Top pic credit: unknown. Tell me if you know

Authors Note:

From here on out, there will be more manga spoilers sprinkled throughout this story. Just a reminder that things in Angel of the Sky might play out differently than they did in the manga, because Ari is meant to make an impact on Keigo's character and his decisions. So, if something looks different, it probably is :) Enjoy❤️

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Keigo POV:

"Dabi. Good to hear from you again, old friend. What's new?" I blurted out into my phone, immediately regretting the awkward, unfamiliar way my voice came out.

Ari and I both let out a silent cringe upon hearing my tone, clearly already thinking the same thing.

My voice had been soft and quiet. There was no usual wittiness or charm. No exaggerated confidence that should immediately be laced with bad intentions and half truths. No need or desire to engage in this game with him any longer.

It was Keigo who spoke to Dabi just now. Not Hawks.

I'm just tired of this, man.

I put my phone on speaker, rubbing my face with my hands as I heard Dabi's stupid, malicious chuckle come through the phone. It was a laugh that made me fully aware that he was still very much engaged in being 'Dabi.' Still very much keeping up his guard and his ruthless act-and clearly already doing a better job than I am.

"Good to hear from me, huh? Is that so? Cause you don't sound too excited to hear me. No....if anything.....I've been on the phone with you for less than thirty seconds, and I can tell you're already sounding a little bit....off, bird. Any reason why? Kinda hurts my feelings. Thought you'd be ecstatic to have a talk." He stated maliciously, hinting to me that he knows more than he lets on. The same way he always does.

How does he do it?

Isn't he tired of this, too?

How can he keep up with this all the time?

It just makes me wonder...

If Hawks is the alter ego of Keigo Takami....then, what is the true identity that hides behind Dabi?

Is there one? Or is this how he truly is all the time? Has he always been this way? Or did he have a 'Diane' in his life who did succeed in erasing his true self...leaving only the shell of a man, known as Dabi, from the ashes?

This is something I would have never thought about before. So, why am I thinking of this now? Why is my conscience trying to find some type of...sympathy...for him? That's not what Hawks does. That's not what I've been raised to believe.

No. Hawks has always been told that villains are scum, no matter what. That they deserve everything I'm supposed to do to them.

But....

I don't want to be Hawks, anymore. So, maybe I should have sympathy...

Do I, as Keigo, want to give him sympathy?

I'm so confused.

Anyways, I can't be Keigo right now. I need to be Hawks.

And in the mind of Hawks, Dabi's nothing more than a villain who will be stopped by my hand. I shouldn't be concerned with anything else. Right?

Right...?

The fact that Dabi even has me questioning this is something incredible to me. Sure, I can hate the guy all I want. I do.

But...

There's always been a part of me that's also intrigued by him. Intimidated by him, even if I'm forced to never think too much about that. Dabi is one of the very few people in this world who is able to keep me on my toes.

The only other two people who can do such a thing are Ari and Diane, two people tied to my past and present with the hero commission.

That's why there's always been something about Dabi that's made me uneasy. He always manages to legitimately surprise me. Catch me off guard. Make me lose my temper, and get under my skin without appearing to even be trying.

He brings out parts of myself that I didn't even know were there. And they aren't good parts, like the ones Ari helps me discover.

No.

They're bad pieces of myself. Reminders of everything I'm trying to get away from.

Ari shows me who I want to be, and Dabi shows me who I am.

His tactics are similar to ones I learned and used in my own training, but it almost seems as if Dabi....is better at using these mind games, than I am.

And that's even more prominent, the more confused I become about the blurred line that is Hawks and Keigo.

For example, here I am....thinking about the man behind Dabi and whether this broken person has any morality left inside of him, while Dabi is no doubt one step ahead...already thinking about how he plans to murder me and burn me alive.

Every time I think I'm starting to find out who I truly am and who I want to be, I get pulled in the opposite direction by someone, and dragged back to the starting line of my morally grey conscience.

Diane. Dabi. Ari.

The three people in my life who each have a hand on me, with none of them refusing to let go of me....none of them refusing to give up the fight that brings me closer to them. They are the three people who continue to fight inside my head and drag me towards their side.

But, who am I?

I am Keigo.

But, I guess what I'm really wondering is....

What is it that makes up Keigo?

Well, I don't know. Because all I've known for sixteen years is Hawks.

Does that mean that Hawks is what makes up Keigo?

I am so confused.

Who the fuck am I?

