The minute Hawks walked through the door of his apartment, the hero immediately went looking for his sister, hoping that she'd somehow give him an explanation on what exactly had happened back at the agency.
He couldn't understand it, one minute she was completely fine and the next she was assaulting and trying to murder one of his sidekicks. It was like some kind of switch had flipped in her mind somehow, like she wasn't actually herself.
Well, one thing was for sure, whatever he saw back there wasn't his sister. It wasn't the soft spoken, kind, six year old girl that he remembered, it wasn't the fake happy personality she pretended to be for weeks.
No, this was something different entirely and Hawks was desperate to get to the bottom of this.
It was like at the agency he had seen a more vulnerable side of her, a side that honestly kind of terrified him. Whatever it was, the bird was desperate to set everything right as quickly as possible. That was the only way his heart would feel calm again.
When he did find her, she was standing on the edge of the balcony, her silhouette the only thing visible through the setting sun as Hawks approached ever so slightly, like she was a crazed animal or something.
He couldn't help it, after what he saw today the bird couldn't deny that she kind of scared him.
Reaching closer, Hawks then realized that her deformed wings were fully visible to the sun, lifting out to feel the oncoming breeze before lifting a single hand towards the sky, almost in longing. She did that the last time she was out here also, didn't she? He wondered what it meant.
She clutched the necklace she always wore inside her palm, the gold chain dangling from the sides as it caught on the light with a tightened grasp, her eyes closed as the breeze blew by her once more and savoring the feeling.
Although as soon as one foot met the outside of the balcony, HIkari's feathers immediately perked up in anxiety before the girl wiped her entire body around as her wings extended inwards with a flinch.
Her once calm eyes were now wild, setting her amber glare towards her brother as he took a step back like she was a frightened animal. "Whoaa, sorry there sis. I didn't mean to spook you."
All at once, Hikari seemed to recognize her brother's presence before letting out a dejected sigh as her serious persona slowly melted away into a placid yet slightly bothered stance. "Seriously, what is wrong with you? You broke my concentration."
The words seemed to land on Hawks' tongue before turning his head in question. "Concentration, what kind of concentration?"
At that, he watched as his sister narrowed her eyes, almost as if she was having a debate in her mind whether to tell him the truth or not. She seemed conflicted and yet saddened for some reason, like just thinking about this very topic was sensitive to her.
So much so that Hawks thought he wasn't going to get an answer, knowing that's how Hikari was most of the time. She liked to lock herself up tight, to disregard anything that would make her seem weak or vulnerable.
Although wasn't he surprised when she actually did answer, her wings lifting out ever so slightly so that Hawks could see them twitching with the breeze, like she was calling to something. "My feathers. I can sense them better up here."
This caused Hawks to immediately widen his eyes and stare at her broken and deformed wings with question. Was she really telling him something about herself? She had never done that before, and about her wings non the less.
"Wait, if you can sense them then why don't you just send them back? If your quirk is like mine and your feathers aren't gone then you can reattach them. Just do that, and then your wings will be whole again like mine.
Hikari noticed the staring though and immediately felt self conscious, folding her wings inside herself with a shaky breath as she turned away before scoffing at his statement. If only he knew what he was really saying.
Glancing back towards the sky for a moment, Hikari then turned her eyes into a glare before turning around and walking back into the apartment with a mutter. "Please, it's not that easy."
Although because she was passing by, Hawks just barely registered her words before sharply turning his head in her direction. Did he just hear that he thought he did? "What did you just say?
Hikari then paused for a moment, obviously taking in his answer before her lips curved into a bitter smile. His little commission ears didn't miss a thing, did they? How annoying.
She wondered what kind of heartbreaking expression he'd make if she actually told him the truth about her feathers, how they were locked away and held captive by the woman that so called "saved" him from his previous life.
The girl could always feel them, but being in such proximity seemed to enhance the pull even more, always leaving that same amount of longing inside her throat.
Yet Hikari wasn't stupid, choosing to let out a supressed chuckle as she barely turned back in her brothers direction, already deciding that she wasn't going to explain herself in the slightest. She just didn't have the courage to.
"I said wow thanks, I'll get on that right away. "
As the girl completely ignored everything she had just said, Hawks felt himself in a whirlwind. He was pretty sure he heard something different but right now there were far too many other things on his mind then this simple conversation.
Like how he sister had almost put one of his sidekicks in the hospital for starters.
Following her inside, the bird couldn't help but still feel that lingering irritation in the back of his throat as he spoke, hoping it would cause her to turn around and finally talk to him. "Do you want to tell me what happened back there, how you freaked out like that?"
And Hikari did stop for a moment, her back rigid before shaking her head in some sort of emotion, although her brother couldn't tell what kind. "Nothing happened. I just got sick of listening to those prissy little wannabe heroes. That's all."
Although he could hardly believe that her little outburst was nothing. In fact, the minute he reached her it seemed like Hikari was completely gone mentally, like she was somewhere else unpleasant.
Shaking his head, Hawks threw his hands out in response. "Hikari, that was not nothing! You almost sent someone to the hospital! You know how many phone calls and reports I had to fill out in order to save your ass!? Too many!"
The girl then fixed her intensive gaze towards the floorboards before lifting her lips into a mocking smile mixed with something else. "Sounds like a personal problem to me."
Gritting his teeth at her response, Hawks felt his eyes fill with fury, a fury that seemed to appear whenever she didn't listen to him. "You're my personal problem! I thought you said you were going to take this seriously, that you were going to try to blend in! Did that conversation mean nothing to you?!"
Hikari took in his words sharply, still looking down at her feet before sighing. Sure, she would've loved to say that her little freak out was planned in order to make Hawks look bad but unfortunately that wasn't the case.
Of course she was trying, if she wasn't that she would've never gone to that stupid ass training in the first place. It wasn't her fault that she had a panic attack like that, everything was just too similar. If anything, it was Hawks' fault for putting her into the situation, a situation she knew she wouldn't work well in.
But even though she knew that, a small bit of shame couldn't help but work its way into her throat at his words. She should've been better than this, letting him see how fucked up she was, that was never in the plan.
