Top pic credit: Seiren

Ari POV:

As expected, Keigo was gone the next morning.

I knew it the moment my brain even remotely returned to consciousness, as I no longer felt the inviting warmth of his body around mine.

But, that still didn't stop me from running my hand across the empty bed spot anyways, hoping I was wrong and that this entire situation from hell was just a dream.....hoping that Keigo and I were merely in the apartment he bought for us, sleeping in on this lazy Sunday.

Of course, I was wrong. His spot on the bed had long gone cold and his warmth, gone with him. And I was alone again, the same exact way I knew I would be when I asked him to stay with me last night.

It's expected. But, still disappointing.

Ah, that's nothing new though, when it comes to him.

I felt my eyes immediately fly open as I suddenly became awake by my own thoughts, not expecting my mind to think something so invasive first thing in the morning.

Just, chill, Ari. You're just still a little tired.

Yeah. I am tired.

Groaning in annoyance with my negative thoughts, I quickly pushed them away as I gave my arms a big stretch over my head.

The morning light was streaming in through the curtains, and if the circumstances were different, I might be able to actually realize and enjoy the pretty scenery of this place. After all, the PLF mansion was right in the heart of a forest.

But, alas, the circumstances are not different. And I haven't been seen since my fight with Geten, which means I'll have to make my presence known, sooner or later.

That means now.

I was grateful that my muscles ached just a bit less than they did yesterday, as I slowly sat up in the bed.

Looking over at the night table next to the bed, I noticed two small pills with a full glass of water and a note resting on the little desk.

"Pain pills. Take them this morning." The note said, easily decipherable to me as Keigo's writing.

Short and straight to the point. Just like I expected.

Wordlessly taking the pills in my mouth, I quickly washed them down with the glass of water, before forcing my body to get out of the bed.

I trudged my way over to the overnight bag I packed for this stupid, little trip....and after starting to go through the contents I'd put in here, I couldn't help but laugh a little at the ridiculous array of random clothes I'd shoved inside, realizing I'd been too distracted and on edge with Dabi's presence in my dorm room at the time to really pack anything useful.

All I've got in here are a pair of swimsuit bottoms. A jacket I haven't worn in ages. One of my uniform ties. A pair of pajama pants. And a single sock. Can't really do much with that.

Playing it safe, and just because it brought me a little comfort of where I actually belong, I decided to wear my hero suit....definitely feeling a little more thankful for it today, after the shitty attire Re-Destro forced me to wear yesterday.

Quickly stripping my clothes to change, I now noticed the fresh, perfectly wrapped bandages that adorned my body, realizing that Keigo must have changed them for me once more, before he left.

And that, alone, made me smile. Because, even though I'm tired, he still always manages to find a way to give me a breath of fresh air.

See, Ari? It's not so bad.

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

I took a calming, deep breath as I walked down the hallway, by myself. I wasn't sure if Re-Destro would send another guard to 'escort' me anywhere I wanted to go, but I didn't wanna wait around and find out.

This mansion was huge, and I didn't know where I was going...

Heh, well....at least, that's what I'm planning to tell someone in case I get caught snooping.

I haven't been here long, but I've been paying extra attention to my surroundings and the things I pass by, enough to know the meeting room Re-Destro would want me to meet him in when I woke up.

And, despite that ridiculous quirk demonstration....which I'm starting to think was some kind of initiation into this place, I told myself that I'd make the best of my situation while I'm forced to be here.

That means, spying. Snooping around and trying to find information that can be useful to Endeavor, Keigo, and I for this upcoming war.

Something. Anything. When Keigo coded the message in the MLA book to Endeavor, he said that the war is four months from now. That's a lot closer than it seems, which is why the three of us will each have to take some risks of our own to get the job done in time.

And this is my risk-well....one of them, anyways. Who knows what other risks the future may hold for me.....

Luckily, the hallways were pretty empty right now, as I'm sure that no one, except the superiors and commanders, were on this thirteenth floor of the building. Everyone was probably on the ground level, eating breakfast or training their quirks.

