[boyfriend was kind of juvenile, despite that keigo instinctively thinks of it when referring to the villain as his. maybe lover? he thinks of that term to describe dabi too.
the hero is grateful that dabi lets him speak, that the villain doesn't automatically come to conclusions without the details provided. keigo wanted to be honest here, because he does trust dabi. and he knows he can't do this all on his own.]
Yeah. But there's more to that too.
[more to everything. he is scared here, but keigo is also relieved in a way to admit all of this.
with a nod of his head, keigo leaves the kitchen, going to his couch. his wings are curled close to his body from his nerves, some feathers fretting enough to leave and fall to the floor. keigo leaves them be, will clean them up later.]
When I first searched you out, I thought maybe...we could use each other. Maybe you could kill my handlers and the entire hero commission operation before they could build back up. I'm sorry. It was selfish of me. I am glad I stuck around enough to see more to everything you and Twice and the others represent.
[again, he comes to swallow, feathers trembling. he has to say it.]
And, you were right before. I was hired as a spy. But I only accepted so I could finally get rid of them. My reports have been minimal with information. There was never anything about you and me, and barely what we discussed. I can show you my reports and my messages to them though, and their responses. I'm sorry, Dabi. I..I just, if I couldn't make it work with you, then I'm sure they would lock me away to service their business associates. I...I really thought maybe this was my way out of their control.
[he finds himself closing his eyes tightly. whatever relief he felt earlier is gone and he feels so damn cold and scared. he keeps telling himself that he trusted dabi though.]
But they were a step ahead. After one of our fights, a big one, I started to suspect they knew what you meant to me. They threatened to reveal your current location at the time to Endeavor. I..I don't know how they knew it, so I began investigating. As soon as I was introduced to Twice and the others, I cut off contact with my handlers. Or..I tried. I told them I was being watched and listened, hoping I was out of their reach far enough now that it was okay. But, a few weeks ago, they threatened to lock my mom away. I don't..she sold me, but, I..I still love her. Despite that, I didn't answer, and...they threatened you. Again, with Endeavor. They even brought up that they knew we were sleeping together, that I..I..that I was leaving them, to be with you. I don't know, I..I flew to Endeavor and gave them what they wanted. I don't know how they know all of this, but someone has been watching us. It's why I've been acting friendly to everyone in the army, so I can find them, and annihilate them before they can hurt you or Twice or anyone else. But I can't figure out who it is. And I know their first order is to get you to control me. And..I...I need help. I can't stop or hold them off any longer.
[dabi never really though about that, but it could work. still, if keigo thinks about him a certain way he doesn't want to stop that. he thought maybe he did, but he doesn't really feel like it anymore. maybe a different thing to call each other would be better.
they clearly aren't enemies anymore. they're not even really fuck buddies either, are they.
seems like such a small thing though, considering the rest of what keigo tells him. dabi gets it. he gets every last bit of why keigo would want to leave him. why he'd turn his back on them and want to dismantle the whole damn thing. but... there's more to it than even that, and all dabi can do right now is follow keigo over to the couch and sit near him, a frown on his face.
he eyes the feathers falling along the floor for a moment. he knows that means this is bad and keigo is fucking nervous.
at first it's everything he though it might've been, but then slowly it just starts twisting into something dabi isn't even sure how he can deal with. it's a lot, and it starts twisting deep inside his gut, filling his veins with a growing anger and revulsion. the final straw is Endeavor, and it shakes him to his core. Do they know who he is? Does Keigo know who he really is?
dabi looks at him with fiery eyes, hands curling into fists. he can feel his emotions building, along with his heat, and he can't sit here anymore. not when all of this is being brought to light.
he wanted to fix whatever was going on with him and keigo, but now this is a whole different thing. this is why it would never work out between them. there's all this garbage in the way.]
And I'm just supposed to... what? Fuckin' believe this? After everythin', after findin' out you were a fuckin' spy. You... how the fuck am I supposed to believe you?
[he stands up, dragging his fingers through his hair as he moves away. he needs some space. he wants to get out of here. none of this makes sense, even though it very much should. this is bullshit.]
If this was true you would've fuckin' told me from the start!
[there was so much of this that keigo could have told him before, but didn't. if he had been hired as a spy but only accepted to get rid of them, keigo would have told him. but he didn't, and now it all just seems like a made up scheme. something for endeavor and the rest of them to weed him and the league out.]
Do you know? Do you know who I am, then? Did they tell ya?
[it's a lot. he's revealing a lot here. and keigo feels naturally guilty for it. he never wants to hurt or anger dabi, but he's doing it again. he knew he dragged his feet here for awhile, knew for some time that he had to have this discussion with the villain.
he might die here tonight. this was grounds for death. keigo, despite being a hero and understanding death quite well, he's scared of it. rather, he's scared of the impact it would have on dabi. he might be a villain, but dabi still had a soft side that keigo has seen. he hates that he's tarnishing it here though. he should have been honest a long time ago.
dabi's reaction is justified. more than that, even. keigo doesn't expect the villain to believe him. he expects his lover to turn away and never talk to him again, if he doesn't burn him down first.]
I know...I know you can't..and won't believe me. I'm sorry, Dabi. I am.
[like the villain, keigo gets to his feet. he does allow dabi his space though, coming to stand near the window, wrapping his arms around him. he's fretting even more now, feathers puffed from his upset nature, trembling that they'll be burn down, along with the rest of keigo.
lost, sad golden orbs come to focus back on dabi though, as the villain brings up his own person.]
No, I don't know who you are. Just as Dabi.
[he's honest, but how can the villain know that? in fact, he's surprised that the villain is so sure they know who he is. did they? despite demanding he find out?? he wouldn't be surprised, but...just, who was dabi then?
no. he didn't deserve to ask that. not here.]
Dabi, I...I know you can't forgive me or trust me again. But I do want to help you and the others. I can give you my notes, who I think might be watching us. If we can get them to talk, they might be able to provide more intel. And..and I do have my reports with my handlers. I recorded each one.
[but that was to use against them when the time came, for their illegal endeavors. even if it may have locked him up too. he didn't care. he had to get rid of that organization as a whole.]
Please, please let me help.
[they don't have a lot of time here. his handlers will find out soon. he has to give it one last shot, even if it kills him. he had to get rid of them, no matter the cost. his life can easily be replaced. but the hero commission will always be around.]
...before they kill or cage me, let me help where I can.
[dabi asks, as if that's the most insane thing he's ever heard- because right now it is. how can keigo be sorry after all of this? how can he even begin to explain this in a way that's going to make sense?
and then there's keigo talking about Endeavor, and doing things for him, and how they threatened him with his father. If Keigo knows Endeavor is his father, then what? Is it all over? Is everything he's been planning just going to fall through his fingers?
he can't imagine keigo wouldn't make some sort of connection after that.]
I don't fucking believe you.
[dabi growls out lowly, and now he really doesn't know what do. does keigo not know who he is? is he lying? he has far too many questions, and he feels so... betrayed. he feels so hurt, especially after how much he wanted to fix things tonight.]
What makes you think I'd want anythin' from you? How the fuck do I even know what ya give me is real? I knew it. I fuckin' knew it. If ya wanted to give us the information, that's what you would've been givin' us all along.
[he should burn keigo alive at this point. his hands heat up as he looks at the other man, thinking exactly that.]
You fuckin' lied to me. All this time? I asked you. I fuckin' asked you. I was ready to... fuck. I was tryin'a figure this shit out to be with you, and you just...
[suddenly, this is feeling like the worst idea he could have ever done. a part of him just quietly points out that he should have handled this all on his own, to try and protect dabi himself. because now he's ruined whatever trust there was between them.
he desperately reminds himself that dabi deserved to know the truth, even if it meant tarnishing their relationship. he had to protect dabi. and twice. toga. the others there. he may not agree with using violence or pain, or those with psychotic tendencies, but he understood the villains he met. he even understood Re-Destro's book, and oddly clicked with it.
briefly, he can't find the words to say. he told dabi why. he doesn't want to repeat them. he knows how the villain can get when he's fixated on something, and he knows the spying is a sore spot. despite that keigo hadn't provided his handlers much of what they didn't already know. hell, their other informant must be providing more now, especially knowing of his relationship with dabi.
he can feel the heat in the room growing, and keigo can't stop the way he looks at his lover in fear. there's no secret how weak he is to fire. but the thought of someone he cares for this deeply to threaten him with it, that's a new fear he doesn't think he can hide. his feathers are useless, driven by his fear, and it oddly enough reminds him of his childhood days in that old broken home when his dad would get home...]
