Top pic credit: Lammy

Violet POV:

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Midas asked in awe of his own creation, lifting the shimmering, multicolored jewel out of the glass container with cautious care.

I didn't answer right away, too frozen from a combination of dread and fear for what horrible tasks these jewels would be used for.

However, Dabi had no problem giving his opinion, continuing to lean against the wall of Midas' lab as he spoke smugly.

"Eh. I've seen better." He commented, smirking through half lidded, stubborn eyes.

I grimaced slightly at his way of starting off this meeting, not finding it very wise to agitate a man with a powerful weapon in his hand!

Midas kept his composure at Dabi's words, shrugging unbothered as he kept his eyes on the jewel lovingly.

"Perhaps, I should test these powers on you, first, Dobby. I could always use a new test subject, after all. Especially, after what happened to my last one." He pointed out, stroking his gloved finger along the jewel with care.

I chuckled nervously at the words, leaning back against the wall in a fidget.

"Oh-Hah, what...happened to the last one?" I asked carefully, causing Midas to look up at me with a smile.

"You're leaning against her." He pointed out, gesturing to the wall casually.

My brows furrowed as I quickly turned around-realizing I was leaning against one of the gem statues, and not the wall like I originally thought.

"Gah!" I blurted out in panic, quickly pushing myself off the statue...

...too fast apparently, as my force caused one of the fingers from the poor thing to fall to the floor.

Dabi blew a soft raspberry from his lips at the sight, immediately breaking out into cackles at my screwup, while I groaned.

"Ah, jeez. Sorry....ma'am..." I cringed in dread, hesitating to bend down and pick up the bedazzled human finger.

Why the hesitation, you ask? Because it's a bedazzled human finger!

"Dont be sorry. Grandma Aya served her purpose well." Midas reassured me, causing my breath to catch in my throat at his words.

His test subject was a grandma?! A cute, little old grandma??

"Not to mention, she was one of my older creations. She's been falling apart, little by little over the years. Natural decay process, you know." He explained, grabbing a little cloth from the table to polish his enhanced jewel.

However, his words perked my ears...causing me to use this time as a way to gain more information about Midas.

More information that can take him down. He's the enemy, after all.

I cleared my throat softly, trying to appear as casual as possible as I pried.

"Oh. So....your gems-I mean...your statues don't last forever?" I asked, watching for signs of defense from Midas.

But, he gave me none....keeping the warm smile on his face as he continued to polish his jewel contently.

"Nothing lasts forever, my dear Violet. Or....it didn't use to, anyways. Times change. Circumstances change..." he alluded vaguely, holding up the enhanced, multi-colored jewel in the dim lights as if he was placing it on an imaginary pedestal.

Now, that makes me uneasy!

I said nothing though, simply nodding anxiously as Midas continued a few moments later.

"Regardless, the circle of life is a beautiful thing, in itself. Well, depending on the person, anyways. Sometimes, you get people, like Grandma Aya, who live their life contributing to the good-aka, me..." Midas started off, before his nose scrunched up in disgust.

"And, other times? Well, other times you get that." The jewel man finished, sourly pointing to Dabi in the corner.

The stitched man smirked at the jab that was thrown his way, tilting his head to the side mockingly as he tried to cause trouble.

"You get 'the fucker who's gonna ruin it all for you,' is what I think you meant to say." The stitched man retorted condescendingly, causing Midas to sigh and turn his attention to Dabi with patience.

"Ruin me? You do seem to have some sense of humor, Dobby. Just like Grandma Aya did." He reminisced, gesturing to the breaking statue as a warning for Dabi's future fate.

The stitched man got the hint, but obviously didn't back down...opening his mouth to retort with another smug comment, before I quickly placed my hand over his mouth to shut him up.

"Ohhh-uhhh, how nice of you to....offer Dabi as a test subject!" I started out, jumping in surprise when I felt Dabi immaturely lick my hand over his mouth like a damn child.

"Ew-stop that-uhhh, but, I'd say he's got enough problems of his own as it is. Look at the guy-he screams brood and angst. So.....yeahhh." I finished, holding in a gasp of pain when he harshly bit down on the inside of my palm to get me off.

Involuntarily, my hand jolted forward from the surprise pain and smacked his face, causing a lazy smirk to form on his lips as I removed my hand.

"Do that again, will you? Preferably, a little harder this time." He murmured only loud enough for me to hear, causing me to scoff.

"What were you? Raised by wolves?" I asked rhetorically, watching him shrug his shoulders as he gripped my wrist and lazily pulled me closer.

"Demons, actually. But, good guess." He murmured, humming quietly in content when he saw me lighten up and laugh at his joke.

"Yeah. You liked that one, huh?" The stitched man followed up in adorable pride, only causing my laughs to turn into small giggles as he pulled me into his arms.

"Mm. Maybeee." I grinned, feeling his hands snaked dangerously low on my waist as I pecked his lips.

However, I was quick to pull away when the third voice in the room spoke with authority.

"Hands up, Dabi. There will be none of that groping in my home." Midas stated firm and low, causing me to quickly turn around in Dabi's arms and see he was glaring at us.

Well, not at me. At Dabi...

The tone of Midas' voice caught me off guard. It caught me off guard, because it sounded threatening. Mean. Cold.

And, while he's supposed to be an evil, ruthless villain...seeing Midas act cold and threatening is not his norm. The norm that he's shown Dabi and I, anyways.

It's just a reminder that I need to keep my guard up around him. The man clearly has many different sides to himself, the same way he does secrets. He's barely shown me the surface of the man he really is.

In other words, I need to be cautious.

