Dabi POV: ~ a few moments earlier ~

The Jolly Molly Strip Club awaits!

Yet, I find myself nestled oh-so safely in the confines of my hotel room, playing the part of the adorable obedient dog as I remained laying on my bed. Just call me a golden retriever at this point. With a face like mine, I'm sure I'm just as cute.

Don't get it twisted though. It's not as if I'm only staying locked in my room, because I'm trying to follow the rules. That's not it at all.

Quite frankly, I was actually looking forward to breaking the rules tonight. I was looking forward to hearing my sorority girl ankle monitor chime with pointless warning as I left the premise. I didn't give a shit about the strippers, but I was looking forward to imagining Violet's face when she got the notification that I had left. I was looking forward to her being forced to leave the picture perfect Todoroki household to come get me.

But, she didn't come the first time. And now that's she's getting more comfortable around me, she definitely won't come the second time.

Not that I cared, or even wanted her to. I just mean that the appeal to go to Jolly Molly is lost on me now. After all, what fun is causing trouble when there's no one around who will get mad about it?

I mean, I could always go commit arson. That's sure to get her attention.

Not that I care, or even want her attention. I'm just...

Hmm, justtt....

Bored! Yeah, there we go! That's the word for it. That's all it is. I'm bored as fuck. I've got nothing to do-well, actually that's a lie. I've got plenty to do, but nothing that catches my interest.

You can't say I didn't try, either. I've already thought of several fun sins I could engage in tonight, several crimes and motivations that would normally get me off my ass in a heartbeat, and leave me without a care in the world if I came back from them tomorrow.

But, every time I get close to making the decision to leave, my mind just can't help but fester back to think about a certain little grape.

I wonder what she's doing right now.

Of course, I know the basics. I'm not normally one to listen or care about anyone's conversations, but I've always been the dramatic, little theatre kid type who wants to know everyone's business when it interests me, so here we go.

I know that at this very moment, Violet is at the lovely Todoroki family's tatami home, located near the base of the infamous Sekoto Hill. Mom's too busy chilling in the cuckoo nest, so I know she's not there.

But, I know that there's an adorable family dinner going on, that's probably composed of my sister's 'five star' Mapo Tofu-because god knows I've shoveled sixteen years worth of that shit down my throat. It's her go-to dish that she makes when she doesn't know what to cook.

If past family dinners tell anything, then Violet probably asked to help with the meal and my sister was too much of a pussy to tell her flat out that her cooking could literally poison the entire country-and because she didn't wanna hurt her feelings, she gave Violet the 'exciting' job of making-wait for it-onigiri.

But, her onigiri tastes like shit, too. I told her one time and she threw it at me. Next!

I bet my useless little brother is there talking about sports that absolutely no one gives a shit about. Apparently, he expects me to listen to his ranting about how useless soccer teams lost their useless tournaments, but when I bring up how I tried to murder a baby Shouto out of anger that our father was essentially running an underground, non-consenting breeding base in his own bedroom with our mother, then suddenly it's considered 'annoying?' Yeah, okay. Next!

I'm sure that Shouto is there as well, spilling his privilege and golden child dust all over the wood floors-that probably aren't spotless anymore, since the maid threw her back out and retired all those years ago. Unless they got a new one. Knowing Enji, they probably did since he hates 'trash.'

That one's ironic, right?

Oh, and if it's a really shitty day, then that also means Mr. Lamp, aka Akio Matsubara is there, mooching off of other people's foods and conversation because no one in his own life was strong enough to defend themselves and stay alive.

Hm. Let's see. Did I miss anything?

Oh-hah! Yeah, actually I did! Whoops, don't mind me. I suppose the newest addition to this dinner in the last ten years is that now at the end of the night, Natsu-kun will most likely bone my ex fiancée with some bad, unsatisfying sex. You go, brother! I'm proud of you!

After all, Grape always did say she wasn't ever into younger guys. It appears that she is. Who knew she could lie?

A small, emotionless laugh escaped my throat at the thoughts. And this time, being by myself in the hotel room, I didn't have to hide it.

Once again, there wasn't anything that I found particularly funny about the situation. But, the only emotion left I can muster these days is laughing, no matter what I'm feeling.

And quite honestly, I don't know what I'm feeling, because I'm feeling nothing. Isn't that lovely?

Would you believe it if I actually told you I'm sober right now?

I kept my hands resting behind my head as I looked up to the blank ceiling with hollow eyes, giving my demons full reign over me and allowing my little, melancholy laugh to continue until it was over.

A small drop of blood had gathered at my cheek stitches now, causing me to wipe it away without dwelling on it, and instead, go back to contemplating what it was I wanted to do tonight.

My phone had been resting on the bed next to me, so it made me reflect on my contacts list to see if there was anyone I could bother.

But, of course, I hate people, and me being me....friends were always a waste of time, because they lived in a different world than I did. That's something I carried with me to this life. No one ever interests me, and the only contacts I have in my phone are that crusty, decay teenager and his league of morons. That one wasn't by choice, either so don't make assumptions about it.