Dabi, please...
[and he looks to his door, as if expecting to see the parade of handlers coming by. they were always a step ahead. if his home isn't already bugged despite how often keigo checks for cameras and audio devices, dabi leaving angry may tip off the informant.
this might really be his last stand.]
It..It was the only way I could meet with you. They're always....They'll never let me go. Please..you said....you said you would save me. Please don't..
[his voice wavers from decades of fear and he can feel tears blurring his vision. he backs up to the wall, far more scared than he ever expected to be. death never scared him like this, not as a hero anyway. he could go into battle and fight, and if it meant his last fight, then that was fine. however, his handlers always knew how to keep him terrified, to use different techniques and punishments to keep him in line. hell, they often sourced out to anyone with a thick hand that can do their dirty work.]
I'm not lying! I'm not. I promise I'm not. Dabi...please..don't let them take me.
[ it's hard for dabi to look past anything but the lies and betrayal. the things that anger him are what drives him, and pulling back enough to look at everything else is something he struggles with on his best days, and this is far from that.
the fact is, that to him, keigo's story doesn't make sense. bits and pieces of it do, but why didn't he just tell him from the start? dabi had asked him why he wanted to join the league. he asked him what keigo was after, but keigo said none of this.
what hurts the most are the lies of course... but that keigo didn't trust him enough to tell him before. all this talk of no secrets between them, and the two of them being together. Us. It all feels like a lie and it's tearing dabi up inside.
and then... keigo's handlers know? how did they find out about the two of them? and if they threatened him with Endeavor... they must know. they have to know who he is, even if keigo swears he doesn't.
it feels like everything he worked towards is crumbling apart. all his life, and here with keigo. ]
Ya did lie to me! Why the fuck did you lie to me!?
[he yells, feeling sparks of blue prickling his fingertips.]
I was gonna help you! I was gonna fuckin' save you! But ya didn't even tell me the truth. And now you're tellin' me they know about us? What are they gonna do?
[he curls his hands into tighter fists, trying to keep his flames from moving up his arms. he's so angry he could burn this whole place down. but keigo looks so terrified. he looks scared to death. dabi doesn't know what to do, and really, and a part of dabi thinks he deserves it.]
If ya didn't want them to take you, ya should've fuckin' told me. Ya should've trusted me. Sounds like they know all about me now too, though. No fuckin' way am I stickin' around.
If it didn't work out, if you chose to use me instead, it would be a death sentence for me. I had to be sure...I couldn't..I was risking everything.
[they were always watching and keigo could never pinpoint where. there was always that thought that dabi could have been an informant for them, given what little detail he could discover of the villain. but as time grew, he learned to trust the villain. and then his goals shifted and other issues were created.
the blue fires coming to life get keigo to return his fearful gaze back on the villain. it has him trembling again. he would back up more instinctively, but he's already pressed against the wall.]
I never told them about us! I always..I never told them anything about you. But they know. They know I would do anything for...you.
[but who was always watching them? who could keep so many eyes on them when they're together?]
I don't...
[he trails off, feeling his breath leaving him. it crushes keigo to hear dabi pulling away from him, and he can hear his heart beating in his ears. his chest pulls hard from the buildup of anxiety. fear was so impossibly strong that it makes his legs quiver, almost ready to drop the hero to the floor.
he wasn't going to make it, he's coming to realize. no. maybe he knew he wouldn't when he decided to tell dabi all of this. the lying was obviously too big for dabi to save him here. it's like his handlers were already here, wrapping a thick collar tight around his neck. he can't breathe, but keigo realizes he's holding it back himself.
his one last stand has slipped from under him, and he's like icarus that got too close to the sun. what more can he say?]
...go. You should probably go then.
[his handlers might even be on their way too. he wants to doubt it, but he doesn't know where they're listening from. he's only told dabi about needing to be saved outside of his home purposely for a reason. defeated and dejectedly, he slides down to the floor. he can't tell if it was worst to be burned alive by someone he cared so much for, or whatever punishment waiting for him by his handlers.]
[The worst part about this is, that no matter what happens here, Keigo has already doomed them. If they're listening, if they're watching, he shouldn't have done this here. Why would Keigo put them in such immense danger here and now, after everything?
It makes Dabi think that there's more to it, and that Keigo really is a spy who is going to give him up to his handlers. There's no way out of this for the villain. Endeavor must know who he really is by now.
Why couldn't Keigo have waited till they had the safety to talk? Dabi is sure that's a dead giveaway.]
How the fuck did ya think this was gonna work out if you were bullshitting me the whole time!
[Dabi growls, realization hitting him about so many things.]
You knew they knew about us. Ya fuckin' acted like ya didn't want em to find out about me but they already knew and ya kept puttin' me in danger! Or is that what ya wanted? Did ya give Endeavor all the information about me too? Let me guess, his dick's bigger than mine.
[Dabi narrows his eyes at the pitiful sight in front of him. That Keigo even has the nerve to react this way is really something.]
All this fuckin time you were askin' me to believe in ya, to help ya. But all you were doin' instead was givin' me bullshit. You reap what you sow, ya lying piece a shit.
[Dabi came here because he wanted this so badly. Because he thought maybe he could have something good, something worth opening up for. He's never felt so betrayed in his life. With a sound of disgust he let's his flames die out and goes to grab his things.]
Hero scum, just like the rest of em. I'm gonna burn ya all down.
[it hurts incredibly to have dabi talk like this to him. everything about their relationship was crumbling. he was about to lose the one bright thing he's ever had. and he can't even blame the villain. this isn't dabi's fault at all.
all he can do from here to protect him and the league however he can.
still, he can't help how his gaze shows his hurt over dabi's accusations of endeavor. he never slept with the hero. never had any intention of doing so. he liked the hero enough, but he's only really wanted dabi after their relationship began to deepen. even when he didn't have to, he was faithful to the villain in front of him.]
I didn't..I never told him anything.
[he says with a shaky, small voice. he doesn't know why he tries here, considering how dabi's jealousy tended to take over, and with such anger and pain, he doubts it would help any to deny anything.
he tries even not to wince when dabi deliberately says he deserves this. maybe it breaks him even more. keigo can't find it within himself to fight because his lover is saying just what his inner, darker thoughts do. it makes him...give up, and he stares down at the floor, no longer able to fight, because dabi is right.
he hears the villain speaking more, and if he had any will, he'd try to beg his lover to kill him. but he doesn't. he doesn't even know what dabi is doing or grabbing. it doesn't matter anymore, does it? he tried. he did. he tried his best to explain, but it didn't matter. nothing ever did in his case. he really thought dabi could protect him, save him like he begged, but the secrecy that keigo hid himself in was just too much.
someone like dabi was too good to be true.
if he's lucky, maybe his old lover will read his thoughts and set this building on fire for him.]
You already fuckin' said ya gave him information. Ya just fuckin' said that before! What, can't keep track'a all your own bullshit?
[how many lies did keigo feed him? how many times did he swear he was telling the truth, when he was hiding all of this, over and over again. he knew he shouldn't have trusted a damn pro-hero, but he got so stupid. he let keigo in, and he'll never make that mistake again.
the worst part is, it hurts. it hurts so intensely as he gets ready to leave this place and never come back. how stupid of him to think that he could ever be worth something good. that he could ever have something real. especially with a hero, no less. he can't believe how stupid he was.
he doesn't look back as he leaves, knowing full well he has to warn the others. he doesn't know how he's going to break this to them, because he doesn't even want to give them the details. how can he tell them about what the two of them did? what they had? how can he explain it coldly as if none of this ever meant anything to him?
dabi makes it to the elevator before he stops, realizing there's blood running down his face. this is the end of it. this is the end of everything. if even a little bit of what keigo said is true, they're going to go after the army with full force, and he'll never see keigo again. what will they really do to him? dabi can't stop thinking about that terrified look on keigo's face. he knows that look. he used to have it on his own face all the time when he was younger. would they really do that to the famous number two?
without even thinking he turns. he moves quickly back to the penthouse, his hear hammering hard in his chest. he feels like he's choking on his own breathes, dizzy as his mind races with all the terrible ways this could end. dabi isn't a hero. he's a villain, through and through. when touya died and dabi raised from the ashes, it was never going to be any other way. but as he heads back inside and over to keigo, he does what he wishes someone would have done for him. it's what he dreamt about every night. ]
Come on. Get the fuck up. Let's get outta here.
