Top pic credit: Axii_Rui

Violet POV:

"Oh. Crap." I groaned as I looked at Endeavor's unconscious, battered body lying on the street, honestly ready to just keel over and die right then and there.

Dabi looked at the knocked out Number One Hero bitterly, rubbing the back of his sweaty neck as he spoke.

He seems to have regained his composure and emotions now...

"Yeah. It's no fun if he's unconscious." The stitched man said casually, ignoring the searing sound that was still happening on his skin as he wiped the pouring blood from his cheek.

He was a mess. His entire body and hair were drenched in sweat from the overheat he was experiencing. The whites of his eyes were red with irritation from the smoke. He couldn't stop coughing and he had new wounds on his skin that would definitely add to his collection of countless burns and scars.

Not to mention, he looked as if he was about to collapse from fatigue, but too stubborn to actually faint.

And he avoided my gaze. Knowing I was watching him. Knowing I probably had my own thoughts about his behavior towards Endeavor a few moments ago, but opting to ignore my curiosity and hope I forget.

But, one thing Dabi will learn about me-if he doesn't already know....I don't forget things very easily.

However, there are more important current things right now-like how Dabi and I have just taken out the Number One Hero of Japan and destroyed his entire agency.

It's a bit of a problem!

Midas' amplifying jewels have completely lost all effect on me. I no longer hear Midas' voice, and I imagine he can't hear my thoughts or emotions anymore, either.

I'm exactly how I used to be. How I always am.

In other words...now I'm a stressed messed again!

"Ohhh, come on." I groaned out in dread, letting my shoulders slump and my head fall back towards the sky as I looked at Endeavor lying face down on the asphalt.

Maybe he's just taking a rest! Maybe he's feeling silly!

Dabi watched through half lidded, bored eyes as I trudged my feet over to Endeavor. I crouched down next to his frame, face palming as the reality of what I just did set in.

Here comes the guilt I was waiting for!

Because even though I can safely say that, yes, I'm still mad at the man for what he did in the past...

I wouldn't have normally ever done something so drastic!! That's way too risky and scary!! Who the heck would actually be crazy enough to take him out?!??

Ugh. Dabi and I, apparently.

Ooo, it's that time!-I hate myself again.

"Look at him. Just look at him." I muffled out through my face palm, hearing Dabi's boots lazily making their way towards me.

"What's the difference? He looked like a piece of shit before, and he still looks like one now." He said in monotone, seeming completely done and checked out with the day now that Endeavor wouldn't be able to pay attention to him any longer.

Denial, overthink, and panic began to rot my brain as I removed my hand from my sweaty face, assessing Endeavor once more as I mumbled to myself.

"No. No. It's fine. It's cool. It's great. There's no way he's actually hurt. I couldn't ever inflict that much damage on someone..." I mumbled, before awkwardly reaching my hand out and poking Endeavor in the shoulder.

"A-Ahhh....helloooo? Come on, big guy. Wake up. H-Heh....you're just joking, right? You big jokester. You're not actually passed out, I'm sure........right?" I followed up, smiling nervously as I tapped Endeavor in the shoulder once more.

But, contrary to my horrible pep talk to encourage him to wake up, the man was in fact passed out....mouth open, catching flies, and drooling all over the pavement.

I was surprised at how beat up he looked, only really getting a good look at him for the first time now.

Sure, he had burns and marks that were clearly from Dabi. The side of his head had a gash from Dabi's boot that looked like it would need stitches.

But, he was also pretty cut up from my crystals, even still having a few sharp shards lodged in his face, with the rest of his body having blood splotches from my knife attacks.

My brows furrowed in pity and I closed my eyes on disappointment with myself, letting out a stressful sigh as I tried to fix this.

"Okay....okayokayokay...." I breathed out as I rose to my feet, starting to pace the empty street as I tried to think of a plan.

Dabi watched me silently as it seemed he uncharacteristically had no remark up his sleeve right now....looking down at Endeavor with a blank, dull look before back up at me.

"There's no need to panic. Right?" I asked him a bit rhetorically, hearing the faint sounds of police sirens starting to circle around the city. "I-I mean-obviously, this can be fixed somehow."

"The situation's way past the point of fixing. And who gives a fuck, anyway." Dabi said dryly, seeming as if he was speaking about a different situation than I was referring to.

I watched as he looked down at Endeavor's body, spitting on it a little too aggressively, before wiping his mouth and walking away from him.

Well, that seemed personal...

Deciding to let the action go, I continued thinking up a plan, saying my first thoughts out loud and not really expecting Dabi to support me-based on how he clearly feels about Endeavor.

"M-Maybe....I can get him out of here somehow. You know....drop him on someone's doorstep and tell the others that we lost him?" I tried, surprised when Dabi shrugged and spoke plainly.

"Do whatever you want with him. Now that he's not awake, I don't want him. He's useless...." Dabi said blankly, before adding on a piece to his point that seemed important to him. "Just don't kill him. That's my job."

My panic froze at his words, feeling a sense of deja vu as he said them.

Because that's the second time he's said that today. The first was during the battle.

There aren't many things in this world that are actually important to Dabi. But, apparently, killing Endeavor is one of those few things?

Out of all the people in the world...

Why Endeavor?

Why does Endeavor matter so much to Dabi?

It's all coming as a bit of a shock, as I only found out about Dabi's interest with Endeavor a few days ago when Midas gave us this assignment. Dabi hasn't ever brought him up during any other time.

