Live good, for me. (Dabi x reader)
So freaking angsty pls read if you want it be sad (neither of them die but you know Dabiâs not a good guy if you know MHA)
Mentions things about the anime, if youâre past like- season 2 or 3 I think you should be fine. It really just talks about the first time Dabi is in the League of Villians
Talks about sex, not in detail. Talks about getting beat up, talks about Dabiâs past. All the juicy things đâď¸
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He was a terrible villain.
One that the country knew as vile, evil, terrifying.
But he was also, your only true friend.
You never intended to get tangled with someone so like him. It happened naturally.
Had you taken another way that night, you mightâve never met him.
It was stupid, to walk somewhere so dangerous. But it was cold, and the rain was seeping through your clothes with a chill harsher than the alleyway itself.
Youâd had a small knife clutched as you clung to the side of the alley, trying your best to blend with the shadows.
The rain was hitting your face hard. You wiped your eyes constantly to see through the water, but it felt pointless.
You jumped back, heart drumming through your ears.
âYou blind or somethin?â You heard the shadows call, it was a grizzly voiceâlike sandpaper on a dry throat, worn out and tired.
âUm. I- Iâm sorry I really canât see through the rain.â Mumbling, you hurried past, eyes glued to the ground.
But a hand pulled your collar back, hauling you to a stop.
âPlease- I really donât want any trouble-â
You made a small cry, only to hear a pitying sigh follow.
âJeez, I ainât that bad.â
He dropped the back of your collar.
You werenât sure if it was fear, or idiocy, but you stood still.
âThere's a party store from the way you came from. You definitely passed it.â
Slowly turning around, you came face to face with the figure. But the shadows warped everything to a blotchy black outline, one you couldnât make out much from. But he was tall, seemingly a man, and if he wanted to do anything, you were screwed.
You heard him rustle through something. A coat maybe?
âSheesh. Stop freakin Iâm not gonna kill you I just want food.â
A small wad of paper poked your arm gently.
âYou can keep the rest, just get me a cheesy corn dog.â
Still frazzled, you snatched it quickly, nodding your head before running back out the way you came.
The way to the store bought you a chance, a moment for your adrenaline to slow down and your senses to kick in.
Honestly, you could just leave. Run off now, keep the money and donât come back.
Maybe it was the small guilt inside you for possibly stealing from someone who needed food, or maybe the pure stupidity.
Whatever it was, it kept you going inside, paying for the corn dog, and walking back into the alleyway.
For a second time, you walked down the dark path. The rain now loudly patting against the plastic bag you held.
You heard the movement before you could realize he was in front of you.
âWow, you came back. I really got lucky then.â
The proximity was invading. You could smell his breath from here, strong of cigarette smoke and something minty.
It made your nose scrunch.
âUh, yeah so here it is, I bought two just incase-â
âI didnât give you enough for two?â
The question fell into the rain, both of you not speaking for a second.
Until you jumped at the sound of a loud laugh.
âYouâre kidding! Man, maybe you really are an angel!â
His laughter continued as you handed him the bag.
And he was so caught up in his own joy, hands on his knees, that he didn't realize he was alone in the rain.
You reprimanded yourself all throughout the week. Mentally scolding your actions for how easily you could've been kidnapped.
And when Thursday night rolled around, fog creeping through the streets as the moonlight clung to everything shiny, you took the longer way home.
You still clutched the knife in your pocket, hand more prepared to move than last time. But the walk was quiet, the only sounds being your sole footsteps and the electric hum of city lights.
You'd almost relaxed, home was close.
But the pads of your footsteps sounded accompanied now.
You turned swiftly, knife out of your pocket with your bravest face on.
A taller man with dark hair stood, a long trenchcoat covering his body.
Suspicious, sure. But the feature that stood out the most, were the scars. They were all over his body in patches, sewn on like some character in a frankenstein novel
"Easy now," He raised his arms up in defense, a smile covering his face. "you the angel that bought me food last week?"
