CHAPTER FOUR - I LIKE YOU

Dabi closed his eyes in defeat as the clock blinked. Another hour passed, and still no reply text from Shigaraki.

He was so sure of it too. He'd played it perfectly. After their memorable late night shower, they had each gone their separate ways, to Dabi's discontent though he didn't dare dispute it, and he had waited a whole day before contacting Shigaraki again, a simple text - short and sweet, just to check in and see how he was feeling. It was just enough to keep Dabi in his thoughts, without being too much. He'd even fought the urge to visit Shigaraki in person. Dabi had no business being on the fourth floor of the dorms and his presence would definitely not go unnoticed - especially if he was there to call on Shigaraki - something told him that Shigaraki didn't get a lot of visitors to his room. Not to mention, Dabi also knew a gratuitous visit would not go over well with Shigaraki either… He'd lose his mind.

What to do? What. To. Do.

The beginnings of a new, potential, relationship was always awkward. Or so he thought that they were supposed to be anyway. It was normal. And maybe even more so with Shigaraki. Sure, they had shared some level of civil intimacy but that didn't change the fact that they were still bitter rivals, and some inebriated kisses and a single handjob didn't erase almost three years of butting heads.

The most frustrating thing for Dabi was not knowing where he stood with the other boy. He knew what he wanted, but did Shigaraki want the same thing? Or was this just a one time only type deal?

Sighing, Dabi threw an arm over his face, feeling the weight of an arduous day. Classes had been a complete blur, he was sure he had not retained one single thing, and he kept glancing back at Shigaraki's empty desk, wondering what he was doing and if he was okay. In layman's terms, he was a complete mess and utterly perturbed by his inner turmoil.

He wouldn't admit it to anybody, of course, but Dabi wasn't as experienced in these kinds of situations as he may have made out to be. In his young eighteen years, he'd kissed a few people, a handful maybe, and he wasn't a virgin, but he had never been in a real committed relationship either. It was all flash with very little follow through for him.

With Shigaraki he felt differently. He wanted more. And it was only partly sexual.

Their time together had actually come as quite a surprise, just as much to Dabi as it did for Shigaraki - he was certain of it. The training incident, the kiss in the infirmary, sleeping together, the shared shower, none of it had been planned. It had all been spontaneous. He had liked Shigaraki for as long as he could remember but never thought he'd ever make a move. He would admit, though, that all their verbal sparring tended to get him a little worked up, so he often picked a fight with the other boy just for the enjoyment of it all. But he never thought… well… Shigaraki of all people? He'd never thought he'd actually do anything about it. Or that Shigaraki would be somewhat accepting of his advances. Though, he supposed everyone had a tipping point, and the circumstances or the stars or whatever other bullshit helped all just seemed to align that day and maybe Shigaraki had felt it too.

His phone buzzed against the nightstand. Dabi lifted his arm away from his face and slammed his hand down to retrieve his cell. One text message. Clicking on it, he read the one liner and smiled.

Just so you know, I'm not going to call.

It was such a typical Shigaraki response. Contact with finality. He was letting Dabi know he was okay but didn't need or want to talk about it. Dabi immediately started tapping out a reply.

But texting is okay?

No reply, Dabi frowned, chewing on his lower lip. It sucks to be right. He sent another message.

Can I come see you?

No.

Dabi snorted, amused by Shigaraki's bluntness. But now that he knew the other boy was awake, a quick visit wouldn't hurt right? It was late, the likeliness of him being seen was extremely low so he could probably get in and out undetected. Plus… He eyed the bottle of pills sitting on his nightstand. He had a good excuse for seeing Shigaraki. Maybe he needed the painkillers but was too proud to ask for them. Dabi would save the day.

Instead of another text, Dabi quickly dressed and left his room.

The hallway was quiet, not another soul around. He headed for the elevators in the main foyer and managed to get in on the first floor and out on the fourth floor without being seen.

Outside Shigaraki's door, he took a deep breath but instead of knocking and possibly waking up the whole floor, he sent Shigaraki another text.

I'm outside your room. Let me in.

Go away.

I have something to give you.