You'd think if he was this fixated on Endeavor, he would have already let it slip that the Number One Hero is his trigger.

But, that's the thing about triggers, I guess...

.....they always come out when you least expect it. They always come out stronger than you can control. They always take you to another world that's so hard to come back from.

I know it first hand...

And because I know, I know that part of the reason Dabi is extra quiet and passive right now, is because he's probably drowning in his own triggering thoughts, trying to bring himself back to reality and get control of his emotions once again.

After all, he stopped his fire, but he's still smoking. Midas said Dabi's quirk is activated by his emotions-something else I'd been previously unaware of. So, he's probably still feeling emotional right now, trying to cool himself down.

I decided to leave him be and get himself together, as I know that's what he'd want-focusing my efforts back on Endeavor as I planned to help get his body out of here, before Kaito and Tsuyo can see him.

Nevermind the fact that that he's three times my size...

"Okay. We just....need to hide him from the others and go back empty handed. Then, he'll be fine-" I started saying, unable to finish as the worst possible luck was working against me.

"Well, well. I'll be damned." Kaito's gruff voice said from behind Dabi and I, causing me to quickly turn around with a scare, and Dabi to turn around lazily.

And, what do you know? There were Kaito and Tsuyo-both battered and bloody as they looked to Endeavor's unconscious body, before back to Dabi and I.

Kaito snickered at the sight of Endeavor, spitting a gross, bloody spit wad from his mouth and onto the floor as he clapped condescending and slow.

"Congrats, you stupid bitch. You got lucky." Kaito stated, seeming as if he was trying to challenge my skills with that statement.

But, no challenge here!! Please don't overestimate me!!!

"H-Huh?! Oh-you're completely right!! It was all luck!! Every bit of it!! Wooo, yay luck. Gotta love that lucky luck!!" I said with an awkward wave of my fist, still managing to say the wrong thing as Kaito's eyes went wide with fury.

"The fuck-You mocking me now?! You just think you're hilarious, huh?!" Kaito growled out as he misread my tone, causing me to frantically shake my head back and forth as I put my foot in my mouth again.

"Who??? Me?? No!!! You got it all wrong..." I began, trailing off when I felt a warm arm lug around my shoulders and pull me close without a word.

I felt relieved, being in Dabi's hold....sighing softly in disappointment with myself as I couldn't think of a comeback for Kaito.

If I had more of those amplifying jewels....I could.

But, Dabi came to my rescue instead...not seeming in a teasing asshole type of mood as he glared at Kaito through irritated, tired eyes.

"You really wanna see that bitch Euphoria again? I'll give you your wish in about five seconds." He drawled out lowly, immediately opening up a nasty looking, fresh burn on his wrist as he lit his arm up in blue.

The sight, and smell of his skin dying hurt me. Physically and emotionally.

I looked at him with subtle concern, placing a hand on his chest as I melted deeper into his hold.

"Dabi, he's not worth it. Okay?" I muttered only loud enough for him to hear, choosing my words carefully.

Because, what I really wanted to tell him....was to rest and stop hurting himself. But, I already know that's not a suggestion he would listen to.

Kaito sneered at Dabi and I as he waited for someone to make a move and start another fight, but it seems that Dabi decided to take my advice and extinguish his flames.

Or, maybe he was just too tired and didn't want to admit it.

Regardless, it seemed that a fight wouldn't have broken out anyways. Not with Tsuyo-who'd been putting quirk restraining handcuffs around Endeavor's limp wrists as we all talked pointlessly.

At least someone's proactive here...

Tsuyo rose to their feet after Endeavor had been restrained, seeming as if they were dying to take off their sweaty mask, but kept it on anyways as they spoke.

"Good work getting Endeavor, Violet and Dabi. Midas will be proud." Tsuyo commended, causing Dabi to scoff in irritation.

"I don't give a fuck about what that bedazzled bastard thinks." He muttered out, rubbing his eyes tiredly as he seemed ready to pack this up.

However, I was not ready to pack anything up, yet-especially....not Endeavor's unconscious body!

"But!" I blurted out a bit too excitedly, causing the members of the group to jump slightly at my awkward moment of loud.

I slumped back against Dabi, giving them a sheepish grin of apology as I tried to stall time and think of a plan.

But, now I can't think of a plan. I'm too nervous. Too panicked. Too much me to really doing anything right now, as all I could say was....

"I.....well.....a..are you sure that man is really Endeavor?" I asked pointlessly, immediately gesturing to the unconscious, obviously Number One Hero.

The group went silent-even Dabi as it seemed he was checked out for the day, lost in his own thoughts.

Kaito looked at me like I was a moron, and even though Tsuyo had a mask on, I'm sure they did, too. Dabi was unfazed though, completely used to my stupid comments by now.

Feeling a cold sweat of stress forming on the back of my neck, I dug myself further into the hole....not even knowing why I was still trying to save this.

But, that seems to be my specialty-trying to save things that can't be saved.

"J-Just....because....what if he's, like, an Endeavor imposter, or something...." I trailed off, sighing in defeat when Tsuyo shook their head at me to shut up.

"Right. So, do you want to grab his arms or his legs?" Tsuyo asked me blandly, purposely ignoring my stupid comments as they gestured to Endeavor.

My heart jumped in panic as I realized we were preparing to transport Endeavor back to Midas' place...about to put him in even more danger than he's in now.

What the heck is gonna happen to him???

"W-Well, I..." I tried once more, trailing off in full defeat as I realized I'd have to go along with this and take him.