What are you gonna do, Keigo? What are you gonna do?-

"Keigo? Did you hear me? I said, what are you gonna do?" Ari whispered, the sudden wave of reality hitting me like a ton of bricks.

I gasped in surprise as I remembered where I was, jumping slightly as I shot myself out of the inner demons that constantly tug around inside my mind.

I was so out of it, I didn't even realize Ari had now covered herself by wearing one of my shirts. She had also covered my naked body with the sheets, and a pair of boxers I packed in my overnight bag was now lying on the bed next to me.

For that, I was grateful. I didn't really want to talk to Dabi on the phone, while I was naked. It's just weird, man.

Trying to un-fog my mind from the dazed life crisis I just had, I quickly shrugged the clothing on, before turning my attention back to my phone. I noticed about thirty seconds have passed since Dabi had spoken a word.

What? Why hadn't he spoken again? He hates when I keep him waiting.

Fuck.

I'm drawing a blank right now.

I don't know what to do. What's wrong with me? Why can't I think like Hawks!!? It's always been something so natural for me to do, and now suddenly, I just can't?! How is that possible!!?

Help. Someone help me, and tell me what to do-

"Keigo." Ari whispered again, before I saw her crouch in front of my sitting position on the bed. I felt her soft hands gently lay rest atop my knees.

My blank eyes trailed over to her, immediately feeling a sense of comfort as I did so.

Ari.

As soon as I looked at her, I felt my worries starting to melt away.

Okay. I'm okay. I can do this. Everything's alright. I'm Keigo. Yeah. That's who I am. There's no need to start overthinking things that don't matter. Hawks is just someone that the hero commission created. Of course, he's not someone who makes up my self identity.

There goes Ari, pulling me towards her-

"As you know, Hawks....patience isn't a virtue in my eyes, yet here I am, giving you three fucking years to move your mouth and say something. Heh, and people say villains aren't generous. But, I'm telling you now....if you don't answer me within the next ten fucking seconds, I'll make sure you never answer anyone else ever again." Dabi seethed out lowly, his tone of voice causing my jaw to immediately tense in stress as I felt myself becoming angry again.

There goes Dabi, pulling me towards him.

What does he want? He's a villain. But, not a dumb one. The fact that Dabi is having this much patience with my lack of response can only mean that he wants something from me. I bet he wants something big from me this time, because that's how he is. He waited an entire month to contact me for that reason, I bet. Manipulative. Smart. He's beating me at my own game, and if he wins....the heroes, and the entirety of Japan, loses. I can't let that happen. This isn't about me. I need to get back in this, whether I want to or not. Come on. No one likes a timid boy. Man up, Keigo.

And there goes Diane...pulling me towards her.

I felt Ari's hands gently rubbing my knees while I blankly stared into her eyes. She was trying to bring me comfort.

But, I can't look at her right now. The more I do, the more I draw a blank and become confused on how I should act towards Dabi.

Gently removing her hands from me, I stood up for the bed, brushing past her crouched body to head over to the window-but, not to enjoy the gorgeous view outside.

I closed my eyes, keeping my back turned to Ari as I forced myself to bring Hawks back, so he could continue poisoning my mind.

And I would let him right now.

And I hate it.

My brain finally began working as the realities of my infiltration mission came back into my head.

Suddenly, the words seemed to flow easily and mindlessly once again.

"Hey, hey, I'm here, Dabi. Just relax, man! Guess I was just a little starstruck to hear your voice. It has been awhile, after all. I was beginning to think you'd broken my heart and left me high and dry for good this time." I chuckled sinisterly, subtly trying to hint at him to get right to the point of why he's calling me.

But, of course...that's not Dabi's style. The guy's got a thing for monologging, so I'm sure he'd dance around the subject for another ten minutes to make me suffer, before he actually got to the fucking point-

"Where are you right now?" He asked casually, the simple question causing my heart to jump out of my chest.

Okay, nevermind....

I wasn't expecting a question that personal, so soon. That's not how the pattern of our dialogue and interactions have been for the past eight months. Dabi always starts our talks with a smug joke, or a threat on my life, before getting to his real questions.

There he goes, surprising me again.

"Oh, y'know. I'm around. Here, today. There, tomorrow. Everywhere, all the time. You know how it is." I explained dismissively, not daring to tell Dabi I was with Ari.

Sure, he knows we're dating now, but that doesn't mean I'm ever planning on giving him any information more than what he figured out on his own.

I don't want him anywhere near her. And I'll make sure he, and his burnt fucking hands, stay away from her.

I'll protect her from him. She's my chicky and there's no way he's gonna touch her.