Clearly, Dabi doesn't feel the same way, judging from his next words.

"Oh hell no." The stitched man chuckled with challenge, gripping tightly on the curves where my butt and back met.

And, while my original plan had been to pull away from Dabi and his death grip....seeing Midas' eyes darken ever so slightly only made me stay in place, and keep my arms around Dabi's shoulders.

"What?" Midas challenged calmly, keeping a warm smile on his face.

"You got alotta nerve telling me how to touch my girlfriend." Dabi drawled out, boring his eyes into the jewel man defiantly.

His words caused my ears to perk up, my face turning to him with a point to prove.

"Wait, I thought you said we're keeping things casual?" I thought out loud, puffing out my cheeks when Dabi slowly turned to me with a glare that basically said 'shut up.'"

Fair enough for the current moment!

"I'll shut up." I chirped out, quickly pressing my lips together to seal them shut.

However, Midas seemed to be having none of this, giving his tongue a click of disapproval as he slowly began to pace the room-with jewel in hand.

"You know, I put up with a lot from you, Dabi. More than any other powerful leader should. Your disrespect. Your attitude. Your constant need to be in the way of things...." Midas listed off casually, shaking his head in disapproval.

Dabi simply smirked in pride at the complaints, watching Midas' movements closely-even if it looked like he wasn't.

"But, one thing I will not tolerate, is your constant need to distract Violet from the important things. The only things that matter." The jewel man followed up as he paced the room, voice getting stricter and more stern as time went on.

"What the hell does that mean?" Dabi challenged, hands starting to heat up against my skin as he was thirsty for a fight.

But, Midas knew and didn't give him one....deciding to take a different route instead.

"I'll show you. Violet, this way, darling." Midas said with a much kinder voice, making me groan internally at the fact that I was the one getting put in the middle of all this.

My body tensed up immediately, and Dabi felt it...causing him to tighten his grip on me more securely as I babbled.

"Oh? Uhhh, well-" I tried, before the stitched man cut me off and saved me.

"I think the fuck not." He said a little more firmly, yet Midas seemed unbothered by the rebellion.

Especially, since he knew exactly how to get what he wanted.

"Let me rephrase. Violet, this way, darling. Unless you want Dabi to turn into the next Grandma Aya." Midas followed up patiently, causing my stomach to churn in dread at the ultimatum.

Maybe statue Dabi wouldn't be so bad, if it means he'd finally shut his big mouth...

Yes, I'm being petty.

I let out a small huff of annoyance, slowly unwrapping my arms from Dabi as I prepared to make my way towards Midas.

The stitched man felt me trying to leave and attempted to pull me back, trying to intimidate me with threat as he spoke.

"Where the fuck are you going? Get your ass back here." He uttered to me quietly, causing me to put my entire hand over his face and lightly shove him backwards.

"Oh, hush your mouth. Seriously." I grumbled to him crankily, not even feeling bad when he stumbled backwards against the wall from my force.

He scoffed softly at being put in his place, yet made no move to stop me any longer as he watched from a distance. Closely.

I felt even more cranky when Midas smiled softly at my actions, clearly thinking I was coming over to him of my own accord.

As if he didn't just threaten my boyfriend-or, whatever Dabi and I are....

I said nothing as I approached the other side of the room, crossing my arms a bit hesitantly as I was a few feet away from Midas.

His stern mood had melted away altogether, the closer I came, before he cleared his throat softly and carefully held up the enhanced jewel in his gloved palm.

"Normally..." Midas started off much softer, now that I was only a few feet away. "I'm more careful about saving and preserving my jewels. But, now that I have you to help me create these enhanced ones....I can afford to...splurge a little, we'll say."

I furrowed my brows at his words, feeling my body tense up when Midas' free hand slowly came out to grab my wrist.

It was extremely uncomfortable when he lifted my arm out, rotating my palm up towards the ceiling....

....before placing the little, enhanced jewel into my hand

I gasped slightly at the actions, surprised that I could feel little surges of energy radiating off the jewel-and it hasn't even been used, yet!

Once the jewel was in my hand, Midas nodded in approval, turning his eyes towards me warmly as he spoke.

"Go on. Give it a try." He encouraged me gently, causing my face to go blank in shock.

Uhhhh....come again?

"Huh?" I asked in disbelief, earning a chuckle from Midas as he spoke again.

"The jewel. Go on.....use it." He instructed kindly, causing a wave of panicked stress to wash over me at the order.

As much as I wanted to deny, he'd really put me on the spot....looking much too excited and ready for me to....use his jewels?

I grit down on my teeth in stress as I wracked my brain for any ways to use the jewel.....settling on the only thing I could think of, as I awkwardly pointed the jewel at the wall a few seconds later.

Nothing happened, of course. I just look like an idiot!

Midas remained quiet, causing me to groan internally as I awkwardly waved the gemstone around in my hand....looking more crazy than anything, as nothing happened.

"Uhhh," I finally followed up a few moments later, looking at Midas with apology. "I don't know how."

I was bracing myself for anger from him, upon hearing my words....but he only seemed to view the opportunity as a teaching moment.

"You do. You just don't know it. Not everyone is fit to control a Midas jewel, after all. Only I can pick who the powers work for. Only the few. The special ones." He smiled reassuringly, causing Dabi to laugh obnoxiously from the corner.

"Oh. She's special, alright." He snickered, earning a light glare of annoyance from me.

Midas ignored him, focusing on me and the jewel as he spoke.

"The jewels activate, similar to how other quirks do. Similar to how someone like Dabi's flames activate. And, similar.....to how your crystals activate - Emotion." Midas brought to light, causing my brows to furrow in pure confusion.

