-x- Dabi -x-

Dabi locked his car, and stared up at the wall of his new home. He lost his old one for good. Someone else would take his room as the rightful replacement. Dabi had just been taking up room and attention when someone else needed it more than him. So part of him was glad it was over, and his selfishness was void. He pulled his dufflebag up a bit more, and punched in the key and then the normal lock, opening the gate to his new home. He stood just inside the gate, letting it close loudly behind him, and looked at the house.

He really liked it, but he was the adult now. He didn't have any parent to help him. He had his friends, but he didn't have a mom or dad that cared about him. He was no longer a child, he was living on his own, not under any caregivers. He sighed, ran a hand through his hair roughly, and walked up the steps and onto the front porch.

He unlocked the many locks on the door and hung his keys on the key rack, each peg a different color for different sets of keys. Only Dabi and Keigo had cars, so their keys were more obvious. When he took his boots off at the front door, he heard Tenko and Shuichi arguing upstairs about videogames. He could smell food being made and assumed that was Keigo. Toga was doing something quietly.

Keigo was indeed the one cooking, having headphones on and an apron. He was baking, mixing cookie dough. Dabi washed his hands before walking up behind him and startling him by taking a scoop of the cookie dough. "Yum," he said. Keigo scowled at him.

"Don't steal my cookie dough. Just cause you won't get salmonella from it." He sounded personally offended. Dabi snickered.

"You're just jealous."

"You're right, I am jealous. I'd rather have cookie dough than cookies but I can't."

"You sound so appalled. You don't look good in green, Birdie," Dabi said. Keigo flipped him off and went back to baking. Dabi chuckled. He sat at the kitchen table, and scrolled on his phone. The textbooks he'd ordered should be ready to pick up soon. He should get the other's text books too. They were all sharing at least one class, which was a math class. None of them liked math at all, so they'd all suffer together.

Once Keigo was done with the cookies, he didn't blow the meal horn since it wasn't actually a meal. He put the cookies on the cooling rack, and washed everything off in the sink, putting the kitchenware that was used into the dishwasher. He seemed sad lately. Dabi worried he regret moving in with them. Once Keigo took his headphones off, Dabi asked, "Are you okay?"

Keigo looked a bit startled by being asked that. He searched Dabi's eyes for a long moment before nodding his head. "What's wrong, then?" Dabi questioned, patting the chair next to him. Keigo sat across from him instead, hunched over and wings droopy.

"I didn't want to worry you. I know it's stupid."

"It's okay if it's stupid, I still want to know." He didn't think whatever he was going to be told was stupid.

"You know how my father is a convict?" Dabi nodded. That was the reason he admired Endeavor for so long was because he got his dad and put him in jail. "Well, he was in a prison outside of Japan. I don't know why that was and I never really cared to know. I got told from the prison that he's been released on good behavior. After 13 years in jail."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Dabi said sincerely. "Are you scared?"

"...Mhmm," Keigo mumbled, hands clasped tightly on the table. Dabi did not ask him why he didn't tell him, he was just glad he knew now. "He beat me a lot. Said I ruined his life and drove my mother insane. I know he probably wouldn't come back to Japan and especially not to take out revenge on me. I don't think… I don't think he's that petty, but I don't know. It's not like I'm the reason he got caught, but he blamed everything on me anyways. And now that Endeavor is gone, the guy who caught him first can't catch him again," Keigo explained, Dabi listening intently. "What if he comes back? I mean, it's not like I'm not known."

He sounded truly panicked, and Dabi felt sympathetic. He'd been terrified of his own father finding him, too. Enji beat him and isolated him as well, said he ruined them. He and Keigo were far more alike than they were different. "You're not helpless, now, though. Back then, you were just a little boy. You may not be an active, licensed hero, but you have mastery of your quirk enough that you absolutely can defend yourself if necessary. You're smart, fast, strong, skilled.

"What was his quirk, if I can ask?"

"All he had were feathers, on his arms. They couldn't be used." Keigo's gold eyes were wide and searching for sincerely in Dabi's, which were overflowing with it.

"Well, he has a useless quirk, he doesn't have any defense training, no allies to help him hide, and you are rarely, if ever, alone somewhere. You don't live alone and your job is being surrounded by other people. He would have to be astronomically lucky to get all the right kinds of circumstances. He failed at being a villain in the end, all he did was hide. I really think you're safe, but it's okay if you don't feel safe. I can put added security bubbles around the house. Even around your bedroom alone, so nobody can get to you through the door or the window."

Keigo scrubbed at his eyes, and nodded. He did give a small, sincere smile. Dabi's words helped him feel better, which made him grin brightly in pride. He was happy helping his friends.

-x-

Dabi had a face time date with Kai, and Toga insisted on sitting next to him, talking to him since she never had. Dabi was shoving her away when he was calling. "Don't embarrass me," he said firmly before his face slowly fell, and he stopped the call. Toga didn't seem to realize what ruined Dabi's mood, and was concerned.

His shoulders hunched in shame. He just told his best friend to not be herself and embarrass him. He felt like he'd completely betrayed her. "Dabi, what's wrong?"

"I just said to not embarrass me. I don't think Kai would like you."

Toga looked a little hurt, but Dabi realized his wording was poor. "I shouldn't have to hide who my best friend is to a boyfriend. I feel awful," he said quietly.

"Oh… it's okay. I was being annoying anyways," she said, trying to do damage control, maybe thinking she ruined things for him. Dabi didn't want to be with someone he couldn't have his friends around. Thinking about it, Kai would never really like his friends. He would think they were overbearing, exhausting or even gross. Especially with Tenko, which was understandable given his skin condition and Kai's fear of germs.

He was thinking deeper, though. He'd not said one real snarky or teasing thing to him, out of worry he'd offend or upset him. He grimaced, realizing just how incompatible they were, and it had nothing to do with his germaphobia. He tried thinking about if they had anything in common. They didn't, other than Kai liking his music. They didn't have any common passions.

Dabi was calm and collected around him. That wasn't who he was. He was brash and snarky and sarcastic. He teased and pushed boundaries, he joked and pranked. He'd done none of that around Kai. He felt incredibly naive and stupid. He'd gotten caught up in things. "Dabi?" Toga asked in worry, tapping his forehead.

