Top pic credit: The_Amazing_Avenger

Violet POV:

Breaking News: Forty-Seven People left Dead From A Bar Fight At Uncovered Secret Club "Norboru." More Updates From Police Soon.

I grimaced softly as I read the flashing news story from the televisions atop my head, barely able to focus on giving the barista my coffee order as the memories of what happened last night loomed in my mind.

Forty-seven people dead thanks to a certain broody, ashy man's little stunt of starting the bar fight-a broody, ashy man who, by the way, seemed completely guiltless as he slept like a baby all through the night.

Sure, maybe his heavy sleep was due to the insane amount of blood loss he endured from Midas' jewel hit. And, yeah, all forty-seven people killed at the club last night were villains, murdered by their leader....

But, it doesn't change the fact that lives were, indeed, taken. It doesn't change the fact that Dabi and I indirectly had something to do with how it all started. I'm sure the commission will be very less than pleased to know it all went down, simply because Dabi got jealous that a guy was groping me.

Yeah. 'Jealous.' I said it. I may be a prude, but I'm not clueless. One moment Dabi has his hands all over me, and the next moment he's fire punching men who touch me? Maybe it's too big-headed of me to say....but, I don't think that's a coincidence.

Not to mention.....the almost kiss that happened back at the hotel room.

Dabi's words from last night still rang through my mind, not just because of what he said....but also how uncharacteristically soft he said it.

"I'm bad for you. I'm not worth it."

Sure. He's telling me to stay away from him. I got that loud and clear. What I don't get, is his intentions for saying so.

Dabi's the type of person to be honest. He's also the type of person to completely disregard the ones he hurts. So, with this in mind, if Dabi simply didn't find me attractive, he wouldn't make up some bull crap excuse about how he's 'bad for me.' He would just straight up tell me I'm ugly. And he didn't.

But, at the same time, if Dabi truly found me attractive and wanted to hookup last night, he would have done it. He wouldn't have cared about the aftermath, or how much it would hurt me to become another check to his hookup list.

I mean, look at how he treats Euphoria.

So.....that leaves me at a loss. It leaves me not knowing how Dabi truly feels. One minute, he's groping me on the dance floor, and the next minute he's telling me to stay away.

It's confusing. I don't know how he really feels about me. Maybe he doesn't even know how he feels about me.

Regardless, it doesn't change what I'm about to do. I came to this coffee shop for one reason, and one reason only. It's only fair that I follow through. For everyone's sake.

A tired sigh escaped my lips as I watched the barista set the two coffees I ordered down at the checkout counter, causing me to trudge my feet over to pick them up.

"What a mess..." I grumbled to myself, not realizing how loud I'd spoken until the barista looked up.

"Oh, yeah. You looking at the news headlines? Pretty crazy, right? Forty-seven people dead. How in the world could something like that even happen." He whistled in surprise, starting to mix up another drink while shaking his head.

I have a pretty damn good idea how it happened...

But, regardless, this assignment is confidential and undercover. Civilians aren't even supposed to be aware it's happening, so I'll have to.....lie.

Anxiety began to fester in my chest when the barista looked back at me for a casual conversation answer, causing my palms to start sweating as I grabbed two lids for my coffees.

"H-Hm?-ah-yeah, sure-I mean-I don't know. I...I wasn't there, you know...." I blurted out choppily, cringing internally at my panicked, suspicious answer.

That was completely unnecessary. All I had to do was agree, or something!

However, it seems my dorky awkward personality saved me as the barista laughed, giving his canister of whipped cream a shake before piping it atop the drink he was making.

"Yeah, kid. I don't have a doubt in my mind about that. Look at you." He chuckled dismissively, yet now I was curious about whatever that meant.

"Huh?! What about me?" I challenged with a slight pout, causing the barista to look at me in proof.

"You just look like a nerdy college kid, is all. So, like, why would you be at a thug club murder house, you know." He said casually, gesturing to my 'Sir Isaac Newton, I'll Have The Pi, Please,' shirt.

Man has a point. But, hah! Joke's on him. Not only was I at the thug club murder house, but I even kinda started the murder stuff!

Not that I'm proud of that!

"I'm not....I'm not...nerdy," I started off with a begrudging mumble, giving the back of my neck a small rub. "A-And....even if I am nerdy...."

My attempt to challenge the barista got his attention as he looked up at me expectantly, waiting for a comeback. But, nothing came to mind.

Curse the fact that I can only make barely passable comebacks in front of Dabi...

"Ohhh-forget it. Enjoy your whipped cream-which you forgot to put on my drink, by the way." I huffed out in annoyance, ignoring the barista's snicker of triumph as I grabbed my two coffees and abruptly turned around-

"Woah! Chill, babe. What's the hurry? You almost ran right into me." Natsuo chuckled, forced to back up a few feet so my fistfuls of scalding hot coffee didn't get all over his jacket.

Oof. Here we go....

Unable to even look up at Natsuo's face, I kept my gaze on the cups of coffee....suddenly feeling extremely small under his beaming smile.

