[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.]
[it's hard to not perk up at the praise. he's sure his feathers would ruffle with it. he wouldn't mind indulging in more of it if he could, but he knows not to push his luck.]
I'm not sure when he would come visit. I just know he will some day.
[keigo hums, golden eyes looking over dabi's features. natsuo could technically have special privileges to visit, but it would be by the rules keigo followed. and that's if they would still allow it. san junipero, after all, was for those dying or elderly. but the kid was a todoroki, and that gave plenty of authorization all on it's own.
only a smile forms before keigo goes to return the gratitude. however, as dabi's arms come to circle around him, pulling him in tightly, everything is suddenly lost and all the former hero can do now is feel. immediately, he wraps his own arms around the other male, holding tightly, afraid to break away.]
Yeah. I'm home.
[home was where dabi was. it could be in the dirtiest studio apartment, and keigo would be perfectly fine to call that his home.]
Hope he does. I'd like that. Kinda wish that the two'a you would've met under different circumstances.
[things that could never have happened before, but if he does visit at some point, they can do this right.
Dabi doesnt know what the hell doing things right is, but with Keigo here he wants to at least try. he doesn't want to circle down the drain like he's been doing since... well, since he died the first time, really.
he should have killed endeavor back then already.
but none of that matters when Keigo puts his arms around him and holds him just as tightly. Dabi feels like he can breathe again.]
Missed ya too, birdie. Wasn't the same without ya no matter what I did.
[he says into Keigo's hair, fingers curling into his shirt.]
He was really kind. Offered to help before I even brought you up.
[as if the middle son had an inclination regarding the death of the eldest todoroki. nonetheless, keigo was happy and thankful to receive the help and assistance. he wish he could do more for natsuo, and maybe he will if he comes to visit.
for now, keigo’s focus was dabi and doing his damn hardest to fix everything he’s done. he’s not too sure what direction to take for it, but he’ll do his best.
the former hero relaxes completely in dabi’s arms, not wanting to pull away at all.]
I hope you won’t regret those words by having me here all the time.
[he’s teases with a light laugh, also coming to grip dabi’s shirt.]
[Dabi gives a small nod to that. Natsuo was always in his corner. Always the one he could talk to. In the end, he was the only one Dabi could really trust without question, even more than he could trust Keigo. It's a relief that they worked together on this.
He hopes Natsuo will be okay.]
That mean you're gonna stay here with me...or are ya gonna have your own place?
[He's not sure about that. He's not even sure if they can really pick where they live or if they just end up in certain places san junipero picks for them. But maybe having their own place for space would be good sometimes.
Right now though, he really just wants Keigo here with him. they can figure the rest out later.]
Me too, pretty bird. Me too.
[He nuzzles into Keigo a moment longer, then pulls back a bit to look at him again.]
You hungry? I cooked last night in case ya came back. I was just heatin' it back up.
[golden eyes peer up when dabi brings up the question regarding their living situation. naively, he had assumed to be here, but then again, that had taken quite a lot of trust between the two of them before to have dabi in his penthouse overnight. trust keigo doesn't have a leg to stand on with now.
naturally, he wants to remain here. home was with dabi. without even thinking, he grips a little harder to his former lover's shirt as neediness fills him up. however, keigo quickly chastises himself, reminds him how he's in this position.]
Whatever you want me to do.
[keigo responds with, forcing out a smile to cover up the sad and needy bird he was. he really didn't want to ruin this moment here anyway.
although, the smile becomes more genuine at being labeled pretty bird again. he hums in delight from the nuzzling, and even makes a soft sound of neediness when dabi pulls away. but the idea of food gets his stomach to growl, especially if the other male cooked something. he always did like it when dabi had cooked something for him, as rare as it was before.]
I'm starving.
[keigo laughs, coming to pull away further and dart his eyes to the kitchen eagerly.]
[ it's a complicated thing. dabi does want keigo here, but he also knows he needs space and that everything is so desperate and needy right now in this moment, in the moments leading up to this... but they need to work some things out.
he can feel the way keigo clings tighter to him though, and how he forces out that fake smile he dislikes so much. ]
I think... I want ya here but we need to have our own spaces, ya know? We gotta figure some shit out, Kei. We fucked it all up before.
[but he knows he wants keigo in his life... death... watever this is. he knows he doesn't want to lose him, or to have him with anyone else. that much he knows for certain.
he's glad when the smile turns genuine, and when keigo pulls away he gives a sort of sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck as he heads into the kitchen with him.]
Made some noodles with fried chicken bits. And some veggies cause I know how ya always try to skip those.
[keigo tries not to flinch when dabi obviously sees through his fake smile. he sometimes forget how keen his former lover was. it makes him feel a little guilty of his reaction, because he knew they weren't back to the same level of comfort as before.]