But, once again....it seems as if I was lagging a step behind Dabi, as he clearly already had a specific reason for calling me.

"Hm. That's an interesting answer. But, anyway....guess you're right. It has been awhile, since you and I talked. You always say we're bros, don't you? So, no small talk today. Let's talk like bros, and pick up right where we left off-starting with that sexy slut of yours. I know it seemed to be a....sore subject for you last time we met. But, you obviously seem to be over our fight now. So, how is my girl, Ari, doing?" He stated boldly, causing my eyes to squeeze shut tighter.

I felt the dark presence that Dabi always manages to bring out of me start looming over my head again.

Bastard.

The phone was still on speaker and I heard Ari sit down on the bed a few seconds ago, so I know she heard that.

And unfortunately for me, there's not much I can say to reprimand Dabi for that comment about her, this time. I've already gotten myself into major trouble by beating the shit out of him last month. I almost ruined this mission and got Ari, her family, and myself killed over it, because I couldn't control my anger.

Don't get me wrong, if Ari's in immediate danger, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she's safe.

But, when it comes to defending her honor every single time Dabi makes a lewd comment about her?

Well....sorry to say, but I need to pick my battles. And getting angry every time will only make things worse, and bring more attention to the weakness that Dabi clearly has over my head.

Which is Ari.

Barely missing a beat, I forced myself to go along with it...already planning out an apology to Ari when I would be off the phone.

"Eh, she's alright, I think. Don't really know, if I'm being honest with ya. The hero world has been booming with crime, lately. That little chick and I haven't really had a lot of time to spend together. But, who cares about her, right? This conversation is about you and me, after all. So, what's up?" I chirped out in mock confidence, feeling the topic about Ari leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

I didn't hear any response from Ari. Not that I expected to, since I'm still on the phone.

But, what really concerned me, was that I also didn't hear any immediate response from Dabi, causing my mind to already start flooding with panic and dread that I somehow said the wrong thing.

Why isn't he speaking? Why did he call today? What does he want-

"Where are you?" Dabi asked again, completely ignoring my question.

His voice came out blank, yet knowing. It made my palms begin to clam up, as I don't know the reason why he's asking that question again.

Clearly, he's looking for a specific answer. But, I'm not that stupid.

And giving him an answer that involves an actual place would only be more suspicious, since Dabi knows him and I are still just playin' a good ol' fashioned game of cat and mouse.

"Didn't I already tell you?" I answered back, matching his voided tone so he wouldn't be able to read me.

"Now, you're gonna pretend that you actually did tell me? We both know you danced around the question." He chuckled, his demeanor starting to turn slightly more accusatory as I didn't answer his question the way he wanted.

Told ya, he's not a patient guy.

But, I already know that the answer he wants to hear, is one that involves Ari. And I refuse to give him that leverage and satisfaction.

So, all I can do...is stand my ground.

"You call me up after a month, and all you care about is where I'm at right now? That's pretty nosy if you ask me." I countered calmly, running a hand through my hair as I leaned the side of my head against the cool wall of the apartment.

Dabi let out a small, condescending sigh, starting to click his tongue in a discipline manner.

"Hawks. You really are a bigger moron than I thought. Why won't you just respond to the damn question. We bout know the answer already. No use trying to deny it-"

"And where are you, Dabi?"

"And why the fuck would you think I'd ever tell you that, you chicken skewer?-"

Alright, Diane. If you're useful for anything, please let your tactics be enough to get this crust off my ass...

"Exactly. You wouldn't tell me. So then, you see how it goes both ways here. How do you expect me to trust you, when you obviously don't trust me? As I've already stated in the past, you need me, more than I need you. You need my knowledge. My connections. So, sorry to say, but I ain't always gonna tell you whatever you wanna hear, just to fluff up your feathers. I already know my intentions lie with the league, even if you don't believe it yet. So, maybe it's best to stop dancing around the reason why you called and just get to the point? Ah, but I dunno. I am just a dumb chicken skewer, after all. What do I know?" I reasoned, letting out a small, malicious chuckle as I tried to force myself to have the upper hand over him this time.

Sure, I need to be somewhat subservient to Dabi....but, I can't give him too much leeway.

I've spent seven months studying and analyzing this man's behaviors. I know him well enough to know that he's a person who thrives off conflict.

He doesn't want people-or, the people he likes to fuck with anyways, blindly bowing down to him and listening to everything he says. He always wants to be heard and have an excuse to try and prove himself as someone superior to his opponent.