"Ah-hey. S...Sorry. I just....wanted to find a good place for us to sit. You know, cause it's crowded in here..." I said quietly, swallowing harshly as I felt him come closer.

He hummed in oblivious delight, looking around the almost empty coffee shop, before plucking one of the coffees out of my hand. My heart dropped when I felt him drape an arm around my shoulders.

It doesn't feel the same. Sure, it's just a simple action. But, after feeling my heart race when Dabi does the same action, I can barely tolerate Natsuo's dull touch.

I'm sorry, Natsuo. I failed you. I'm so sorry.

"Ooo, you got my favorite drink. The barista made it perfectly, too. So much whipped cream." He muttered in delight, causing my lips to scrunch about a bit sourly as I glared at the barista making the drinks.

"I wouldn't know." I pointed out dryly, allowing Natsuo to lead us to one of the quiet tables outside.

I vaguely heard him making small talk as we made our way to the table. Something about his college's soccer team again? I don't even know. He was speaking loud enough for me to hear clearly, yet I also heard absolutely nothing over the nervous pounding of my heart.

After all, I've never been good with conflict.

Doesn't matter. I have to do this. It's not fair to him.

My palms began to sweat and my teeth began to grind as we finally sat at our quaint coffee table. The birds were chirping lively, the day was sunny and the streets were calm. The breeze was warm, but not too hot.

And I couldn't focus on any of it as Natsuo wouldn't shut up-justifiably so, as he hasn't seen his girlfriend in a while and he was excited to talk to her.

Meanwhile, his girlfriend was grinding on another man last night, about to kiss this man-this murderer, without a second thought even though she knew it was wrong for every reason imaginable.

I'm a horrible person.

"Hah! Yeah, but I don't know if we'll win this season. Like I said, we got some heavy competition. I told Akio this morning, and he still thinks we have a pretty good shot-oh yeah, how did the mission go with you two? I asked, but he said he couldn't tell me anything. But, you can tell me something, right? Was your partner keeping his distance? I sure hope so-I didn't do too much yesterday. Went to sleep early, so I could get a good workout in this morning-did you see the news though?! Forty-seven people dead at a club. That's crazy. I hope they find the guy who did it. You know, Fuyumi said...." Natsuo rambled and rambled, not allowing me to even get a word in-and I almost didn't want him to let me get a word in, cause he's not gonna like what I have to say.

But, my head began to hurt from the anticipated stress I've been putting on myself from this all morning. I rubbed my tired face with my hands, opening my mouth to speak even though Natsuo hadn't stop talking.

"Natsuo...." I tried to interrupt tiredly, keeping a hand on my aching temple.

He didn't hear me, continuing to catch me up on everything I've missed in his life during our time apart from my mission, causing me to sigh in dread and weakly try again.

"Listen....we need to talk..." I mumbled half heartedly, grimacing slightly as he continued chattering away without a care in the world.

My self frustration began to build. My nerves began to pipe over, and as someone whose the absolute worst with conflict, I couldn't help but feel horrible as I blurted out....

"Natsuo, I'm breaking up with you."

That seemed to be the thing to really catch his attention as his happy-go-lucky story time trailed off into silence.

Seeing the pure smile on his mouth slowly washing off his face caused me to slap my hands over my cheeks in guilt, giving him a look made of pure pity.

The comfortable air had turned to tense confusion from him as he studied my face. I forced myself to stay quiet as I let him process, chewing nervously on my lip when I saw him open his mouth to speak.

"W..Wait.....you're....you're what...?" He uttered quietly, voice laced with a sadness that broke my heart in half.

I'm sorry. It's just not right to lead him on like this. Not when I was about to kiss another man last night. Not when I still want to kiss this man today.

Not wanting to repeat the painful words, I simply pressed my lips together and said nothing, hoping he would process the abruptness of it all where I wouldn't have to say it again.

He did, following up a few moments later.

"You're....-you're breaking up with me?" Natsuo whispered in sad disbelief, looking at me like a lost, injured puppy in a way that caused my intentions to momentarily snap.

"Huh?! No! I'm just kidding!!" I blurted out in panic for his hurt, face palming at my involuntary response.

Natsuo's face morphed into pure confusion at my words, not knowing how to feel.

"Uhh-You are?" He questioned, causing me to calm down and rip the bandaid off again.

I told you I'm bad with conflict.

"I-I........no. No, I'm not kidding. I'm....I'm sorry. I just didn't want to hurt you. But, lying to you is worse." I sighed guilty, rubbing my temples at the incoming headache I'd just caused myself.

Natsuo's face dropped once more as he realized I was serious, grimacing slightly as if he'd just taken a dagger to the chest.

"But....why? Are you not happy? Have I been too absent? Did I do something wrong? Are you....would it be possible for you to give me a chance to fix it?" He asked with a crack in his voice, causing my brows to turn up in pain for the hurt I was forcing upon him.

Once again, I'm such a bad person.

"No, no, no-you did absolutely nothing wrong," I started out reassuringly, gripping his wrist chastely before retracting. "I-It's....it's not...you...."