"I think I should break up with him."

Of course this was a complete 180 compared to not two minutes ago, so she was shocked. "But… why? Is it because of me? Just now?" she asked, looking horrified that it was her fault.

"I… I'm not me when I'm around him. If I was being me, I doubt he'd even like me," Dabi confessed, glad everyone else was gone. Tenko and Shuichi both at different interviews while Keigo was at work.

"...I sort of thought it wasn't a good fit, either," Toga said honestly, her words unusually careful with her tone. "You just don't really have anything in common, right? I didn't think about the germ stuff much."

"What should I do?"

"Uh, end it, maybe. Don't drag it on, right?"

"But he said nobody has ever been interested in him. If I leave, what if he's always alone?" He was lost, because he had no prior navigation skills with this. His best friend suddenly looked very stern.

"It's not your job to make other people happy when you're not happy. 'Specially in relationships! If you don't wanna be together, then don't be together," she said very firmly, surprisingly so.

"I wish he'd break up with me first so it doesn't hurt him," Dabi sighed. "Be easier. There's no way I'll be an asshole and text him why. Help me write a script," he firmly said. "Maybe I should ask Fuyumi, she's the most stable person I know. Rei wouldn't be any good with her time with Enji. Mei - no. No, I'm an adult now, I don't ask mom for help," he said, looking pained. "Not mom, not mom." Toga watched him sadly.

She ran her hand through his hair. "It's okay! We're growing up, it's scary. I'm nervous, too. I don't really have anybody but you guys, though. We should figure out what you will say. But for now you gotta cancel the call."

Dabi nodded, and texted Kai that he had something come up, and he was able to see him in person next week once it was okay. To his credit, Kai was not a very nosy person and didn't ask for more information. Dabi tossed his phone to the chaise part of the couch, and pulled his knees up.

He felt shitty. Kai was really nice and a good guy, but Dabi was realizing just how different they were, and how weird it was that he was with someone like him in the first place. So, so stupid. He and Toga said nothing when their friends got back by dinner, which Dabi cooked, headphones on while he hummed along to a song, not one of theirs. Everyone stayed out of the kitchen, and he was able to zone out to cooking, not thinking about how guilty he felt about breaking up.

At least it was nothing that Kai did, he had no reason to feel guilty or at fault.

He was still thinking when he arrived at work, distracted. He cleared his head before entering, though, and put his phone on vibrate in his backpack, which had his keys, wallet and a bottle of anxiety pills he brought with him to work as of late.

When he entered the area past the lobby, he was greeted by enthusiastic directors. Something was up, and he began to worry. "Good morning, Dabi."

"Morning. You all look excited," he stated.

"Well, we were thinking about your quirk." Ugh. "Do you have the ability to duplicate?" Dabi waited a long moment before asking for a written consent form that they wouldn't spread of quirk around. "Of course, of course," and he picked up the sheet of paper on the table that held some of the equipment. He handed it to Dabi, who was pleasantly surprised to see the contract was well written.

He signed it and then they signed it. When he slipped it into his backpack, he took a photo of it just for safe keeping, and put the bubble shield around his backpack. He returned to his bosses, and said, "I do have a duplicating quirk."

"Can your clones use your quirk?" Dabi nodded, and they had bright eyes. Then it clicked why they were asking. They wanted him to use more than one version of himself at a time. Which was a great cost and time cutting idea. They wouldn't need to take individual photos of him and photoshop them together for the group shots. They asked just that, and Dabi wondered if he'd have to work less hours, now.

"I can easily have multiple versions in different appearances." He'd never seen such a purely giddy adult. The expression was odd on the middle aged man. They got to work, and would need more stylists but Dabi asked for them to sign contracts as well, everyone to do it, because he was frankly uncomfortable with people knowing.

He and his quirk were worth it and soon everyone that interacted with him were not to speak of it. Dabi was truly thankful for his understanding bosses, though they might just be doing it since it was revealed he was even more convenient than before. He ended up with a raise and worked less hours since they got so much done with more of him at once.

With less hours, he decided to get a second job, wanting to keep busy. He didn't need more money, but did want to stay busy. Keigo suggested a hobby instead. "You'll be going to school while working soon. Maybe this is a good chance to find something you like."

He thought over it a bit, and decided to put it off a bit. It wasn't like he didn't have a lot more of the summer left. He tried various art projects, but fell back in love with reading and spent a lot of time working on new music, churning out lyrics in his free time. The others didn't have as much time as him, which he felt bad about, so the music was stalled a bit. He worked on music with only his guitar, solos, but they weren't nearly as fun or good as with all four of them.

-x-

Only Toga knew that Dabi was breaking up with Kai. He didn't want a big deal made of it, and he didn't want to hear that they all felt the same as Toga and didn't think they'd have worked out in the first place, which would be embarrassing. That he didn't realize himself. He sighed, scrubbing his hand through his hair while he flew to their meeting place.

He landed in the park and put the mask an gloves on. When he found Kai, he was pacing back and forth. Dabi hoped he wanted to break up so he didn't need to feel bad. "Hey," Dabi greeted, and sat on the bench. His boyfriend looked uncomfortable. "Are you okay?"

"We have to talk." Please break up with me, I don't want to hurt you.

"Okay," Dabi said, leaning forward to rest his arms on the tops of his thighs. Kai still hadn't sat down.

"I think we should break up." Dabi made sure not to smile or looked relieved. He would act sad, because he didn't want to spoil things, even as they were ending.

"Why?" Dabi had to ask.

"We're very different, and don't really have anything in common." Their opinions were the same, then. "I'm really thankful for how kind you've been. I just don't want to drag along something that isn't going to go anywhere."

"I understand. I agree, we're very different," the younger said. "I'm sure you'll find someone." He had a sad smile on. "We can stay friends, if you're comfortable with that." He wasn't sure if they'd stay in touch, since they didn't have anything in common anyways, but he didn't want to just cut contact forever. Not because he wanted to get back together, but Kai was nice. Maybe he'd be a better friend than they were romantic partners.

He looked very relieved, and nodded. "I'm sorry," he said.

"It's okay, I'm glad you were honest," Dabi replied. Kai nodded, and there was no hug goodbye or even a handshake.

"Good luck with school," he said.