Of course...there's one other contact in my phone, and I know it. Violet put her number in there when she got the new one from the clown committee, so we'd be able to stay in touch during the mission.

I almost wish she didn't.

Especially, when my gross hands moved on their own and reached for my phone, too easily within my reach.

The subtle, sudden inherent need to text her once the phone was in my hand caused my melancholic, dazed eyes to glaze over in self hatred. It made me hesitate on doing so as I simply rested my phone atop my bare chest, opting to rebel against, none other than, myself and punish my ridiculous desires by ignoring the urge.

But, like I said....once I get fixated on certain things, it's hard for me to stop thinking about them. In the last eight years there have only been two things that refuse to leave my mind, no matter how hard I try to get rid of them-destroying Enji Todoroki...

...and my memories of Violet Sasaki.

And, up until most recently, the 'memories' part didn't matter. Sure, she clouded the back of my mind, but so what? I'd been away from her. I had absolutely no way of contacting Violet, so I was forced to stay away from her. It was great.

Now, though....for the first time in eight years, I've got her right at my fingertips. And in these past weeks she's been back, I feel the spark I'd spent so long trying to put out, slowly kindling up again without my consent.

It's too easy to be able to talk with her.

Too easy for me to fall right back into old patterns...

Before I knew it, my fingers had unlocked my phone and directed the screen to her name, causing my self hatred to buzz more aggressively inside my mind like an angry hive.

I just can't help myself, can I? How cute. Seems I haven't changed a bit.

Whatever. It doesn't mean anything. I'm only texting her because I'm bored. I have nothing else to do. This is just a last option. My last resort. I don't care.

I don't care so much, that I'm not even gonna try to have a quality conversation with her, either. I'll just send the first thing that comes to mind. Bet she'll respond with something dumb, or not at all, and then I can lose interest and move on to something else.

After all, Jolly Molly is open twenty-four hours. There's certainly no rush!

Although, I should still text something to let her know it's me she's talking to. After all, I use my phone mainly to blackmail people, so my number will come up as untraceable.

I stared at the empty message screen with dull, dead eyes, simultaneously regretting this, and anticipating it, and thinking of what to say all at once.

I'll settle on something condescending. That's always a safe option. That way, if she doesn't respond, I can tell her I only sent it to fuck with her.

I mean, I am obviously.

Text Message To: Ur Coolio Partner Violet :D -

I couldn't help but snort a bit at the name. She picked it when she put the number in my phone, obviously.

Let's change that real quick....

Text Message To: Clown

Miss me yet, little sapphire?
6:47pm

I immediately clicked my phone closed once the little 'sent' sound chimed, letting out a dry grunt of lazy regret as I tossed the device on my bed and stood up.

"You like looking like a fucking idiot, huh? But, then again, I suppose you always did." I drawled out to myself in quiet, bland 'amusement,' giving the stitches on my cheek a purposeful flick of pain to emphasize my point.

Well, that's enough of that. It's not as if I'll stay here all night, waiting for her reply. Like I said, Jolly Molly is open twenty-four hours. I'll grab my shoes and-

Ding!

My dull eyes widened a bit in surprise for the quick response. Admittedly, the abrupt sound made my heart jump a bit, as I wasn't expecting it.

Even though my shoes had been in my hands, ready to put on....I sloppily dropped them back to the floor, walking my way back over to the phone on my bed.

Like I said, it's gonna be something stupid that she responds with. I won't even say anything back.

Text Message To: Clown

Miss me yet, little sapphire?
6:47pm

Text Message From: Clown

Well of course I do, Dabi. Isn't that obvious? ;p
6:49pm

I cursed the involuntary smirk that tried to curl on my lips, ignoring the wave of warmth I felt in my stomach when she agreed.

Yeah, of course I know she's just fucking around....

Regardless, I kept my eyes on the phone with pathetic interest as I lethargically plopped back down onto the bed, unable to stop my fingers from moving as I began typing back an easy message.

It's your fault, grape. If this required a lot of effort from me, I'd have already lost interest in keeping the conversation going.

You've just always been so easy for me to talk to.

Violet POV:

Text Message To: Unknown Number

Well of course I do, Dabi. Isn't that obvious? ;p
6:49pm

I couldn't help but laugh a bit in amusement to my words, still remaining seated at the edge of Touya's bed as I sent Dabi a text back.

I'm just messing around, of course! He knows I don't really miss him. But, after sitting in Touya's room and having that tense conversation with Akio a few moments ago, I let myself indulge a bit in texting Dabi, trying to lighten my own mood-

"Babe." I suddenly heard from the doorway, jumping a bit in unexpected surprise as I saw Natsuo standing in the doorway.

I quickly clicked my phone closed-and I don't know why, it's not like I'm doing anything wrong. It was just an involuntary response, I guess.

"O-Oh-yeah?" I uttered to him dazedly, suddenly forgetting the reason for tonight as I stared at him blankly.

