Warning:
Just a reminder this book is mature so there will be spicy themes. We aren't going full NSFW yet but there are themes in this chapter. Just be aware.
Groaning to herself, Hikari lulled her head to the side before feeling her own body start to wake up, the girl throwing a lazy hand to her face in order to wipe her eyes.
Her head felt heavy and lethargic for some reason, wondering what kind of fucked up shit she did last night in order to warrant such a feeling. It didn't feel like a hangover though, so that was good at least.
Although that's when the girl opened her eyes only to find red feathers across her vision, causing her to gasp immediately as she forced herself up on her elbows with slight panic.
Fuck, did my pendant come off when I was sleeping?! What the hell, I thought the suppression quirk was stronger then that.
Hikari then placed her hand across her collarbone only to feel the cool metal from her necklace greet her a moment later, all of the worry dissipating in the single second.
Oh good, it was still connected, but then what the hell was with the feathers? She didn't even have this many feathers…
Unless..
Her thoughts were quickly interrupted when the red feathers seemingly smacked into her face a moment later, Hikari reaching her hands up to push them down before cursing quietly. "What the hell.."
Yet she stopped when the girl looked down only to find her brother sleeping peacefully next to her, his arms and wings lazily flapped over the side of the bed as a few loose feathers fell onto the mattress.
Wait, she was in Keigo's room, she slept here? Why? What the hell could have happened in order for her to have willingly passed out next to her idiot brother like this? She needed to remember and quickly…
Moving her hands to her face in a groan, Hikari glanced towards her brother before sighing, trying to ignore the feeling of nostalgia she used to have as a kid when Hikari used to crawl into his bed after one of their dads drunken rains of abuse on her.
"Kei-chan? I'm scared. I don't want to go to sleep."
"Shh, it's okay. I'm right here Hika-chan. I won't let him hurt you."
The girl then pushed the memory from her mind before forcing her knees up to her chest in fake comfort like she used to always do before today, her mind cloudy and in chaos.
Keigo, what the hell are you trying to do? All of this nostalgia bullshit. It's pissing me off. Are you just fucking with me, is that it? Somehow did you know that I wanted this back? That's cruel brother, so cruel. We both know it's a loss cause.
Pushing the covers off of her, Hikari then let her legs swing off the bed before forcing herself away from the situation. This was becoming just a little too comfortable for her. She needed to get back to reality.
Yet that was quickly changed when her brother grumbled in his sleep, feeling around the empty mattress before lifting his wings and practically pushing Hikari back onto the bed, the man snuggling his face into the hair as he muttered back.
"Mmm five more minutes.."
Widening her eyes in disbelief, his sister tried to wiggle out of his grip to no avail before pushing her hands onto his arms in hopes that he'd release her from her new prison.
Keigo, what the hell?! Let me go already you overgrown chicken skewer! This is harassment you asshole!
Yet every movement Hikari tried to make, her brother only held on tighter as he shook his head in her hair.
"Mmmm nooo, I'm gonna protect you baby sis, with everything I got.…"
Hikari couldn't help but widen her eyes at that, turning to face her idiot brother before staring at his messy unkempt hair and sighing.
How long had she wished to be back in this position, how long had she pictured herself here instead of in all of those dirty back alleyways as the cold chilled her to her very core?
How long had she wanted her brother to notice her, to keep her safe like this? To protect her, to save her from her own torment and hell?
She hated that it was too many times to count.
Gritting her teeth at the cruel motion, Hikari felt herself close her eyes, shaking any of those ideas away.
Yes, she wished for those things long ago but she had learned to forget them, to not count on some hero or brother that didn't care to come rescue her. All those times she wished for him, prayed for him to be there, he never was.
But even so why did the feeling of his arms still bring her such comfort, such nostalgia and warmth? Even though he had screwed her over why did she still find it hard to pull away?
Shit, this mission is messing with my head, isn't it?
Sighing to herself once more, Hikari then turned to her brother, glancing at his closed and peaceful expression before frowning, the words spilling out of her lips before she even had a chance to stop them.
"Where were you six years ago when I needed you?"
Suddenly, Hawks' phone began to ring on his desk, causing the bird to immediately wake up, his wings pushing out at the same time as he sprung awake with a quick gasp. "Huh?! I'm up!"
Although because it was so sudden, her brother didn't realize his sister was there and accidentally stretched his wings too far, pushing the poor girl off the other side of the bed before he could even realize it.
Hitting the floor, Hikari groaned before twisting her eyes in a frown, the girl's face planted in the ground with annoyance.
I'm not getting paid enough for this..
After hearing a squeak of surprise though, the hero quickly widened his eyes, snapping out of his sleep filled gaze before quickly leaning over to where Hikari was.
"Oh Shit, I'm sorry Hikari! Are you okay?!"
Groaning once more, the girl gritted her teeth in order to not reply with any of the colorful phrases that were certainly in her mind at the moment before rubbing her head.
"Yeah.."