"Good luck in whatever you want to do in your life," Dabi sincerely said. And they split, Dabi feeling relieved but also a bit sad. Well, he had practice in a relationship with him. Hopefully he'd be with someone more compatible, maybe from college, since he worked with older adults in his job.

Well, he was technically an adult. Though he was sure people in their 20s wouldn't want to be with him. No, he wasn't going to be with someone to please them, to not act himself. He smiled at the sky. He'd continued to be himself whenever he could. He would make sure whoever he was with got along with his friends, and he didn't feel the need to apologize for their personalities.

-x- Keigo -x-

When Keigo came home late one night, dinner was already made and in the fridge for him. He just heated it up on the stove top, and ate by himself. It wasn't a very good day. He'd gone thrifting to clear his mind, and passed a little kid by the children's section. He was usually left alone there, but this time, he wasn't.

The little boy started grabbing at Keigo's feathers, who easily raised his wings up high enough so he couldn't reach them. He'd started to whine and scream, so Keigo moved away, not wanting to deal with him. He bought what he'd already collected over his forearm, and walked to the register.

"Daddyyyy! He-he's mean!"

"What? Who?"

"Himmm!" Dabi collected his things in the reusable shopping bags he brought, and glanced over his shoulder at a hulk of a man storming towards him. Keigo darted out of the store and flew away, so thankful for the ease of escape for his quirk. But he was annoyed, since it was supposed to be a calming outing, and it had ended poorly.

When he got back, he saw the lights on in the studio and wondered if they were working on a song. Dabi's hours got cut back and spent a lot of time in the house, alone and reading in the comfortable silence. Keigo couldn't help but be a bit jealous and was thinking about taking a break after this movie was done shooting. It wasn't like he needed the steady income anyways.

With Dabi having more time at home alone, Keigo wished the movie would finish soon so he could spend time with him. It seemed dinner and mornings together usually wasn't enough, maybe because they were never alone.

It wasn't Dabi inside the studio as he walked down the stairs, wearing sleep clothes. "Welcome home," he greeted. The words felt so soothing, and Keigo nodded with a smile. "How was work?"

"Fine. Tired lately. Went to the thrift store but some asshole kid got their dad angry at me and ruined my trip," Keigo said with a pout, sticking his fork in the pasta dish like a child. Dabi snickered at it and the winged man gave a small smile. "What about you?"

"Ah… me and Kai broke up." Keigo's heart missed a beat. "It was mutual, though he didn't know that. I didn't want him to think something was wrong with him, so I didn't say I wanted to end it, too."

"Why did you want to?" Keigo asked, acting again. He was giddy, excited and nervous.

"I realized I wasn't actually acting like myself, and that I really didn't think he'd like me how I really am," Dabi admitted. "I wish I'd seen it sooner and not wasted our time. I'm just glad it ended peacefully, neither of us mad at the other. Next time, I want someone that gets along and likes me and our friends."

Keigo wanted to say he could be that person, but he had to come clean. He was gay, not that he was in love with Dabi, but this was the first step. Dabi furrowed his brows, clearly seeing Keigo's tense body language. "What's wrong?"

"Promise you won't tell anyone? Well, besides the other three?"

"Alright," Dabi agreed immediately.

"I think… I'm gay, too," Keigo said, face flaming. Dabi rose his brows in surprise, but then smiled.

"Thanks for telling me," Dabi said, sounding sincerely happy. "Let's just call this place 'House of Gays' or something."

"Could call it HOG to be more discrete," Keigo nodded. Dabi snorted, and Keigo laughed, too. He felt so relieved that Dabi didn't give a shit, wasn't bothered. He didn't really think he would be, but it was still a relief. Dabi got some smores ingredients for them and roasted them under his finger on fire, and had a few of them in celebration for Keigo coming out.

Rumi had celebrated with him, too, when he hadn't been whining about Dabi being taken. After they both went to bed for the night, Keigo texted with Rumi about the day, who sent a ton of party streamer emojis. They gushed or over an hour before Keigo fell asleep, happier than he had been in awhile.

-x-

There were security cameras all over the property for their comfort, but mainly Keigo's from his father. None of his friends and roomies were scared about it, thinking he'd come after them, but understood why it stressed him out. They were fine putting cameras in the house at the doors, both upstairs and downstairs, as long as they were never looked at unless something happened.

They were all very comfortable around each other, Toga a little too much as she sometimes walked around in her bra and underwear, with Dabi and Tenko throwing clothes at her. Though it wasn't too fair since they also walked around in boxers in the morning. Keigo wasn't comfortable with doing it himself, but definitely liked sneaking glances at Dabi shirtless. He didn't have his desired nipple piercings yet, and Keigo didn't know how he could possibly handle that.

Tenko and Shuichi's jobs were surprising. Tenko was featured in skin care commercials, even though his face was photoshopped since nothing worked for him. So it was fake but it got him money, and that's what he wanted. Shuichi worked as a cashier in a mutant tailored shop where he was welcomed easily.

Toga was working as a bagger at a grocery store with Uraraka, taking the bus there to meet up. It looked serious, and she was very happy.

After one day of shooting, which wasn't too much, he came home to find Dabi's bio family there. They were eating brownies that just smelled fantastic. "Hey, Kei. Want some brownies?"

Keigo nodded, glad he could fight the sweet blush about the nicknames. His nicknames were much nicer than his other friends. He called Toga a nut job and lunatic, Tenko was crusty and Shuichi was lizard, though he called Dabi imposter. Keigo's was birdie or Kei. He took a brownie, which had chocolate chips in it, and gave a small moan at how good they were. Rei smiled at the reaction.

Sitting on the chair he used the most when his wings were on, he listened to Dabi's family talk, catching up. It looked like they'd only arrived a little bit before. Which made sense why there were still brownies left when all four children ate at a pretty fast pace. Shoto was scarfing them down, trying to get the most while Natsuo did his best. Dabi already had a small plate with six brownie chunks piled up. It was funny.

Keigo was surprised when Dabi was the one to bring up Enji. He'd stopped haunting him, having gotten bored months ago, and no longer spied, having no desire to, which Keigo was happy about. He looked to Fuyumi, though the oldest sibling didn't have a look of anger and judgment on her face.

