Chapter 7: If they say "jump," you ask "how high?"

"Glass half empty, glass half full. Well, either way, you won't be going thirsty."

— 'King' by Lauren Aquilina

.

.

.

When Hawks was first assigned the mission to infiltrate the League of Villains, he… didn't know what to think.

On one hand, he was loyal to the Commission. If they said jump, he'd ask how high, do a flip and stick the landing perfectly, all without the use of his wings.

On the other hand, this was the League of Villains. And he was the Number Three (Two?) Hero. Enough said about that.

What was worse, was the fact that the Commission wanted him to seek out the League's Dabi, who, lest they forgotten, the Commission knew next to nothing about.

Zip. Nadda. Zero.

No exact age, a surface-level analysis on his quirk, no official records of any kind whatsoever. Face ID didn't work on him, because of the scars covering half his face. Hell, they didn't even know if he was a Japanese citizen or not.

This was seriously a bad idea.

But Hawks was loyal if not nothing, so instead of expressing how this was a very bad idea, he stayed quiet and obediently accepted the mission.

He was still thinking this is seriously a bad idea when he left the Commission building.

He was still thinking this is seriously a bad idea when he tried to track down Dabi that night.

And he was definitely thinking holy cows this was an extremely bad idea when he found the scarred man a week later and only narrowly avoided a blast of blue flames to the face.

But Hawks was nothing if not loyal, so he bullheaded through the extremely bad idea anyways. Instead of retreating like any sane person, because obviously if this flame dude's first reaction to you was to give you an explosion of fire, then you're probably not wanted, he raised his voice and shouted, "Hey!"

Almost immediately after the single word left his mouth, the flames ceased. When the villain caught sight of his red wings, something unreadable flashed across his face, but it was gone as fast as it came.

"Here to arrest me, Hero?" A voice, presumably Dabi's, called out.

Hawks was inwardly gaping. Because, well, in hindsight, he wasn't expecting it to actually work.

But instead of dawdling on the 'why', Hawks decided to just go with it.

"Uh. No," he said, his wings ruffling and his mask of indifference firmly in place. "I just want to talk."

"And what exactly could the Number Three Hero want with little me, if not slap cuff onto my wrists?"

Pointedly not pondering over why a Supervillain was actually giving him, a Hero, his time of day to actually do something as mundane as making small talk, he said "I want to join the League of Villains."

There. Blunt, and to the point.

For a moment, Dabi only looked at him. Looked him in the eye, unblinking and showing no outwards signs of discomfort.

Hawks expected him to either a.) blast him with fire again, b.) brush him off and blast him with fire again, or c.) threaten him, call him out, and blast with fire again.

What he did not expect was for Dabi to squint, and still without breaking eye contact, pull out a burner phone, flip it open, press a few buttons, and start calling someone.

Like, what.

Hawks had instinctively tensed, ready to jump into the air and escape at a second's notice. Was he calling Shigaraki? Or some other league member?

"It's me," Dabi said into the phone, all while never breaking eye contact with Hawks.

Hawks could only assume the one on the other side of the line answered, as he was then stuck listening to one of the weirdest and most confusing one-sided conversations in his life.

"Stop saying I kidnaped them."

What.

"Where else do I take them, then?"

...was the League running some kind of child trafficking ring? Keigo inwardly steeled himself. In his career, he had met two kinds of villains. The kinds that had moral codes … and the ones that didn't. If the League were the ones who didn't, then Hawk didn't even want to be in one's presence. But this was for the mission, for the citizens- he had to push forwards.

"No. So, you remember what we spoke of a few days ago?"

So this person was definitely in constant contact with Dabi, if not the League of Villains in general.

"No, of course not. Do you think I want to be caught?"

A pause.

"Yes."

...no doubt the person had knowledge that Dabi dabbled in the questionable side of things.

"Right. So, theoretically speaking, what if he approaches me first?"

What.

"Nothing! Just answer the question."

Wait. Who was Dabi talking about? Him? But… why would Dabi even think of this scenario?

"Not very."

Dabi paused.

"Yeah."

The longer Keigo stood there, the stronger the feeling was that he was missing something very important.

"You tell me."

The villain's lips quirked upwards, amused. But almost immediately the tidbit of emotion was gone, hidden and tucked away.

"Exactly. So? Do I have the go-ahead?"

Hawks was confused. Highly.

"Thanks. I'll get back to you when I can. Bye."