Hikari then found the courage to look up before turning back to her brother in order to clear any sense of shame and pain in her expression to sound heartless. "I'm a villain, what did you expect?"
Yet Hawks had simply had enough of that phrase, his voice coming out far more serious and firm than before. "Stop that. No. No, you aren't a villain, you're my little sister."
Hikari felt her eyes widened slightly at his words before immediately brushing them off, obviously not believing a word. "Excuse me? What do you mean I'm not a villain?"
The bird stood his ground though, balling his fists at his sides before staring at his little sister with serious intent. "Because you aren't. If you would just actually listen to me for once then you'll see. You can change, you don't have to be a villain Hikari. You don't have to do this."
His words seemingly made her even more upset though, Hikari narrowing her eyes in slight challenge before taking her first step forward towards her brother and pointing an accusatory finger in his direction.
"I haven't listened to a goddamn word you've said, you wanna know why? Because it's all bullshit, everything out of your mouth is bullshit.
Then felt her lips curve into a bitter smirk. "Change? You've gotta be kidding me with this.." ."
Throwing his arms out in clear exasperation, the bird shook his head. "I'm not bullshitting you, I really believe that you can do it. Who you used to be, the sister I love, I know she's still in there somewhere. You just have to try.."
Then Hawks watched as his words seemingly caused some kind of reaction, although it wasn't a good one in the slightest.
Feeling as her chest filled with unspeakable anger, Hikari felt her necklace vibrate from under her collarbone before she saw red. He did not just say that, he did not just tell her that she needed to go back to how she was before.
The idea was utterly laughable, a small enraged chuckle escaping her lips as she tried to contain her overflowing feelings all at once. "Who I used to be, who I used to be? No, you don't get to say that to me."
Not understanding her outburst, Hawks felt the temperature in the room drop before lowering his voice ever so slightly. "I know it seems hard but I'm here for you sis. I know you can do it, I know you can break away from this life. You just have to try."
Shaking her head at his completely naive words, Hikari turned her brow down before lifting her arms up in order not to explode on her brother. "Look who's putting words in my mouth now. You think it's that easy, that I can snap my fingers and then be done with everything, that I can erase everything that happened to me like a magic wand? That really is some hero bullshit."
To explain her point, the girl snapped her fingers in his face as he pushed her hand down. "I know it's not that easy, but I can help you! It's not too late to go back, it's not too late to go back to who you were before all this."
And that seemed to be the breaking point for Hikari.
He had no idea, he had no fucking idea what he even was saying and it was pissing her off so much. If only he knew how much she went through, if only he knew how many pointless tears and tragedies and trauma had led her to this point.
For years the world told her that she wasn't good enough as she was, for years she was told that she had to change to survive and yet her brother was now saying that he wanted her to go back?
No, absolutely not. Not after all the beatings, the torture, the starvation, the cold, the homelessness, the dissociation. No, he was not allowed to say those kinds of things. Not when she had tried so damn hard not to be that person anymore.
And even if she wanted to go back, Hikari knew it was pointless. That part of her died long ago, and she could never come back.
Shaking her head with gritted teeth, the girl then took a challenging step forward before her dark amber eyes locked onto her brother with so much malice and hatred that he had to take a step back.
"I can't believe this, I can't believe I actually just heard those words from your mouth. Let me tell you something, you don't get to come in here and tell me how to live my life, not when you weren't there for half of it, got that?"
Poking a finger into his chest, Hikari continued darkly. "Not after everything I've been through, not after what I've done, you don't get that stand on your pretty little pedestal and tell me that I need to go back to who I used to me, not after I've tried for fucking years to change myself for everyone else."
Her words were so serious and intentful, causing Hawks to widen his eyes at the first real conversation between him and Hikari. There wasn't any sugar coating or playful deflection now, now there was only his broken little sister, crumbling before his very eyes.
And seeing it for the first time took the hero back, taking in her shaking hands at rigid features. She seemed unhinged, more so than he had ever seen her before. Was this the real Hikari? Not that comedic shell but this?
Hawks couldn't understand her words in the slightest, taking in the meaning before shaking his head in disbelief. Why would she ever want to change herself, why would she willing force herself down this path for someone else? It didn't make sense. He never wanted that.
Feeling his voice break ever so slightly, he finally responded. "W-Why would you do that?! Why would you change yourself into this?!
The girl only narrowed her eyes though, answering far more honestly than that hero ever wanted. "You think I wanted to?! It's simple, I wasn't good enough back then so I'm stronger now. That's what everyone wanted, right? That's what you and dad and everyone else fucking wanted, so here I am!"
Hawks couldn't believe what he was hearing though, his mind swirling with so much chaos and heartbreak. Did she really think she wasn't good enough back then, did she live her entire life thinking that she had to change in order to be accepted?
No, he didn't want to believe it, he didn't want to think about that. Hikari was perfect back then, she didn't need to change, so why did she try so hard? Sure their dad seemed to think she was useless but that wasn't the same for him. Why was she putting their abusive father and him in the same category, they weren't the same.
Shaking his head, his voice turned into a concerned shout. "What are you talking about, I didn't want you to change, I didn't want to become like this! I never wanted that! Don't you get it, you were always good enough to me the way you were!"
And for the first time, Hikari paused.
Her eyes registered the words first, widening with cruel realization before recalling all the times she thought her brother wouldn't love her, all the times he left her alone because she wasn't as strong as him, because she wasn't a hero.
Throughout her entire life the girl had heard that she wasn't good enough as she was, that she would be killed and destroyed for believing such weak thoughts.
And how he was saying that she never needed to change at all, that he wasn't proud of the person she had become?
It made her heart crumble with devastation, knowing that every horrible thing she went through was really for nothing, that no matter what, her brother wasn't going to accept her. It hurt, it hurt so fucking much and she was sure her brother would never know the extent.
Her voice couldn't help but lower in response at that, shaking hands moving to her side as she muttered back. "Wow, really wish you would've told me that nine years ago."
