with a small sigh to release the nerves, he looks to dabi with a small smile.]
I'll be back here as soon as I can. Hopefully before you wake up in the morning.
If he knows you're on my side now, he'll stick by ya even more. Just... just tell him... tell him I'm sorry. Tell him I said thanks. For eveythin, especially when we were younger. He did what he could and I never really got to thank him.
[it's shitty that he's only thinking of it now and that he never even got that far when he had seen his brother again. his head was so filled with other things though, he didn't really think of it.
he should have thought of natsuo, at least.]
Lure him there if ya gotta do that. I don't got a lotta stuff, but what was left is still at that place. Tell him you wanna give him the last'a my stuff. It's an old, fallin' apart abandoned warehouse. Get rid'a the body there and no one'll even know.
[easier said than done, but he knows keigo can do it. his former lover has enough anger and disgust and motivation to get rid of that monster.
dabi glances at the stove as well, his throat suddenly feeling tight. he reaches out, nuding keigo's fingers with his own, not quite yet able to hold his hand, but still wanting contact.]
Take your time, Kei. You'll get it done but ya gotta stay calm. I... I died cause I let my emotions overtake me. I'll still be here waitin' for ya no matter how long it takes.
[keigo can only offer a small, sad smile as he hears the apology from dabi to natsuo. he wishes natsuo could hear it himself. maybe one day the other todoroki son would be able to pay them a visit here, where dabi can see his younger brother again.]
I’ll tell him.
[he promises. it’s a shame he can’t get more details of dabi’s life, the good times that maybe natsuo could tell him. that was okay though.
for now, he needed to focus and take care of endeavor.]
Okay. That should do it with Endeavor.
[he’ll need to get creative about getting rid of the body. burning it would quickly get rescue on the way. keigo is sure he can come up with something. maybe with natsuo’s help too.
keigo does shiver when he feels dabi’s fingers nudge his. the former hero almost takes the hand, but knows it’s not yet time for that. he will take the gesture given to him for what it’s for, holds it close to his heart and keep him going forward.]
I know. I just...want to be right here, with you. I’ll try not to take too long. And I’ll be careful. I promise.
[ maybe eventually natsuo could come here. he could visit them when this whole nightmare is over. dabi would be ashamed of a lot of things at first, but maybe he'd get over it if he could speak to his brother again.
for now though, he trusts that keigo will tell him, and gives him a small nod. this really does feel like the final... everything. the final time he has to be without keigo, too.
it's frustrating that he can't be there to help keigo, and he can't help but let it show in his features, and the hard line of his lips. he's frustrated and angry, but he tries not to let it bubble up inside of him. not now.]
Fuckin' hate that I can't be there with ya. That I can't do this.
[but as long as it gets done and keigo can get back here, it'll be worth it. dabi has a new goal now.]
I want ya here with me too.
[he pauses for a moment, glancing at the clock, then tugs at keigo's fingers and leans back on the couch so keigo can cuddle in his arms if he wants to.]
[keigo would like the chance to see and talk to natsuo if the opportunity arises for the todoroki to visit here. he’s sure they would get along well, given what they’ve spoken about before. he can see how much natsuo cares for his siblings.
the frustrated look doesn’t go unnoticed by keigo. he can only offer an apologetic look of his own. he wishes he could have dabi there with him too. it would keep these nerves at bay, that’s for certain. and, he knows how important it was for dabi to make this move and decision all on his own.]
I know. I would do anything to have you there.
[he’ll be sure to keep dabi in his thoughts during the entire time. it would be like he was channeling the todoroki in a way.
a smile does take place at his lips though, to hear dabi state such comforting words. very soon, he tells himself. he’ll be here soon. to be with dabi forever.
golden eyes blink up through long lashes when he’s tugged by his fingers. keigo doesn’t need to be told twice when prompted, immediately slipping close, resting his head to dabi’s arm.]
[ keigo and natsuo probably would get along pretty well. the betrayal part probably doesn't sit right with natsuo at all, but he knows his brother would understand. he still has that good in him that dabi thinks he lost long ago.
at least keigo knows what needs to be done now, and he's willing to do it. he wishes keigo would have understood back when he needed him to, but they can't go back to any of that. this is all they have now. ]
At least ya know what needs to be done now. At least ya understand now.