That's right. I'd managed to figure out that Re-Destro and the others meet on the thirteenth floor to discuss their plans. At least, that's what I assume, since that's where we had dinner the other night. Everyone else ate in the dining hall on the ground floor. But, the important people-Re-Destro, his crew, the league members, and Keigo, were eating on the thirteenth floor. Which means there might be more going on up here.

I reached the end of the hallway, having the opportunity to either turn right or left. Turning right would lead me in the direction I'm supposed to go, in order to get downstairs, while turning left would lead me to the unauthorized parts of the mansion that I know I'm not allowed to be in.

Heh, as if I even need to think about that choice.

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I quickly made a left turn, feeling the intensity in my body immediately level up as things instantly became more dangerous.

My previously lazy footsteps had now become extremely light and cautious, as I carefully treaded down the dully lit hallway-a major contrast to the brightly lit hallway I'd been walking in before.

Seeing a turn coming up, I carefully pressed my body up against one of the walls, barely peeking my head around the corner to see if anyone was there.

The hallway is empty. Coast is clear.

I bit down on my lip nervously as I treaded even deeper into villain territory, swiftly making the lethal turn down the eerie hallway.

Come on. Something. A room. An object. A person. I just need something I can get information on.

I know it's here. It's gotta be.

Furrowing my brows together in focus, I forced myself to press on....feeling a sick knot forming in the pit of my stomach, the further I moved along.

If the wrong person catches me here, and I can't give them a convincing reason as to why I'm lurking around this part of the mansion....I'll die.

But, it doesn't matter, because there's no time. Every single moment of these next four months counts. And I need to do my part in any way I can to get information for the heroes.

And, after hearing a very soft sound echoing in the hallway a few moments later, there was no way I'd even think about turning back now.

Voices. That's the sound of voices.

I immediately stopped in my tracks upon hearing the sound of someone speaking, closing my eyes in focus to try and determine what direction the sound was coming from.

The sound is coming from my right. And judging by the way this voice is coming out slightly muffled, it sounds as if it's coming from a room.

Slow and soft as ever, I continued my trek....walking so lightly, you'd think I was standing on a weak bed of ice.

My heart beat began picking up in nerves as the sound of the voice grew closer and more clear, the more I pressed on....and a few, excruciatingly slow minutes later, I was able to make out that the voice who was speaking belonged to....

Re-Destro.

I held in a gasp at the new revelation, biting down on my lip to keep myself quiet.

Needing to get closer so I could actually understand what he was saying, I cautiously turned the next corner, raising my brows in shock as I finally noticed a lone door at the end of the hallway.

And that room is where Re-Destro's voice is coming from.

I knew it! I knew I'd find something good if I came down here.

Hesitating to get any closer, I practically strained my eardrums to try and get a listen to what Re-Destro was saying behind the closed door....

But, it was no use. I needed to get closer.

"Fucking hell, guess I'll just die then." I muttered out in anxious annoyance, starting to mentally plan my own funeral as I had no other choice but to blatantly walk closer to the door.

I held in my breath as I was now dangerously close to this door, so close, you'd think I'm just trying to test fate at this point.

And I guess that's exactly what I'm doing. Because, now, I can hear perfectly.

I heard the sound of multiple voices inside the room, recognizing Skeptic, Twice, Toga, and a few others.....

"Yes! That's great. Wonderful. But, how are we doing on his progress?" Re-Destro asked cheerfully, making me furrow my brows in full focus as I realized I might actually hear something useful.

Whose progress? What progress.

"Ah, from what I hear, he's doing great! Still on track to be finished with his power up in four months. I think we're still good to get the party started then, right?!" Twice exclaimed, causing me to press my ear up against the wall now as I desperately tried to hear the conversation as clearly as possible.

Who the hell are they talking about? Power up? Someone's getting a power up for their quirk, and they're planning to catch the heroes by surprise with it?!

I grit my teeth in growing nerves, eagerly awaiting for someone else to speak. And fast. I couldn't stand here forever. There's nowhere to hide, and I've literally got my ear pressed up against the fucking door like a damn obvious spy.

"I'm drawing up a supplies list of anything that needs to be refilled or reinforced. Does the boy's power-up treatment at the hospital need any extra resources?" Skeptic grumbled out.