Hawks saw the change in her attitude before mistaking it as understanding for her past choices in life. Maybe he was finally getting through to her, maybe she was realizing that being a villain wasn't right.
The devastated look in her eyes certainly seemed to show that she was hurt.
Forcing his voice to grow slightly more even, Hawks took a step towards his sister before lifting a hand out for her to grasp, to finally come to an understanding. "Well, I'm telling you now. I know you Hikari and this, this isn't you..."
And he believed that with his whole body, that Hikari wasn't this unfeeling and villainous bad guy that she liked to picture in her mind. Maybe she just needed someone to save her, maybe that's all she ever wanted.
Although the silence was short lived when Hikari seemed to wake up from her self induced trance before her eyes filled back up with anger once more.
The fact that he was assuming things about her, the fact that he had everything so utterly wrong, it made her what to scream "Oh my god, stop acting all self righteous already! You know nothing about me, you never did. Get that through your thick skull for once."
A flash of hurt appeared in the hero's features at her words, causing his head to turn ever so slightly. "W-What? I do know you..you're my sister and I..!"
Yet Hikari cut him off before he could even finish. "No, you don't! You don't know shit so stop acting like you do. Ever since I showed up you've been doing everything wrong. The princess dresses the misunderstandings, your goddamn words. Quit acting like you have the right to come in here and tell me what I am!"
Huffing out a shaky breath, the bird tried to follow the conversation but ended up getting lost in the meaning. What was she even saying? He didn't think he had done anything wrong in terms of the things she likes. She never complained about anything.
"What are you saying?"
Hikari then rolled her eyes before crossing her arms over her chest with so much malice that it made the hero flitch. "What I'm saying is that you need to stop looking for that crying seven year old kid that clung to you for years, stop looking for the crybaby that used to worship at your feet because she doesn't exist anymore. You see, I hate you Hawks, I hate everything about you."
Hate.
The word stuck on his tongue immediately, causing the hero to take a step back in response. He still found it hard to believe, his own family hating him like that, almost that he didn't really believe it the first time she said it.
But taking in her fuming features and tightly screwed jaw seemed to confirm that fact all over again. No, there was no way she hated him, there had to be something else, there just had to be.
Because Hawks didn't know if he could really take that reality, of his own sister hating him more than anything in the world.
So because of that, the bird tried to justify her words, trying to give context to her actions in order to hopefully make her realize something, anything other than simple hatred. "B-But you saved me from Dabi, you covered for me. That has to show that.."
Yet the minute he tried to speak, Hikari felt her feet move closer to the bird, eyes wide in pure disbelief. "Whoa whoa whoa back it up. The only reason I "saved" you was so that I could use you to get what I want. I didn't save your life so you could pretend to play the big brother. Don't get it twisted."
Feeling herself tip over the edge, Hikari then turned her back in order to calm herself down before the suppression quirk around her neck broke and her wings sprung free. She couldn't help it, she was just so pissed off right now.
You see, there were only two people in this entire world that made her this emotional, and one of them had just pushed all the right buttons. She couldn't take anymore, the misunderstandings, the blind assumptions, she was sick of them all.
Kicking the door open to her room, she then laid eyes on all of the horrible princess dresses and pastel colors that decorated her room before lowering her gaze in knowing thought.
Although, that's when she heard his heavy footsteps follow behind her, his voice frantic as he reached out a hand. "H-Hikari wait…"
The minute his finger touched her arm, Hikari felt herself spike with fear before immediately pulling away, flinching in terrible lingering memories before practrally hitting her back against the wall in order to get away.
She couldn't help it. After the events at the agency the girl was still fragile, and Hawks was seemingly pushing her even further past the breaking point.
Shouting out with a broken tone, Hikari pushed her arms towards her chest before her entire body began to shake with familiar fear. "D-Don't touch me! I've had it up to here with you Hawks. Just leave me alone already."
And seeing that caused Hawks to freeze as well, looking at his trembling sister before putting his arms out in defence. He had no idea why she reacted like that, why it looked like she thought he was going to hurt her. "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to.."
Feeling her breathing grow short, Hikari then shook her head before letting the words fall out of her mouth before she could even process them. "Of course not, you never mean to do anything. Because you're so perfect all the time, aren't you? That's what you keep telling yourself."
Although her words only made the hero want to laugh. She was so wrong in every single way. In fact, he was the last thing from perfect. Didn't she know, didn't she realize that he always hated himself, that he thought of himself as disgusting and vile?
The commission always seemed to distill that idea in his mind, that he was disposable, that he wouldn't be strong hearted enough to take on any serious mission, that he wouldn't have the guts to do whatever it takes in order to make the world a better place.
He was the furthest thing from perfect. Yes, Hawks only saw the flaws, the cracks and the imperfections, the ones that were shoved in his face since he was a child. Sure, he may have acted like he owned the world but that was just a front, a facade to cover who he really was on the inside.
But no one ever wanted a weak hero, no one ever wanted Keigo Takami, so instead he pretended, pretended to be perfect. That way no one would ever know.
Yet hearing his sister accuse him of that cocky persona couldn't help but make a large amount of shame enter his throat. Even she saw it, didn't she? The character he created in order to be strong.
Feeling his voice break on the first word, Hawks felt himself answer automatically to tell his sister his true feelings for once. "W-What are you talking about? I'm not perfect, I never thought that I'm…
He paused then, the commission's voice in his mind. No, he couldn't be seen as weak. Hikari would never forgive him if he did that, she would never feel protected.
Shaking his head, Hawks then pushed his own feelings down in order to focus on his shaking and scared sister, the one that so desperately needed him. This wasn't about him, this was never about him, it was always about everyone else.
He was supposed to be used so everyone else could be happy.
And the person that needed that right now was his sister. "You know what, never mind. Forget about me, the point is I'm not leaving you alone, not when you're clearly hurting like this. Hikari what happened back at the agency, I'm not letting it go. Look at you, you're still shaking from it."
Hikari still didn't seem pleased though, choosing to turn around in order to enter her room. She was exhausted from his conversation, from him not understanding and hurting her unintentionally. "Shut up."
Yet, that's when he stepped closer, his voice desperate and pleading. "Come on, just talk to me."
