Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had been years since everything went down. The league was captured and incarcerated in the end. Dabi, like many dangerous villains, was sent to Tartarus to live out his sentence in isolation.

Dabi was confined within a small cell. The cell contained a cot, a toilet, a sink, a small desk, and a window. There was also a shelf on the wall he used to keep what few things he had. The cell was too small to do much in, but he had no choice except to call it home in the recent years.

Dabi laid on the cot like he did most of the day. There wasn't much to do within his confinement. He often spent the day sleeping, reading, and exercising within the limited space he had.

He often received books from the outside so that he wouldn't die from boredom. Prisoners like him weren't allowed to interact with each other. Many feared that allowing prisoners to socialize, treating them like human beings, would lead to chaos.

Being a prisoner in Tartarus meant you were treated as an animal. Confined to a cage only let out when they decide you can come out. They treat prisoners like animals yet act surprised when they act like the animals they're treated as. It's inhumane.

Dabi counted the bricks of his cell wall like he'd done more times than he could count while waiting for dinner. There wasn't much else to do. His lawyer had promised to bring him some new books to read during their next meeting but that didn't help him for the time being.

Dabi's counting was soon interrupted when his cell door opened. It was rare for Dabi to be able to leave his cell. The only times he got that privilege was when he had a meeting with his lawyer or they let him out to shower. There was a slot within the cell door for a food tray or mail to be slipped through, so that they could keep prisoners within their cages as much as possible.

Two guards were waiting just outside Dabi's cell. "You are to come with us." One of the guards ordered.

Most of the guards who worked at Tartarus were power hungry. They knew that they could do whatever they wanted to the prisoners. They knew no one would believe a criminal if they somehow managed to speak out about what was really going on. The guards were far worse than most of the criminals they housed yet they got away with it.

Despite knowing things would be worse for him, Dabi decided not to comply with their orders. It wasn't everyday he got the opportunity to be a nuisance.

"I'm busy." Dabi said, going back to counting the bricks of his cell wall. He knew this was going to do nothing but anger the guards. It was something Dabi hoped for.

"I won't tell you again." Repeated the guard. The irritation was clear and Dabi was loving every second of it.

"Great now shut up." Dabi shot back at the guard. This statement caused the guard to snap, walking into his cell dragging him out of his cot into the hallway.

The other guard grabbed his hands forcing them behind his back to cuff him so he couldn't fight back. The guards were rough with him, tightening the cuffs far too tight.

"Maybe this'll teach you to listen next time." The other guard said in a patronizing tone.

"Doubt it. Maybe I should burn that smug look off your face. It'll be an improvement to the ugly one you have now." Dabi threatened.

Burning the guards face away would certainly be an improvement. No wonder he's so mad with a face like that. Dabi would be mad too if he was that ugly.

"I said shut up!" The guard yelled tasing Dabi. Tasers were more powerful than the average ones you'd see outside Tartarus. Tartarus held powerful villains with even more powerful quirks. Though quirks couldn't be used within Tartarus they didn't want to take any chances. These tools given to the guards to keep them safe were often abused and used just for the guards' sick enjoyment.

After being tased Dabi no longer put up a fight. His vision was blurry and he felt sick. He couldn't have fought back even if he wanted to.

The guards dragged Dabi down the hallway taking him to a room. The room was mostly empty, only having a few metal chairs and a metal table in the middle.

It took a while for Dabi to come to his senses. The guards had left him alone in the room cuffed to the table. This room was worse than his cell. At least in his cell he had a cot to lay on rather than an uncomfortable metal chair and at least in his cell he wasn't stuck to a table.

Dabi looked around the room a bit more. It looked to be the same room he often met in with his lawyer. It was depressing, but it would explain why he was here.

Dabi's lawyer had gotten him off pretty easy. With the crimes he committed he was almost guaranteed to be sentenced to death. His lawyer had managed to sway the jury just enough to avoid the fatal sentencing. He showed the jury what Dabi had endured at the hands of Endeavor.

He had avoided death and the jury knew the monster endeavor truly was. The whole country knew. A so-called hero was really an abuser who has created a villain that has caused enough pain and suffering to last a lifetime.

Dabi's thoughts were broken when the conference room door opened and his lawyer walked in.

"Wonderful to see you Mr. Todoroki." His lawyer greeted respectfully as usual. His lawyer had never disrespected him despite knowing everything he'd done. He defended him. He often visited Dabi to help his case, to bring him little trinkets such as books from the outside, and just to make sure he was doing okay.

"Please call me Dabi." Dabi insisted. 'Mr.Todoroki' felt so formal. Dabi was anything but formal.

"If you insist.. Dabi." His lawyer answered, taking his seat. He had his briefcase with him. Dabi wondered if he brought him more books to read.

"More books?" Dabi asked as his lawyer rummaged through the case in search of something.

"Not this time Dabi. My dearest apologies." His lawyer responded as he continued to rummage through his things.

"What is this meeting about this time? I have very important things I could be attending to like counting the bricks of my cell wall or perhaps even dying of boredom." Dabi said jokingly.

"Be serious Mr.Dabi. I've come to this meeting to discuss an important matter with you." His lawyer responded. Dabi could tell by his tone this wasn't going to be one of their typical run of the mill meetings.

His lawyer seemed to find what he was rummaging around for, that being a file.

"Have you heard of the second chance program?" The lawyer inquired.

The name already sounded stupid to Dabi.

"Is that like the many other programs that the prisons have been installing to try and help villains manage their feelings? I can tell you nothing pissed me off more than when I was being held in jail with some bastard who couldn't color inside the lines." Dabi ranted.

They didn't hold any programs like that at Tartarus. Unless you count physical and psychological abuse graciously provided by the guards.

"The second chance program, officially known as "the reintegration program" is a program that was recently introduced to Tartarus. The program will allow for a small group of inmates to receive a second chance in society as long as they follow the program's guidelines. Many can understand, especially in your case Dabi, how you were led down this path. Many want villains to have a chance to turn their life around. This is why the program was introduced" His lawyer explained.

This sounded like the type of program Dabi was actually interested in. It sounds like something that would actually make a difference.

"So what does this have to do with me?" Dabi asked. He really hoped this meeting meant what he thought it meant

"You were one of the few applicants that may receive an opportunity to enter the program." His lawyer continued

"What do I gotta do to get in?" Dabi questioned. He already knew it wouldn't be easy. They'd be stupid just to let villains like him out on a whim.

"The program has multiple steps but the first thing to even be accepted is to pass an interview regarding your crimes and a physiological evaluation. Releasing unstable inmates with a high chance of reoffending would be unwise so they're trying to take measures to prevent that from happening." Explained his lawyer.

Dabi knew his crimes were horrendous and his chances were low but he still had a chance no less. A chance that he wanted to take.

"Though you were considered for this program I do want to remind you that it is not a requirement to participate. That choice is entirely up to you. If you wish to decline the offer and live out your sentence in Tartarus that would be perfectly acceptable." His lawyer clarified, wanting Dabi to be aware of all his options.

"Are you kidding? Have you tried living in this hell hole? If I refused to take the chance to be free from this place then you'd know I was unstable." Dabi exclaimed. He'd truly be crazy to pass up the opportunity.

"I'll inform the program about this." His lawyer smiled.

Dabi couldn't wait.

Chapter Text

After the meeting Dabi was returned to his cell, his dinner waiting on him. After receiving such good news he wanted nothing more than to have a good meal. Unfortunately he wouldn't receive one.

The food at Tartarus was awful. It resembled that of poor quality dog food. It wasn't too surprising, they treated them like animals. Why not feed them like animals? Dabi wouldn't be surprised one bit to find that they were trying to pass off discounted dog food as a meal. It'd certainly explain a lot.

Dabi didn't plan on eating dinner after seeing what he was given. He didn't want to end up with food poisoning again. He slid his tray out through the slot in his cell door to be collected. No dinner would be better than this, especially after the day he was having.

Dabi crawled into his cot deciding to relax a bit before going to sleep. There was nothing really left to do but drift into his thoughts.

He couldn't help but wonder what his life on the outside would be like. He knew it was a stupid thought to have considering the chance he'd ever be released was insignificant. However even as insignificant as the chance was, it was still there. Dabi couldn't help but wonder.

He never pictured his life outside of the league. He didn't have a plan if things turned out the way he wanted. A part of him didn't even think he'd be here. He expected to be dead by now, burned away by his own hands. He had come close to it once before and was considered dead to the world as Touya. When everything was happening he thought he'd die once more as Dabi, but he didn't. He survived.

Picturing his life was a difficult task. As a kid he wanted nothing more than to become a hero, but that dream was destroyed as he was deemed a failure by his father and ultimately replaced.

Everyone knew what he'd done. There was no true fresh start for Dabi. He was forever labeled a depraved vicious evil monster by the public. Even if he had managed to sway people's views on heroes he was still a monster in their eyes. There was no hiding from that. After all, the past never dies.

Dabi wondered what his life would be like if everything had gone down the way it was supposed to. If Endeavor had come that day to see him train. His flames might have never gotten out of control like they did. He might have even been able to prove himself and went onto become a hero rather than forgotten. Kept as a shameful secret.

He wondered what kind of hero he might have become. He was made to surpass All Might. That was the sole reason for his creation. Dabi wondered if just maybe if everything had gone the way it was supposed to if he would have. His quirk was stronger than Endeavors. He only had a small disadvantage of his flames burning him. That was a disadvantage he overcame as a villain. If he had the support he desperately needed back then he is certain he could have overcome it sooner.

If he was to become a hero he wanted to be a good one. One which would be for the people, all people. He understood how many were failed by heroes. He had lived with the villains that were made by heroes failing them. He too was failed by one of these so-called heroes. He understood their side of things. If he was to become a hero, he wanted to be a hero for them.

Though Dabi wasn't sure what he'd do if he got out, he now knew that it was a possibility. A very low possibility but a possibility no less.

Though the program was great news for Dabi he couldn't help but think about the logistics of it. He was no doubt dangerous. There was no denying that. Having villains released like him could lead to chaos pretty easily if they turned back to their old ways. It was a risky game to play.

A part of Dabi wondered who else exactly would be getting a chance to participate in this program. He wondered if anyone else from the league would get the chance to participate in the program.

He hadn't seen any of the league since the trial. He knew their crimes were severe and thanks to his lawyer he got to know their sentences.