You heart pounded against your throat, both hands gripping the knife in front of you as you thought through ways to leave.
"I come in peace." He winked, and pulled out a small wallet, sifting out more cash.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't need it. Thank you."
You hoped the sternness in your voice would give him a hint. But he just hummed, putting the wallet away and remaining still, hands in his pockets.
He eyed you for a moment, gaze dragging slowly up your frame.
"So, I actually was curious-"
You shook your head, hands now shaking nervously. "I don't know you, please, I just want to go home."
He lolled his head back, groaning in frustration.
"Doll, you can put the knife down. I'm not gonna kill my corndog dealer."
You lowered your arms slightly, still holding the knife.
His gaze dropped to the ground, hand coming up to scratch the back of his head. "Kinda why I'm here, I was curious if you could keep doin' that for me."
You frowned, relaxing somewhat. "You want me to....keep buying you corndogs?"
"Yeah, yeah I'll pay you and whatever, I just....."
"Can't go in there anymore?" You questioned, eyes now narrowed slightly.
You snorted, a small smile creeping on your face.
"Did you steal too many corndogs or something?"
He lifted his head up, gaze finding yours again with a much more playful look in his eyes.
"If I'm being honest here, this broke boy got a little hungry." He pointed a thumb to himself, a lopsided smile painting his face.
You chuckled nervously, scoffing at the confession.
"Okay. So what's in this for me?"
He frowned and blew out a long, deep sigh.
"Nothin' really. I jus thought you might."
His smile returned. "Cause Angel's don't usually charge."
"I bought you an extra because I was scared. How do you know I'm actually nice?"
"Well, for starters you came back with the food.â
"For starters, I'm stupid." You spat, brow pushing together. "And what if you just followed me then, like you did today?"
He grinned, eyes sparkling because deep down he knew you were already saying yes.
"Ohhh, naive and kind are nicer words, don't be so harsh! And you clutch that knife more obvious than anyone in this city, wasn't hard to spot you."
Although that wasn't really a justifiable answer to how he'd found you, you dropped it, tucking that information away for later.
You groaned defeat, pinching the bridge of your nose.
"I get off work every day at 7."
"Yes!" He yelped with joy, fist pumping in the air like he just one the jackpot.
He shut the excitement down completely, body jokingly going still.
"You drag me into anything, and I mean anything." You seethed, a finger pointing in his direction. "And I will make sure those corndogs are only a dream of yours."
He nodded quickly, bowing in your direction.
"You got it boss, no trouble for you, sir- I mean ma'am. Yes ma'am!"
Not even you expected it, when you bursted out laughing.
He was a random guy your age, you thought. Probably had a bad situation.
Well, for a long time, not much.
Weeks went by, turning into almost a whole month. You'd get off late from work, body drained and ready for bed. But you'd never go home without remembering to stop at the alleyway.
He was always there when you made it, 7:10pm sharp with a growling stomach. Why he didn't go somewhere else for food before then, you didn't know. But the smile on his face when you came back with corndogs was joy enough to keep off the questions.
You knew he had some money, for cigarettes and the shitty one bedroom apartment he'd mentioned to you once. But it was obvious you were in a much better position than him. So on the roughest days, the kinds where you just needed to see someone smile, you'd buy him extra.
"More? Noooo." He'd laugh, that bright toothed smile lighting his face. "See? I don't call you angel for nothin!"
You never minded the extra time spent in the alleys, passing corndogs and jokes. If anything, it felt good to talk with someone.
It wasn't something you did with many.
He'd asked once, if you had any friends, why you worked so much it seemed like that was your life.
"I don't talk to my friends much." You mumbled, in between bites of a corndog (the one he'd begged you to try.) "My family sucked, I moved here from the US for a job in computer stuff, never really looked back."