Looking around the pastel pink nightmare that was her room, Hikari then felt her lips curve into a cynical cruel smirk before reaching her hand up to grab the shaking necklace around her throat, the one that was so close to breaking from her own emotions.
"You want me to talk, you want me to show you how it is? Fine then."
Then she ripped the object from her own neck, causing her wings to immediately open outwards, all of them sharp and extremely lethal as they escaped her back not a moment later, almost like she couldn't control them anymore.
Hawks then watched as his sister's feathers blindly found their way to the closet full of clothes he had bought her before the sharp bristles cut through each of the objects into shreds, the pastel pinks and purples falling to the ground as she did so in a horrible visual.
Widening his eyes at the scene before him, the bird couldn't help but keep his eyes glued to the sight, watching as every single thing he bought was destroyed and torn apart by her overflowing emotions.
The clothes he had spent hours buying, the ones that he was sure she would've loved, the perfect picture image of that same little girl he remembered, the seven year old Hikari, they were all gone in an instant.
It was as if she was trying to tell him, to show him that the things he knew were false and that the memories he had desperately held onto were nothing but that, memories.
Gritting her teeth with locked eyes, the feathers began to slowly return to her back before Hikari forced herself to take a breath and take one look at the destroyed room.
And actually seeing every single reminder of her past ripped up like that, it was something Hikari couldn't describe. She hadn't planned on actually destroying everything like that, she just directed her anger on them unknowingly.
However, Hikari was far too angry and unhinged to even register the hurt it would cause later, choosing to force her legs forward as soon as Hawks got the message.
The message that everything he once cherished was gone.
And this time, Hawks let her go, allowing her to leave the apartment with a slam of the door while the hero's eyes fixed on the little pieces of fabric all over the ground with fallen eyes.
"Good job Keigo, you did it again, didn't you?"
"Can you believe him?! He's such a pain my ass ugh, I wish I was never related to that discount chicken skewer to begin with. Talking about how he knows what's best for me, like he was even there half the time? Give me a break."
Pacing back and forth, Hikari threw her hands up in the air as Dabi watched with his usual half lidded gaze and cigarette in between his lips. She had only shown up about ten minutes ago and yet she was still going off about Hawks without so much as a breath in between.
And the villain only listened, taking in all of her anger before she finally stopped for once, giving him the que to finally chime in.
Nothing had changed since they were kids, had it? The bird still made her this emotional.
"Why are you even still hanging around him then? The job is done, technically you don't have to go near him anymore if that's the case. Unless you just like torturing yourself?"
Flicking his cigarette to prove his point, Hikari only rolled her eyes, moving over to him with a heavy sigh. "It's not like I want to, but he can get me closer to the commission. That's something I can't just walk away from. It would be stupid to anways. But god, he really is testing me right now."
And yes, she couldn't tell Dabi everything, but just venting to him somehow made her situation a hundred times better. She couldn't help it, he was always her safe place, and the bastard knew it too. That's why he always just let her talk until she tired herself out.
Blowing a large amount of smoke into her face, Dabi then looked down at his palms before they glowed with blue warning. "Sounds rough, Princess. You want me to burn him for you?"
Hikari knew he was trying to help in his own sadistic way but unfortunately she couldn't let her friend do as he wanted right now. Not when she was so close to getting what she wanted. "Tempting, but I'll pass. He's of no use to me dead sadly."
Staring at her for a couple more seconds, the blue then disappeared before Dabi leaned back in his chair, another exhale of smoke entering the air. "Your loss then. My offer is out there."
The girl could only roll her eyes though, placing her hands on her hips as she placed herself so that her legs were touching his knees in proximity. "Do you think about anything else but murder? I swear, you have such a one track mind most of the time, it's like your single brain cell can't process anything else logical."
Twisting his lips into a smirk, he then lifted his body forwards in order to look up at the blonde haired girl staring at him. "Aw, you wanna know what's in my head Princess? Too bad, that's only for me to know and for you to find out."
His voice was far lower, more teasing with his last sentence, causing Hikari to scoff before turning away from her friend in order to give him some distance. "Good, cause I really don't wanna know. You're a pain in my ass as it is."
Yet as she walked away, Dabi's gaze couldn't help but flicker to her ass before smirking and standing up from his spot in order to meet her. He didn't like that they were so far apart now. "Good call. Trust me, you don't wanna know what's up here."
Humming in response, Hikari sighed before feeling a hand snake around the belt loops on her pants before pushing her back into his chest a moment later as she blinked in surprise. "What are you doing?"
Dabi then pushed his face towards her ear before his low gravelly voice cut through the silence, intent in every word. "You know, that little fight, I could help you, if you're a good girl."
Her lips purred around the pet name ever so slightly before his stitched hand seemingly crept under her shirt grabbing onto her side with warming heat and pausing, almost like he was waiting for something in particular.
That's when she heard it, his voice hot against her ear. "What do you say Princess, do you want to forget?"
Hikari knew the words and the meaning immediately, he was offering to have sex with her in order to release her anger and the fight with her brother. Just like all those times before, he was going to give her that little bit of kindness.
Except this time, Hikari knew better. She knew the purpose for his words, that they were only out of pity rather than real feelings. Like she said before, Dabi didn't really care about her, only as a quick hook up.
Falling into old habits, the girl closed her eyes in memory of what would happen if she ultimately said yes and let him do as he wanted. All she had to do was say one little word and it would be all over, she could be loved again.
Yet that's when she pulled away, turning around to face her friend before placing her hand on his with a sigh. "Thanks for the offer Dabi, but I think I'm okay."
Pausing for a moment, the villain took in her words before nodding his head and removing his hands, not forcing the situation as he knew better than to do that. She had already said no so there was nothing more to it. "Suit yourself."
And from the look on his face Hikari could tell that he wasn't mad about the decision, he never was mad when she rejected him. It seemed like he just understood and backed off, something she was grateful for. "Sorry."
Yet Dabi didn't seem to like that, rolling his eyes before pushing his cigarette back to his lips with a huff. "Don't say stupid shit. You know I don't give a fuck."