Boy. Hospital. Treatment.

That sentence right there, from Skeptic, just gave me an abundance of information that I'll be able to take back to Endeavor.

Mental notes: someone here is undergoing-with the perpetrators being narrowed down to a young male, a treatment at a hospital to make themselves stronger.

And for my sake....for the heroes' sakes.....I really hope it isn't anyone who's too strong.

Wiping the drip of nervous sweat away from my face, I had an internal struggle with myself about whether or not I should leave this area now.

.......ugh, no. Not yet. I need to see if I can get a little more detail.

Rolling my eyes in irritation with myself, I forced my feet to stay grounded in place....listening for any other useful information that might be said.

These guys are majorly dangerous and deadly, so I'm sure I'll hear something-

"Oh, oh, ohhh!! You're making a supplies list?! Can you get more of those little cookies at the store?!" Toga exclaimed excitedly, letting out a giggle.

Okay, nope. Not important.

"It's not that kind of supplies shopping, and anyways I just went to the grocery store a few days ago. There's plenty of things you can eat here." Skeptic nagged, making my lips tighten up in impatience as they began getting off track with the important stuff.

And seriously, what grocery store is he even shopping at?

"Hey, Toga, that's a great idea!! Buddy, while you're out, can you also pick up some hot pot from that restaurant on ninth avenue? Mmm, doesn't that sound delicious!!! Yeah, my throat's a little sore and I could use the soup!" Twice pouted out, snapping his fingers repeatedly with anticipation.

Come on, guys. I'm trying to spy on you. So, hurry up and say something useful, will ya?

"You league of whatevers better learn how to clean out your damn ears!! I said, I ain't stopping anywhere!! We have food at home. You can eat that!" Skeptic barked out angrily, causing me to literally face palm as I quickly looked around the hallway I was standing in to make sure the coast was still clear.

Damn it. You know what? Just forget it. I can't stay here any longer. It's too risky.

Whatever, I got something big about this upcoming war, so that will have to be enough-

"Hey, pal!! I bet you'd like to know that before the Shig-ster went into that hospital for his power-up treatment, he absolutely adored that hot pot! So I say, it's relevant in that way, and we should eat some in honor of him. Right, Toga!? Back me up!!" Twice exclaimed, causing my heart to jump up my throat at the unexpected info I've just gained.

The 'Shig-ster,' Twice said.

The Shig-ster is the one, who's undergoing the power-up treatment at the hospital.

Shig-ster....

Shig.

Shigaraki.

Tomura Shigaraki.

That's it. Tomura Shigaraki is the one who's getting the power up at the hospital.

And god damn it, I wish he wasn't, because his quirk is strong as hell. Fuck.

We're in more trouble than I thought.

Now, the only question left is...what hospital is he at? There's countless ones out in Japan, and who's to say he's even in Japan? But if we do figure out where he is, maybe Endeavor can form a team and raid the hospital before Shigaraki's finished his treatment-

My thoughts were rudely interrupted when I felt someone's hand abruptly slap over my mouth from behind, before harshly yanking me backwards by my arm to get me away from the door.

Shit. I've been caught. I'm toast.

My blood went cold. My heart stopped. And it took everything inside of me to not scream at the sudden intrusive scare this person gave me as they dragged me further away from the door with an extremely rough force.

Who is it? Who is it??

The person is behind me, so I can't see. And on top of that, my body had apparently gone into some sort of fear induced shock upon getting caught in the first place, meaning my senses and instinct to use my quirk had seized up in my brain.

The door I'd been listening behind quickly went out of sight as this person dragged me around the corner, immediately slamming me against the wall hard enough to knock the wind out of me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" The familiar voice seethed out to me, gripping onto my arm tightly as they kept their hand on my mouth.

I simply stared at them in wide-eyed shock, trying to get myself together as best I could for this sudden change of events-

"Answer me. Now. Unless you want me to burn off that pretty mouth of yours." Dabi threatened me lowly, the genuine anger in his voice immediately sending a shiver down my spine.

Oh fuck. He's mad. Actually mad.

Well, it was nice knowing ya.