Because, he's weak and he knows it.

And right now? I'm his opponent. And while he may have had the upper hand in a few things, over these past months....he hasn't won this game, yet.

The fact that he's still calling me, and I'm still alive, means he still wants to prove himself as someone who's stronger than me. Someone who's better. Who's smarter.

And if I want to continue staying in contact with Dabi, in order to get closer to Shigaraki...then I need to fuel this side of him as best I can, to make sure he doesn't lose interest in me and cut me off from the league for good.

But, it's been awhile since him and I have talked.

And he hasn't said a word of response to my little speech.

So, once again....

I don't know what he's thinking. I don't know what he wants.

It was a long agonizing minute before I finally heard that condescending tone hum through the phone once more, the mere sound of it causing my feathers to sharpen up involuntarily.

"You know what? You're right, Hawks. I see your point." Dabi said casually, causing my brows to raise up in curiosity as to where this was going.

"Do you now? Good to hear." I replied stubbornly, not wanting to say anything else that would give him an out in changing the subject to something meaningless and stupid.

And he didn't this time.

"Well, since you won't tell me where you are right now, I have no choice but to assume you're near our usual meeting spot, around Musutafu? That was my reason for asking about where you were, of course. No need to be so paranoid about it..." He started off, making me mentally facepalm as I realized I was currently over an hour away from Musutafu at the moment.

Not that I would tell Dabi that.

"So, here's the deal. Meet me in the usual meeting spot in one hour, Hawks. I have a proposition for you. It will be your last chance to get in my good graces, and prove your loyalty, not just to the league....but to the whole anti-establishment cause. It will be your last chance to win back that meeting with Shigaraki that you're so desperately wanting. Believe me when I tell you, this will be your last chance....for everything." Dabi stated firmly, the sudden, serious shift in his tone of voice very clearly indicating to me that this would, indeed, be my final chance to succeed in this infiltration mission.

Feeling a subtle wave of panic run over my body, I couldn't really take in the full magnitude of Dabi's words as I blurted out...

"So, what's the job?"

Luckily, my voice had managed to conceal the desperation I was starting to experience, as the question came out more lax than stressed.

Honestly, I was almost willing to do anything at this point.

"One hour. Come alone." Dabi simply replied, before the line went dead.

Fuck.

I've never heard him so serious.

Just what the hell has he been up to for this past month?

What am I supposed to do.

While I'm not normally one to be skittish, I couldn't help myself from flinching when I felt soft hands touch my bare shoulders, feeling my body entering defense mode to prepare for the situation I was about to be in with Dabi.

Instinctively, I pushed the hand off my shoulder, hearing a familiar voice causing my darkness clouded eyes to quickly simmer down.

"Hey. It's just me." Ari uttered softly, clearly being able to tell my mood had taken a turn from my conversation with Dabi.

I didn't need to explain it to her. She heard it all.

She heard it all...

"I'm sorry." I quickly blurted out, not just referring to the way I smacked her hand away, but also to the way I let Dabi trash her on the phone.

I kept my back turned to her, the Hawks part of me forcing myself not to look at her, as I didn't want to lose the malicious mindset that was starting to set in for my meeting with Dabi.

I need this mindset to survive right now. I'm sorry.

Agh. But, Ari makes me weak.

"Keigo..." She said quietly, the warm, gentle tone of her voice making a crack in my hardening demeanor.

Apparently, Hawks has been out of practice for some time now, as it seems that shutting Ari out and pushing her away from me like I used to, is not something my heart can do anymore.

"I'm here." I caved almost inaudibly, watching as her arms curled around my waist from behind.

I felt her head rest against the back of my neck...before her body pressed against mine, enveloping me with her presence.

Against my will, I let out a big, detoxing sigh as I felt the mindset that I needed to be holding onto...leaving my body, grabbing Ari's hands in my own.

But, instead of remaining in her spot, Ari untangled her arms from around me, grabbing me by my shoulders and turning me around to face her.

And as soon as I saw those bright eyes looking right at me, it was over.

"Fuck. I'm so sorry, chicky. I'm sorry." I whispered quietly, all feeling and emotion coming back into my voice fully as I pulled Ari into my arms.

Who am I?

I am Keigo.

Ari already seemed to know what I was apologizing for as she gently rubbed my back, giving it a soft, reassuring pat.

"It's okay. I know you had to do it. I know you don't have a choice. Don't feel bad about it, Keigo. You have enough to worry about, without me getting angry over silly things like that. Don't let Dabi egg you on. That's why he's insulting me. Cause he wants a rise out of you." She explained calmly.