"...Who was that?" Hawks asked with no intention of actually getting an answer.

But apparently, his day was not going how he thought it would, and instead of ignoring him, the scared villain gave him one of those who do you think, dumbass looks, and said in a perfectly clear voice, "Agent Evanescence."

The moment the words left the flame villain's mouth, Keigo's mind … blanked.

(Because 'Vanes was a friend, a friend that he would never see ever again but a friend nonetheless—)

One moment, he and the villain were standing on opposite sides of an alleyway, and the next, the winged man had the villain pushed up against a wall and had a feather blade at his neck, positioned exactly so that he could slit his throat with a flick of his wrist. "How do you know that name?" he demanded.

Logically, he knew his friend was as good as dead at this point. Or there might have been another person with the same name. There were hundreds of possibilities.

But the way the villain spoke the name didn't sit right with Keigo. He had said Agent Evanescence. Not Evanescence. And the code name (because there was no way it was a real name) was rarely used as is, and not to mention a word of English, not Japanese, origin.

At this point, it was a 'better safe than sorry' situation.

Dabi still hadn't responded, and still hadn't broken eye contact.

He was waiting, Hawks realized.

But for what?

Hawks pressed further, the tip of his feather blade kissing his skin.

"Answer me," he hissed, all the deadly predator he was.

(The deadly predator that the Commission tried to stamp out—)

The villain smirked, seemingly unbothered by the blade at his neck. He hadn't made a single hostile move against the hero since the initial confrontation.

"How do you think, Takami Keigo?"

Shock.

And panic.

Takami Keigo.

That was a name he hadn't heard in a long, long time.

(The last time his name was ever said was from the lips of a blue eyed, red haired boy, who perished the very next day.)

How did he-

His official name was erased from the records. And he hadn't even told his name to Evanescence, she was gone before he could, and he had only ever told his name to—

("The bastard doesn't deserve to be called a dad. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing. Kei, I hate him, I hate him so much. What do I do with these feelings?"

"My fire hurts me. The bastard wanted me gone."

"Kei, I—I look so much like him—")

For the first time since Hawks had seen Dabi, he truly looked at him. Beyond the surface, beyond his glaring expression and beyond the burn scars—

Molten gold met striking green-blue, and Keigo's world completely flipped.

His grip on his feather went slack, the red blade gently floating to the ground, and Keigo stumbled away, shock evident across his face because—

It was the same face and the same nose and the helix piercings he had always said he was going to get, and if he substituted the black hair for the red and-

Eyes, blue as the sky, as the sea, as Touya.

But they said he was dead, burned to ashes by his own quirk, and there was smoke and it was freezing then it was scorching to the touch, and screaming and screaming and Touya's gone and he's not coming back, please no not him too—

Touya's body was never found.

(Keigo knew, at the back of his mind, that he had recognized something about Dabi when he heard about him, but he just couldn't place what. Now he knew. It was his speech pattern, it was the exact same as when they first met. Defensive, and an entire wall of poisoned barbs, uncaring and distant.)

Hawks' mask cracked, right down the middle.

Is he-

And then it completely shattered.

In that moment, Hawks fell away and Keigo got up.

Because—

"Touya," he said, breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. "Touya?"

And just like that, the man before him smiled, mask and facade melting away. "Hey pretty bird," he said. "Sorry I'm late, I ah, got a little lost—"

Keigo's hope, his fragile, falling-apart hopes, suddenly all clicked into place, and without losing another moment, he had launched himself into Dabi—no, Touya's arms.

He was Takami Keigo here, and facing him was Todoroki Touya.

(Hawks and Dabi were nowhere to be seen, only Keigo and Touya stood in that moment)

Keigo didn't care if Touya was a villain, or if they were on different sides in the would-to-be war, or if Evanescence was also suddenly alive and possibly submerged in villainy— this was Touya.

They would tell him that nothing had changed, nothing was different now he knew, but—

Everything had changed.

"Touya," he whispered, muffled by the flame user's coat. "Touya."

Hands, gentle, scarred hands, came wrapping around him, and for the first time in years, Keigo felt as if he could sit back and breathe.

"Keigo," Touya's voice replied. Keigo could feel him trembling. "I missed you, pretty bird."

Keigo held on tighter.

(Later, he would reflect and say that the entire mission wasn't such a bad idea after all.)

.

.

.