Turning away from her in order to sit down again, Hikari watched his back with lowered eyes. Yeah it may have not been a big deal for him but after what the girl had experienced, she was glad to know that someone still cared for her.
Even if it was on the most basic level.
"Yeah, I know. Still, thank you for never pushing it."
Lowering his eyes at her words, the villain couldn't help but think to himself about the meaning. The sad part about her sentence was that she was completely wrong.
In fact, If this was any other whore in front of him then he wouldn't have cared about their feelings, he would've just continued and did what he wanted. He would've fucked them without a care and left, no questions asked.
But because it was her, because he knew about what she faced, about what they faced together, Dabi knew he would never be able to only think for himself in that way.
Call it weak but with Hikari, it was different. It was always different with her and Dabi knew that if it came to her, that if she asked to take something slow or do something in particular, then he would do it. Talk about being fucking wiped, right?
Feeling his chest fill with knowing thought, Dabi couldn't help but mutter to himself a moment later, his words sticking to his tongue like acid. "I may be a villain but I'm not a piece of shit."
Hikari couldn't help but soften her eyes at that, moving back over to him before trying to lighten the mood once again. "What are you talking about, of course you are. You're like the textbook definition for a piece of shit."
Sitting down in his usual chair, the villain waved his hand away. "Shut your pretty little face already, it's not like you're any better."
Realizing he had just called her pretty, Hikari coughed in order to cover her own embarrassment before leaning forward in order to put her hands on his knees with a fake pout. "Rude, that really hurts my feelings, you know."
Smirking at her reaction, the villain leaned forward as well, the two only a couple inches away from each other as Dabi blew a ring of smoke almost in between her lips. "Yeah well, get used to it Princess. That's my specialty."
She sucked in the fumes before humming in amusement and not backing down, knowing that's what he wanted in the first place, to see who would cave. "You know you're only proving my point even more."
Lowering his eyes ever so slightly, Dabi's gaze found its way to her lips before swallowing unintentionally, his own lips suddenly dry from the close and suffocating distance. "Oh yeah?"
Hikari then lowered her eyes as well, staring at his lips before practically purring out a hum of acceptance, knowing she was winning their little game. "Mhmm"
Suddenly, the door seemed to fly off its hinges as the two turned to find Toga waving her arms around in excitement, the girl totally oblivious to the atmosphere in the room. "Dabiiiii, Dabi's girlfriend, can I come in…?"
Lowing her lips into a frown, Hikari finally broke away from her friend before crossing her arms over her chest. Looks like that little game was a draw this time. "You're already in."
Toga couldn't help but giggle at that. "Oh, right! Anyways, Twice-y and I set up a little desert party for all of us downstairs. You two should come! It's gonna be so fun."
Although that idea sounded less than pleasant, Hikari already turning around to ignore her crazy ass. "Yeah, I'll pass. That's not really my thing."
Dabi didn't seem interested, his eyes fixed in a glare for the moment that the blonde haired teenager that unknowing broke. "Not happening psycho."
Yet the blonde villain only began to whine, bouncing up to Hikari before grabbing her arm in order to drag her downstairs. "Awww come on! You guys are no fun! I wanna talk to your girlfriend some more."
At the touch, Hikari immediately widened her eyes before forcibly pulling Toga's arm and twisting it behind her back with a hiss. "Touch me again and you're losing that arm, you hear me?"
Although, Toga didn't seem all that intimated. No, in fact she sounded excited with the threat for some reason. "Oooooh she's so badass. I might have to steal her from you Dabi."
Lowering his eyes ever so slightly, Dabi then turned to his friend before waving his cigarette around in clear challenge. "You can break her arm, I wouldn't mind."
And although it was tempting, Hikari ultimately let her go a moment later, not seeing the need in breaking anything just yet before pushing her away from herself. "You're such an ass."
Smiling at the girl's distaste in his response, Toga decided to try a different approach. "Come on guys, we already stole the food and everything. Stop being all emo and come join us. Everyone is already here."
That last sentence seemed to stick in Hikari's mind though, her mind going to the worst possible idea before shaking her head. No, it couldn't be..
Although, almost as if one que, Hawks burst through the doors a second later, his wings lifted up in his usual cocky hero stance as he beamed to the emo couple a couple feet away. "Heyo! I'm here to bring the party!"
And seeing his face was the last thing Hikari ever wanted to see, her eyes turned down in a glare before muttering back angrily. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
Catching his sights on his sister, Hawks then took a step forward before clearing his throat, almost like he was nervous in some way. "Ah, just the little bird I wanted to see! Do you think we could have a quick chat together really quick?"
She knew exactly where that little "chat" would lead and Hikari was less than pleased with him at the moment to get into another argument. So instead, she quickly turned to Toga before picking the lesser of the two evils for now.
"You know what Toga, on second thought that dinner sounds great. I'm in."
Widening her eyes in excitement, the blonde villain seemed to jump in joy. "Yayyy! I knew you'd say yes! What about you Dabi, you really don't wanna leave your girlfriend all alone now, do you?"
Dabi then looked over from Hikari to Hawks before shaking his head in exasperation, already standing from his seat. Hikari would probably kill the bird unless he stepped in, and although he kind of wanted to see that, a part of him withheld. So, it looks like he had no choice anyways.
Besides, he wasn't about to waste an opportunity to make Hawks feel like shit after all, not after he had so much to use.
"Just shut up before I change my mind."
As Hikari, Dabi, Hawks and Toga walked down the stairs in order to get to what was probably going to be the most awkward desert party of their lives, the bird watched as his sister stood closer to the stitched villain rather than him, probably on purpose given the fight they had before.
He was hoping to talk to her privately but now he had to suffer through this little desert party in order to keep up his villainous facade, all while he watched Dabi check out his little sister every chance he got.
It would be a miracle if he didn't end up killing him by the end of the night.
Jumping over to the old sofa and chairs that were placed downstairs, Toga then patted the surface before directing her attention to the rest of the group. "You all sit down while we get everything ready!"