I know. I've just missed you. But I'll never pressure you. I want to do it right by us.
[no more lies or secrets. he has plenty he needs to do on his own to make up for the betrayal. and, maybe, he needed to use any time apart to heal from his own trauma. it's like having a tantalizing piece of dessert outside of his reach and not being able to consume it.
it wasn't like they were taking a break. he was still dabi's. he wanted it to be real this time. a true relationship between the two of them.
he likes the sheepish smile on dabi's features. it just felt...more honest. stirred a warmth in his chest. but dabi already seems to do that so easily. coming into the kitchen, keigo eyes the pot with hungry eyes, like a child asking for chocolate.
although, it's hard to keep the way his nose scrunches up when vegetables are mentioned. he was practically a carnivore, sue him.]
How about I eat extra noodles and chicken and avoid the veggies?
[he teases with a playful grin, trying to test if he could actually get out of eating any sort of vegetable.]
[ dabi's pretty sure he's the only one that ever really calls keigo out on his fake smiles and the masks he tends to wear for the outside world. not that they've spent a whole lot of time around other people, but for some reason he can tell.
he wonders if it'll be like that over here as well, even when they dont' really know anyone else. for now though, his only thought is that he needs to get to know keigo all over again. or at least find the parts that are real. ]
How 'bout this. Stay tonight and we'll figure out a place for ya tomorrow. Live on the beach, we'll be close, but have our own space.
[he wants to be here with keigo too, and just live in this dream world where nothing else exists... but they're still the same people and they remember everything from their lives before san junipero. there's a lot to work through so it doesn't turn into the same anger and resentment as what built up between dabi and endeavor.
and you know, it's not every day that dabi sits and thinks about the logical, necessary thing that needs to be done, instead of just running into it head first with too much emotion.
they're definitely not taking a break. dabi doesn't want to go that far. they had enough of a break before when they were apart.]
Still tryin'a get outta the veggies? You'll like 'em, birdbrain. i put extra soy sauce just for you.
[he smirks, opening the lid of the pot so keigo can look inside. the veggies are all mixed in with the noodles and chicken to make it extra hard for keigo to pick them out. he knows his bird well.]
Come on, it ain't like I cook for ya every day. Gotta appreciate it.
[keigo really wants to not fall back behind fake smiles and lying promises. not at all. he wants to be honest here. it's how he can start building up the trust between them again. still, it's so easy to fall right back into hiding how he feels, even after he chastises himself for reacting in such a manner. he doesn't want to guilt dabi about it either.
maybe being separated at times, he can figure that out for himself. how to keep his emotions in check yet to not do it while lying straight to dabi's face.
his head does perk up curiously though, to the former villain's response.]
Not sure why, but I honestly assumed you would want me to have my own place on the other side of San Junipero.
[he admits sheepishly with a small smile. but, a house on the beach sounded nice. he liked dabi's home, so his could be just as comfortable. it wouldn't be like having a place in the deep parts of the city, time and a half away from dabi. it's not so bad now.
and he does agree that they do need some time apart. it wasn't like they were getting right back into the same intimate relationship as before. keigo was being honest earlier when he said he wanted to do this right.]
I'm not sure how the housing stuff works, but I'll try to figure it out.
[does he just imagine a house in mind? that's how other things seem to work here. it's something for him to discover soon enough.
a smile quirks at the corner of his lips this time as dabi admits to adding extra soy sauce to the veggies. it looks like he'll humor his former lover by eating the added healthy ingredients to the pot.]
I guess I should appreciate it. Your cooking was always super delicious before.
[one he misses dearly. at least he can enjoy it here. golden irises do peer to look within the pot, his stomach giving a small growl as the smell and sight hit him. dabi must know him well too, because he can very well see how the veggies are mixed all together. looks like the former villain wins this round.]
Still callin' me birdbrain, huh?
[keigo grins as he reaches to grab two bowls for him and dabi.]
[ it's been one of dabi's greatest insecurities now, when it comes to keigo. what was real? what was an act? so much of what they built on was a lie, he figures. he wasn't even sure if keigo was even interested in him at all, until he saw him here in san junipero again, begging for even a little bit of his time and attention.
even with that though, dabi was unsure for a long time. now at least, he knows some of it was true. but what about the rest? ]
On the other side'a San Junipero? That'd be too far. I... I want ya here, Keigo. Wouldn't have had ya go through all'a that shit to get here if I didn't.
[at least he can reassure keigo of that much. space is good, but he still wants keigo around. living without him all these months- it was a struggle, even with how angry dabi was at him.]