I groaned slightly at my second sentence, not wanting to be that cliché person.....

"It's me?" Natsuo finished predictably, looking a bit sour at my insensitive response.

But, there's not another way to put it.

"Yeah-well, not you 'me,' but....me...'me...'" I babbled out confusingly, causing Natsuo's brows to furrow as he looked down at the table.

Come on, Violet. He deserves a better explanation than that.

A small sigh escaped my lips as I forced myself to confront this head on for Natsuo's sake...trying to be as honest as I could without adding unnecessary details that would only hurt him further.

"Look.....I'm not there for you, Natsuo. Lately, I just haven't been giving you the attention you deserve. This mission is taking up every commitment within me, and I need to focus on it. There's no time for me to do anything else." I explained honestly, yet in the back of my mind....if I wanted to make a relationship work during this mission....I absolutely had the capacity to.

Natsuo seemed to be on the fence about my answer as well, judging from the discontent purse of his lips as he kept his gaze on the table in lost thought.

The thought must have been plaguing his mind, since his jaw tightened up a few moments later in frustration.

I had an inkling of what he was thinking about, and I seriously hoped I was wrong, as I didn't want to tread into the dangerous waters this topic would bring. For both of us.

And, yet, it seemed the day wasn't on my side as Natsuo spoke up with the exact conversation turn I was trying to avoid.

"No. There's....there's something else-someone else, isn't there? That.....that partner of yours maybe. You were always texting him...." he started off unsurely, voice rough but still calm he was still trying to put the pieces together.

The accurate mention caused my heart to jump out of my chest, before I was forced to redirect him.

There's no reason for Natsuo to know about Dabi. For starters, there's nothing physically going on with Dabi and I. Secondly, if Natsuo really thought I was having an affair with a murderer, he'd think I'd either lost my mind, or it wasn't consensual. Regardless, he'd dig deeper and possibly even confront Dabi on this, and I can already tell that such a confrontation wouldn't end well. For Natsuo....

No. For his safety. Natsuo doesn't need to know about my feelings for Dabi.

"It's not my partner. It's not anyone." I said a little too effortlessly, feeling a bitter taste in my mouth at the lie.

My steady voice gained Natsuo's attention as he slowly directed his eyes up towards me now, trying to get a read on my face.

I met his gaze calmly, trying to give him a better explanation.

"I'm really just...too busy for a relationship. Like I said, it's got nothing to do with you. My schedule is packed right now." I tried to downplay, yet it seems I went too far in the opposite direction as the devastated look on Natsuo's face cleared slightly.

"Oh. Now? Well, what about after the mission is over then?" He questioned innocently, putting me on the spot.

Damn it.

I felt my heart shrinking into itself as I saw Natsuo's mood looking a little more up, not wanting to ruin it again-

No. No. No. Come on, Violet. Give it to him straight. Don't back down. Let him know this relationship is one hundred percent dead in the water.

"Uhhh...." I started off nervously, feeling my heart picking up speed as the doe-eyed man in front of me waited patiently for an answer.

Concise and to the point. Go on.

"Uhhhhhhh.....I mean......the future...is always undecided," I began with an anxious chuckle, babbling more word vomit. "I-It's always...possible for people to get back together after a breakup-but, but, ummmm it's never guaranteed, right?"

Wow. Someone just end me. I'm ridiculous.

More hurt cleared away from Natsuo's face at my words, causing me to cringe slightly as my breakup began to backfire.

"So, you're saying we can get back together after the mission is over?" Natsuo clarified, starting to relax a little.

Panic began to set in at the misunderstanding, causing me to try and repair the mess I've been making.

"N-No. Not necessarily-crap-don't look sad again-W-We may find our way back to each other....some day. And that's a maybe. But...but not nowww." I beat around the bush, having the mental image of me slapping myself across the face.

"So, you're saying we should re-evaluate things after you're done with your mission?" He clarified again, genuinely trying to figure out the answer.

His voice was too hopeful though, to show that he already had an answer in mind that was different from my own.

I puffed out my cheeks anxiously, wracking my brain for a painless way to make this clear.

But, I don't think such a thing exists.

"......like I said....anything's possible-but, you know-"

"I can wait for you." He said, causing my teeth to clench.

"Huh?!! Oh-no! You don't need to. We shouldn't wait for each other. Just....you know.....let nature run it's course." I said gently, watching Natsuo's mood fully brighten back up now.

"I dont mind waiting for you, Violet-"

"I do, though. It's a breakup, Natsuo. I'd never want to hold you back like that. There's no waiting-" I explained patiently, before he cut me off chipper.

"You're not holding me back from anything. I know it's a breakup. For now, cause you need a break to focus on the mission. It's got nothing to do with me, and you're open to talking about us reconnecting after your mission is over, right?" He summed up clearly, causing my jaw to drop slightly with no words.

I mean...everything he said is true. I did say all of that.....

But...

He knows we're breaking up, and yet, this is still a misunderstanding. He still has too much hope. He seems too sure that we'll just get back together after this mission....