[he holds a hand out to Keigo, staring at the curled up form crouched on the floor.]
[the only sound keigo really hears is the footsteps as they leave, and for the first time in a long while, he's alone. he's not sure the extent of whatever punishment he'll receive, but he knows he'll never fly the blue skies again. he could leave. he could fly away right now. but his mother is still in their care, still receiving the money to fund her lifestyle.
and, honestly, he can't find the motivation to do that. it would mean putting dabi in harms way, more than before. twice too. everyone he's begun to care about. maybe even his little intern. the hero commission didn't stick to boundaries of what was right and what was wrong. they did as they pleased. they were the true evils of the world.
to have some secret informant under their care, it must mean they've always doubted him. or planned to use him. he was disposable. it didn't matter that he was the number two hero. he can see the headlines that 'number two hero hawks forced to retire due to villain incident' and he would be swept under the rug, under the hands of the hero commission. he only made it to the number two spot by being forced to sleep with those who could make the decision. he hated it. but it was decided of him.
everything was decided of him, from the moment he was born.
keigo doesn't realize the puddle of tears that begun to gather on the floor. he feels so cold, about to face his greatest fear. he's always been threatened to never bite the hand that feeds him. they've promised to destroy him immensely, make him beg for death. he failed in his endeavors to put a stop to them. they'll easily replace him with someone suitable. they'll kill twice, toga...dabi..
the door opening has him freezing and he's sure this is it. they really were that fast? he can't even look up, heart hammering in his chest, a look of dread in his eyes. this was it. to face the greatest evil he knew-
dabi's voice fills the room and keigo snaps his head up. he can't hide away his fear, but there's confusion there. dabi...left, didn't he? was this just his imagination playing tricks on him? no way was dabi here, offering his hand out.
he tries mouthing words, can't find his voice from his fear. he wants to take the hand though. wants to desperately be saved. that's all he wanted. but he doesn't deserve it. dabi was right. he deserved everything coming to him.]
[ maybe it's true keigo is more fearful of the commission coming after him than of losing dabi. that this had been the most important part of all of this, but dabi is the stupid one here, believing and putting himself into it even when he didn't quite believe either.
dabi's devastation right now is less about what'll happen to him or the league, even the army. it's what he's going to lose right in front of him if he just walks away. whatever keigo is most upset about though, dabi doesn't care. he fell too hard for this idiot who's probably just using him, but he can't just let it end like this. there's this weak, emotional side of him that just won't let go.
keigo is frustrating, just looking at him like a deer in headlights without taking his hand. dabi growls under his breath and reaches down to grab at keigo's arm and hoist him up.]
Fuckin' stupid bird. When someone offers you a hand ya take it. Doesn't happen all too often.
[he knows firsthand. no one ever offered him one. he knows no one ever did for the rest of the league, either.]
They'll catch both of us if ya don't move your ass and come with me. Now let's fuckin' go.
[he’s not worth this. he’s not worth the safety that he desired from dabi. the love and affection, the nights together, the incredible intimacy...
no. he doesn’t deserve it.
he deserves everything coming to him. for the pain and torture of his handlers. it was stupid to have fallen in love with dabi, but he did. to trust the villain like he did, like he still does. dabi, the others in the league, he wants to protect them. the most he can do is keep silent from whatever torture techniques his handlers bestow onto him. he can do that much.
but dabi is so persistent, taking his arm and pulling the hero up with strength he didn’t expect the villain to have.]
Dabi-!
[why? why bother with him?
keigo starts to stumble, but follows. his wings feel so heavy on his back, defeated and lost all on their own. he can move one foot after the other though, following like a lost puppy.]
I don’t-you shouldn’t...Why? You were right earlier.
[ keigo is so irritating. begging and pleading, lying to him for all of this, but when dabi offers it he's met with resistance. again, it makes him wonder if all of it is a lie, and keigo doesn't want to go with him because this part wasn't supposed to happen. he's the villain, right? why would he take the traitorous hero with him? maybe this isn't going according to keigo's plan.
he hates how much that twists around inside of him, red flags going off in his head that this is probably a trap, and yet he can't leave keigo behind. god, he really is a fucking idiot. how did this happen to him?
that last comment sets him off again and he turns quickly, grabbing keigo by the collar to keep him from stumbling back, heated blue eyes on him now. ]
Yeah, I know I was fuckin' right! and this is probably a trap, but I...
[he stops himself. it's too much. he's angry, confused, scared of what'll happen if endeavor really knows who he is now. but there's also a reason he couldn't just leave keigo here if there was even a small chance of the truth anywhere in his words.]
They ain't listenin' to us now, are they? ya said a lotta shit that doesn't add up or make any sense so just give it to me straight, no bullshit. if they could hear us now i'd be dead already, right? They only got eyes on us?
[he doesn’t deserve this. at all. he should just give up here. dabi was right. his dark thoughts are right.
he wants to desperately believe in dabi though. believe he’s right to come along like he so wants. he’d have to face his deepest fear if he stayed there. but his mind is twisted at the moment, fighting back and forth, body easily able to come along with dabi.
but his words must have angered the villain because suddenly he’s taken at the collar and he winces, instinctively pressing his hands at dabi’s wrists from fear. quietly, he listens though, eyebrows furrowed.
dabi stops himself though at mid-sentence.
until he continues anyway, and keigo can’t help but stare deep into those blue eyes.]
I-I don’t...Yes. Only eyes. As far as I’m aware. I check, I check my penthouse often. But..they know a lot about us. And I’ve never left any kind of trail about us. I never included you in my reports, we’re always secretive...
[Dabi would be even angrier if he knew that after all of this, after everything Keigo lied about to get here- after practically destroying them- that now he just wants to sit down and give up.
It's as if what Dabi wants to do, or help with means nothing. At least he doesn't know that bullshit, though. He'd be furious.
Especially after his brain is waring with the feelings he doesn't want to say out loud.]
Ya didn't fucking thing that was an important thing to tell me? I should fuckin' burn you alive.
[he growls, but the heat in his hands only goes so far before he's able to calm himself down and try to figure this out. He's doing this. He has to.]
We just act normal, then. We leave like there ain't anythin' wrong and we just keep goin' till we can lose their trail. If ya got any ideas on who it is? Now's the time to tell me. Well, ya fuckin should have told me ages ago but here we are.
[keigo can’t see this as dabi trying to help him though. his mind is completely shut to his usual demeanor when initially told he deserved everything coming to him. he’s come to value and trust the villain, and after being so raw and open with his past, he can’t exactly see things clear.
of course he wants to leave with dabi. wants to be saved like he’s asked. to leave the hero commission’s demise within dabi’s hands. he wants that, more than anything.
his darker thoughts hold onto the abusive words he always keep at bay behind big smiles and loud laughs. dabi can’t forgive him and neither can he, but at least his body follows along obediently.
although, the villain’s threat almost gets keigo to ask for death. he doesn’t want to die. not here and not like this. he even feels dabi heat up his hands and keigo just about allows it. dabi stops himself though, it seems.
keigo doesn’t understand why, but he doesn’t question it.]
Someone within the meta army. They weren’t part of the League. I have about ten suspects.
[he admits softly. he knows the names by heart. the ones he’s done enough research on.]
[ maybe keigo shouldn't have put himself in this position, then. what did he think was going to happen after all this lying? after not telling dabi crucial pieces of information, especially related to his safety? he should feel bad about it, but he should also own up to it and take responsibility, not just give up.
dabi doesn't think he has to tell him that, especially when he's putting so much of himself into this even after what keigo just unloaded on him.
but maybe dabi will realize all over again that that's what pro-heroes do, no matter who they are, and no matter how much he gave a shit about them. just like his father, once upon a time.
and yet, keigo was the one expecting dabi to save him. even now after all of this, and all the lies he told, that's what he was begging for. and dabi is the one who has to put all this shit aside and do it anyway. it's far from being fair, but it's also stupid, and that's what he knows he is. stupid.
keigo is telling him that these commission fucks and probably all the pro-heroes know about them... about him, and yet keigo is the one who wants to die. the stupid bird is lucky that this villain cares about him so much. maybe it'll be over after all of this, but at least he can try to keep himself and keigo alive.
and the more keigo talks, the more he tells him, dsbi utterly can't believe his lover didn't tell him about what was going on. it truly tears him up inside. ]
I can't fuckin' believe this. All'a this fuckin' time. Ya just let me be there with 'em anyways. Ya didn't say a damn thing. Feels like ya don't give a single shit about me, Keigo. That even your name?