For now.

I didn't say I fully gave up on getting Endeavor out of this situation, yet.

But, at the moment, I'm pretty stuck in this.

"I'll grab his arms." I muttered begrudgingly, letting Dabi's arm slide off me as I trudged over to Endeavor in my own irritated pout.

The stitched man said nothing as he watched the group going over to carry Endeavor, crossing his arms in refusal as he began to walk back to the Midas mansion on his own.

"I ain't carrying shit." He stated lowly, seeming as if he wanted to walk alone as he created some distance from the rest of the group.

Me, included.

********

"Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful." Midas stated breathlessly, looking at the Number One Hero tied up unconscious in the corner.

Yikes! Not everyday you see that!

My brow raised in a bit of surprise to his words, causing me to purse my lips in confusion.

"Uhhh. Endeavor?" I asked in disbelief, causing Midas to chuckle softly and turn back towards me.

"Of course not. I mean the job well done. The success of the mission. It's all quite beautiful, wouldn't you say?" Midas asked, continuing to lounge back in his big chair.

I shifted nervously on my feet at his words-but, honestly, not too nervously. I was incredibly exhausted from the day's fight, ready to get out of this sweaty uniform and go to bed.

"Yeah. I guess." I uttered tiredly, rubbing the back of my sore neck.

Soooo many unused muscles were used by me today. Ow...

Midas studied my deflated mood closely as he sipped from his tea cup, looking to my empty side with purpose as he spoke.

"Where's Dobby? He didn't want to accompany you?" He asked, causing my mind to flash back to the scene a few moments ago.

The scene where Dabi refused to help the rest of the team carry Endeavor. Where Dabi tried his best to hide his bleeding, oozing wounds from the others in the group so they wouldn't think he was weak. Or, how he made a beeline straight for one of the hallways when we entered Midas' mansion, barely letting me know where he was going as he uttered 'bathroom' and disappeared.

He's off. That much is obvious. He's off, because of whatever happened with Endeavor today. I'd give anything to know why.

But, when Dabi gets lost in his own thoughts, it seems it's hard for him to come back out of them. He goes silent. Distant. Dark. Distracted.

He barely said a word to me, the entire way back to the mansion.

Of course, I don't plan to tell Midas all of that...

"He....he was pretty tired from the fight today. I think he went to go lie down for awhile." I muttered only half honest, not wanting to go into the extent of Dabi's bad mood.

Midas nodded softly to my words, letting out a small hum of acknowledgement as he put another sugar cube into his tea.

"Fair enough. Though, I'll admit I'm surprised. He always seems to have quite a bit of trouble leaving you alone. Always stuck to your hip like a little homeless puppy. Don't you find that suffocating?" Midas asked me curiously, seeming as if he was genuinely trying to get a better grasp of Dabi and I's relationship.

I furrowed my brows in a bit of annoyance for his nosiness, deciding to tell him the truth only because I knew it wasn't the answer he wanted to hear.

"Not at all. That's how Dabi and I are. A package deal. We were like that even before we started dating. We just enjoy each other's company." I said honestly, knowing that if Dabi was here and feeling like himself, then he'd disagree just for the hell of it.

But, he wouldn't mean it. Even if he'd like to believe the lie himself, he wouldn't. I'm not so blind as to not notice that he does, in fact, follow me around everywhere. Notice how he's always trying to get closer to me. How I could be in one place of our hotel room, and he'll move spots just to be closer-even if it means we do our own things in comfortable silence.

And, as annoying as he can be, I enjoy his company just as much. Even before we started dating, I always felt better whenever he was around. I looked forward to it. Felt happier.

It just makes me realize....

That even before we began a relationship-or whatever the heck this is...Dabi and I have unknowingly started to become dependent on each other's company from day one of this mission.

And with the completely different lifestyles we lead and believe in, I don't know if that's a good thing.

Quite honestly, it scares me a little.

Midas studied my reactions closely through narrowed eyes, deciding to accept my answer and move on.

However, before he could, I was surprised when Tsuyo spoke up from behind me-making me remember that they were still here, along with Kaito.

"Sir, should I take Endeavor somewhere else and get him situated before he wakes up?" They asked, sounding more tired and exhausted than I realized before.

Midas immediately looked at Tsuyo in remembrance, lips forming a small 'oh' of realization for the giant beast of a man still tied up unconscious in the corner.

"Ah. Yes, that would be great. Sorry to keep you waiting, Tsuyo. Get Endeavor locked down, and then go take some time to rest. You've earned it very much." He said warmly, giving the masked person a genuine smile of respect for their work today.

Tsuyo nodded and gave Midas a deep bow, before snapping their fingers at Kaito with disrespect as they made their way over to Endeavor.

Kaito followed Tsuyo begrudgingly at their snap, letting out a small groan of exhaustion as he spoke too loud under his breath.

"Finally. So ready to crash." He grumbled, causing Midas to click his tongue.

"I was speaking to Tsuyo. Not you. We're short staffed in the kitchen today, Kaito. You're to report there and fill in after you help lock down Endeavor. Understood?" He said firmly, causing Kaito's bloodshot eyes to widen in angered disbelief.

"What?...." He trailed off, quickly holding his tongue as he remembered who he was talking to.

Midas didn't have to say another word, looking at him with a smile that dared Kaito to challenge as the yellow eyed man backed down.

"Yes....Master Midas." He sighed tiredly, grabbing onto Endeavor's limp feet with a huff.