For a few reasons.

The first, being....

Dabi's flames act on emotion? I didn't know that. Is it even true? Maybe Midas isn't correct.

But, what if he is?

Dabi can practically activate his flames very strongly on command.

That would make him...a very emotional person. All the time.

Caught off guard by the comment, I immediately looked over to Dabi....seeing that his face was slightly blank....trying to appear unreadable and unbothered to Midas and I.

But, even if he looked that way....he has absolutely no response up his sleeve. Nothing. Meaning that, surely, this comment must have affected him somehow.

Right?

Feeling Midas shuffle next to me, I was forced to tear my eyes away from Dabi and turn back to him, focusing on the second part of his words. The part that I know for sure is false.

"Oh. My crystals don't activate on emotion. They just come out whenever I flex my muscles." I explained, not even sure why I was telling him anything about my quirk in the first place.

His next response was one I hadn't been expecting.

"No. That's what you think. That's what they want you to think..." Midas alluded, eyes shining brighter as we talked more about me and my powers.

"....and it's thinking like this....that has hindered your potential, Violet. It's this thinking that has poisoned your mind into falsely believing you aren't as strong as you really are." The jewel man finished honestly, watching as I wasn't even able to hide the bewildered denial from my face.

It's not even a possibility at this point. I got my quirk when I was eight years old. I've had it for fourteen years. It activates through my muscles. It's always activated through my muscles. Not my mind.

And as gullible as I can be...I'm not gonna let some stranger try to convince me otherwise. Especially, someone who isn't trustworthy. Like Midas.

I've always been weak. I've always been the one with the 'pretty' quirk, but nothing too powerful, either. The power gene lived and died with my mother. Not me.

Midas laughed softly, and that's when I realized I was actually shaking my head 'no' in full disagreement with his words.

Once again, he didn't seemed bothered by my beliefs, simply shrugging his shoulders as he looked around his lab peacefully.

"I've broken down your crystals to the very last molecule, Violet. I have learned pretty much everything there is to know about them." He commented in passing, not seeming as if he was going to try and keep convincing me.

Oh. Great. The villain knows my quirk like the back of his hand? Wonderful!

"Give it a try," he pressed again, keeping his words patient and calm. "Whatever emotion you're feeling at this moment.....amplify it."

I groaned audibly this time at being pushed, deciding to close my eyes and try to think about how I was feeling.

Welp. Hmm, let's see.

Where to start!

Well, for one, I'm feeling incredibly stressed about being forced to kidnap the number one hero. For a plethora of reasons, as I'm sure you can believe.

I'm worried about how this mission will play out-to the very end, I mean. How many will die? Who will die? Will Midas truly be able to force his vision on the world?

And, Dabi. Man, I've got a lot of thoughts about Dabi.

Conflicting ones. Hopeless ones. Hopeful ones. Im a hero. He's a villain. Both of us stuck in our own ideals. Stuck in a weird, limbo relationship-not-relationship that confuses me.

Especially, cause deep down-even if I won't admit it to myself, I want more. More from him. More from me. More from both of us. None of this 'we aren't together' crap.

I want to be together.

Because I like him.

A lot-

"There you go, Violet!" Midas exclaimed in excitement, breaking me out of my thoughts.

My eyes flew open in surprise, and a small peep escaped from my throat as I saw the multi-colored, enhanced jewel starting to glow in my hand.

And, while I'd never admit it out loud....I couldn't deny the abrupt rush of energy I felt radiating from the jewel, liking the way it felt in my muscles.

It made me feel powerful. And that only caused the jewel to start glowing brighter.

However, the increasing brightness also scared me, giving me a fear that something bad would happen with the jewel if it's power grew too large.

"Let it get brighter. Go on." Midas suggested calmly, yet the abrupt surge of brightness from it caused me to panic.

I let out a small wheeze-yell of fear as I unintentionally shot the jewel's power out towards the wall-incredibly thankful that Dabi was nowhere near the hit.

My eyes squeezed shut in dread as I heard something crash and break from my hit, hearing the aura sound of the jewel's power fade away for now.

I wonder if Midas turned it off.

My eyes remained closed in anxiety for whatever it is I broke, only opening them when I heard Dabi speak casually.

"Wow. Nice one. Next time, do that to the frilly fuck's face, would you?" He commented, causing me to slowly peel my lids open and look towards the damage.

Awww, crap.

I shattered Statue Grandma Aya to pieces.

My lips pursed in apology to the late old lady, yet Midas seemed completely unbothered by the destroyed statue, slowly crunching over its fragile pieces with his boots as he spoke happily.

"Stronger. Longer lasting. Normally, my jewels were a one-use-only type of weapon. I'd always have to prepare and ensure I carried multiple different ones to defend myself in a fight." He said honestly, letting the corners of his lips turn up into a satisfied smirk, "but, now? The limit to how long our enhanced jewels last...is unknown."

A rock of guilt settled in my chest at his words, feeling bad that, apparently, my crystals were somehow the cause of this Midas enhancement.

Of course, Midas saw things differently.

"This should only prove to you how well we work together, Violet. How we make a good team." The jewel man tried, letting the patience on his face shatter for a minuscule second as he saw Dabi making his way over to us now.

The stitched man came over and slung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close with a smirk on his face as he began to feel insecure.

"Good thing we don't do teams." He drawled out smugly, tilting his head to the side mockingly as he spoke.

"A team was meant to be referred to as a duo, Dobby. Sorry to disappoint." Midas said dryly, looking from Dabi's arm around my shoulders, to the man himself.

Sensing he was getting on Midas' nerves, he kept going.