He laughed, leaning against the wall, watching you stuff your face with the food you said was 'too gross' only a moment ago.
"Ahhhh, so you're a smart one"
"Not exactly." You shrugged, eyes focused on the ground. "But I signed a contract here for lots of money and time. They knew I was so young when I started, took advantage."
He stiffened, face frowning.
"You sayin you're stuck here?"
"Don't get me wrong, I love Japan. It's great, but the job can be stressful."
He hummed, silence filling the space between you both.
And as he looked up at the sky, eyes watching the stars with conflict, you wondered what he dreamt to be.
You stopped eating, turning to look up at him.
"One of these days, when I'm so powerful even your stupid company is scared," He trailed, gaze falling back to you. "I'll get us both outta here."
You smiled at the endearment, slightly confused by the wording.
"Yeah." He mused, eyes flickering over your lipsâso quickly, only for a secondâlike it was an accident you weren't supposed to see. "I wanna be powerful enough that all those big men in suits n' capes get exposed for what they really are."
You tilted your head, biting your lip in uncertainty.
You saw his facade drop for a moment, a quick, angry motion flicker across his face.
You hummed in false agreement, a sudden sense of pity in your heart as to why he thought that.
"Do you think all of them are bad?"
He shook his head gently, eyes glinting with shame.
"No. But I still want the point across."
Though you couldnât help but wonder, if he really looked guilty because of what he was saying, or because he knew you were too good-hearted to agree.
You didnât know for awhile what he meant. It lingered in the back of your mind with all the other questions you had.
Where did he come from? Was he on the run?
Youâd get those answers eventually, all of them coming out slowly like molasses pouring down. Each drop of an answer was small and quick, but just as sweet as the last.
âYâknow, thatâs not actually my name.â
You turned quickly, mouth open dramatically.
âNooo? Really? Your birth name isnât just- Dabi!?â
He snorted, mouth moving into a smile.
âYep, no last name or nothin.â
âOhhh woww, you must be special.â
You both laughed, warm breaths like puffs of smoke in front of you.
Nights like these had become more common, bench talks at the park after corndogs in the alley. It was a good set-up, a sweet way to wind down your night.
You heard him take in a shaky breath before breaking the silence.
"Touuuyaa." You repeated his name, stretching the word out on your tongue. "I like it."
He sighed dramatically, shoulder brushing yours.
"As long as you do, gotta live up to Angel's standards over here."
"Hey now, standards require a last name."
He groaned, back sinking into the bench.
"Guess I'm out, that's too classified."
"What? Your dad a famous guy or something?"
He stiffened, palms squeezing tightly before whispering, "Actually, yeah."
The tone he said it with, it held am edge to it, reminded you of the night he'd told you his dream for power.
You took it as a sign to discontinue the topic, mumbling a soft 'sorry' before mentioning something else.
From then on, Touya and you, would eat corndogs and talk at benches for hours. Time slipping by like you found a cheat code, the conversations going all night about the most random things.
Sometimes, you'd get small tidbits of his past. Like how he mentioned he had siblings, or how he used to never have the scars until a certain age.
"They happen from my quirk" He'd once told you, voice softer than usual. "Got some good fire, jus' messes with my skin. I'm a product of genetic flaw."
You'd told him that wasn't true, saying being born that way wasn't something he should look down on.
But he'd only hummed back, eyes distant like someone else had told him otherwise.
It was the vulnerable moments like that, where you started to realize, maybe you enjoyed his presence a little more than a friend would.
But you pushed it down, hoping the dynamic of your new friendship wouldn't be ruined by your irrational feelings. Because no matter what this was, you didn't want to lose it.
Mondays through Friday's, nighttime meetup of 7:10pm. A routine so strictly followed, you'd automatically walked that alley with your guard down a little too low.
It was disturbing when Touya wasn't there. You checked your phone twice to make sure you weren't too early. But there you were, on the dot with corndogs in hand (your treat this time) and no Touya to be seen.