[and that's a pretty big thing for dabi, too. if keigo can go after endeavor with half the rage dabi has, he knows the other man will succeed hawks are birds of prey, after all.
with keigo in his arms again, dabi lets out a soft breath. he rests his chin on his former lover's head, closing his eyes as his arms wrap around him.]
Wish I had known about the whole once a week thing in san junipero before. There were times I tried to find ya. I thought maybe you'd come back. I still feel like I know nothin' about this place.
[keigo responds back, silently determined to stop endeavor once and for all. with the goal in mind, he can do it. for everything the number one hero had done to dabi, to touya, keigo wouldn't sit back and allow endeavor to get away with it any longer.
and, maybe, it's like a big fuck you to the hero commission too, for what they did to him and everything they've hid of their own.
keigo breathes in when he feels dabi come to rest his chin on his head. he holds just a little tighter to his former lover, hating as he sees the time ticking down more.]
I'm sorry. I should have told you. There was just...so much going on. But when I die, I'll be brought here immediately. You won't have to wait until next week.
[but dabi was right that he had to take his time with this. he couldn't rush it. he'll get in touch with natsuo first and go from there. eyes quickly look to the clock. why did it feel like it was ticking faster?]
[ he believes keigo this time. he knows the other man will put a stop to this. he hates that it took all of this for keigo to finally be convinced, but that's something he'll deal with later.
he holds on to keigo a little tighter too, closing his eyes and just letting this feeling wash over him. it's a feeling he's been longing for all this time. ]
S'okay, it ain't like I let ya tell me either. There was a lot goin' on. Next time you can tell me evreythin'. It'll be just us.
[he has to believe in that, no matter what might happen. there are things he wants to say to keigo just in case, but he doesn't want to go there right now. not when keigo needs all the hope and courage he can get to pull this off.
with one minute left, dabi pulls back, sliding his hand to keigo's cheek to make keigo look at him. he needs to see his face.]
Come back to me, pretty bird, alright? I'll be waiting.
[keigo doesn’t think of the mistakes he’s made in the past. all he wants to focus on is right here and now. of only dabi. he can think of how to make it all up to his former lover when he returns.
but it’s nice to think of this, of the warmth that comes from the body next to his.]
I will. I’ll tell you everything I know.
[he answers in a hum, eyes about to slip so he can bask in this just a little longer.
there’s a set of words on his tongue, ones keigo feels are important to say. just in case he can’t manage to return here. yet...he’s scared to say them. it doesn’t feel right. and, a part of him feels that dabi remembers, so he doesn’t need to say it.
not until he’s earned his right back, he tells himself. so he better return here.
keigo is a little saddened when dabi pulls back, but the feeling is misplaced when he comes to feel a warm hand on his cheek and his head tilted up. dabi’s eyes are intense as always, mesmerizing keigo, along with those addicting words.
and as the seconds come to tick closer to midnight, keigo nuzzles into dabi’s touch.]
Wait for me, Dabi.
[as soon as those words leave his lips, he feels sudden darkness hit him, signaling his time up with san junipero.]
[Dabi watches his pretty bird for as long as he can, thumb running back and forth along his cheek. he wants to keep this moment in his thoughts for as long as he can. it'll keep him warm on lonely nights. but hopefully he won't have to wait much longer.
Dabi remembers those words Keigo said to him once. they feel like ages ago now. he knows he feels something like that too, but he doesn't want it to be rushed or tainted by anything else. he can feel it though, when Keigo looks at him like this.
And then just like that, with those final words, Keigo blinks away and he's left with empty arms, his heart crashing into his chest.
he realizes how scared he is just then, that Keigo may never come back. but he has to have faith. If anyone can do this, it's his Keigo.
he sits there for a long while, curled into himself, too nervous to fall asleep. instead he gets up and starts cleaning, wanting to make the place look nice for Keigo's return. he even starts cooking something on the stove. he finally has a safe place for Keigo to come home to, just like his pretty bird always seemed to have for him.]
