“I have no idea how this happened...” Dabi groaned, slumped against the chair he was in, Midnight, or Nemuri as she insisted he called her, was sitting across from him. She visited him and Himi from time to time when she was in Kyushu. Tonight, she was listening to him complain about Hawks while Yui and Izu were visiting and helping Himi study.

He probably should have just burned the number he gave him...but he’d started to text the hero and...well, Hawks was really fun to talk to. He was sarcastic, and a huge flirt, and a bit of a dumbass...the only other friends he had were his coworkers and his family. Talking to someone else around his age was nice, and Hawks didn’t pressure him for information.

“I don’t see what the big deal is, Dabi.” Nemuri grinned as she sipped on some brightly colored beverage that he knew was some volatile concoction of alcohol. The woman had a scary high tolerance. “If you like him, why not go for it?”

“Because, how do I know if he really likes me?” He groaned out, running a hand through his hair, “What if he’s just using me to get to Yui or Izu?”

“Then you can burn him alive, and I’ll help you hide the body.” She reached over to put her hand over his, giving a gentle squeeze as she smiled, “But, seriously, I’ve met Hawks before and he doesn’t seem like a bad guy. Yes, he seems to be pretty well rooted by the Commission, but I don’t think he lets them control him completely. The guy likes his freedom.”

He blew out a breath, looking up at the ceiling, “I really like him, Nemuri...I just don’t want to be hurt.” He mumbled out, the words strained like he was pushing himself to admit it.

“And that’s okay to be scared. Dabi, relationships aren’t easy. Communication is key in any kind of relationship, family, friends, lovers...you gotta talk and be honest with each other. I know you aren’t the most touchy feely person. You have to take a risk to open yourself up...and sometimes you will get hurt, that’s the risk we all take with people.”

“Well, that fucking sucks.” He huffed before he took a long pull of his drink, relishing the burn from the alcohol as he slouched in his seat.

“Yeah, yeah it does...but it’s worth it. You have a great relationship with Himi, Izu and Yui because you all opened up to each other, right? You took the risk and you all became closer for it.” She reminded him, sapphire eyes warm and kind as she absentmindedly stirred her drink.

“Yeah...you’re right...so, how do I do this? ‘Hey, Hawks, I really like you, wanna go out?’”

Nemuri giggled softly, “If you want to be your usual blunt self, yeah, why not? At least you’ll be yourself.”

Dabi sighed, his nose scrunching a bit, “I don’t exactly know how to be romantic, Nemuri.”

“Just do something you’ll think he’ll like. Go out to eat, see a movie, or go for a stroll. Talk about your feelings. I’m sure it’ll work out.”

Dabi sighed as he ran his hand through his hair again, it was only like the fifth time he did it since he left the house. Luckily Himi was out taking out of the classes she went to at the learning center, so she didn’t see him getting ready. His black jeans didn’t even have any chains or rips, he was wearing a nice black turtleneck with new black leather boots and jacket that Nemuri had bought him. Well, the whole outfit was her idea. He was standing next to his motorcycle as he waited for Hawks to show up.

This is so sappy, why am I doing this? He couldn’t stop himself from thinking as his foot tapped out a nervous rhythm against the sidewalk. Would Hawks even like it? Was it too soon? They’ve been messaging for months now but still… oh Kami, if Hawks said yes, he’d have to meet his family. Himi had started to catch him smiling at his phone and was constantly pestering him about a girlfriend or boyfriend. He knew he couldn’t keep it from them forever.

“Well~ Don’t you look dashing Dabi?”

Dabi definitely didn’t startle at the voice behind him, turning to glare at the hero giving him a shit-eating grin. “Seriously, Kei?”

“What? It’s the first time you don’t have some sort of hole in your clothing, you don’t have any spikes.” He poked his shoulder, the blonde was wearing nice distressed blue jeans and a turquoise button up shirt, brown leather boots and his tan, faux-fur rimmed jacket, sunglasses were perched on top of his head. His wings were nowhere to be seen, but Dabi knew the feathers were around, he wasn’t counting the feather that was hanging on a leather cord around his neck under the turtleneck. The same feather Keigo had written his number on, even though the sharpie had now been reduced to smudge marks with how often he fiddled with the thing. Not that he’d ever admit it.

“Whatever, just, get on, okay?” He sighed, grabbing the bright red helmet he’d bought and offering it to him.

“Aren’t you gonna put that on me?” Keigo teased as he took off his sunglasses, clipping them in his shirt before he took the helmet.

“I think you’re enough of a big boy to put your helmet on by yourself, Kei.” Dabi rolled his eyes as he put on his own helmet, Yui and Izu had done a little upgrade to put their little comm systems in the helmets so they’d be able to talk to each other while he was driving.