Because he thinks there's no one else.

Regardless, my face went blank as I couldn't find the words to say, allowing my mouth to open and close a few times as I tried to make him see that there's probably no going back from this.

"I.........well......yeahhh. Kinda," I started off, trying to be as honest as I could without causing a fight. "But....at the moment.....you do understand that we are broken up?"

Natsuo nodded in agreement, yet he no longer seemed to be too upset about my words as he had hopes for the future.

"Yeah, babe-I mean, Vi. I get you. For now, we're broken up. We're taking a break." He smiled in relief, leaning back in his chair before grabbing a sip of his coffee.

I fiddled with my hands nervously, feeling like he wasn't understanding the.....permanent-ness of this.

"A break-up and a break....I-I don't know if those are the same things...." I tried weakly, before Natsuo's phone chimed with a reminder.

He didn't even bother to pick up his phone, lazily glancing at the notification before his eyes went wide with remembrance.

"Shit. I gotta get back to campus. My next class starts in ten minutes." He said, quickly standing up from his chair.

I sighed in defeat at how poorly great this conversation went, leaning back in my chair deflatedly.

Natsuo hummed a soft tune as he grabbed his backpack and coffee, slinging the bag over his shoulder as he turned to me.

And, yeah. He still looked sad about the 'breakup.' But, the sadness was overshadowed by his hope.

"I....I won't blow up your phone with messages, or anything like that, Violet. I understand you need your space. But....I do look forward to when this mission is over, so we can talk again-a-and if you ever want to text me during this little 'break,' please do...." he said weakly, giving me a small smile.

A hive of uncertainty and self frustration buzzed around inside my chest at my poor way of handling this. I didn't have the heart or energy to say anything other than...

"Okay. See you around."

Natsuo gave me a small nod before heading towards the sidewalk to make his way back to class.

I remained sitting at the coffee shop table by myself, unable to bask in the beautiful, clean day. Instead, I kept my arms crossed and my gaze to nothing as I reflected on the change.

Well. That was very anti-climactic...

I mean....I did do what I said I was going to do today. I came here to this coffee shop to break up with Natsuo, and that did, indeed happen.

And, yet....

I get the feeling that this situation is far from over.

Dabi POV:

The night was disgusting. The air was gross. The rats were skidding their claws across the alleyway floor. And if you squint hard enough, you can make out the dried, smelly blood and guts sprayed all over the breaking brick walls from past 'meetings' gone wrong.

I'm home!

It's true when you think about it. I've been around trash all my life, so really I've never felt more comfortable. Sure, the trash used to be masked and coated in posh, tatami rooms and rich houses of disgusting gluttony. It used to be masked with the illusion of a 'heroic father' and a 'sweet mother,' paired with some oh-so adorable 'loving siblings.' But, that didn't change the fact that it was all still trash.

If anything, I enjoy this leisurely stroll through this fucking disgusting alleyway, cause hey, at least this trash is honest. It's an accurate depiction of my surroundings. There's nothing, or no one, to convince me it's not trash, because guess what? The sewage and garbage on the ground speak for itself.

Now, I know what you're probably thinking. 'Symbolic metaphors and passive aggression?' Yeah, that ain't really my style, right?

But, after the fun night I've had of bleeding out and almost fucking the one girl I'm not supposed to fuck, I might as well change up my style, because the one I currently have sure as hell isn't working....

You really are a damn fool, aren't you?

Oh? You wanna know if I'm talking to me, or you, clown? Is that it? Well, I shouldn't have to even tell you that you're a fool, so you should have already figured out that I'm not talking about you. It's not about you. It's never about you. Shut up.

It's about me. It's about how much of a fucking moron I am when it comes to this woman-and about how touch starved I am too, apparently, since I can't seem to keep it in my pants.

I'm literally cringing at myself, when I remember how weak I went last night. Awwww, poor little Touya Todoroki, got cute, shitty butterflies when his crush bandaged him up and healed him, just like she always used to! Awwww, poor, little Touya Todoroki, was right back to where he was eight years ago, soft and distracted by a smile so nostalgic and comforting, that he just couldn't help himself from leaning in for a sweet, little kiss? Awwwwww.....

Disgusting, right...

So, Touya, what's your excuse this time for not being able to stay away from her?

Well, Dabi. I'm not sure. I haven't thought of one, yet. Let's make one up together! This should be good.

Oh! I got one. How about the generic 'slutty dress' and 'me almost dying' heat of the moment combo?

But, we both know I've seen plenty of slutty dresses and moments of death in my days. It's never made a desperate, whiny fuck out of me before....

What about the whole 'I was drunk,' bullshit then?

I wasn't drunk though.

Hm. I was 'horny?' What about that one?

If you were so horny, then why didn't you fuck her when she was throwing herself at you last night, bastard?

Yeah. About that. Why didn't I? Violet was practically begging me to kiss her last night, and I was the one to stop her? After all, fucking her wouldn't have been a big deal, I guess. Sex and love ain't the same thing. I wouldn't have lost anything by fucking her.