It was clear just now that Dabi had grown up a lot. At least in this area. Keigo was proud of him, that he could be respectful and normal with some people, not a sarcastic ass to many, many people. Maybe it was because he was not living with any parent anymore, maybe it was something to do with Kai, but as long as Dabi was still the snarky, funny person Keigo fell in love with, he was happy for this change.

"Well… he's gotten a new job. Working as a landscaper. He's still physically strong but retail isn't really an option and no serious job is hiring him. He's still pretty sad and lonely, but he got two dogs." Keigo wanted to ask if they were pure breed, but didn't. Dabi asked for him. "Yes, two great danes," Fuyumi confirmed. Dabi shared eye contact with Keigo, both struggling to keep smiles off their faces.

"Does he ever talk about us?" Dabi asked, eating another brownie casually.

"No, I don't bring you guys up. He didn't wish you happy graduation - I was glad about that. I sort of get… angry when he brings any of you up. He stops, now. Doesn't yell. I think because I'm the one that holds the power, now. I could just stop seeing him and he wouldn't be able to do anything about it."

Dabi was grinning at hearing this, hearing his sister was in control and was no longer yelled at or berated. Keigo was also happy that Enji couldn't hurt any of them. Jail taught him some life lessons, and losing everyone reinforced them. The former Todoroki home was a shell of what it had been, according to Dabi. No workers, so he had to cook his own food and clean after himself, as well as drive to places without anyone doing it for him.

Keigo felt pity for him as a fellow human, but as a person - as Enji - he didn't feel too sorry. The family stayed over for a bit but left before the others came back. Dabi went to pick them up, as two of them worked in the city and Toga got back on the train at about the same time the other two got out.

Before he left, Toga sent a group chat to the residents that she was bringing her girlfriend there with her. They mostly left thumbs up emojis, and Dabi left to pick the four up. Keigo got started on dinner since it was his night to cook, and it was nearly ready when they all got home. They usually ate in their own places, sometimes in their rooms, but usually in the living room or kitchen, like a family that caught up with each other after work.

Toga showed Uraraka around, who was very happy to be there and Keigo made enough food for six. It was a lot of food and they all split the bills for food, which was only fair. The other three were paying rent money, though not as much as Dabi and Keigo. Not all equal, but equitable.

Some of them were sitting at the table or bar counter, while others were on the couch or living room floor, just eating anywhere they felt like. Sometimes they'd catch up on their days at the table and others they'd just text about them in their various places around the house and studio.

Keigo was really interested to watch them record their music, sitting on a creaky lounge chair in the corner of the studio. Watching Dabi have headphones on and sing into the mic was so nice. He wished someday Dabi would sing for him again, not just after he was attacked and near unconscious.

After dinner, they all played board games, which were always wild with the four recent grads. They argued and shouted and laughed and sometimes cheated. Keigo tried to play fair but it was never easy. It was honestly mostly just goofing off, and Keigo was happy to see Uraraka didn't look bothered by it, she didn't play, just watched, looking highly amused.

By how close and similar Dabi and Toga were when he was in his more manic and goofy state, Keigo was sure her girlfriend was relieved both of them were openly gay, and Dabi would not be stealing her girl. Keigo was pretty sure Uraraka didn't know about Toga walking around in underwear, usually boy shorts and sports bra, so nothing more revealing than a two piece swim suit.

When Rumi came over, she did not act her age and would be just as obnoxious as the others, and Keigo was so glad they could all get along, and Rumi didn't feel any negative feelings about Keigo moving in with them. She had turned Keigo's old bedroom into a home gym, and Keigo could only imagine the downstairs neighbors and how annoyed they must be by her thudding steps on the treadmill.

Uraraka slept over in Toga's room, since they didn't have a spare (that was their excuse), but she wasn't bothered by being the only one on the first story.

After everyone was asleep, Keigo woke up and wanted some water, but saw his canteen was empty, so he quietly walked down the carpeted stairs and to the kitchen. He heard light snoring, and peeked over the back of the couch and saw Dabi asleep, a book resting on his face. Keigo smiled and draped a blanket over him, and was as quiet as he could be.

He smiled, heading up the stairs, and made sure to turn off the lamp still on on Dabi's desk.

-x-

Keigo was annoyed with one of the editors of the movie when he asked multiple times if Keigo could convince Dabi to help with the preview so they didn't need to make too many effects. Like how Dabi had turned the scene darker in the music video where the person turned more and more black as the depressing song went on.

"No, he doesn't want to do that," Keigo said for the umpteenth time. Soon the editing should be over, so hopefully he stopped harassing Keigo about it. He'd complained about it to Dabi, who definitely didn't want to do that. Yes, it would be helpful, but it wasn't his job to make others' wants of his quirk to come.

He was going grocery shopping in another body, a man in his thirties to be left alone from everyone. It gave him more privacy and he wasn't bothered for anything. He was well known both for his music and quirk, though it was mostly young adults and older teens that liked their music.

When Dabi came back, Keigo was shocked that police arrived outside the property. It was very late, Dabi enjoying shopping at night because he liked the city lights. Keigo and he walked out of their bubble, through the gate, to ask what happened. The other three were asleep.

"We were told an unfamiliar man entered your property. You have a concerned neighbor."

"Oh, which one?" Keigo wondered.

"I can't say." Keigo didn't press. "Did you notice a man come in?" They peeked behind them and at the nice house.

"Oh, that was me," Dabi said calmly, politely. "I shifted into the other body."

"Oh, you're that overpowered guy. Well, I can see why you'd come out in that body," the officer said, and Keigo was pleased with him.

"We have a bubble around the property, so nobody but us can get through it. Also have a security system and cameras about," Dabi explained. The officer looked interested. "Try and put your hand over the gate." He did, but couldn't get it through the solid feeling, invisible surface.

"Damn, that's helpful. But what if you need an ambulance? Will paramedics be able to get in?"

"If we want them to come in, sure. But we have a healing quirk, so it's unlikely we'd need to call," Dabi explained.

"I see. Well, sorry to bother you. Have a good night."

"Thank you; you, too," Dabi said with a smile. They walked back in, neither angry since their neighbor, whichever it was, was only concerned for their safety.