Feeling a little uncomfortable watching the two struggle to carry Endeavor's huge frame, I began making my way over to help, before Midas spoke first.

"Violet, my dear. Don't worry about that. I'd like for you to stay and chat for a bit, anyways, if you don't mind." He said, causing my shoulders to resist slumping as I hesitantly stopped my walk.

Oh, I definitely mind!

But, regardless, I couldn't say no....pressing my lips together in defeat as Midas and I watched Tsuyo and Kaito carry Endeavor out of the room wordlessly and close the door.....feeling out of place as I stood in front of his sitting frame.

I haven't been alone with him.....ever, before. Everytime, there's always been someone else there with me. Whether it was Dabi, or Tsuyo-even Kaito. It's never been just Midas and I.

Admittedly, it puts me a little on edge.

I ignored the cold sweat starting to form on the back of my neck, ignoring Midas' eyes on me as I tried to focus on the pretty classical music playing on his speakers in the background.

A song I knew well. One I actually enjoyed quite a bit.

Midas seemed to feel the same way as he bopped his head slowly to the piano sound, apparently not in any rush to get on with whatever business conversation he, no doubt, kept me here for....as he used the remote in his lap to turn the high quality stereo up a few notches.

"Ah. I do love this song." He murmured softly, causing me to speak without thinking.

"Me too." I said genuinely, making Midas' closing eyes immediately open and look at me once more.

A small smile began to curl on his lips as he looked to me, seeming happy to know we had this in common.

"Really?" He asked warmly, wanting me to continue on.

Admittedly, the talk of music seemed to relax me a bit as I do love a good classical sound! Always have.

"Well, of course. Nocturnes by Chopin-op nine, number two, to be exact. Classic." I smiled, breaking away from Midas' side of the room to slowly walk towards the stereo.

He slowly got up to follow me, the smile on his face getting happier as I answered correctly.

"You have a good ear, my dear. Who taught you such good taste in music?" He asked a healthy distance behind me, causing my mind to reflect on his question and answer honestly.

"Oh. Hm. I...actually...don't know. I can't remember. But, I know that I've always loved it-you know I was the best mediocre piano player at my high school." I continued, not knowing why I was even telling the man this as he obviously did not care-

"Really now? You said the piano?" He asked with amusement, watching me scan his endless rows of music records.

He actually has pretty good taste in music...

"Yep! Even got an award for it at the talent show. Eh-it was an award for being mediocre though, so I don't know if that counts-but, I put it next to my spelling bee award, so that was great." I rambled on awkwardly, grimacing at the weird conversation I was continuing as I quickly went back to looking at his records.

Midas chuckled softly as he circled around the giant pile of records I was looking at, coming forward into my vision once more as he rested his hand on a giant tarp that looked to be covering something.

"An award is an award, my dear. You tried your best. That's always something to be proud of. Don't forget it." He encouraged warmly, gripping the material of the tarp between his fingers, seeming as if he was having a hard time deciding if he should pull it off or not.

However, he did a few moments later, inhaling a deep breath to calm himself before slowly pulling the sheet off the item.

It was a piano. A giant, beautiful black piano.

It wasn't even made of jewels. It was just a normal piano.

Midas looked down at the piano in silence for a moment, smiling softly as he hesitantly lifted his gloved fingers and placed them atop the body of it.

My brows raised in surprise at the pretty piano, watching Midas' hand glide along the thing as if it's been a long time, before his fingers carefully fell to the keys.

It was intriguing, seeing him look at this piano. It was something that seemed to bring back a lot of memories for him.

He let out a breathy laugh a few lax moments later, giving his head a little happy shake as he slowly began to walk around the piano.

"It's been awhile since I've played. I used to be alright myself though, if you can believe that." He said with his back turned to me, causing my brows to raise in surprise at that new information from Midas.

"Really? I didn't know you played." I said with a bit of genuine interest, half curious about his skills.

No one's gonna have this nice of a piano if they can't play well, after all! I bet he's good.

Ehhh, then again, rich people buy everything, don't they? Who knows.

"Once upon a time ago, yes." He said, looking back at me with a smile now.

But, this smile was different.

It wasn't the usual, happy warm ones that he kept giving me.

This one was sad. Tinged with subtle hints of pain, and a story of his very own to tell.

Once again, it intrigued me. This man intrigued me.

So much so, that...

"Oh. Well....why did you stop playing?" I asked a bit quietly, not knowing if I was stepping into dangerous territory with that question.

Like I said, everyone has triggers, right? I don't want to accidentally set one of Midas' off....

His eyes went blank at my question-as if memories were flashing rapidly behind them, before he blinked them away and looked back at me unreadably.

"Because, I promised myself....that I'd never look back." He stated lowly, keeping his voice quiet and void as he said the words.

I could tell they held a lot of meaning for him.

Sensing I was watching him closely, Midas inhaled deeply and met my eyes once more....immediately switching his eery mood back into something happy.

"The world cannot grow without progress. Without beauty. Without eradicating all the evil and ugly things of this world. That is my purpose, Violet." He stated with a smile, causing me to nod silently as I didn't want to push his buttons.

Midas sighed in relief as he sensed we were dropping the subject, clearing his throat as he moved onto the reason I was truly here.

"And speaking of that 'purpose,' I suppose it's time I hear your verdict," he said, quickly placing the sheet back on the piano to hide it from himself. "So, what did you think of them?"

The quick transition in topics made my stomach drop. Midas was eager with the question, making me realize he's been waiting to ask it.