Toga had gotten the lightest sentence. It shocked the country that a 17 year old girl could be capable of such gruesome acts. There was also the whole crazy thing which helped her case. She was sentenced to a mental health facility for the time being.

Compress was hospitalized for a long time before his sentencing. He had been the one that helped them get as far as they did. He had gotten a life sentence like many of the league. With crimes such as terrorism, murder, and kidnapping anything less would have been a crime within itself.

Spinner hadn't been charged with as many crimes compared to the rest of them. Him being a follower seemed to help his case. Dabi wasn't sure exactly how long his sentence was, but he had been informed that Spinner was imprisoned. He wasn't viewed as much as a threat compared to the rest of them. The judge had gone pretty easy on him.

Tomura alongside Dabi had been up for the death penalty. Thankfully for Tomura, like Dabi, he had just barely managed to escape the fatal sentencing. He was sent to Tartarus with Dabi. Dabi of course hadn't seen Tomura, but you don't see much when you're confined to a cage.

They had figured out that Kurogiri was a Nomu that was made from the corpse of UA student Oboro Shirakumo. Though Kurogiri possessed no memories of his former life, in the end Oboro started showing through in Kurogiri. Kurogiri had gained control of himself in both mind and body. He had been freed for a while but had ultimately been recaptured again like the rest of them. Dabi was certain that they were actively searching for a way to revive and free Oboro putting an end to Kurogiri. Till they figured out a way would be held in confinement.

Then there was Twice. Twice had been killed when everything had gone down. Dabi's lawyer had informed him that Twice had received a proper burial. Well, what was left of him anyway. If Dabi got out he wanted to visit Twice's grave. He had never got the chance to say his final goodbyes.

The rest of the league had been sentenced accordingly.

Dabi hoped that his friends would receive a second chance too. He knew they all deserved one. After all villains are not born, they're created.

Chapter Text

It had been a week since his initial meeting about the program. Dabi was actively waiting for his interview regarding his crimes. He was well aware that this interview was a main factor in if he would be able to join the program. He was already at a disadvantage due to the severity of his crimes so it was crucial this interview went well.

Dabi was asleep when he was woken by a guard. He could see through his window that it was still dark out. He looked towards the door at the guard who had come to wake him.

"Get ready, you have a meeting in an hour." The guard instructed. "You are allowed to come out of your cell to shower. You will be provided proper clothes for the interview. After the interview you will change back into your issued Tartarus uniform."

Dabi dragged himself from his cot exhausted. As he followed the guard to the prison showers he couldn't help but wonder if waking him up this early was a tactical maneuver they were using to get him to be truthful.

The guard handed Dabi a regulated shower kit, a towel, along with a suit for the interview. The kits were provided to inmates by Tartarus. Inside the kit was a single use toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, floss, a comb, a small container of shampoo and conditioner, a single use razor, a small bottle of shaving cream, deodorant, and a small bar of soap. The kits were provided for each shower an inmate received. They were cheaply made and only provided the absolute basics. They didn't allow inmates to have products outside of what was provided by Tartarus.

Dabi stepped into the prison showers sitting his things down on a counter. He knew he was being watched even if he was alone in the showers. Being an inmate at Tartarus meant you had no privacy. As an inmate you are always being monitored.

Slowly Dabi stripped his clothes off, tossing them into the laundry bin. He then grabbed the bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and the bar of soap before heading into one of the shower stalls. He had a whole hour to get ready and he was gonna enjoy it rather than rushing like he typically had too.

Dabi turned on the water. He was thankful to have inherited his mother's tolerance to the cold at times like this. Tartarus didn't provide hot water as they wanted prisoners out of the showers and back to their cells as quickly as possible. The freezing cold water wasn't going to stop Dabi from enjoying himself.

He started by washing his hair. Growing up he was taught appearance was everything. It only made sense when seeking revenge to ruin theirs. Dabi used the shampoo he was provided to clean his hair. He'd often just throw the low grade conditioner away not having the time to use it but today he has the time. Both products were of poor quality but they got the job done.

After Dabi got his hair clean he tried to work the bar of soap into a lather. Dabi had always been pretty hygienic especially after the accident that left his body covered in burn scars. When he was with the league he always had an issue with his hygiene products being stolen. He probably spent twice as much as he usually would monthly on replacing them.

After a lot of effort he managed to get a pretty good lather going. The last thing he wanted was another infection at the hands of Tartarus. Dabi knew a product was bad when instead of doing it's job it broke him out in hives and caused a nasty infection that took weeks to go away.

Unless you are dying, seeing a doctor while in Tartarus is virtually impossible. Dabi often had to treat any ailments he received while in Tartarus on his own. That mostly consisted of hoping they fixed themselves.

After rinsing off Dabi grabbed his towel to dry off. He still had plenty of time to get dressed, shave, apply deodorant, comb his hair, and brush his teeth before his interview. The suit Dabi was provided with was pretty basic but it would make him look presentable enough for the interview.

Dabi put the suit on after applying deodorant. The suit was a size larger than what he needed. During his stay he had lost a good deal of weight going down a size or two in clothes. The poor food quality was the main factor that contributed to this fact.

Even with the suit being a size larger than the one he needed it still made him look presentable. All was left to do now was to shave and brush his teeth.

Shaving wasn't an easy task for Dabi. Thanks to his burn scars he had to be extra careful. For a long time hair wouldn't grow where his burns were but after he stopped using his quirk hair started to appear. It wasn't a normal amount rather a few here and there as the healing process started to take over.

Dabi used what little bit of shaving cream he was supplied with to thoroughly coat his face. Using the razor he was provided with, Dabi started shaving. He knew how poor quality the razors were by the amount of cuts he received from a simple shave. Thankfully he wasn't cut up too badly.

Dabi cleaned any remaining shaving cream off his face before he brushed his teeth. Neither the league or Tartarus provided dental care so he was on his own to keep up with oral hygiene. Dabi hoped when he got out to get some decent toothpaste. The toothpaste Tartarus provided tasted of chemicals and depression.

Dabi finished up, rinsing his mouth out to try and get rid of the taste. He was ready as he could be under the circumstances for his interview.

The guard escorted Dabi to an interviewing room, cuffing him to the table. There was an unknown man already there waiting on him. As soon as the guard had him secured he left.

"Good morning Mr. Todoroki." The man greeted. Seemed a bit ironic to be calling it morning when most people would still be asleep right now.

"Was it necessary to have this meeting so early?" Dabi asked. He still couldn't help but wonder if this was some tactic they were using.

"We wanted to assure that you would be given plenty of time for your interview." The man clarified. Dabi wasn't sure exactly how long this interview would take but with the amount of charges he received he knew it wouldn't be ending anytime soon.

"If you'd like, I could send out for you some breakfast and coffee." The man said.

"That'd be nice." Dabi responded. He figured he'd probably miss breakfast with how long the interview would probably be.

The man made a quick phone call putting in Dabi's breakfast order. Dabi hoped that he'd receive some real food rather than the stuff they try to pass off as food.

"While we're waiting for your breakfast to arrive, why don't we get started? I was just about to go over your file." The man suggested. It was pretty clear that this man wasn't fully aware of the crimes Dabi had committed nor the severity of them.

The man started to look over Dabi's file as they waited. Dabi's charges were all severe. Severe enough that he was up for the death penalty. It certainly wasn't going to be easy to bypass that.

"Your crimes are quite severe.." The man pointed out as he read off the charges. Dabi had everything from Mass murder to Arson.

"Before we begin you understand this interview will regard your crimes and will be a determining factor in if you will be accepted into the program, correct?" The man asked.

"Correct." Dabi said acknowledging he understood the reasoning for this interview. Even though he already knew the reason for the interview they were still required to inform him.

"Why don't we start with your severe crimes and get them out of the way?" The man suggested. They had a lot to cover and getting the most severe ones out of the way would be the easiest way to go about things.

"Sounds good." Dabi responded.

"We'll start with the murder charges. If you would please tell me what led you to commit such an act." The man questioned.

"The reasoning behind my actions vary. I didn't have a set reason for killing. Sometimes I killed because it was the easiest way to meet my goal. Sometimes it was out of anger, revenge, or the thrill of it. At times I killed because I wanted to. At times I killed because I had too." Dabi answered. There was no one set motive he had.

"You got a chance to meet the families of your victims during your trial. You heard about the damage you caused them. Tell me about that." The man instructed.

"They were innocent people who probably didn't deserve to die by my hands. They all had families who loved them dearly. Many which would probably want me killed if they had a say so in the matter. Losing someone you care about hurts. I know how that feels. I wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone. I can see the pain and suffering I caused them." Dabi responded. He knew what it was like to lose someone who you care about. No amount of apologizing can bring them back.

"Do you regret these acts?" The man continued being pretty straightforward.

"At the time I could've cared less. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. I've had a lot of time to reflect over the years. If I could go back and undo what I did I would, but I can't. I can offer nothing more than an apology but hearing an "I'm sorry" in response to someone you love being killed is nothing more than a slap in the face. It doesn't fix anything." Dabi explained.

The man took a few notes before they were abruptly interrupted. The man got up, opened the door and received Dabi's breakfast order. The man thanked the guard before returning to his seat giving the food to Dabi.

The food wasn't that from Tartarus rather something decent. He was given Dorayaki, eggs, and black coffee. It wasn't as good as his mother's cooking, however it was the best thing he had in years.

As Dabi ate, the man continued the interview. "You were also charged with terrorism. Can you tell me your reasoning for this?" He asked

"It was part of the plan we had to create a new world. We each wanted something, something that we couldn't receive within the world we had now. In order to reach our goal, we committed a lot of unconventional, often illegal, acts to reach that goal. We were driven by promise and desire. A desire to belong." Dabi reasoned.

"If you had the option to do it again would you?" The man questioned.

"No. The world we would have created wouldn't be a world that I'd want to live in. I want a world that we can belong, but that wouldn't have been possible with the actions we committed." Dabi explained.

Dabi continued to enjoy his breakfast not knowing when he'd receive another one that was even moderately decent. He was thankful for the coffee, especially this early in the morning. He enjoyed the bitterness that came from it.

"Can you tell me about the Conspiracy?" The man asked as Dabi ate.

"If you're going to do something you should have a plan." Dabi pointed out. It would be stupid to act without one.