[maybe keigo really doesn't give a shit about him. it could all be an act, a plan, a trick. he wonders how he became so weak to this stupid bird. that was probably all part of it too.]
Let's just fuckin' go. We'll crash somewhere tonight and figure shit out, then go back like there ain't a single thing wrong. We'll talk to the League.
[trauma and fear is what got him in this position. he can't explain it more clearly than what he already did. he understands the anger here though. dabi always acted on it, no matter how small the issue. still, a part of keigo had hoped this thing that was between them would be enough for the villain to see through the anger.
it's not that keigo even has given up completely forever. it's taking longer to process what is being said and what is being done. the dark thoughts he once found solace in don't help matters. his true and pure feelings for dabi is what keeps him there, at the villain's side. he's not crumbled on the ground, awaiting his demise like earlier.
it hurts to hear the accusing words that he doesn't care over dabi. it's why he cares that they're in this mess. but he's not going to fight the villain on this. he's told dabi everything, and the villain only focuses on the smaller parts. yet it was enough to land them both here.
he's given so much of himself. his true self. he's been honest with dabi without expecting it in return.]
You're going to get yourself caught.
[he pulls back from dabi's grip at his collar, keeping his gaze averted. he can't look into those eyes again.]
They'll hunt me down...you should leave me here. I'm not worth it. I'm only good for one thing, and it might be enough to keep the hero commission from coming after you.
[it's a good thing that what keigo had hoped for is coming true then, isn't it. not that he deserves it after what he did, and how much danger he put the two of them in.
he should be more than relieved that dabi came back for him, instead of being... whatever this is. what was the point of any of this, then? Dabi can't stand it. and yet, keigo still thinks he's focusing on the smaller parts. as if these are the smaller parts of anything. dabi is focusing on exactly what he needs to be focused on, and the fact that keigo can't see that even now is alarming.
what was he thinking? why wouldn't he tell dabi such crucial pieces of what was going on. dabi can't understand that, and it really seems like he doesn't care, especially when time and time again they went back to the army. dabi stayed with them. and even when he spoke up about how he felt about them, keigo said nothing.
at this point, there's nothing that keigo gave him aside from a name that dabi is doubtful is even his at this point. why should he believe it, when everything has been a lie? ]
No, you're gonna get me caught, so get your head outta your ass and fuckin' do somethin' useful. If we don't move now, we might not get a fuckin' chance.
[dabi furrows his eyebrows when keigo pulls away, anger rushing through him again. why is keigo doing this? did they mean nothing? he swallows hard and slowly it starts to sink in.... maybe it didn't. keigo is fighting him even now, wanting to stay behind.]
After all the shit ya just told me, I came back for you. And you're just...
[dabi feels that blinding dizziness again, his heart hammering in his chest. he isn't going to force this. god, he fucking wants to, but he can't.]
Your choice.
[dabi shakes his head, dragging his fingers through his hair, and then he backs away, heading for the door again.]
[of course a part of him was relieved that dabi had returned for him. that he was worth it in some way. maybe when everything isn't so broken and foggy in the front of his mind, it'll make sense to him.
he can also come to explain the finer details that are getting mixed into all of this. all the hero can do is the next right thing for dabi and the league. even if it means going to his handlers on hands and knees to do so. it was foolish to have come this far and expect to be saved. a longing from a child forced into this.
dabi might hate him, but it's for the best. he was truthful earlier when he told the villain that he couldn't get him out of tartarus.
despite what the villain may think, keigo cares more than anything about dabi, and it's why he pulls away and offers to stay behind. why else would he face his greatest fear if not for this man right here?
but, it pulls deeply at him, to hear dabi say so openly that he had come back for him. it stops the hero, makes him think. he had seen the action, of course, but his mind is a muddy mess and he can't see the clear picture right in front of him. it's dangerous. it's futile. he was risking dabi's life.
watching the villain walk away, keigo gives a final look to his penthouse.
it takes only a brief second for the hero to decide. he sheds most of his feathers, using a few to grab him a large hoodie from his closet. he's walking after dabi as he pulls the jacket on, his wings small and tucked close to his body while the hood is pulled over his head. it's not the first time he's gone out in disguise, and if anyone was watching them, it would look like he was doing a mission with dabi. normal.
it also helps because keigo doesn't think he can muster acting his usual self if they do have a tail. at least here, he can hide beneath the large hoodie.
he doesn't say anything as he comes to dabi's heel, just waiting for the villain to lead the way.]
[ hopefully it'll make sense to him sooner rather than later, because it wasn't any kind of small thing what dabi just did here, and now he feels rejected for it.
all the pro-heroes, all of the commission, they're already coming after him. they've been coming after him before he even knew keigo. he's a villain, in the most wanted terrorist group in japan. what exactly has keigo thought the heroes have been doing to them all this time??
dabi's entire world is reeling now. at least keigo knew what he was doing. he knew what his deception was and where it would lead. he was after this very thing from both dabi and the rest of them. dabi fell right for it, and maybe he's falling for it again. his world is crumbling, and yet he's the one who has to get them out of this mess now, because keigo is... dabi doesn't know what keigo is doing, but he doesn't understand it.
this is what he wanted. this was keig's goal, he wanted to be saved. he put them in danger and didn't really give a shit what would happen to dabi in the end, seeing as he only told him all of this now. and yet when dabi wants to do for him exactly what keigo wanted, he's acting like a goddamn martyr.
maybe that's what is making him angriest of all. it feels like it was all for nothing.
having to walk away a second time is almost worse than the first, because he tried. he put his fucking heart on his sleeve again and keigo pulled away from him. he tries to tell himself that it doesn't matter. none of this matters. he only had one goal and he should have stuck to it. he can be that way again. he can flush out all the softness that somehow seeped into his cracks, and harden his heart again. and if endeavor already knows who he is, then he only has one job left anyway, and then he can be done.
he doesn't expect keigo to be at his heels a moment later, but he doesn't feel relief. his heart feels too battered for it now. when he first went back for keigo he might've at least been able to pretend everything was okay between the two of them for prying eyes, but now... he doesn't know if he can pull it off. maybe it'll just look like they're having a fight. it wouldn't be the first time, even if they've never really been out in public while going through something like that.
he leads them into the service elevator and fixes his own disguise, then stands back and watches the numbers as they go down. ]
[only time could clear his head. he doesn't like being this way either. there's a reason he wore the smile on his lips. at least in disguise he didn't need to put on any persona. he can focus more on keeping up with dabi and following the villain to whatever safe haven he had in mind for the evening.
the villain had deceived plenty on his trail before, so if anyone was following them, maybe they could get away freely for the evening. their follower would be forced to return to the meta army, or a safe house themself. he's sure they're unaware that keigo had been investigating them.
he needs to tell dabi. whether or not the villain will want to bother or believe him is another story. but at least keigo could think two steps ahead when it came to the hero commission and their strategies.
once safely in the elevator, keigo can't help but to keep his gaze fixated on the ground. he can blame it on the disguise, despite that no one was around but the two of them. there might be a camera in the elevator though. they had to be careful. too many under the clutch of the hero commission knew how to read lips. keigo was one of them, but he generally used his feathers to listen in.
speaking of, he felt something off with them. it might be nothing but-
reaching forward, he presses a hand to dabi's arm and stands on tiptoes to lean in close. his mouth is obscured by the villain's hair, and maybe to most, it would look like an affectionate gesture. but if eyes are on them, even through a camera, he had to take whatever steps he could to keep them from being noticed.]
There's ten extra guards on the ground floor, four near the back. And, you should have Twice watch and write the names of anyone who comes in tonight at the base after we lose our tail. We can cross check them against my list.
[he whispers, so quiet that a mic would pick up more of the noises of the elevator than of his words. but he doubts there to be a mic here. it wasn't a suitable location for one. a camera would suffice for the hero commission.
he had considered using his phone to type out the message, but it could be tracked too. in his line of work, only quiet verbal words were the advantage.]