"Are you....you know, just about done in here?" He started off in concern, gesturing for me to follow him down the hallway.

Hmm?

Ah!! That's right, the family dinner. I've probably been in here for like fifteen minutes now.

"I-yes. Sorry..." I started off, quickly sitting up from the bed before walking over to him. "I just...I got stuck reminiscing is all."

That's not a lie.

Natsuo nodded in understanding to my words, giving me a small smile of pity as he refused to look around Touya's room.

I know the wounds are still too fresh for him. Even after eight years.

"I get it. Trust me. I just don't want you to miss dinner. Dad.....just got here." He sighed tiredly, closing his eyes in dread when I finally stepped out of the room and into the hallway.

I closed Touya's heavy door with a creak, with the sound reminding me of something you'd hear in an abandoned dungeon.

"I see," I started off in my own dread, not quite ready for whatever drama would take place during this family dinner.

"Well, the good news is that it can't last forever." I followed up with the only reassurance I could think of, causing Natsuo to smile wearily as we walked back towards the kitchen-

Ding!

I quickly looked down at my phone when it dinged, seeing that it was a text from the unknown number once again.

Puffing out my cheeks, I turned my eyes back on Natsuo, about to explain to him that it was my mission partner. But, he didn't even seem to notice the text-

"Let's just hope dad doesn't bring up anything personal. God, I swear if he does-last time, he brought up mom's well being like thirty seconds into the conversation! The nerve he has!-" My boyfriend fumed quietly as he kept his eyes forward in distracted anger, making me realize that it was not the time to bring up the text.

Instead, he continued ranting his usual annoyances concerning Endeavor. It's nothing I haven't heard before, and it caused me to involuntarily veer my eyes down at my phone in pure curiosity just to see what Dabi said.

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Yeah, well if you really miss me...you can always come back. I'm getting tired of burning down the hotel and doing hoodrat stuff. I could use a new target.
6:50pm

I couldn't help but roll my eyes in light annoyance to his usual Dabi antics. Part of me smiled at the joke-while the other part of me screamed in alarm at the possibility that it was not a joke!

Quickly exiting out of the message screen, I tapped the app for the internet, refreshing the news page to the most recent time to ensure there wasn't anything happening with the nicest hotel in Tokyo being on blue fire.

There was nothing! Thank goodness. He was kidding!-

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Loser. I bet you just checked to see if I really burned down the hotel, didn't you
6:51pm

Text Message To: Unknown Number

Wow. You're getting to know me rather well. Of course I did! I am in charge of u after all. I'm glad to see u didntttt burn down the hotel. If you did, then that would mean I'd have to leave the family dinner early, and we'd never want that...
6:51pm-

"Oh. Violet's back." I suddenly heard Shouto say in the present time, causing me to jump a bit and look up from my phone as I realized Natsuo and I were back in the kitchen.

Not wanting my phone to disturb dinner, I placed the device on vibrate and slipped it back in my pocket as I forced myself to engage.

"Yeah, hi! Sorry I took so long. Got a bit distracted." I admitted to the group-which was no longer the carefree, smiley group I'd left to their own devices fifteen minutes ago.

Now Endeavor was in the room, and that had caused the mood to change.

The big man of the house was crossing his arms as he stood in the middle of the kitchen cluelessly, watching Fuyumi place the final touches on dinner as Shouto and Akio brooded next to each other in the background-murmuring some shit talking, no doubt.

"Don't worry about it," Endeavor started off a bit quietly, yet still looking as if he had a giant stick shoved up his ass. "We waited for you, now everyone may eat-"

"I was gonna eat, anyways. I don't need your permission for that, otherwise I'd starve." Shouto said bluntly, brushing past his dad as if he wasn't even here.

Oh, great. It's started!

Endeavor's brows furrowed in aggravation for Shouto's sass. His mouth opened and closed several times before speaking.

"S-Sh-Shouto!!!?" Endeavor started off in offense, as the half and half boy grabbed his plate and trudged over to the table now.

Next came Natsuo, who shot his dad a glare as he grabbed two plates.

"Ah-Natsuo, please. I can serve myself-" I started off a bit meekly, but he was too busy paying attention to his dad.

"I hope you know that the only reason Violet and I are here tonight is because we wanted to see Shouto, Fuyumi, and Akio." He uttered lowly, causing me to sigh tiredly and slump my shoulders a bit as he spoke for me.

"Well, I...." I started off in protest, not wanting to offend Natsuo and hurt his feelings as I simply decided to keep my mouth shut.

But, I've become so used to speaking freely around Dabi these days, I actually feel very unsatisfied with my usual silence tonight...

Regardless, I held my tongue and let my boyfriend grab my wrist gently, before he pulled me away from Endeavor and to the table with him.

Fuyumi sighed softly in silence as she grabbed her food and sat down as well, peering over at the remaining two members of the meal who still needed to serve themselves.

Akio remained leaning against the wall of the kitchen, keeping his arms crossed as he locked dark eyes with Mr. Todoroki.