"I see your point." The man said. "However, conspiracy is still a crime and we will take it seriously."

Dabi didn't argue that.

"You also received kidnapping charges for kidnapping a UA student. Can you tell me about that?" The man continued.

"We thought the kid could be useful to us. We actually made an offer for him to join us which he rejected." Dabi explained.

"You understand the impact that this event had on the child, correct?" The man questioned as he took notes.

"Yes I am aware of the effects traumatic events such as being kidnapped can cause. It wasn't an act made with ill intent towards him, but I can understand how our actions might have unintentionally led to trauma." Dabi clarified.

Dabi took another sip of his coffee as the man flipped through a few pages as he went onto more of his charges.

"You were also charged with the attempted murders of your family and psychological abuse. These two things seem to play alongside each other so I'll allow you to give a little insight on both of these charges." The man affirmed.

These two particular charges were a bit touchy for Dabi. They were topics he'd rather avoid altogether if he had a choice in the matter. They weren't something he wanted to discuss, but if he wanted to be free he had too.

"I wanted to cause pain to the so-called hero Endeavor. The death of my youngest brother Shoto would be the best way to go about doing it. Unlike the rest of us who were deemed as failures to Endeavor, Shoto was the golden child. The only one worthy of his love and attention. Killing Shoto would cause the most pain to Endeavor. Seeing his hard work destroyed. His only chance at surpassing All Might would be destroyed. That was at least before he became the number one hero" Dabi answered.

"You would kill your own brother to cause pain to your father?" The man asked in disbelief.

"At the time, yes. I wanted him to feel pain and I wasn't beyond going through any means necessary to reach that goal." Dabi said.

"What about your other brother? You sent someone to attack him. He was almost killed." The man attempted to clarify to make sure he heard that right.

"At the time Endevor had a sudden turn around of wanting to play "good dad". He had achieved his goal of being the number one hero and was trying to form a relationship with his family again as if the abuse he inflicted onto the family never occurred. Natsuo was just another way to hurt Endevor. Nothing more." Dabi continued.

"Do you regret your actions?" The man asked.

"I do. My family often writes to me trying to reconcile a relationship. It's far from perfect or anything of the sort but it's a start." Dabi shrugged. They were making an effort. He was making an effort. It was something at least.

The man took a short break to reorganize his notes. Dabi had a feeling these notes would certainly be used during his mental health evaluation.

After completing they started to go through the minor charges such as destruction of property, vandalism, assault and battery, stalking, and Arson.

"Mr. Todoroki?" The man looked towards Dabi, closing his file.

"Hm?" Dabi looked up from his now empty breakfast tray.

"What are your plans for when you get out? Do you have any goals?" The man asked. This wasn't the type of questions Dabi thought he'd be receiving from this interview.

"I don't really have a plan exactly." Dabi answered truthfully.

"Maybe that's something you should think about. Regarding this interview I believe you can be rehabilitated. You certainly have some issues you need to work through but that is to be expected." The man stated. "Second chances are scares, if you miss this one you may not receive another. I suggest you put this one to good use."

This was good news for Dabi however he knew the battle wasn't done yet. He still had a mental health evaluation and with some of the answers he gave he was certain they would come back to bite him.

Chapter Text

Dabi's interview had ended just in time for lunch. He had received what crudely resembled soup and a pathetic attempt at a salad. Having eaten real food for the first time in years he dreaded returning to this.

Before Dabi could begin lunch his cell door opened. The same guard who had tased him just the week before had come to collect him again. Dabi was annoyed that the bastard was back but he was also pleased with the fact his lunch had been interrupted. Maybe he'd actually be given some real food instead.

"Get up, inmate." The guard commanded as if he was some sort of animal. His tone was full of egotism as he spoke to Dabi as if he was below him. Dabi hated to be disrespected like this.

"You certainly know how to ruin a guy's appetite." Dabi retorted. This response only seemed to anger the guard. Dabi wasn't going to obey like the animal he was treated as. As much as Dabi wanted to go to wherever he was wanted he wasn't about to let himself be treated this way.

"I said.. Get up, inmate." The guard repeated, tone growing threatening as he walked towards him.

Dabi wasn't phased by the guards' threats. Nothing he could do would be worse than the hell he had already endured. The pathetic attempts that the guards often made to make his life just a little bit miserable was practically laughable. Dabi had been through hell, there was no topping that.

"Please not in front of my salad. I'm trying to eat here." Dabi remarked as he pulled the tray away from the guard as if the guard's presents would taint the already tainted food.

The guard had enough of Dabi. He was one of the most difficult inmates to deal with. He wouldn't even comply with the simplest of tasks. You tell him to sit, he'll stand. You tell him to follow you and he'll refuse, perhaps mock you too. No amount of punishments seemed to put him in his place.

The guard grabbed Dabi's wrists forcing them behind his back cuffing him. This made it a bit easier to drag Dabi from his cell.

Dabi struggled a bit as he was led down a hallway. During the years Dabi stayed at the prison he had never left this floor of the building or stepped a foot outside it. The floor had everything he needed. It contained its own showers, cells for the inmates, and conference rooms for meetings or interrogations. To Dabi's knowledge most floors had the same set up. It made things easy for the guards and limited the time inmates would spend out of their cells.

Each door of an inmate's cell didn't contain their name rather a number. This prevented inmates from knowing what prisoner was in which cell. Dabi's cell contained the number 4129. Some guards wouldn't bother with calling inmates by their names, rather preferring to inmates by their assigned number or simply inmate as a way to dehumanize them. The bastard Dabi was dealing with was one of those guards.

Dabi was taken to one of the conference rooms and cuffed to the table. An older woman was sitting there waiting for him. Unlike his interview concerning his crimes there was a device on the table with a red and green light. When Dabi was secured to the table and it was certain he couldn't escape, the guard left.

"It's wonderful to see you, Touya." The woman smiled. Unlike the man who interviewed him, the woman seemed less than formal, calling him by his first name.

"It's nice to be seen." Dabi responded jokingly. The woman laughed slightly which gave Dabi a bit of hope for how this meeting would go.

"Well I'm sure you're excited to get started. My name is Mrs.Hana, I'm going to be giving you the required evaluation." The woman introduced herself explaining why she is here.

Dabi nodded acknowledging that fact.

"During this evaluation I'm going to ask you a series of questions and I'll need you to answer honestly. You will be under a lie detector just to assure you are being truthful. It is important that we receive the most accurate information in order to determine if you can be released and what care you should need." The woman continued, switching on the device.

This cut out Dabi's ability to lie during the evaluation. He had gotten good at lying, often lying to the police who interrogated him just for fun. He had been truthful during his interview regarding his crimes, but that was mostly due to the fact he couldn't lie his way out of the fact he was charged with over 33 counts of murder among other things.

"Do you have any questions before we begin?" The woman asked with a smile. She vaguely reminded Dabi of his mother before she lost her mind. She treated Dabi as a person rather than a monster.

"Will lunch be included with this?" Dabi asked. He was hoping like with the last interview he would receive some actual food.

"I think that can be arranged.. what would you like?" The woman asked him.

Dabi stopped for a moment to think before responding, "Hot soba noodle soup and chocolate cake." Unlike Shoto who loved his soba cold Dabi preferred his hot.

The woman made a call putting his order in. Dabi couldn't wait to be able to enjoy his food especially considering what he was originally given for lunch.

"It should arrive shortly.. Any more questions before we begin?" Asked the woman.

"I have no more questions." Dabi confirmed.

"Alright let's begin.. what would you say your sleeping patterns are like?" The woman asked.

"Irregular. Sleeping in this place can be a difficult task but there isn't much else to do. Sometimes I can faintly hear the guy crying through the wall next to mine." Dabi responded. The lie detector showed he was being truthful.

"What are your eating patterns like? Would you consider your diet to be healthy?" The woman continued.

"Not really. The food they give us can hardly be considered food at all. I can't say it's what you consider healthy and choking it down to prevent starvation is a task of its own." Dabi responded.

By the look on the woman's face it appeared that she thought Dabi was exaggerating. Her expression turned to shock when she saw that Dabi was being truthful.

"Oh my.. What about physical activity? Do you exercise regularly?" The woman questioned.

"Often. The guards keep us confined to our cells as much as possible so any exercise is done within the small space given. I've worked out a sort of routine over the years." Dabi explained. He had kept himself well in shape over the years.

"Have you been outside since your incarnation?" The woman questioned him further clearly being oblivious and shocked on how things are run in the prison.

"No. They like to keep the animals in their cages." Dabi joked a bit.

"That must be awful.." The woman remarked sympathetically.

Dabi shrugged slightly. He didn't know how to react to the sympathy he was receiving. Many would want him to suffer after all he had done. He could still picture the looks of disappointment on people's faces when he wasn't sentenced to death all those years ago embedded into his mind.

"Would you say you maintain good personal hygiene? The woman asked, trying to continue on with the evaluation.

"As best as I can maintain in this prison. Would certainly be better if we were given better hygiene products but I work with what I am given." Dabi elaborated. He kept good hygiene, but it certainly wasn't as good as before he was sent away. On more than one occasion he ended up having a reaction to the soaps he was given to clean himself with.

"It's nice to see you put effort into caring for yourself." The woman remarked. "Do you smoke?"

"Not in recent years but before I was sent to prison I would smoke semi-regularly. It made a decent way to relieve stress." Dabi responded.

"On average how much would you smoke when you would indulge?" The woman pressed further.

"I could go through multiple packs within a day depending on my stress level. When I'm especially stressed they'll often burn more quickly due to my quirk." Dabi answered. "Often have to deal with issues regarding my lungs due to the habit and my quirk."

"Do you drink by chance?" The woman asked.

"Yeah not in recent years but I did indulge when I was free too." Dabi replied.

"How often would you drink? Was there anything in particular you would drink?" The woman questioned.

"Semi-regularly, having a fire quirk alcohol doesn't always mix well. I would drink just about anything as long as it was strong. Kurogiri often kept the league monitored, cutting them off when they'd had too much with the exception of Toga whom he refused to give alcoholic beverages to." Dabi explained. Kurogiri certainly made a great bartender and person to talk to.

"Have you ever indulged in any illegal substances or developed an addiction to said substances?" The woman asked.