“I’ve actually never worn one before, this will be my first time on a bike.” Keigo chuckled as he put it over his head, fumbling a bit with the strap before Dabi stepped closer and adjusted it for him.

“You want it nice and secure, don’t want it to fall off in case we crash or something.” He slid his finger in to turn on the comm system in Keigo’s helmet before turning on his own, “Can you hear me alright?”

“Woah! That’s so cool, it’s like you’re talking in my ear!”

“I’ll take that as a yes,” He swung a leg over and turned on the bike, before gesturing for Keigo to get on. “Make sure you hold on tight.”

“Ooh, an excuse to get close to you.” He was glad the hero couldn’t see his face flush under the helmet, Keigo slid on beside him, pressing his chest against his back and wrapping his arms around his waist. Dabi kicked up the stand, looked around for traffic before driving off.

“So, where are we headed? You never told me.”

“It’s a surprise, Kei.”

By the time they’d reached the destination, the sun was starting to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Keigo stretched as he got off the bike, fumbling with the strap before taking the helmet off as he looked around.

“I didn’t expect you to take us to the countryside, Dabs. Are we hiking?”

Dabi shook his head as he got off the bike, setting the helmet on his seat. “No, it’s going to get dark soon. And I know you’re a hero and everything, but I don’t want to break my neck by tripping over a tree root.” He unlatched the cargo box and pulled out a cooler and a backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

“Lead the way, boss man.” Keigo grinned as he walked beside him, “Need any help with those?”

“And let you snoop around? Nuh-uh.” He grinned at the pout the blonde gave him, seriously, he should know he wouldn’t cave that easily now.

“Am I supposed to have my eyes closed?” He asked as they walked up wooden steps built into the hillside.

“Nope, these steps are treacherous. If you want you can close your eyes when I'm setting things up. Though I doubt that you have the willpower not to peek.”

Keigo gave a dramatic gasp, hand on his chest, “How dare you! To question my integrity like this is a mortal blow!”

“Kami, you’re just as dramatic as the gremlins.” He snorted, rolling his eyes even as the blonde grinned at him.

“You love my chaotic energy, Dabs, don’t deny it.”

He huffed as they reached the top of the hill, the highest point around and surrounded by trees all around. “Okay, if you can resist the temptation, you can close your eyes now.” He grumbled out instead of responding to his statement, the blonde only grinned wider as he closed his eyes.

Dabi didn’t waste any time as he started to set everything out, glancing at the hero every so often to see his eyes still closed as he rocked back and forth on his heels. When he finally had every set out just right, he put a hand on Keigo’s shoulder. “Alright, you can open them.”

Dabi watched Keigo’s honey-brown eyes open, the cocky grin that’d been on his lips slowly softening as he looked around at the picnic Dabi had set out. A large blanket spread out on the ground, weighed down by some citronella candles, and the food in the middle.

“Is that fried chicken?”

“Yes, I made homemade fried chicken, just for you. Along with some biscuits, and salad, though I figured you’d be much more interested in the chicken. I also have brownies, though they got a little too crispy on the edges...” Dabi rubbed a hand against the back of his neck, glancing at the blonde from the corner of his eye. Was this too much? Maybe he should have just gotten ice cream and walked around the park with him-

“I can’t believe you did all this for me...you’re such a softie, Dabi.”

He huffed as he put a hand on the hero’s back and gave him a gentle nudge forward, “I am not. Just sit down and eat.” He knelt down, lighting the candles with a small flame flickering on the tip of his pinkie. “I hope you don’t mind the smell, it’ll help keep the mosquitos away.”

“I’m glad you thought of it, those little buggers sure love me.” Keigo grinned as he sat down, “Are you going to use your flame to heat up the chicken?”

“Kami, you’re so spoiled.” He huffed as he sat across from him, “I thought you liked it cold?”

“I like cold chicken just fine, I just enjoy hot chicken way more.” He shrugged, grabbing a biscuit and taking a bite.

“You just like seeing me use my Quirk.” Dabi grumbled as he wrapped some of the chicken in foil, holding it in his hands and concentrating to flicker small cerulean flames in intervals over the foil.

“They are a stunning shade of blue.” Keigo smiled, watching him intently and almost bouncing where he sat. “But that doesn’t hurt you to hold it?”

“My hands have some fire resistance, as long as I’m careful. So this is fine.” He peeled the foil open and turned it over to land on Keigo’s plate. “Just be careful not to burn yourself.”

“See? You’re a huge softie.” He grinned before he picked up a piece and took a bite, “Just right, Dabs. Did you do that a lot for your brother and sisters?”

“Himi and Izu usually had me hold flames in my hands so they could roast marshmallows for s’mores. I’d heat up Yui’s coffee when she wasn’t looking. It’d be a game to see how long it’d take before she noticed, though the giggling from the other two would usually tip her off. I did it for like two hours once, that girl can get lost in her inventions.” He chuckled softly at the memory, grabbing some chicken for himself.