"Nah. Sorry-not-sorry to disappoint you, but this nerd and I are a package deal, unfortunately. You get her? Well, you get me, too. The three of us. Together all the time. How do you like that team?" He leered out wickedly, curling his arm tighter around my frame to keep me close.

"Oh, I absolutely hate that." Midas said with full honesty, shrugging his shoulders lightly. "I'm very picky when it comes to my teams."

His own words seemed to remind him of something as he looked at the time on the clock, getting a glint of excitement in his eyes for the day's events as he spoke once more.

"However, teams are also very necessary for success in other things. Many things. Like today. I suppose it's time you and Dobby meet your team for the Endeavor raid." Midas smiled, rubbing his gloved hands together in anticipation, before snapping his fingers towards the door.

And, suddenly, my blood froze.

Team??

"Tsuyo." Midas called out towards the door.

Tsuyo??

Within the next moment, the door to Midas' lab opened to reveal his right hand person, Tsuyo...

....along with another person-one I do not get along with, unfortunately....

"You've already been acquainted with my right hand, Tsuyo. And, unfortunately, you've been acquainted with this thing, Kaito, as well. They will be your partners, there to back you up for the Endeavor raid today." Midas explained, gesturing to Tsuyo and Kaito with ease.

Both partners had been dressed from head to toe in that familiar, Midas black attire, but still, they couldn't have looked more different.

Kaito didn't have his mask on his face yet, giving everyone in the room a perfect view of his angry glare. He had absolutely no jewels on his uniform, and he honestly didn't look to have any extra weapons either.

Whereas, Tsuyo had their mask on-I've never seen them without it. The chest and collar of their uniform was adorned with those familiar gold and onyx jewels-but, now they also had a few other colors on the sides. Green. Red. Orange.

I felt the attention of both newcomers on Dabi and I....causing me to shuffle nervously and grin.

"H...Hi..." I uttered uncomfortably, paired with Dabi's simultaneous 'fuck you.'"

Tsuyo said nothing, and Kaito growled lowly, giving me his best resentful glare, before facing forward once more.

Midas greeted Tsuyo with a warm pat on the shoulder, not even giving Kaito the time of day as he spoke.

"I guess the new Midas Triad is all in this room now. Exciting! I'll let you all get to know each other and begin. Tsuyo is the one in charge of things when I'm away. You'll report to them." Midas explained with pep, immediately catching sight of Dabi and I's chaotic attire.

His face looked as if it had dropped in disappointment with my galaxy cat shirt, shaking his head softly at the sight.

"Oof. And the cat shirt has gotta go, my dear." Midas said in pity, snapping his fingers and causing Tsuyo to briskly walk across the room.

My jaw dropped in offense, causing me to look down at my awesome shirt and clutch it lovingly.

"What?" I pouted, hearing Dabi's snickers from next to me.

"At least that's one thing we fucking agree on." The stitched man teased, smirking at my glare.

"And, Dabi's homeless attire as well." Midas followed up, causing the smirk to wipe off his face.

I was the one to break out into laughter now, grinning at him victoriously as his face turned sour.

"Fuck off." He muttered to Midas, before I lightly bumped him with my elbow.

"Looks like I agree with him on something as well." I followed up with a smirk of my own, not missing the dog growl that sounded from his throat.

Tsuyo came back with two pairs of folded, black clothes...handing a very specific set to me, and one to Dabi.

"Thanks." I uttered to the quiet Tsuyo, unsurprisingly getting no response in return.

"You'll wear the clothes of the triad from now on," Midas instructed. "I advise keeping the mask above your mouth and nose while you fight. Goes with the whole aesthetic, you know."

I simply nodded, assuming there would be more time for more information and stuff about this whole....kidnapping.

And, really, more time for me to accept it and get comfortable.

However, I severely underestimated the amount of direction Midas would give me, finding my face paling as he decided now was the weird moment to take his leave and go.

My mouth dropped in panic as he brushed past our trio, and it made me realize....

....how horrible it is that Midas' presence was apparently comforting for me to a point, considering I'm nervous for him to leave Dabi and I alone with these practical strangers.

The man is good at his job.

Don't fall too deep in the rabbit hole, Violet. Don't lose sight of reality.

Even so, I couldn't help but try to get, at least a little more reassurance about this task.

"I-But, wait-" I blurted out, quickly turning around to face a leaving Midas.

I didn't miss the small smiled that curled onto his face at my words, seeming much too happy that I called him of my own accord.

He turned around to face me, and that unfortunately earned all the other eyes of the room on me-causing me to shrink for a moment, before I forced myself to speak.

"It's just......Endeavor and I are....very well acquainted. He'll recognize me instantly. If not for my crystals, then for my face once he rips off this mask and tries to burn me!!" I explained a little too panicked, hovering closer to Dabi.

Midas simply smiled at me with reassurance....so much genuine reassurance, that I hate how it put me at ease.

Because I shouldn't feel any sense of ease for what I'm about to do.

"I can assure you.....you won't be recognized." The jewel man stated confidently, about to turn on his heel once more before I spoke my concerns again.

"But, how can you be sure-" I started off, before he turned around to face me with never ending patience.

"Violet. So long as you and Dobby wear the uniforms I gave you-all of it.....you won't be recognized. Trust me." He followed up with purposeful vagueness, only making me wonder more about what he meant by that.

Why won't we be recognized? How won't we be recognized?

Is he lying? Is he telling the truth? So many questions.

And, my counterpart seemed to be thinking the same thing as he spoke our thoughts aloud.

"Trust you. That's funny." Dabi said dryly, leaning back against the wall like the brood he is.