"No. I've seen the effects of drugs such as Trigger. In my case the usage would probably kill me." Dabi responded. He was never one to use drugs, especially not ones that would have his quirk go out of control and burn him alive.

The evaluation was interrupted by Dabi's lunch arriving. He was given just as he requested. The Hot soba noodle soup was beautifully cooked and flavorful. The chocolate cake was fluffy and even had a chocolate drizzle.

"Is it as you wanted?" The woman asked, seeing Dabi's reaction to receiving some real food for once.

"Yes, it's perfect." Dabi smiled before he began to eat. If he has access to use his quirk he could make the soba even hotter. It was fine the way it was though.

"Shall we continue while you enjoy your lunch?" The woman asked.

Dabi gave a simple nod as he ate.

"Alright.. would you define yourself as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, or something else? Please specify." The woman inquired.

Dabi suddenly stopped eating when this question was raised. Sexuality wasn't something Dabi had ever wanted to discuss especially when it was pertaining to his mental health. He couldn't see any reasoning behind asking such a question.

"Why do you need to ask this?" Dabi asked in turn.

"Sexuality can play a part in mental health especially when an individual is anything but heterosexual" The woman stated. "I will need an answer before we move on."

"I would rather not put a label on it.." Dabi mumbled half heartedly. This wasn't something he wanted to discuss and he wanted to move on from this topic as soon as possible.

"Would you say you maintain a healthy relationship with sex?" The woman continued.

"Yes." Dabi answered. He didn't want to be answering questions like this. Questions involved any addictions he could handle but sex wasn't a topic he wanted to discuss.

Within seconds of Dabi's response the lie detector showed he was lying.

"Touya I will need you to be honest when answering the questions." The woman reminded him. "These questions are important when it comes to your mental health."

As true as that may be, it still didn't make Dabi want to talk about it. He would be glad when they returned to the normal questions.

"Let's move on.. Would you say you experience a lack of desire for sex?" The woman continued.

"No." Dabi responded which once again showed he was lying. Instead of scolding him the woman simply just made a note of it.

"Do you have any concerns within this area?" The woman calmly asked.

"Not any I want to discuss." Dabi responded being careful on how he phrased the response he gave.

"Very well.. would you say you are happy with the quirk you have?" The woman asked, returning to less sexual questions.

"Happy with its capabilities.. Can't say I'm too happy about it burning me alive but I make do with what I am given." Dabi answered relaxing a bit as the questions returned to normal. With that Dabi took a bite of cake.

"Do you experience any distress with or without your quirk?" The woman questioned.

"Well it's hard not to be a bit distressed when you're being burned alive.. Without my quirk it can make some tasks a bit difficult but I've managed over the years without it." Dabi explained with a hint of sarcasm when it came to his quirk burning him alive.

"How would you define your experience with your quirk?" The woman questioned further.

"Hot." Dabi joked. It was the best word to describe it. He knew he, like many others, faced struggles with their quirks. His struggle was more with the quirk itself rather than how society viewed it.

"Would you say you have trouble socializing with others?" The woman asked.

"Not particularly." Dabi responded. He found some people difficult to deal with but he made friends with the league just fine. He wasn't worried.

"Would you say you have a good self image?" The woman questioned.

"Better than I used to. It helps to ignore how others view you." Dabi answered. If he had listened to what other people thought about him he wouldn't be able to live with himself.

"Do you or have you ever developed an eating disorder?" The woman asked. She seemed to be taking notes throughout the evaluation.

"Yes. When training when I was younger greatly affected my eating habits that carried over into adulthood. It has improved over the years but it still affects me." Dabi confirmed. It took him years to indulge in things like sweets. Endeavor always lectured him on his eating habits and how they'd affect his training.

"It's good to see you're making an effort." The woman smiled. Dabi wasn't certain but she looked proud of him.

"Would you say you experience depression?" The woman asked.

"When you're locked up in this place it's kinda hard not to. You're treated as an animal locked away in a cage. I often hear the guy in the cell over crying at night. It's hard not to when you're treated less than human." Dabi shrugged. He could see the look of concern on the woman's face regarding how he described this place.

"Have you ever self harmed?" The woman asked with a bit of hesitance.

"I have no need to. The usage of my quirk does enough harm." Dabi clarified.

"Have you ever experienced any thoughts of suicide or attempted to commit?" The woman asked, showing a great deal of concern with the answers she was receiving.

"Once or twice. Thoughts come and go. Endeavor always said it was the coward's way out and I refuse to give him the satisfaction." Dabi responded. He was already viewed as a failure, a disappointment. He wouldn't be viewed as a coward as well.

"Do you have any experiences with dissociation?" The woman inquired as she rapidly wrote down notes.

"Sometimes. More often after you're tased by the guards. They find when you're in such a state you're easier to handle. Kinda like giving a sedative to an animal." Dabi replied. "It takes a while to come to your senses and realize where you are and what is happening."

"That sounds awful.." The woman remarked. She seemed to show great disapproval towards the way the guards were treating him.

Dabi simply shrugged in response. "You get used to it."

The woman seemed to take a moment before she was able to continue.

"Would you say you struggle managing your emotions?" She asked.

"Not really. If they get out of control I could burn alive my flames seemingly affected by them. I sometimes use that as an advantage." Dabi recounted.

"Would you say you experience homicidal thoughts or actions?" The woman questioned.

"I wouldn't describe them as homicidal rather wanting people who cause pain to feel pain." Dabi made sure to use his phasing carefully. He watched as the woman wrote down notes.

"Has there ever been any mental health issues within your family? If so could you state them please." The woman requested.

Dabi laughed slightly, "Mental health issues? Have there been mental health issues in my family? Oh my family fucking lost it a long time ago."

The woman wrote a few things down as Dabi spoke.

"Where do I even begin? My father was driven to madness when he couldn't become the number one hero so he forced his wife, who he more or less bought, to give birth to give him a child who could become number one. He then in turn deemed each child who didn't have the quirk he wanted as a failure. He abused his family horribly which ultimately drove my mother to madness. She poured boiling hot water on Endeavor's golden child which got her sent away. Fuyumi actively tries to pick up the pieces of this broken family. Natsuo resents Endeavor as he should. Shoto who was deemed the golden child, the only one worthy of Endeavor's love and attention, was kept away from the rest of us failures. I'm sure Endeavor thought allowing us failures to be near him would ultimately taint his precious golden child. He became more or less emotionless due to the abuse he too suffered. I died and was forgotten about." Dabi ranted. "So as you can see my family is mentally fucked."

"Would you say you experience any mental health issues?" The woman asked clearly, not needing an answer.

"I think we both know the answer to that." Dabi calmly responded.

The woman simply nodded, not pressing the subject further. "Do you find yourself having trouble maintaining relationships?" She questioned.

"Not really." Dabi replied simply. He maintained decent relationships with the league.

"Can you describe the relationships you have with each of your friends?" The woman requested.

"Kurogiri was like a father figure for the league, especially for Shiggy. Certainly made a better father figure than Endeavor ever did. He took care of us. He often would lecture me about drinking, smoking, and my eating habits. I wish I showed him more appreciation when I had him around." Dabi described. Dabi could still remember Kurogiri limiting the alcohol Dabi was allowed to consume at the bar providing him with nonalcoholic beverages in favor of those with alcohol.

"Twice was a good friend of mine. He had died when everything had gone down. He cared very deeply about everyone in the league but trusted too easily. This led to his downfall and eventual death. He was a bit annoying at times but, I'd give just about anything to have to put up with his nonsense again." Dabi smiled slightly, reflecting on the memory of his dear friend. "If I ever did get out I would like to pay my respects to him. I never got a chance to say goodbye."

"Toga was just a kid when I met her. A product from society. She was as crazy as ever but a valuable member of our team. She was someone who I consider to be a friend, perhaps even family." Dabi responded. He couldn't deny he missed the kid. He hoped she was doing alright. They had grown close after everything they had gone through.

"The lizard, Spinner, I didn't care much for in the beginning. He's an absolutely horrible driver and I get motion sick easily. Though I may insult him, he is someone who I consider to be a friend. We share similar ideologies on the viewpoint of hero society." Dabi said, reflecting on Spinner.

"Compress is someone who I have a respect for. He sacrificed himself to help the rest of us. He, like Kurogiri, often looked after the league. He put the league first even if it meant risking his own life. He's been through a lot like all of us. I hope he's been doing better in recent years " Dabi continued. He could still remember Compress putting on a magic show for him during a birthday celebration. He treasured memories such as those.

"Wasn't there one more?" The woman inquired hearing Dabi pause.

"Shiggy." Dabi clarified.

"Why don't you tell me about your relationship with him?" The woman suggested.

"The relationship I have with Shiggy is complicated." Dabi responded not wanting to divulge more than that.

"I see.. Why don't you tell me about the relationship you have with your family?" The woman asked.

"Fuyumi, my sister, actively writes to me. We exchange letters weekly. She often tries to fill me in on day to day life as if I was there. She seems to care about me just as she had when we were kids. She's forgiven me for what I've done and we're actively trying to rebuild our relationship." Dabi explained. He was certain when he returned to his cell there would be a letter there waiting on him.

"Natsuo, my brother, occasionally writes. He shows some hesitance to rebuild our relationship. He seems to view the person I've become as a monster but is desperate to find the Touya he knew as his older brother. I regret trying to kill him. I was trying to make Endevor suffer and was willing to go to any lengths to do so. I don't blame him for being hesitant. " Dabi said as he reflected on the memory of his brother. "He hated Endeavor for being behind my death. He didn't just treat me as something that could be replaced and forgotten."

"My mother writes to me often. We're actively trying to build a relationship. We didn't exactly have the best one when I was younger. I have no doubt she cared for me but knowing the reasoning behind my creation prompted a strain on our relationship." Dabi explained. He did love his mother but it would take time for a relationship to form.

"What about your youngest brother and your father?" The woman questioned.

"The relationship I have with Shoto is complicated. He has been sending me letters in effort to form a relationship but it will take time. He seems to want to play hero and save me. It's hard to see him as anything but my replacement. I don't hate him but I would be lying if I said I didn't have some negative feelings towards him. I blame Endeavor for these feelings. I hope to perhaps have a relationship with him as I have with the rest of my siblings. None of this is his fault and I won't claim it is." Dabi continued. He certainly has made progress with how he viewed Shoto but he still had a long way to go.

"And Endeavor?" The woman probed.