You called his name, only to receive the echo from the dark, empty space.
But then you heard footsteps, and your shoulders relaxed as you saw a figure walk towards you.
"Well, well broke boy is a little late today-"
You heard the hard punch before you felt it. Ears ringing loud as you fell, floor slamming into you like a train.
"what the... fuck?" You rasped, or at least tried to. Blood trickled out of your nose, filling your mouth with the disturbing taste of iron.
Someone's shoes stopped next to your face.
"Yeah, yeah I see those bags, you got some money. Hand it over."
You tried to move, but your head was pounding, eyesight spinning in spirals.
You felt their dirt covered boot press against your forehead.
"Don't make me reach down and look for it."
The whispered words sent a chill down your spine. Gut telling you to run as fast as you possibly could.
You moved your arm, trying to reach the wallet in your jacket's side pocket. But the dizziness you felt, it was excruciating, paralyzing.
Your throat tightened, fear boiling in your body as you were trying not to burst with tears.
But the boot was suddenly off your head, the sound of their body thumping to the ground.
Confused, but still struck with pain. You slowly sat up, weakly planting your arms in the front of you.
Beautiful blue flames. So bright, they made your already throbbing head pound even more. But that didn't stop you from watching as they coiled and flickered, dancing dangerously around the man on the floor.
"Start running now, I'll be nice and find you later."
Like a command, the man sprinted away from the voice. So shaken he tripped and tumbled before turning the corner.
The flames disappeared like they connected to a light switch. Immediately bringing you back to the darkness.
You couldn't hear it through the headache, but he must've ran over. Because not a second later, Touya was there, hands cupping your face.
His eyes flickered with worry, scanning the damage that had been done to you.
You grumbled, squeezing your eyes shut from the pain.
"No corndogs on me today. theyâre ruined.â You mumbled.
He ran a finger softly down the side of your nose, pressing for any signs of a break.
"Don't worry about the damn corndogs. Let me make sure you're okay."
That night, was the first time youâd ever been punchedâhard.
And also the first night youâd ever seen Touyaâs apartment.
âItâs nothin much, but I donât really know where you live.â
You groaned as he kicked the door open, his arm still slinging under your body as he helped you inside.
Your head was pounding and there was no doubt in your mind it was the result of a concussion.
You didn't know how, but he helped you onto his sofa. It was a thin, worn down and broken piece of furniture that smelt like it had been yanked out of a bonfire. But none of it mattered as you laid across it, eyes shut to avoid the ache that came from the light.
His hurried footsteps thudded around as you heard him turn the sink on. Mumbles under his breath about how he should have never been late.
"It's not your fault." You groaned weakly, voice cracking from how quiet you'd said it. You weren't even sure he'd heard it, but your head hurt too much to make any louder sounds.
If he did hear it, he didn't answer, footsteps coming closer to you before placing a warm, damp rag on your nose.
You winced as he wiped the blood off your face, trying to turn away from him. But he grabbed your jaw with one hand, keeping you still.
"I gotta do this, you're a mess."
His fingers felt rough against your skin, pads dry and scratchy as they squeezed.
You breath shook, you shook, adrenaline still pumping through your veins like you could run a mile if you needed to.
"Is- is it bad enough they'll notice at work?"
You heard him scoff, the same kind he always did when you'd said something about work.
"You're not goin in tomorrow, you gotta relax."
He pulled the rag away, and you opened your eyes slowly, bright light blinding your vision.
"I have to go, tomorrow's Friday. They'll think I took it off for a longer weekend."
He stared down at you, stitches pulling back as his lips turned into a scowl.
"You can barley keep your eyes open, you think you could handle a computer screen?" He leaned in closer, thumb moving the hair from your forehead. "If gettin your head knocked out can't tell you to take a damn break, then I will. I'm makin sure you stay home tomorrow."
