Top pic credit: Sleepwalkers Queen

Ari POV:

And so began the healing process. The true healing process.

Once Keigo had finally woken up, time seemed to finally return back to normal. Days and nights started having more cohesion, allowing me to feel more in touch with the world. And both of us started to become stronger, with each passing day.

Two weeks had come and gone since Keigo and I reunited. It's a two weeks I could remember very well, no longer clouded by blurs of my own misery, like the past two months have been.

The doctor was kind enough to allow Keigo to spend as much time as possible with me and my family, especially since we were the only support system he had.

"In order to heal physically, it's important that you get the emotional and mental support needed as well, Keigo. The Parker family has shown their kindness to you in great lengths, while you were sleeping. I think they would be a wonderful asset for you, in this recovery process." The doctor explained to him, the day that my family came to visit him for the first time. Truly visit him.

My mom had charged in first, barely hearing my dad and I telling her to be careful with Keigo's fragile body as she came barreling towards him for a Parker Squeeze of a hug.

Luckily, she had been careful, but I don't think Keigo would have cared if she'd broken every bone in his body as he just seemed so incredibly happy to receive a motherly hug he was surely craving.

"Thanks, Mrs. Parker. You have no idea how much I needed this." Keigo uttered in pure emotional gratitude, letting out a chuckle of unadulterated happiness as my brother came in to group hug him from the other side.

"Ah, and Sammy, my bro! You saved my life, champ. Seems like if I should be taking hero lessons from anyone, it's you." Keigo smiled, lazily slinging his arm atop my brother's crying head before giving it a pat to comfort him.

My dad had come over with a smile, barely able to even see Keigo's face as it was sandwiched in the kind embrace of my mom and my brother. He simply held out his titanium hand for Keigo to clasp, and the bird boy did it immediately.

"I'm real proud of you, Keigo. I know what you did for my daughter and my son, during this situation. I know that you protected them with your life, and it's not the first time you've protected my daughter, either. I'll always be in your corner, supporting you. You will always be a great hero, and an even better man. And....you'll always have a family with us Parkers." My dad stated kindly, giving the bird boy a nod of respect as he gave his bandaged hand a squeeze.

I smiled happily with the doctor as we stood back a few feet to give Keigo and my family time to reunite.

My dad meant every word he said. But, I also know he was trying to be extra supportive, as he knows that it's only a matter of time before Keigo will find out about Touya's horrifying speech, exposing the identity of his father and his live murder of Twice. He knows that Keigo will see the media blowing his situation out of proportion, comparing him to his serial killer father, and overall trashing his reputation even more than Touya could have hoped for.

It's not something a guy, who gave his entire quirk, life's goal, and almost his life to save people, wants to hear. Which is why Keigo hadn't found out about it, yet.

But, even if there had been a time where he didn't know the situation specifically, it seemed as if he knew there was something going on, but also didn't want to hear about it, since he knew it would be something bad.

For example, he never pressed his suspicions or questions when the conversation started to veer near the touchy subject. He simply went along with the subject change, gladly moving on to more happy matters.

And, speaking of happy matters, him and I finally got to spend more time with each other, than we had in months.

While he wasn't able to walk, yet, he was very happy to see me slowly starting to stroll around the room like a damn old lady.

"Ah, that's it, grandma! Keep it up and you'll be there by Christmas-actually, New Year's, now that you just stopped to turn around and glare at me." He'd cackled when he saw me walking at a sloth's pace to grab myself a water bottle off the desk in the corner.

I groaned softly in annoyance for his cheeky antics, yet I really missed them.

"You know, I'm walking over here to get your water, too. So, if you'd like to drink anything today, I suggest you be a little nicer." I pointed out teasingly, hearing him whistle in fake awe to my sass.

"Good point. I am a pretty thirsty guy, after all." He smirked, biting down on his lip as he purposely directed his eyes to my ass.

"Says the guy who's current medicine won't even let him get an erectio-"

"Ah, ah, ah!!! I-It's only for a few months they said, chicky!! Shush!!!" He mumbled in embarrassment, slapping his hands over his blushing cheeks as he heard my giggles of amusement growing.

I found it hilarious that while Keigo and I were in no-and I mean, no position to be having sex any time soon, he still found it frustrating that he couldn't.....get it up.

Typical guy, I guess.

But, even with me embarrassing him-and him making fun of me for my lack of mobility, Keigo and I haven't been this happy in a long time.

And because we both know it, we're having a hard time discussing the heavy things that we know need to be discussed at some point.

He refuses to talk about his wings.

Any time the doctor comes in to change the bandages on his back, he lets her, ignoring the situation completely by focusing on me and talking about something that's totally unrelated.

She tried to give Keigo updates on his progress at first, but the bird boy was quick to shut them down in a way that would also silently inform himself of what he needed to know.

"If I ain't dying from it, and it's nothing good, then please.....I...I don't wanna know." He told the doctor softly, moving his bandaged hand in my numb one in a way to let me know he was squeezing it harder in grief.

So, the doctor respected his wishes and said nothing, giving Keigo all the answers he needed. For how long would she continue concealing reality from him? That's unknown for now. I'm sure she will have to sit down with him at some point and explain everything about his back and new quirkless self, for his own safety and health. But, I guess it wasn't urgent, since nothing had been spoken, yet.