Keigo looked at Dabi with a fond smile. He saw it, and quirked a brow at the look. "Just… you've grown up a lot in a short time."

"Well, I'm an adult in the adult world, now. And I'm over age, don't feel like going to jail for being an ass to a cop," he said. Keigo kept smiling to himself. "We should go to our neighbors and explain that man is actually me. I think I'll use that body for consistencies sake."

So the next morning, Keigo, Dabi and Tenko went to their immediate neighbors, one by one, and informed them that Dabi entered their property in another form sometimes. The older neighbors were more understanding about the desire for privacy and peace. The kid neighbors from a few houses down, did not.

They demanded to know why Dabi didn't use his quirk more when it was so awesome, not in a good way, but acting jealous and bitter. Dabi said, "How do you know I don't use it?" with a condescending look. Keigo was sure they were jealous since it looked like their quirk was having small spikes out of their arms.

"How'd you afford a house, anyways?"

"By being smart with money," Keigo said before Dabi could reply, probably with something sarcastic. Maybe he was only respectful to those that showed him respect, too. Still was better than just messing with people for fun, and was far more reasonable.

"It's probably because you're rich and famous," he snapped.

"Well, that sure helps."

"He's my sugar daddy," Dabi claimed.

"What the hell is that?"

Keigo elbowed Dabi. "You'll learn when you're older."

"Can we speak to your parents?" Keigo asked, trying and wanting to diffuse the situation.

"MOOOMMMM!" he shouted, and a middle aged, short woman came into view. She looked pleased to see them, and Dabi was back to being respectful as they explained to not be worried about someone breaking into their property.

"We don't know if it was you that called, but we just want to reassure those that might have done it," Dabi said politely, no trace of his mocking attitude before.

"Oh, I see. Thank you for telling me," she said politely. "You're not partiers, right? Just worried to have some teenagers in our neighborhood."

"No, miss, we won't be partying," Dabi answered with a smile, not a wide, wicked one. Playing the good neighbor despite his appearance. "No need to worry about that." Dabi could always find a noise cancel quirk and use that. Well, he probably already had one, Keigo didn't know.

"Oh, good." They left, the kid glaring daggers at Dabi, who started cackling once they were far enough away.

"And I thought you were over your asshole ways," Keigo sighed dramatically.

"I wouldn't be that fun anymore if I was completely mature, now would I?"

Keigo smiled. "No, I suppose not."

Later that night, there was a buzz on their phones that there were people outside the gate. Keigo grumbled and sat up, looking at his phone and seeing the gate camera. It was the bratty kid from before. He had a carton of eggs, and Keigo thoroughly enjoyed him getting more and more frustrated when they didn't go over the wall. They splattered at the forcefield.

Dabi had allowed animals to come through the bubble, birds and outdoor or stray cats who came to take advantage of the space and large covered backyard patio, though there were bubbles around Dabi's budding garden. But other people or projectiles? Nope.

Keigo snickered when one of the eggs fell onto his face. He could hear Dabi laughing from his room since they shared a wall.

Dabi spoke through the gate door camera, which had a speaker, in a robotic female voice. "Security system activated. Dialing 110 immediately." The kids booked it. Keigo snickered again, and went to sleep, satisfied with the complete protection. There was no way his father could get through, and it wasn't like he had a quirk.

Keigo wasn't small and helpless anymore. He was still knowledgeable to the extreme with how to fight using his quirk. Just because three years passed didn't mean he forgot the muscle memory of fighting and moving at a quick speed. He was just happy he didn't need to do it anymore. He didn't need to worry about dying at a young age being a hero - not that he was taught to fear it, but be proud of that fact because it meant he was useful.

If his handler ever got out of jail, he hoped she watched all his videos and was enraged by his success of not being a hero. Since she was heavily involved in the abuse of Keigo, as well as with the child quirk trafficking, her sentence wasn't exactly a short amount of time. She had it far worse than Enji did.

Keigo was satisfied with the current hero association, diplomatic and democratic in using majority vote and plenty of people inside the meetings, as well as them being recorded for records. They did this mostly to be able to prove they were not corrupt and hiding things like the HPSC had for so long.

After breakfast, which was not usually cooked as a meal but were various foods, like smoothies, eggs, cereal or toast, there was a ring on their doorbell camera. Keigo was the one to go out, the others eating breakfast or sleeping in depending on their job schedule. He opened the gate, and knew it was the mother of the bratty kids.

"Good morning," he said pleasantly. She looked irate.

"Good morning. I was told you used a quirk to retaliate on my son."

"Well, it's technically true. We have a quirk wrapped around the property, which kept the eggs he was trying to throw at the house out." The boy said he was lying. "I have camera proof. Would you like to see it?" His face went as pale as a ghost. Keigo pulled it up on his phone and showed the mother what her child had done - tried to do. "There is no possible way to get onto our property or to throw something over the wall."

She. Was. Livid.

"Get back to the house right now!" she ordered. Then she turned to Keigo, and bowed in deep apology of what her son had done.

"If someone tries to damage the gate, the authorities are notified, so this time was harmless but I do recommend he stays away," Keigo said calmly.

"Of course. He won't be coming back. If he does, please tell me." She gave him her number, and he thanked her for being considerate.

"I know a bunch of young people renting out a large house seems kinds of strange, but we're going to be as good neighbors as we can," he said with a smile. She nodded, and hurried away, looking so angry and embarrassed about how her kid had behaved, trying to vandalize them. Hopefully it kept him away.

Regardless, Keigo ordered a sign that he put on the gate that showed they had a security system and barring trespassers. Not that anyone could successfully break in. Keigo was so glad of how safe he felt here. It was home, a safe space with people he cared about and cared about him. He was happy and content.

That day, Keigo went out and bought cameras that could be put on newer cars to film out the front, back and sides. He and Dabi put them on both of their cars to be safe. It was a safe neighborhood, they made sure of that before choosing the place, but it was always good to be cautious. Better safe than sorry.

-x-

They were all frankly surprised that they were invited to a neighborhood potluck. None of them had ever done it before, even Dabi at his nice foster home had never been to one. School was starting in a week, and Keigo regret not confessing yet. Dabi might be busy with school. He just couldn't find the right time when he was brave enough to risk it.