And, even though I knew exactly which 'them' he was referring to, I couldn't help but play dumb and hope I wouldn't have to talk about it.

"Oh. Umm. What do you mean?" I asked, causing a Midas to scoff a bit in genuine annoyance at my words.

"Dear, dear Violet. I'll admit, that one hurt my feelings. Surely those amplifying jewels of mine can't be that easy to forget-or, was taking down the Number One Hero by yourself not proof enough for you?" He questioned condescendingly, making me grimace as I realized I was starting to agitate him.

"I-It's not that." I reassured quickly, chewing on my lip as I tried a different approach. "It's just....it's a lot to process."

Not a lie.

Midas seemed to take to that answer better, nodding softly in contemplation as he spoke.

"Why? You seemed to enjoy it in the moment." He said perceptively, making me regret how much he was right.

"But, that was different." I defended softly, watching him look at me with brows furrowed.

"How so?" He asked genuinely, making me groan internally at the specific questions he kept asking.

Especially, because I don't really have an answer. I just don't want to admit how much I enjoyed the amplifying jewels...

....how much they made me actually like myself.

"Well, because....I..." I trailed off, sighing in defeat when Midas continued for me.

"Because you weren't anxious? You weren't overthinking things, and you were just having a good time-loving the person you were?" He asked knowingly, looking at my guilted face with relief.

He seemed to be relieved to know that my reservations of the jewels had nothing to do with him, giving me a warm smile once more as he turned down the classical music on the stereo.

"My dear. There's nothing wrong, or evil, about wanting to love yourself. You didn't think so when you felt confident. When you weren't letting panic and unnecessary worries cloud your judgements. You were free. You were happy. Powerful." Midas explained genuinely, looking at me as if he were proud.

Another set of guilt settled in my chest when I agreed with him, yet I'd never say that out loud.

Especially, with how the events ended.

"I know. It's just...." I trailed off, feeling nervous to speak my mind for fear that I'd say the wrong thing.

But, one thing about Midas is that he seemed to possess a lot of patience and desire to converse, encouraging me to continue a few moments later.

"Just what, Violet? You can tell me. I want to hear your concerns. I won't judge them." He said a little softer, leaning back against the sheet covered piano with relaxed body language.

I puffed out my cheeks in contemplation if I should tell him what I'm thinking, deciding to come out with it a few moments later.

"It's just....not me." I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck as I spoke.

I watched Midas' face closely, looking for micro expressions of anger or judgement.

But, all I found was understanding and reassurance, hating how that put me at ease even more.

"It was you though. It is you, Violet. I told you, I never enhanced your physical abilities. What you did today, capturing Endeavor, that was all you." He said honestly, yet that statement didn't sit well with me as I tried to press on.

"Right. But....my thoughts....my emotions...." I alluded, before he cut in.

"Were also you. I only have the ability to amplify emotions that are already settled inside your soul. Even if you thought they were lying dormant, if they are there, my jewels will pick them up. Think about it this way-if you truly forgave Endeavor, and never had any ill will towards him, I wouldn't have been able to amplify your emotions to anything, because there'd be no hatred for him in your soul." Midas explained, raising a gloved hand to graze the glowing jewels on the chest of his uniform.

I nodded in respect to his point, opening my mouth to disagree before coming up with nothing.

Midas sensed my confusion, continuing where he left off patiently.

"I know you don't want to admit it, Violet. But, what happened today with the Endeavor mission wasn't just for me. It was for you, too. A way to give you some cathartic release and take out your mourning and pain on him." He said softly, narrowing his eyes at my face of conflict in question...

.....before slowly starting to figure out why I was truly uneasy about this.

"I....also know that, even if it was in the moment, you truly enjoyed yourself today. I know, because I was able to read your emotions. You liked making Endeavor suffer. You found it gleeful to beat him into a pulp." He said purposely honest, causing me to groan softly as I wished he would stop saying such things out loud.

"Only because my mood was amplified." I tried to justify, yet Midas simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Amplified or not, deep down you've always had these fantasies, apparently. These fantasies about destroying the man for taking your loved one." He said boldly, watching me squeeze my eyes shut in pure guilt.

I put my hands in my face and shook my head, not even caring about how obviously guilty I was in front of the enemy right now.

But, Midas didn't seem to be angry. Quite the contrary actually, he seemed to have the whole situation figured out before I did.

"I think....more than anything, it's not my jewels that don't sit well with you, it's your own emotions that don't sit well with you, Violet." He concluded, making my blood freeze at such a realization.

It made me panic a bit as I immediately knew he was right.

"What doesn't sit right with you....is that you don't know yourself well enough. You don't know what you're truly capable of-today was a great example of that. You don't know how you really feel, because you're always ignoring and neglecting your own feelings." He continued, keeping his voice calm with no judgement.

But, it didn't change the fact that I was still beating myself up over this.

"So what..." I said dryly, not seeing the point in all of this.

Midas looked at me for a moment, slowly pushing himself off the piano as he walked over to me.

"So, I plan to help you with that. It's what I've been telling you all along. I plan to unlock your true potential and show you the real Violet Sasaki. Show you what your mind is hiding from you, and how you can use that to your benefit." He explained, looking down at his gloves for a moment to ensure some of his jewels were still glowing.

"The entirety of your problem..." he said patiently, continuing to look at his glove absentmindedly as he spoke. "...is not your physicality. It's your mind. Your mental blocks that are stopping you from greatness. I plan to help you feel amplified all the time. But, without the power of my jewels. To make you feel confident and sure of yourself naturally. To believe in yourself."