And, while I didn't say it.....this was something I agreed with him on. One of the few things.

Midas said nothing for a moment, smiling eerily at Dabi....frankly, looking as if he was excited to make him the next Grandma Aya very soon.

Though, whatever internal thoughts the jewel man had been thinking....he was quick to clear them away with a nod of departure.

"Yes, well....I'll be going now, and leave you two in the hands of Tsuyo. Get changed, and get going. Time is of the essence. And as your little tracker in Endeavor's phone states....he's currently right where you want him." Midas alluded, giving Tsuyo a friendly pat on the shoulder before brushing past everyone with some final words that held threat.

"Good luck on the Endeavor mission, team. I trust it will go well. Just ensure you make a statement. I'll...be watching from afar."

I chuckled nervously at his words, giving a small nod of not-assuring reassurance to his point.

And, even though I'd been uneasy when Midas finally left us alone....I didn't get a chance to dwell on it as one of our new 'partners' for the day decided to speak his mind now.

"Don't forget that whatever happens today, doesn't change shit between you and I." Kaito stated to me lowly, attitude taking a complete 180 degree turn now that Midas was out of the room.

Oh, yeah. With Midas gone he's suddenly a tough guy again.

Dabi narrowed his eyes at the tone Kaito was taking with me, yet I tried to handle things as civilly as I could so we could all just....move on!

"Ohhh. Uhhh, I know the whole thing with...Euphoria is still a..a tense subject. But-" I started off, unable to even finish my words as Kaito stormed over to me in the next instant.

"But, nothing-" he started off lowly, forced to stop his walk when Dabi got in front of me and roughly gripped the man's shoulder.

"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about. But, I don't like your tone. It's making me angry, shit head." Dabi mocked out with a chuckle, already starting to smoke his hand on Kaito's shoulder.

Oh, great...

"Dabi, relax-" I began, watching Kaito roughly shove Dabi off him with a smirk on his face.

"Oh, I'm way past the point of angry, you burnt motherfucker. You assholes took Ayame from me. Don't think I forgot about that." Kaito seethed lowly, causing Dabi's eyes to light up with victory as he instantly found Kaito's weak spot.

And, you bet when Dabi finds someone's weakness...he'll aggravate it and use it against this person with every chance.

"What the fuck are you spewing now? Euphoria? Damn, you're still yapping about that dead bat? Is that what's hurting your feelings? Awwww. Well, here's something that can make you rest easy and move on-it was some shit pussy-" Dabi cackled out with the sole intent to start a fight, causing my eyes to widen and a gasp to escape my throat at his crass words.

"Dabi!!" I reprimanded in full irritation, not having enough time to react as I saw Kaito's face go livid with fury.

Within a literal instant, Kaito's fist completely molded into iron, as Dabi's flames coated his arms....both men prepared and ready to kill each other with a single hit.

However, what happened next was unexpected.

Midas' right hand person, Tsuyo, barely moved a muscle, pulling off one of the onyx jewels from their uniform, before pointing it at Dabi and Kaito.

Instantly, the jewel glowed black-making me realize that Tsuyo was controlling one of Midas' jewels.

It made me reflect back on Midas' words from a few moments ago...

"Not everyone is fit to control a Midas jewel. Only I can pick who the powers work for. Only the few. The special ones."

Not knowing what Tsuyo planned to do with the jewel, I quickly began making my way towards them....afraid that they were going to hurt Dabi with it.

But, then I froze in my tracks at the next sound I heard, feeling my blood run cold in surprise I wasn't expecting.

"Stop it, you morons. Now." Tsuyo commanded from under their mask, voice completely concealed with a voice changer.

Within the next second, Dabi and Kaito were involuntarily forced to freeze their actions in place...unable to move a muscle as they reluctantly ceased their actions.

While Dabi seemed thoroughly confused, Kaito seemed to know exactly what was going on, gritting down on his teeth in defeat as his muscles relaxed.

Dabi muttered curses under his breath as he was literally forced to stand down, calling someone a 'stupid fucker,' but honestly, I don't know who.

Everyone looked to Tsuyo in silence to explain, but they said nothing, letting the black jewel disintegrate, before folding their hands behind their back as they assessed the situation from afar once more.

Ensuring he'd be the one to have the last word, Kaito let out an irritated grunt at the situation, storming past Dabi and I in a heated fury.

He reached the door quickly, turning around to face the room with a look of pain and frustration on his face. Pain and frustration for losing the one he loved.

"When we do this thing today with the Number One.....I ain't doing it for you. There's no 'having your back' bullshit, or anything like it. For me? It's every man for themselves. I'll kill you, Sasaki. I'll kill you painfully and slow for what you did. So, you can feel a fraction of what my poor Ayame went through. Count on it." Kaito growled out lowly, quickly pulling his mask over his face, before storming out the door to wait for the mission to begin.

The room was quiet now-well, except for Dabi's cackles at Kaito's pain, of course....causing me to sigh tiredly as I looked down at the folded uniform in my hands.

Yep. Good team bonding so far, right Midas?

"His life is on a time limit, and he knows it." Tsuyo said of Kaito, breaking the tense silence as they continued looking towards the closed door.

Ha! Was that supposed to be reassuring???-

"Yeah cause I'm gonna burn his eye sockets out, the first chance I get." Dabi justified, crumpling up the neatly folded uniform in his hands as he thought about murder.

Tsuyo shrugged and turned to Dabi now, seeming calm and casual as they spoke again.

"You will probably get turned into a statue first." Tsuyo followed up, causing Dabi to quickly look up at them with a feral grin of challenge.