And when I say Keigo won't talk about his wings with anyone, I mean anyone.

I only tried to bring up the topic with him once, because I noticed him somberly looking out the window at the birds that soared in the free sky.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" I simply asked, voice as gentle and patient as possible.

He didn't even look at me as he continued looking at the birds, answering honestly.

"I don't. I'm not ready. But, when I am, I promise that you will be the first one to know." He stated quietly, reaching out for my hand to hold as he continued to look out the window in deep, blank thought.

I grabbed his hand immediately in my own, giving it a gentle stroke of support.

"I understand. I'll be here when you're ready." I replied honestly.

And I do. I really do understand. The best and saddest thing about this situation is that Keigo and I really do understand each other, and the pain we're feeling from this whole thing.

After all, it's not one sided. He's asked me plenty of times, when he sees something set me off-a simple touch from the doctor. A mention of Touya. A simple mention of the hero commission in passing.

He's also been the one on the other side, asking me if I want to talk about it, before quickly kissing the side of my cheek in understanding when I tell him "not yet. I...can't."

Keigo and I understand each other's limits. We understand the triggers and pain that lie behind simple words and actions, so we don't pressure each other to open up at an exact moment. We trust each other enough to know that we will when we are ready to admit it to ourselves.

And while that approach works best for certain things, some situations just finally need to be said.....

"Yeah, that's right. The Thief Takami. That is the number two hero's father. A psychotic serial killer. A robber. A villain, who was caught by Endeavor. I guess birds of a feather really do flock together! So, there's another one you let patrol your streets. A hypocrite that you let worm his way to the top, by deceiving you and lying about who he really is." Touya stated through the television, causing Keigo's face to pale the way we all knew it would when he was forced to finally confront the truth. He looked like he was about to puke.

And, he did puke when the camera cut to him murdering Twice.

I sighed in pity as I rubbed his back, while he emptied the contents of his, already thinning stomach into the trash can.

"I....I-I...are we sure this is real?" Keigo asked in denial as Touya continued betraying the bird boy's ultimate sense of trust by speaking the truth about the father Keigo always wanted to forget.

Yes, Keigo. It's real.

He had a panic attack. He cried. A lot. Especially about his dad, who was a topic he always purposely avoided because of how horrible his childhood was with him. I could literally see the traumatic memories flooding his eyes as he tried to wrap himself up in his wings, before realizing he couldn't. That only made him cry harder.

That's okay. I wrapped my arms around him, instead. I know it's not the same. But....I just want to help.

"S...Stop. Get out of my head....bastard. Get out. Get...out, I said. Leave me alone..." He choked out through his shaky breaths, squeezing his eyes shut with a flinch as he tried to get the memories of his dad out of his head.

We all expected his triggered breakdown and were prepared for it.

By we, I mean my family.

"I-I should have never told Touya about my da....about....him. I should have let him remain forgotten, the way he was always meant to be. For once, the hero commission was right. I should have kept my dad a secret. I trusted Touya too much. I'm an idiot." He breathed out shakily, having an easy time coming down from his panic attack with me holding him and my mom giving him small sips of water.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up. It's not your fault, Keigo. You couldn't have known he'd turn into Dabi and spill your secrets to the world. You weren't wrong for wanting a friend you could trust. There's nothing wrong with that...." My dad consoled patiently, finally opening up the giant file folder from our lawyers to show Keigo the mess that has been made.

Keigo's poor, bloodshot eyes widened even more intensely at the magnitude of the case, cursing softly under his breath as he now knows this was basically a scandal that the entire country was watching under a magnifying glass.

I noticed that my dad took out the pages of comments from the public, calling Keigo a psychopath who should be locked in a cell with his father. I was grateful to him for that.

And even though Keigo had been left in speechless panic as he began sifting through two months of pages that had been written about him, while he was dying on a ventilator, my dad knew he needed to know the truth.

"Here's what's going on.....essentially, it's a case of us versus the hero commission. The hero commission is arguing that you and Ari should be locked away forever. Their....their original proposition was that you both get the death penalty for conspiring and engaging in murder and acts of terrorism against the government and the people, but we've been able to talk them off that ledge, with endless hours of bargaining. However, they're still denying that they had any knowledge of your double agent mission, Keigo. They are trying to make you take the fall for all of it, to save themselves. They are saying that you went behind their back, and they are making Ari out to be a heartless traitor." My dad explained as gently as he could, placing a reassuring hand on Keigo's shaky shoulder when the bird boy let out a sad sigh.

"And while Touya's speech completely put you under the microscope, it's also thanks to his exposing of the hero commission, too, that we even have a chance to fight in all of this. The courts are taking our side and the hero commission's side into account, trying to figure out what's true, what should be justified, and how this should be handled. It's the biggest question in the country unfortunately. And because the courts won't let anyone know you or Ari are awake to give a statement, people are only making up worse rumors to try and ease their curiosity. It's....it's just a mess." My dad sighed, running an anxious hand through his hair as Keigo continued looking through all the files.