Nothing. Nada. Dabi was sure that would work. He tucked his phone away and stared at the closed door. More drastic measures were needed. He knocked softly at first, but when Shigaraki didn't answer, he tried again only this time louder.

There was shuffling behind the door and then it was wrenched open, a less than impressed Shigaraki blocking the way. He was wearing a black oversized sweatshirt with the hood pulled up over his head but Dabi could still see the boy scowling his displeasure.

"What is wrong with you?" He barked.

"That's a long story," Dabi returned, grinning, "If you let me in, I will tell you."

"No."

Just a few feet down the hall, there were footsteps and then the creak of a door started to open, their chatter must have woken the student in the neighboring room. Dabi wasn't exactly sure who it was, he had an idea, but would bet on anything Shigaraki wouldn't want them to be seen together.

"Is that Kurogiri? I should go say hi while I'm here."

"Tch." Shigaraki hissed and gripped the front of Dabi's shirt, quickly tugging the other boy into his room and out of sight. The last thing he needed was for his best friend, Kurogiri, to see Dabi at his door. At midnight. He wasn't prepared to answer any questions a situation like that would bring and, guaranteed, there would be a whole lot of curiosity considering the boys tense past.

Shigaraki closed the door behind Dabi and then returned to his bed where his Nintendo Switch had been dropped haphazardly, his game on pause.

Dabi walked a few paces inside and then took a moment to appreciate this epic moment; he had successfully infiltrated Shigaraki's dorm room. And it was pretty much as he expected it. Clean, and plain. The only thing that really stood out was the large flatscreen television and the gaming system perched beside it. Dabi was tempted to take a closer look around or peek under the bed - see if he had a secret hiding spot for something more… provocative but decided not to push his luck.

Instead, he sat down on the edge of Shigaraki's bed.

Shigaraki twitched, like Dabi had violated the sanctity of his private space.

"You said you had something to give me." Shigaraki grumbled.

"I do," Dabi retrieved the bottle of pills from his pocket and offered them to the other boy, "You left these in my room."

Shigaraki narrowed his eyes, skeptical, staring at the bottle before taking them, "What are these exactly?"

"Ah, painkillers? The nurse gave them to me." He explained, then added, "For you."

"Oh." Shigaraki set them aside. He had zero interest taking any drugs after what happened the last time he had been high. He shuffled further back on his bed and away from Dabi, bringing his handheld gaming system with him.

"You don't look so good, Mop Head," Dabi observed, noting the dark bags beneath Shigaraki's eyes. Shigaraki always looked tired, like he never slept more than a couple of hours a night, but right then, he looked especially exhausted, his eyes redder than usual, "You should take a couple of those pills. Get some sleep."

"No thanks." Shigaraki immediately replied, shaking his head.

Dabi snickered and then kicked off his boots before unceremoniously crawling higher onto the bed. "Worried I might touch you again?"

Shigaraki looked up with resentment, then averted his eyes, trying to scoot further away. "No. My inability to defend myself against you when I am all doped up worries me."

The corner of Dabi's mouth kicked up into an amused grin, "So... how was it anyway?"

Shigaraki didn't respond, he only glared at Dabi, like he wasn't sure why the other boy was still there in his room. He made a face and then returned his gaze back to his Switch, his fingers moving frantically over the buttons.

While Dabi was glad the other boy was comfortable enough with him to allow him on his bed, without death threats, he still wanted his crush to give him some attention. He swept the palm of his hand over the comforter, fingers brushing Shigaraki's thigh. "Did you like it?"

"Like what?" Shigaraki replied nonchalantly, his focus on his game.

Dabi chuckled under his breath. "Am I supposed to pretend it never happened?" Dabi stared at the angry line of Shigaraki's mouth, finding those pursed lips very appealing.

"Yes."

"I don't want to pretend it never happened." Dabi slipped his hand between Shigaraki's thighs, bold fingers seeking out the ultimate prize. Maybe he could give the boy a reminder of how it felt to be touched by him… so he wouldn't want to forget it.

"Stop that!" Shigaraki barked and smacked Dabi's hand away from his body.