If anything, I would have gained a feral laugh of victory out of it. Come on, using the ex fiancée who caused me so many problems, letting her get attached, before tossing her in the trash? That would be some damn good revenge, if you ask me. So villainous!

Still didn't answer the question. Why didn't you then, stupid?

Who cares if you're bad for her? Are you really gonna let Roach Boy Akio be the one to cock block you? Just another reason to hate him, I guess.

Eh, like I said though. He ain't wrong about it. Sure, I don't know what the fuck came over me when I told her that last night. I never meant to go that deep and actually admit that I was bad for her....

But, I did. I said it. It just came out of my mouth before I could stop it.

If anything, I'd hoped that it would have been enough to scare her away. Violet's always played by the rules. She's always been scared of the 'risk' taking crap, and I'm a risk for her. She knows that.

But, even after I'd said it....there wasn't a trace of fear towards me in those golden eyes. I've seen a lot of fear in the past years, so that's something I know for sure.

It pisses me off. It pisses me off that she's not scared of me. It pisses me off more that a part of me is okay with that.

It's true though, little sapphire. I know me, and I know you. That's how I know that I'll break you, if you let me get too close.

It's up to you to stay away from me, Violet. Cause so far, I obviously don't have the best fucking track record of resisting you.

Willpower is not one of my strong suits-in certain things, I should say. I'm willing to wait for revenge, if I know the pay off's worth it. Yeah, I'm a monster, but if some stupid fucker is better alive, instead of dead, I have enough self control not to burn his nuts off.

But.....this willpower....is different. I don't know why it's so hard with her. I don't know why it's so hard to stay away and resist her. Sure, it was always hard when we were kids....

But, now....we're not kids, anymore. Even though it's been eight years since I've seen her, now the feelings are different. Stronger, with an added element of...lust that was never there before.

I don't have experience in ever trying to resist something like this. So, looks like I'm shit at it.

If you ever come onto me like that again, Violet, I don't know if I'll be able to control myself. So, for both our sakes....do us both a favor, and just don't fucking do it.

It would be a mistake on your part to get involved with me, little sapphire. And, sure, apparently I had an uncharacteristic chivalrous moment of 'whatever' last night, in 'kindly' telling you to stay away.

But, I ain't gonna promise I won't give in next time. I ain't gonna promise not to ruin you. I won't even say it's gonna happen on purpose. That's just how I am.

And for some reason.....even though I'm okay with burning the entire fucking world to ashes......ruining you doesn't sit well with me...

Not you, Vi. Anyone, but you is fine.

Cause once you're ruined? Well then, I know the world really has nothing left to offer. Then I know it's really just turned to hell.

I closed my eyes in annoyance with my sappy, stupid, irritating shit-filled thoughts, almost feeling okay if someone decided to sneak up on me from behind and rip my head off to put me out of this simp misery.

But, that didn't happen as I finally arrived at my spot, deep in the shitty bowels of this alleyway. It was already dark outside, but being here, I really couldn't see a fucking thing. Even disregarding my bad eyesight.

That's okay. I wasn't surprised. I knew this is exactly what she wanted when she texted me earlier today, asking me to meet her here. She wanted to try and catch me off guard. She wants to see how close she can come to killing me, since I broke her adorable little heart. She wants to have me inches from death, forced to beg for mercy-and maybe even milk an apology out of me for leaving her high and dry a few months ago.

Women. Fucking psychos, I'm telling you.

I remained standing in the middle of the pitch black alleyway like a jackass, keeping my hands in my pockets and lazily shifting back and forth on my feet as I egged her on to come out and attack me.

But, she didn't. And now, I'm impatient and annoyed.

Channeling my inner diabolical stuff, I put on my usual show....letting a smug, wicked grin slowly creep across my face, with a low, snarky chuckle to follow.

It's like second nature at this point. Easy enough. Good thing, too, since my head's somewhere else...

My little laugh did nothing to bring out the bitch I was supposed to be meeting, causing me to click my tongue and lazily kick a pebble across the way as I tried a new approach.

"I know you're here, crazy girl. If you wanted the element of surprise, or some shit....then, you should stop breathing so loud. Or at all, for that matter. You're the hottest when you don't speak." I drawled out mockingly, keeping my hands in my pockets as I subtly started to heat them up.

Guess what? I actually have no idea if she's here. I can't hear her breathing. I could be talking to the damn wall, for all I know. But, I'm already crazy. So, getting caught talking to a wall is really the least of my concerns.

And, anyways, it seems my shot in the dark was pretty accurate as I abruptly heard booted feet sprinting across the rooftop above me-barely able to light my arm up blue as I saw a figure leap aggressively from the building.

I looked up towards the night sky lethargically, noticing the glint of a dagger in my opponent's hand that caused me to genuinely laugh.

A for effort!

"Took you long enough....Euphoria." I smirked lazily, immediately outstretching my arm towards the sky to blow her to pieces.