[when keigo comes to, in reality, as expected, endeavor hovers over him, those cold eyes undressing him, disgusting mouth demanding what keigo knew. if keigo had seen touya. he wants to refuse that answer, but the former hero knows what it would earn him. so he indulges a little bit, asks endeavor about dabi to avoid being kissed or touched, while also slipping off the ring from his finger.
eventually, when the number one tires himself out talking of his filthy stories from touya at a young age, keigo can text natsuo. he has the todoroki son delete his messages after they're sent, both formulating a plan built on the one dabi gave him.
keigo would prefer to do this fast, but he waits until the following evening, as endeavor returns to his hospital bed, where the former hero brings up dabi's warehouse home. he manipulates it so, so that endeavor is obligated to take him there. he uses the excuse that he wants to see it for himself, and when that doesn't work, promises that endeavor can pretend he's touya again. it feels sickening to say, but at least it works in his favor. he goes ahead and messages natsuo that their plan is in motion.
at the warehouse, keigo can see the lust building within endeavor, for the number one to be so aroused of touching something belonging to his eldest son. he tries not to show how sick he is by it, instead, pinpoints where his feather is. and, to keep the hero busy, keigo puts on his best impression of dabi that he can. it keeps endeavor's attention on him, pinning him to the shabby couch. then, when lips are on his neck, a hand at his pants, he quickly calls his feather to him, sharpening it, and without a second of hesitation, strikes it through where he knew endeavor's heart to be. briefly, endeavor's hand had come to circle around his neck, but it lacked strength, the hero spitting blood on keigo as he tried to fight to move. it's too late though. and keigo shoves him away, just as natsuo comes to slip inside the warehouse.
they both work to hide endeavor's body once confirming him to be dead, with natsuo promising to set him and this warehouse on fire soon. the todoroki son is nice enough to take keigo to sign away his life and be officially uploaded to san junipero. the process isn't painful either. it just feels like he's going to sleep. before he slips his eyes shut though, he's sure to tell natsuo what dabi said before, barely catching a response from the middle son before he drifts.
as he comes to, keigo can taste salty air before he blinks his eyes open. it's bright too. the sounds of waves crashing again. they quickly become a second thought as he turns his head to see the familiar beach home. just to be sure, keigo pinches himself, to make sure this wasn't a dream. it hurts. oh, he must have turned on the pain function somewhere. but it's confirming enough for the former hero.
he's suddenly on hurried feet, rushing up to the beach house, where he can smell something good in the air. food? it stirs in his stomach, but keigo doesn't want to focus on that. easily, keigo comes to slip inside the beach house, which was far too sunny. it's almost blinding.]
Dabi, I'm home!
[he announces loud while blocking the light out of his eye with his arm. he realizes then that no ring laid on his left hand. it didn't feel heavy any longer.]
[ dabi can't sleep. he cleans, he cooks and he waits. eventually when he's been up for too long he nods off. when he wakes, he gets up quickly and looks around, runs out of the house to look around there too.
he very nearly throws up when he doesn't see keigo anywhere. he knows he told keigo to take the time he needs so things go the way he needs them to go, but keigo could have also not been able to do it, and he'll never know.
it makes him sick to think keigo might just not show up and he'll never know what happened.
he sits in the sand and watches the waves, and wills keigo's sweatshirt back on himself. he can still smell the remnants of his former lover on it. he almost lets himself fall into a deep, destructive sadness again, but it's not fair. not yet. he'll give keigo the time he needs and just have faith in him.
the next day he sits and waits some more until he thinks it might kill him and then he takes a nap on the couch again just to waste some time. when he wakes up he can tell that keigo still isn't around. so he starts again, cleaning up some more, willing a few more things in the house that he thinks keigo might like.
and then he just stands there looking around again, at a loss for what to do. eventually he just heads to the kitchen to warm up the food he had made the night before. it's then that he hears the door open and keigo's voice floating through the empty house. dabi drops what he's doing and runs out of the kitchen to see keigo standing there looking like a damn angel bathed in light. ]
[the built up of anxiety and trepidation are all gone as he stands there, watching dabi rush into the room he stood in. it was like putting a big nightmare behind the both of them, and all that's left is this warm light.
keigo steps a little closer because the light is so bright.]
I'm really here. I even pinched myself to be sure.
[he beams, feeling far too happy to be standing here, that this is his new reality. he wishes he could have been here sooner. he hopes he didn't worry dabi too much in the process. but keigo had to be careful of his steps, less endeavor know what he was up to.
keigo doesn't want to think of that monster any longer, though. he wants to put his past as hawks behind him, and focus on building up his trust again with dabi, no matter how long it would take. he had eternity now.]