What kinda details did they give ya about San Junipero? I still can't figure all of it out. And I know ya told me some stuff before, but... I couldn't remember. It was all just so fuckin' shocking at first.
[sometimes he still feels like he's in shock about it. it's hard to believe that he's dead. he doesn't think he's quite wrapped his brain around that completely yet. maybe with keigo here it'll be easier. maybe a lot of things will be.]
Good ya still remember how delicious it was. It's been a while.
[he takes the bowls from keigo and starts dolling out enough in each bowl that they won't go hungry. maybe they don't really need to eat here, but it always feels like he should anyway. when he hadn't eaten, it's not as if he died, though. just another weird thing about san junipero.]
You're still a birdbrain, aintcha?
[he smirks, handing a bowl to keigo, then moving to grab some chopsticks and napkins.]
I've even got a fancy dining room now if ya wanna eat there. Or we can take it out on the deck?
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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.]
no subject
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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I'm not sure when he would come visit. I just know he will some day.
[keigo hums, golden eyes looking over dabi's features. natsuo could technically have special privileges to visit, but it would be by the rules keigo followed. and that's if they would still allow it. san junipero, after all, was for those dying or elderly. but the kid was a todoroki, and that gave plenty of authorization all on it's own.
only a smile forms before keigo goes to return the gratitude. however, as dabi's arms come to circle around him, pulling him in tightly, everything is suddenly lost and all the former hero can do now is feel. immediately, he wraps his own arms around the other male, holding tightly, afraid to break away.]
Yeah. I'm home.
[home was where dabi was. it could be in the dirtiest studio apartment, and keigo would be perfectly fine to call that his home.]
'm miss you.
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[things that could never have happened before, but if he does visit at some point, they can do this right.
Dabi doesnt know what the hell doing things right is, but with Keigo here he wants to at least try. he doesn't want to circle down the drain like he's been doing since... well, since he died the first time, really.
he should have killed endeavor back then already.
but none of that matters when Keigo puts his arms around him and holds him just as tightly. Dabi feels like he can breathe again.]
Missed ya too, birdie. Wasn't the same without ya no matter what I did.
[he says into Keigo's hair, fingers curling into his shirt.]
Ya feelin' alright? Ya need anythin?
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[as if the middle son had an inclination regarding the death of the eldest todoroki. nonetheless, keigo was happy and thankful to receive the help and assistance. he wish he could do more for natsuo, and maybe he will if he comes to visit.
for now, keigo’s focus was dabi and doing his damn hardest to fix everything he’s done. he’s not too sure what direction to take for it, but he’ll do his best.
the former hero relaxes completely in dabi’s arms, not wanting to pull away at all.]
I hope you won’t regret those words by having me here all the time.
[he’s teases with a light laugh, also coming to grip dabi’s shirt.]
I’m okay. I just...missed this, is all.
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He hopes Natsuo will be okay.]
That mean you're gonna stay here with me...or are ya gonna have your own place?
[He's not sure about that. He's not even sure if they can really pick where they live or if they just end up in certain places san junipero picks for them. But maybe having their own place for space would be good sometimes.
Right now though, he really just wants Keigo here with him. they can figure the rest out later.]
Me too, pretty bird. Me too.
[He nuzzles into Keigo a moment longer, then pulls back a bit to look at him again.]
You hungry? I cooked last night in case ya came back. I was just heatin' it back up.
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naturally, he wants to remain here. home was with dabi. without even thinking, he grips a little harder to his former lover's shirt as neediness fills him up. however, keigo quickly chastises himself, reminds him how he's in this position.]
Whatever you want me to do.
[keigo responds with, forcing out a smile to cover up the sad and needy bird he was. he really didn't want to ruin this moment here anyway.
although, the smile becomes more genuine at being labeled pretty bird again. he hums in delight from the nuzzling, and even makes a soft sound of neediness when dabi pulls away. but the idea of food gets his stomach to growl, especially if the other male cooked something. he always did like it when dabi had cooked something for him, as rare as it was before.]
I'm starving.
[keigo laughs, coming to pull away further and dart his eyes to the kitchen eagerly.]
What did you make?
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he can feel the way keigo clings tighter to him though, and how he forces out that fake smile he dislikes so much. ]
I think... I want ya here but we need to have our own spaces, ya know? We gotta figure some shit out, Kei. We fucked it all up before.
[but he knows he wants keigo in his life... death... watever this is. he knows he doesn't want to lose him, or to have him with anyone else. that much he knows for certain.
he's glad when the smile turns genuine, and when keigo pulls away he gives a sort of sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck as he heads into the kitchen with him.]
Made some noodles with fried chicken bits. And some veggies cause I know how ya always try to skip those.