"Go ahead, Enji. Serve yourself first, it's your house, after all-and I know how much you hate people imposing on your family." He said dryly, giving Endeavor an obviously fake smile as he waited with a grudging patience.

Endeavor grunted at the words which held more meaning than just tonight, glancing at Akio in deflated annoyance as he grabbed a plate.

"You know what, you're damn right. It is my house. And that means you have to respect the decisions I've chosen, Akio. All of them. It's not your place to decide what's correct." Endeavor stated firmly clearly having the sole intention of putting Akio in his place before it backfired.

"So, you're saying that it was correct of you to send mom away?" Shouto said blandly from the table, slurping his own little batch of soba noodles that Fuyumi prepared just for him.

Hah. He didn't even wait for Endeavor to sit down before he started eating...

Fuyumi grimaced slightly at the words, before she gently grabbed Shouto's wrist in her own way of reprimand.

"H-Huh? No, that's not what I meant-" Endeavor tried to correct. Unsuccessfully.

"And does that mean you think it was correct that you killed Touya?! Unsurprising, coming from you!" Natsuo chimed in a bit more emotionally now, causing me to slide my hand into his atop the table to calm him down.

Endeavor's eyes flashed with a stab to the heart at the low dig from Natsuo, before he grabbed a plate of Fuyumi's food and came to sit at the table.

"No, son. Of...of course that wasn't correct-I know that wasn't correct. That's why I'm trying to atone..." Endeavor clarified for a countless time, before I felt my phone buzz in my pocket with a message.

My ears immediately drowned out the conflict at the table as the message distracted my thoughts.

And I've never been one to be so disrespectful as to text at Endeavor's table....

....but for some reason, I just couldn't wait. I wanted to see what Dabi said.

I subtly pulled my phone out of my pocket and kept it in my lap, having an easy time staying hidden as the focus of the dinner became Akio abruptly changing the tense subject to Shouto's grades and schoolwork at UA.

Text Message From: Unknown Number

And how is dinner? Are they talking about me? I sure hope so
6:55pm

I had to fight the knowing smirk that threatened to curl on my face from his teases, keeping my gaze on the phone in my lap as I typed back a message.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

I'm sure if they wereee talking about u, then the conversation would definitely be more interesting...
6:56pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

You think? Well I'm so flattered
6:56pm

Text Message To: Unknown Number

You shouldn't be. It's not necessarily a compliment;p
6:57pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Then now I'm even more flattered, sunshine.
6:57pm

I bit down on my lip to try and keep my straight face, clicking my phone closed for a bit to try and focus back on the conversation-only to realize that Natsuo was talking about his college's soccer tournament coming up this weekend.

My cheeks puffed out slightly in boredom, along with everyone else's. He's a sweetheart, but no one cares about the sports he blabbers about-

Text Message From: Unknown Number

How's that useless boyfriend of yours? Bet he follows u around like a lost little puppy
7:00pm

Text Message To: Unknown Number

Wowww that was mean. You jealous? 😉
7:00pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

You wish I was.
7:00pm

Text Message To: Unknown Number

Nooo I'm a taken woman. I want no such thing.
7:00pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Doubt you even know what you want
7:01pm

My brows raised a bit at the bold message from Dabi, wondering what exactly he was aiming to achieve with that comment. But, clearly he'd been thinking the same thing as he was quick to follow up and clarify a few seconds later.

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Just cause most clowns don't know what they want when it comes to anything
7:01pm

That's ur name in my phone now by the way
7:01pm

A subject change, I see. He's either trying to backtrack with his bold comment, or he's just socially awkward. I honestly don't know which one it is when it comes to him...

Text Message To: Unknown Number

Why am I not surprised. Maybe I should change yours as well then....
7:02pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

You're only allowed to change it if you put a swear word in it
7:02pm

Text Message To: Unknown Number

I will do it however I want, thank you very much
🤪
7:03pm-

"Who are you texting?" Natsuo whispered into my ear, causing me to flinch jump a bit out of my chair as I abruptly lifted my head up to face him.

He didn't look angry in the slightest. Just curious, and even a bit surprised. He's probably shocked that I broke the house rules and was sending text messages to someone under the table. It's not like me.

"Oh, I'm just texting my partner. He messaged me and I'm texting back to make sure everything's okay." I said honestly, seeing absolutely no need to lie to him.

One, I wouldn't ever see the point in lying to Natsuo, or anyone for that matter. It's not right and I care about him way too much. Two, there's nothing to lie about. It feels very out of character for Dabi to just text me out of the blue. I can't see him doing that, given how much he claims to hate me, so there must be some ulterior motive here. Right?

"Ah....the...villain?" Natsuo clarified a little concerned for my well being, causing me to smile at him reassuringly and close my phone.

"Yes, the villain. But, I promise that everything is fine." I explained quietly, not wanting to interrupt Fuyumi's talk of her teaching job.

Natsuo's features warmed at my reassurance, before he gently snaked one of his hands into my own and brought it atop the table, rather than my lap like it had previously been in.