The girl stumbled to her feet before Hawks lifted a hand out to help her up which she reluctantly accepted as the man frowned in embarrassment.
"Sorry, I guess I'm just not used to anyone else being here. I gotta watch out for that. Are you sure you're okay?'
But inside, Hawks felt a small bit of shame in the back of his throat. Great job Hawks, you said you'd protect her and then you start off by throwing her off the bed with your wings? Well, that's not the best start.
Brushing herself off, the girl then pointed to the ringing phone before picking up the object and looking at the caller idea. What could she say, she was nosey. "Here, your phone.."
She just barely saw the name of the Commission President before Hikari's eyes hallowed as Hawks partially ripped the object out of her hands a second later, a fake laugh entering the space a moment later.
"A-Ahh, thanks sis. Sorry, I should take this."
Realizing that he had been so rough caused Hikari to internally scoff before glancing towards the phone in his hand with so much malice and hate as he left in order to talk to the woman that ruined her life.
Wow Kei, What, did you think it was Dabi? Is that why you were so scared? You don't want your innocent little sister to know how much of a piece of shit you actually are? How comical, considering I know everything already..
And there he was, the same commission soldier that she had painted him as. He wasn't the brother that she had let fallen asleep in his arms, he wasn't the one that would protect her. He wasn't Keigo anymore.
That's right, she was just blurring reality again.
Hawks returned a moment later, his expression showing clear signs of anxiety. Obviously his talk with the commission bitch didn't go very well. Pity. Too bad she had no sympathy. "Sorry, I'm back."
Although she didn't really care about that, watching her brother slide back into the bed before staring at her with some kind of idiotic pitiful expression.
Why are you looking at me like that? It's creepy…
She didn't have to question it for long though, Hawks speaking to her with a newly gentle tone. "Hika-chan. We need to talk about last night."
Twisting her eyes in confusion, Hikari forced her mind to go back to the events of last night before her heart stopped in anxiety.
Crap, he showed up to that building last night, he saved her from that traitor of her gang. How in the hell was she going to explain that one away?
So instead she remained quiet, hoping Hawks would give her something she could use to make a believable lie. "I need you to be honest with me, okay?"
This caused Hikari to resist the urge to scoff.
Yeah, that's probably not going to happen, but okay.
Although she only nodded her head before Hawks stared back with serious intent, his eyes searching for any kind of change in her expression as he spoke.
"Hikari, there's more than what you're telling me, isn't there?"
Widening her eyes just slightly, the girl internally cursed before pushing her lips together in silence. He was suspicious. Well obviously he would be after last night.
Her silence only caused her brother to reach forward slowly before grabbing onto his sister's hands in order to read her demeanor.
"I knew it. There is, and you're just too scared to say it. What's going on Hikari, what have you got yourself into? It's okay, I'm here for you. You can tell me."
Hikari only stared silently though, the wheels in her head trying to turn at a rapid rate. He was reading her like a good little commission soldier, trying to use his stupid mind tricks. He already caught her fear at the beginning of this conversation too. Just great.
The last thing she needed was that commission dog scent on her.
I'm scared, but not for the reason you think. You're getting a little too close there big brother. You won't like what you see if you keep digging like this.
Closing her eyes in order to get her emotions together, the girl then let her lips quiver before beginning her lie so he could back up before things got dangerous.
Well, here we go. Let's see if this works. Best to be as vague as possible.
Then she opened them before her pathetic eyes met her brothers. "I'm sorry for hiding it Kei-chan. I'm just scared. Scared of them hurting you. I don't even know who they are. Last night, I didn't know what I would've done without you..."
The fact she hadn't given him any details, any context or meaning to any of her words was pretty sloppy for her but on short notice this was the best she could come up with.
It was better to play the damsel in distress card in order to take any suspicious off of her before Hawks connected his two brain cells and realized that she was the ringleader all along.
Nah, she had to look weak, like she needed him. To her brother she was still just crybaby Hikari, someone that got caught up in a bad kind of situation. Innocent, and insignificant.
So let him play hero, thinking he's saving her. It will just give her a shield for any other bullshit that comes her way.
Oh no, poor little Hikari could never be that devious, right? Pfft Yeah right. If only you knew half of the things I've done, about all the hell I raise and the pleasure I take in ruining someone's life.
And just as expected, Hawks watched his sister's reaction and only found fear, his eyes crumbling at the thought of anyone wanting to attack Hikari like that. How long had she lived in fear, how long had she been scared like this?
"Sis, you didn't have to hide it from me. You know I'm a hero right? I can handle myself. I'm much more concerned with you, how you're hurting. What would have happened if I didn't track your phone last night? I don't know what to think of it.."
Although those were the words that made Hikari stop turning to his brother before a bit of unhinged annoyance couldn't help but seep from her lips. "Hold on, what do you mean track my phone?"