Not giving me the chance to answer, Dabi's stitched hand squeezed harder around my face, causing my eyes to shut tightly in pain, before I felt his other hand quickly heat up around my arm.

My eyes widened out of my sockets as Dabi began searing my arm, causing me to let out a muffled scream as I gripped onto his shoulder tightly, before clawing it in pain.

But, that didn't matter to Dabi as he simply dug my spine rougher into the wall, boring his cerulean eyes into me as he focused on my face of pure and utter pain.

And I'll tell you what, I've always been scared of Dabi. Yet, for as long as I can remember, I've been able to mask my fear for him with a feisty attitude...always insulting him and smirking smugly.

But, right now? I couldn't even find it in myself to do that, because for the first time in my life...I was completely terrified of him. And I'm frozen in fear.

"Stop!!! Ow!! Dabi, please!!! Stop!!!!" I screamed out in agony as he seared a portion of my arm, trying to fight through my blinders of terror and pain so I could use my quirk on him.

"Why, huh? Why should I stop? You didn't stop lurking next to that door and listening to people's conversations. So, why should I stop doing this?" Dabi questioned mockingly, hand starting to smoke more as he raised the temperature of his heat.

I felt my mind starting to blur with overwhelming anxiety as Dabi burned my arm. My heart was pounding out of my chest. Sweat was forming on my face. And I could feel blinding flashes of white occasionally starting to cloud my vision as I began losing a handle on my surroundings.

So....yeah, apparently I'm really fucking scared right now.

But, I need to get a grip on myself and calm down, because my life and the lives of millions of others depend on how well I handle this situation.

Come on, Ari. Fight through it. Pull yourself together.

Keigo's not here to save you this time. It's up to you. You can take care of yourself. So, do it. Prove it, right now.

Yes, Dabi's burning my arm. And squeezing my face with a brain squishing force that's preventing a proper amount of oxygen from reaching my head.

Yes, I've just been caught spying and the most logical thing that will happen next is that he burns me alive and kills me. Or worse, hands me over to Re-Destro, so he can kill me, instead.

But, at times like these....I need to remember my hero commission training, in order to stay grounded. I need to fight through the crisis, stop acting like a scared, little girl and start acting more like a hero.

I grit my teeth so hard, I could feel the ache of my jaw as I forced my heart rate to slow down...ignoring the mind blowing pain of Dabi burning my arm....ignoring the way I couldn't breathe. Ignoring my fear, so I could focus on myself.

Feeling the fear debilitating fog starting to clear from my head, I finally found the strength to activate my quirk on Dabi, quickly putting a stop to his heat and aggression.

He inhaled sharply upon no longer being able to move, cursing under his breath as I roughly shoved him off me to cough for some air.

Because he couldn't move his limbs, Dabi's head smacked back into the wall before he crashed to the ground face first.

I slid down the wall as I tried to get my breath back, collapsing against it while Dabi remained motionless next to me.

Tense silence consumed the air space, with the only sounds coming from me choking and coughing to get my breath back.

Of course, Dabi couldn't stay silent for long. Even though he couldn't move, he could still breath....and talk, unfortunately.

"Well, this is fun. So, I'm curious, what do you plan on doing when your quirk wears off, huh? You and I both know it doesn't last forever." He pointed out bitterly, voice lacking that usual malicious tease as it held nothing but empty anger, instead.

I bit down on my lip in silent pain, gripping my burnt arm in agony as it still had remnants of smoke coming off it.

"Maybe I'll just kill you." I growled out in fury, extending my leg out to harshly kick him in the stomach and shut him up.

Hearing Dabi wheeze in pain from my action definitely gave me some sense of satisfaction, amidst the chaos of this situation. It even helped me calm down a little more, as I convinced myself to remember that the guy isn't as strong as he pretends to be.

"Well, you might be better off that way, considering that once I'm able to move again, I'm gonna tell everyone in there that you were spying on them-"

"I wasn't spying! I got lost and couldn't find my way back! This mansion is huge, you know. I've only been here for a night. How the hell am I supposed to know where I'm going?" I spat out in defense, deciding to throw the lie out there and see if it sticks.

I mean, he already caught me. It literally can't get any worse than this, so now's the time to try and make it better, however I can.