Well. It will be harder to text with one hand now-

You know what? I shouldn't even be texting during dinner, anyways. It's alright.

"As long as you're okay with it..." Natsuo started off honestly, before speaking once more. "And, hey, if this creepy villain partner of yours ever gets too much for you, don't be afraid to tell me, okay? Look, my dad's not good for much. But, I have no problem speaking to him about a partner switch, if that would make you more comfortable."

I know his intentions with that comment were good natured....so I simply gave him a smile and said nothing, returning my attention back to the table conversation-

Buzz.

My phone. Dabi must have texted back-

Buzz.

Oo. A double message?-

"Right, Vi?" Akio said casually, causing me to internally slap myself for the lack of attention I seemed to be carrying tonight.

"Oh. Sorry, one more time." I said, grimacing slightly when I noticed Natsuo's gaze subtly trail to the phone in my lap.

Involuntarily, I flipped the device over so the screen wouldn't show. I don't know why. I just felt more at ease that way. It's...it's my phone, after all. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?

Ah. But, I hope I didn't hurt Natsuo's feelings-

"I was talking about our upcoming mission together," Akio smiled warmly, popping another piece of tofu in his mouth before speaking to the rest of the table. "Violet and I got paired up-well, I mean our groups did. But, still. I'm excited."

I smiled in relief upon processing his words this time, nodding in agreement as Fuyumi chimed in.

"Oo, really? That sounds fun. What are you guys going to be doing?-eh, that's not too confidential, is it?" She asked, turning to me in question-

"It is." Endeavor clarified quietly, giving me a small nod to take back the conversation now.

"We're just gonna team up for a night to catch the bad guy. I guess it will be like the old days when we used to play Heroes versus Villains in the backyard, huh?" I smiled in reminisce, causing Fuyumi to laugh in remembrance.

"Oh boy, I remember that. You and I always got stuck playing the villains, Vi." She chuckled, before I felt myself loosening up a bit.

"Hah, yeah we did. Only because the boys would be on the verge of tears if they didn't get to be the heroes." I uttered smugly, causing Natsuo to laugh in agreement while Akio's jaw dropped in mock offense.

"Hey! At least you guys even got the part of a hero or villain. I wasn't allowed to be either, remember? I was forced to be the-what was it called? Oh yeah. The 'Sidekick's Sidekick.'" He countered in amusement, causing Natsuo's cackle to get louder as he remembered.

"That's right! Ahh, I felt so bad for you, dude. You were straight up outcasted. Don't blame us for that though! We didn't make the rules. That was all Touy..." He trailed off, before I watched the happy smile literally slide off his face.

The temporary playful atmosphere of the dinner table slowly evaporated as the eery reality of our past set in.

My heart practically snapped in half for the two older Todoroki siblings' sunken faces, while Endeavor closed his eyes in disturbed defeat.

The table went silent with a sad, somber ambiance that practically drowned me the longer it went on. I opened my mouth to speak and break it when it became too torturous, not even knowing what I was going to say-

"I've never played Heroes Versus Villains." Shouto commented casually, breaking the awkward silence with his awkwardness alone.

I let out a sigh of relief at his much needed unnecessary comment, shooting him a small smile of gratitude that he didn't understand as I chimed in to seal the wound that had accidentally been split open a bit.

"W-Well then, we should all play it again sometime with Shouto. You know, for old time's sake." I proposed softly, before Akio jumped in to help me.

"I'd be down. Then, I can actually have a role in the game-oh, and we can fight with our quirks now, too!" He smiled, before Endeavor rained on his fun.

"Just because you're a hero now doesn't mean you can use your quirk for unnecessary things." He said, singling Akio out with a disciplinary raise of his annoyed brow.

But, Akio has never been afraid of him.

Quite the contrary actually. Akio has always hated him.

"Gah. You're right, I'm sorry, Enji. I forgot that training your five year old son until he's on the verge of death is the only necessary way to use one's quirk. My bad." He said with a condescending click of his tongue, before Endeavor abruptly sprouted an angry beard of fire.

"Akio. Come on." I uttered lightly, not wanting him to stir the pot when things were just starting to get better.

Regardless, it seemed that the night was bound to end with fire and light beams being shot through the table as Endeavor opened his mouth to clearly yell-

"Dad. Please." Fuyumi said quickly before any sounds or words came out of the fire man's throat, furrowing her troubled brows as she ran an anxious hand through her hair.

If there's one thing in this world that Fuyumi hates, it's the sound of her dad yelling.

And he knows it.

Slowly, Mr. Todoroki's tense body language relaxed as he looked at his stressed daughter, before he cleared his throat and tried a different approach.

He is trying to be better. Truly.

"I'm just...." he started off lowly, voice still raspy with anger as he forced himself to move on. "I'm just glad that you get to partner with Akio, Violet. It will be nice for you to have a friend there. You two can look after each other. Watch each other's backs."

Akio seemed to calm down, too, as he nodded in reluctant agreement to Mr. Todoroki's words, ignoring the man at the head of the table as he turned to me.