...he's gone forever. I promise.
[keigo doesn't use a name, but he doesn't need to.]
[All of Dabi's sorry and fear from the previous day melts away when he sees that Keigo is really here. He's here, and it's all over.
it's almost too good to hear true.
but the way Keigo beams at him makes it all sink in. he wouldn't be here if he hadn't been able to take care of it all and Dabi sends a silent prayer of thanks to Natsuo too.
Dabi cant help the hot tears that push at the back of his eyes at those words. that monster is finally gone. Dabi doesn't wait a moment longer. he heads out of the kitchen and moves towards Keigo, hands sliding to his face.]
I was so fuckin' scared ya wouldn't be back. But you're here. Ya did it.
[keigo feels a sad smile take to his lips when he sees those tears. he knows they're not from sadness, yet guilt hits him for making his former lover cry again. the guilt comes to melt though, when he feels dabi's hand sliding to his face.
home. he's really home.]
I'm sorry for taking so long. I wanted to be sure I could get him.
[he hums, nuzzling into the touch. his hands itch to touch back, but keigo respects the boundaries between them far more than his own personal desire. if and when he earns them back, he can touch dabi as much as he wants.]
Oh. And Natsuo wanted me to tell you that your apology was stupid and you can try again if he comes to visit. He also said he'll miss and love you.
[words keigo would prefer natsuo to have said himself, but he's more than happy to pass along a message to the oldest todoroki son. especially after all the help natsuo provided him.]
[dabi wants to hear all about it. he knows it'll probably be hard to talk about, but he's been after this moment for so long. he needs to know the details and just how keigo managed to finally kill him. but not now. not in this moment when keigo is nuzzling into his touch.
he can't stop looking at him. everything about keigo looks so bright and wonderful. it feels warm in that good, comfortable way once again.
dabi's eyes do go slightly wide at the mention of his brother.]
Here? He wants to come visit?
[he swallows hard at the rest of it. natsuo tried to tell him before, but dabi was so resistant to it. he's still the same person, of course, but keigo had made him less skittish to affection.]
Thanks, Keigo.
[he says quietly, then pulls him into his arms, wrapping them tight around the other man. there was so much anger between them before all of this, but now he only feels relief.]
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maybe dabi needs some time, but he knows he won't go fuck around out there anymore as long as he knows keigo will come back. he doesn't have to be this empty shell trying to fuck something into himself ever again. ]
Not it, Keigo. You. I don't just want your body or this thing you're offering me. I want you.
[as much as keigo is his, he's not property. it's something they're both going to have to learn. he squeezes keigo's wrists before he lets go. they really do need to figure this out right now.]
Let's figure out the details. I'm good at details. Let's go sit.
[he can think about this much more clearly now, hopefully. he has something to look forward now. a goal. a reason to make things work. he pushes away from the counter, sliding a hand to the small of keigo's back to lead him to the couch where they can talk.]
no subject
You'll have me. I'll be yours.
[he agrees with a hiding smile. he honestly feels like he's a teenager being recognized by a crush, even though it was so much more than that.
he can't wait for that day then. to be completely owned by dabi.
for now, he'll focus on the here and now, and he nods his head. keigo also leaves the kitchen, being lead to the couch to discuss the details of their plan.
keigo might not prefer to kill, he could do it in this instance. he didn't have dabi to do the honors, so it was on him. and keigo desperately needed to keep endeavor from ever touching dabi again.]
I have a feeling he'll be over me when I wake up. Unless he's been called out for hero work, he's usually at my bed. If I talk with him about you...I can keep his attention off me.
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they have to do this shit in order to make it happen. it's frustrating because dabi was so close to doing it while he was alive. he could have gotten rid of endeavor. maybe he and keigo wouldn't have worked out, though. he doubts he would have been able to forgive him then. ]
W... what are you gonna tell him?
[he can't help the waver in his voice at the thought of endeavor being there, being on top of keigo... he has to swallow hard, sitting on the couch near the other man, but far enough away where he can still think.]
I know how you can get him outta there. If you can get in touch with Natsuo, he can help ya. If he finds out what happened, he'll help you, Keigo. You can trust him.
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keigo isn't sure he could really stomach it too well, but to get back here, to paradise, he would do it. he would do anything for dabi and their future together.]
