Author's note: This chapter is going to be rough for some people but theres good before the bad. I welcome feedback but dont hate me!

Disclaimer: This story is rated for content and mentions of subject matter that is potentially trigger inducing and rough. You've read this far so you have an idea of what to expect.

Chapter 39 - Cruel Reality

Keigo was sitting on the sofa with his phone in hand. It was almost midnight the following night after he had gone to the hospital with Soji, Sion and Jin. His mother was still being held there and Soji wanted to stay with her. Keigo had said he would be fine at home because he had a few things to finish up with Jin (and Dabi). On his flight home, he sent a text to let Dabi know he would be home alone if the older teen was able to come. Which led to the front door locked, Keigo still dressed in his jeans and t-shirt waiting for his friend to inform him of where he would be. He was ready to go any time, glasses on his head and headphones around his neck.

Cloak and Spy had gotten a report from him during the day from the hospital and said they would go over more details when he returned to the Commission in a few days. They had given him time to spend with his family since Azumi was still hospitalized. The affair had been broadcast on the news, so they wanted to be as friendly as possible over it all. The Heroes Public Safety Commission didn't want to be seen as heartless to the victims of this horrible crime. Even if their people didn't resolve it, they had been involved from the start and made sure the public knew they had taken point on all of it. Jin was spending time resting and talking to his grandmother so that Keigo could catch up with Dabi.

The phone chimed and Keigo snapped it open quickly to read the text.

'Roof'

He was out the back door and racing up to the roof in a record time. A few flaps was all it took to get him to the roof, which gave him an idea of how much stronger he had gotten since both boys were last up here. Landing easily on the ground, his wings were poised behind him as if he were ready to rise up into the air again. His golden eyes were on the tall lanky teenager with dark hair and bright turquoise eyes that looked like they were glowing. "Hey birdy." The distance was closed between them and Keigo held him tight in a hug.

"Thank you. Thank you so much for everything. Not just the other night but helping my mom before and sticking around. For reading my texts and just- I miss you. I miss you so much it hurts." Toya held onto his friend and turned his gaze to the door leading downstairs. "Yeah, I got that. I tried to tell you I was alive, just busy." Keigo nodded and loosened the hug, allowing Toya to move to the railing and lean on it. Moving to lean next to him, Keigo didn't want to look away, memorizing every new detail since the last time they were both up here. "I know but dad wouldn't give me my phone right away and I only got it back after Jin showed up to help me through it."

Toya smiled a little, a soft gesture that should have looked out of place on his scarred and sutured face, but for Keigo it didn't. "Jin's good people. I kept him updated because he was so off the radar for the Commission and my family." Keigo looked down at the ground, his golden eyes sad as he smiled, a finger absently tracing the turquoise cat's eye studs he wore in his ears. "More trustworthy than me?" The two exchanged a look with a long pause of silence before Toya looked up at the moon, his eyes glowing faintly in reflection. "It's not that and you know it." Keigo looked down as Toya leaned closer. "The Commission can pull any information they want whenever they want from your mind. They have agents who specialize in stealth and torture so it makes sense they could pull information unwillingly from someone. The only reason they haven't is probably because they had no reason to and because your dad and uncles are protecting you. You had to think I was gone for good or unfindable."

Gripping the railing, Keigo knew everything To- no, Dabi was saying was true. Toya was gone and this was Dabi. He had to let that memory go and keep his friend safe if he wanted to see him again. "Are you going to keep the phone?" Dabi thought about it as he slid the basic flip phone from his pocket. "I shouldn't, it's too risky now." Keigo closed his eyes, expecting to hear the phone get tossed over the railing or smashed onto the ground. "But then, who would you send texts to when you get bored?" Gold eyes looked at turquoise ones, full of hope as Dabi laughed. "Yes I'm going to keep the phone. What would you do without me?" Keigo grinned and bumped Dabi in the side as he let his wings flutter, the dark maroon looked like royal purple under the moonlight, and Dabi was unable to resist brushing his hands along both of Keigo's wings.

"What are you going to do now?" Keigo asked as he shifted his wings to give Dabi better access to them. The taller teenager shrugged and moved his hands down along the soft dark feathers. "Probably travel for a bit. You have less than two years left with the Commission, so I'll make sure to be back around then. There's a guy who has been talking about his ideals on hero society. My friend introduced me to him and I agree with a lot of what he says. I might go talk to him a bit." There was a nod from the blonde as he spoke softly. "I hope it's everything you expect it to be. Am I following those ideals?" Dabi nodded. "Yeah. You want to be a hero to help people. Not for fame or money. You are a real hero, not like my dad. My dad is the kind of person Stain doesn't like or agree with."

Keigo was quiet for a moment before changing the subject from Dabi's father to his family. "I check in on your siblings for you from time to time. Fuyami is taking care of your brothers as best as she can. We chat every other week on the phone. Natsuo is going to be graduating soon and Shoto will be finishing primary school. They have a shrine for you in the house. I saw it when Mom took me to drop off a Christmas gift once."