Dabi's serious mood of anger seemed to turn to amusement now, as he let out a genuine chuckle of disbelief, only able to turn his eyes towards me as his body was still stuck.

"Oh yeah? Is that the excuse we're going with now?" He laughed, watching me grip my arm in pain from the force of his burn.

Did he just say the excuse we're going with?-

"And I didn't burn you hot enough to leave a scar. The skin'll be sensitive for a few weeks and flake, but noting more than that. I was just trying to make sure you were scared. Show you the consequences of what happens if you slip-up here. After all, there are some real psychos at this place. Wouldn't wanna get caught...being lost by the wrong person." He pointed out casually, his angry attitude taking a complete 180 degree turn into something unbothered and uncaring.

It's like the anger thing was all an act.

Realizing my quirk effects on him were going to start running out soon, I quickly spoke up in an attempt to figure out where Dabi and I stood on this whole thing.

"What the hell are you saying? Either get to the point, or stop talking forever." I spat out quickly, mentally counting down the seconds in my head until Dabi could move again.

"I'm not saying anything. Frankly, I couldn't give two fucks as to whatever the hell you were doing back here, when you're not supposed to be. It's like I said earlier, I just wanted to give you a scare." He muttered boredly, letting out a tired yawn as all he could do was stare at the ceiling.

I didn't believe him. Not in the slightest. We both know my lie about getting lost was bullshit. I'm sure he saw my ear pressed up against the door, blatantly trying to spy on his comrades. Right?

He's fucking with me. I know it. The moment he gets his chance, he'll tell Re-Destro and the others, and I'll end up-

"What in the world is going on out here?" That familiar sleazy voice suddenly said from behind Dabi and I, causing me to whip my head around and see my worst nightmare.

Oh shit.

Speak of the devil.

Well, like I said before...it was nice knowing ya!

Standing behind Dabi and I were Re-Destro, Skeptic, Twice, Toga....and that liberation bitch who keeps trying to hit on Keigo all the time. Ugh.

But, the point is, I've been caught on the ground, with a bleeding Dabi lying next to me, clearly using my quirk to restrain him from fighting back.

And if I didn't look like a traitor before....

"I-I-he fell!" I blurted out unbelievably, feeling my heart starting to race in more anxiety as I quickly scrambled to my feet.

"See!!! I knew it! I knew it! I told you there was something off about this girl, Re-Destro!! Look, she's just been caught trying to assassinate one of our nine commanders, Dabi. She's a spy!" Skeptic accused angrily, causing my jaw to hit the floor as I've pretty much been exposed in seconds.

Sure, not the whole story. But, it's not like the whole story is much better.

"Ehhhh, you see, that's not quite how it happened-" I shrugged in backtrack, about to make up a lie as I went along, before Re-Destro's authoritative voice cut me off.

"Ari." He simply stated, voice blank, empty, and dark enough to make me mentally say my goodbyes to everyone I love.

That's some scary shit. Scarier than Dabi's anger.

Not uttering a word this time, I simply stared at Re-Destro calmly, giving him my best unreadable poker face, as he bore his eyes into my own.

Clearly, he's trying to make me crack. And believe me, I already have on the inside.

But, not yet on the outside. I need to hold out for a little longer. I can do this.

"Is that true? Were you trying to take out Dabi, behind our backs?" He questioned calmly, yet the tone of his voice conveyed to me that he already had a preconceived answer in his mind, and that asking the question was merely a strategy to prolong my stress.

I took a silent, calming breath as I tried to keep my wits, about to attempt to bullshit my way out of this, however I could.

That is, until someone else spoke up first.

"Are you really that much of an idiot?" Dabi stated from behind me, groggily shuffling to his feet now as my quirk effects had obviously worn off.

I felt my heart jump up my throat as it was time for the truth, knowing that Dabi was about to expose me for spying on the PLF-

"She got lost and I was helping her find the way back. Only, I snuck up on her and scared her, so the moron used her quirk on instinct. Don't make it a bigger deal than it needs to be." He scoffed in irritation, crossing his arms as he broodily leaned back against the wall.