Dabi only grumbled though, less than happy to be here as he sat himself down on the left side of the sofa with his cigarette twirling between his fingers given he had yet to finish it. "Whatever, just get it over with so I can be done with all of you."
The teenage villain didn't seem to mind though, running away to join Twice and Spinner across the room before Hikari let out a tired sigh. This was going to be one long night.
Hawks sat down next, the hero choosing to be next to Dabi so that his sister wouldn't be dragged into the empty spot. Now she had to sit the furthest away from him. "Oh, don't mind if I do!"
He even spread his wings over the sofa so that there wasn't an inch of room for her to squeeze herself in, or for Dabi to force her to join in any manner. He really thought he had won.
Although that's when Hikari completely ignored him before walking up to Dabi and laying herself on his lap, almost like what she had done back in that club a couple nights ago.
Her back fell against his chest with a sigh as Dabi didn't react in the slightest, obviously already used to this position before placing his right arm conformably on her hip with a slight hum of approval.
Turning his head in utter disbelief, Hawks watched the two that were sitting in comfortable silence before his voice came out without meaning to, full of confusion and anger. "Uhh, what are you doing?"
Yet Hikari didn't even give him the satisfaction of an answer, the girl turned her head to look the other way in petty reply as Dabi smirked at the response. "Damn, she must really be pissed to give you the cold shoulder like that."
Already feeling a wave of annoyance enter his throat, the hero hissed back. "I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to my sister."
Turning his gaze up, Dabi couldn't help but beam wider, knowing that his sister's shutdown was getting under her brother's skin more than he realized."Oh yeah? Well, she doesn't seem interested. Sorry to say."
Hawks felt his hands ball into a fist at that, his voice raising with every second. "Oi, I didn't ask for your option."
Yet Dabi still found his anger amusing, purposely running a singular finger up her side with a hum in order to gain more of an unhinged response. "Too bad, cause it looks like it's the only one you're gonna get right now."
That's when Hikari silently got up from her spot on Dabi's lap before moving over to the side of the room, her voice rather monotone and calm, like she was trying to hold everything in by a very small string. "I'm going to help Toga."
Once she was gone, Hawks watched as Dabi checked her out every step of the way, his half lidded gaze boring into her entire body as she walked before the hero had enough.
"Could you stop checking her out in front of me like that? You're disgusting."
His gaze lingering for a couple more seconds before reluctantly turning back to Hawks with a drag of smoke and a smirk. "So you're saying I can do it when you aren't around then? Noted."
Feeling his chest full with his unspeakable fury at his words, Hawks forced himself to shove everything down. It wasn't like yelling at Dabi was going to make him feel better. That guy always seemed to want to pick a fight with everyone and everything at all times.
Sucking in a heavy breath, the bird replied shortly. "That's not what I….you know what, forget it. I never get anywhere with you anyways and I've had enough fighting for today."
Dabi saw his defeated expression immediately, turning back to his cigarette in silence before he finally spoke again, this time with a softer tone given that he was talking about Hikari. "So what did you do then, to piss her off?"
Realizing he was searching for information, the bird scoffed. The last thing he wanted was for Dabi to know about their fight, about his mistakes. "It's none of your business."
The villain seemed to expect this though, flicking the end of his cigarette before pressing it to his lips in knowing thought. "Mmm well let's start off with the fact that you made her go to a little hero training today. What happened there?"
This caused the hero to freeze. Wait, how in the hell did he even know about the agency. That is unless.. "She told you?"
Shaking his head in exasperation, Dabi's lips curved down in knowing memory before replying with hidden malice for some reason. "You'd be surprised what she tells me."
His words seemed extremely heavy but Hawks couldn't understand the reason, choosing to focus on something else. Of course he didn't want to gossip about his sister to a literal villain, but he seemed to be the only person she trusted for some insane reason.
Maybe Dabi could give him the answers he needed to understand her, maybe he could help figure out just what happened at the agency, what she never wanted to admit to him.
"I don't know what happened..she just..."
Yet the villain seemed to finish his sentence, answering plainly, like he had already figured out the result hours ago. "She freaked out, didn't she? Started trying to murder everyone?"
Widening his eyes at Dabi's words, Hawks couldn't help but stop himself. Wait, that was exactly right. Dabi had just guessed her reaction before even saying it. "H-How do you know?"
With the confirmation he needed, the villain's gaze turned over to Hikari who was still towards the back of the room before answering. "Figured as much. You know if anyone else had asked her to do that shit then they'd be dead. Although, she always did get the most emotional around her chicken shit brother."
Hawks took in every single word before his own gaze turned to his sister. Wait, was what Dabi said really true? Did she only agree to that training because of him? Even after knowing what was going to happen? Wow, now he felt like even more of a dick than before.
Although something else couldn't help but stick in his mind, watching as Dabi's gaze softened ever so slightly, the more he looked at her. He didn't think this psychopath had any feelings but after hearing him say that, Hawks couldn't help but raise an eye.
Blinking in disbelief, Hawks couldn't help but call him out on his words. "You sound like you care about her."
And it seemed that Dabi realized he had slipped up also, his gaze tearing away from Hikari a moment later before turning them back up to the ceiling in response. "I just know how her little pea brain thinks most of the time."
Yet Hawks couldn't be fooled. Dabi was definitely hiding something, but he wasn't sure if it was care for his sister or something else.
Regardless of his words, the bird also wondered how Hikari was so open with him, how she would rather chose to confine herself with a literal murder rather then her own family.
What was different? He didn't know. "How do you know all of that?"
Obviously waiting for this question, Dabi then placed one of his feet on the sofa edge in order to lean over his arm with a knowing smirk. "How could I not? Oh that's right, because I know more than you ever will. How does that feel? I bet it hurts, seeing that a villain knows more about your little sister more than you do."
Just like he wanted, Hawks' face filled with unspeakable anger at his words and what he was accusing. He hated the idea of Dabi knowing more than him. "Shut up."
Humming in satisfaction, Dabi continued. "You say that because you know it's the truth, you know I know more than you and it's eating you alive, to see how much of an absentee brother you really were to your precious little sister."