Dabi listened and moved his hands closer to the base of Keigo's wings, his warm hands seemed to sooth the fluttering of the feathers. "Thank you. I didn't expect you to keep in touch with them. Would it be ok if I asked you to keep checking in on them?" Keigo nodded as he gripped the railing harder, his head drooping a bit at the warm touch. "Of course. Anything you need." Dabi hm'd lightly as he corrected some more feathers and started petting the full length of Keigo's wings, his heart beating fast as his eyes couldn't look away from the crimson winged angel in front of him. He didn't feel this way around Lina, and that realization made his movements pause.

The younger blonde shuddered at the feeling of warm hands on his wings and closed his eyes, leaning into the touch with his head down now. He had felt his mother play with his wings, and Sasha did it when she was adjusting them for photos or costuming. It never felt the same as when Toya did it. Dabi. When Dabi did it. Tender and warm, as if his wings were a valuable artifact that could break if the tall black haired teenager wasn't careful. He felt warm fingers on his chin, tilting his head to look up into glowing blue eyes that stole his very breath away. Gold met blue, blue looked into gold and closed the distance slowly, as if giving the younger teenager time to say no.

But Keigo didn't want to say no. He held his breath, his heart beating so loud it thumped into his ears, and his neck and face felt hot all over. This felt right. More right than anything he had experienced, and it wasn't just him, Dabi obviously felt the same, or why else would he be moving so close that their noses touched briefly, making them both pause. The moment froze into their memory as they both waited to see what the other would do. How long had this feeling been lingering in both of their minds? How long had it been growing and yearning to be recognized?

Their foreheads touched and Keigo felt a warm hand gently cover his own still gripping the railing. "Keigo-" Dabi started to speak in a low tone, but the moment was shattered when the rooftop door slammed open, causing both boys to jump away from each other as if they had been electrocuted. The landlord had a flashlight in hand and was moving it around the area as if trying to see who was there. Keigo didn't wait for Dabi's permission or confirmation before grabbing him around the waist and tipping them both over the railing. His wings snapping out to catch an air current and slowly glide them down towards the ground. Dabi clung onto Keigo with his face buried into the younger teen's shoulder. Laughing, Keigo moved his wings carefully so their descent would be slow and in a circular pattern as he drifted.

"That happened last time we were alone up there, didn't it?" Dabi chuckled as he peeked down to the ground, seeing the apartment balcony right below them. When Keigo landed, Dabi backed up a step and adjusted his coat and shirt. Keigo was standing on the other side of the balcony, rubbing the back of his neck with his wings curled around him slightly like shields. "Mom and Dad are going to be at the hospital until tomorrow at least. Jin is with Sion, so no one else is here tonight. You want to come in for dinner? Maybe stay for a bit until you have to leave?" Dabi glanced at the balcony doors, remembering the old house rule that they were never locked.

"Sure, birdy. For you, I can stay for a bit."

/

Azumi's hospital room was one of those private ones with the bed in the middle against the far wall. A small bathroom and large windows overlooking the city. A cushioned chair in the far corner, which Soji had pushed next to her bed so he could hold her hand. Currently, he was resting his chin on his right hand next to her bed while holding her left hand with his own. His blue eyes were tracing over her face and noting every detail as if he couldn't get enough of it. Azumi was sitting back, watching him with a tired look in her eyes, the IV still dripping fluids into her because of her captivity and the drugs being flushed from her system. There was a nurse administering a shot for pain after checking the bandages around Azumi's wrists and ankle. Both adults had checked the room for bugs or recording devices since Soji got there and Azumi had been able to get up to use the bathroom.

Now, they were waiting for the nurse to leave so they could talk. The nurse smiled at them both before making a comment about coming back to take their dinner order. As soon as she left, Azumi spoke softly, her purple eyes on Soji's. "Keigo's at home, right?" Soji nodded as he kept his chin on his hand. "I figured he could use some rest and relaxation with Jin in the area. He doesn't see his friends as much as he used to so I suggested it." Azumi tilted her head at his choice of words. "He has some good friends, doesn't he?" Soji smiled at her and nodded. He finally moved the hand he was leaning on, to brush some of her hair behind her ear.

"I'm so glad you're alright. I was scared you were going to be hurt and Keigo was so strong. I knew he would save you when he told me he felt like he could. I can't help feeling as if this is all my fault for taking that case to begin with." She smiled and squeezed his hand as he moved his free hand to trace her bandaged wrists. "Keigo is a very brave young man now. He has good friends and solid instincts. I had every faith one of you would get me safely home." Soji smiled and kissed her hand, holding it in both of his. Azumi watched him, a brief glance at the door before her voice dropped. "We should talk about his phone friend while we have a chance."