Hawks could sense it immediately, his feather twitching before lifting his hands in explanation before speaking. "Ah, I knew I should've told ya first, and I was going to last night before you disappeared. But after Dabi and then the break in at my agency, I just wanted to make sure you were safe…"
Yet his sister was already beyond pissed, taking her phone out of her back pocket before looking at the surface. He put a tracker in her phone?! So that's why that asshole found her so quickly last night.
God, if she was with Dabi instead of those traitors then she would've been screwed.
Just great, now it was going to be even harder to slip away from this idiot.
Sighing to herself, Hikari then brushed a piece of hair from her face before trying to compose herself. "I'm sorry I keep worrying you. I guess I'm just no good at hiding anything from you."
Although what she was really thinking was something else entirely.
Yeah right, you're the easiest person to fool. Just a few little pathetic words and you fall apart, don't you big brother?
As she was doing that though, Hawks caught the sight of her scars before her breakdown flashed in his mind all over again, gaining just as much sorrow as it did before.
"And I just wanted to say I'm sorry about making you fly. You told me you couldn't do it and yet I still pushed you into something you weren't comfortable with. That was my fault, everything that happened last night was my fault."
Hikari couldn't help but turn her head at that, vaguely remembering him holding her while they flew but everything else after that seemed to draw a blank in her mind. She hoped it wasn't something pathetic. Although her cover still seemed to be intact so at least that was good.
"Keigo, what happened after you saved me?"
And it certainly didn't ease her fears when her brother seemed to look at her like she was crazy. Well that's not a good sign..
Although for Hawks, he could only grow more concerned. Her breakdown, her crying, it was like it was all wiped away from her mind. Was that like some kind of coping mechanism for her? Was her brain not letting her remember that?
He wanted to know the reason but he also didn't at the same time, fearing what kind of trauma would lead her to cope like this. "You don't remember?"
Forcing her brain to remember, Hikari could only draw a blank though. "Not really, why?"
Her response caused Hawks to freeze before taking in a shaky breath. Maybe it was better if she didn't remember that kind of devastation.
He could just use it as a basis of how he had to protect her now, how he couldn't let that kind of thing happen again.
That's when her brother smiled, causing Hikari to raise her eyes at the newfound fake-ness of his tone. "Nothing. Don't worry about it. Just know that I'm going to make up for it today. Now get ready, I'm taking you somewhere.."
Still not liking the idea that she had no idea what he was talking about, the girl was stopped when his feathers began to push her back towards her room. "Whoaa, Keigo what are you doing..?!"
But Hawks could only hum before opening his own closet with happiness in his tone. "It's a surprise baby sis. You just gotta wait and find out. Trust me, you're going to love it!"
Although she could hardly believe that, moving into her room before looking at the pastel and fluffy hell that was her closet before choosing a light purple dress with constellations on the skirt.
She didn't like it but it was one of the least ugly things in there so the girl settled, wondering just what kind of stupid place her brother was going to drag her to today.
Yet for Hawks, he was determined to right his wrongs, starting with a place that the two of them knew far too painfully well.
Don't worry Hika-chan. I'll make you happy today, for sure.
Luckily after the whole flying disaster last night, Hawks was kind enough to not suggest that again, and instead the two found themselves on a public train where literally everyone gushed about the new number two hero.
It got really old for Hikari though, the girl standing a few feet away from her brother as she watched as both girls and boys flaunted him like he was god's gift to the universe. And oh boy did his fake ass personality really show it to.
It almost made her want to vomit to be quite honest, now hearing the bird chuckle back to one of their crazy questions. "Ah you know, I'm just doing my usual hero thing. Although I guess I am pretty lucky to be here today since I got to meet such a beautiful baby bird such as yourself."
Correction, she did gag at that one, rolling her eyes away from his body in order to let out a bit of aggression.
Oh please, can you get any less clique?
Yet it seemed like one of his little fans noticed the displeasure in the hero before using her body to practically shove the blonde hair girl out of the way as the train took a turn, Hikari's body slamming into the door as she groaned.
Yeah, definitely not getting paid enough for this..
Rubbing her face, her phone then began to buzz in her back pocket before the girl took out the surface and read the text with narrowed eyes. Oh course it would be him.
How long are you going to make me wait Princess?
You know I'm not a very patient man
The sound of the speaker then caused her to look up before shoving the phone back where it was before, shaking her head in exasperation. She knew what he was looking for. The files, the one that proved her brother was a traitor.
Taking one look at Hawks, the girl watched him take a picture with another female fan before frowning in his direction. He didn't even know he was going to die soon. How pitiful.
All she had to do was hand those files to that villain and then it would be all over. Keigo would be dead and she could finally leave and get on with her life.
Finally. That's exactly what she wanted since day one.
Although as the train began slowing down, Hikari gave a defeated sigh. They would be arriving soon. It would be hard to plan any kind of meeting now.
Whatever, she'd just message Dabi back after this stupid little trip that Hawks had planned. Her brother was going to die either way so it wasn't like it mattered.
Besides, Dabi could wait a little longer, considering that she was still pissed at him.