Officially, Touya's job in the league of Villains was to scout out potential recruits.

(They were located in the slums of one of the poorest and most crowded districts in the country. This was the place where criminal activity was sky high and no one really bothered to do anything about it since the city was falling apart (literally) anyways.

Buildings leaked, rubble on the streets. This was where all the shady things happened, where owners would overlook your lack of proper ID because they were already struggling and needed all the business they could get.

This was also where many villains and criminals were bred, unintentionally or not)

But the entire League knew that Dabi simply burned them all, deeming them all 'trash.'

What they didn't know was that during his 'outings', as the others called them, Touya was actually removing children from environments not safe and bringing them to Verity.

The 'trash' recruits were literally the worst scum on earth. Domestic abusers, rapists, child traffickers… Touya didn't regret killing them.

Of course, the whole 'bringing the kids to Verity' deal wasn't always was.

If he was being completely honest, it had only started after Kamino, after Hinode had found him, and when he accidentally nabbed a child being beaten by their mother (parent? Not sure) and the first (and only) safe place he could think of to go was Verity.

(The league was out of question, his apartment was also out. Where else? The Heroes?)

Hinode wasn't exactly impressed when he showed up with a shrieking toddler in his arms.

"Did you even tell them you were bringing them here?" Hinode had asked. "Or did you just grab them and run?"

The realization then struck. Touya knew there was something he had forgotten to do.

Eventually, they managed to calm the child down and tell them that no, their parents couldn't hurt them anymore, and yes, they were safe. No, they were not being a bother and yes, they could stay for as long or as little as they wanted.

After the initial time, Hinode made him wear a mask to hide his identity, because "if you haven't realized, genius, you're practically infamous as Dabi." That, and to swear not to use his quirk unless absolutely necessary, because you're quirk is flashy as hell, if you hadn't noticed.

It happened many more times. Eight brought to Verity, to be exact. Nineteen others, the ones who were comfortable with going to police stations or orphanages were brought there. Not every time did Touya remember to tell them where they were going, focusing more on invading law enforcement.

(There was this one kid though, who stood out to Touya.

He had found him standing on the edge of a bridge during the early hours of the morning.

The kid reminded him scarily of himself, during his lost days.

Touya eventually brought him to Verity, after letting the kid crash at his apartment for the better portion of the week.

The kid, who introduced himself as Kyrie ("That's not your real name." "Nova's not your real name." "Ah, fair enough.") was a genius.

So, when the kid showed interest in computers and coding, Touya taught him everything (which regrettably wasn't all that much) he knew.

And the kid soaked it all up like a goddamn sponge.

("If I tell you my real name, would you tell me yours?" Touya asked one night, before Verity.

The kid stilled. "...fine," he mumbled out at last.

"...Touya," he told him, after a moment of hesitation. "You?"

He seemed to shrink into himself. "...I…he didn't give me a name."

Touya paused. That… explained a lot, actually. "...that makes sense, then," he voiced.

"...sorry."

"No need to apologize, kid.")

He would tell anybody, but whenever the kid called him 'Nova-sensei,' it made him feel so accomplished inside. Was this what parenthood felt like?)

"Touya, you need to stop 'forgetting' to inform the kids where you're taking them. It's called kidnapping, if you haven't noticed," Hinode had told him one day.

"Kidnapping to protect them," Touya refuted.

"Kidnapping nonetheless."

Touya had even gained a little of a reputation for recusing the kids he did. It was funny, he even came in indirect contact with Pro-Hero Eraserhead and the older man didn't so much as look his way.

So yeah, many people sought out Touya day in and day out, and Touya himself interacted with others on an almost daily basis.

But there was one person he was absolutely banned from seeking out.

That person was none other than Pro-Hero Hawks. Or as Touya called him, the cannibal chicken, Takami Keigo.

Not only did the Commission watch his every step, from his agency to the outside and hallways of his apartment building, even his favourite restaurants.

Cameras meant capture.

Capture would mean his multiple covers blown.

Bottom line? Not good.

But fate must have been on his side that day, because a week after his conversation with Hinode about seeking out Keigo, Keigo approached him.

Or, more accurately, Pro-Hero Hawks approached Dabi of the League of Villains.

Dabi didn't recognize him at first. All he saw was a shadow and then there was a feeling in his gut screaming danger!

So he sent a blast of flames danger's way.