You fell asleep not much long after that, night too heavy for your eyelids to bear.
And he kept his word, because that next morning, you'd broken your year long routine for the very first time.
As you woke, eyes opening to a ceiling you'd never seen before, your heart dropped.
That was, until everything from last night came rushing back to you, along with your headache.
You whined as you sat up, too tired mentally and physically from last night.
You took in your surroundings. The space around you wasn't pretty. Soda and beer cans laid strewn across the wooden ottoman next to you. A small TV was propped on a cardboard box against the wall, cords messily snaking behind it along with a few movie discs.
You only had to turn your body around once to see the entire place. It was small. A single twin sized bed sat to your right, a small stack of books on the floor next to it. Then to your left, there was a sink, a microwave, and a small fridge that hummed a little too loud for your head. There was only one door other than the exit, and you assumed it must've been the bathroom.
It felt like one of those college dorms your friends back at home posted about. Their smiles wide through the screen, enjoying the taste of young freedom while you sat slaved behind a desk.
You didn't remember calling off work, but when you checked your phone, a professional message had already been sent. Informing your supervisor youâd be gone Friday and Monday.
"Phone counts as a screen, just gonna make your head hurt more.â
You turned around, body moving quicker than you should have.
He clicked the bathroom door shut behind him, footsteps gentle as he walked towards you.
And as much as it hurt to crane your neck, you didnât want to look away from him.
Because youâd never seen someone so beautiful.
Was it your concussion that made his hair look so good? Still wet from the shower, water droplets dripping onto his burned shoulders. Torso, and other parts of his body youâd never seen sewn together like the rest of him.
Your gaze dropped to the very low strung pajama pants that hung at his hips.
You blurted it before youâd meant to.
âYouâre not a screen.â
He stopped, quirking an eyebrow towards you, small smirk on his face.
âHow bad did you hit your head?â
Then you realized, embarrassed, red flushing to your cheeks.
âSorry.â You mumbled, head turned back away from him.
The silence felt awkward as he came over, couch sinking when he sat next to you.
You heard the hesitance in his breathing, could see his bodyâs stiffness in the corner of your eye.
âSo..â He whispered, gaze facing straight forward.
â..the scars really donât bother you?â
The question hung in the air for a moment, the answer nervously waiting on your lips.
âNo,â You closed your eyes, heart squeezing as you said, âIâve always thought you looked pretty, Touya.â
You heard him chuckle, small and nervousâlike a boy who overheard his high school crush talk about him in the hallway.
You looked at him, eyes squinting, a combination of your concussion and your teasing.
âMake fun of my compliments, and youâll never hear them again.â
âOh please,â He laughed gently, voice softer as he remembered your headache. âyouâll forget you said that by the time you feel better.â
But you never forgot, and he never did either.
That weekend went by in a blur.
90% of it youâd spent sleeping on his couch. Heâd offered you the bed the next night, but you lied, saying the couch was too comfortable to leave.
The other 10%, youâd spent doing human thingsâeating the food heâd brought you, brushing your teeth with the one he came home with, along with the hairbrush and clothes heâd gotten you.
He came back each day with something for you.
It made you ask him the question youâd always wondered.
âWhy do you even want me to get you corndogs? Youâre clearly not kicked out of every store.â
He smiled, gaze lingering on your lips again before his eyes flickered back to yours.
âDoes it sound better if I said that I like those specific corndogs? Or that I like the person who brings them?â
He paused, a chuckle rumbling out of him.
âDonât worry Angel, I wonât have you answer that.â
You didnât answer, but the banter didnât disappear.
When Sunday rolled around, you were ready to go home.
He could tell too, you were antsy, you just wanted to be in your bed.
With a sigh, he grabbed your small bag and walked you down his apartment stairs, each step creaking with strain.
But when you walked outside, eyes still barely open from the light, a car was thereâhazards on and waiting.