Even though her reasoning was something I already knew, hearing it come out of her mouth just made the whole thing sound more legitimate to me.

"No one should disrespect you that way." I whispered, gently combing through her hair with my fingers.

"And no one important does." She countered, giving me a squeeze that made me want to stay in her arms forever.

But...

I can't.

I really need to go. It will take me about fifty minutes to get to Musutafu from Tengoku. I'm already cutting it close as it is.

Giving Ari a small kiss on the forehead, I forced myself to pry off her arms from around me, immediately missing her warmth when they were gone.

I started walking towards the overnight bag across the room, going to grab my hero costume-before I noticed it was already laid out neatly atop the bed.

Stopping in my tracks, I furrowed my brows in confusion before I heard Ari's soft chuckle sound from behind me.

"Please. You think I'm not gonna know that you packed your hero suit on this trip, for a just in case moment? I understand you have to go, so I just got it out for you to make things quicker." She stated casually, though the small tones of sadness and worry were clearly laced throughout her voice.

She can't hide how she's feeling from me. I already know she doesn't want me to leave. For multiple reasons.

"Ah. Thanks." I sighed out tiredly, quickly slipping my pants and belt on, along with my shirt and socks.

Ari leaned against the wall in silence, arms crossed as she wordlessly watched me get dressed.

But, I know she's not quiet for no reason.

"What's on your mind, chicky? You're not one for sad silence." I said softly, tucking in my shirt before sitting at the edge of the bed to put on my shoes.

I looked up at her as I zipped up my boots and put on my gloves, trying to quickly drink in the sight of her sporting my t-shirt on her body.

She smiled at me softly, giving me an absentminded look that was laced with worry for the unknown.

"I just.....I just want you to be careful." She whispered barely audible, swallowing thickly as she watched me stand up from the bed-only needing my flight jacket, aviators, and headphones before I'd be out the door.

But, I didn't care about leaving at the moment, as I felt my feet making their way over to her on their own.

Ari's shoulders immediately slumped as she saw me walking over to her, weakly ushering towards my headphones that were lying on the desk near the opposite side of the room.

"K-Keigo. It's okay, you don't have to. I know you need to go-"

"I don't care." I cut her off, quickly dipping my head down so I could smash my lips against hers.

Ari immediately melted into my touch, wrapping her arms around me as she let me pin her against the wall.

It was a kiss full of concern. Desperation. And something within my body, and Ari's as well, made me kiss her with as much love and warmth as I could give her. A sort of parting gift to end this perfect, little time I got to spend with her.

My grip hugged her waist tightly, feeling her hands pushing me closer by the back of my neck.

I barely broke away from her mouth a few moments later, wanting to make her feel comforted.

"Soon, Ari. I promise you, this will all be over soon. By the time the next cherry blossoms fall, I promise, we will all be smiling." I breathed out, not being able to feel my caresses against her face, due to the cover of my gloves.

Ari leaned her cheek into my touch, not being able to take her eyes off my face...almost as if she was trying to study each of my features and memorize them for her own mind.

"By the time the next cherry blossoms fall, huh? You know that's only five months away, right?" She chuckled, pressing her forehead against mine.

I know it's only five months away. And right now, I have never felt more motivated to complete this mission as fast as possible, so I can finally rid myself of this and be finished with the villains. Finished with Dabi.

"Like I said, I promise you, in five months...I'll make sure you're smiling, chicky. I'll make sure we're free together." I whispered, feeling a genuine smile cross my face at the thought of this being over so soon.

Ari's piercing eyes warmed into my own, before her twinges of sadness and concerned melted away into nothing.

"I've been enjoying the promises you've made on this trip, Keigo." She breathed out, playing with the hairs at the nape of my neck.

I pressed my forehead against hers, relishing in the final moments of her touch.

"Me too, little dove. Because, they're the most honest promises I've ever made. I promise, I'll make sure you're smiling. And I promise, we'll get married. We'll fly high together. You and me." I stated clearly, the words falling out of my mouth so naturally at the promises that came from deep within my heart.

Ari's eyes melted into my own upon hearing my vow of truth, making me feel every bit relieved when I know that she believed every promise I said.

"You and me then, Keigo Takami. I'll fly with you. I promise." She said happily, shooting me a smile so bright, I was sure that it was one that would permanently be ingrained into my head forever.

A reality where heroes can have more free time. A reality where Ari and I can live a happy life together.

It's a reality I will make happen as fast as I possibly can.