CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT - RELEASE DAY – PART 1

It was an honest to God miracle that Shigaraki made it inside the gates of UA High without being mauled by the crowd of paparazzi and news crews swarming the entrance. The circus had been camped out in front of the school since the Juzo News up-and-coming Hero feature had been released that morning and although Mr. Aizawa had planned ahead in anticipation of the hysteria, getting through the horde of people impeding their way was still a challenge.

Their vehicle had rolled slowly up the long driveway, forcibly encouraging people to get out of the way so they wouldn't get knocked down or run over, except it didn't really stop the bottlenecking. The colossal SUV stood out like a sore thumb, a big black flag that basically announced that whoever was inside was actively trying to conceal themselves. A rookie mistake. Everyone knew who was inside the vehicle, and they wanted a front row seat in case the opportunity for a candid photo presented itself.

Eventually, they made it through the front gates and the car came to a rolling stop, the engine humming as the vehicle idled just outside the steps to the Alliance Dorms. Mr. Aizawa leaned forward towards their driver and politely asked him to give Shigaraki and himself a minute alone. The driver obliged, exiting the vehicle, and leaving them inside for a moment together.

"Shit." Shigaraki cursed, turning to look back out the rear window. He was relieved to see that the gates had closed behind them, securing himself and Mr. Aizawa inside and restraining the outsiders off school grounds where they belonged. Their cameras continued to flash though, like a wave of sparkling stars trying to capture his attention.

"Are you okay?" Mr. Aizawa asked, turning slightly on the seat to face Shigaraki.

"Yeah." Shigaraki breathed as he spun back around, his head falling heavily against the headrest, eyes sliding closed. "I guess… I don't know, I just didn't expect that."

Mr. Aizawa made a responding 'hmmm' and then lifted a closed fist against his mouth, like he was in broad thought. "I think we should try and get ahead of this. If we don't, I'm concerned it will become a daily occurrence. I don't want that for you."

Shigaraki's eyelids fluttered open, and his head tilted slowly to look at his teacher and current guardian. "You don't think they'll just get bored of me? I'm not… that interesting."

"You are a lot more than what you see in yourself." Mr. Aizawa half-smiled and laid his hand on Shigaraki's thigh, patting it. "And this breed of people, Shigaraki, they are ruthless. I'm one-hundred percent sure that there is big money up for grabs to the first one to snap some candid photos of you. They won't leave until they get what they want, and they will do whatever it takes to get it."

Shigaraki frowned, his brows furrowing with tension.

"I'm thinking." Mr. Aizawa started, humming. "All Might suggested we set-up a press conference this afternoon with you, Dabi and Takami, so we can gain the upperhand. I think it's a good idea. Being open to the public's renewed fascination and their curiosity of the Shimura name will benefit you. And at the same time, we can turn this into a conversation about the up-and-coming Hero feature, hopefully diverting some of the attention off you. I'll be there as your safeguard; All Might can field any questions pertaining to Nana Shimura and we'll invite Endeavor as Dabi and Takami's agent. If you're comfortable with that idea, of course."

Shigaraki thought silently about it for a moment. He really didn't like the idea of entertaining the press and their appetite for material - just so they could make money off of him - but he had to admit, beating them at their own game, it was a solid strategy. And with this plan, at least he wouldn't have to face it all on his own.

"Okay. I trust you."

"Good." Mr. Aizawa nodded and drew his hand back. "I'll work on the arrangements this morning."

"Do you need me for anything?"

Mr. Aizawa shook his head, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Not unless you want to hang out with me all day."

"I mean, I don't mind…"

Mr. Aizawa laughed softly. "You mentioned going to see Dabi?"

"Yeah." Shigaraki confirmed with a nod. He hadn't really planned on seeing Dabi before school, but his boyfriend had messaged him several times between the time they had talked the night before and when Shigaraki had gotten out of bed at the crack of dawn not long after that. Dabi had something to give him. Apparently.

"I am going to cancel classes for the day, maybe send the rest of the third year for open training instead, I don't expect the three of you to join in. So, let Dabi know and I'll pass the message on to Takami."

"Okay. Thanks." Shigaraki half grinned, stooping to pick-up his bag from the floor.

"Shigaraki, please be… mindful of what you do today. And stay away from the front of the school." Mr. Aizawa said and then leaned over and knocked on the window beside Shigaraki, signaling to the driver that they were done.

Shigaraki scoffed. "I will not even leave the dorms."