As the train finally stopped, Hawks said goodbye to the whining woman before Hikari followed behind him onto the platform, the hero stretching his wings at the sudden newfound space.
"Ahh this is why I hate public transportation. I can't get any peace and quiet."
Seeing that the feeling was mutual, Hikari sighed. "You really are popular."
Hawks couldn't help but twist his face into displeasure at that though, scratching the back of his head as they excited the station.
"Ah, it's not like I really love it but you know what the commission says. I gotta keep appearances with the public if I wanna be a good hero. Sorry Hika-chan. I know that must've been awkward for ya."
At the mere mention of the commission, Hikari felt her eyes darken, a new sense of hatred and malice in her tone. So that's another thing they ruined, wasn't it? Forcing him to do these kinds of things. Pathetic.
Forcing a smile, the girl felt her teeth grit after each word. "I see."
But even her sudden change of character wasn't lost on the hero. "You okay? Your voice is a little strained there.."
Hikari was quick to recover though, placing a hand to her head in a fake headache. "Oh, yeah. Sorry, I just get a little motion sick sometimes. It will pass, always does."
Choosing to walk past him, the girl then quickly coughed to change the subject. "By the way, where are we going? You haven't told me anything yet. Why are we in our old neighborhood?"
Looking at the sign, Hikari couldn't help but get some bitter memories from the sight of Kyushu, aka the place they grew up with their abusive deadbeat father. Out of all the places in Japan, why here?
Yet Hawks only smirked before grabbing onto his sister's hand, slow enough so she wouldn't flitch before dragging her through their old streets happily. "You'll see. Come on.."
Although she didn't know why he could be happy to go back to this hellhole of a city. What kind of memories was he even thinking about in order to make that kind of expression?
The one where their dad burned her with his old cigarette buds, the one where he slapped her around so much that she was in bed for days, the one where Keigo failed a job so badly that their dad burned a couple of his feathers off with his lighter?
Ah yes, great memories.
She was quickly stopped though when her brother lifted his arms out in excitement, gesturing to the area before them as Hikari couldn't help but widen eyes with what was in front of them.
"Surprise! I bet you didn't think you'd be back here, did ya?"
Blinking in disbelief, Hikari laid eyes on the old playground that they had passed for years as kids. She had always begged her dad to go every time they passed it and had almost forgotten it existed till now.
It was the very same playground that the two of them had seen outside of their old apartment, where they'd hear kids laughing and playing, the same one where the two Takami's had longed to be a part of since first hearing that sound.
He still remembered this kind of place? Why? it had nothing to do with his new hero life.
Seeing her so shocked, Hawks decided to speak for her, pushing open the small metal gate before entering with a small smile.
"I don't know if ya remember but I told you I'd bring you here someday. That we would run away and play like normal kids for once.."
And of course she remembered, she remembered it so painfully, like he had only said it yesterday. The place may have seemed insignificant to most but to her, it was something elementary school Hikari had dreamed about.
That's when her brother looked at the play set before lowering his eyes in sadness. "I know it took awhile, but I'm keeping my promise. Come on.."
Then she watched Hawks as he walked up to the old rusted set as his sister could only follow silently, not knowing what to say or think about this. There had to be something else here, something she was missing.
She couldn't read anything though, anything that would let herself believe that he still cared about this kind of silly thing. No, it was impossible. There had to be a hidden motive.
What's your game Keigo?
Moving up to the red colored monkey bars to her left, Hikari then lifted her hands up before brushing a couple fingers across the paint, the memories of her childhood sweeping into her immediately.
"Kei-chan, when we're bigger can we play like those other kids?"
"Don't worry Hika-chan. I promise that we'll go someday, and then can even play all night."
"Really?! But what if I'm still too small to reach the bars?"
"Then I guess I'll just have to fly you up there. "
Hikari couldn't help but close her eyes at that, lowering her hands at the simple dreams and wants that the two kids possessed. When did it all get so complicated? When did everything get so twisted?
She wanted to go back to that time when seeing this playground was her only worry, her only goal. Her only disappointment.
Sighing at the idea, Hikari then gasped when she felt someone place their hands on her hips before hosting her up into the air. "Ahh what are you…!"
Yet she paused when her face was right near the bars, her brother's voice calling from down below a moment later as he held onto her.
"Go ahead and reach em. I promised I'd help ya, didn't I?"
And she hated it but Hikari immediately knew what she meant, her fingers grazing the top of the bars before wrapping her hand around the surface.
His promise, he still remembered even that? Anyone else would have forgotten it by now.
"Kei, that was only if I couldn't reach. I think I can now."
Although her brother only shook his head, stepping forward so that she could grab onto the next bar with ease.
"I know, but since I'm a couple years too late. I thought I'd make up for some lost time. Now go on, I got you…"
Taking his words with disbelief, Hikari couldn't help but feel an unwanted ball of emotion course into her throat. What she had always wanted, what Keigo had never given her before. Why was he doing it now, why was he digging up all of these feelings that she had shoved down years ago?