The bird couldn't help but scoff, not wanting to give him the satisfaction in the slightest. "You're making things up."
Yet the villain seemed to expect this as well, pushing his cigarette into the nearest ash tray before pointing a stitched finger in the direction of Hawks' sister with a smirk. "Am I? Alright, how about a test then. Look over there."
Watching her movements and not understanding what Dabi was trying to show him, the villain began to speak as Hikari and Toga shared some kind of conversation unknown to them.
"See how she's talking to that knife freak right now, her posture means she's uncomfortable which means in about three seconds she will run her left hand through her hair with a nervous tick."
Then, just as he predicted, about three seconds into the conversation they watched as Hikari lifted her hand up before absentmindedly running a couple fingers through her blonde hair, almost like he hadn't even noticed the action in the slightest.
Wait, how did Dabi do that?
"H-How did you.."
Yet, the villain didn't let him rest, knowing that his words were pissing him off and watching as Spinner moved up to the girl from behind a moment later.
"Now she's talking to someone she's never met before so she'll cross her arms over her chest in order to be more closed off, taking one step back in order to keep her distance and comfort as an escape route."
And just like he said, Hikari did the same exact thing a moment later, her arms crossing over her chest before taking a step back away from Spinner as he spoke.
It didn't make sense. Sure knowing someone was one thing but it seemed like Dabi had not only known Hikari, but he had been watching her for years, figuring out her movements and responses until they were second nature.
But why would he do that if he didn't care?
His words, the way he described her, it was a very commission way of going about things and something that Hawks had learned within his first year with the president.
It was called profiling and Dabi seemed to be a master at it for some reason.
"So, you can read people?"
Lowering his eyes towards the floor, Dabi's eyes seemed to fill up with unexplained memories before answering back low. "Only the people that interest me."
And even though he didn't admit it outloud, Hawks could put the pieces together. He claimed he didn't care about Hikari but it just flat out confirmed that he was interested in her in some sort of way, enough for him to learn her mannerisms and movements.
Getting back on topic, Dabi then turned back to the bird with a knowing look. "Do you even know her favorite color?"
Hawks couldn't help but nod his head immediately, knowing that Dabi couldn't get him on this one. He even bought all of those dresses for her. "That's easy. It's pink, always has been."
Yet the villain only scoffed, busting out into a dark chuckle for his answer. "Wrong chicken shit, that's her least favorite. You're about as off as you could be."
Widening his eyes, the bird couldn't help but pause. "What? I'm not wrong."
Dabi felt his laughter raise though, knowing that Hawks' had no idea in the slightest. "Sure you aren't, why not ask her yourself then. I'll tell you right now though, it isn't pink, it's red."
The color couldn't help but stick out in his mind. Red? Hikari had never worn the color red as a kid. In fact, that was his favorite color, not hers.
"Red?"
Nodding his head, the villain then scoffed in memory before turning his face away but keeping his eyes watchful, knowing his next words would utterly destroy the bird in every single way.
"Yeah, she picked it because it was your favorite and she thought that would somehow make her closer to you, make you love her more or some shit. Idotic thinking really."
The words couldn't help but slam into Hawks' mind immediately, his eyes widening at the newfound meaning. Wait, was that true, did Hikari only change her favorite color in order to be closer to him?
But why would she even do that, why would she change something about herself in order to please him instead? He couldn't help but imagine a seven year old Hikari crying as she changed it, hoping that it would somehow make her a better sister.
And watching the utter destruction in his face was something that Dabi loved more than anything, smirking at the bird's now shortened breath before delivering the final blow.
"Wow, you really don't know anything about her, do you? Poor little Princess. I almost feel bad for her, having a brother like you."
Dabi then watched as Hawks' wings deflated all at once, his features in pure chaos at the utter realization that this villain had given him. And as much as he wanted to deny it, he couldn't help but feel like he was right, that the hero knew absolutely nothing about Hikari.
Waving her arms in the arm, Toga then shouted over to the two with a happy giggle, popping the serious bubble that surrounded them. "Come on you too, the foods ready! Hurry before we eat it all!"
And although the bird remained frozen, Dabi had no problem getting up from his seat, satisfied with the damage he had done before moving to stand next to Hikari as she looked over the little plastic containers on the side.
Realizing he had to get up also, Hawks forced himself through his devastation before plopping himself down next to Hikari in utter silence as she picked out a slice of cake from the table.
She popped open the top before reaching to grab a fork when Dabi seemingly looked over to her plate and frowned, reaching out a hand and swiping the food away before she had a chance to take a bite.
Turning her eyes into a glare, Hikari turned to her friend in order to curse him out only for him to slide his piece of cake in front of her instead with a sigh. "Look at what you're eating stupid. This one doesn't have strawberries."
Everyone at the table couldn't help but turn their head at that, Toga speaking out for his weird tone. "Why'd you do that Dabi?"
Realizing he had to explain himself for the strange behavior, the villain groaned in exasperation before muttering. "None of your damn business, now shut up at eat."
Everyone soon realized that they weren't going to get a response before focusing on their food as Hikari stole another look at Dabi before her lips curved up into a small smile.
Only she knew the reason why he switched the cakes on her, and it made her cheeks fill with unexplainable heat at the action.
It was because she didn't like strawberries.
Moving her hand under the table, the girl carefully tugged onto the villain jacket before whispering back so that only he could hear, her tone light and grateful. "You remembered."
Yet Dabi didn't turn back to look at her, only digging his fork into a large strawberry before shoving it in his mouth with a vague threat. "What did I say about eating, Princess?"
Feeling a slight chuckle leave her lips, Hikari then nodded her head before going back to her cake with a bite of her own, the frosting painted with heavy memories and nostalgia.
All the while, Hawks watched with silent eyes, taking in an expression he'd never seen before from his sister as Dabi's cruel words began to play over and over again in his mind.
Wow, you really don't know anything about her, do you?
The walk back to Hawks' apartment was a silent one, neither of the siblings choosing to speak as Hikari pushed open the door and immediately started heading towards her room.