"Hopefully when you and Ari are finally allowed to give your testimonies, you can clear your names." Sammy tried to ease hopefully.

But, Keigo had seemed only more put off by Sammy's statement, softly shaking his head in disagreement.

"Testimony? What would I even say though? I don't wanna lie, anymore. I mean....I am....I-I am....a....murderer. So, maybe that really doesn't make me any better than my-"

"You'll tell them the truth, Keigo. The truth that you know is true. The truth of how you are not like your father, at all. You won't sugarcoat it. You won't lie to make it sound better, the way the hero commission would force you to do if you were still working for them. You will tell the honest truth." My dad advised him firmly, causing Keigo to quickly look up from the files to listen to him.

Now that he doesn't need to depend on the hero commission for guidance, I can see that he is quickly starting to turn that role over to my parents for the big things.

They know he never had parents or support as a child. Just judging from the way they've accepted him into the family so quickly, I know they are happy to help.

"Keigo, here's what I think. The hero commission doesn't want you to give a testimony, because they know the truth will say it all-and yes, that is with me knowing the truth. The real truth. Ari had a talk with your mother and I about what really happened in that mansion, why you killed Twice. How you tried to save him first. I'm not saying that killing people is right, but self defense and defending your loved ones? No one can blame you for that. The hero commission knows the truth will paint you as the man you are, and not the monster they're making you out to be. And they know that people won't hate you, when they hear your truth." My dad explained patiently and honestly.

Keigo looked at my dad with grateful silence, nodding softly in understanding as he closed the file folder with a heavy thump.

"O...Okay. The....truth then. I'll follow your lead, Mr. Parker. I can do that. So, when can I give my statement? When can Ari give hers?"

"It's still being decided. Hopefully soon. We are really banking on those testimonies to clear your names. The courts think your reappearance will cause another chaotic uproar amongst the people, and yes, they are probably right. But, in order for all of this to calm down and stop altogether...we need them to let you testify. The public needs to hear the truth come from your own mouths." My dad explained tiredly, quickly switching off the television so no one would need to hear Touya's angry voice of pain, anymore.

Yeah. 'Hopefully soon' is right. The longer Keigo and I are forced to wait in silence, the worse the rumors about our intentions get.

But, as I said before, Keigo and I are too exhausted from our lives to focus too much on the heavy things. While he was devastated about the news that had broken out, the day he found out about it, he was quick to force the situation to the back of his mind when it came time for us to relax alone, later that night. He didn't even bring up anything about the courts, Touya, the public, or his father, simply cuddling me against him as he suggested we watch one of those 'shitty romance movies that the hospital has on repeat.'

I agreed, also wanting to forget everything that happened. And that's kind of how we've been living our lives. In a bubble.

A perfect, cozy bubble.

"Again, Keigo." I instructed him firmly, causing the bird boy to groan with a lack of enthusiasm as he looked at me with suspicious honesty.

"...I did."

"No, you didn't. Stop lying. I can literally feel that you didn't do it." I reminded him, keeping my hands atop his thighs as I waited for him to do it again.

Keigo whined like a child at my discipline, throwing his head back against his pillow with dissatisfaction as he refused.

"Ah, well I did do it, so if you keep your hands on my legs like that, I'm gonna have to assume it's cause you want me." He smirked, letting out a fake 'ow' when I lightly flicked the tip of his nose.

"Babe, come on. The doctor said you have to do these little exercises to make sure your muscles don't atrophy. You literally haven't moved in two months. Now, do it again-just flex your legs. That's it. It's only ten seconds, you can do it." I reassured him, giving his thighs a small squeeze to get him moving.

Keigo sighed softly at my persuasion, dropping the teasing tone he was using to mask his own frustrations with himself.

I get it. He's been training hard his entire life to become one of the most powerful heroes in the country. He's always been the best one out there. He's always been the prodigy. He's not used to being so weak and frail. I went through the same thing, when I woke up, too. It's not a good feeling, being so helpless when you're used to more.

But, the only way Keigo will get better is if he forces himself to move as much as he can, even if his exhaustion humiliates him a little.

He furrowed his brows in distaste now, tensing his jaw as he forced himself to sit upright and get serious. Begrudgingly so.

"Fine. Whatever." He uttered lowly, avoiding my gaze with a temporary resentment since I was forcing him to work.

Knowing he'd get over it in five minutes, I ignored his slight attitude and nodded silently in anticipation to feel his thighs flex.

Keigo groaned softly as he tightened his legs to the best of his ability, immediately wanting to relax them, until I started counting.

"Good, Keigo. Good. Hold it. Ten seconds. One...two...three...four...five-"

"Holy shit-stop counting in slow motion." He hissed out as he tried to hold his muscles together, teeth grinding in exertion as his legs were probably burning already.

"I wasn't-Oh, look at that. Now you interrupted me. Guess I'll have to start again-"

"We were already at seven. Just take it from there-"

"No, we weren't! We were at five-"

"Well, we're probably at seven now, with all this talking, so that's where we're picking up. Go on, I'm waiting." He huffed out sassily, legs starting to shake with fatigue as he attempted to keep them flexed.

Seeing that he was still trying to participate in this, I decided to finish up quickly.