"Oh? Look at this one now? So it does speak? First, you can't get it to say a word, now it doesn't wanna shut the hell up." Dabi chuckled, starting to saunter his way over to Tsuyo to cause more problems.

However, he never got the chance to when I quickly grabbed ahold of his arm to stop him, looking at Tsuyo with a nervous smile as I was more concerned with getting this whole thing over with.

Of course, by this thing, I'm referring to kidnapping Endeavor! Phewww, no biggie, right?

"Ummm. Can you....show us the bathroom so we can change into these....wonderful clothes?" I asked Tsuyo politely, causing the person in black to turn their masked head towards me.

They remained quiet for a moment, rubbing the back of their neck and letting out a small sigh, before nodding in agreement.

"Follow me." Tsuyo said, roughly hitting Dabi in the shoulder, as they made their way towards the door.

*******

The walk down the hallway was painfully weird. I won't even say it was awkward silence, thanks to Dabi's comments-complaints, about everything around him.

How one can nit pick every detail about a billionaire's mansion? I will never know. But, damn, he's creative. That's for sure.

Regardless, the vibe was just weird with Tsuyo here. I get a weird vibe from them. I don't know why, I just do. It's not necessarily a bad vibe, though it really could be, considering they're Midas' confidante.

But, I don't know. I wanna know more about them. Even though we've never really spoken until today, I guess you could say there's some unspoken history between us-back when they tried to save me from falling off the roof, during the Harima mission.

Still don't know why they did that. I can't even say it's because Midas probably wanted to kidnap me alive, because Euphoria, and the other guy were definitely trying to kill me that night.

Although, I suppose if there's a time to ask-or, at least figure this person out a little more....it's now when Midas isn't around.

Alright, socially awkward self. Here goes nothing....

"Soooo....Tsuyo..." I started off, shrinking into myself slightly when the mysterious person turned their attention to me immediately.

Oop. I take it back! I don't wanna socialize anymore!

I looked at them with a nervous chuckle, already feeling a cold sweat forming on the back of my neck as I had no idea what to say.

Uh-oh! Don't panic. Don't say something stupid.

"You....uhhh....you come here often?" I questioned awkwardly, grimacing immediately at the ridiculous question that made the hallway go silent.

You know, until Dabi's obnoxious self broke it.

My grimace turned into an annoyed glare, when I heard a raspberry blow out from Dabi's lips.

"Wow. 'You come here often?'" Dabi mocked obnoxiously, turning around to face me smugly. "Congratulations. I didn't think you could get dumber, but you did. And they say you have no talents."

I scoffed slightly as I forgot about talking to Tsuyo, crossing my arms as I gave Dabi the evil eye.

"Well, at least I'm trying to contribute to the conversation. You're just complaining about everything in your path like an old man. We get it-you're edgy." I retorted, waving my hands around in condescending emphasis.

But, Dabi was unfazed, shoving his hands in his pockets as he looked around the hallway with bored judgement.

"How can you 'get' anything when you're so fucking dense?" Dabi countered back rudely, grinning like a demon when I gasped in offense. "It's a miracle you know how to get dressed by yourself."

He turned around and walked backwards now when he sensed he was pushing my buttons, absolutely loving the angry glare that was plastered on my face.

"Oh yeah?!" I shouted too loud in the hallway, causing him to snicker.

"Yeah. What, are you deaf, too?" He followed up, continuing the uncalled for roasting session.

But, after hanging out 24/7 with Dabi for the past few months, I've gotten better at keeping up with his antics.

"Well, at least I know how to shower!" I bit back, gesturing to his unkept hair.

He shrugged that one off like it was nothing, raising his brow in challenge as he spoke his next words.

"At least I don't have a booger in my nose." He countered, causing me to gasp and quickly slap a hand over my nose to get the booger.

Except....

"Wha-there wasn't a booger in my nose at all!!" I reprimanded, causing Dabi to smirk obnoxiously.

"No, you're just a dumbass." He followed up.

"No, you are!-" I began, before the third person of our group groaned in annoyance for Dabi and I's stupidity.

Quickly remembering that Tsuyo was here, I shut up and watched them rub their temples with their fingers from all the yelling, gradually stopping their walk a few moments later.

"Uh. The bathroom to change is the first door on your left," Tsuyo started, ignoring Dabi and I's argument. "I'll leave you two to it. Be ready to go in fifteen minutes. Don't be late."

"Ah-wait-" I tried, unable to continue as Tsuyo already turned on their heel to head outside.

Crap. So much for getting to know Tsuyo better.

I sighed softly in defeat at the failed conversation, brushing past Dabi and opening the door to the bathroom.

He had no intention of going inside with me, actually willing to give me some privacy as he was too busy inspecting the jewels that Midas had put onto his uniform.

Only once I'd walked past the threshold of the bathroom, did the reality of what we were about to do got to me, as I quickly turned around without thinking-grabbing Dabi's wrist and yanking him into the bathroom with me.

He obviously hadn't been expecting the intrusion, with his eyes uncharacteristically widening in surprise at being yanked from the hallway, past the door.

I quickly shoved him inside with me, slamming the door closed as I felt my heart begin to beat out of my chest in stress.

Dabi was no help once he got his bearings again, chuckling smugly from behind me as he clearly thought I pulled him in here for a different reason.

"Heh. Someone's desperate. Looking for a pre-arson bone?" He half teased, continuing to smile lazily when I turned around to face him in a panic.

"I'm freaking out, Dabi! Freaking out!!" I hissed out quietly, starting to pace the pleasantly roomy bathroom in anxiety.

There's even a couch in here!