And then against her will, her brother started to move as the girl gripped onto each monkey bar with ease, Hawks supporting her from below before carefully dropping her after she reached the last one.
"Ah, there we go! Was that as fun as you'd thought I'd be?"
But as soon as Hikari opened her mouth, the man simply took off in the other direction, rushing over to the swing set with joy. "Whoaa, I forgot about these! Remember I told ya that I thought this would feel like flying?! Come on, hop in Hika-chan! Let's try it..."
Yet the girl only stood dumbfounded, taking in his childlike energy before the bird threw a couple feathers in her direction in order to force her into the plastic seat. "Alright here I gooo…"
Not getting a second to rest, Hawks then pushed his sister from behind as the swings started to move up and down with the motions, Hikari staring in silence as the wind blew through her hair.
It kinda did feel like flying. He was right.
And to most people this simple action would be seen as childish but for two kids that never knew love or any kind of normal life, this was something unbelievable to them, something they never thought they would ever have.
Laughing to himself, Hawks then pushed her back with even more force, calling back to her happily. "Hey Hika-chan, remember when we saw what those other kids used to do, how they jumped off from these things. You should try that!"
And she did want to try it. Even though it was childish, even though it wouldn't mean anything, the girl wanted to see what it was like, to experience what other kids did thousands of times.
Because of that, she jumped.
Although unlike those kids that had lots of practice, Hikari did not in fact land on her feet like she was supposed to. No, instead the girl squeaked as she completely missed the target and instead fell rather ungracefully on her face.
Hawks saw this and immediately widened his eyes, rushing over to her in a single second before falling to his knees in worry. Oh shit, that looked like a nasty fall. Maybe he shouldn't have suggested that.
"Hikari! Are you okay?!"
Yet that's when he heard her laugh.
It wasn't suppressed or small like he had heard before. No, These were heavy giggles, pouring out of her lips before she could even realize them. The sound itself took Hawks back, even though he had heard her laugh plenty of times in the last week.
But for some reason, this one was different, more joyful and free. "I can't believe I messed it up that badly…"
She then turned to him only for her brother to find a small smile on her lips as well, Hikari shaking her head at the antics that she had just embarrassed herself with.
It was so infectious that it caused Keigo to laugh as well, shaking his head in exasperation.
"Yeah, I think you might need some more practice."
Although that's when Hikari couldn't help but freeze with that she was doing. Her guard, her cover, it was completely gone. That smile, those giggles, they aren't some kind of act.
No, they were real.
Fuck, wait what am I doing? How could I be so stupid?! Pull yourself together Hikari. He's not your brother, he's not. He's a commission member. He follows that bitch, he left you for dead. He doesn't care, he doesn't want you. Stop being so weak..
And as each reality crashed into her, the girl felt her laughing stop, every bit of truth replacing that joyful demeanor into the same empty one that she had adopted for her entire life.
She was getting carried away again. Keigo was dead. There was no need to dig up these memories when the result would be the same.
Mostly because in a couple days Dabi would kill him.
Brushing off her skirt, Hikari then gave Hawks a fake smile before replying back kindly. "It's getting pretty late and I don't like the dark. Can we head back?"
Not expecting her change in conversation, the hero twisted his lips into a frown before helping his sister up with a nod. "Yeah of course, if you're ready to go?"
The girl could only nod at that though, wanting to get away from this sickening and kind warmth as fast as possible. She couldn't do this, she couldn't force herself to go back into old habits.
If Hawks thought that one little trip down memories lane and some childish wishes would fix everything then he was sorely mistaken.
Even if she had dreamed about them herself for years.
Throwing another shot into the back of her throat, Hikari sighed before leaning her head back to look at the ceiling. How long had she even been here, how many drinks had she even had? Honestly, the girl didn't know and this point.
It was all a blur, and that's how she wanted it to stay.
All she remembered was getting back to Hawks' place, and waiting until her brother was asleep before using one of her feathers to take out his stupid little tracking device in order to make it seem like she was still at home.
She wasn't concerned about him waking up either as the girl put sleeping pills in his drink before bed to ensure that he wouldn't try another pointless hero mission again.
Then she headed to the nearest bar and that's where she stayed, drinking out her sorrowed and bitter memories until they were just a blur, until they didn't bother her in the slightest.
She wanted to forget, she needed to forget.
And it was working, kind of. She still felt her heart ache and twist from the events earlier, of the hero that reminded her so much of her brother in that moment, the one that made her lose her cover and her walls all at once.
How stupid was she to let his halfhearted fake feelings get to her, how pathetic it was that the girl was actually hoping they were real? Dabi was going to kill him, she couldn't have any attachments. She didn't want to have any attachments. There were no attachments.
Right?
Groaning to herself, Hikari then slammed her hand on the bar before another drink appeared in her vision, even though she wasn't sure exactly how. "You're nothing to me Kei...you will always be nothing…."