âYou shouldnât be walking right now. Just tell him your address. I got it, doll.â
You shook your head, guilt suddenly in your chest.
âNo, you already spent too much money on me this weekend, you donât have enough to toss to this guy.â
He put a hand on his jacket, pretending to be hurt.
âOuch, angel, didnât even sugarcoat it.â
You crossed your arms as he walked past you, setting your bag into the manâs backseat.
He held the door open for you, jerking his head towards the car.
âIâve already got him waitin here for you, donât go wastin his time now.â
And with a scoff, you walked over, heading into the car.
But not before hugging him quickly, mumbling a thank you into his chest.
He didnât hug back, still too shocked by the gesture when you pulled away.
But as you drove off, head still throbbing.
You wished for the very first time, you could call off work again.
That week went by quicker than youâd expected it to.
Your right eye was black, and your nose was swollen. Coworkers asked you if you were okay, if you needed anyone to talk to. You smiled, told them how youâd almost been robbed, when a hero swept in and saved you.
Which one?! Theyâd all asked you.
And you just smiled, lie rolling off your tongue like glass.
âI donât think heâs a pro, I didnât recognize him.â
It was believable enough, your coworkers gushed over the story. Girls asking if he was young, if he was cute. While the men told you how youâd been so lucky, how thankful you should be.
You were thankful, and you told them he was very cute. But you left it at that that.
Later in the week, one of the times youâd seen Touya (your new meeting spot being the lamppost by your workânot to your knowledge until he was standing out there Tuesday night.) Youâd told them what youâd told your coworkers, teasing telling him how he was a âhero.â
But when youâd said the word, he swiftly spun at you. Words snapping with attitude youâd never heard.
âDonât call me that.â
You jumped at the malice, shoulders tightening in surprise.
âOh, sorry, I thought that was nice.â
âWell, it isnât.â He quipped, scowl still on his face as he walked beside you.
âBut you saved me,â You continued, eyebrows squinted together. âthatâs what heroes do, they save-â
âDammit I said donât call me that!â
He looked at you again, eyes wide with more anger than youâd ever seen them carry.
âI didnât save you, youâd already been hit like a punching bag.â He growled, eyes glossy. âHeroes though, they take credit for all that shit donât they? Tell me, if I was a hero, if I was good, I wouldâve just taken you to a healerâa doctor, yeah?â He breathed, chest heaving with rage.
You stiffened, hands clenched at your sides.
Why didnât he take you?
âBecause Iâm bad!â He yelled, finger pointing at his chest. âIâm a criminal, and I was too focused on thinking about myself to take you somewhere.â
You took a step back, hand resting inside your bag.
âIâm a criminal.â He repeated, words coming out like venom, stinging with each word. âAnd if you even knew what my father was. What I want to do to him. To all of them. Youâd never look at me again.â
âNo.â He seethed, voice cracking with anger. âNo, donât call me that.â
Your heart broke at the way he looked at you. Tears brimming like water pushing against a dam, like they were about to topple down his cheeks.
Eyes so full of rage, so full of hurt.
âI like all of you.â You croaked, eyes tearing up as well.
âYou donât even know me.â He spat, taking a few steps towards you. âYouâre just as lonely as me. You needed someone to talk to. I couldâve been anyone.â
âMaybe thatâs true, but I donât care. I like you, Touya. I like all of you. Even parts that others probably wouldnât.â
He laughed, sharp and cruel.
âThen why are you holding that knife in your purse?â
You froze, lips opening and closing.
âPiece of advice for you, angel.â He came closer, nose almost touching yours as he whispered, âNo one you like should ever make you feel scared.â
Then he pulled away, walking into the night, leaving you standing at the sidewalk.
That was the last time youâd seen him for a month.
The first couple days after that, you hoped heâd reappear. Smirk on his face with a joke about to spew when he saw you.
You checked everywhere, all the places youâd sat together, the corners by your work, even the old alleyway.
But he was in none of those places.