I couldn't stop my brows from subtly raising in surprise at Dabi's statement, realizing that he actually stayed true to his word, and didn't rat me out.

He easily could have. But, he didn't.

Even though he caught me eavesdropping on the leader of an army that he's a commander for....he didn't expose me.

Why?

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that I'll be able to live to see another day. I didn't feel like dying, so it's cool that I'm still alive.

But, if Dabi was truly aware that I came to this part of the mansion to spy on his comrades, then he can piece together that I might hear something that will be detrimental to their cause.

And wouldn't that...bother him?

Does it? Cause it sure doesn't seem that way. It seems like Dabi truly couldn't care less about what I was doing back here.

Does he care about his comrades?

What are Dabi's true intentions?

I know I've asked that question before, in my head. But, I have to keep asking it because I haven't found the answer, yet....meaning, I haven't been able to figure out Dabi, as a person. He's hard to read. He keeps me on my toes. And there's not many people in this world who can do that. The only other two people who can are...

Diane and Keigo.

Dabi. Diane. Keigo.

I feel pulled in each of their directions. And sometimes, I don't really know what direction I'm going in.

But, for right now....I have no choice but to go in Dabi's.

Clearing my throat softly, I quickly forced a smile on my face...letting out a small, carefree chuckle to lighten the mood.

"Yeah! Duh! Of course, I got lost. I've only been here for a day, after all. Please, cut me some slack. It won't happen again." I smiled sheepishly, trying to act as doe-eyed and respectful as possible to butter up these fuckers.

Re-Destro's eyes remained unreadable as he looked at me with a forced smile.

Quite frankly, I think this guy's full of shit, any way you spin it. He seems so fake. Even here, with this whole Paranormal Liberation Front stuff. What are his true intentions? Cause he sure as fuck doesn't seem trustworthy.

Ah, not that I'm trying to help the league of villains out, or anything like that.

But, regardless, the tension in the room was only growing, the longer this silence continued, making me feel another cold sweat coming on as I prepared for a damn fake smiling match with this pointy nosed fuck.

That is, until a new voice chirped up behind our group.

"Hiya! Sorry, I'm late! Had to go on a quick coffee run." Keigo chuckled as he firmly inserted his way into our circle of people, crowded in this tiny hallway. He had two cups of coffee in his hands.

His perceptive, studious, half lidded eyes began closely surveying the people of the group with a fake laziness. However, his infiltration focus was immediately torn in two when he caught sight of me, looking in my direction with an empty, blank panic.

"Hawks? I don't remember inviting you to this meeting." Re-Destro stated in confusion, causing everyone in the group to turn their eyes on him now.

Trying to recover from his initial shock of seeing me in this unauthorized part of the mansion, Keigo gave his eyes a few quick blinks...desperately trying his best to forget about me and regain his focus.

"Uh-yeah-no. Yeah! You didn't invite me to this meeting. Wasn't even aware that there was one! But, I didn't come for that." Hawks smirked to the crew confidently, mechanically strutting over to a particular person in the group.

Keigo's lingering eyes slowly locked back on me for a moment, flashing me a small hint of guilted apology.

I had no idea why.

That is, until I did.

Stopping his tracks in front of the liberation groupie....who's name or rank I have yet to even learn....Keigo handed one of the coffee cups to her, before easily sliding an arm around her shoulders.

You know what? We'll just keep calling her a groupie, until she proves otherwise.

"Had to stop and get this cutie pie a coffee, is all! Here you go, doll face. Just the way you like it. One sugar and a splash of almond milk. Am I right? Or am I right?" Hawks chuckled cockily, giving her a cheeky, insincere wink.

The groupie laughed softly, face turning red as a tomato as she snuggled deeper under Keigo's arm.

"Oh-ho! That's rich." Dabi cackled out from behind me, clearly finding this whole thing incredibly entertaining since he knows about the serious history that Keigo and I share.

"That's right, Hawks! You remembered." She smiled shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she began getting more flustered.

Oh. Hell no.

Avoiding my eyes, Keigo kept his attention on the groupie, knowing he was being watched closely by the rest of the crew.