Just...anything to get him talking. If it's you, he'll tell me anything in great detail.
[it's hard to keep the frown off his lips. but, that monster was disgusting.
keigo perks his head up when dabi brings up natsuo. it wouldn't be hard to reach out to the other male. keigo had messaged him before, in the last few weeks. he's the only one keigo had even been able to reach out with in the todoroki household. rei, fuyumi, and shouto all had their own issues regarding endeavor, him, or the late touya todoroki.]
Are you sure? What if he's suspected in helping me? I don't want him to be punished for my crime.
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Yeah... okay. Tell him anythin' ya want about me to reel him in. Just not anythin' that'll make him jealous. If he finds out what I've been lettin' other assholes do to me, he'll lose it.
[and he doesn't want keigo to take the brunt of that. ]
You can't do this by yourself. You gotta kill him and hide the body and get back here, ya said. All before someone notices. You gotta have some help.
The last place I was crashin' at. It wasn't far from where ya lived. I barely even stayed there cause I was at your place all the time. But I think I got somethin' there that can help ya kill him.
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it's hard to not feel guilty about bringing natsuo into all of this. but...maybe the middle son knew more than he let on. maybe it's why he kept in contact with keigo.
dabi is right too. keigo can't do this all by himself. he wouldn't be able to move endeavor's body in his weakened state. curious golden eyes look back over to dabi then.]
What is it?
[endeavor was a hero, after all. he was made to withstand many things.]
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dabi knows keigo is worried about natsuo, but the kid is smart and he knows how much natsuo hates his father too. between the three of them, they can pull this off, even if dabi can't physically be there. ]
Natsuo knew I was Dabi. He helped me out at times. He kept my secret. They won't suspect Endeavor's son.
[especially natsuo. he's so quiet when he needs to be. he's kept everything inside. he knows this is his only hope. natsuo, and this thing he has.]
I've got one'a your feathers. Stashed away. If ya get close enough to it, you can still use it, right? Still part'a your quirk. You can kill him with that.
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keigo does find it curious to know how much natsuo was aware regarding dabi. in a way, he's glad that his former lover had that stability. it must have been lonely for the eldest todoroki son. keigo doesn't want dabi to ever be lonely again.]
Okay. I trust you.
[he says honestly with a smile. he does trust dabi. and if dabi believed natsuo could help keigo, then he would reach out to the middle todoroki son.
it's hard to not get a little flustered though, as dabi comes to admit about owning one of keigo's feathers. he always assumed he'd give one anyway to the hothead, as a sort of token of affection. it does help their situation though.]
Yeah. I should still be able to use my quirk.
[he states thoughtfully. he hasn't had the chance to try in a long while, but the technique was unique to him. it was like trying to forget a piece of him. it'd be impossible to not remember how to use his own quirk.]
As long as I keep him distracted, I can take him down with it.
[fire was, after all, his biggest weakness.]
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now he's thankful he had been able to get through to natsuo, because he knows this might be the only way. ]
He hates the man almost as much as I do. As much as we do.
[dabi tries not to get flustered himself. he thought maybe keigo knew that he had snagged one of his feathers, or that he had probably left one behind to spy on the league anyway. but even then he had wanted to keep something of his pretty bird with him and now he's glad for his small bout of sentimentality.]
He won't see it comin' so you've got more of a chance. He won't be expecting you to use one on him. I know how fast you are. Just channel that into this. Go for the heart, or the back. I know how damn precise you are too. He deserves it.
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[maybe with natsuo's help, as soon as endeavor is taken care of, the middle todoroki son can take keigo to sign away his rights to life. the former hero didn't need or want to see the fallout with the number one gone. he just needed to get back to dabi as soon as possible.
in this instance, keigo never did expect dabi to have one of his feathers. maybe if the prior villain had played around with it, keigo would have known. or suspected him. the feathers were always so sensitive, along with his wings. he could feel each and every one of their movements and each time someone touched them.
he kind of wished he had that same ability here. he would love to feel dabi touch him without touching him. or just having something he could give the other male. maybe...he could think of something like that. later on, when this was all fixed.]
He shouldn't expect anything if I keep him talking about you. I'll aim for his heart, through his back.