"Yeah, I'll watch her back. I always have." He said seriously, before picking up his chopsticks to eat again.

"Same with you." I reassured, relaxing once more as I decided to try and finish off my own food now.

Everyone gradually went back to eating as the tension seemed to fizzle off as much as it would.

Natsuo softly cleared his throat from next to me as he lethargically picked up his own chopsticks now, mumbling something that was pretty much only audible to me as he spoke.

"Yeah. I'm glad you guys will be able to watch each other."

•••••••

Not wanting to make the trek all the way back to my apartment after dinner, I asked Endeavor if I'd be allowed to spend the night at the Todoroki home.

He had no problem with it. I didn't expect him to, considering I've slept here for ten years.

Akio had offered me a ride back to my place, but with my apartment being in the opposite direction as his own, I didn't want to trouble him.

Regardless, now I was back in the guest room-which had also been my room, until I moved out. I'd left the curtains open tonight because the moon was full and pretty to look at, before I settled further into my pillows and finally pulled out my phone to see Dabi's messages.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

I will do it however I want, Dabi. Thank you very much
🤪
7:03pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Rule number whatever of my rules: Don't put stupid emojis after everything if you're trying to be intimidating
7:04pm

Doesnt matter anyways, you couldn't intimidate a piece of bread
7:05pm

I chuckled freely at his ridiculous comeback, feeling more relaxed to laugh about it and enjoy it now that I was alone.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

Yeah you're probably right 🤪🥰😙😁
10:09pm

Being hours later, I kept the message short and sweet, not expecting Dabi to respond. I doubt that there's anyone on this earth who could hold this man's short attention span for that long, he's probably off doing something else now, and will ignore my message when he sees it.

But, then again, his tracker never chimed with a notification tonight saying that he left-

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Little Sapphire returns.
10:10pm

Did you eat your weight in sorrows and misery?
10:10pm

Wow. He's still here, huh? And it seems like he might even be up for talking.

I remained cozy in my bed with nothing but the moonlight illuminating my room, and my concoction of the day's exhaustion and my own nighttime thoughts weighing heavily on my mind.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

No, Mr. Emo. Just mapo tofu.
10:10pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

I had a feeling
10:11pm

How in the world he says he had a 'feeling' I had mapo tofu tonight, I don't know. Even through a text message, the comment sounded condescending, so I thought it to be nothing more than Dabi messing around.

Besides, there were other, more distracting things I had on my mind. Things that I was melancholy about, but never actually planned to tell anyone about.

After all, I never tell anyone, because it's never about me.

That is, I never told anyone until my fingers moved on their own and typed my next message to Dabi without thinking.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

I'm sad tonight
10:13pm

I reflected on my abruptly sent message through half lidded, blank eyes as I wondered where the rest of this conversation would go. Of course, I hadn't intended to tell Dabi, of all people, about my mood. But, I guess the concoction of moonlit, melancholic exhaustion let my inhibitions loosen a little more than they normally would.

I've never told anyone about my problems before. Except Touya, of course. But, that was years ago and we were kids. I don't know how this works-

Crap. Maybe I shouldn't have sent the message. After all, it's a sad message. I don't want Dabi to pity me. I don't like being pitied-

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Did you look in a mirror
10:14pm

A small snort of unexpected amusement escaped my nose at Dabi's typical Dabi answer. He's not the soft type, so of course I didn't except a completely heartfelt message. But, I also didn't expect that. Not that I'm complaining.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

No. I looked into yours 🤪😜😛🙂😋🤣
10:15pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Now she's getting cocky. Don't forget that your awkward ass wouldn't have gotten through two words of that if you said it in person
10:15pm

What's got the all mighty glimmer down today? The bad sex I bet
10:15pm

My fingers hovered over the keys as I debated if I should tell Dabi why I'm upset. At a first glance, it doesn't necessarily seem like the brightest idea...

But, as I said before, I'm never able to talk about my own feelings regarding Touya's passing. I can't speak about it with anyone from the Todoroki family, because I'd just feel like I'm burdening them. I can't speak about it with Akio because of his rocky past with Touya.

I can't speak about it with anyone. Ever.

With Dabi though, he doesn't know Touya. He doesn't know I'm talking about Touya, and he's definitely the type to flat out tell me if he doesn't want to hear something, so I don't have to worry about boring him.

What I'm saying is.....there's no pressure with him. So, why not?

Text Message To: Unknown Number

I've had a lot of memories about my old fiancé today. As expected since I'm in his house. I went to his room and sat on his bed. I think about him a lot. I miss him. That's all
10:18pm

I watched the message deliver and Dabi read it immediately to show that he had his phone already open to our conversation screen.

But, he didn't respond right away like he's been doing.

The message continued to say 'read,' but no typing bubble appeared, giving me the mental image that he was just staring at the screen.

Like I said though, there's no pressure. I'm not worried about him responding, and I'm not worried about him not responding.

Besides, since I never get to speak about my past troubles with anyone, it's not as if anything about my situation changes.