[ dabi tries to clear his head as the numbers fall. there's so much rattling around in his head right now that he doesn't know what to do with. he doesn't want to feel this way anymore. he came into this whole thing tonight so openly, and now he feels ruined by it.
they just have to get out of dodge first and foremost. that's all that really matters right now, and then they'll go from there. if they can get rid of whoever is following them around, it'll buy them some time.
dabi plans on finding that person and giving them a very slow, painful and fiery death.
he gets yanked out of his thoughts when keigo is suddenly very close at his side and touching him. he tenses up hard when he leans in close, his whole body heating up in anger, but he quickly shoves it down. he didn't go through all this shit just to burn them down in an elevator. but then keigo is whispering in his ear and his gaze slides over to keigo's lips when he's done talking. he doesn't feel like looking into his eyes.
dabi knows the guards don't ever see him come and go. he doubts some shithead in the army does either. he has his ways of getting around this building.
when the elevator doors open, they don't stop on the ground floor. they stop on the second, and dabi head's out towards the back of the building to a set of stairs, glancing at keigo. ]
Ya know, not everyone in this building's got a fancy penthouse like you. They gotta do their laundry downstairs.
[hopefully they can discover who it is that’s following them. the sooner they’re gone, the better. keigo has more than a few questions for them. all regarding over the hero commission.
whatever dabi wants to do with them after, he doesn’t care. let the villain have his fun.
keigo was too angry that they put his lover in danger, and told his handlers all his secrets. but, he knows he can’t blame them for everything. he has done his own fair share of deceiving dabi.
the villain tensing and heating his body up gets keigo to flinch. he doesn’t pull away though, because he’s trying to keep anyone from seeing their conversation. he silently says an apology to the villain in his head, knows he doesn’t have the right to come so close like before.
golden eyes catch the way dabi centers on his lips though. anytime before, he would ask for a kiss here. as much as he wants to, he won’t. he can’t. he’s ruined everything between them.
the elevator stoping has keigo pulling away, head bowing as he follows dabi. the second floor? he’ll leave it too dabi to get them out freely.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[boyfriend was kind of juvenile, despite that keigo instinctively thinks of it when referring to the villain as his. maybe lover? he thinks of that term to describe dabi too.
the hero is grateful that dabi lets him speak, that the villain doesn't automatically come to conclusions without the details provided. keigo wanted to be honest here, because he does trust dabi. and he knows he can't do this all on his own.]
Yeah. But there's more to that too.
[more to everything. he is scared here, but keigo is also relieved in a way to admit all of this.
with a nod of his head, keigo leaves the kitchen, going to his couch. his wings are curled close to his body from his nerves, some feathers fretting enough to leave and fall to the floor. keigo leaves them be, will clean them up later.]
When I first searched you out, I thought maybe...we could use each other. Maybe you could kill my handlers and the entire hero commission operation before they could build back up. I'm sorry. It was selfish of me. I am glad I stuck around enough to see more to everything you and Twice and the others represent.
[again, he comes to swallow, feathers trembling. he has to say it.]
And, you were right before. I was hired as a spy. But I only accepted so I could finally get rid of them. My reports have been minimal with information. There was never anything about you and me, and barely what we discussed. I can show you my reports and my messages to them though, and their responses. I'm sorry, Dabi. I..I just, if I couldn't make it work with you, then I'm sure they would lock me away to service their business associates. I...I really thought maybe this was my way out of their control.
[he finds himself closing his eyes tightly. whatever relief he felt earlier is gone and he feels so damn cold and scared. he keeps telling himself that he trusted dabi though.]
But they were a step ahead. After one of our fights, a big one, I started to suspect they knew what you meant to me. They threatened to reveal your current location at the time to Endeavor. I..I don't know how they knew it, so I began investigating. As soon as I was introduced to Twice and the others, I cut off contact with my handlers. Or..I tried. I told them I was being watched and listened, hoping I was out of their reach far enough now that it was okay. But, a few weeks ago, they threatened to lock my mom away. I don't..she sold me, but, I..I still love her. Despite that, I didn't answer, and...they threatened you. Again, with Endeavor. They even brought up that they knew we were sleeping together, that I..I..that I was leaving them, to be with you. I don't know, I..I flew to Endeavor and gave them what they wanted. I don't know how they know all of this, but someone has been watching us. It's why I've been acting friendly to everyone in the army, so I can find them, and annihilate them before they can hurt you or Twice or anyone else. But I can't figure out who it is. And I know their first order is to get you to control me. And..I...I need help. I can't stop or hold them off any longer.
no subject
[dabi never really though about that, but it could work. still, if keigo thinks about him a certain way he doesn't want to stop that. he thought maybe he did, but he doesn't really feel like it anymore. maybe a different thing to call each other would be better.
they clearly aren't enemies anymore. they're not even really fuck buddies either, are they.
seems like such a small thing though, considering the rest of what keigo tells him. dabi gets it. he gets every last bit of why keigo would want to leave him. why he'd turn his back on them and want to dismantle the whole damn thing. but... there's more to it than even that, and all dabi can do right now is follow keigo over to the couch and sit near him, a frown on his face.
he eyes the feathers falling along the floor for a moment. he knows that means this is bad and keigo is fucking nervous.
at first it's everything he though it might've been, but then slowly it just starts twisting into something dabi isn't even sure how he can deal with. it's a lot, and it starts twisting deep inside his gut, filling his veins with a growing anger and revulsion. the final straw is Endeavor, and it shakes him to his core. Do they know who he is? Does Keigo know who he really is?
dabi looks at him with fiery eyes, hands curling into fists. he can feel his emotions building, along with his heat, and he can't sit here anymore. not when all of this is being brought to light.
he wanted to fix whatever was going on with him and keigo, but now this is a whole different thing. this is why it would never work out between them. there's all this garbage in the way.]
And I'm just supposed to... what? Fuckin' believe this? After everythin', after findin' out you were a fuckin' spy. You... how the fuck am I supposed to believe you?
[he stands up, dragging his fingers through his hair as he moves away. he needs some space. he wants to get out of here. none of this makes sense, even though it very much should. this is bullshit.]
If this was true you would've fuckin' told me from the start!
[there was so much of this that keigo could have told him before, but didn't. if he had been hired as a spy but only accepted to get rid of them, keigo would have told him. but he didn't, and now it all just seems like a made up scheme. something for endeavor and the rest of them to weed him and the league out.]
Do you know? Do you know who I am, then? Did they tell ya?
no subject
he might die here tonight. this was grounds for death. keigo, despite being a hero and understanding death quite well, he's scared of it. rather, he's scared of the impact it would have on dabi. he might be a villain, but dabi still had a soft side that keigo has seen. he hates that he's tarnishing it here though. he should have been honest a long time ago.
dabi's reaction is justified. more than that, even. keigo doesn't expect the villain to believe him. he expects his lover to turn away and never talk to him again, if he doesn't burn him down first.]
I know...I know you can't..and won't believe me. I'm sorry, Dabi. I am.
[like the villain, keigo gets to his feet. he does allow dabi his space though, coming to stand near the window, wrapping his arms around him. he's fretting even more now, feathers puffed from his upset nature, trembling that they'll be burn down, along with the rest of keigo.
lost, sad golden orbs come to focus back on dabi though, as the villain brings up his own person.]
No, I don't know who you are. Just as Dabi.
[he's honest, but how can the villain know that? in fact, he's surprised that the villain is so sure they know who he is. did they? despite demanding he find out?? he wouldn't be surprised, but...just, who was dabi then?
no. he didn't deserve to ask that. not here.]
Dabi, I...I know you can't forgive me or trust me again. But I do want to help you and the others. I can give you my notes, who I think might be watching us. If we can get them to talk, they might be able to provide more intel. And..and I do have my reports with my handlers. I recorded each one.
[but that was to use against them when the time came, for their illegal endeavors. even if it may have locked him up too. he didn't care. he had to get rid of that organization as a whole.]
Please, please let me help.
[they don't have a lot of time here. his handlers will find out soon. he has to give it one last shot, even if it kills him. he had to get rid of them, no matter the cost. his life can easily be replaced. but the hero commission will always be around.]
...before they kill or cage me, let me help where I can.
no subject
[dabi asks, as if that's the most insane thing he's ever heard- because right now it is. how can keigo be sorry after all of this? how can he even begin to explain this in a way that's going to make sense?
and then there's keigo talking about Endeavor, and doing things for him, and how they threatened him with his father. If Keigo knows Endeavor is his father, then what? Is it all over? Is everything he's been planning just going to fall through his fingers?
he can't imagine keigo wouldn't make some sort of connection after that.]