"Okay, fine, fine. Seven, eight, nine, ten. You can relax now." I informed him plainly, causing a heavy sigh to fall from his scarred, burnt lungs as his body practically melted back into the bed.

I smiled at Keigo encouragingly as he threw his head back against the pillows tiredly, watching him trying to conceal his heavy breaths as best as he could.

"Fucking...hell. Hah....I'll...admit....'sa bit...of a different kinda...workout than what I'm...used to." He panted out with a breathy laugh of slight embarrassment, unable to hold in his huffs for air as he deflatedly took bigger inhales now.

He coughed a bit and the sound was dry, making me realize he was probably thirsty. I forced myself to get my own heavy legs up to standing, leaning in towards Keigo's face on my way up.

"I know it's not what you're used to. But, it will get easier. I promise. We just need to build up your strength again, that's all. You did very well. I'm proud of you." I whispered to him sweetly, placing a chaste kiss to his parted lips, before I fully rose to standing now.

Keigo continued breathing heavy from his little exercises, yet he opened one eye now when he felt my innocent, little kiss....humming with tired mischief as he tried to stay lighthearted.

Oh, I know that look. Here comes the flirt-

"Mm. Was that a reward for my work? Cause it definitely makes this whole thing easier." He drawled out, biting down on his lip mischievously as he watched me slowly stroll across the room to grab him some water.

I chuckled softly, not even turning around to look at him as I grabbed the water cup off the table.

"What are you, a dog? Now you need a reward to do things?" I asked in amusement, meeting his cheeky gaze once more as I turned around to face him.

He shrugged in contemplation as I began practically limping my way back over, pursing his lips in fake thought to what he'd like.

"Ah, I dunno. I might. You know, motivation is a powerful thing." He pointed out like a smart ass, clearly just trying to be difficult about this whole thing as a way to have some fun.

Raising my brow in challenge, I stopped in front of his bed, slowly leaning down to hand him the water and get closer to his face.

His eyes lit up a bit at my sudden close distance, before he lazily ran his hand up my arm.

"Ooo, yeahhh, this is a good start, chicky." He uttered smoothly, corners of his mouth tugging up as he spoke.

"Mhm. Yep, I think I know a pretty good reward." I murmured suggestively, letting my voice come out a little mischievous now to peak Keigo's interest.

And it was definitely peaked.

"Oh? Do tell this reward, if you would." He grinned, taking the water from my hands but more focused on trailing his attention to my lips.

I hummed sexily to get him interested, watching him eat up the sound as I came in inches away from his lips.

Sooo easy.

"Your reward....is living. And that is very sexy." I whispered seductively, breaking out into a laugh when I saw Keigo roll his eyes in amusement to my cockblocking statement.

He groaned in fake frustration as I suddenly saw his feather come twirling in between us, before unnecessarily swirling up my hair to mess it up.

"Ahh, you think you're just hilarious, huh? You're really cracking yourself up over there." He teased playfully, drinking in the sounds of my happy laughs.

"I don't think. I know." I smirked, placing a quick kiss to his cheek before plopping back down in my own chair now.

That walk to the other side of the room was exhausting.

"Yeah, well, laugh it up now, chicky. But, with all this teasing adding up....don't forget what happens when I'm all better." He hinted mischievously, hiding his smug grin by taking another sip of his water.

I leaned back in my chair with a look of amusement, raising my brows at Keigo's suggestions.

"Oh? And what exactly happens when you're all better?" I taunted knowingly.

"Alotta stuff. To start with the first of many things, I think I remember you telling me during the war that if I survived it, you would call me anything I wanted you to. And well....heh, I survived, didn't I?" He asked with casual cockiness, setting down his empty cup on the side table with ease.

My pupils almost strained themselves from how hard I managed to roll my eyes. Keigo got to a point during that war, where he couldn't even remember his own god damn name. And yet, he remembers that?

Horny bastard.

"You barely survived." I reminded him, with a shake of dismissive amusement, yet he was quick on the follow up.

"Ah, ah. Barely is still a yes. C'mon, babe. The only thing that kept me going was the possibility of hearing you call me boss again." He started out teasingly, yet his eyes suddenly lit up with new curiosity.

"Oooo, or, maybe I'll have you call me ma-" He began suggesting, before I stopped him.

"How many kinks do you have?!" I laughed, stretching my arms overhead in my chair.

"Hm, not sure, but I'd say it's for you to find out, if you'd like. Y'know, right after I'm able to get it up again, of course." He stated boldly, causing my jaw to drop in humorous shock.

But, Keigo knows what he's doing. More than most things, the man absolutely hates being embarrassed. Any blackmail I'm able to get on him never lasts long as he'll purposely find a way to beat me to the punch line, in order to let the joke die out-even if it's at the expense of having to embarrass himself more.

I crinkled my lips in a slight pout of defeat as I turned my attention on him begrudgingly-yet, he was already smirking triumphantly as he read my thoughts.

"You're no fun." I muttered, causing him to let out a small "awww" of amusement as he held out his hand for me to hold.

I snaked it to intertwine with mine, about to get comfortable in my seat before I felt Keigo give my hand a weak tug, silently asking me to get on the bed with him.