After a few more moments of no response from Dabi, I figured that was his way of blowing me off and telling me I was, in fact, boring him. I'm not mad about it though. It's just typical Dabi.

Letting out a content hum as the thoughts of sleep entered my mind, I clicked my phone closed now and placed it on my night table next to me, about to roll over and go to sleep....

.....before my phone chimed with a text message.

Text Message From: Unknown Number

He's not worth the time. Forget him and leave him behind. That's what you do with dead things: forget.
10:25pm

I pursed my lips in dissatisfaction to his answer, practically being able to feel the double meanings behind Dabi's words. It makes me wonder if he's ever lost someone. I imagine he has. And judging from the passive aggression in his simple text, I imagine it hurt him very much, even if he won't admit it.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

He was a 'person,' not a 'thing,' and I don't believe your words about forgetting and leaving him behind for a second. I cant just forget him. He's too important. I've never forgotten him.
10:27pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Yeah. I guess you didn't.
10:27pm

I bet you will one day though.
10:27pm

Text Message To: Unknown Number

I don't think so. It's been eight years since his death, and there's not a day that goes by where I don't think of him
10:28pm

I love him. That won't ever change.
10:28pm

Dabi POV:

Text Message From: Clown

I love him. That won't ever change.
10:28pm

I stared at the message through lifeless eyes, refusing to acknowledge the tidal wave build up of whatever was happening inside me as I scanned the words.

My eardrums practically reverberated with the sound of her voice, saying the sentence. My gaze clouded over with the image of her lips forming the words. My stomach tightened up in a hot knot of overwhelming something. I felt my throat closing in and blood pooling around the stitches in my cheeks.

But, as usual when this 'build up' of 'something' happens, I did the same thing I always do. The only thing that keeps me sane. The only thing that legitimately keeps me alive...

I ignored it. I refused to feel it. I dissociated from it.

I'm no longer the boy who cries over every little thing that affects him, because I can't cry. Last time, I cried-last time I felt anything, I set myself on fire and died.

When Touya burned, it wasn't just his skin that melted away into ash. It was his conscience and his feelings, too.

Feeling is a punishment. A weakness that took my life. It controlled my life. And I refuse to let that happen again. I can't let it happen again. I don't even know how to do it, and I don't want to figure it out.

I didn't laugh this time. I just stared at the words repeatedly, knowing I was reading them but feeling as if I wasn't in my own body and mind to process.

My chest felt empty. My heart felt full. I felt completely weighed down like I was sinking to the bottom of the ocean. The strands of my brain began pulling my thoughts in a million different directions, threatening to split my entire head in half from the feeling....

But, I did nothing.

I stared. And I stared. And I stared. Blankly, lifelessly. You'd think I was dead and maybe I should be.

And through it all, I felt a dull sting poking at my conscience, trying to remind me of everything I've conditioned myself to forget.

Like I always say, I get fixated on things. And I know myself well enough to know that the only way I'll be able to suppress this sting once more and salvage my self preservation, is if I at least acknowledge Violet's comment with the bare minimum truth.

I didn't think about the words as I typed them. I barely even registered that I did. My fingers were moving on the phone keyboard, but I couldn't feel them anymore.

It was an empty truth that felt meaningless. But, the fact that I chose to even speak the truth at all also contradicts that statement entirely.

Violet POV:

Once again, my text message from Dabi had been read and he said nothing. I figured the conversation was starting to get too serious and mushy for him, so I began lowering my thumb towards the keyboard once more to tell him I was going to go bed.

But, before I could do that, he typed first and beat me to the punch.

Text Message From: Unknown Number

I'll bet he loves you, too.
10:37pm

I couldn't help but smile softly at the words, cursing myself quietly as I suddenly felt my eyes cloud over with abrupt tears.

Sure, it was a small reassurance. An empty reassurance from Dabi, considering that he actually has no idea whether Touya loved me or not. Knowing him, it's probably not even genuine.

But, it was a reassurance, nonetheless. It was support over something that's been eating away at my mind and sanity for the last eight years. Something I have to force myself to hide every day of my life behind a smile. It was something I wanted to hear, and it gave me peace of mind.

And for once, it made me wish that Dabi was here with me, so I could talk to him in person.

Text Message To: Unknown Number

Thank you, Dabi.
10:40pm

Text Message From: Unknown Number

Don't make a big deal of it
10:41pm

I chuckled again at his returning sass, wiping away the stray tear from my eye as I prepared to change the subject and keep the conversation going into something else.

But, before I could do that, a sound in my room brought me back to the present time and out of the dreamland in my phone, causing me to look near the door when I heard it creak open.

Even in the dark shadows of the night, I could make out that it was Natsuo.

Involuntarily, I felt my shoulders slump as I realized I'd have to close my phone-and immediately after, I was hit with a wave of guilt, because why in the world wasn't I happy to see my boyfriend?

He slowly closed my door once he'd come inside, showing me his glowing white teeth shining in the dark as he sauntered over to my bed.