At one point, youâd tried to recall where his apartment was. But the night heâd dragged you there, directions were the last thing you were paying attention to. Then on your way home from his place, youâd tried to rest, keeping your eyes closed from the pain of your head.
Until one day, on your way to work, youâd passed a television board in the city.
ââŚ.Attack on UA Freshman: KidnappingâOngoingâŚ.â
You stopped mid-walk, strangers bumping into you as they walked past.
But there he was, face listed as a suspect.
âOne day, Iâll be so powerfulâŚâ
ââŚ.big suits n capes.â
No, you couldnât let him ruin his life like this.
The next two weeks, you did some digging.
During that time, the world saw All Might face a villain so strong, he basically retired.
The boy that was kidnapped, thankfully was saved, but the suspects were still at large. Now knows as,
The name haunted your brain, because it was in no way anything you supported.
But you would do anything to find it, if it meant reaching him. Telling him just once, he didnât have to do this.
The helpful thing about the internet, is when the media loves something, its fans arenât scared to say they do too.
The League of Villains gained traction. Comments and posts praising them, some even arguing maybe change needed to happen and this group was the solution.
So you followed the trails, joined the groups that tried to predict whereâd they appear next.
Eventually, youâd struck gold.
A metal concert was going on downtown next weekend at a bar.
Apparently, people reported possibly seeing Dabi there a few times.
Most comments brushed it off, saying someone so wanted would never openly go out.
But something in you disagreed.
It was a small bar, and an even smaller group that posted this.
Maybe there was a chance heâd be there.
So when that Saturday rolled around, you took a cab to that side of town.
You probably looked a little silly, walking into the bar with a plastic takeout bag in your hands.
But once youâd noticed him in the corner, eyes half lidded as he took a sip of his beer, all your thoughts flew out your head.
You walked through the people dancing to the live music, pushing through the crowds to get to the end of the bar.
He noticed you, eyes doing a double take as they caught your signature raincoat.
He stood up when you came over, quickly leaving a few dollars on the table and walking towards the back door.
You followed him outside to the back, door connecting to a dark city street. A single light pole on as the rain started to pour lightly.
He whipped around, finger going to his mouth.
âDonât call me that.â He whispered, eyes searching for anyone around you. âYou canât say that name in public.â
You clutched the styrofoam box as he nodded his head for you to follow.
Part of you screamed at yourself, the rational side of your brain begging you not to follow a criminal into the dark alley.
But another part of you was saying that youâd already done this before, and this wasnât a criminal, this was your friend. This was like back thenâjust another hangout, even if it really wasnât.
He stopped at a car that looked way too nice for him to afford.
Part of you almost cracked a joke about it, like old times. But you didnât, because another part of you knew he probably didnât buy the car.
You both hopped inside, rain now coming down harder as it thudded against the windshield.
He started the car, keeping the lights off as he cranked up the heat.
You lifted up the box, voice causal as you whispered, âSo, I brought corndogs.â
You saw his jaw tense as his eyes fell on the container.
You frowned, setting it down by your shoes.
He stared at you, eyes cold, closed off.
âYou shouldnât be here.â He stated, voice so monotone it felt robotic.
He scoffed, eyes breaking from yours to your lips.
âWhat did I say about liking people who are bad for you.â
You ignored his question, arms pressing onto the center console to lean closer.
âHave you missed me?â
His eyes went back to yours, flickering quickly with something you couldnât place.
âThink about you every day, hopin youâre doing alright.â
âIâm not.â You breathed, face coming closer to his. âI worry for you and I hate the way things left off, and-â
He took in a shaky breath, nose almost touching yours.
âNone of this was your fault, angel.â
âThat doesnât matter, I want to be there for you.â
You grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly without breaking his gaze.
âJust let me help you.â
And before you could think about anything else, about all the reasons you shouldnât.
You pressed your lips softly against his.