I don't fucking believe you.
[dabi growls out lowly, and now he really doesn't know what do. does keigo not know who he is? is he lying? he has far too many questions, and he feels so... betrayed. he feels so hurt, especially after how much he wanted to fix things tonight.]
What makes you think I'd want anythin' from you? How the fuck do I even know what ya give me is real? I knew it. I fuckin' knew it. If ya wanted to give us the information, that's what you would've been givin' us all along.
[he should burn keigo alive at this point. his hands heat up as he looks at the other man, thinking exactly that.]
You fuckin' lied to me. All this time? I asked you. I fuckin' asked you. I was ready to... fuck. I was tryin'a figure this shit out to be with you, and you just...
no subject
he desperately reminds himself that dabi deserved to know the truth, even if it meant tarnishing their relationship. he had to protect dabi. and twice. toga. the others there. he may not agree with using violence or pain, or those with psychotic tendencies, but he understood the villains he met. he even understood Re-Destro's book, and oddly clicked with it.
briefly, he can't find the words to say. he told dabi why. he doesn't want to repeat them. he knows how the villain can get when he's fixated on something, and he knows the spying is a sore spot. despite that keigo hadn't provided his handlers much of what they didn't already know. hell, their other informant must be providing more now, especially knowing of his relationship with dabi.
he can feel the heat in the room growing, and keigo can't stop the way he looks at his lover in fear. there's no secret how weak he is to fire. but the thought of someone he cares for this deeply to threaten him with it, that's a new fear he doesn't think he can hide. his feathers are useless, driven by his fear, and it oddly enough reminds him of his childhood days in that old broken home when his dad would get home...]
Dabi, please...
[and he looks to his door, as if expecting to see the parade of handlers coming by. they were always a step ahead. if his home isn't already bugged despite how often keigo checks for cameras and audio devices, dabi leaving angry may tip off the informant.
this might really be his last stand.]
It..It was the only way I could meet with you. They're always....They'll never let me go. Please..you said....you said you would save me. Please don't..
[his voice wavers from decades of fear and he can feel tears blurring his vision. he backs up to the wall, far more scared than he ever expected to be. death never scared him like this, not as a hero anyway. he could go into battle and fight, and if it meant his last fight, then that was fine. however, his handlers always knew how to keep him terrified, to use different techniques and punishments to keep him in line. hell, they often sourced out to anyone with a thick hand that can do their dirty work.]
I'm not lying! I'm not. I promise I'm not. Dabi...please..don't let them take me.
no subject
the fact is, that to him, keigo's story doesn't make sense. bits and pieces of it do, but why didn't he just tell him from the start? dabi had asked him why he wanted to join the league. he asked him what keigo was after, but keigo said none of this.
what hurts the most are the lies of course... but that keigo didn't trust him enough to tell him before. all this talk of no secrets between them, and the two of them being together. Us. It all feels like a lie and it's tearing dabi up inside.
and then... keigo's handlers know? how did they find out about the two of them? and if they threatened him with Endeavor... they must know. they have to know who he is, even if keigo swears he doesn't.
it feels like everything he worked towards is crumbling apart. all his life, and here with keigo. ]
Ya did lie to me! Why the fuck did you lie to me!?
[he yells, feeling sparks of blue prickling his fingertips.]
I was gonna help you! I was gonna fuckin' save you! But ya didn't even tell me the truth. And now you're tellin' me they know about us? What are they gonna do?
[he curls his hands into tighter fists, trying to keep his flames from moving up his arms. he's so angry he could burn this whole place down. but keigo looks so terrified. he looks scared to death. dabi doesn't know what to do, and really, and a part of dabi thinks he deserves it.]
If ya didn't want them to take you, ya should've fuckin' told me. Ya should've trusted me. Sounds like they know all about me now too, though. No fuckin' way am I stickin' around.
no subject
[they were always watching and keigo could never pinpoint where. there was always that thought that dabi could have been an informant for them, given what little detail he could discover of the villain. but as time grew, he learned to trust the villain. and then his goals shifted and other issues were created.
the blue fires coming to life get keigo to return his fearful gaze back on the villain. it has him trembling again. he would back up more instinctively, but he's already pressed against the wall.]
I never told them about us! I always..I never told them anything about you. But they know. They know I would do anything for...you.
[but who was always watching them? who could keep so many eyes on them when they're together?]
I don't...
[he trails off, feeling his breath leaving him. it crushes keigo to hear dabi pulling away from him, and he can hear his heart beating in his ears. his chest pulls hard from the buildup of anxiety. fear was so impossibly strong that it makes his legs quiver, almost ready to drop the hero to the floor.
he wasn't going to make it, he's coming to realize. no. maybe he knew he wouldn't when he decided to tell dabi all of this. the lying was obviously too big for dabi to save him here. it's like his handlers were already here, wrapping a thick collar tight around his neck. he can't breathe, but keigo realizes he's holding it back himself.
his one last stand has slipped from under him, and he's like icarus that got too close to the sun. what more can he say?]
...go. You should probably go then.
[his handlers might even be on their way too. he wants to doubt it, but he doesn't know where they're listening from. he's only told dabi about needing to be saved outside of his home purposely for a reason. defeated and dejectedly, he slides down to the floor. he can't tell if it was worst to be burned alive by someone he cared so much for, or whatever punishment waiting for him by his handlers.]
Please...before you're caught.
no subject
It makes Dabi think that there's more to it, and that Keigo really is a spy who is going to give him up to his handlers. There's no way out of this for the villain. Endeavor must know who he really is by now.
Why couldn't Keigo have waited till they had the safety to talk? Dabi is sure that's a dead giveaway.]
How the fuck did ya think this was gonna work out if you were bullshitting me the whole time!
[Dabi growls, realization hitting him about so many things.]
You knew they knew about us. Ya fuckin' acted like ya didn't want em to find out about me but they already knew and ya kept puttin' me in danger! Or is that what ya wanted? Did ya give Endeavor all the information about me too? Let me guess, his dick's bigger than mine.
[Dabi narrows his eyes at the pitiful sight in front of him. That Keigo even has the nerve to react this way is really something.]
All this fuckin time you were askin' me to believe in ya, to help ya. But all you were doin' instead was givin' me bullshit. You reap what you sow, ya lying piece a shit.
[Dabi came here because he wanted this so badly. Because he thought maybe he could have something good, something worth opening up for. He's never felt so betrayed in his life. With a sound of disgust he let's his flames die out and goes to grab his things.]
Hero scum, just like the rest of em. I'm gonna burn ya all down.
no subject
all he can do from here to protect him and the league however he can.
still, he can't help how his gaze shows his hurt over dabi's accusations of endeavor. he never slept with the hero. never had any intention of doing so. he liked the hero enough, but he's only really wanted dabi after their relationship began to deepen. even when he didn't have to, he was faithful to the villain in front of him.]
I didn't..I never told him anything.
[he says with a shaky, small voice. he doesn't know why he tries here, considering how dabi's jealousy tended to take over, and with such anger and pain, he doubts it would help any to deny anything.
he tries even not to wince when dabi deliberately says he deserves this. maybe it breaks him even more. keigo can't find it within himself to fight because his lover is saying just what his inner, darker thoughts do. it makes him...give up, and he stares down at the floor, no longer able to fight, because dabi is right.
he hears the villain speaking more, and if he had any will, he'd try to beg his lover to kill him. but he doesn't. he doesn't even know what dabi is doing or grabbing. it doesn't matter anymore, does it? he tried. he did. he tried his best to explain, but it didn't matter. nothing ever did in his case. he really thought dabi could protect him, save him like he begged, but the secrecy that keigo hid himself in was just too much.
someone like dabi was too good to be true.
if he's lucky, maybe his old lover will read his thoughts and set this building on fire for him.]
no subject
[how many lies did keigo feed him? how many times did he swear he was telling the truth, when he was hiding all of this, over and over again. he knew he shouldn't have trusted a damn pro-hero, but he got so stupid. he let keigo in, and he'll never make that mistake again.
the worst part is, it hurts. it hurts so intensely as he gets ready to leave this place and never come back. how stupid of him to think that he could ever be worth something good. that he could ever have something real. especially with a hero, no less. he can't believe how stupid he was.
he doesn't look back as he leaves, knowing full well he has to warn the others. he doesn't know how he's going to break this to them, because he doesn't even want to give them the details. how can he tell them about what the two of them did? what they had? how can he explain it coldly as if none of this ever meant anything to him?
dabi makes it to the elevator before he stops, realizing there's blood running down his face. this is the end of it. this is the end of everything. if even a little bit of what keigo said is true, they're going to go after the army with full force, and he'll never see keigo again. what will they really do to him? dabi can't stop thinking about that terrified look on keigo's face. he knows that look. he used to have it on his own face all the time when he was younger. would they really do that to the famous number two?
without even thinking he turns. he moves quickly back to the penthouse, his hear hammering hard in his chest. he feels like he's choking on his own breathes, dizzy as his mind races with all the terrible ways this could end. dabi isn't a hero. he's a villain, through and through. when touya died and dabi raised from the ashes, it was never going to be any other way. but as he heads back inside and over to keigo, he does what he wishes someone would have done for him. it's what he dreamt about every night. ]
Come on. Get the fuck up. Let's get outta here.