"I have no relationship with him. After all he's done I don't see one forming. There was a time where I wanted nothing more than his attention but now? I could care less. I think my actions have shown both him and the world my viewpoints on him. He is no hero. He is no father of mine. We may share blood and name but besides that there is nothing." Dabi responded coldly.

The woman took a few notes giving Dabi a few moments to calm himself before they continued.

"Have you ever experienced any physical abuse in your life?" Asked the woman continuing the evaluation.

"Yes." Dabi responded. He had endured physical abuse from many people whether that be from the guards, strangers, or by the hands of his own father.

"Have you ever experienced any emotional abuse in your life?" The woman asked.

"Yes." Dabi responded simply.

"Have you ever experienced any sexual abuse in your life?" The woman asked once more.

Dabi didn't like this question nor any questions pertaining to sex. He had hoped the ones he had earlier would be it.

"No." Dabi answered quickly, wanting to move on. The lie detector went off showing the fact he was lying about it.

The woman decided not to press the issue, sitting her notes aside as she ended the evaluation.

"Touya do you have any plans for your future if you do get a chance to be admitted into the program?" She asked

"Not really. Didn't really figure I had a future let alone one in which I would be free." Dabi shrugged.

"What are your thoughts on therapy?" The woman questioned.

"I would rather deal with any issues on my own." Dabi said firmly. He hated sharing his personal life with strangers.

"Maybe you should think about your future a bit." The woman smiled, confirming what Dabi had hoped for.

Chapter Text

Dabi was returned to his cell after the evaluation came to a close. Both the interview and the evaluation ended with signs that he would be accepted into the program. As much as Dabi wanted to celebrate he knew he shouldn't get his hopes too high in case it all fell through.

Upon Dabi's return he was greeted with a letter laying on the pillow of his cot. Tartarus was very strict when it came to mail. They only allowed letters from family or your lawyer. Packages were banned at Tartarus. They didn't want to risk a prisoner receiving something that could assist in an escape attempt or having a prisoner receiving something that would make them feel human.

Dabi expected the letter to be from either his mother or Fuyumi. While he did receive letters from his brothers they just weren't very frequent. Receiving a letter from Endeavor was even less likely. Endeavor had gone back to treating him as a shameful secret, avoiding his existence as much as he possibly could.

Looking over the letter he received he could see it was not from his mother or sister rather from his youngest brother Shoto. Dabi wasted no time opening the letter. What little of a relationship he had built with Shoto were confined to these letters. Dabi hoped it wouldn't stay confined for much longer.

"Dear Touya," Dabi read. "My apologies for having not written in so long. Having gone pro I've had less time for activities outside of my hero duties. I hope to write more frequently in the future."

A part of Dabi hoped that he would be a free man before he received another letter. He was well aware that Shoto had gone pro after graduating UA. He couldn't deny that he was proud of his brother and how far he'd come.

"I have a lot to share with you regarding events taking place in my life but first let me update you on the family." Dabi continued reading.

Dabi had wondered what the family had been up to since he last received a letter. He hated being left out of the loop as if he wasn't a part of this family. Though he understood why they couldn't always write to him it still hurt.

"Mom has greatly improved, absolutely thriving since her release. In recent years she had started a program to help those trapped within abusive situations. She's had great success with the program so far." Dabi read further.

His mother had sent him a pamphlet on the program during her last letter. She had been so proud of herself for creating the program to help others overcome abuse like she had. Dabi was proud of her too. It was nice to see the program had become the success his mother had hoped for.

"Fuyumi seems happier now that everyone has joined together as a family but expresses her desire for you to be here with us. She has started her own after school quirk course. With the rise of kids born with stronger quirks, quirk accidents have been more frequent. Fuyumi is actively making an effort to prevent these accidents from occurring. I'm certain with her help these kids will have a bright future ahead of them." Dabi continued.

Dabi had always expected Fuyumi to take a career that would either involve working with kids or at the very least helping others. In her case she had gone down both routes by teaching kids and helping them learn to control their quirks. On a few occasions he had received letters from Fuyumi asking for advice on how to help kids who have a quirk that causes them harm. Kids like him. He knew Fuyumi would certainly have a big impact on these kids especially.

"Natsuo has been working as a pediatrician. He too has noticed the rise in kids being born with powerful quirks and the accidents that have come with it. He contributes this fact to quirk based relationships. As illegal as they may be they're hard to prove and the kids born from these arrangements suffer due to this fact. He fears that more families like ours will be created." Dabi continued to read.

It was no surprise to Dabi that there had been a rise in quirk based relationships. With hero society being as it is, powerful quirks are something desirable. The selfishness the people have who partake in such an arrangement are quick to overlook the harm that can come from their actions. His creation is a good example of the horrible effects that these arrangements can have.

A passion for helping people was something that the Todoroki family shared. Even as a child Natsuo expressed his interest in the medical field. Dabi could remember Natsuos eagerness to play doctor as an effort to make him feel better after a harsh training session. He could also remember Natsuo's futile attempts to help their mother before she was sent away. When Natsuo had gone off to college he had studied medical welfare. Like Fuyumi, Natsuo shared a love for kids. Receiving a job that would combine his love for kids and his passion for the medical field was his ultimate goal. A goal in which he had reached.

"When it comes to Endeavor, I can't say much. While he is trying to change he has a long way to go. I wish he'd at least try and make an effort with you. You are a part of this family and you deserve that at the very least." Dabi read further.

Endeavor had returned to treating him as if he had died all over again. In the years he had spent isolated from the rest of the world he had barely received so much as a letter from Endeavor. Being treated this way no longer hurt him as he had grown used to it. However if anything hurt it was knowing that Endeavor was willing to put effort into being a father to his other children but not him.

"On a lighter note Eijiro has taught me how to Photoshop pictures. He uses the program to make Katsuki appear more presentable in photos. I've enclosed a few of my own works." Dabi continued.

Dabi paused his reading for a moment to look inside the envelope. Enclosed were a few photos as stated. One of which was a photo of them all together as kids. A photo that wouldn't exist without the magic of Photoshop. The photo was of poor quality however Dabi treasured it. Before Shoto was separated from the rest of them a few photos of them with Shoto had been taken, but there wasn't one taken of them together. Thanks to Shoto, there is one now.

"Speaking of Eijiro and Katsuki, they have officially become a hero team. They're known as "Red Dynamite". The pair balance each other out and make for one hell of a team. Katsuki expressed some distaste for his title coming second but Eijiro seemed to cheer him up." Dabi read.

Katsuki, that was the kid the league had kidnapped. Dabi assumed Eijiro was the redhead that came to his rescue that day. Dabi was certain that there was a bit more than friendship going on between the two of them.

"There has been a rise in hero teams in recent years. Though many heroes choose to work alone still, myself included, hero teams have become more prevalent. While Midoriya has been named the number one hero of our generation, Red Dynamite has been named the number one hero team. Midoriya and Katsuki often fought for the spot of number one but they ultimately both ended up in that spot in a way." Dabi read further.

It was no surprise that hero teams had become more prevalent after the war. A single hero could have never stopped the League Of Villains. Hero teams were a solution to keep villain groups from getting as far as they did.

"I've never understood the concern for ranking or being the best. It's the cause of our family's problems. I wouldn't mind if the ranking system was eliminated altogether. A hero shouldn't care if they are the best. That's not what being a hero is about." Dabi continued.

Dabi could understand Shoto's feelings regarding the system. The system was broken. Society was broken. It was all broken. They were slowly trying to piece it back together but that only risked it shattering again.

"I just want to help people. I wish I could have helped you. I wish I could have been the hero you needed then. I hope I can be the hero you need now. " Dabi read.

Dabi didn't like how Shoto acted as if he was a savior to him. As much as Dabi knew this wasn't his intention he couldn't help but feel angered. He didn't need a hero. He just needed a brother.

"In regards to recent events taking place in my life, I've recently taken part in a program to help kids who want to be heroes. It reminds me of the provisional license course I took at UA. They've even adopted horrible nicknames for me, ones that are far worse than five weenies." Dabi kept reading.

The fact Shoto was being name called by children certainly let him cool off a bit from his hero complex. Children were something Dabi had never cared for even as a child himself. His siblings seemed to love them though. Dabi just couldn't understand it.

"As we discussed when we started this exchange, I will be waiting for a letter regarding your life." Dabi read nearing the end. "Sincerely, Shoto."

Dabi got up and reached under his cot. There he kept a box filled with all the letters he had received over the years. The box was filled mostly with letters from his mother and Fuyumi. Natsuo and Shoto didn't write as frequently but he still had a good amount from them. Then there was a single letter from Endeavor.

In the years he had spent there at Tartarus he had only received a single letter from Endeavor. The letter was formal and uncaring. A part of Dabi wasn't even sure he had been the one who wrote it.

Dabi placed the box right back under his cot after placing Shoto's letter inside. He knew he still had his own letter to write.

Dabi wasn't sure if he should tell Shoto about the program. He wasn't sure he had even been accepted yet. Most importantly he wasn't sure how his family would react to it.

His family often expressed how much they missed him and their desire to build a relationship with him through their letters, but did they really mean what they said? With the letters he could be picked up and forgotten about whenever they wanted.

Dabi decided not to tell Shoto about the program rather he told him the boringness that went on during his day to day life as he always did. Dabi wasn't ready to face the truth yet. He wasn't ready to find out if his family truly wanted him there or not.

Dabi would have his lawyer mail the letter for him during their next meeting. He knew not to trust the guards to do it.

Chapter Text

The interview and evaluation had taken place nearly a week ago and Dabi was still anticipating a visit from his lawyer regarding whether he would be accepted into the program or not. Perhaps it was the sheer importance of this visit in particular, but the wait seemed to be more agonizing than usual.

The moment Dabi heard his cell door click open he wasted no time getting to his feet. The guard that came to collect him was the same guard who had helped him through his first few weeks at the prison all those years ago.

"It's nice to see you again sir." Dabi said, not putting up a fight as the guard placed the cuffs on him.

"No biting this time?" The guard joked, leading him out of the cell.

Within the first week Dabi had spent at the prison he had made an attempt to escape that had ended with him being placed temporarily in the hospital. During this attempt he had bitten the guard in an effort to get away. A scar remained on the guard's hand as a permanent reminder of the event.