Feeling his teases dying down now with the simple motion, I smiled genuinely as I climbed onto his bed, starting to situate myself next to him carefully so I could get comfortable.

"I know. I'm no fun. But, we did already establish that I bore you, remember?" He chuckled with softer teases now, wrapping his arms around me carefully once I'd curled up next to his side.

"Mm, yes so boring." I hummed playfully, looking up at Keigo's features as I lazily draped an arm around his neck.

He pulled me closer, sighing happily as he snaked both arms to rest on my back. I kissed the side of his head softly and his blood pressure legitimately started to go down on the medical monitor behind him, as he was clearly on the verge of entering another state of bliss.

"That feels so nice." He uttered to me, letting his eyes fall closed happily as he felt me repeat the gentle action.

"Then I'll keep doing it." I whispered sweetly, scooting my body closer to his so I could feel his warmth.

Sensing I wanted to get closer, Keigo's brows furrowed in instinctive focus for a moment...

....before his entire body froze in realization, and immediately shattered his second of peace.

My smile slowly morphed into concern as I watched his eyes slowly open, the happy look in them dulling in remembrance, before he swallowed thickly and lightly pressed his lips together.

"What's wrong, Kei?" I uttered softly, watching him sniffle a bit as his gaze slowly floated up to the blank ceiling.

He hesitated in answering for a moment, seeming as if he was trying to get himself together as best as possible before he spoke.

"I....uh...." He started out raspily, keeping his gaze locked upwards, finding it hard to continue.

But, I kept quiet with patience, knowing just from the look in Keigo's eyes and his sudden change that this was one of those triggering things for him. One of the things that he would only talk about when he's ready.

He seemed consumed in his own sorrow for a small heartbeat of time, before sighing softly as if to just finally resign himself to the truth.

"I just....well, I just...tried to wrap my wings around you is all. Force of habit, y'know. I'll....I'll adjust. Takes time, I guess." Keigo uttered quietly, chuckling dismissively and dryly to try and numb the screaming pain in his heart.

I felt my own heart slowly breaking in half upon taking in his words, furrowing my brows in pity-only to quickly relax my face a moment later.

Keigo doesn't want to be pitied, so I won't damage his, already beaten, pride by showing him that.

Instead, I will just be there for him, the way he's always been for me.

"Do you...wanna talk about it?" I asked almost inaudibly, gently stroking his shoulder with my thumb to try and bring him some sort of comfort.

His lips curled up into a dry smile as a way to thank me for being there. But, judging from the hollow look in his eyes, I assumed he would say the usual "not yet," before we would move onto something else.

So, his next question surprised me.

"What's there to say?" He asked quietly, continuing to trace absentminded circles on my back as he remained lost in thought.

I pursed my lips in thought to his question, trying to dig around in Keigo's thoughts myself, since he wouldn't say them out loud.

Luckily, I've become pretty good at that now.

"I think you know that there's plenty to say, Kei. It's not a matter of what you wanna say, but, rather....when you wanna say it." I explained, trying not to pressure him to open up, but rather...let him know that he has the option of doing so, if he wants it.

Clearly, he wasn't sure what he wanted, as the room remained quiet for a time in silence. Comfortable silence, but also loud silence as Keigo's thoughts could practically be heard from here.

After a time, he sighed softly...entire body deflating in acceptance as he decided to say the truth.

"I don't think-or....I dunno if this is one of those things that will get better in time, chicky. My wings....you know....I lost a part of myself, I guess. Literally. I lost the only part of myself I truly liked. The part of myself that every single person in the universe, including me, based my identity on. Time heals all damaged things, yeah. But....as for the things....that are already lost? I just...I dunno how I'm supposed to handle this." He stated honestly, continuing to trace circles on my back as his eyes started to dull even more.

I nodded softly in understanding, gently combing my hand through his hair to try and pull him out of the somber demons that are clearly running wild in his head.

It seemed to work a bit as he slowly trailed his eyes back down to me sadly, brows furrowed together in faint grief as he looked to me for guidance.

"I get that, Keigo. It's okay to not know. It's totally normal to grieve and feel sad. It won't come easy overnight. I mean....you essentially have to try and relearn who you are without your wings. I understand how difficult that will be for you..." I started off coaxingly, pulling him tighter against me for a deeper hug.

His breath became just a bit shakier at my tone, before he was forced to sniffle again.

"But....as for your wings being the only part that you liked about yourself, maybe....when you're ready to try and feel better....w-we could try to focus on the other parts of yourself, now. I'm not saying to try and forget about your wings. I know you'll never forget about them. As you shouldn't, because they will always be a part of you. But, it seems that your wings sucked up all of the love and worth you deemed yourself acceptable. Now.....we can focus on Keigo and discover....what it is that you love about him, because I promise you...that there is plenty more to him, than just his wings." I reassured warmly, feeling my heart flutter as I saw a minuscule smile of gratitude curve onto his lips.

The temporary peace fell from his face a few moments later, yet Keigo kept his hold on me for comfort as he voiced his thoughts out loud.