Yeah, sure. I might kill her. But, oh well. She's trying to kill me, too, and she's the one who asked me here. Not my problem.

Euphoria kept a hold on the dagger in her hand, continuing to free fall through the air and missing my line of fire by an inch, thanks to the puffs of air shooting out of her hands.

Damn. I remember her quirk.

Ensuring that I wouldn't inhale the residues of her noxious gas, I quickly wrapped my jacket collar around my nose and mouth, spraying another line of fire towards her.

Watching her spray more hazardous fumes from her hands to dodge, I figured it would be better to let her land on the ground and take her out that way.

She closed in quickly now at my cease fire, forcing me to practically leap out of the way when she tried to crash down on top of me. The sound of her dagger stabbing into the pavement caused me to laugh at how angry she was, before I ducked at the flying kick of hers that came straight for my temple.

I'm not that great at close combat. But, if all else fails, I'll just blow both of us up. No worries!

Without missing a beat, Euphoria came charging at me-knife in hand, with her nitrous oxide quirk puffing out of her other hand.

I shot another line of fire out of my hand, feeling my eyes widen involuntarily when she used her quirk to propel herself over it and towards me.

Trying to keep my mouth and nose covered from her quirk, I grabbed her knife clad wrist as it lunged for me, having no problem sending the full weight of my knee into her stomach, before kicking her backwards into the wall.

I earned a wheeze from her, wiping a drop of blood from my hand stitches as I decided to cause more problems.

"Heh. You know, when you texted to meet in our alleyway again, I was expecting a different greeting." I pointed out tauntingly, fixing a staple in my skin as I waited for her to retaliate.

I'm just saying shit. But, you know, maybe it would be better to hookup with Euphoria again so I stop acting like a touch starved little bitch around Violet.

"Oh yeah? Did it involve me, ripping your throat out with my hands?" Euphoria spat, causing a feral grin to sport my face as I came back with something immediately.

"Nah. It involved me ripping your throat out with my dick." I said obnoxiously, watching Euphoria practically hurl herself off the wall to attack me again.

Hah. Yeah. That happens, I guess.

"How about I bite it off?!" She snarled, getting sloppy with her techniques already when she went for a predictable stab towards my face.

Bingo. I won! In your face!

"I've always loved pain, so go ahead!" I cackled, already enjoying my victory before its even happened.

That's how I win. Mind games and stuff first, since I'm shit at combat things.

I lit up my hand blue, gripping Euphoria's wrist with it and causing her to drop the dagger.

"Ow!!! Asshole!!!" She screamed, cringing at the smell of her burning skin.

I twisted her arm behind her, noticing the major burn scar I'd caused on her wrist and giving no fucks about it as I harshly slammed her forward into the wall.

"You know, for someone with a laughing gas quirk, you're not very happy." I mocked lowly, letting my irritation for her inconvenience catch up with me as I roughly hurled her back into the other wall now.

Knowing she'd try to use the distance I created to reset her fight stance, I appeared in front of her in an instant, harshly pressing a hand against her stomach and heating it up with warning to let her know I'd blow her intestines out before she had a chance to blink.

Realizing I'd won, the anger ignited in her eyes as her muscles relaxed in defeat...glaring at me with a mixture of hatred and disgust as she stared at my ugly, burnt face.

"You're late." She growled out a few moments later, holding her hands up in surrender to further emphasize that the fight was over.

Remaining in place for a few moments longer to ensure she was truly done, I released my hand from her stomach soon after, slowly backing up against the wall across from her as I cooled down.

"Late for you means right on time for me." I pointed out smugly, meaning the words in every sense since I couldn't care less.

Euphoria scoffed dryly and rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in irritation as she defeatedly slumped back against the wall.

"There it is. The ugly personality to go along with your ugly face." She retorted, causing me to chuckle.

"Says the girl who was begging for me like a bitch a few months ago." I pointed out with a shrug, causing a flare of anger to light up in her eyes.

Hot head. And not the good kind. It gets old, and after awhile she just looks stupid from all the screaming.

"You did it from behind so I didn't have to look at your disgusting face, in case you can't remember correctly." She bit back.

"Actually, I really can't because it wasn't that memorable." I said honestly, remembering how bland and quick the nights were with this one.

I felt more pleasure from touching Violet's clothed body than I felt from hooking up with this girl. And I hate that.

"Let's just get this over with." Euphoria grumbled out, earning a snort from me.

"Oh! Deja Vu. That's what I said about the sex, too!" I cackled with one more dig, losing interest in fucking around now as I didn't wanna be here.

Euphoria sneered bitterly at my comment, reaching into her pockets and causing my guard to come back up.

"Oh, relax," she started off impatiently at my fight mode. "If I wanted to try and kill you again, I wouldn't be reaching into my fucking pocket, dipshit. I'd be running at you."

I had a few insults on my tongue, but honestly I didn't wanna talk with her longer than I had to-and having a roast fest would cause that to happen.

So, instead, I said nothing....watching through half lidded 'bored' eyes as she reached for something in her pockets, still expecting a weapon or something dangerous....