"'Course I remembered! How could I forget-hey, maybe you and I could take a walk, in a bit, too. Y'know, just chat about how our day has been, and all." Keigo smiled fakely, subtly turning his eyes on Re-Destro for no longer than half a second before back on the groupie.

Yeah. I get it, okay. I'm not that dumb. I know Keigo's just trying to butter this girl up and charm her into telling him information on the PLF.

Trust me. He damn well knew there was a meeting today. And that 'walk' he wants to take with this girl is supposed to be his opportunity to get the information out of her.

I know. I understand it's part of his job. Blah, blah, blah.

I understand everything. It's always me having to understand.

But, that doesn't mean I'm not still hurt, seeing him flirting with some girl. It doesn't mean this entire situation isn't starting to get completely exhausting-

"Wow! What a charmer this one is with the ladies!" Re-Destro chuckled jovially, gesturing to Keigo and the groupie with a smile.

The rest of the crowd, except for me, Dabi, and Skeptic, let out a small laugh before Hawks quickly spoke back up to get some information of his own.

"Exactly! That's me. Love the ladies-so, anyways, it seems like Ari's moving up in the ranks faster than I am, if she was invited to this meeting. Looks like I'll have to start doing an extra load of dishes in the kitchen to win you guys over, huh." Hawks joked as he kept his arm around the groupie, clearly trying to secretly ask what the hell I was doing here with all of the commanders of the PLF.

And he's definitely not gonna like the answer.

"Oh, Ari wasn't in the meeting. She got lost on her way to the dining hall and accidentally ended up back here." Re-Destro stated casually, saying the statement now as if he actually believed it.

That gave me a little relief, I'll admit.

But, relief definitely wasn't something that existed for Keigo once he heard Re-Destro's words, stiffly turning his head towards me in knowing answer.

His golden eyes went dark with frustration for me, jaw clenched tight as he tried to keep his cool.

"Oh, really now?" He practically seethed, masking his tone of irritation with a small clear of his throat at the end.

Clearly, just by Re-Destro's answer, Keigo knows that I didn't end up back here, because I got lost. He's probably mad that I put myself in danger to come and snoop around.

But, since when did the rules say that he was the only person who could help?

Turning my lips up into an empty smile, I met eyes with Keigo, before subtly turning my attention to his arm around the groupie.

His body immediately tensed up uncomfortably when he saw where my attention went, shuffling nervously on his feet before he quickly removed his arm.

"Yep. Really." I stated coldly, giving him a distant look before quickly taking my eyes off him.

I felt Keigo's gaze linger on me, as I'm sure he noticed my off demeanor. But, I didn't look back at him.

Instead, I felt someone's arm snake around me now, feeling vomit creep up my throat as I knew exactly who it was.

"Yeah, Ari got lost. But, I was in the middle of...helping her find her way. Right, Princess?" Dabi asked mockingly, locking eyes with Keigo before pulling me flush against his body.

Keigo's fake smile immediately faltered at the sight, clearly waiting for me to push Dabi away.

And while I wanted to for my own comfortability, Re-Destro was looking right at me, clearly trying to see how I would respond to Dabi.

After getting caught in the hallway, there's not much I can do to get out of this one.

Forcing out a fake chuckle, I mechanically wrapped my arms around Dabi's shoulders...feeling him immediately pick up on my touch and wrap both of his arms fully around my waist.

Keigo's wings gave an involuntary, jealous, much too powerful flap a second later, causing me to become deflated as I'm sure he was mad about this whole thing.

Oh yeah, and like I'm not mad about the girl he's hugging and buying coffee for? Don't be so hypocritical, Keigo. Clearly, neither of us enjoy this.

I felt Dabi's foreign scent hit my nostrils at our close vicinity, hating the way he was using his thumbs to rub soft circles on the small of my back. Clearly, he was milking this moment for all its worth.

Meanwhile, I'm going to try and end it as quickly as I can.

"Yes, Dabi. You were most definitely helping me find the way back-and you know what? I'd like to continue that journey, back to the dining hall, seeing as I'm totally starved. Re-Destro and the rest of you MLA guys, Hawks, groupie, it's been an absolute pleasure." I smiled dismissively, about to pull away from Dabi's arms before Re-Destro quickly spoke up.