"Then give me a proper answer." Dabi insisted, trying to peer beneath the hood concealing most of Shigaraki's face, "Did you like it?"

Shigaraki shifted his gaze over to Dabi and then quickly returned to his game. "It was fine." He conceded, sniffling with derision.

"Fine?"

"Fine, yes. It felt good." Shigaraki muttered irritably, his cheeks flushing with heat. "Get off my back."

Grinning, Dabi lifted his arm and slid his hand upward, framing Shigaraki's face, thumb gently stroking his angular cheek. Despite being in the middle of a game, Shigaraki's eyelids fluttered, but he seemed to fight it, brows drawing together. Still, he didn't pull away, and Dabi was thankful for that.

"You felt good."

"What are you doing?" Shigaraki grumbled, his hands going very still suddenly.

"Nothing." Dabi retorted and then shoved the hood of Shigaraki's sweatshirt back. He lowered his head and pressed a light kiss against the other boys cheek, his lips lingering against the warm skin.

Shigaraki breathed in sharply, and then tried to flick the hood back up but Dabi wasn't done yet. He buried his face into Shigaraki's hair, nuzzling into the other boy like he was trying to breathe him in.

"Cut it out!" Shigaraki barked, trying to dislodge him. It was a weak attempt, but there was only so much pushing he could do before his body reminded him that he was still injured and would punish him with a sharp jab of pain.

"Mop Head," Dabi murmured, and then finally admitted, "I like you." His hand found its way to Shigaraki's hair, and Dabi turned the other boys head a fraction so he could kiss him, finding Shigaraki's mouth softer and sweeter than before, the healing scab on his lower lip like a relic, a reminder of what had ultimately gotten them to this point.

Shigaraki's lower lip went slack with shock. Dabi bumped up against it, nudging Shigaraki's lip before gently stroking his tongue against the seam of his mouth. When Shigaraki parted his lips, Dabi deepened the kiss, fingers tangling into the mess of Shigaraki's thick locks.

"Ow," Shigaraki complained, hissing in pain. He was twisted uncomfortably, caught up in the kiss and ignoring his body's initial ache. Finally, he shoved Dabi roughly and their lips abruptly broke apart.

"Idiot." He grumbled, swiping the back of his hand over his mouth. "So, does this mean all the fighting and antagonizing was because you like me?" Shigaraki questioned, his brows pulled tightly together.

Silently, Dabi seemed to consider the line of questioning. But he was distracted. They were still so close, he could feel Shigaraki's warm breath. He grinned and lowered his head for a second kiss.

"What are you a child?" Shigaraki barked, blocking Dabi's downward descent and effectively stopping another kiss, "It's been three years!"

"Two and a bit."

Shigaraki narrowed his eyes, shooting daggers at Dabi.

Dabi chuckled, studying him.

"What?" Shigaraki scowled.

"Just admiring the mark I left on you."

Shigaraki's hand automatically went to his throat, covering the hickey Dabi had given him the day before. It was just high enough on his neck that no t-shirt or sweatshirt would hide it.

Dabi tried not to grin in triumph but he was proud of himself.

Shigaraki didn't find it very amusing. Angrily, he flicked his hood back up. "Why are you still here?"

"It is late." Dabi stretched out, yawning, "Would it be too much to ask for a sleepover?"

"Yes." Shigaraki warned, a grimace firmly in place, "Get out."

Without arguing, Dabi climbed down from the bed. He thought that was enough for one night, he wouldn't push his luck any more. Plus, he had gotten what he wanted. Kind of.

At the door, there had been an awkward moment. Dabi felt the odd compulsion to be serious, to tell Shigaraki how he felt before he left, all jokes and taunts and teasing aside. But that wasn't really in his nature, and it probably wouldn't have come off as sincere to Shigaraki anyway. Another kiss may have accomplished the same thing, but clearly that was off the table too. Shigaraki had officially run out of patience.

"I'll see you tomorrow?"

"No." Shigaraki returned, already back to the game on his Switch. He didn't even bother looking over at Dabi.

Dabi grinned, hesitating once again, before walking through the door.

Tomorrow. There was always a tomorrow.