Well whatever it was, it was working. She was starting to feel numb, to lose sight of reality and her own pain.
That's when she heard her phone ring in her jacket, the girl grumbling before quickly answering the call with a heavy slur of her speech. "What do ya want?! I'm busy here…"
Yet the voice on the other end only seemed amused, Dabi chuckling a moment later.
"You never answered my text Princess. I've been waiting too. That's not very nice, is it?"
Hikari had other things to worry about though, throwing back another shot before the glass slammed on the table. "Well whoopty doo, you've been waiting. Cry me a fucking river Dabi. I don't care…"
Looking down at her glass to find it empty, the girl then frowned before calling over to the bartender angrily. "Oi! Why is it empty again?! Ya better fix that buddy boy before ya regret it. And bring me somethin stronger, this shits not workin..."
Dabi couldn't help but notice her change of speech, her Kyushu accent shining through more than usual. In fact, compared to that bird brother of hers, Hikari never slipped into her accent usually.
"Hold on, are you drunk?"
Yet Hikari didn't seem to care, rolling her eyes as if he could see her. "So what if I am? What are ya, my mom? Ya can't be cause she's dead.."
He heard her giggle at her dark joke before Dabi raised an eye at her demeanor, slight amusement mixed with something else in his tone.
"Wow, you are shit faced. Any reason for that?"
Slamming her hands onto the bar, the girl found that her drink had magically filled before throwing back the shot without another thought, her tone jumbled and sloppy. "Hey Dabi, ya know someone trien to shoot me last night? Like POW, right en my shoulder. It hurt like a bitch, lemme tell ya..
And although this was news to the villain, he didn't' understand the context. "Is that why you're avoiding my job and drinking instead?"
Yet Hikari only shook her head. "Nah, it's just the memories, ya know. They were hurtin so I wanted to forget em. I think it's workin, I cant feeling anythin anymore…"
The girl giggled again before throwing another shot back as Dabi scoffed through the phone with slight annoyance, wondering what kind of events happened with that hero in order to get her this far gone.
"Damn Princess, you haven't been this fucked up in awhile."
At the name, the girl only grumbled. "Ya better stop it with that nickname before I kick ya ass inta next week. I'm not ya princess, not anymore…"
Dabi couldn't help but hum at that, pushing the phone closer to his ear as his voice dropped an octave. "Mmm I don't know about that one. I think..."
Although he was quickly cut off when a group of men entered the line, one approaching Hikari on either side before speaking seductively. "Hey baby, you're Dabi's girl, right? What are you doing here all alone?"
The girl turned her head towards the red haired man with glassy eyes. "What's it to ya? I ain't anyone's girl an I don't need a damn leash around my neck, ya hear me?"
The man couldn't help but chuckle at that, gesturing to the bartender for a drink and then handing it to her. "Sorry about that. I never knew you were so feisty. I like that in a woman."
At the same time, his friend behind her laid his palm on her left shoulder, rubbing it up and down in a single motion before trailing his fingers lower.
"We were just looking for some fun and then we saw you. If you really aren't anyone's girl, how about you play with us tonight?"
And although his fingers were touching her, Hikari couldn't feel a thing, the alcohol causing her to hum in acceptance before the other man took her phone out of her hand and ended the call before placing the object back on the table.
Gazing towards the red haired man, Hikari reached forward before touching his collarbone as the alcohol spun everything around her.
She needed something to drown out her feelings, to cover up the hurt and the conflict in her heart. The alcohol was working but not fast enough. She needed more. More distraction, more fake warmth to cover up the devastation in her own chest.
Seeing her positive reaction, the man in front of her moved his fingers up to trail a couple across her face as Hikari closed her eyes at the sensation.
It felt so nice. This fake compassion, this gentle touch. She wanted more. She didn't want to feel so empty anymore, so incomplete and hollow.
Even if it was just for a moment, even if it wouldn't last, she wanted to feel loved.
And because of that, Hikari reached forward to grab the man's hand before speaking back through her slurred speech. "Sure, as long as ya make me forget everythin.."
Although the men had no idea what she meant by that, they took her consent in with hunger before pushing her off of her stool in order to get to the back room. "Oh don't worry baby, I think I can provide what you need.."
As soon as she moved, the world began to spin around her and the girl felt her mind go in a million directions because of the alcohol. She wanted them gone, all the memories, all the hurt and all the faces of her brother.
They needed to disappear, disappear before she completely fell apart.
Hikari blinked once again to find herself now in the back room with the red haired man looming over her, his eyes hungry and fixated on her. How did she get here so fast? Was this guy magic or something?
He then began to lean forward before sucking on her neck, Hikari lifting her head in order to give him more room as his hands roamed her body, a moan of pleasure slipping from his lips. "God, you're so fucking hot. No wonder why Dabi wanted you..."
And as his touch grazed her skin, Hikari also felt herself at bliss, focusing on his movements rather than the torment in her head. But it wasn't enough, he wasn't fast enough. The memories, they were still there. "Ugh, hurry up already..."