....before she pulled out a folded piece of paper instead.

I was confused as to what that was, but I didn't show it as I simply stared at the paper unreadably, studying the way she wordlessly unfolded it.

"Read it. Memorize it." Euphoria ordered me, smoothing out the paper to its full size and holding it out of my reach, but still close enough to where I could see it.

I remained leaning back against the wall, craning my head forward slightly to see there was writing on the page.

....an...address, to be exact...

"Why the fuck should I care where you live?" I questioned blandly, hiding my curiosity behind the groveling.

"Did you memorize it?" Euphoria asked bluntly, ignoring my question as she waited for the answer to her own.

I rolled my eyes at her stubbornness, taking one more glance at the words to ensure I'd memorized them, before backing away.

"Sure. Whatever." I retorted, watching her immediately crumple the paper and toss it into the residues of my blue flames in the alleyway.

"Good. It's not my house. It's the address to Midas' mansion. He's invited you two there for his next....'weekend getaway.' It's like a party, but all weekend. Very....fun." Euphoria alluded a bit smugly now, putting quotes around the words in a way that caused me to immediately become suspicious.

"Oh, yeah? Sounds like a setup to me." I called out, wanting her to know I was onto her.

But, it didn't have the effect I wanted it to as Euphoria laughed in amusement to my words, giving her head a shake as she shrugged.

"Could be. If that possibility tortures you and makes you lose sleep at night, then I won't say you're wrong. But, I'll tell you one thing...if Midas invites you somewhere and you don't show up.......heh, let's just say....that will be one painful mistake. For you." She pointed out, biting down on her bottom lip in excitement as she thought about all the horrible things that would happen to me.

Crazy bitch...

"Is that so? What does he want with me, anyways?" I mumbled boredly, not giving a fuck about what the jeweled bitch wanted with me.

One step closer to catching him though. So, that's good. The sooner we catch him, the sooner I can go back to my life and get Violet out of mine, before we both do something we'll regret-

"Not totally sure. He said something about wanting to meet the fuck head who caused him to murder forty-seven of his own recruits in cold blood." Euphoria explained with passive aggression, causing me to mentally slap myself as I realized I'd been distracted by Violet.

I told you, my mind is somewhere else.

Regardless...

"So? His anger issues aren't my problem. I never told him to kill his own men. If he did it, then he's just a moron." I pointed out with a dismissive wave of my hand, contemplating on leaving now as this 'meeting' didn't prove to hold anything interesting for me.

Like I said, sounds like a trap. I may be a fucking moron, but I'm not that stupid.

"No, you didn't tell him to kill his own men. But, he did because of you, in a way. You started the notorious bar fight at his bar. No one's ever been dumb enough to do something like that, so I guess that caught his attention." Euphoria started off before her annoying eyes turned up into something wicked.

His bar? I didn't know it was his bar. I thought it was owned by yakuza or something...

Kinda fucked up there, huh. Not that I'll let her know that.

But, even if I played a good poker face, Euphoria seemed to sense my unease somehow, only adding more salt to my gorgeous wounds as she spoke again.

"But....that's not the only thing that caught his attention. I did tell you that Midas' party invitation was for two people. Frankly, he was more interested in meeting little Violet Sasaki, than he was in meeting you. Said those bright crystals of hers caught his eye. Can't imagine why." Euphoria snickered knowingly, causing a wave of genuine irritation to swirl around inside my chest now.

"Yeah? Well, that's a shame. The nerd's tied up with other things, and won't make it. I'll be there though." I said matter of factly, hating the way my voice came out a little rougher now that Violet had come up in the conversation.

Euphoria knew it, giving her head a little shake before raising her brows knowingly.

"It wasn't an ask, Dabi. If Midas wants someone there, it's a demand." She practically bragged, causing my eyes to roll in growing impatience as my hands subtly began to smoke up without my consent.

"For how much everyone blows smoke up this Midas' guy's ass, you'd think he shits gold, or something. Forget it. Violet's not going. He'll be plenty entertained with the shit I've got planned for him." I stated bitterly, adjusting another staple on my hand when it began to leak a bit of blood.

Euphoria watched me closely, sensing the small shift in my demeanor, now that Violet was a topic of conversation.

Her eyes flashed with jealously, jaw tensing in frustration as she absentmindedly watched me fix my staples.

"Aww, what's wrong, Dabi? Scared the little mouse won't be able to handle it? It's adorable how much you care." She said tauntingly, flashing me a dry smile when I looked up to meet her gaze.

Gross. I've been caught.

"I don't care. I don't give a shit. I thought it was pretty damn obvious that I hate everyone." I defended blandly, yet unfortunately the words didn't hit as hard and edgy as I'd hoped.

"It's not obvious enough, actually. Trailing her around like a lost, little puppy. Not leaving her side. 'Saving' her on the dance floor. Watching your eyes practically roll back in your head just from touching her waist? If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're a virgin." She chuckled bitterly, taking her bottom lip between her teeth to hold her tongue from saying anything else.