[as dabi says, his precision is impeccable. keigo wouldn't, no, couldn't lose.
a look to the clock on the stove, and keigo sees their time is run down to ten minutes left. he's nervous, but, ready too. with a small sigh to release the nerves, he looks to dabi with a small smile.]
I'll be back here as soon as I can. Hopefully before you wake up in the morning.
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[it's shitty that he's only thinking of it now and that he never even got that far when he had seen his brother again. his head was so filled with other things though, he didn't really think of it.
he should have thought of natsuo, at least.]
Lure him there if ya gotta do that. I don't got a lotta stuff, but what was left is still at that place. Tell him you wanna give him the last'a my stuff. It's an old, fallin' apart abandoned warehouse. Get rid'a the body there and no one'll even know.
[easier said than done, but he knows keigo can do it. his former lover has enough anger and disgust and motivation to get rid of that monster.
dabi glances at the stove as well, his throat suddenly feeling tight. he reaches out, nuding keigo's fingers with his own, not quite yet able to hold his hand, but still wanting contact.]
Take your time, Kei. You'll get it done but ya gotta stay calm. I... I died cause I let my emotions overtake me. I'll still be here waitin' for ya no matter how long it takes.
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I’ll tell him.
[he promises. it’s a shame he can’t get more details of dabi’s life, the good times that maybe natsuo could tell him. that was okay though.
for now, he needed to focus and take care of endeavor.]
Okay. That should do it with Endeavor.
[he’ll need to get creative about getting rid of the body. burning it would quickly get rescue on the way. keigo is sure he can come up with something. maybe with natsuo’s help too.
keigo does shiver when he feels dabi’s fingers nudge his. the former hero almost takes the hand, but knows it’s not yet time for that. he will take the gesture given to him for what it’s for, holds it close to his heart and keep him going forward.]
I know. I just...want to be right here, with you. I’ll try not to take too long. And I’ll be careful. I promise.
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for now though, he trusts that keigo will tell him, and gives him a small nod. this really does feel like the final... everything. the final time he has to be without keigo, too.
it's frustrating that he can't be there to help keigo, and he can't help but let it show in his features, and the hard line of his lips. he's frustrated and angry, but he tries not to let it bubble up inside of him. not now.]
Fuckin' hate that I can't be there with ya. That I can't do this.
[but as long as it gets done and keigo can get back here, it'll be worth it. dabi has a new goal now.]
I want ya here with me too.
[he pauses for a moment, glancing at the clock, then tugs at keigo's fingers and leans back on the couch so keigo can cuddle in his arms if he wants to.]
C'mere. Just wanna hold ya before ya gotta go.
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the frustrated look doesn’t go unnoticed by keigo. he can only offer an apologetic look of his own. he wishes he could have dabi there with him too. it would keep these nerves at bay, that’s for certain. and, he knows how important it was for dabi to make this move and decision all on his own.]
I know. I would do anything to have you there.
[he’ll be sure to keep dabi in his thoughts during the entire time. it would be like he was channeling the todoroki in a way.
a smile does take place at his lips though, to hear dabi state such comforting words. very soon, he tells himself. he’ll be here soon. to be with dabi forever.
golden eyes blink up through long lashes when he’s tugged by his fingers. keigo doesn’t need to be told twice when prompted, immediately slipping close, resting his head to dabi’s arm.]
Thank you. I’ll miss this until I come back.
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at least keigo knows what needs to be done now, and he's willing to do it. he wishes keigo would have understood back when he needed him to, but they can't go back to any of that. this is all they have now. ]
At least ya know what needs to be done now. At least ya understand now.
[and that's a pretty big thing for dabi, too. if keigo can go after endeavor with half the rage dabi has, he knows the other man will succeed hawks are birds of prey, after all.
with keigo in his arms again, dabi lets out a soft breath. he rests his chin on his former lover's head, closing his eyes as his arms wrap around him.]
Wish I had known about the whole once a week thing in san junipero before. There were times I tried to find ya. I thought maybe you'd come back. I still feel like I know nothin' about this place.
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[keigo responds back, silently determined to stop endeavor once and for all. with the goal in mind, he can do it. for everything the number one hero had done to dabi, to touya, keigo wouldn't sit back and allow endeavor to get away with it any longer.
and, maybe, it's like a big fuck you to the hero commission too, for what they did to him and everything they've hid of their own.
keigo breathes in when he feels dabi come to rest his chin on his head. he holds just a little tighter to his former lover, hating as he sees the time ticking down more.]