"Not this time." Dabi responded as he walked down the hallway with the guard.

"That's good to hear Dabi." The guard said with a smile. "Really good to hear."

The guard led Dabi to a conference room where his lawyer was already waiting for his arrival. Once he was cuffed to the table, as per protocol, the guard left them alone to talk in private.

"Good evening Dabi." His lawyer greeted. "I have some wonderful news for you today."

"What is it?" Dabi asked, sliding the letter he had written over to be mailed.

"I just received word that you've been accepted into the program." His lawyer responded, putting the letter into his briefcase to mail later.

"Are you sure?" Dabi asked in disbelief. Though he had known there was a possibility of him being accepted, when it really came down to it, he never really believed he would be. Who would really give a monster like him a second chance?

"I assure you that you've been accepted." His lawyer continued. "I've been informed that processing will begin tomorrow."

"Processing?" Dabi questioned.

"The processing stage will cover the terms and conditions of the program and help prepare you for your release." His lawyer explained.

Dabi took a moment to let the gravity of the situation sink in. He had been accepted into the program, a program that would grant him his freedom. He was going to be released.

"Who else got in?" Dabi asked after a moment or two.

"My apologies Dabi, but I'm unable to answer that question." His lawyer responded. "Each case is kept a secret to prevent villains from seeking each other out and regrouping and to keep the reformed villains safe from being attacked. Please forgive me for using such a term."

Dabi simply nodded in acknowledgement before slipping away within his own thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder if any of the league had received a second chance like him. There was no doubt in his mind that they deserved one. Dabi tried to picture what their lives might be like if they too had received a second chance.

Dabi could see Compress becoming some sort of entertainer if given a second chance. Performing magic had always been a passion of his, so it would be no surprise if that was the path he chose. Dabi held many fond memories of Compress and his performances, the performance Compress had given him for his birthday being a favorite. When it truly came down to it Dabi cherished his friendship with Compress. He hoped that the man received the chance at a better life that he deserved.

Toga was just a child, only 16 years old when she joined the league. Her parents deemed her to be a monster, a demon child no less for having an interest in blood. Toga was in no way normal, but she deserved a chance at a normal life. If any of them deserved a second chance it was her. Dabi had come to love Toga as a sister. She had found a family within the league that accepted her for whom she truly was. Dabi hoped just maybe she would get a chance at normal life because when it really came down to it, she never had a chance to begin with.

Although Dabi wasn't all too fond of the lizard, Spinner, at first he had grown to view him as an ally and friend. Spinner had been a constant victim of discrimination due to his lizard-like appearance. It was something Dabi too had dealt with having been covered in intense burn scars. Society could be cruel to those who don't fit into the ideal standard of what a person should look like. Spinner had joined the league with a desire to change society into something better. Perhaps if he received a second chance he could help others facing discrimination like he had.

Kurogiri had become a father figure to Dabi. In a way Kurogiri had already been given a second chance at life having died as Oboro Shirakumo and being reborn as Kurogiri. A high-end Nomu who had gained control of himself in both mind and body. They were still keeping him held for observation trying to figure out how to revive Oboro and end Kurogiri. Despite being a part of Oboro, Kurogiri was his own person. Kurogiri deserved to be able to live his own life without being held back by whom he once was or controlled and used as a tool.

Then there was Tomura…

"Dabi are you listening?" His lawyer asked interrupting his thoughts.

"Hm?" Dabi answered refocusing his attention. He hadn't noticed his lawyer had continued speaking after he had drifted away into his own thoughts.

"I said I suggest you get some rest as processing will start early tommorow." His lawyer repeated.

"Yeah of course.." Dabi responded with a nod. This was all really happening he had been accepted.

"You seem rather distracted today.." His lawyer pointed out. "Something on your mind?"

"A lot actually.." Dabi confessed. "Never thought I'd actually be accepted."

"That's understandable." His lawyer nodded. "I don't think anyone in your position would."

Dabi knew just how true that was. He had been up for the death penalty just a few years prior and now he was receiving a second chance at life. This whole situation was nothing short of a miracle.

"I'll see you tomorrow Dabi." His lawyer said with a soft smile.

With that the meeting was over and hope for a new beginning was starting to form within Dabi.

Chapter Text

With news he had been accepted into the program Dabi had found himself struggling to sleep that night. There were so many things running through his head as he finally came to terms with the fact that soon he'd be a freed man. His whole life was about to be flipped upside down all over again, but maybe this time, for once, it could be for the better. He never even realized he had spent the entire night up lost in thought until he was removed from his cell once more to meet with his lawyer just as he had promised. This was it.

“Good evening Dabi.” The lawyer greeted, watching closely as the guards proceeded to secure his client to the table. “I trust you are eager to begin?”

“Who are they?” Dabi asked almost immediately, outright ignoring the question as he gestured to the two unfamiliar faces in the room that had accompanied his lawyer during the visit.

“Was just getting to that.. Dabi, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Arai and Ms. Seno. They are from the program and will be helping assist you through these next stages of processing.” The lawyer continued, giving Dabi a reassuring look. “They have taken a special interest in your case.”

Hearing that they had taken a special interest in his case definitely did not give the feelings of comfort that his lawyer had apparently thought it would to Dabi. He knew what that really meant.

“Well.. I'm sure you're probably in a hurry to get things moving soon so why don't we get started?” Mr. Arai began, opening his briefcase. “My job here today is to assure you understand the terms and conditions of entering this program while Ms. Sako will be assisting with making arrangements for your release and to help assure you won't have any trouble becoming a functional member of society again. Any questions?”

The thought of becoming a functional member of society again was certainly something laughable. Dabi knew he had never even made it right the first time, but he decided against acknowledging that fact.

“Dabi?” The lawyer prompted when no response was heard immediately.

“Will breakfast be included with this?” Dabi asked cautiously, picking up on the looks they were giving him.

“Uh I'm sure that won't be a problem.” The lawyer spoke up, glancing towards the others. “How about I make some arrangements for breakfast to be brought over while you three get started, hm? Any more questions or concerns, Dabi?”

“Not really..” Dabi shrugged, focusing his attention back towards the other two in the room. “Continue.”

“Well.. as I was saying, there are many terms and conditions that come with this program. You will have rules, lots of them, but they will help keep you in line, help you become a better person.” Mr. Arai stated, pulling out a large manuscript detailing everything he'd be signing up to follow. “There will also be consequences if you violate these rules we have set in place. Of course we aren't just going to throw you back in here for an accident, but do not take the warnings you are given lightly as there won't be very many of them.”

Dabi was more than just a little familiar with the guidelines that had been set and if he was being completely honest with himself he knew they were practically setting him up to fail, but could he really blame them? Freedom comes at a price and to gain just a bit would require him giving up most of his rights. He wouldn't be able to do what most other citizens would be able to, but then again it still seemed like a better life than what he was living now. He knew he'd be a fool not to take it.

“I understand..” Dabi confirmed, glancing through the pages. “Anything else?”

“We understand that these rules may come off as a little strict but we just want to make sure that you are given the best opportunity to succeed even if that means keeping you in line..” Ms. Sako explained, showing a bit of sympathy for him. “Getting people to agree with this program has been something difficult to achieve with many people fearing for their safety which we do not blame. We want to make sure our people are safe and as time passes and you have proven yourself to be reformed our rules will slowly fade away and you will be released indefinitely.”

Hearing that one day he could have the same rights as everyone else was certainly promising, but as the pages seemed to become endless Dabi knew that things wouldn't be easy in the meantime. He couldn't blame them for being so strict yet in a way it felt like being in a whole new type of prison.

“Now we do have some additional requirements and arrangements will need to be made for you.” Ms. Sako continued, a smile appearing on her face which grabbed his attention. “A job will be assigned to you shortly after your release. Your probation officer will have the details. Now as far as housing goes we think it might be in your best interest to return home.. Many in the program have been partnered with current heroes to assist them on the path of recovery, but under these circumstances we feel it might be in your best interest to step outside the path we normally take.”

Dabi couldn't help but wonder how his family would react to his return, if they'd even want him there, but before he got the chance to ask for something else Ms. Sako spoke up once more.

“And we will also be requiring you to see a therapist upon your release.” Ms. Sako concluded, glancing up from his file. “Any questions?”

“I don't need therapy.” Dabi argued.

“We just think it might be in your best interest—” Ms. Sako began only to be interpreted as Dabi’s lawyer quickly took over noticing how upset he was becoming.

“Dabi, it is a requirement to join the program just like all the rest.” The lawyer explained gently, taking his time. “You aren't being forced to tell them anything you wish not to. It's one hour a week and in return you'll be granted your freedom.”

“Alright.” Dabi sighed in agreement, pleasing the group of three before him.

“We will be having someone come meet with you tomorrow before your release.” Mr. Arai spoke up, taking Dabi by surprise that things were happening so soon. “Just to give yourself a final preparation.*

“I can't believe this..” Dabi acknowledged, running his free hand through his hair. “I'm finally getting out.”

It seemed as though things were finally beginning to look up for him, after all these years, but still yet he found himself wondering.

Chapter Text

Dabi knew right away from the moment he opened his eyes that morning that something felt different. Today was his final day that he'd be serving in this prison if everything went to plan. There was a wracking anxiety buried within him about where everything would soon be headed, but that was normal he guessed. He wasn't exactly sure how to prepare himself but before he had time to even think about it the door of his cell flew open and it wasn't a guard who came to greet him this time around.

“Ah, I see you're already awake. Well, good morning Dabi. I take it you're eager about today's events?” His lawyer greeted, offering him a few things. “I've picked up a few things for you to wear along with a bag to put your things in. I'll give you a few moments to prepare yourself.. I'll be right outside if you need me.”

As far as Dabi could tell there were no guards that accompanied the man and for some reason it gave him a reassuring feeling. The clothes were plain, being a pair of boots, jeans, a plain black T-shirt, and jacket. It wasn't anything special but it wasn't like he was looking to stand out. If anything he needed to blend in. It would be best.

Not having many belongings packing them away was a pretty simple task. The only thing he really wanted to keep were the letters he had received ever since he was put away. They were probably the only thing of value in the place. Once he was done he knew he was ready.

“Are you coming out?” His lawyer questioned, watching with a mild confusion as Dabi peeked his head out of his cell questionably. “You will not half to worry about being cuffed today Dabi.. With the protection of the program you are a free man.”