"I want to see it that way. I just don't know where to start. I....I just wish....that I liked myself." He whispered almost inaudible, already starting to lose the small hope I'd tried to instill in him.

But, lucky for Keigo....I already know exactly what he went through as a child to make him think that.

"And, why would you like yourself, with the horrible way you were raised? It's not your fault. It would be a miracle if anyone liked themselves, after having Diane Himura as a guardian. You were never allowed to like yourself, Keigo. That doesn't mean you don't. It just means you need to learn how and get to know yourself better." I explained, wrapping my arms all the way around him-while being mindful of his bandaged back.

He sighed softly in acceptance for my words, burying his face in the crook of my neck as he reveled in my enveloping warmth.

I brought my hand to the back of his head, gently stroking down to the nape of his neck as I closed my eyes.

"It helps that I'm not alone." He whispered against my skin, grieving in his own silent way as he squeezed me a bit tighter in his arms.

"I agree." I uttered back, shutting my eyes a bit tighter since I used that statement to refer to my own sufferings and trauma as well.

And being in Keigo's arms gave me new motivations for a brighter day, as I decided to share all of my encouragements with him.

"It will get better, Kei. We will get better. Together, we will heal. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. I know we'll have bad days. But, I also know that we will have good days..." I started off, before I felt my thoughts shift back to a certain lost boy in my life.

I closed my eyes in deflated grief as I spoke to Keigo again, seeing Touya's fading figure behind my closed lids.

"I understand....that the world can be very mean. But....it can also be....very beautiful, if you look hard enough." I stated softly, wondering if Keigo would reject my reasonings the same way that Touya did.

But, as much as Touya would like to think so, him and Keigo are not that similar.

Because, while Touya doesn't even try to see the good in life....

"Yes, you're right. It can be beautiful. We'll just need to find out how, and we can." Keigo reassured me kindly, placing a gentle kiss on the skin of my neck as he spoke.

I smiled peacefully at his silent agreement to try and heal with me, about to fade Touya away from my mind.

But, it seems that Keigo and I's thoughts were too closely aligned.

"If only....I could have helped him more. Then maybe it wouldn't have come to this." He uttered in soft regret.

I nodded in silent agreement to his point, wanting to blame myself for Touya's destruction. And I do.

But, at the same time...

"I think....maybe it was inevitable, Kei. The world never gave him a break. After awhile, I don't think he wanted to be helped, anymore. I think he just wanted to be angry." I explained sadly, feeling Keigo hug me a bit tighter at the small crack in my voice.

After all, he's well aware now of how I used to feel about Touya Todoroki. And even now....even though the same man burned off his wings and almost killed us, he's still trying to comfort me through that pain.

"Do you think he's still in there, somewhere?" He asked, referring to the man who lies underneath Dabi.

"I think he's trying hard not to be. But, that's for him to figure out now. He'll either learn to see past his anger and understand how far gone he is, or he'll die this way. All we can do...is....." I started, trailing off slightly as I actually thought about what it was I could do to help Touya.

Keigo remained patiently silent as he waited for me to continue. And it was only a few seconds later when I had my revelation. A revelation of painful reality.

"Nothing. All we can do....is nothing." I simply finished, not adding anything more, or anything less to my statement.

Because it's true. I can't help that man, just as much as he doesn't want to be helped. He doesn't want to change. He doesn't want to fix himself. And if he doesn't want to try, then there's no point in me trying either.

I don't want to, because I have given up on him now.

It's sad to say. I wish it wasn't the case. But, I am too broken over my own life to try and fix Touya's. Not to mention, that he's part of the reason why my life is so incredibly messed up at the moment.

He almost took Keigo away from me. He tried to. And that will be a very hard thing for me to forgive. Right now, I do not forgive him, and I don't know if I ever will forgive him. I am very hurt and angry about it.

And sure. Maybe that's not how the end of most stories is supposed to come together. But, the reality is.....some things will always remain unanswered and tragic. Some things won't be fixed and accepted. The lost boy Touya Todoroki is just one of those things.

Keigo nodded in agreement to my point, continuing to rub soft circles on my back as he sensed my depressing thoughts running wild.

"We can only fix the things in our control. Right?" He reassured, probably not believing the statement when it came to his own problems, but trying to be strong for me.

Even so, his words did help. They reminded me that I'm not alone.

Through it all, I have Keigo. And that is the most important thing of all.

Allowing Touya to fade completely from my thoughts now, I turned my attention back to the man who has my heart, placing a small kiss to his head.

Keigo lifted his face from the crook of my neck upon feeling the action, somber look genuinely fading away from his eyes now as he shot me a lazy smile.

The day was bright and beautiful. Keigo had his window open, the way he always likes it, and the soft rays of sun had peeked through the clouds and soaked in through his room, gently illuminating his face and hair with a warm glow of light.

"It always makes you look like an angel." I whispered my thoughts out loud, causing Keigo to smile a bit wider as he wasn't quite sure what made me say such a thing.

But, there was one thing he knew for certain.

"Well, I guess you could say I am one. For you." My angel of the sky whispered back, slowly leaning in towards my face to plant a sweet kiss to my lips.

I immediately melted into Keigo's touch, allowing him to fully take control of our moment as I pulled him closer.