For a moment he froze against you. But it only took seconds before he kissed back, hand reaching to cup your face.
You leaned into the kiss, body pressing over the console and onto his. He accepted it, arms wrapping around you as he melted into the kiss.
He breath was like cigarettes and mint, just like the first time youâd encountered him.
When you broke the kiss, both of you breathing heavy, he smiled.
âNever thought Iâd ever have a chance to kiss you.â
âYou always had the chance. Iâve always liked you.â You leaned in again, forehead pressing against his.
But he squeezed his eyes shut, hand coming to the back of your head.
âThatâs the problem. Youâre too good for me.â
You pulled away slightly, hand coming to cup his face.
âTouya.â You whispered, voice trailing with enticement. âletâs just run away together. You and me. We can find a place that no one will find, soba and corndogs somewhere close by so we donât go crazy.â
He laughed into your hand, taking it with his and kissing the backs of your knuckles.
âYou deserve to live that dream with someone else, someone who isnât a criminal.â
You hummed, thinking for a moment.
âMaybe. But I canât choose who I fall for, and it just so happened to be you.â
That was all he needed to smash his lips back into yours.
The kiss was much more passionate this time, like he was pouring his heart into every motion.
You kept up, biting and kissing his lips with just as much energy as he was.
Before you both thought it through, you plugged your address into his phones maps, driving to your apartment.
It was nicer than his, but he wasnât paying attention to it much as he stumbled in, face still on yours.
You both were wrapped in each otherâs arms as you stumbled to your bedroom. Hands touching all over one another as you fell onto the bed.
And from all the banter and flirtatious comments he tossed at you, you were surprised when he was above you naked, but also nervous.
He touched you so careful and gentle, like he was scared to break you. Scared to break the moment heâd so desperately wanted.
And when heâd finally started to make love to you, it was tender and slow. Each moment so much more shaky and soft than youâd ever imagined heâd be.
It was in that moment, under him as he whispered in your ear, that you felt all your morals slip.
You didnât care what he was or who he followed. Youâd help him steer away from that. And if you couldnât, maybe youâd stay, because it was worth having him. No matter what side he was on.
It was the high of sex talking, you thought.
It would wear off in the morning.
So when you both fell asleep, bundled in each otherâs arms with nothing but sheets covering you, you had a smile on your face.
Your heart felt truly full that night, and the last thing you heard before you swept into your dreams, was the soft whisper of his voice against your ear.
âYouâre the best thing thatâs ever happened to me. Thank you, angel.â
It lulled you into slumber, words comforting and warm like youâd always hoped someone you loved would be.
And the next morning, when the sun perked through your sheets. You called his name, patting the side of your bed only to find nobody next to you.
You jolted, panicked, eyes searching your room only to find a tiny note on your nightstand.
It was rested under your pen, he mustâve used a piece of paper from one of your spiral notebookâs.
I know this is horrible. Itâs messed up and cruel.
Youâll be mad, probably hurt too, and Iâm sorry this isnât the first time Iâve done that.
But you need to know right now, youâre too good for this world.
Way too good to be wasting your time with someone like me.
So when I can, one day Iâll make sure your company wonât need you anymore.
And I want you to go somewhere far, far away where you can eat corndogs and soba with someone.
Do it for me, live out that life.
I never knew I could love someone till I loved you.
And your fingers trembled as you read it, because you knew. This time you wouldnât find him. This time, youâd watch through the screens as he turned into someone you didnât know.
But he kept his word like he always did, and two months later. During the heat of more League of Villian issues, your company released you from your contract. Telling you that they have decided they no longer needed your time.
And youâd always been a good listener, so you did as you were told, heart dragging you to another place youâd always wanted to live. Another country youâd never been to.
And you lived there, a Japanese corner market down the block.
And youâd made friends, gotten a nice job.
But sometimes, youâd get corndogs alone, turn on the news, and sit down for a long time.