I'm sorry. I should have told you. There was just...so much going on. But when I die, I'll be brought here immediately. You won't have to wait until next week.
[but dabi was right that he had to take his time with this. he couldn't rush it. he'll get in touch with natsuo first and go from there. eyes quickly look to the clock. why did it feel like it was ticking faster?]
...one minute left.
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he holds on to keigo a little tighter too, closing his eyes and just letting this feeling wash over him. it's a feeling he's been longing for all this time. ]
S'okay, it ain't like I let ya tell me either. There was a lot goin' on. Next time you can tell me evreythin'. It'll be just us.
[he has to believe in that, no matter what might happen. there are things he wants to say to keigo just in case, but he doesn't want to go there right now. not when keigo needs all the hope and courage he can get to pull this off.
with one minute left, dabi pulls back, sliding his hand to keigo's cheek to make keigo look at him. he needs to see his face.]
Come back to me, pretty bird, alright? I'll be waiting.
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but it’s nice to think of this, of the warmth that comes from the body next to his.]
I will. I’ll tell you everything I know.
[he answers in a hum, eyes about to slip so he can bask in this just a little longer.
there’s a set of words on his tongue, ones keigo feels are important to say. just in case he can’t manage to return here. yet...he’s scared to say them. it doesn’t feel right. and, a part of him feels that dabi remembers, so he doesn’t need to say it.
not until he’s earned his right back, he tells himself. so he better return here.
keigo is a little saddened when dabi pulls back, but the feeling is misplaced when he comes to feel a warm hand on his cheek and his head tilted up. dabi’s eyes are intense as always, mesmerizing keigo, along with those addicting words.
and as the seconds come to tick closer to midnight, keigo nuzzles into dabi’s touch.]
Wait for me, Dabi.
[as soon as those words leave his lips, he feels sudden darkness hit him, signaling his time up with san junipero.]
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Dabi remembers those words Keigo said to him once. they feel like ages ago now. he knows he feels something like that too, but he doesn't want it to be rushed or tainted by anything else. he can feel it though, when Keigo looks at him like this.
And then just like that, with those final words, Keigo blinks away and he's left with empty arms, his heart crashing into his chest.
he realizes how scared he is just then, that Keigo may never come back. but he has to have faith. If anyone can do this, it's his Keigo.
he sits there for a long while, curled into himself, too nervous to fall asleep. instead he gets up and starts cleaning, wanting to make the place look nice for Keigo's return. he even starts cooking something on the stove. he finally has a safe place for Keigo to come home to, just like his pretty bird always seemed to have for him.]
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eventually, when the number one tires himself out talking of his filthy stories from touya at a young age, keigo can text natsuo. he has the todoroki son delete his messages after they're sent, both formulating a plan built on the one dabi gave him.
keigo would prefer to do this fast, but he waits until the following evening, as endeavor returns to his hospital bed, where the former hero brings up dabi's warehouse home. he manipulates it so, so that endeavor is obligated to take him there. he uses the excuse that he wants to see it for himself, and when that doesn't work, promises that endeavor can pretend he's touya again. it feels sickening to say, but at least it works in his favor. he goes ahead and messages natsuo that their plan is in motion.
at the warehouse, keigo can see the lust building within endeavor, for the number one to be so aroused of touching something belonging to his eldest son. he tries not to show how sick he is by it, instead, pinpoints where his feather is. and, to keep the hero busy, keigo puts on his best impression of dabi that he can. it keeps endeavor's attention on him, pinning him to the shabby couch. then, when lips are on his neck, a hand at his pants, he quickly calls his feather to him, sharpening it, and without a second of hesitation, strikes it through where he knew endeavor's heart to be. briefly, endeavor's hand had come to circle around his neck, but it lacked strength, the hero spitting blood on keigo as he tried to fight to move. it's too late though. and keigo shoves him away, just as natsuo comes to slip inside the warehouse.
they both work to hide endeavor's body once confirming him to be dead, with natsuo promising to set him and this warehouse on fire soon. the todoroki son is nice enough to take keigo to sign away his life and be officially uploaded to san junipero. the process isn't painful either. it just feels like he's going to sleep. before he slips his eyes shut though, he's sure to tell natsuo what dabi said before, barely catching a response from the middle son before he drifts.