“Right..” Dabi acknowledged, finally stepping out into the hallway. “Still adjusting I guess..”

“Of course.. Well, follow me. We'll be visiting a different part of the prison today.” His lawyer explained, leading Dabi along. “We have someone waiting for you downstairs to assist you just as Mr. Arai promised.”

As Dabi followed along he couldn't help but notice how every hall looked identical to the other, it was almost like a maze, but his lawyer seemed to find his way. However, there was one cell in particular that caught his eye. It was separated from all the rest, but it looked like there wasn't much left of it. 20151321181.

“Tomura..” Dabi breathed, stopping abruptly, catching the attention of his lawyer with his abrupt halting.

“Dabi?” His lawyer called, glancing towards him. “Is everything alright?”

“Everythings.. fine.” Dabi quickly spoke up, continuing to follow along. “So what happens now?”

“I think I'll let you find that pour for yourself.. it is supposed to be something of a reward after all.” His lawyer explained, unable to contain the laugh he held. “Ah.. Here we are.”

The room didn't appear much different from any other with the exception of the location and who was inside. Right away his lawyer began to introduce him to the man waiting inside, almost excitedly.

“Dabi, I would like you to meet Aki.” His lawyer stated, taking his seat. “I'm sure he can speak for himself.”

“That I can..” Aki clarified, turning his attention towards him. “I'm here to provide you with a few things before your release including a little gift from our program.”

“What kinda gift might this be?” Dabi mused, taking his own seat as he listened. “Personally, I think getting out sounds like enough of a gift.”

“While that may be true under current circumstances joining the rest of society certainly won't be easy for you. Everyone knows your name and your face. While I cannot help you with the first, I can assist you with the second.” Aki reasoned, showing him a bit of sympathy. “My quirk is a reparative type. It allows me to reverse damage to the skin and remove scarring, tattoos, piercings, among other things. It'll make you completely unrecognizable in comparison to your current state.”

The scarring in one form or another had been there for as long as Dabi could remember. He wasn't even sure he'd even recognize himself without it, big wasn't that what he wanted after all? This was his chance for a fresh start after all. He needed this.

“I will need you to remove the staples holding your skin together as this process unfolds however.. otherwise they pose the risk of getting embedded into the skin and causing further problems.” Aki continued, opening his medical bag to retrieve what was needed. “I'm assuming you'd prefer to handle this step yourself so I have provided you with everything you'll need.”

“Thanks..” Dabi acknowledged, watching as his lawyer quietly slipped out of the room. “He never did well hearing the gory details let alone watching them..”

Aki simply nodded in response. Removing the staples was something of a painful process but thankfully that pain didn't last long as once the staples came off his skin began to be healed due to Aki’s quirk. It took no more than an hour for the process to be complete and by then his lawyer had stepped in twice looking as if he was able to be sick a number of times.

“This isn't me..” Dabi muttered to himself as he stared into the mirror, unable to recognize himself just as he had thought. “I need to dye my hair or something. I look like my brother.”

“Believe it Dabi, it's you. The real you.” His lawyer proclaimed, unable to hide his smile. “Though maybe hold off on the dye.. I've seen the pictures.”

“Well in my defense it wasn't like I could go see a professional or something..” Dabi stated, looking back towards Aki. “Thank you for this.. I don't know how to repay you for this.”

“I wouldn't go thanking me just yet..” Aki responded, cleaning up everything. “With excessive usage of your quirk the scarring will return, but in the meantime that won't be an issue as you'll be required to wear a bracelet that nullifies your quirk. This should have been explained to you in the terms and conditions you had signed.”

Dabi knew this part would only be temporary as long as no major rules were broken. The bracelet would only be a part of him for a single year. He could handle that.

“I want the black one.” Dabi stated, holding out his hand to have it secured. “If I'm gonna be stuck wearing this for the next year I might as well get something that looks good.”

After the bracelet was secured it signaled with a red light. He was ready.

“Are you ready?” His lawyer questioned, watching as he picked up his bag once more. “It's time to go.”

“The sooner the better.” Dabi sighed, following along. “Never wanna come back.”

That certainly was something no one could blame him for. Stepping outside that prison had never made Dabi feel more free. It has been years since he had felt the sun on his face and had been allowed free from his cage. He was going home. Finally, at last.

Chapter Text

In order to leave Tartarus and get home Dabi was led onto a plane. It wasn't the only method they had in order to get off the island but it certainly was the one he preferred. It lacked the constant security checks that came with the others. The plane was nearly empty with just his lawyer and himself riding along as its passengers. For the first time in a while it felt as if he could breathe freely.

“Are you excited to return home?” His lawyer questioned, tearing Dabi away from his thoughts. “I know it must be a bit nerve wracking under the circumstances but I'm sure they'll be happy to have you home.”

“I wouldn't be so sure about that..” Dabi answered honestly, reflecting on how things had ended between them. “They don't know I'm being released today and if I'm being honest I don't think they'd be happy finding that out. Writing letters is one thing, but dealing with the real thing is entirely another. Before they could ignore my existence entirely whenever they wanted to but now..”

“They can't.” His lawyer acknowledged, shaking his head slightly. “I know you'll find a way to make it work.. you always seem to.”

Making things work wasn't exactly his strong suit if he was being honest, it was Tomuras. Although they failed to create the world that they had wanted, they still caused a change, a change for the better. Even when things were at their lowest, Tomura always managed to come through for them. He just wished that he could have thanked him.

Sparing a glance down at the bracelet on his list Dabi found himself wanting to test its limits to see how much it could handle. He wanted to see if the bracelet really worked and sure enough as he attempted to create a flame, even a small one, there was nothing but steam. He couldn't use his power. The program may have given him his freedom but it put him in the position of those quirkless in society. He was already at a disadvantage if he was found out, but this would really be pushing it. He wouldn't be able to protect himself if he had to.

“You're shaking..” His lawyer suddenly acknowledged, showing concern for once again clearly having not caught on to the fact that Dabi was attempting to use his quirk. “Dabi..”

“I'm fine.” Dabi assured, clench his hand into a fist. “I’m fine.”

“There's no shame in being nervous Dabi. Anyone in your position would be.” His lawyer stated, shaking his head. “I know they didn't treat you fairly while you were locked away. Practically spending all these years in isolation. I know it couldn't have been easy for you and I don't expect you to adjust to your new life overnight. These things take time.”

With the thought of the years he spent alone Dabi couldn't find himself with the right words with what to say. It wasn't like he wasn't used to being alone but the treatment he had received in Tartarus had him questioning if sparing him from death was more of a punishment rather than a sign of mercy. The things he had gone through there weren't something he ever wanted to think about let alone relieve even in mind. He wasn't sure how long he spent lost in his own thoughts but the next time he caught himself it was when the plane was beginning to land.

“Are you coming?” His lawyer called when Dabi showed no eagerness to hurry up and get off. “I know you said you get motion sick but—”

“I'm coming.” Dabi interpreted, quickly getting up. “Just needed a minute..”

After departing from the plane Dabi followed his lawyer to a small car parked off to the side that appeared to be waiting for them. It certainly was nothing compared to the league van but he at least hoped his lawyer was a better driver than spinner. He often wondered how Tomura managed to hold on with that kinda driving but it certainly wasn't like any of them were any better, especially as far as Tomura was concerned. He had heard of road rage but dusting the car seemed a bit overboard in his opinion.

“Would you like to go anywhere before we head to the Todoroki residence?” His lawyer asked, paying him occasional glances as he drove. “Dabi?”

“I need to pick up a few things..” Dabi reasoned, knowing he had virtually nothing but the clothes on his back at this point. “Do you mind?”

“Not a problem.” His lawyer assured him, heading to the nearest store on their way before handing some form of credit card as they pulled into the parking lot. “Here.. there should be starter allowance on it to get you by before we get you set with a job.”

“Right.. things cost money..” Dabi acknowledged after a bit of thought, hoping then that the other man hadn't noticed what he had said.

In truth Dabi could hardly remember the last time he had actually paid for something let alone being in a store for that matter, but as he walked in that same feeling of anxiety hit him head on and it only seemed to get worse as his lawyer abandoned him in favor of getting a few of his own things. It felt as if everyone he passed was judging him, like they knew who he was. Without his quirk being readily available Dabi found himself feeling vulnerable and it certainly wasn't the first time he had experienced this. He didn't want to go back to that. He couldn't let himself be vulnerable. He just couldn't.

Dabi didn't know why but he found himself going out of his way to avoid anyone he passed by. The shadows were where he found comfort in, even going as far as to head to the self checkout once he was done just to avoid interacting with anyone. Thankfully the card he was given worked perfectly.

“Dabi there you are!” His lawyer suddenly called, coming up behind him. “Didn't mean to startle you.. just wanted to see if you found everything you needed.”

“Yes, I think so.” Dabi confirmed, collecting his bags. “I take it, it's time to go?”

“You'll have to go home eventually, Dabi.” His lawyer acknowledged the obvious, assisting with carrying everything to the car. “It's better to not put it off.”

Dabi knew he was right. It was time to go home.

Chapter Text

As they got closer and closer towards the Todoroki Household many thoughts kept running through Dabi's mind from memories he had shared there, both the ones he was rather fond of and the ones he was not, to the possibilities of how his family would react to him returning home. He wasn't even sure he could consider it his home anymore after everything more so it seemed he would just be nothing more than an unwanted guest to his own blood. He wished he had spoken up and requested a different place to reside, but it soon became apparent when the car stopped that it was long past due to make the changes. He was there and it was too late.

“We're here..” His lawyer acknowledged when he continued to stay in the car even after the car was switched off. “Uh.. Dabi? Are you alright there—”

“I don't think coming here was a good idea.” Dabi suddenly spoke up, deciding it best to voice his concerns in hopes of getting placed somewhere else. “They won't want me there and—”

“I think you're getting ahead of yourself.” His lawyer interrupted, outright cutting him off. “The program wouldn't have placed you here if they didn't think it was in your best interest. You talked often about the letters you received and I think you know better than anyone how much they've missed you.”

In short Dabi knew what he was claiming was that he was overreacting but even so he knew he wasn't wrong and he knew he couldn't even blame them. After everything he had done from the things he had said to the things he had tried to do he didn't even think he deserved a second chance from them, let alone their forgiveness. Touya had died a long time ago, Dabi was a stranger to them, a symbol of despair.