Yet that only caused the man to chuckle under his breath, pulling away to look into her half lidded eyes. "Eager, are we? Alright, I can roll with that. Just wait till I'm done with you baby.."
She felt her shirt being lifted over her head before the man returned to his spot on her neck, his hands grabbing and massaging the flesh around her thighs and breasts as he pushed himself onto her, practically straddling her now..
And she didn't care. Sure, she probably should have but the girl felt so numb and empty that she was begging for anything to fill the void, to give her the love that she so desperately needed right now.
Reaching his hands behind her with the intent of unhooking her bra, suddenly the red haired man felt someone grab onto the back of his shirt, pushing him backwards as he stumbled off Hikari, choking him in the process.
He began to cough on the floor before looking up at the stranger in order to yell at him for ruining the mood. "What the hell are you doing..?!"
Although he quickly stopped speaking when he caught his black boots and patch work skin in an instant, Dabi's face twisting into a sadistic smile. "That is the question, isn't it? What the hell am I doing? Hmm, I don't know. Why don't you go first...?"
Quickly moving backwards, the red haired villain quickly moved to his feet before stumbling. "I..I was uhh..."
Throwing his hands in his pocket, the stitched man only strolled forward though, his tone calm. Maybe a little too calm, picking up the man by his shirt and forcing him to look into his cerulean eyes.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you not to touch what's mine?"
The man couldn't help but widen his eyes at that, knowing he had fucked up. "Y-Yours? Wait hold on, I asked the lady and she said she wasn't..."
Yet Dabi only pushed the man further, his voice laced with cruel amusement. "Oh I know you did, I heard every word you said through that phone you decided to hang me up on. But you see the thing is, if you knew she could be mine, why did you approach her in the first place?"
The man couldn't help but gulp at that. The guy he hung up on was Dabi? Crap, If he knew that he wouldn't have approached that girl all. He thought the dude wasn't anywhere around. "W-Well, I..."
Although the villain was quick to finish whatever bullshit excuse he was about to say.
"I get it, you knew who she was before you even approached her. You thought you could fuck what is mine to boost your credibility. Being with Dabi's girl, that would earn you high phrase in your shitty little gang, wouldn't it..?"
And unlucky for him, the man answered back without really thinking about what he was saying. "Y-Yeah...I mean no! That's not why I...I didn't mean to...we were just having some fun...that's all.."
Curling his lips into a smirk, Dabi's then let the boy go as he stumbled away. "That's all? Oh I see, how about I have a little fun of my own then? Since that's what you're looking for.."
Dabi then let his hands erupt into blue flames before taking a step closer as the man tried one final time to please the psychotic man.
"L-Look man, I get that you're upset but you said it yourself. She's not yours anymore. So you fucked her, big deal. You've moved on to bigger and better things I'm sure, right?"
This caused the villain to stop, overly curious at what he was going to say. "Possibly.."
Putting his hands out, the red haired man than chuckled nervously, thinking he was getting somewhere with this.
"Right! So that means you can just leave the sloppy seconds to me. I mean, sharing is caring, am I right? A villain like yourself shouldn't limit yourself to one girl, no matter how good the sex is.."
Then he watched as Dabi took in his words before fixing his lips into a crooked smirk before nodding his head once. "You're right.."
The man then let himself take an anxiety breath, thinking he had escaped his fate.
Although that was when Dabi turned around before throwing flames at his friends who were watching the door, the men screaming in agony as their bodies slowly burnt to a crisp.
"Sharing is caring."
Then he turned to the red haired man before doing the same, the screaming from his fire taking up the space as the villain simply stepped over the burning body to Hikari who was already half passed out.
Sighing to himself, Dabi then looked down at her shirtless self before taking off his black jacket and throwing it on her body.
"Fucking hell, and you say that name doesn't suit you.."
Hikari only hummed before the villain gathered the blonde haired girl in his arms, her head lulling onto his shoulder before Dabi wordlessly stepped across the burnt bodies and into the bar where everyone was staring at him.
Moving towards the exit, the man then looked down at Hikari before turning around and eyeing everyone in the bar with a serious and dark intent.
"Take this as a lesson to see what happens when you touch what's mine..."
Entering his room, Dabi placed the girl on the bed before she groaned out in annoyance at the sudden movement, rolling to the side as the villain couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation.
"Seems like nothing has changed after all. You are still just as idiotic as always."
Yet Hikari only forced her eyes open before muttering into the sheets with heavy amounts of malice. "An you're still a lil bitch as always..."
Dabi didn't seem offended though, looking down at his shit faced friend before sitting on the opposite side of the mattress.
"Damn that really hurts, I swear every time you drink your language gets so much more colorful. Careful Princess, your accent is getting pretty thick there. You're really starting to emulate your shitty brother now."
Because they had been together almost their entire childhood, Dabi knew better than anyone that when Hikari was like this it was almost impossible for her to form a cohesive thought. Although he had only seen this a handful of times, each being after a large event or trauma.