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I know. I've just missed you. But I'll never pressure you. I want to do it right by us.
[no more lies or secrets. he has plenty he needs to do on his own to make up for the betrayal. and, maybe, he needed to use any time apart to heal from his own trauma. it's like having a tantalizing piece of dessert outside of his reach and not being able to consume it.
it wasn't like they were taking a break. he was still dabi's. he wanted it to be real this time. a true relationship between the two of them.
he likes the sheepish smile on dabi's features. it just felt...more honest. stirred a warmth in his chest. but dabi already seems to do that so easily. coming into the kitchen, keigo eyes the pot with hungry eyes, like a child asking for chocolate.
although, it's hard to keep the way his nose scrunches up when vegetables are mentioned. he was practically a carnivore, sue him.]
How about I eat extra noodles and chicken and avoid the veggies?
[he teases with a playful grin, trying to test if he could actually get out of eating any sort of vegetable.]
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he wonders if it'll be like that over here as well, even when they dont' really know anyone else. for now though, his only thought is that he needs to get to know keigo all over again. or at least find the parts that are real. ]
How 'bout this. Stay tonight and we'll figure out a place for ya tomorrow. Live on the beach, we'll be close, but have our own space.
[he wants to be here with keigo too, and just live in this dream world where nothing else exists... but they're still the same people and they remember everything from their lives before san junipero. there's a lot to work through so it doesn't turn into the same anger and resentment as what built up between dabi and endeavor.
and you know, it's not every day that dabi sits and thinks about the logical, necessary thing that needs to be done, instead of just running into it head first with too much emotion.
they're definitely not taking a break. dabi doesn't want to go that far. they had enough of a break before when they were apart.]
Still tryin'a get outta the veggies? You'll like 'em, birdbrain. i put extra soy sauce just for you.
[he smirks, opening the lid of the pot so keigo can look inside. the veggies are all mixed in with the noodles and chicken to make it extra hard for keigo to pick them out. he knows his bird well.]
Come on, it ain't like I cook for ya every day. Gotta appreciate it.
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maybe being separated at times, he can figure that out for himself. how to keep his emotions in check yet to not do it while lying straight to dabi's face.
his head does perk up curiously though, to the former villain's response.]
Not sure why, but I honestly assumed you would want me to have my own place on the other side of San Junipero.
[he admits sheepishly with a small smile. but, a house on the beach sounded nice. he liked dabi's home, so his could be just as comfortable. it wouldn't be like having a place in the deep parts of the city, time and a half away from dabi. it's not so bad now.
and he does agree that they do need some time apart. it wasn't like they were getting right back into the same intimate relationship as before. keigo was being honest earlier when he said he wanted to do this right.]
I'm not sure how the housing stuff works, but I'll try to figure it out.
[does he just imagine a house in mind? that's how other things seem to work here. it's something for him to discover soon enough.
a smile quirks at the corner of his lips this time as dabi admits to adding extra soy sauce to the veggies. it looks like he'll humor his former lover by eating the added healthy ingredients to the pot.]
I guess I should appreciate it. Your cooking was always super delicious before.
[one he misses dearly. at least he can enjoy it here. golden irises do peer to look within the pot, his stomach giving a small growl as the smell and sight hit him. dabi must know him well too, because he can very well see how the veggies are mixed all together. looks like the former villain wins this round.]
Still callin' me birdbrain, huh?
[keigo grins as he reaches to grab two bowls for him and dabi.]
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even with that though, dabi was unsure for a long time. now at least, he knows some of it was true. but what about the rest? ]
On the other side'a San Junipero? That'd be too far. I... I want ya here, Keigo. Wouldn't have had ya go through all'a that shit to get here if I didn't.
[at least he can reassure keigo of that much. space is good, but he still wants keigo around. living without him all these months- it was a struggle, even with how angry dabi was at him.]
What kinda details did they give ya about San Junipero? I still can't figure all of it out. And I know ya told me some stuff before, but... I couldn't remember. It was all just so fuckin' shocking at first.
[sometimes he still feels like he's in shock about it. it's hard to believe that he's dead. he doesn't think he's quite wrapped his brain around that completely yet. maybe with keigo here it'll be easier. maybe a lot of things will be.]
Good ya still remember how delicious it was. It's been a while.
[he takes the bowls from keigo and starts dolling out enough in each bowl that they won't go hungry. maybe they don't really need to eat here, but it always feels like he should anyway. when he hadn't eaten, it's not as if he died, though. just another weird thing about san junipero.]
You're still a birdbrain, aintcha?
[he smirks, handing a bowl to keigo, then moving to grab some chopsticks and napkins.]
I've even got a fancy dining room now if ya wanna eat there. Or we can take it out on the deck?