Of course, Hawks then spoke, and good lord, he would recognize Kei's voice anywhere—

He paused. What the absolute fuck was the dumb bird doing here?

Unless… did Keigo recognize him?

(He pointedly ignored the fluttery feeling dancing in his chest.)

So he gave him a chance to speak.

But two sentences into the conversation, Touya realized that Keigo, in fact, did not recognize him.

Then why—

"I want to join the League of Villains."

… the Commission definitely set him up to this.

Touya knew the logical (and safe) answer would be to call bullshit and blast him with more flames. In other words, typical Dabi behaviour.

But on the other hand… well. Maybe it was selfish. It probably was. But Touya wanted Keigo back. Not Hawks, not the Commission's Perfect Hero. He wanted Keigo.

So he called Hinode. She was usually a good voice of reason.

"Hello, this is Hashi Yuna, how may I help you?"

Touya suppressed a snort. They called him paranoid, but have they even met Hinode? That girl had too many cover stories to count. "It's me," he said into the receiver, eyes still on Hawk's form.

"Nova?" Hinoe's voice asked, instantly recognizing Touya's voice and shedding her cover. "What's up? Wait, no. Let me guess, you kidnapped another kid?"

"Stop saying I kidnaped them."

"What else do you call taking them somewhere without their knowledge?"

"Where else do I take them, then?"

A sigh. "Fine. Why'd you call? Need a lift?"

"No. So, you remember what we spoke of a few days ago?"

"...About Hawks? Wait, Nova, oh my gods. Please don't say you sought him out—"

"No, of course not. Do you think I want to be caught?"

"Are absolutely you sure?"

"Yes."

"...fine. Alright, then what? You don't call for no reason."

"Right. So, theoretically speaking, what if he approaches me first?"

"..."

"..."

"...Nova. What did you do."

"Nothing! Just answer the question."

A pause. "...how theoretical is this situation?"

"Not very."

Another pause. "...he's right there, isn't he?"

"Yeah."

"..."

"..."

"Then why would he…?"

"You tell me."

More pauses. Then, "Either he knows who you are, or… or the Commission. They want him to be a spy, don't they?"

"Exactly. So? Do I have the go-ahead?"

A sigh. "You know what, sure. Just make sure there aren't any cameras or something of the like. Don't get caught "

"Thanks. I'll get back to you when I can. Bye."

"Bye," she replied. And with that, the call ended.

Now, Touya thought, pocketing the phone. How to tell Keigo without breaking him…

"...Who was that?" the bird in question piped up.

Or I could just be blunt. Touya inwardly shrugged. Eh, that'll do. He always had been too blunt for his own good. Why stop now?

So he said, to Keigo's face, "Agent Evanescence."

Turns out, he probably shouldn't have told him so bluntly, because the next thing he knew, he was being pinned to a wall with a blade at his throat.

Oops.

"How do you know that name?" Hawks snarled.

Hm. Good to know you haven't lost any of your protectiveness. Or did you pick that up from me?

"Answer me."

Ah, he must have been silent for too long.

He obviously doesn't recognize me yet. Should I just tell him…? Or should I drop more clues?

Decided to throw all caution to the wind, Touya went with the latter.

"How do you think, Takami Keigo?"

Touya knew, the moment he uttered his name, that Keigo would recognize him.

There weren't many who knew his name.

Kei's mother was most likely dead of alcohol poisoning, his father in jail, and all his record erased.

Hinode was gone before Keigo could tell her, so…

Todoroki Touya was the only person Takami Keigo had ever in his 22 years of life, given his name to.

(It made him feel special, to know his name from the source. Even Hinode had only heard his name second hand, from Touya.)

And he was right. His pretty bird did recognize him.

The relief that washed over him- It was comforting.

And there were words said, he knew. But Touya didn't care; was focused on those golden eyes, eyes that reflected his entire world and more. Those eyes when he had first seen when he was young, so long ago, and had somehow, by some miracle, never really left him.

And his pretty bird was in his arms and he was crying and Touya would probably be too if he could, and the world was stopping and he didn't care if anyone saw, because this was Keigo, and he had Keigo back—

"Touya," his bird whispered into this coat, clutching it like a lifeline. "Touya."

"Keigo," he replied. "I missed you, pretty bird."

Maybe the decision was selfish. But Touya didn't care.

Because Keigo.

.

.

.

AN:

Annnndddd now finally FFNet's chaps are caught up to Ao3's ... :D