I looked at the ground in lost thought to his words, hating how there was a little voice in the back of my mind telling me how amazing that would be.

To feel powerful all the time. To feel competent and confident. Amazing. Extraordinary.

Who wouldn't want that?

Midas slowly looked up from his gloves to see my face of conflict, letting a tad of concealed sinister intentions come out as his eyes went a bit dark.

"Quite honestly...." He stated lowly, looking at me with a dark smirk as he taunted me for the very first time.

As I've said before, this man only shows me a minuscule fraction of himself. I don't know what he's really capable of. What he really thinks.

"I'd love to amplify your emotions once more right now, Violet. Just so I could see you be happy again. All it takes...is the snap of my wrist. One snap of my wrist, and you can feel the way you did today." He alluded warmly, looking down at his gloves once more as he tried to light a few jewels up.

He's lighting more than one up, because he doesn't want me to know what colors have which powers.

However, it seems his own powers are finally starting to catch up with him today as he inhaled sharply when attempting to use his quirk again-coughing up a drop of blood onto his glove at the exertion.

Immediately, I snapped out of my head, hearing him curse under his breath as he wiped his mouth and powered down.

"Agh. It seems I've approached my own limit for today, so we'll have to try for another time." He muttered raspily, grimacing in disgust as he wiped more blood from his mouth.

"R...Right..." I muttered in guilt, feeling completely conflicted about my own wants.

Midas seemed to sense my window of focus was coming to a close, looking at me with a soft smile as he walked over to his tea cup.

"You look tired, my dear. Go rest up and see your Dobby. You've earned it. I'll check in later to let you know how we'll proceed with Endeavor." He concluded, causing my heart to jump once more as I remembered the big, beefy man locked up downstairs.

I cant wait. I need to know now.

"Well-uhhhh-howww will we proceed with Endeavor? I wouldn't mind knowing now." I chuckled nervously, causing Midas' eyes to light up with excitement as he explained some of his plan.

"Why, with a big ceremony, of course. Public. He's going to be my first participant test run with the enhanced jewels, after all. It needs to be perfect. Although, instead of exploding jewels....I plan to use the jewels to make him suffer and become gemified into pure gold, unlike the other silvery statues. That is bound to make a statement to the public. Don't you think?" He smiled, taking a chipper sip of his tea as he raised his brows in excitement.

I'm gonna puke!

Endeavor's not gonna like that idea!

"Ohhhh yeah. Definitely....a...statement." I uttered, swallowing harshly as I held back chunks of nervous puke.

Midas' grin got bigger at my words, clearly misreading my nerves as excitement.

"Good. Now, go rest. I'll be seeing you." He departed patiently, going to take a seat in his chair once more and relax.

I gave Midas a mechanical smile as I turned on my heel, only able to wonder how the heck I was gonna get Endeavor out of this one.

Guess that's why it's better to think before you act-something that Midas' amplifying jewels don't believe in.

******

Upon entering the room that Dabi and I were sharing at Midas' mansion, I found him quickly...lying down, sprawled out on the big, king bed.

He had closed the curtains to keep out the dying evening sun, making the room as dark as it possibly could.

He'd taken off his shirt, but still had the black pants and boots of his uniform on, with an arm draped over his entire face.

I pursed my lips in concern at how obviously sick he looked from the day's events. It's impossible to not know, when the smell of burning skin hit my nostrils as soon as I came inside.

My eyes remained locked on his new oozing, bloody wounds, watching how the red liquid mixed effortlessly with the blood coming from his old burns.

I closed the door softly, causing the sound of his labored, pained heavy breathing to immediately come to a halt as he realized he was no longer alone.

Because now that he's not alone, he's going to try and hide his pain.

But, he can't hide it from me.

And he must have known he was caught to some degree as he didn't say a word, keeping his arm draped over his face as he heard my soft footsteps pad across the room towards him.

I slowly approached the bed, taking a seat at the side of it, before carefully placing a hand on top of Dabi's bare abdomen.

It's almost searing. He's burning up.

Regardless, the stitched man seemed to be in a slightly better mood than he was a few minutes ago, sounding softer and more playful now that we were alone.

"Mm. Who the hell is that?" He murmured knowingly, causing my eyes to roll lightly as I gently stroked my fingers on his stomach.

"Well, who were you expecting?" I questioned teasingly, seeing his lips curl up into a smirk as he answered immediately.

"Euphoria, obviously." He joked, snickering when I lightly flicked his uninjured skin.

"Look who's a jokester now." I laughed softly, looking down to Dabi's abdomen to see his muscles were tight.

He was already tensing before I touched him. He's tensing, because of how much pain he's in from his burns.

Feeling my heart squeeze at the sight, I carefully moved my hand over to Dabi's torso burns, hearing an almost inaudible hiss come from his mouth when I touched the tender skin.

He quickly removed the hand from his eyes and looked at me-showing me his drenched in sweat face and bloodshot gaze.

"Shhh, I know..." I whispered quietly, knowing that Dabi usually isn't one to feel comfortable with soft talk.

But I just couldn't help myself. I always hold back on the sweet talk for him.

I don't want to keep holding back those emotions, when I want to give them, just because he may find them annoying.

Dabi didn't say anything to my words, looking at me through half lidded eyes of pain as he gently gripped my wrist.

I held his gaze with my own, using my free hand to swipe his sweaty hair away from his face as I spoke once more.