Mr. Aizawa grinned and shook his head. "You don't have to stay inside, just-"

"I know, I know. Be careful. Got it." Shigaraki interjected. He didn't need Mr. Aizawa to tell him to keep away from the cameras.

"I'll let you know as soon as everything is sorted out, okay? Now, get inside, quickly. We'll talk soon."

Shigaraki nodded and then their driver popped open the door for him. "Please." He stepped aside and motioned for Shigaraki to exit the vehicle, which he did with a quick thanks, jumping out onto the sidewalk.

"Of course. Have a good day, sir." As soon as the door was closed and the driver deemed him to be at a safe distance from the wheels, the SUV began to roll forward, heading towards the main administrative building.

Shigaraki blew out a hard breath and then unwittingly looked down towards the entrance of the school grounds, grimacing at the flashes of lights and the crowding at the gate. "Tch." He jerked the hood of his sweatshirt up over his head and then made a beeline for the inside of the Alliance Dorm where everything would feel safe and normal. Like home.

Thankfully, the foyer and community spaces were empty. Most of the students were likely eating breakfast in the cafeteria or loitering outside their classroom in readiness for the school day. Shigaraki could only imagine how happy they would be when Mr. Aizawa told them there would be no formal classes that day. He wished he could've been a part of that, just another 'regular' student, like he had been just a week earlier, not the center of seemingly everyone's attention.

He rushed through the lobby, keeping his head down in case of any student stragglers, and moved straight for the hallway that would lead him to Dabi's room.

Outside the door, he hesitated, staring at the smooth wooden surface, and contemplating a visit to his own room instead. He just wanted to lock himself away and spend the next few hours playing video games. Or maybe take a nap. Just… he really wanted to spend some time alone, but he had also promised Dabi he would come by. Dabi was expecting him. Torn, he chewed on his lower lip, though only a second passed before he let out a discontented groan. He couldn't go back on his word; a promise was a promise. He raised his hand and knocked firmly on the door.

Dabi answered with uncanny speed and Shigaraki audibly gasped, startled.

"Jesus." He panted, placing a hand over his suddenly rapidly beating heart. "Were you just standing right at the door?"

"Sorry, baby." Dabi chuckled low, reaching out to Shigaraki and sliding his hand around the back of his neck. He drew his boyfriend forward and kissed him. Just once, quickly, before Shigaraki had time to protest.

"Wha- I- um." Shigaraki stuttered when he regained his composure. He was about to say… something, but whatever it was completely vanished. His gaze was discernibly fixated on Dabi's bare torso. His two very shallow and stupid eyes drawn heedlessly to his spectacular six-pack abs like a damn bug to an irresistible light. All that skin was… very distracting.

"Are you going to come in?" Dabi asked, meeting Shigaraki's red eyes beneath the shadow of his hood.

Shigaraki's blood swirled, he felt heat climb up his neck and into his cheeks, spreading out as he held Dabi's gaze. And he swore the blue in Dabi's eyes turned a little darker, like he knew exactly what his naked body did to Shigaraki. He probably forego his shirt on purpose. That was a very Dabi move to pull.

Shigaraki cleared his throat, scared of how shaky his voice would sound. "If you put a shirt on."

Dabi scoffed. "I was just getting ready for school." He stepped to the side so Shigaraki could enter and then he closed the door behind him, locking it.

"Oh, about that." Shigaraki began, dropping his bag down to the floor. "Classes are canceled today."

Dabi raised his brows as he slipped his arms into his crisp white button-down shirt. "Because of… you know?"

Shigaraki nodded and then explained his experience coming into UA High and all the details surrounding the probable press conference that afternoon. Well, what he knew so far anyway.

Dabi didn't interrupt him, listening patiently and only reacted when Shigaraki told him about his dad being invited. He made a face that clearly expressed his objection to seeing Endeavor. Shigaraki understood that all too well, he also did not want to see Endeavor. And their reasons were likely not very different.

"How are you feeling with all of this?" Dabi asked, brushing Shigaraki's cheek affectionately, and with what he hoped was reassuringly.

"I don't know. Okay. I guess." He shrugged, pushing the hood of his sweatshirt back off his head.

"Mmm." Dabi smiled slowly and then resumed getting dressed, tucking his UA tie at the collar of his shirt. "Did you get a copy of the magazine?"

Shigaraki nodded and plopped down onto the edge of Dabi's bed, leaning back on his hands. "On the way here. Weird seeing your photos in a magazine. Nobody can prepare you for that."