Soji followed her gaze and nodded as he dropped his voice as well. "He was with Jin and Keigo, wasn't he?" She nodded, purple eyes softly smiling at her husband. "He comes to the clinic every few months when he needs medical attention, and he is trying to keep Keigo from getting hurt." Soji sighed as he nuzzled Azumi's hand with his cheek. "I figured he was the person who has been reading Keigo's text messages. His only reply since the day after that night was the address they were holding you and asking Jin and Keigo to meet up with him. Keigo was so certain and confident I couldn't tell him not to go." He frowned and looked up at her.

"Do you think he's going to stick around?" Azumi shook her head no. "I think he's going to leave again, for much longer this time. I also think he needs help now and then, and we should help him as much as we can." Soji thought about that and moved to gently cradle her cheek in one hand. "You're so kind hearted and gentle. You would take care of everyone if you could." Azumi grinned and kissed his hand. "Partly why I want to adopt again. Keigo is almost an adult." Soji laughed and leaned on his hand again. "A girl this time perhaps?" Azumi was still grinning as she nodded a little bit. "Yes. Because we have plenty of boys with Keigo, Jin and Dabi."

Soji tilted his head in thought. "Dabi. Interesting name to go by." There was silence for a bit until the nurse came back to get their meal orders. When she disappeared, Soji stood and stretched a bit, while Azumi moved to stand and walk to the bathroom, her hand gripping the IV rod which rolled next to her. Once she was in the bathroom, he pulled out his cell phone and opened to his contacts list. He changed Toya's number listing to Dabi and shot off a text message.

'Thank you for everything you've done for Azumu and Keigo. My office is always open for you. I'll help whenever you need it. Please let me help before you leave the area.

Soji'

He wasn't expecting an answer right away as he looked out the window at the city below. The lights were glowing and illuminating the cars and streets below. Buildings became uniformed by color and outline of lights on black. It gave Soji a sense of comfort to know that despite the darkness that would engulf the city, the villains that tried to make the city a dangerous place, there would be heroes like Keigo and Jin out there helping others feel safe. Azumi wasn't even out of the bathroom when he got a reply from Dabi. Reading it made him smile before pocketing the phone.

'Anytime Uncle Soji. You tell me when and where.'

/

Vice President Kueka sat in an armchair in front of the desk that belonged to the President of the Heroes Public Safety Commission. An older woman with short grey white hair and a serious face. She was wearing a purple dress to her knees with a black jacket and a string of pearls around her neck. The room was silent as she read the report from Cloak and Spy about Agent Hawk's first assignment. Recovery and rescue of Azumi Nakamura. There wasn't really a lot in the file or report, and that concerned her because it was supposed to be his first experience in the field. According to the paperwork, however, Hawks didn't even get to do much of anything before the victim rescued herself.

It was the type of resolution the Commission hated. Someone who had as much promise and potential as Hawks, only doing footwork and reconnaissance like a sidekick was not the kind of details she wanted in his file. He needed to have his skills and potential shown off before he even debuted, and this was a joke of a start. Picking up a black marker, she began to cross off small words and names here and there.

"We're going to transfer Hawks to Best Jeaanist for a few months. Let him know what we want for our up and coming top hero. As far as anyone else is concerned, Hawks wasn't on this case. We need him to be bold, experienced and seen rescuing people before his debut. He has to show promise before the public even knows who he is, as if he had always been there." The Vice President bowed his head in understanding before motioning to the file. "Did you read the witness statements at the end of the report?"

She paused in her manual editing to look up at him and flipped the report to the mentioned section without looking away from him. "Yes. Blue flames from a street contact of Giran's. It could be him. But there's no other evidence that it is. Also, Giran is untouchable so talking to him is out of the question. What would you recommend?" Kueka moved to a more comfortable position before folding his hands together. "I suggest we send Spy to gather more information and track down any solid or viable leads. If it isn't Toya Todoroki, then we should find out who this blue flame user is and get as much information as we can in a file."

The listened as she re read the witness statements from the kidnappers that were still in police custody. "Alright, I'll approve that action. But if this individual isn't worth the resource, you stop pursuing it. We need positive results, not ghost chases." Vice President Kueka stood and bowed as he accepted the redacted paperwork from her. Slipping from the office, he saw Agent Bends leaning on the wall as if she had been waiting for him. "Well?" Kueka rolled his eyes and walked to the elevator with the Agent in tow. Once the doors were closed, Kueka handed her the file.

"Get me one of the readers. I want to find out everything about what happened that night from the men in custody. Also send Spy to my office as soon as possible. He's going to have a field mission that will take him away from his other work." She nodded and made notes for herself as the elevator came to the floor that held the Vice President's office. As he stepped off, he glanced back at her with a smirk. "And when Keigo Takami comes back to the Commission, do a full mental debrief. Top level authorization." Agent Bends grinned as if she had been waiting for that order for a long time.

"Yes sir."