"I'm gonna take care of you. I'm gonna take the pain away, so you won't hurt anymore." I breathed out gently, waiting for him to roll his eyes or tell me to shut up with the sweet stuff.

And that's when I realized...that I was making assumptions about what Dabi liked, this entire time. About him not liking sweet, gentle stuff.

I don't usually give him this type of affection, because I didn't think he would like it. I didn't want to embarrass him.

But, now I'm doing it for the first time and he's quiet....not retorting with a mean comment, and making fun of me.

Maybe the events of the day wore him down, or maybe he's just becoming more comfortable with affection.

Regardless, he simply loosened his grip on my wrist, propping himself up on his elbows like he wanted to watch.

If there's one thing that Dabi has always seemed intrigued by, it's my crystals. Even from the first day I met him, he always liked to look at them.

His breath was heavy in pain as he looked down towards his abdomen, watching silently as I carefully released flecks of crystals from my palm and into his body.

He inhaled sharply at the initial feeling, causing me to brush my free hand through his sweaty hair with reassurance.

I felt my heart light when his eyes slowly rolled closed with relief a few moments later, making me realize I was already taking away the pain of his new wounds.

"There you go. Much better, right?" I murmured softly, continuing to release more crystals into his body to heal him.

I can't heal his old burns. Those are too deep. But, I can alleviate them and stop new ones from scarring his body.

Dabi didn't say anything for a moment as he reveled in my crystals, face as relaxed and vulnerable as I've ever seen him, with his mouth slightly ajar to let out a calm sigh.

"Vi..." he breathed out so quietly I almost didn't hear it, seeming as if he didn't mean to say it at all.

But, honestly, it sounded like a 'thank you.' A sound of gratitude for finally taking his pain and suffering away. It caused me to smile.

If I can help him stop hurting, then I'm happy.

Dabi kept his eyes closed for a moment longer in relief, snaking his hands up to my shoulders as he clung to me lazily.

I ignored the burning pain of quirk overuse in my own body, not wanting to stop until I knew Dabi was
pain free-or, as pain free as I can get him.

His eyes slowly opened a few moments later, glowing softly from the reflection of my crystals, before his mouth turned up into a lazy, genuine, tiny smile.

"You could have just let me suffer, you know. I'm a pretty annoying son of a bitch." He teased, causing me to laugh softly as I traveled my glowing hands around the injured parts of his body.

"The thought did cross my mind." I retorted lightly, fighting back the grimace of pain on my own face as I continued healing Dabi. "But, I was feeling nice today."

"Not like thats any different from the other days." Dabi commented absentmindedly, making me look at him in a bit of surprise.

"Oh? Was that a compliment?" I asked with a grin, causing Dabi to roll his eyes and fight the smile that wanted to get bigger.

"Don't get used to it." He murmured warmly, stroking his fingers along my shoulders as he clung to me.

"I will." I breathed out, feeling the muscles of my arms starting to pulse with gradually increasing pain as I tried to fight through it and change the subject.

You need to heal him...

"Anyways, I'm surprised you didn't come with me today. You know, to see Midas. You missed some great opportunities to insult him." I chuckled, causing Dabi to snort knowingly at my words.

"Eh. I'll make that up. Didn't need the bastard seeing me like this. I'm sure he'd have a field day. Not to mention, after seeing you go fucking nuts out there today, don't think you need my help." He explained, causing a pit of dread and anxiety to settle in my chest as I was reminded of the day's events.

"It wasn't me. It was Midas' crystals. They just made me....unafraid and...more emotional." I said honestly, causing Dabi's gaze to find mine in curiosity.

"That's all they did?" He said, unable to hide the bit of surprise that creeped into his voice.

I simply nodded in affirmation, not wanting to admit it again.

Dabi was quiet for a moment as he took in my words, raising his brows with dismissive surprise.

"You were mad today." He said matter of factly, seeming as if he was asking a question, but was too stubborn to admit it.

I pressed my lips together knowingly as I continued to heal Dabi's wounds, letting out a small sigh as I decided to tell him some of the truth.

Not all of the truth, because I can't even talk about that with myself.

"Endeavor and I....we have.....we actually have a very complicated history." I admitted, causing Dabi's eyes to find me once again through the dully lit room.

He didn't respond for a moment, seeming as if he was processing my words before his curiosity got the better of him.

"Is that so?" He asked a bit raspy, causing me to nod and continue.

"Yes. He.....he...." I tried, forced to stop when I already felt the lump in my throat forming.

It seems that Midas' jewels have already awakened some natural parts of my repressed emotions as I'm unable to hide my pain from Dabi in this moment, like I normally would.

But, still I decided to finish my sentence and tell him the truth. Because I wanted to. I want to tell someone. I need to finally tell someone.

"He killed my fiancé." I whispered softly, feeling the poisonous words leave a sour taste in my mouth as I said them.

Dabi's face went blank as he clearly wasn't expecting me to be so honest, caught off guard by my words.

He almost looked at me like a deer in the headlights, not having a single response up his sleeve as he studied my sad face with focus.

I felt his eyes on me, fighting back the lump of pain in my throat, as I clarified.

"I mean, he didn't...physically kill him. But....mentally....emotionally......he basically pushed him off the brink." I uttered, feeling my eyes go blank as I tried to repress the memories.

Dabi didn't say a word as he watched me fight back tears, seeming surprised at how much this was affecting me.

My next words were dangerous. They were dangerous, because they were words I've never spoken out loud before. Words that were only getting closer to the feelings I keep locked inside my heart.