as he comes to, keigo can taste salty air before he blinks his eyes open. it's bright too. the sounds of waves crashing again. they quickly become a second thought as he turns his head to see the familiar beach home. just to be sure, keigo pinches himself, to make sure this wasn't a dream. it hurts. oh, he must have turned on the pain function somewhere. but it's confirming enough for the former hero.
he's suddenly on hurried feet, rushing up to the beach house, where he can smell something good in the air. food? it stirs in his stomach, but keigo doesn't want to focus on that. easily, keigo comes to slip inside the beach house, which was far too sunny. it's almost blinding.]
Dabi, I'm home!
[he announces loud while blocking the light out of his eye with his arm. he realizes then that no ring laid on his left hand. it didn't feel heavy any longer.]
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he very nearly throws up when he doesn't see keigo anywhere. he knows he told keigo to take the time he needs so things go the way he needs them to go, but keigo could have also not been able to do it, and he'll never know.
it makes him sick to think keigo might just not show up and he'll never know what happened.
he sits in the sand and watches the waves, and wills keigo's sweatshirt back on himself. he can still smell the remnants of his former lover on it. he almost lets himself fall into a deep, destructive sadness again, but it's not fair. not yet. he'll give keigo the time he needs and just have faith in him.
the next day he sits and waits some more until he thinks it might kill him and then he takes a nap on the couch again just to waste some time. when he wakes up he can tell that keigo still isn't around. so he starts again, cleaning up some more, willing a few more things in the house that he thinks keigo might like.
and then he just stands there looking around again, at a loss for what to do. eventually he just heads to the kitchen to warm up the food he had made the night before. it's then that he hears the door open and keigo's voice floating through the empty house. dabi drops what he's doing and runs out of the kitchen to see keigo standing there looking like a damn angel bathed in light. ]
Keigo... You're here. You're really here?
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keigo steps a little closer because the light is so bright.]
I'm really here. I even pinched myself to be sure.
[he beams, feeling far too happy to be standing here, that this is his new reality. he wishes he could have been here sooner. he hopes he didn't worry dabi too much in the process. but keigo had to be careful of his steps, less endeavor know what he was up to.
keigo doesn't want to think of that monster any longer, though. he wants to put his past as hawks behind him, and focus on building up his trust again with dabi, no matter how long it would take. he had eternity now.]
...he's gone forever. I promise.
[keigo doesn't use a name, but he doesn't need to.]
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it's almost too good to hear true.
but the way Keigo beams at him makes it all sink in. he wouldn't be here if he hadn't been able to take care of it all and Dabi sends a silent prayer of thanks to Natsuo too.
Dabi cant help the hot tears that push at the back of his eyes at those words. that monster is finally gone. Dabi doesn't wait a moment longer. he heads out of the kitchen and moves towards Keigo, hands sliding to his face.]
I was so fuckin' scared ya wouldn't be back. But you're here. Ya did it.
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home. he's really home.]
I'm sorry for taking so long. I wanted to be sure I could get him.
[he hums, nuzzling into the touch. his hands itch to touch back, but keigo respects the boundaries between them far more than his own personal desire. if and when he earns them back, he can touch dabi as much as he wants.]
Oh. And Natsuo wanted me to tell you that your apology was stupid and you can try again if he comes to visit. He also said he'll miss and love you.
[words keigo would prefer natsuo to have said himself, but he's more than happy to pass along a message to the oldest todoroki son. especially after all the help natsuo provided him.]
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[dabi wants to hear all about it. he knows it'll probably be hard to talk about, but he's been after this moment for so long. he needs to know the details and just how keigo managed to finally kill him. but not now. not in this moment when keigo is nuzzling into his touch.
he can't stop looking at him. everything about keigo looks so bright and wonderful. it feels warm in that good, comfortable way once again.
dabi's eyes do go slightly wide at the mention of his brother.]
Here? He wants to come visit?
[he swallows hard at the rest of it. natsuo tried to tell him before, but dabi was so resistant to it. he's still the same person, of course, but keigo had made him less skittish to affection.]
Thanks, Keigo.
[he says quietly, then pulls him into his arms, wrapping them tight around the other man. there was so much anger between them before all of this, but now he only feels relief.]
Ya really are home.
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