His eyes fell closed as he snaked a hand to the back of my neck to bring me in deeper, sighing softly in pure content as he kissed me with as much passion as he so desired.

And it was a lot of passion.

I let out a weak, breathy moan as he explored the familiar feeling of my mouth, only able to tangle my fingers in the back of his hair as I began getting lost in the feeling.

Keigo's mouth parted a little more at my sensual sound, wrapping his arms around me tighter and kissing me with the same intensity to try and get me to make it again.

His hand went to my waist now, squeezing it lightly and furrowing his brows in silent concern for how much thinner it felt in the grip of his hands, yet he said nothing as he carefully trailed his touch up my side.

I flinched in pain a bit when he accidentally grazed one of my healing ribs on his way to my chest, causing him to quickly retract his hand and apologize softly.

"No, it's okay." I breathed out against his lips, yet he kept his hands firmly on my back now for his own fears that he'd accidentally hurt me again.

I mentally groaned in slight frustrations for the injuries standing in our way, yet I was more than content to just lay here all day and kiss him.

Keigo seemed to feel the same, considering it's exactly what we did-enjoying the feeling of getting to know each other's touches and lips all over again.

An unknown amount of time had passed when Keigo was the one to finally break away for air. It was an amount of time that neither of us knew, or cared about. Could have been minutes. Could have been hours, as the simple act of just kissing him was highly addictive.

He smirked softly as he saw my flushed cheeks, seeing how much I truly craved him as he didn't even fight me when I immediately closed the distance once again.

"Ahh, you really want me today, huh little chick?" He breathed out seductively, yet we both knew that he wasn't able to follow through with his suggestions in his state.

Regardless, I wasn't in any mood to play hard to get right now as I simply hummed in agreement, feeling him smile against my lips with my admittance.

He sighed in content as I moved my lips to his neck, planting wet hot kisses along his skin with my own needs.

He threw his head back to enjoy it, but also groaned in sexual frustration with his lack of libido, which helped me come out of my haze a bit and pull away so I could calm down.

"S-Sorry." I panted out a bit, feeling my head a little lighter from the lack of oxygen I didn't realize I'd caused myself.

Keigo chuckled in amusement at my dazed state, sliding his hands lower down my back now, before they cheekily settled on my ass.

"Sorry for wanting to bang me? Yeah, definitely don't need to apologize for that one. I wanna bang you, too." He uttered much too casually, causing me to groan now and roll my eyes at his lack of filter.

"How romantic of you." I teased, smiling a bit mischievously as Keigo grabbed two handfuls of my butt and squeezed.

"Yeah, wanna hear something even more romantic? It looks like this medication doesn't work as well as the doctor thought-" He started off cockily, breaking out into a snicker when I lightly hit him in the shoulder.

"Stop being so horny." I mumbled, yet he was quick to turn it around on me this time.

"Says the dirty little dove who was about to have her way with me, two weeks after I got out of a coma." He smirked, cackling when he saw my cheeks heating up now.

"You don't seem too bothered by it."

"I'm not. That's a great way to die."

"How about you just don't die, at all?"

"Fair enough." Keigo laughed, returning his lips to mine gently this time before pulling away with something to say.

It was a surprising change of topic from everything else we've talked about today.

"Um....I, uh....so...well....I kinda have something for you." He uttered out, cocky attitude taking a complete 180 as he suddenly seemed incredibly shy now.

I was taken aback at his fast changing demeanor, quickly becoming curious as I pulled away from his lips completely now.

"You have something? For me? What is it?" I chuckled softly, wondering all the places Keigo could take this conversation.

He could still be joking, and just trying to throw me off guard or something.

But, I quickly ruled out that possibility as he smiled a bit nervously, slowly dropping his gaze down to the sheets before he tried to prepare me.

"Well, it's not much, y'know. I'm not...I'm not all that good at the whole 'giving gifts' thing. Never really done, or even wanted to do it before you. But...yeah, I'd like to try and see how it goes. S'okay if you don't like it. You won't hurt my feelings, or anythin' like that." He reassured with quiet nonchalant, causing me to mentally roll my eyes knowingly.

Oh, it would definitely hurt his feelings if he thought I didn't like it. But, it's not as if I would ever hate anything he got me, anyways.

Regardless, I was very curious to whatever it was Keigo wanted to show me, causing me to nod encouragingly.

"Whatever it is, I will love it. It came from you, after all." I eased honestly, gently caressing his cheek.

He nodded in silent acceptance, letting out a small sigh of nerves before he decided on how he wanted to present it.

"Kay. Close your eyes." He whispered, slowly leaning in for a chaste kiss to distract me so I'd keep them closed.

I went with his instructions, closing my eyes and lazily pressing my lips to his own for however long he wanted to.

My brows raised in curiosity when I felt something light and a bit cold settle around my neck a few moments later, before Keigo slowly pulled away to speak again.

"O...Okay. You can open 'em." He mumbled shyly, causing me to quickly open my eyes and look down at my neck....

...to see a pretty necklace chain clasped around it, with Keigo's tiny last feather hanging from it perfectly.

He made his last feather into a necklace for me.