Closer to the truth I can't remember.

"I watched him die right in front of me, and there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it." I breathed out blankly, feeling tears starting to blur in my vision as I admitted the truth.

A physical stab to my heart. I felt it, the moment I said the words. Whoever said emotions couldn't be physically felt is lying, because it feels like I just got hit by a bus.

Repress them. Don't go back there in your mind-

"He called out to me. He called out, begging me to help him. But, I couldn't. And....while I can't remember everything from that day, for my own sanity....it's a day that haunts me...and eats away at me every single moment." I continued with a wavering voice, feeling my lip starting to quiver as my ears perked with the faint sound of Touya's screams.

I've barely even hit the tip of the iceberg of the memories and I'm already about to breakdown.

"I couldn't save him. I tried. But.....I couldn't save him." I whispered as I felt my chest starting to get heavy, feeling the tears slowly break past my lids and travel down my blank face.

Suddenly, my lungs feel tight-gasping for an eternal breath I'd never find.

Dabi's eyes flashed with something I didn't understand as he saw me cry, causing him to sit up in the bed and lean close to me now.

Drops of blood began to form under his eyes as he watched me cry silently and blankly, gently reaching out and gripping my chin between his fingers.

He slowly turned my face towards his, causing me to come out of my growing catatonic state and realize he was sitting up.

"I-I haven't finished healing you." I said shakily, gripping his shoulders tightly as I tried to get him to lay down.

I need to save him. I need to, or I'll die.

Sensing I was on the verge of a mental breakdown, Dabi shook his head in disagreement for me to continue using my quirk, holding my chin with one hand as he gently pried my other hand off his shoulders.

His next words came as a shock, especially from someone like him.

"It's not your fault." He said quietly, ignoring my words about healing him.

But, I didn't want to hear that. Because it was my fault. I couldn't save Touya. He begged me to and I couldn't. That's my fault.

I deserve to feel pain. I deserve to be haunted by it.

"I-I need...." I started out, feeling more tears breaking past my lids at the sound of my collapsing voice. "I-I need to heal you."

Because I couldn't save Touya. But, I can save Dabi.

Dabi's lips pressed together tightly now as it seemed he was holding back his own emotions, simply shaking his head again as he kept me tightly in his grip.

"Listen to me. Its not your fault. It is not your fault." He followed up again, causing my eyes to shut with pain as a small choke escaped my throat.

"S-Stop saying that-L-Let me fix it. Please, Dabi. Let me fix it." I sobbed out softly, attempting to shakily grab his bleeding arm once more, before he stopped me and rotated my chin up to face him.

"Violet." He whispered out softly, making his voice go quiet so I couldn't hear his pain. "It's. Not. Your. Fault."

I looked up at him as I began to cry steadily, feeling my lips quivering and my breathing become uneven as I gripped his shoulders tightly for my own support.

Please don't disappear, too.

"I just need to help you!! I need to!!" I cried sadly, throwing my arms around Dabi's shoulders as I suddenly couldn't let him go.

I began to cry harder as he immediately wrapped his arms around me, burying my face in his bare chest as I gripped him tightly.

Even so-even if I'm crying hard now, I can still feel my mind holding back, trying to keep itself together and ensure I don't lose it...

.....again.

But, this is good. For now, this is good. I don't cry a lot, so even if I know I'm holding back and not getting it all out, at least it's something.

Dabi let out a small, thought filled sigh as he kept his warm hands around me, resting his chin atop my head as he let me cry tears all over his chest.

I feel guilty. I'm burdening him, arent I? He doesn't want to see me cry. No one does.

But, I can't stop.

"I-I'm sorry!! I'm so sorry!!" I sobbed out apologetically, trying and failing to stop crying, before he hugged me tighter.

He said nothing to my words, burying a hand in my hair now. I could have sworn I heard a minuscule sniffle come from his nose as he listened to my sobs of pain and mourning.

And that's how I stayed, finally taking a minuscule second to mourn the passing of Touya for the first time in eight years. In Dabi's arms.

I was happy he didn't say anything. Happy he didn't judge me or make fun of me-and most of all, I was happy that he didn't push me away.

Instead, he held me-in a position that was definitely not comfortable for him, yet he didn't move a muscle. He held me tight, as if he truly cared about me, even if he says otherwise. He held me until my lungs got tired of sobbing and my throat was tired of weeping. He held me until my tears had run dry and my mouth had stopped quivering. Absorbing my every whimper and cry with this hug, making sure it wouldn't be heard to the rest of the world. Just him.

He held me for countless heartbeats of time-until my body gave out, only pulling me deeper into his embrace as my breath steadied and my eyes found desperate sleep.

****

It wasn't until Violet calmed down-tears falling softer, but breathing finally back; sniffles still going strong, but body finally exhausted and no longer trembling, that Dabi finally spoke.

He knew she was asleep now, feeling every muscle and nerve ending in his ugly heart stab in torturous pain as he stared blankly at the moonlit wall, still holding Violet, and refusing to let her go.

Now, he was alone. Truly alone with the ugly person he is. And it didn't feel the way he always hoped it would.

Now that he was alone with his thoughts, he spoke genuine. Emotional. Regretful. Never having said something more real in his life as the words fell from his lips with reminiscing remorse.

"No, sunshine. I'm sorry." Touya whispered, speaking his first apology in twenty-three years.

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

Thank you guys for reading!! I hope you enjoyed.

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Next Chapter Title: It Never Forgets.

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