“Y’know, you are not helping your case to prove you’re not soft. But you weren’t going to win that anyway.” Keigo’s lips quirked up in a teasing grin, which only widened when Dabi glared half-heartedly at him. “But anyway, what’s the occasion? Bringing us all this way for a picnic?”

At the question Dabi could already feel his uncertainty resurface. “You said you were free all night, right?”

“Yep! It’s my day off tomorrow so I can be irresponsible and stay up as long as I want. Why? You’re really going to keep me out all night?”

“At least until you get sick of being in my company. I thought it’d be nice to watch the stars out here.” He mumbled the last part, looking away from him as he took another bite of chicken.

The silence that answered him lasted a few minutes before Dabi finally turned back to Keigo giving him the softest look he’d ever seen. “You brought us all the way out here, for a picnic and stargazing? Dabi...that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me! ...Are you blushing?”

“What, pffft, no.” Dabi scoffed, even if his face was feeling a little hotter than normal. “I just...thought it’d be nice...and private. And if you said no, at least you could still fly away.” He mumbled the last part again, looking away from him as he wiped his hands against his jeans. You’d think having a heat Quirk, his sweat would just evaporate, nope, just made it worse.

He just had to ask him, it wasn’t a big deal! But what if Keigo didn’t want to be friends after he rejected him? What if he really was only trying to befriend Dabi to get close to Izu and Yui? What if this was all just some sick game-

“Dabi? Can I tell you something?” Keigo’s soft voice snapped him out of the spiral his thoughts had started to go down in. Dabi cleared his throat before giving him a nod.

“Sure, Kei, what’s up? The chicken that terrible?”

“What? No, it’s amazing and I’m not giving it back.” He joked before his grin softened again, Dabi watched as Keigo worried at his bottom lip before his amber eyes met his own, “I like you, Dabi.”

Dabi blinked at him before he gave him a small smile, “Well, I hope you like me, Kei, we’ve been hanging out for a few months.”

Keigo blinked, his expression was what Dabi would assume a rebooting computer would look like on a human before he opened his mouth, “No, Dabi, I like-like you.”

“So...you wanna be like, best friends?”

“Oh Kami, how dense can you be? Dabi, I want to hold your hand, and snuggle with you, and kiss you!” Keigo’s face was bright red as he leaned forward, getting as close to the other man as he could with the food between them. “I want to date you!”

Dabi gave him one slow blink before the words finally registered. “You ass! I was trying to tell you the same thing! I set this all up to tell you and you beat me to it!”

“You can’t be mad at me! You didn’t even understand when I told you I like you. When were you going to tell me? Right before we were going to go back home?” Keigo huffed, sitting back down and crossing his arms over his chest.

“...Yeah, yeah that was the plan. If you rejected me, it’d be a pretty awkward night...” Dabi sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, “I didn’t want this night to be awkward or something you’d regret, I just, even if you didn’t like me that way, I wanted to give you a nice night. Kami, I am soft.” He groaned, flopping back on the grass and covering his face.

He only peeked up through his fingers when he felt someone settle down beside him, looking up at Keigo smiling down at him, not the cocky grin he gave the cameras, but a soft and warm smile that made his eyes look like honeyed sunshine. Yep, just thinking that thought made him realize just how bad he had it for this man if he was thinking in sappy romance bullshit.

“So, you’re soft? I like that about you. You look all mean and scary, but you’re the sweetest guy who just wants to dote on your siblings, help protect your coworkers, and do incredibly sweet things for your friends. There’s nothing wrong with being soft, Dabs.” Keigo smiled softly as he laid down next to him, staring up at the sky as it darkened.

“I thought you liked bad boys? Not soft boys.” Dabi grumbled as he looked up at the sky with him.

“Hmm, I think all bad boys have a soft side beneath the leather and spikes. We’re all squishy underneath the skin.”

“Kami...you sound just like the gremlins.” He chuckled softly before he let out a sigh, “So...you really like me...and I really like you, does that mean, we date? Ugh, I feel so awkward asking you this.”

“Hey, it’s all good, just relax.” Dabi almost jumped when Keigo’s calloused fingers brushed his own, “Is this okay?”

“Yep, mhm, yeah, I just wasn’t expecting it.” Dabi rambled out before he turned his hand so Keigo’s fingers could interlace with his.

“We can take things slow, Dabs. It’s okay. But yeah, if you want to date me, just call me your boyfriend now. Or whatever sappy nickname you wanna call me.” Dabi could hear the smirk in his voice without even looking at him.

“Okay, chicken wing.”

“Dabi! That is not a cute nickname!”

“I think it suits you though.”