Dabi nodded and bit down into his lower lip as he watched his boyfriend casually relax back onto his bed. Until that morning, he really had not anticipated just how deep his longing for Shigaraki could or would go, but after basically salivating over Shigaraki's printed photoshoot he knew it was going to be a hard day. Literally and figuratively. He'd barely had time to put the magazine down before he rolled onto his back, gripped his cock, and came after like eight strokes. Eight. It usually took him a good five-minutes at least. But those photos, Shigaraki's portrayal of the Creation of Adam, bare-skinned and strong and muscled in all the right places had driven him absolutely crazy. And the tension in his abdomen was still there, painful. Especially now that his boyfriend was with him in the flesh and blood.

"I was not prepared. At all." Dabi said, steaming. His luminescent blue gaze slowly traveled the length of Shigaraki's body, stopping at the junction between his legs before his eyes climbed back up again. "I mean, I almost licked the damn pages. You look so fucking hot."

Shigaraki swallowed, fully aware that his face was turning red. The way Dabi stared at him, Shigaraki knew where his boyfriend's mind was going, he just had that look in his eyes, smoldering. He was thinking about sex - no mistaking it. And while Shigaraki would be lying if he said that he hadn't felt a hint of 'something' stirring inside him after seeing Dabi's photos for the first time, that feeling dissipated very quickly. His stupid mind liked to remind him that Dabi was still on his shit list and constantly flashed images of his betrayal to his lesser bothered heart.

Objectively, Shigaraki still thought Dabi looked drop-dead gorgeous, even if he was still mad at him, but he was not going to vocalize his thoughts or feelings on that topic. A change of subject was needed. Immediately.

"You said you have something for me?" Shigaraki asked, unmoving.

"Uhh."

Shigaraki raised his brows.

"Oh. Yeah." Dabi shook his head, like he was trying to clear the lewd thoughts from his head. "I do have something. Hang on." He grinned and then crossed the room to his desk. After digging around in the mess for a few seconds, he returned with a small, unmarked, and unidentifiable package. He held it out to Shigaraki, who took it reluctantly, and then sat down beside him.

"What is this?"

"Open it." Dabi grinned, a sparkle of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Okay." Shigaraki gave Dabi a curious look and then slid his finger under the secured flap, breaking the tape seal. He turned the contents of the package out into his hand and inside was an even smaller box. "Is this… an SDS?" He asked, reading over the obnoxious black and white lettering covering the packaging.

"Yep."

Shigaraki scoffed. "You got me a self-defence siren?"

"I did." Dabi chuckled and reached out to sweep Shigaraki's light hair away from his neck, pushing it over his shoulder. "You know, in case of any crazy fans."

"You don't think I can defend myself against crazy fans?"

"Mmm no, I think you are very capable of defending yourself. It's just like a gag gift, you know? I thought it would be fitting for today. Maybe not." He explained, chuckling a little and brushing the side of Shigaraki's face. "But like seriously too, people do weird shit when they want something. And clearly, it has already started. A lot of people want you."

Shigaraki arched his brow. "Oh my God. You're jealous."

"I can't help it." Dabi admitted and the corner of his mouth curled into a grin.

Shigaraki felt Dabi's hand shift down to his shoulder. But it didn't stop there. Those nimble fingers trailed slowly down Shigaraki's arm, reaching his hand. It was very distracting, the careful yet honest way Dabi was touching him, and Shigaraki almost let the small box he was holding slip out of his grip. Those gentle brushes had that power, he supposed, to make Shigaraki senseless.

"I don't want anyone else touching you."

"Uh huh." Shigaraki shook his head, astonished. "You have a wild imagination, Dabi. Seriously."

"Maybe. But I mean it." Dabi bit his lip. "Just thinking about anyone else touching you and I get-" He paused and blew out a hard breath. "Well, I don't think I could stop myself from committing major arson if anyone else laid a hand on you."

Shigaraki did not know how to respond to that. It kind of irked him because what was this double fucking standard? Shigaraki had never given Dabi a reason to distrust him, so he had no reason to be jealous of anyone in Shigaraki's life, whether they were a friend or a complete stranger. On the other hand, there was no shortage of girls or guys fawning over Dabi, and Shigaraki had not been the one to cheat on their relationship. Dabi had done exactly what he didn't want to see happen to Shigaraki.

"But it's okay for you to kiss other girls and take them to prom?" Shigaraki asked, his head tilting, waiting for Dabi to justify that reality.