The hero followed her silently, a thousand words built up in his mind as she started to disappear from his sight again. But before he could speak, she slammed the door to her room, locking the surface so that he couldn't come inside.
And he couldn't blame her for it, looking at their fight with new eyes now.
Although, the minute Hikari entered her own room, the girl couldn't help but take in the destruction she created before silently bending down and picking up the remains of the torn up dresses that Keigo had given her.
Now that her anger was gone, she could feel the devastation and pain that the sight brought, her throat filling with emotion before giving a shaky breath. How could he not understand anything about her?
Although, that's when she heard a knock on the door, the girl turned towards the object in order to curse him out before her brother finally spoke, his tone small and slightly scared.
"Hikari, I know you're in there. You don't have to come out or talk to me, but there's something I gotta say.."
Hikari paused at the sheer tone of his voice, moving to lean against the door as he continued with lowered eyes. "I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for our fight, for what I said. I was just so desperate for you to not be a villain that I completely disregarded your feelings."
She heard him pause then, taking in shaking breath before getting back to his words.
"And you're right, I only thought about what I wanted, how I felt in that situation. I never once thought about you, about the things you've been through while I wasn't there, while I pretended to think you were alright all these years."
Hikari felt her eyes fall to the floor at his explanation, biting her lip in emotion as his voice spoke once again.
"I was being insensitive and going too fast, wanting to turn back time when you and I both know that's impossible. Things have happened that we can't change and I know you aren't my seven year old kid sister anymore, okay? I always knew that. I just didn't want to admit that this is all my fault."
Pausing once again, Hikari leaned her ear against her door even closer, thinking that his words were over until she heard a small sob through the wood. It sounded like he was crying.
"A-And it is, all of this is my fault. If I could go back and change everything, if I could abandon the commission and stay with you like our promise then I would do it in a heartbeat. I wish I could, but because I can't I'm sorry. I'm sorry I ruined ya sis, I really am."
The girl couldn't help but take in her own shaking breath at this, hearing the words that she had been craving for years before placing a silent hand to the door in response as he changed the subject between sobs.
"Y-You know, I had this friend awhile ago and I ended up doing the same thing. I disregarded their feelings for my own and was selfish with my desires. I didn't think about what they would've wanted and in the end...I-I lost him.."
And what Hikari didn't know is that Hawks was still utterly heartbroken by that little fact, by the realization that he had destroyed his own friend at the commission without meaning to.
His carelessness, it seemed to be a pattern Hawks could never recognize before it was too late, before people got caught in the crossfire.
People like Hikari and his deceased ex best friend, Touya.
Pushing his hands into a fist, Hawks felt himself take another shaking breath, lined with overwhelming determination and intent with every word.
"I don't want that to happen again, I don't want to keep being blinded to the things around me. I don't want history to repeat itself. I don't want to lose you, my only family, my little sister, I don't want to live in a world without you again."
Recalling back to Dabi's words, the bird felt his eyes fall ever so slightly before speaking the truth she had always known but was always too scared to say.
"And I know I know nothing about you, about this side of you but I want to, I want to learn, I want you to teach me, Hika-chan. I want you to tell me everything and not think I'm going to abandon you again."
Then to finish it off, Keigo placed a silent hand to the door, wondering if his sister was still listening on the other side, if she even cared about the words he was saying. He hoped so, but even so the man was uncertain.
"You can forget about the whole hero thing if you want. I won't force it on you anymore. I know now that I can't change who you are. It doesn't matter what you chose Hikari, villain or hero, you're my sister either way and I love ya. Never forget that."
Silence appeared for a few moments before Hawks sighed out a heavy breath from the lack of response. Of course she wasn't going to answer, maybe she'd even disappear tomorrow because of his mistakes.
He wouldn't blame her if she did.
Leaning closer to the door, Keigo then wiped a stray tear from his face before giving a heartbreaking smile, his words so soft that he was sure she wouldn't even hear them.
"Goodnight baby sis. Sweet dreams."
And with that, Keigo deflated his wings before retreating to his bedroom in order to give her some space and time alone. It was the least he could do after all.
Although, as soon as he left, Hikari unlatched the hand covering her mouth, the one she was suppressing until now before her own sobs echoed through the space, the girl crumbling to the ground as she placed her arms over her knees in comfort.
How dare he say the words she always wanted to hear
How dare he finally notice her
How dare he make her care for him again.
The next day, Hawks walked through the doors of his agency in order to teach the morning sidekick class with his eyes red and swollen. Everyone could tell he looked like shit but no one even dared speak on it, scared of their boss's wrath.
Just as he figured, Hikari was gone when he woke up, causing the bird to come to the realization that she really did hate him, that they were never going to understand each other again. It really was pointless after all, wasn't it?
Sighing at the idea, Hawks then tried to slap on his usually happy facade as he faced the sidekicks that were counting on him for an informative lesson. "Alright kids, it's time for your first lesson! I hope you're ready to start…."
Yet that's when the door behind him opened, and Hawks' eyes widened so much that everyone one in the room seemed to notice.
Because standing in front of him, was his sister.
She silently moved through the crowds all at once before placing herself at the end of the sidekick line, purposely looking away from him as the bird's mouth dropped to the floor.
Wait. No, it couldn't be. There was no way. This must have been a dream or something. It was impossible, she was here, she hadn't left him. And not only that, she had shown up to his sidekick class by herself.
Did that mean he was finally being given a chance to be a big brother? She hadn't given up on him? But why, he didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve her second chance.
Just then, someone seemingly waved a hand in front of his face a moment later, concern etched on their faces as a male sidekick spoke. "Hawks, are you okay? You're crying!'
Not realizing it himself, the bird lifted up a hand to touch the liquid on his cheeks before whipping them away with a small smile, his voice filled with so much joy and relief that it startled the other sidekicks.
"Y-Yeah, I'm perfect, kid. Just perfect."
Awww we finally got some understanding. It's gonna take awhile but we are getting there with the brother sister relationship. Also we got some soft Dabi who was trying to pick on Hawks but really just helped him out in figuring out what he's doing wrong with his sister.
Next Chapter: Touya and Hikari fluff.