A few times, he'd seen Dabi watching him before he noticed Keigo was seeing and averted his eyes. So Keigo started to make himself look very presentable, taking a shower almost every day, keeping his wings neat and oiled, and making sure he smelled good. Maybe it was a bird quirk trait to want to look very good and impressive for the person he liked, or maybe he was just obsessive.

He was too nervous to act on it. He would rather Dabi bring it up if he felt the same way. Honestly, he felt like a coward and was debating getting Toga's help and input. Tenko and Shuichi were very private with their relationship, so Keigo wasn't going to ask them for advice or help, as he assumed they'd be embarrassed and uncomfortable, even if the actor didn't believe they'd spill the beans.

He had hope from his talk with Sheri, but Dabi hadn't made a move. He still sometimes texted Kai, but it was pretty rare, and it made Keigo relieved even though Dabi said he didn't plan on dating someone he couldn't be himself around.

They were all on an outing for shopping for backyard furniture, Keigo in disguise while Dabi had a different look. Same age, but different looking. Keigo hated it, the real Dabi looked so much better.

Toga sat on a swinging bench and decided to stay there the whole trip, so the other four went looking while she stayed behind to swing. They got a backyard table and some comfortable but inexpensive chairs. Keigo bought the swinging bench for Toga, who teared up and hugged him. Who knew she'd be so moved by a swinging bench.

They had to use a moving van to get everything there, and then had to go through the house to get to the backyard, Dabi able to hold them himself and get them through. Keigo knew it was due to a quirk, but he liked that Dabi was so strong. God, he needed to confess before he went to school and people realized how good of a person he was. If they were nice to him back, of course.

The potluck was the next day after they moved their new furniture in (they didn't plan on inviting anyone onto their property, even if the place ended up looking gorgeous with the work Dabi was doing to grow the plants and new grass), and started cooking to bring things.

Dabi and Keigo worked seamlessly in sharing the kitchen, the older but shorter one working on baking while Dabi was on shish kabobs that were refrigerated overnight. Keigo's brownie cookies were delicious and he had to make the others promise to not eat any during the night, which was hard for them a bit. It was funny.

In the morning, they all dressed nicer than usual, which mostly meant no intense t-shirts with bad words or graphic imagery. Dabi wore all of his black clothes, which Keigo was glad he was wearing and not going to be fake. He was polite enough, and he was wearing normal boots and not the spiked ones. He was not wearing his fancy jacket, but a black hoodie. He didn't get hot when he balanced his ice and fire quirk inside, keeping him always at a nice, internal room temperature.

They left their home to go to the neighbor's, Dabi holding one of those helpful dish holders, which looked like a stacked bento box, but bigger. They knocked on the door and were let in, though she seemed a bit surprised to see them, maybe expecting they wouldn't have wanted to attend. "We brought some food," Dabi said, and lifted the box. There were a lot of shish kabobs since they didn't know just how many people were coming, and Keigo made an obscene amount of cookies, which he deprived his friends of eating.

"Great! Well, come in." They took off their shoes to walk through the house and then put them back on when they were in the backyard. Keigo had never really talked with his neighbors at his old complex, so getting along with neighbors was new.

The brat and his mom was there, but she gave him a hard look and he looked down, probably told not to approach them.

"Do put the dishes here on the table." There were a lot of other ones, so they put theirs at the end, unstacking the boxes but keeping them in their plastic containers so bugs didn't get in. They definitely didn't really fit with everyone else, who were elderly or had families with them. The nice woman that was directly beside them, only one neighbor beside because the other side of their property was the street, the house at a corner.

She was happy to see them. Toga grinned and gave her an enthusiastic hug because of how nice she'd been to her when she took the trash out to the garbage box outside and spilled it everywhere. She'd used her own quirk to help clean it up, which the soon to be college student was grateful for.

Dabi looked at ease, but Keigo knew he was nervous, too. He sat on the deck with his feet over the side, and Keigo sat next to him. When everyone was there, the five found out it was less of a potluck and more like a welcome get together for them. Since all five of them had so often been looked down on or avoided either for past actions of appearances, they were all deeply shocked. They didn't fit in look wise or age wise with any of the neighbors.

If any of them did have teenage children, they hadn't come. None of them looked at Keigo in awe for being famous, which was also nice. Dabi did have the attention of some of the children due to his quirk or songs, Keigo didn't know. He'd bet on his quirk since their music was not age appropriate for children at all.

"I'm Takami Keigo, this is Kaneko Dabi, Toga Himiko, Shimura Tenko and Iguchi Shuichi," Keigo introduced in a friendly voice.

There were questions asked of them, but none of them were invasive. Mostly conversational, though the topic did come up of their jobs. Most of their neighbors were in high paying jobs, at least one spouse, which got them the newer versions of the houses in the neighborhood. Theirs was the oldest, but still nice.

"I'm an actor, Toga and Shuichi are retail," Toga looked proud while Shuichi didn't. "Tenko is a skin care model for commercials, and Dabi's a clothing model." They seemed most surprised at Dabi.

"I don't model as this, I use my quirk to turn into different appearances, so they can have as many variations of models as they want," he offered.

"Oh, that's very resourceful," the buffest guy there said. Dabi scratched his cheek and nodded, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Are you all living away from your parents and going to college after this?" It was a harmless question, but they answered honestly. Well, Keigo was doing all the talking as the food was served and the three besides Keigo and Dabi went to get food, as polite as possible when they were so excited to try all sorts of new food, all of which smelled good and were presentable.

He honestly said, "Most of us don't have parents, and we're paying for the rent ourselves. They'll all go to college soon but I'm still working as an actor."

"Oh, wow. You also have nice cars."

"We bought those, too," Keigo said a bit proudly. They were all clearly surprised by this and the fact none of them had parents paying for their living condition.

"You four are in a band, right?" Dabi nodded. "I've seen the music videos. Did you really make those yourselves?"

"I did most of the work with various quirks," Dabi said. This was public knowledge, so he wasn't giving away a secret. "All of it was produced by us. Toga's the one who comes up with the video ideas and Tenko does the orchestra program. Shuichi mostly comes up with the music and I do the lyrics," he explained. He searched their faces for disapproval, probably.

"And how long have you been doing that?"