He wondered what caused it this time? The girl hadn't even answered his texts.
Pushing her hands to cover her face, Hikari then called out to no one in particular. "Shut up. Why did ya stop me? I was just about to erase it, to make everythin go away.."
He knew she was referring to the men that she was going to sleep with, causing the villain to shake his head in exasperation.
He already knew why she had agreed to such a foolish thing, understanding about her need to drown out the bad with something else. It was something she always seemed to do when the pain was just too much.
That's why he rushed towards her the minutes those two douchebags showed up. Dabi knew she'd agree to letting them have their way with her, and that pissed him off for some reason.
"And why didn't you call me first?"
It wasn't anything unknown for the two of them. In fact, Dabi and her had hooked up and gotten drunk together a handful of times. If she was really hurting that bad, why didn't she just come to him like she usually did?
Although Hikari responded by pointing a finger towards the villain as she crawled next to his lap in intoxicated anger. "Easy. Cause I hate ya.."
This caused Dabi to raise a brow before turning to meet her eyes. "Oh yeah? And please enlighten me Princess, why is that?"
Pushing her lips together in a pout, the girl slurred back. "Cause, ya leave and then ya come back. Ya want me and then ya don't. Ya used me to mess with Kei then ya threw me off a balcony, the list goes on, doesn't et..?"
And although he wanted to object, the villain remained silent as Hikari fully climbed into his lab, touching his face and lightly slapping the sides. "And yet ya are just too damn pretty. Too damn pretty for me to hate ya. See, that's why I hate ya..."
Pushing around his black hair with her fingers, Dabi watched the extremely drunk girl before smirking at her sudden interest in his hair and face. "Ah, I see. Seems like a personal problem to me Princess."
Hikari then trailed her gaze back to his before running her fingers across his stitches quietly. "Exactly. Ya drive me crazy...so crazy..."
Humming at the touch Dabi then reached forward to grab the hand that was touching him before holding it between his fingers. "So what are you going to do about it then?"
Then he watched as Hikari pushed her lips together in a pout before leaning forward, kissing him for a second, taking in all of the smoke and ash around her before pulling away and waving a finger in his face.
"Nothin, cause you're still a bitch..."
Yet that one action caused Dabi to raise an eye before reaching forward and grabbing onto her wrists with dark intent. "Oh Princess, now why did you do that?"
Hikari didn't have a question to answer before the man pushed her onto the mattress before climbing on top of her, his body towering over in silent wait as he pinned her wrists above her head.
"You know, if you were literally anybody else, you'd be dead by now. The one thing I hate is a fucking tease..."
He then let go of one of her hands before trailing his fingers across her shirtless body, the mans' hands curving around her bra as he smirked.
"Don't lie to me. I may be a bitch but I know you want me. You're practically shivering right now, aren't you?"
Humming in her drunken state, Dabi then wrapped his fingers around her chin before lifting her head up to look at him, his quirk slowly seeping in, in order for her to feel the warning of his words.
"If I wanted, I could have you right now. Don't forget that."
And he did, God did he want her but something inside of himself stopped after that, pulling away before moving to the other side of the bed with a huff.
It was the same thing that stopped him every time, the same thing that kept him from going too far, from his emotions going too far.
It seemed like Hikari noticed as well though, pushing her hands to cover her face before muttering back quietly, almost like she was embarrassed.
"You know I still love you, right?"
Taking in her words, Dabi then closed his own eyes before sitting in silence, knowing painfully well about how she felt about him.
They had known each other forever it was true, and with that came a mix of unexplained feelings and boundaries between each other, ones that were blurred every once in a while when they lost track of reality.
But that was a long time ago, and the villain knew that the person Hikari was looking for was dead, that he wasn't around anymore.
So it didn't matter if he felt the same many years ago. The two were better off separated like this, keeping each other at a distance. For they might have grown up together but Hikari was different than him, she always was.
And he wanted it to stay that way.
Dabi then opened his eyes the minute he heard a long stretch of silence before leaning over and finding that Hikari had finally passed out from all the alcohol in her system.
Good, he didn't know how much longer that conversation could go on without bringing up old unwanted thoughts. All of the flirting and hookups were one thing, but love?
That wasn't something the man could possess. He didn't deserve to possess it.
Pushing her body towards the pillows, Dabi then ran an absent minded hand through her hair before frowning, recalling her foolish words in an instant.
"Oh Princess, don't say things like that. You know I'd only ruin you.."
I spent all day on this and I think it turned out really good! Poor Hikari is conflicted with her brother now that she knows he has to die. Her attachments to him, yeah that's gonna get messy really quick.
Also have some Dabi/Hikari interactions. I think I may have mentioned that this book is gonna have some spicy chapters but we gotta build that up first. They have known each other for years so obviously we got that tension going on.
Next Chapter: Commission starts creeping in, Hawks starts connecting his brain cells.