Dabi watched me pace unbotheredly, sloppily tossing the uniform he was holding onto the marble sink, before leaning back against it.

"Why the hell are you doing that?" He asked, as if me freaking out over this situation was completely ridiculous.

Yes, I know he probably thinks I'm ridiculous. As we've already stated, this is what Dabi does for a living. This is what he's used to.

But, as I've already stated about myself....I'm not used to any of this. And, at the moment, I have no one else to confide in about my stresses.

And, admittedly...a part of me wants to be comforted by Dabi.

Yeah. I know. 'Comfort.' 'Dabi.' The two don't go together.

I stopped my pacing to look at him after he asked his question, chuckling dryly at how lax he was with everything.

"Oh, why am I freaking out, you ask?" I questioned condescendingly. "Maybe it's because we're about to commit the crime of the century and attempt to kidnap The Number One hero!!?"

As expected, Dabi's eyes practically shimmered with excited anticipation at the reminder of what we're about to do, looking the complete opposite of me as he chuckled wickedly.

"Heh, I know, right? Feels like Christmas morning, if you ask me. Except this time, I'm finally getting a present I want, and not some shitty, candy cane socks." He grinned, peeling off his shirt as he was ready to get changed.

However, I wasn't so easily swayed, gripping my uniform tightly in my hands as I looked down at it.

"Yeah? Well, for me, today kinda feels like....Hell." I commented dryly, hearing Dabi scoff as he began sorting through the pieces of his uniform.

"Well, that's my definition of Christmas morning, so looks like we're on the same page, sunshine." He pointed out, purposely missing the point as he blew me off.

"Dabi, I'm serious-" I tried softly, grabbing his shoulder to try and make him face me.

However, he turned around abruptly now, causing me to inhale sharply at the unexpected motion.

"Yeah. So am I." He replied a little more hostile, shrugging me off him a little rougher than I was expecting.

Immediately, I released him, scoffing in annoyance with his attitude as he continued.

"Look. I've been waiting a long ass time for this, alright? Imagined it. Dreamed about it. Waited for it-" He started off, before a lingering question crossed my mind.

"Why is it so important to you?" I asked, unprepared for the quick response he was able to whip up.

"Why is being a bootlicking hero so important to you?" He threw back, causing me to look at him like he was crazy.

"I can think of a few reasons on how to answer that." I replied, unable to say any of them as he spoke again.

"Great. So can I. Everyone has reasons for something. Stop reading so much into it. It's annoying." He persisted, only making me more suspicious of his motives with Endeavor.

"But-" I tried, groaning in irritation when Dabi turned his shirtless back to me so he could grab his uniform.

"It's happening. I'm gonna be the one to do it, and no one is gonna get in my way and stop me today. Not even you." He said in growing annoyance, causing my own anger to rise...

However, I never got the chance to retaliate as he spoke his next words, throwing me back into the reality of our situation once more.

"So, if you're looking for a stupid shoulder to cry on, go somewhere else, cause you ain't getting it from me." He said brutally honest, resting his hands atop the sink counter as he kept his back to me.

Damn.

He must have realized how that sounded, because I watched his stitched hands ball up into tight fists atop the counter in frustrated regret.

Yet, his mouth was too stubborn to apologize.

Not, that I need him too.

Especially, cause....

"You're right." I stated emotionlessly, nodding in agreement to his words.

He's right, because I need to stop expecting things from him. He said it himself, he doesn't want a serious relationship. Hearing him say what he just said is actually the reminder I needed. It's what I needed to hear, so I can continue keeping Dabi at a distance.

Because if I get too close. Too invested and hopeful....it's only going to hurt me.

Dabi said nothing to my words...keeping his back to me.

However, I could see his reflection in the bathroom mirror. His eyes were unreadable, looking down towards the counter, more somberly and emotion filled than usual, as he didn't know I was able to see his face from here.

His obvious sadness doesn't change my words though. He said something hurtful. I have no problem sticking to my guns when it comes to him.

As I've said before, the amount of effort that Dabi puts into this 'relationship,' is what I will put, too.

"Talking to you about my problems. How I feel. What's on my mind. That stuff....it...doesn't fit the quota for...what we are." I followed up, deciding it would be better to leave since he still wasn't saying anything.

"We're keeping things casual, Dabi. This is probably beyond that. So....I'll deal with it myself. See you out there." I said blankly, immediately closing off a part of myself from Dabi as I made my way towards the door.

And, he knew it. Just from the tone of my voice and the look of my face, he knew I was about to shut myself off from him and repress my feelings.

I watched his eyes close and his brows furrow in the mirror as he heard me leaving, tensing his jaw in frustration as he fought with himself about how to proceed.

It's always a battle of self for him, constantly fighting with 'Dabi' and the person he was before, about the choices he wants to make.

According to what 'Dabi' keeps saying, he would want me to leave and keep my emotional distance from him. He wouldn't want me to get close and confide in him, because he couldn't care less about how I feel.

But, the actions of his true self speak louder than his empty words, and before I even made it halfway to the door....I felt a light grip catch my wrist and stop me.

I gradually halted in my tracks at his actions, looking down at his hand around my wrist, before back to him.

He was still facing away from me, but held my wrist tightly to keep me in place.

Our space was consumed with silence for a few passes of time as he obviously didn't know what to say.

But, I'm not gonna be the one to speak first. He stopped me. He can tell me why.

"I...don't even know why you're so worried over nothing. It's stupid." He tried poorly, clearly attempting to be vague and non committal about why he stopped me from leaving.

Because he can't admit it to me, or himself.