"We were 15 when we started the music part, and 16 when we made the first video," Dabi answered. The brat scowled at this. He really didn't like them. Thanks a lot, Dabi. Fucking sugar daddy.

"Do you make money off of it?" This guy looked very pompous and judgemental.

"No, not really. We turned down offers for some record labels since we'd just rather be able to do whatever we want. It's more fun that way." They nodded, and the food was served, everyone making small talk and the spotlight no longer on the newbies. Some of the nicer kids came to Keigo and asked for autographs. Keigo gladly did so, and then they went to Dabi and asked about his quirk.

Everyone but the five and the kids were adults and easily noticed Dabi grew uncomfortable talking about it, so they distracted the kids or told them not to ask depending on their ages. They looked painfully curious, but Dabi was relieved that they were shut down.

The food they brought was eaten by everyone, so that meant they were good. Keigo served himself all the chicken dishes and happily ate them. Dabi exchanged recipes for some of them. Right now, they really didn't act like kids who just graduated highschool.

After two hours of getting to know everyone, the welcoming event was over, and they took what they'd brought. "Thank you for inviting us," Dabi said and they all gave a bow in thanks before going home. When they got inside, all of them let out a sigh/groan and flopped onto couches or chairs, Dabi taking the living room floor, spread eagle.

"That was exhausting," Toga said. "I had to be so boring! For two hours!"

"Better than them all thinking we're crazy assholes," Dabi grumbled. Keigo thought it was so funny.

"I'm glad I think we at least made a good impression," Tenko sighed. "I hope they don't throw barbeques."

"You can always claim your a vegan and don't want to go," Keigo offered, putting the dishes into the dishwasher, rinsing them off first. Everything had been eaten, no cookies were left. Tenko huffed a sigh again. They were all socially exhausted.

-x- Dabi -x-

"What do you think about Keigo bein' gay?" Toga asked while they were heading to the store to go shopping for food. Probably wanted to come just to ask this. "You said you wouldn't think about him cause he was straight. He says he's not anymore," she said.

Dabi put on the turn signal to turn left, letting it tick three times before he answered. "I don't know. I don't want to ruin shit, y'know? We live together now. If he doesn't want it, he'd probably be uncomfortable. Hell, I would too. And if he leaves we're screwed, can't afford everything without him." That was true, but he was more worried about their friendship being decimated.

"Well, I think he likes you like that," Toga stated.

"He suggested I keep going out with Kai. If he did like me, why would he say that?" Toga rolled her eyes.

"Do you think he'd sabotage that because he likes you?" No, Dabi didn't. Keigo wasn't selfish, and he probably wanted Dabi to be happy. He sighed. "How about I talk to him about it? And I'll tell you if you have a chance! I'll be your wing woman," she said with a manic grin.

"Fine. But don't be super obvious, act like you noticed some shit and wanted to ask," Dabi said firmly. She nodded, her space buns flopping around a little since they were a bit loose right now. They got out of the car, Dabi changing forms so he didn't look much older than her. They had two carts and bought everything on the list in bulk. It took an hour to get it all and then load them into the back seat.

The two stopped at a Starbucks to buy everyone some drinks. They were all at work right now, which was why Dabi and Toga both went to do the shopping. Honestly, it was easiest shopping with Iguchi. He was the most "normal" acting of them. Keigo was a nightmare to bring along unless he got rid of his wings, which Dabi didn't like him having to do, even if he was very used to it by now.

When they got home, Dabi conjured Keigo's quirk's feathers but not his wings to curl around the handles of the bags to carry them in. Toga punched in the code and the key in the gate, and they entered. He wished they had a garage, but at least they had enough cameras to catch it if something happened.

After stocking the fridge, Dabi went into his room, feeling stressed over school starting the next day. What would college be like? He couldn't prank people or be a dick or throw tampons anymore, he had to grow out of that. But that had been so much fun, so he was bummed.

By the end of the day, Dabi didn't know if Toga talked to Keigo and didn't ask. They were all bummed and worried. Keigo made the food while the four were all moping. They all watched a movie in the living room to fall asleep in a way of solidarity, all of them feeling the same. Worried how they'd be perceived by adults. Whether it was by their appearance or reputation, there was no definite way to know how they'd be treated.

In the morning, Keigo was already busy cooking a massive breakfast, which was a great way to wake up. It was amazing, like food in movies, with some Japanese dishes and some American, all of their favorites. He was so attentive. Dabi didn't allow himself to long for him if he didn't want him back. He was sure of that.

There were bentos in their backpacks, made the night before. They were all cleanly and had showered, using all the hot water for the house. Keigo wished them luck, looking his own way of concern. They piled into the car, and the drive to their new school was completely silent, Dabi focusing on the road alone.

Dabi parked them in the carpool aread. "Well, this is it," Shuichi said.

"Next chapter in life," Tenko sighed.

"Hopefully we're not shit," Toga stated. Dabi just nodded, and they got out, getting their backpacks from the back seat. It was a large car, with two rows of three in the back for anyone else they may drive. It was a car for families, probably not barely legal teenagers. Dabi was just glad he'd bought it with his own money. He knew it would be assumed he had a parent to buy him everything.

Mei had texted him the night before, wishing him a good night, and reminding him to do breathing exercises. He hadn't replied, too emotionally tired to do so.

They walked from the parking lot onto campus. They split in two, glad none of them had a major alone. Dabi was happy his class wasn't all alone. He was still dressed in all black, but with a normal hoodie, not ready to completely be himself with his edgy, perfect jacket. Nobody else was dressed like him, as it was warm outside. He didn't care, and maybe part of the reason was to hide his marks.

He was confident in them and would never get rid of them, but he still might get averse reactions. He had decided - with input and advice from his friends - to say they were real burns, or he'd look like a nut job, wanting to look disfigured. He rolled the ball on his tongue along the roof of his mouth nervously.

When they entered the classrooms for their fashion developing basics, he was not surprised to be the only guy in the class, and definitely the only one in all black and looking rough. He and Toga sat in the back, and Dabi didn't ever plan on putting his feet on the desks in college. A girl sat next to him on the left, Toga on the right. Dabi didn't even look at her, immensely nervous. When the teacher approached the front of the class, she looked very critical of them all. Looking over them all, not at their faces, but their clothes that she could see.