My mouth fell open a bit as a small gasp of surprise escaped my lips. I carefully touched the feather between my fingers, immediately breaking out into a touched smile as I studied the necklace around my neck.

Keigo remained completely silent as he studied my reactions, originally opting to wait for me to say something first, before his insecurities were quick to make him cave a second later.

"Well? What do you think? Do you like it?" He asked quietly, causing me to immediately look up from the necklace beamingly, and throw my arms around his neck.

"Keigo! I absolutely love it. I love it so much." I whispered emotionally, squeezing him as tight as his fragile body could handle.

He sighed softly in what appeared to be relief, gently hugging me back as he spoke.

"A-Ah, good. I figured...you know, since this little guy's been with you through so much...I wanted you to have 'em." He explained kindly, before I slowly pulled away from his hug to look at the beautiful necklace once more.

"Have him? You mean, you won't be using this feather, anymore?" I asked in slight surprise, before the little object answered my question.

The last feather detached itself from the jewelry chain in half a second, coming up to swirl my nose before quickly reattaching itself back in place on the necklace.

I giggled softly at the feeling, causing Keigo to as well, before any nerves or shyness immediately melted away from his face as happiness replaced it.

"Nah, I'll still use him if I need to. But, when he isn't needed and he just wants rest....this is where he'll be. With you. That's where he wants to be, after all." He whispered, smiling softly as he gently touched the feather around my neck with care.

I grinned happily as placed my hand over his own, leaning in to place a small peck to his lips.

"It's perfect. When in the world did you have time to do this? Did you have the feather go out and buy the chain, itself?" I laughed softly, knowing that Keigo doesn't have the strength to even get out of bed, let alone, go to a store and buy this nice necklace.

He chuckled at my creative imagination, shrugging his shoulders in amused contemplation.

"Heh, that would have actually been pretty efficient. But, I figured your parents would be the better people to ask for help." He explained, causing my brows to raise in more surprise.

"Oh, really? When did you ask them?"

"A few days ago, when you were resting in your own bed. Your dad thought it was a sweet idea and your mom was so touched that she-" Keigo started off before I chimed in knowingly.

"Cried." We stated simultaneously, both of us laughing as we imagined my mother being the emotional person she is.

I shook my head in amusement at the thoughts, unable to focus on them too much as my eyes happily trailed back down to the beautiful feather necklace around my neck.

"Well. It's a beautiful present, Keigo, and very meaningful to me. I won't ever take it off, because of how much I love it. Thank you. Thank you so much." I smiled softly, trailing my eyes back up to his, to see them radiating with happiness at my statement.

"Ah, it's nothin.' B-But....you're welcome, chicky. It looks good on you. Really good. I think...it was always meant to be there." He whispered, pressing a small kiss to my forehead as he looked down at the necklace around my neck with pure and utter content.

And, yet, all I could focus on was Keigo as he said his statement, feeling as though it applied to him, too.

"Yes. You were definitely meant to be here. And I guess you're right when you said that fate isn't all that bad, because it brought this moment. It brought you." I stated softly, drinking in the sight of Keigo's living, breathing soul as he focused on adjusting the necklace neatly around my neck.

But, I know he heard my words from the smile that graced his lips. And he nodded softly in agreement as he met my eyes with his own.

"It's as you said. The world's beautiful, right?" He asked, reveling in my touch as I smoothed his hair back from his eyes.

"Yes. It is." I replied honestly, giving Keigo one more small peck, before pulling him in for a sweet hug.

He returned it immediately, melting his body against my own as he made himself comfortable.

"I love you. So much."

"And, I love you, as well."

And so our love for eachother, combined with our talk of Touya and quirk loss trauma, also combined with our undying thirstiness for each other, ended up wearing Keigo and I out pretty good this time.

Within short minutes, I felt his breathing slow and even out, before his entire body gradually fell to rest in my hold as he was quick to fall asleep.

His exhaustion was contagious as I immediately found myself join him in rest, milliseconds later.

•••••

The only thing to let me know how hard Keigo and I had fallen asleep was the abrupt opening of the door that jolted both of us awake with a startled gasp.

My eyes flew open first, followed by Keigo's groggy bloodshot ones. He instinctively pulled my body into his arms, quickly looking around the room in sleep dazed, frantic confusion as his heart began to wrack out of his chest in residual trauma for the war he had to endure.

"H-Huh?!?? What???! Get away!!!!" He called out in a panic, hugging me to his chest protectively which allowed me to feel his poor heart working over time to keep up with his rush of adrenaline.

Although, both of us quickly relaxed when we heard the voice speak in the, now darkened to night, room.

"It's me! It's just me! Keigo. Ari. Wake up! It's been decided! It's been decided! Wake up, hurry!" Sammy stated a mile a minute, causing me to gently break myself out of Keigo's hold to turn around and face my brother.

Keigo remained quiet in surprised question, clearly knowing what Sammy was talking about, but not wanting to say it.

I, however, couldn't wait.

"What's been decided?" I asked nervously, before Sammy leveled up the tension with a few words.

"The courts! They've decided the verdict on you and Keigo, in your case against the hero commission."

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Next Chapter Title: Newcomer