"Woah, now! Hold on a second, Ari. Not so fast. I'm actually glad you're here. I wanted to talk to you, anyways. So, why not now, right?" He chuckled out, causing Keigo's wings to give a slight flutter of anxiety from the corner of my eye.

Feeling Dabi pull me back into his arms, I held in a groan and forced a smile, impatiently waiting for Re-Destro to say whatever the hell he was gonna say.

"I just wanted to say how impressed I was with your fight with Geten. You know, I'll admit, I was a little unsure of your abilities in the beginning....but, you really ended up proving yourself. So, well done." He started off, giving me a slight nod of approval for my quirk demonstration.

I swallowed thickly at the words of 'kindness' wondering what ulterior motives could possibly be lying behind them.

"Thank you. So, does this mean I'm officially a member of the Paranormal Liberation Front?" I asked with fake excitement, hoping the answer would be hell no.

Re-Destro's moment of hesitation actually gave me hope that he wasn't planning to accept me. That is, until he only ended up piling more anxiety on my plate.

"Maybe! You still have one more day, here at the mansion, before you're set to return to school. Let's see how the rest of the time goes, yeah? Although, I'll tell you this....because you did so well, during your fight with Geten, how would you like to attend our little gathering tonight? You know, get to know everyone a little better?" He asked politely, causing my brows to furrow in question.

I didn't like where this was going.

"Gathering?-" I started saying, before Twice interrupted with excitement.

"Oooo, Ari! He's talking about the party!! The celebration we're throwing for the new members! After all, we are getting hundreds by the day. We should at least make them feel welcome, right? You should come along and meet everyone!! Mingle! Have some good food!" He exclaimed innocently, causing Keigo and I to both tense up at the same thing.

Did Twice just say HUNDREDS of members EACH DAY-

"That's exactly it, Twice! You see, Ari, this little party is nothing more than a fun event we're throwing for our supporters. It's very pro liberation. Plus, this mansion's huge. We should put it to proper use, every once in a while. Right? So, what do you say. Will you join us?" Re-Destro asked, eyes narrowing at me studiously.

Shit. Socialization.

And villain socialization on top of that.

Damn it, I don't want to go. But....I bet that party would be a good chance to gather some intel on the war-

"Ah, but, Ari's just a student, though! Don'tcha think it's better if she just heads to bed early instead?" Keigo spoke up confidently, thankfully having created a fair distance from his groupie now.

Wish I could say the same about Dabi, who's still got me locked in his damn arms-

"Nah. I disagree, pigeon shit. Ari's a big girl. She can take care of herself..." Dabi started off maliciously, before purposely turning his face towards mine to continue speaking.

I kept facing forward towards Re-Destro and the others, ignoring Keigo's glare of pure death at Dabi as I felt the stitched man's breath hit my face.

"C'mon. You wanna have fun with us. Right, doll?" Dabi questioned innocently, already knowing full well that I did not wanna have fun with anyone.

But, of course, the man knew how to play his cards. He said it in front of the group, no less, the leader of the group...giving me absolutely no room to refuse, as he irritatedly had me wrapped around his finger.

I subtly turned my gaze on Keigo, seeing that his eyes were already locked on Dabi and I....watching with silent, lethal fury at the way his burnt hands clung dangerously low on my hips.

Groaning internally, I quickly tore my eyes away from Keigo, giving Re-Destro my full attention as I kept a smile on my face.

"I would love to attend the party. Sounds like fun." I stated absentmindedly, immediately feeling a knot of dread forming in the pit of my stomach.

And I don't know why.

Regardless, Re-Destro nodded his head in agreement, seeming satisfied enough now that I had accepted his damn offer.

"Excellent, Ari. We look forward to having you. It will be a fun night." He reassured, before I felt Dabi give my back a gentle pat with his hands.

Keigo's hands immediately went to his hair, combing through it in a wild way that made it seem like he was about to pretty much pull it out, instead of run his fingers through it.

"Sounds like a date, then." Dabi teased, meeting Keigo's eyes with feral challenge as he held me in his arms.

A date? Psh, yeah. A date from hell, maybe.

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Next Chapter Title: Tired.