Dabi glanced around and saw they didn't all look one way. Many were wearing very unique clothes. Dabi was glad not everyone were wearing flowers or tie dye and he was being emo and was weird. But seeing the differences made him feel a bit more secure.

"Welcome to fashion basics. In this class, you'll be learning the basics on how to sew and create clothing." Sounded fun. Though Dabi would probably continue wearing only black. Maybe he could edit his jacket to look even more awesome. He put his elbows on the table and leaned forward while she spoke.

Over all, the class sounded fun but the teacher was a drag. She seemed judgemental by her looks at the way everyone dressed. Dabi wasn't too offended, as he loved how he dressed. But learning how to make clothes sounded fun as hell. Much more fun than just shitting some out with his quirk. He would put actual effort into it.

He only had two classes a day, and none on Friday, which he'd spend at work, and on Tuesday and Thursday mornings since he had evening and a night class. His next one was one of the two required physical education classes. He chose men's volleyball since it looked fun and he hadn't done it much before. There was no ramming into people, but working together. It just sounded fun.

There, of course, were locker rooms, and Dabi changed into the exercise clothes, shoving his dark clothing into the locker with his backpack. He had sweats and a short sleeve shirt, not caring what the people in this class would think. He'd probably never see them again after this semester, unlike his major classes.

He popped his neck and walked to the court. He saw some guys laugh at him. "I know, I look pretty dope, right?" he said with a sarcastic grin. "Nice and shiny." His voice was a brag, and they all kind of looked shocked. They were buff, tall guys compared to the lanky Dabi. He didn't really care.

"Hey! You're Dabi!" a guy with green hair exclaimed before putting a hand over his mouth in horror.

"Yeah, that's me," Dabi replied, hoping he wasn't going to ask him about his quirk.

"I really like your music. And the video where you were in the air was super cool." Dabi smiled, glad it wasn't about his quirk. "Is it true you created the music videos all on your own?"

"Yeah, me and my three friends. Well, Keigo was there, too, for the dance," Dabi said. "It did take a lot of tries, though." The coach came out, a hulking man with shorts that were a few sizes too small. Dabi didn't get the chance to ask the guy's name before the teacher spoke. It was an all men's class, which Dabi didn't care about.

Most of them in there didn't seem haughty and athletic like the few Gym Bros that laughed at him. Well, Dabi was not an easy target to tease or mock. They would be wasting their time on him, even though he could be seen as the easiest target physically from the burns. Hopefully they kept being assholes and he could take his pettiness out on them instead.

He was so mature.

The first round of exercises was a warm up, and it was a fucking warm up. It was exhausting, and Dabi was just glad his fake burns didn't make movement hard in any way. He may be as strong as All Might, but he was not fit. He didn't usually exercise, so he was pouring sweat before he cooled his body by activating ice on the first layer of skin, so light and thin it wasn't visible.

The dude next to him, Midoriya Izuku, was even more out of shape than he was, but Dabi just looked forward to progress on his endurance. They didn't actually get into actually playing volleyball, they just learned how to play. The rules of the game and all. Gym Bro #1 was clearly trying to show off, an ugly, conceited smile on his face. Dabi's smiles were more condescending than conceited. He didn't brag about himself, not really. He did surface level, but it was usually to tease or mock.

"Fucking god," Dabi groaned. He hoped he strained his muscles so they got stronger instead of just healing right up and getting nowhere and not improving. Gym Bros were laughing at the normal people who definitely weren't used to this kind of training. Keigo went through this shit when he was little, and Dabi wondered if he was still in that shape.

Seeing him red faced and dripping sweat seemed like it would be a very nice sight. He fought the blush, but it came and he could blame it on the exertion making him red. "Well, by the end of the semester, if you put in the work, you'll all be much fitter than you are now. I expect you to take this seriously. If you wanted an easy class for physical fitness, you picked wrong." Oh, Dabi liked this guy. Much more than the sewing teacher.

They were released to go to the locker rooms to change and get their things. This class ended at the same time as his friends' so they could all go home together. Dabi wondered what his class would think when he finally got his nips pierced. That would be hilarious, he couldn't fucking wait.

Midoriya was pretty skinny himself and clearly very self conscious. "Don't feel too bad. They have small dick energy," Dabi said bluntly. "Probably compensating for something."

"I'm okay. I'm used to it," Midoriya said. Dabi felt pity for him, his self esteem was clearly on the floor.

"Well, you shouldn't be. I assume you were bullied in high school?" He nodded. "Well, that's behind you. Besides, you only see these guys twice a week, and it sucks for them already starting out seemingly fit because they won't get to see improvements, so you're gonna have a better time by the end of the semester than they will. All they'll have done was not make friends," Dabi said, and put his dark clothes back on. He laced up his boots and put his backpack on.

"It'll be the same here. Cause… I'm quirkless," he whispered.

"So? One of my best friends is quirkless. That's not an excuse to let people walk all over you, my dude," Dabi said, maybe a touch too dismissively. "Well, technically his quirk was so incredibly dangerous is was taken away." Midoriya gaped. "There are plenty of quirks that people would prefer being quirkless over."

When they walked out of the locker room, Gym Bros were laughing, but not at anyone, so they ignored them. "Well, see you Wednesday," Dabi said, and Midoriya nodded. Dabi went to the car, and was the first one to get there, so he waited in it, playing a game on his phone, feet on the dashboard to the side.

Toga banged on the window and Dabi unlocked the door. Tenko and Shuichi came out from different directions, all of them having different classes. The moment they were all buckled, they started talking about their days, and it seemed nobody had any teachers they hated so far. Dabi and Toga didn't like their sewing teacher by what they'd seen today, but she didn't seem like an intentional bitch and online, it said her class was easy and she was a fair grader.

When they got back, Keigo wasn't home yet, so Toga yanked him away and to her bedroom, slamming the door shut. "I talked to Keigo." Dabi's face turned incredibly serious. "I think he likes you, he got flustered when I badgered him for opinions on you and he said only nice things and kept blushing, it was so cute! You should go for it!"

Dabi's heart was pounding, and he immediately started to try and plan with his best friend what to say, how to do it. If Keigo declined, Dabi had to hope things would stay the same between them, or at least not different enough to break things.