"Yeah, well, you of all people know that's not true. I was drunk last night, ready to bone anyone. Hell, fucking Hawks could have walked past me and I'd have probably groped him. What you saw last night doesn't prove shit." I lied through my teeth, feeling my palms starting to sweat as this conversation began hitting too close to true soul.

Violet. She hits too close to my true soul. That's why I have such a hard time shaking her out of my mind.

"Yeah? Then prove it," Euphoria challenged, causing my head to come back to reality once again. "Both of you, be at Midas' place on the assigned day, at the assigned time. Bring an overnight bag. Of course, if you really 'don't care,' then leave Violet at home and see what happens to her. Your choice."

Just by coming here tonight and hearing what Euphoria said, I knew I'd caused some sort of rift when I punched that dude at the bar last night. Even so, I didn't give a shit. A million people wanna kill me everyday for being a dick. What's so different about Midas? Nothing.

But...

Now that Violet's involved, I actually care about how badly I've just messed this all up...

Would that jeweled fuck really hurt her if she doesn't show up to this party? I don't know.

And I hate that he's got me questioning it. I hate that's hes got me caring.

Returning back to present time proved to be undesirable, as I now had a million more thoughts on my mind-all about the girl I can't stand to love.

It's time for me to go.

"Whatever. We'll see. Don't hold your breath, and don't count on it." I mumbled to Euphoria, realizing I sounded noticeably conflicted, but not really caring, anymore.

Euphoria flashed a wicked grin of victory as she saw me push myself off the wall to leave, not even moving from her spot as she spoke.

"Wouldn't dream of it..." she started off, before her next words caught my attention. "But, you know...."

I rolled my eyes in annoyance at her stall of time, barely turning back around to face her.

My brows raised a bit in surprise as I watched her shrug off her leather jacket, leaving her in nothing but a bra as she flipped her hair off her shoulder.

Even in the dark lighting of the alleyway, I could make out the smirk on her face when she saw my eyes involuntarily trail to her chest, encouraging her to slowly saunter my way.

I didn't move as she came over, keeping my hands in my pockets as she slowly brought a hand up to rest on my shoulder.

"There's no need to go, yet. You know I'm always down for a quickie." She whispered seductively, oozing bouts of confidence as she slowly trailed her fingers up my shoulder.

This is what I was hoping for, wasn't it? I was hoping for the chance to hookup with Euphoria, so I could stop thinking about Violet....

But, even so, Euphoria's touch doesn't feel the same. I didn't realize touches could feel so different, until Violet touched me last night.

I didn't realize how intense it would feel to hold her in my arms. To bury my face in her neck and breathe that sweet scent. Or...back at the hotel, when she hugged me and wrapped her arms around me....inching in to kiss me....

Reality came back to me when I felt Euphoria's hand slowly wrap around my neck, before she began backing me up against the wall.

And, normally, I'd just go with it. I want to go with it right now, so I can stop thinking.

But, my hand came up on its own, wrapping around her wrist before yanking her grip off my neck.

We both looked surprised by my halt, but I spoke before I could think.

"Didn't you just try to kill me and say I'm repulsive? Which is it?" I said lowly, grinding down on my teeth in self frustration for not fucking this woman.

Her brows furrowed in confusion, before she tried to come closer once more.

"So? Since when have you cared? And, anyways, it's both. As irritating and ugly as you are, you're a good fuck, Dabi. Shouldn't be a problem, right?-unless.....nerdy, little Violet Sasaki has you that whipped?" She taunted with a bit of genuine irritation, wrapping her arms around me once more before trying to pin me against the wall.

There it is again, dipshit. Here's your chance to get Violet off your mind for a while.

And, yet...

Involuntarily, I pushed her away again, a little too hard since she stumbled backwards on her feet.

Her jaw dropped in offense at being turned down, hands starting to shake in the anger she was feeling. But, I truly couldn't care less.

Instead, I adjusted my trench coat without an initial word, looking at her cold and dry.

"Nah. I'm not in the mood for smelly cunt. See you this weekend at the party thing. Maybe." I said blankly, turning on my heel to make my way out of the alleyway.

Uncharacteristic of her hot headed personality, Euphoria didn't say a word as she watched me walk off. Instead, I heard her scoff in disbelief at being rejected, lost in her own thought about this situation in a way that made me think this wasn't over.

Doesn't matter. It is over. Actually, it never started, cause I never gave her what she wanted. A relationship.

I don't do relationships. It's too personal. Too vulnerable. And I'm not about to change that. For anyone.

My eyes closed at the headache of conflict that was happening between my brain and my nonexistent heart. I kept walking, not even caring if Euphoria would turn around and stab me at this point to put me out of my misery.

She didn't though. Disappearing back into the alleyway shadows without a trace. Her silence is lethal.

Well, I didn't hookup with her, even though I had no reason not to. So, Touya, what's your excuse for not doing so this time, you might ask?

Well, Dabi, since you ask...

Nothing. I don't have an excuse. I just...didn't do it.

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Next Chapter Title: Loud And Clear.