[he holds a hand out to Keigo, staring at the curled up form crouched on the floor.]
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and, honestly, he can't find the motivation to do that. it would mean putting dabi in harms way, more than before. twice too. everyone he's begun to care about. maybe even his little intern. the hero commission didn't stick to boundaries of what was right and what was wrong. they did as they pleased. they were the true evils of the world.
to have some secret informant under their care, it must mean they've always doubted him. or planned to use him. he was disposable. it didn't matter that he was the number two hero. he can see the headlines that 'number two hero hawks forced to retire due to villain incident' and he would be swept under the rug, under the hands of the hero commission. he only made it to the number two spot by being forced to sleep with those who could make the decision. he hated it. but it was decided of him.
everything was decided of him, from the moment he was born.
keigo doesn't realize the puddle of tears that begun to gather on the floor. he feels so cold, about to face his greatest fear. he's always been threatened to never bite the hand that feeds him. they've promised to destroy him immensely, make him beg for death. he failed in his endeavors to put a stop to them. they'll easily replace him with someone suitable. they'll kill twice, toga...dabi..
the door opening has him freezing and he's sure this is it. they really were that fast? he can't even look up, heart hammering in his chest, a look of dread in his eyes. this was it. to face the greatest evil he knew-
dabi's voice fills the room and keigo snaps his head up. he can't hide away his fear, but there's confusion there. dabi...left, didn't he? was this just his imagination playing tricks on him? no way was dabi here, offering his hand out.
he tries mouthing words, can't find his voice from his fear. he wants to take the hand though. wants to desperately be saved. that's all he wanted. but he doesn't deserve it. dabi was right. he deserved everything coming to him.]
I..don't...
[deserve you to save me.]
They'll..catch you. You have to go.
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dabi's devastation right now is less about what'll happen to him or the league, even the army. it's what he's going to lose right in front of him if he just walks away. whatever keigo is most upset about though, dabi doesn't care. he fell too hard for this idiot who's probably just using him, but he can't just let it end like this. there's this weak, emotional side of him that just won't let go.
keigo is frustrating, just looking at him like a deer in headlights without taking his hand. dabi growls under his breath and reaches down to grab at keigo's arm and hoist him up.]
Fuckin' stupid bird. When someone offers you a hand ya take it. Doesn't happen all too often.
[he knows firsthand. no one ever offered him one. he knows no one ever did for the rest of the league, either.]
They'll catch both of us if ya don't move your ass and come with me. Now let's fuckin' go.
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no. he doesn’t deserve it.
he deserves everything coming to him. for the pain and torture of his handlers. it was stupid to have fallen in love with dabi, but he did. to trust the villain like he did, like he still does. dabi, the others in the league, he wants to protect them. the most he can do is keep silent from whatever torture techniques his handlers bestow onto him. he can do that much.
but dabi is so persistent, taking his arm and pulling the hero up with strength he didn’t expect the villain to have.]
Dabi-!
[why? why bother with him?
keigo starts to stumble, but follows. his wings feel so heavy on his back, defeated and lost all on their own. he can move one foot after the other though, following like a lost puppy.]
I don’t-you shouldn’t...Why? You were right earlier.
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he hates how much that twists around inside of him, red flags going off in his head that this is probably a trap, and yet he can't leave keigo behind. god, he really is a fucking idiot. how did this happen to him?
that last comment sets him off again and he turns quickly, grabbing keigo by the collar to keep him from stumbling back, heated blue eyes on him now. ]
Yeah, I know I was fuckin' right! and this is probably a trap, but I...
[he stops himself. it's too much. he's angry, confused, scared of what'll happen if endeavor really knows who he is now. but there's also a reason he couldn't just leave keigo here if there was even a small chance of the truth anywhere in his words.]
They ain't listenin' to us now, are they? ya said a lotta shit that doesn't add up or make any sense so just give it to me straight, no bullshit. if they could hear us now i'd be dead already, right? They only got eyes on us?
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he wants to desperately believe in dabi though. believe he’s right to come along like he so wants. he’d have to face his deepest fear if he stayed there. but his mind is twisted at the moment, fighting back and forth, body easily able to come along with dabi.
but his words must have angered the villain because suddenly he’s taken at the collar and he winces, instinctively pressing his hands at dabi’s wrists from fear. quietly, he listens though, eyebrows furrowed.
dabi stops himself though at mid-sentence.
until he continues anyway, and keigo can’t help but stare deep into those blue eyes.]
I-I don’t...Yes. Only eyes. As far as I’m aware. I check, I check my penthouse often. But..they know a lot about us. And I’ve never left any kind of trail about us. I never included you in my reports, we’re always secretive...
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It's as if what Dabi wants to do, or help with means nothing. At least he doesn't know that bullshit, though. He'd be furious.
Especially after his brain is waring with the feelings he doesn't want to say out loud.]
Ya didn't fucking thing that was an important thing to tell me? I should fuckin' burn you alive.
[he growls, but the heat in his hands only goes so far before he's able to calm himself down and try to figure this out. He's doing this. He has to.]
We just act normal, then. We leave like there ain't anythin' wrong and we just keep goin' till we can lose their trail. If ya got any ideas on who it is? Now's the time to tell me. Well, ya fuckin should have told me ages ago but here we are.
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of course he wants to leave with dabi. wants to be saved like he’s asked. to leave the hero commission’s demise within dabi’s hands. he wants that, more than anything.
his darker thoughts hold onto the abusive words he always keep at bay behind big smiles and loud laughs. dabi can’t forgive him and neither can he, but at least his body follows along obediently.
although, the villain’s threat almost gets keigo to ask for death. he doesn’t want to die. not here and not like this. he even feels dabi heat up his hands and keigo just about allows it. dabi stops himself though, it seems.
keigo doesn’t understand why, but he doesn’t question it.]
Someone within the meta army. They weren’t part of the League. I have about ten suspects.
[he admits softly. he knows the names by heart. the ones he’s done enough research on.]
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dabi doesn't think he has to tell him that, especially when he's putting so much of himself into this even after what keigo just unloaded on him.
but maybe dabi will realize all over again that that's what pro-heroes do, no matter who they are, and no matter how much he gave a shit about them. just like his father, once upon a time.
and yet, keigo was the one expecting dabi to save him. even now after all of this, and all the lies he told, that's what he was begging for. and dabi is the one who has to put all this shit aside and do it anyway. it's far from being fair, but it's also stupid, and that's what he knows he is. stupid.
keigo is telling him that these commission fucks and probably all the pro-heroes know about them... about him, and yet keigo is the one who wants to die. the stupid bird is lucky that this villain cares about him so much. maybe it'll be over after all of this, but at least he can try to keep himself and keigo alive.
and the more keigo talks, the more he tells him, dsbi utterly can't believe his lover didn't tell him about what was going on. it truly tears him up inside. ]
I can't fuckin' believe this. All'a this fuckin' time. Ya just let me be there with 'em anyways. Ya didn't say a damn thing. Feels like ya don't give a single shit about me, Keigo. That even your name?
[maybe keigo really doesn't give a shit about him. it could all be an act, a plan, a trick. he wonders how he became so weak to this stupid bird. that was probably all part of it too.]
Let's just fuckin' go. We'll crash somewhere tonight and figure shit out, then go back like there ain't a single thing wrong. We'll talk to the League.