I remained in place, not thinking that answer was good enough-or nice enough, as I gave him the same level response.

"If you think it's so stupid, then let me go. I won't bother you about it anymore." I said patiently, watching him let out an audible sigh as his shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Don't do that, Violet." He said in annoyance, his Dabi-ness stripped down to nothing, now that I'd wiggled past his defenses. For now, anyways.

I can always tell when he's not in Dabi mode. His voice always sounds softer. A little younger, and honestly...innocent.

'Don't do that,' he just said. I'm starting to learn that Dabi says this, whenever I put him between a rock and a hard place. Whenever I force him to prove that he cares, more than he lets on.

He turns the conversation around with those words, acting as if I'm the one to blame, so he can get the attention off himself.

"Do what?" I asked, knowing he wouldn't have a specific response.

Finally, he lifted his head up and turned around to face me-slowly this time with eyes that were softer than they'd been before.

They were eyes that made my heart flutter. More than usual, as my heart squeezed at the sight of his true self.

"You know what." He murmured in vague frustration, letting out a conflicted sigh as he gently pulled me closer.

I allowed him to, surprised when he brought me all the way into his bare chest.

A small smile finally grazed my face as he took my limp arm and practically wrapped it around his torso by himself, causing my muscles to move and complete the action as I sensed he was trying to apologize. In his own way.

"What do you want me to say?" He uttered, as I rested my head against his chest.

I sighed softly as I thought about his question, trying to answer in a mindful way that wouldn't cause him to shut down.

"Nothing you don't want to. I'm not trying to change you, remember?" I reminded him softly, feeling his chin rest atop my head as his fingers grazed my arms.

We stood in comfortable silence for a moment, with nothing but the ticking sound of the wall clock filling the air space, as Dabi gathered his thoughts.

"Fuck-I don't know. Just......stay back and let me handle today. I like that plan better, anyways. No reason for you to get involved in stuff that's not your territory." He tried, causing me to close my eyes in stress.

Kind of him to say, but a little late for me to not get involved!

"Midas would never allow that." I murmured tiredly, feeling Dabi's arms wrap around me tighter once I spoke the name he hated.

"Fuck that. I don't listen to him." He grumbled, basically making a mute point.

After everything I've seen of Midas so far....there's no way I'm gonna underestimate him and defy his first orders.

No. I'm smart enough to know I need to bide my time and get to know him better. It's not time to defy Midas...

....yet.

"I'm going, Dabi. I don't want to cause anymore drama." I pointed out, feeling his chest vibrate and tickle my face.

"Stubborn bitch..." He said softly, trying to appear intimidating and failing.

"You love it." I smiled lightly, feeling his fingertips gently caress my back.

"Whatever." He said, causing me to chuckle softly.

Thinking the conversation was done, I said nothing more....keeping my eyes closed for a few moments longer to savor the comforting feeling of being in Dabi's arms. Savoring the feeling of his hug.

I was caught off guard when he spoke a few moments later, trying to go a step further and attempt to bring me more reassurance. In his own way.

"I told that bedazzled bitch earlier....that you and I are a...package, or something. Unfortunately." He alluded, causing my brows to raise in slight amusement as I was curious where this was going.

"Yeah. I remember." I said, causing him to continue.

"So......today......it's the same shit. Wherever you go, I'll be around, somewhere close by." He said, voice just a tad softer and warm as he continued to rub my back.

I was quiet for a moment at his words, feeling a smile spreading across my face at his genuine attempt to be nice.

"Really?" I murmured, squeezing him a little tighter in my arms as my chest felt warm and fuzzy.

I giggled softly as Dabi sighed in self frustration, seriously struggling with his own softness. He seemed disappointed in his 'mushy' words, as he'd call them. Seemed irritated that he couldn't stand his own ground and let me walk out the door.

But, even so, he held me tightly, continuing to give me soft touches and comfort; letting me squeeze him as hard as I wanted.

"Whatever. I don't know if that's what you wanted to hear. But, that's how it is, alright?" He said in lost thought, causing me to peel my face away from his chest and look up at him.

Upon my shuffle in movement, he looked down at me and matched my gaze....face relaxed and eyes looking into mine warmly as he waited for me to speak.

"No, it...it helped a lot. Knowing you'll be around today, during the chaos. Even if you probably won't be doing...good things..." I chuckled softly, watching the corners of his mouth turn up into a knowing smirk at my words.

"....but, just having you there. Someone familiar. Someone comforting. That does help. Thanks." I whispered, snaking my hands to the back of his neck to bring him down towards me.

He said nothing more for a moment, allowing me to pull him in for a small kiss.

His mouth moved against mine lazily, but contently, his hands gently grazing up my back as his eyes fell closed.

However, he pulled away slightly when his lips curled into a smirk, causing me to open my eyes and look at him in question.

"Damn. You must be pretty damn desperate, if you're trying to find comfort in someone like me, little sapphire." He pointed out in only half tease, causing me to smile and shake my head in disagreement as I kissed him once more.

"You're softer than you think." I said, causing Dabi to scrunch his nose in disgust at being caught.

"Don't know what the fuck you're talking about." He murmured begrudgingly, earning an eye roll from me at his stubbornness.

"Mhm."

And, while the moment was sweet, time was of the essence and Dabi knew it as he looked up at the clock, letting his eyes glaze over in bloodlust once more as he spoke.

"Well, anyways, the soft shit ends now. Cause it's time for the real fun to begin." He grinned ferally, causing me to groan tiredly at the events that are about to happen.

Ah, yes. The real fun of kidnapping The Number One Hero, Endeavor, starts now, I guess.

What could possibly go wrong there, right?

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