"Hey." He whispered sweetly, lifting up my blankets and climbing in next to me.

"Hi. I was just getting ready to go to bed." I uttered to him softly, letting him place a small kiss to my forehead....

.....before his lips slowly traveled down to my ear.

"You sure you wanna go to bed just yet?" He purred out through a smirk, before I felt both of his hands go to my waist.

I couldn't help but feel a little drained just from his words and implications.

I didn't want to have sex with him. But, I never want to have sex with him, so if I said 'no' every time I didn't want to, then we wouldn't be dating.

Not to mention, I want to make him happy.

"We don't have to go to bed, yet." I whispered back a bit blandly, giving him the consent he was looking for.

He grinned against my ear and that legitimately made me happy to please him.

******A/N: Warning for short, non-descriptive lemon THEMES. I promise they have a purpose for the plot, and you're about to find out why *********

Natsuo gently rolled me over on my back and climbed on top of me, already sliding his hands up my shirt as he began to kiss my neck.

It's not his fault. Natsuo is a sweetheart and I really do love him. He wouldn't hurt a fly.

In the seven months we've been dating, I've never once turned him down for sex. Sure, we're in Endeavor's house, but that's never stopped him before.

But, I'm not trying to pity myself. I'm not trying to act like I can't speak for myself, because I can. It's not just about him. The reason I never turn Natsuo down....is not just because I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

It's also because I wanted to try. I want to try and feel something for him.

Try and feel something for him.

I closed my eyes and tried to imagine, tried to imagine that this will be the time.

Every time, I think it may be different. I think this may be the time where I feel that spark. That scalding flip of my stomach. The clammy and electric touch when my fingers run along his bare skin.

But, my fingers are already running along his shirtless back and it feels fine.

I always think that this may be the time where it's gonna be mind blowing. Where I'm going to lose all coherency in the moment and be completely enwrapped in his presence. Where we will be body to body and it still won't be close enough.

But, now....we're body to body-and then some....and I don't feel the need to pull him closer.

I think this will be the time where his eyes will meet mine and it will send me on a whole new high of my own just from the sight alone.....

That those blue, cerulean eyes will pierce into mine like the way they did yesterday, when he straddled me on the bed and had my wrists pinned above me head....

I kept my eyes closed at the image, suddenly wrapping my arms around his neck a little tighter.

His stitched hands would grip me harder than this, running heatedly up my body with desire and need...

And it was then, that for the first time, my breathing actually picked up now, as I kept my eyes closed and felt my body finally starting to get turned on...

He'd whisper into my ear with that low voice, his mouth tickling my lobe and his hands tangling in my hair in a way that makes me lose my mind.

My eyes squeezed shut tighter at my thoughts. I felt a small moan spill from my mouth, as I gripped him harder and picked up the pace of my hips.

And then, he'd kiss me. God, he'd kiss me so hard, with those lips so rough, but also so soft and full looking. His tongue would mingle with mine, his perfect teeth grazing my bottom lip.

"Harder. Please. I-I need it harder." I whispered breathlessly to Dabi, letting my head fall back against the pillows as he dug his nails into my skin and started thrusting rougher into me.

The bed in our hotel room would start creaking from the relentless pace. Whether it was his bed, or mine.....I don't know. I just know that I wanted more from him. I wanted him closer, even though we're body to body.

"Yeah? You want more, little sapphire? Tell me, and I'll give it to you. I'll make you feel so fucking good. So fucking good, all for me." He'd whisper with that stupid, annoying, sexy smug look on his face, looking down at me with a flushed, sweaty face and half lidded, lust crazed eyes.

Holy shit, he's so fucking hot...

I want him. I never knew how much, but.....in this heat of the moment, I want him so much.

I want you, Dabi. I want you here. I want you to kiss me. I want you on top of me. Please.

I clawed my nails into his back, digging my heels into his hips to push him deeper into me as I finally started to feel that spark now-and then some. My eyes remained clamped closed, my core starting to tighten up desperately at the image of Dabi having his way with me.

"I need more. Please, D-Da-" I started to moan unintentionally, about to finally reach my very first release.

But, before I could, I was immediately snapped out of my daze as the real man above me moaned gruffly into my ear as he hit his release, causing my eyes to fly open in realization as the spark fled away quicker than it appeared-

"Holy fuckkk, I've never heard you moan like that before. You've never gone that hard. Dear goddd, that was amazing." Natsuo huffed in euphoria, making me realize he was trembling above me as I lay still and let him recover.

My jaw fell slack open, but not in pleasure as I stared blankly at the ceiling in shock for what I'd just imagined-what I'd almost gotten off to.

Is that.....how I really feel...?

"Oh my god. You're kidding me." I uttered blankly, completely consumed in my thoughts as I vaguely heard Natsuo respond from above me.

"Yeah, I know right. That was completely mind blowing."

**********************************************

Thank you for your comments and votes!
Get ready for some torturous sexual tension from here on out ;D

Next Chapter Title: Small Changes.