"No." Dabi shook his head and scrubbed a hand down his face. "No, it's not okay. And I want to make things right with you. Ugh."

Shigaraki stared at him silently for a moment, his brows pulled together as he considered Dabi's obvious anguish. And maybe it was a little… immoral, but somehow knowing that Dabi still felt like shit did make Shigaraki feel a bit better. Dabi deserved to feel as bad as he had when he caught him kissing Rumi. Though Shigaraki was sure Dabi could never understand that feeling completely because he would never put him through that.

"This wasn't how today was supposed to go." Dabi self-confessed.

"It's how it's going." Shigaraki fired back. "What did you expect, Dabi?"

"I just wanted to give you that stupid present, and fucking kiss you and take you out on a date."

"All things considered, two out of three is pretty good." Shigaraki teased, not wanting to get into another argument with him.

Dabi couldn't help but laugh, though it was half-hearted. "So, does that mean you won't go on a date with me tonight?" He laced their fingers together, thumb brushing back and forth slowly over Shigaraki's skin.

"Probably not going to happen." Shigaraki said, turning him down. A date was not a great idea, for several reasons.

"Hmm." Dabi mumbled a soft sound and then lifted their combined hands, kissing slowly over Shigaraki's knuckles. "In that case, can I kiss you again? Properly?" He asked, his blue gaze hazy, clouded by need. "I really want to kiss you."

"Fine." Shigaraki conceded. And only because he sort of wanted it too. "One kiss. And make it quick."

"Mmm." Dabi said, leaning in, his lips hovering just above the shell of Shigaraki's ear. "That's a hard ask, you know."

"I can make it even more difficult for you."

"You are already being difficult." Dabi grinned and his warm lips brushed the sensitive spot just below Shigaraki's ear causing a shiver to run down the length of his boyfriend's spine.

"Would you just do it already?" Shigaraki demanded, his agitation cut off by the feel of Dabi's warm palm coming to rest on his jaw, cupping his face and bringing him closer.

Dabi didn't respond again in words. He simply bowed his head and pressed his mouth flush against Shigaraki's parted lips, kissing him so softly and sweetly.

Shigaraki's heart raced, a faint moan on his breath as Dabi swept his tongue slowly over his lower lip before sliding leisurely inside his mouth, unhurried and reverent in his motions.

Dabi couldn't contain his elation and he groaned deeply. That kiss, it was more than worth all the waiting and yearning, he mused. His long fingers skimmed over Shigaraki's cheek and drifted back into his hair, tangling around the long, soft strands at the nape of his neck, blunt nails gently pricking the soft skin as he tried to keep Shigaraki captive there within the moment. They hadn't shared a kiss like this in weeks, too long by Dabi's standards and it felt exhilarating. Dabi moaned as he delved deeper, his head tilting slightly to boost the friction.

Shigaraki allowed the kiss to deepen, his hand coming to rest on Dabi's muscled bicep, his fingers curling in defiance. He was completely content with the careful temperance of their caresses and sighed blissfully against Dabi's velvety soft lips. Dabi, however, must've mistaken his loose consent for a more profound kiss as permission to move on to second base because the next thing Shigaraki felt was Dabi's free hand shifting between his legs to touch him. The movement was done so effortlessly, like Dabi was moving almost unconsciously and this was a natural transition from a kiss that was surely gaining some heavy heated traction.

"Dabi." Shigaraki released his mouth with a sudden gasp and his boyfriend groaned in frustration, dropping his lips to Shigaraki's exposed throat instead and leaving evocative kisses and pinching bites against the warmed skin.

"I've missed you, baby." Dabi muttered roughly between touches of his lips, his palm more eagerly groping him. "I want you. So bad it hurts." He purred, tugging at the waistband of Shigaraki's pants. When Shigaraki didn't move to stop him, his fingers plucked at his belt, blindly releasing the buckle before moving on to the button of his pants.

"Dabi. No." Shigaraki said in warning, reeling away and trying to create some space from his boyfriend's desire. A deliciously low growl crawled up Dabi's throat, the sound almost breaking Shigaraki's resolve but it wouldn't change anything. "I'm not going to have sex with you."

"Why not?" Dabi mumbled, still abusing Shigaraki's skin with his lips and his teeth, sucking and biting. "Doesn't this feel good?" He asked, cupping Shigaraki over his pants and stroking his developing erection.