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it's not that keigo even has given up completely forever. it's taking longer to process what is being said and what is being done. the dark thoughts he once found solace in don't help matters. his true and pure feelings for dabi is what keeps him there, at the villain's side. he's not crumbled on the ground, awaiting his demise like earlier.
it hurts to hear the accusing words that he doesn't care over dabi. it's why he cares that they're in this mess. but he's not going to fight the villain on this. he's told dabi everything, and the villain only focuses on the smaller parts. yet it was enough to land them both here.
he's given so much of himself. his true self. he's been honest with dabi without expecting it in return.]
You're going to get yourself caught.
[he pulls back from dabi's grip at his collar, keeping his gaze averted. he can't look into those eyes again.]
They'll hunt me down...you should leave me here. I'm not worth it. I'm only good for one thing, and it might be enough to keep the hero commission from coming after you.
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he should be more than relieved that dabi came back for him, instead of being... whatever this is. what was the point of any of this, then? Dabi can't stand it. and yet, keigo still thinks he's focusing on the smaller parts. as if these are the smaller parts of anything. dabi is focusing on exactly what he needs to be focused on, and the fact that keigo can't see that even now is alarming.
what was he thinking? why wouldn't he tell dabi such crucial pieces of what was going on. dabi can't understand that, and it really seems like he doesn't care, especially when time and time again they went back to the army. dabi stayed with them. and even when he spoke up about how he felt about them, keigo said nothing.
at this point, there's nothing that keigo gave him aside from a name that dabi is doubtful is even his at this point. why should he believe it, when everything
has been a lie? ]
No, you're gonna get me caught, so get your head outta your ass and fuckin' do somethin' useful. If we don't move now, we might not get a fuckin' chance.
[dabi furrows his eyebrows when keigo pulls away, anger rushing through him again. why is keigo doing this? did they mean nothing? he swallows hard and slowly it starts to sink in.... maybe it didn't. keigo is fighting him even now, wanting to stay behind.]
After all the shit ya just told me, I came back for you. And you're just...
[dabi feels that blinding dizziness again, his heart hammering in his chest. he isn't going to force this. god, he fucking wants to, but he can't.]
Your choice.
[dabi shakes his head, dragging his fingers through his hair, and then he backs away, heading for the door again.]
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he can also come to explain the finer details that are getting mixed into all of this. all the hero can do is the next right thing for dabi and the league. even if it means going to his handlers on hands and knees to do so. it was foolish to have come this far and expect to be saved. a longing from a child forced into this.
dabi might hate him, but it's for the best. he was truthful earlier when he told the villain that he couldn't get him out of tartarus.
despite what the villain may think, keigo cares more than anything about dabi, and it's why he pulls away and offers to stay behind. why else would he face his greatest fear if not for this man right here?
but, it pulls deeply at him, to hear dabi say so openly that he had come back for him. it stops the hero, makes him think. he had seen the action, of course, but his mind is a muddy mess and he can't see the clear picture right in front of him. it's dangerous. it's futile. he was risking dabi's life.
watching the villain walk away, keigo gives a final look to his penthouse.
it takes only a brief second for the hero to decide. he sheds most of his feathers, using a few to grab him a large hoodie from his closet. he's walking after dabi as he pulls the jacket on, his wings small and tucked close to his body while the hood is pulled over his head. it's not the first time he's gone out in disguise, and if anyone was watching them, it would look like he was doing a mission with dabi. normal.
it also helps because keigo doesn't think he can muster acting his usual self if they do have a tail. at least here, he can hide beneath the large hoodie.
he doesn't say anything as he comes to dabi's heel, just waiting for the villain to lead the way.]
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all the pro-heroes, all of the commission, they're already coming after him. they've been coming after him before he even knew keigo. he's a villain, in the most wanted terrorist group in japan. what exactly has keigo thought the heroes have been doing to them all this time??
dabi's entire world is reeling now. at least keigo knew what he was doing. he knew what his deception was and where it would lead. he was after this very thing from both dabi and the rest of them. dabi fell right for it, and maybe he's falling for it again. his world is crumbling, and yet he's the one who has to get them out of this mess now, because keigo is... dabi doesn't know what keigo is doing, but he doesn't understand it.
this is what he wanted. this was keig's goal, he wanted to be saved. he put them in danger and didn't really give a shit what would happen to dabi in the end, seeing as he only told him all of this now. and yet when dabi wants to do for him exactly what keigo wanted, he's acting like a goddamn martyr.
maybe that's what is making him angriest of all. it feels like it was all for nothing.
having to walk away a second time is almost worse than the first, because he tried. he put his fucking heart on his sleeve again and keigo pulled away from him. he tries to tell himself that it doesn't matter. none of this matters. he only had one goal and he should have stuck to it. he can be that way again. he can flush out all the softness that somehow seeped into his cracks, and harden his heart again. and if endeavor already knows who he is, then he only has one job left anyway, and then he can be done.
he doesn't expect keigo to be at his heels a moment later, but he doesn't feel relief. his heart feels too battered for it now. when he first went back for keigo he might've at least been able to pretend everything was okay between the two of them for prying eyes, but now... he doesn't know if he can pull it off. maybe it'll just look like they're having a fight. it wouldn't be the first time, even if they've never really been out in public while going through something like that.
he leads them into the service elevator and fixes his own disguise, then stands back and watches the numbers as they go down. ]
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the villain had deceived plenty on his trail before, so if anyone was following them, maybe they could get away freely for the evening. their follower would be forced to return to the meta army, or a safe house themself. he's sure they're unaware that keigo had been investigating them.
he needs to tell dabi. whether or not the villain will want to bother or believe him is another story. but at least keigo could think two steps ahead when it came to the hero commission and their strategies.
once safely in the elevator, keigo can't help but to keep his gaze fixated on the ground. he can blame it on the disguise, despite that no one was around but the two of them. there might be a camera in the elevator though. they had to be careful. too many under the clutch of the hero commission knew how to read lips. keigo was one of them, but he generally used his feathers to listen in.
speaking of, he felt something off with them. it might be nothing but-
reaching forward, he presses a hand to dabi's arm and stands on tiptoes to lean in close. his mouth is obscured by the villain's hair, and maybe to most, it would look like an affectionate gesture. but if eyes are on them, even through a camera, he had to take whatever steps he could to keep them from being noticed.]
There's ten extra guards on the ground floor, four near the back. And, you should have Twice watch and write the names of anyone who comes in tonight at the base after we lose our tail. We can cross check them against my list.
[he whispers, so quiet that a mic would pick up more of the noises of the elevator than of his words. but he doubts there to be a mic here. it wasn't a suitable location for one. a camera would suffice for the hero commission.
he had considered using his phone to type out the message, but it could be tracked too. in his line of work, only quiet verbal words were the advantage.]
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they just have to get out of dodge first and foremost. that's all that really matters right now, and then they'll go from there. if they can get rid of whoever is following them around, it'll buy them some time.
dabi plans on finding that person and giving them a very slow, painful and fiery death.
he gets yanked out of his thoughts when keigo is suddenly very close at his side and touching him. he tenses up hard when he leans in close, his whole body heating up in anger, but he quickly shoves it down. he didn't go through all this shit just to burn them down in an elevator. but then keigo is whispering in his ear and his gaze slides over to keigo's lips when he's done talking. he doesn't feel like looking into his eyes.
dabi knows the guards don't ever see him come and go. he doubts some shithead in the army does either. he has his ways of getting around this building.
when the elevator doors open, they don't stop on the ground floor. they stop on the second, and dabi head's out towards the back of the building to a set of stairs, glancing at keigo. ]
Ya know, not everyone in this building's got a fancy penthouse like you. They gotta do their laundry downstairs.
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whatever dabi wants to do with them after, he doesn’t care. let the villain have his fun.
keigo was too angry that they put his lover in danger, and told his handlers all his secrets. but, he knows he can’t blame them for everything. he has done his own fair share of deceiving dabi.
the villain tensing and heating his body up gets keigo to flinch. he doesn’t pull away though, because he’s trying to keep anyone from seeing their conversation. he silently says an apology to the villain in his head, knows he doesn’t have the right to come so close like before.
golden eyes catch the way dabi centers on his lips though. anytime before, he would ask for a kiss here. as much as he wants to, he won’t. he can’t. he’s ruined everything between them.
the elevator stoping has keigo pulling away, head bowing as he follows dabi. the second floor? he’ll leave it too dabi to get them out freely.]
Yeah...
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