"Obviously." Shigaraki established, trying to dislodge Dabi's hungry mouth and fondling hand. "But that's not the point."

Shigaraki couldn't deny that it felt good to be touched by Dabi, he was clearly very excited, they both were, but lamentably, he was just not in the mood for sex. And he knew why, the reason was as blatantly obvious as Dabi's raging libido. He had still not forgiven Dabi for what he had done to him and one steamy make out session wasn't going to erase all the anger and the hurt that he felt, he just couldn't let it go.

"Let me take care of you." Dabi insisted, scraping his teeth against Shigaraki's skin again and nibbling assertively at his neck. The urge to create a possessive mark was just too enticing and he really needed to make sure everyone who saw him knew he was taken.

"I can take care of myself. And would you cut that out!" Shigaraki snapped, ducking backwards out of Dabi's grasp, and almost slipping off the bed in the process. "You know we're going to have to be in front of cameras later." Shigaraki reminded him, annoyed.

Dabi stared at him and then dropped his eyes slightly, just enough for Shigaraki to watch how his darkened blue gaze moved across Shigaraki's face, bouncing from his lips to the mark he had been shaping on his neck. Something that looked a lot like pain flashed across his expression.

Shigaraki scowled and took out his phone. He switched on the front facing camera so he could examine his tingling neck and low and behold, there it was - a small bluish red blemish was starting to form on his skin.

"Great. How am I supposed to explain this?" Shigaraki complained, huffing.

Next to him, Dabi had the audacity to grin, admiring his handiwork. "You could tell them that your boyfriend gave it to you." He leaned in again, trying to capture Shigaraki in another round of kisses which his boyfriend immediately denied.

Shigaraki lowered his phone and narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, right."

"Maybe then they will back off and keep their hands off you."

Shigaraki rolled his eyes, lifting his phone back up so he could scrutinize the hickey on his neck. "I think the SDS is probably more effective."

"Oh yeah?" Dabi watched him intently. He was so tempted to nuzzle up to his boyfriend and find another easily visible spot on his skin to leave a mark, so he could really assert his claim, but he refrained himself. Shigaraki was undeniably agitated and likely to react violently if Dabi so much as touched him again.

"If you keep groping me, I might use it right now." Shigaraki returned, half joking.

Dabi snorted a laugh and then regrettably, inclined away, giving Shigaraki a little bit of room. "So, what were you going to do for the next few hours anyway?"

"I dunno. Stay inside, avoid people." He shrugged.

Dabi bit into his lower lip, like he was hesitating to speak his next words. "Does that include me?"

Shigaraki's gaze shifted up to meet Dabi's hopeful blue eyes. He wasn't going to pacify Dabi with a lie, his plan all along had been to spend some time alone in his room. And yes, that included without Dabi. Living with Mr. Aizawa was going great and all, but he missed the peacefulness of having his own space and his own room, where all his things were and how he liked them. And he could do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.

"Yes. You're people, Dabi." Shigaraki replied, rigidly. He wasn't going to explain his reasons for solitude, nor did he think Dabi deserved to hear or have a chance to question them.

"So, I've been delegated to just another person, huh?" He returned.

"That's not-" Shigaraki shook his head. "You know, I'm still fucking mad at you."

"I know. I deserve that."

"And It's not like I won't see you again today anyway." Shigaraki added, trying to quell some of Dabi's apparent disappointment.

"But not like this."

Shigaraki sighed. Hard. He had no reason to feel guilty about turning Dabi down, again, and quite frankly, he was annoyed that he did feel any guilt at all. He just wanted a couple of hours alone. Was that too much to ask? He didn't think so.

"Dabi, we can't just kiss and make up. I need some fucking time."

"Then give me that time." Dabi begged, reaching out to Shigaraki and brushing his cheek, very close to his mouth. "I'll make it up to you."

Shigaraki closed his eyes for a moment, the flutter in his chest so strong it almost hurt. He still loved Dabi but things between them were complicated. And it wasn't just them they had to contend with either. The entire school had witnessed Dabi's infidelity and agreed that Dabi was better off without him. And Dabi's family were under the impression that their son was very straight and dating a girl. There was just so much pressure and tension to resolve, not to mention all the lies and deceit. A kiss could not mend that whole host of issues.

"You know, I am not going to give up on you, or on us. I will harass you endlessly." Dabi chaffed.

Shigaraki scoffed and leaned over to smack a kiss against Dabi's cheek before he got up to his feet. It was time to go. "I guess I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Dabi."