“Tell you what.. think of this as a trial period. If things don't work out in the next few days we'll have you placed elsewhere. I do at least want you to give this a try, Dabi. I really think spending some time with your family will be good for you.” His lawyer continued, giving a compromise to the situation. “You have my number if things don't work out.”

“Alright.” Dabi sighed, accepting things as they were. “Let's get this over with.”

“Wouldn't hurt for you to be a bit more enthusiastic..” His lawyer jested lightly, assisting Dabi with his bags. “Remember.. You have my number.”

“I know..” Dabi acknowledged once more, giving an appreciative smile. “Thank you for this.. for everything.”

“Not a problem Dabi.” His lawyer assured, heading back to his car. “I'll be rooting for you. Don't let me down.”

As his lawyer drove away Dabi knew it was time. Walking up to the door was the easy part but what was about to come next would be anything but.

Taking a deep breath he went to knock on the door but before he got the chance it opened.

“Shit—” Dabi cursed lightly as he was met face to face with his mother, noticing her shocked expression almost immediately. “Hey Mom.. I'm home.”

Dabi had gotten a chance first hand to see the extent of his mother's power and if he was being completely honest he braced himself to be frozen. He wasn't sure if his tolerance would live up to it due to the bracelet and he almost wished it wouldn't. He didn't however expect her to hug him. It took him a moment to process the fact it was even happening. It had been so long since the last time she showed him such kindness.

“Touya..” Rei acknowledged, having to look up at her son. “How.. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in—”

“They let me out.” Dabi explained, recognizing how unbelievably he sounded and the disbelief that remained on his mother's face. “Look.. I promise to explain everything, but I wouldn't lie to you. I'm in no sort of trouble.. or at least not any of the new kind.”

“Very well Touya but I do expect an explanation from you.” Rei acknowledged, letting him inside. “I'm sure the others will be happy to see you. We were just having breakfast.”

“That sounds great.” Dabi acknowledges, his stomach answering to the smell of his mother's cooking almost immediately. “Kinda missed breakfast this morning.”

As they headed into the dining area Dabi once again felt eyes on him but this time it wasn't just his imagination playing tricks on him. Natsuo and Fuyumi had apparently decided to accompany their mother for breakfast that morning.

“Touya?” Fuyumi questioned in the same fashion as his mother had.

“How—” Natsuo began, only to be quickly cut off by Dabi as he took his place at the table.

“I promise I'll explain everything.” Dabi quickly promised, just wanting to avoid a repeat of this whole situation. “Where's Shoto and..”

“Your father and Shoto left early this morning. They shouldn't be back until later in the day.” Rei explained, passing dishes to Dabi. “It also seems you've had something of a makeover.. you look nice, Touya.”

As Dabi ate he knew his family was waiting expectantly for an answer from him and in truth he wasn't sure where to even begin. Everything about this situation was no short than a miracle, but he knew he couldn't leave them in the dark much longer about things.

“Recently a new program has been introduced to Tartarus called The Reintegration Program or second chance program. It sounds exactly as it is being a second chance for those like me to have a chance in life with the rest of society.” Dabi began, sitting his bowl down. “It of course is not exactly as free as it sounds as they've basically turned me into a quirkless second class citizen for the time being.. but it's a start on the path of recovery I guess.”

“And the makeover?” Natsuo prompted, looking at him questionably. “You certainly look a lot different from the last time we've seen you.”

“Something of a gift to give me a fighting chance.” Dabi reasoned, knowing damn well how he looked. “Certainly wouldn't hurt to get my hair dyed again.. look too much like you for my taste.”

“Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!” Natsuo complained, taking offense.

“Be nice Touya.” Rei corrected, shaking her head. “I trust you'll be staying here for the time being and while you do so I will not tolerate such behavior.”

“Yes mom.” Touya groaned slightly, continuing to eat. “Anything else?”

“And welcome home..” Rei continued, unable to hide her smile. “It's certainly long overdue.”

Dabi knew that phrase held a lot more meaning than just what was said and just how right she was. He could only hope the other two would take his return as well as they did.

Chapter Text

Dabi had always known his family had moved on pretty quickly after his death but it wasn't until he returned that he truly started to notice to what extent. Despite Shoto having his own room, after his death, his room was handed over to their precious golden child and Shoto's old room was renovated into a guest room making it seem almost as if he had never existed in the first place. This left him with nowhere to go but the guest room as the others were kept open in case Natsuo or Fuyumi wanted to spend the night. Dabi knew he was an unwanted part of this family but seeing it first hand was an experience he was more than happy to do without. Touya was dead to them and Dabi was certainly someone they wanted nothing to do with.

“Of course they would give my room to him. Not even sure why I'm surprised anymore.” Dabi muttered to himself as he unpacked, reflecting on the fact that even strangers that he had met and turned into something of a family of his own had more consideration for him. “It's probably for the best anyway..”

Spending time unpacking certainly wasn't something Dabi had much experience with as he never tended to keep very many things with him, especially with the life he was used to living, but even so there were certain aspects that made a place seem like home and this place certainly didn't contain it. Another thing Dabi found himself struggling with was his appearance. Nothing he seemed to try made him feel more like him nor this place seem more like home. It felt like he was missing something, like he was living a lie, and in a way he knew he was.

“Touya?” Shoto called from the doorway, catching Dabi by surprise and making him wonder just how long he had been watching him.

Looking at his brother for the first time in years Dabi couldn't deny how much the man had changed in that time, but even so his feelings towards him seemed to remain the same. If anything they had grown in a negative light as Shoto seemed to embody everything he hated. He knew it wasn't his fault but he couldn't help but hate him, hate the masterpiece that he wasn't.

“It's rude to spy on people.” Dabi stated drying, turning his attention back to what he was doing. “Would think a so-called hero such as yourself would know that already.”

“You left the door open.” Shoto acknowledged in retaliation, seeming to pick up on the fact that much didn't matter to Dabi. “Mom told me about your return home and the program. I thought it might be best to see things for myself.”

There it was. Dabi never appreciated being treated as a spectacle to be gawked at but that's exactly what Shoto was treating him as. The way he spoke of him was entirely another issue. It was clear Shoto didn't fall far from the Endeavor tree no matter how much he wished to deny it with how he held himself to be above everyone else. Dabi knew he wasn't below him though and he wasn't about to let anyone treat him as such. He wasn't below anyone, not anymore.

“I take it you're still settling in?” Shoto continued when no response came from him, paying a glance around the room. “I guess it's finally time to make use of this room. Touya I—”

“I think I'd prefer to be alone.” Dabi spoke up suddenly, taking Shoto by surprise. “Don't let the door hit you on the way out.”

“Right.. Guess you are pretty busy.” Shoto acknowledged awkwardly, turning to leave. “Well Dad wants to see you when you get some time. I thought I'd let you know.”

Of course Dabi couldn't have been so lucky as to avoid facing the one thing he wanted to. Collapsing onto the guest bed he tried to force himself to relax as he truly began to wonder if staying in Tartarus would have been worse than facing Endeavor before ultimately deciding that it's too close to call, but either way he knew he was eventually going to have to face him. He might as well just get it over with.

However as Dabi went to open his door once again he was met face to face with none other than Endeavor standing there looking as if he's about to knock. Not knowing what else to do Dabi was quick to slam the door back in his face deciding that was the best way to deal with his problem, but it became very apparent that much would not work or at least not for very long.

“Touya!” Endeavor yelled out in anger, drawing his name out leaving him no choice but to open the door once more.

“What?” Dabi asked bluntly as he opened the door, not allowing Endeavor into the room nor allowing himself to step out causing them to have this conversation out in the hallway.

“I uh.. I just wanted to see you.” Endeavor reasoned, seeming to have a loss of things to say. “It's been a while since last we spoke.”

“I wonder why that is.” Dabi monologued in annoyance, recognizing the fact that he was upsetting Endeavor. “I don't think we have anything to say.”

“Touya—” Endeavor tried, stopping him just as he was about to close the door in his face. “I'm trying to welcome you home.. I understand that you may have some unforgiving feelings but I want to—”

“It's funny you say that after getting rid of any reminder you had of me.. this isn't my home. Don't act like you want it to be.” Dabi responded coldly, glaring at Endeavor cold me. “You replaced me.”

Endeavor had never been one to man up to the truth or at least not right away and when being faced with Dabi's response it became clear he had no intention of acknowledging it. Dabi wasn't sure why he expected he would.

“I will not tolerate such disrespect in my house.” Endeavor argued, outright ignoring what had been said or how right he was. “While you're under my roof you will treat me with respect.”

“I don't plan on being here much longer.” Dabi stated, not giving it a second thought before locking himself back into his room leaving Endeavor still standing there. “..and the sooner I'm out of here the better.”

Faintly Dabi could hear an argument sparking between his mother and Endeavor about him chasing her son away after he's just come back to them. It was nice to know even after everything he still had at least one parent that cared, even if he wasn't something she had actually wanted. He just wished he could get back to his family.

Looking down at his phone Dabi knew he needed to make the call. Things couldn't stay like this. He didn't belong.

Chapter Text

With everything that had happened with his interaction with Shoto and Endeavor, Dabi had no intention of coming out of that room for the rest of the night, but that was before Fuyumi came to see him. He couldn't deny that he had a weak spot when it came to his younger two siblings even after everything he had done to hurt them. Fuyumi wanted them to be a family again and though he had no intention of actually giving into that, dinner wouldn't hurt.

“Touya, are you coming?” Fuyumi called, knocking on the door lightly. “I made Soba! Your favorite!”

“I'll be down in a second..” Dabi sighed, dragging himself up from the bed. “Better be hot too!”

As Dabi got ready to go down and meet the others he tried to recall the last family dinner he could remember but he found his mind drawing a blank. However the one thing he could remember was how unbearable the tension was and how that much didn't change or at least not as far as he could tell as he took his place at the table.

Unfortunately for Dabi although Soba was served it certainly wasn't the kind he liked, rather it was Shotos. Ice cold Soba simply wasn't something Dabi had ever cared for and it wasn't like there was much of anything else on the table that he found himself able to enjoy.

“Still hate fish, I take it, Touya?” Natsuo acknowledged as he watched him carefully avoid it. “More for me.”

“You disgust me.” Dabi responded in disgust, watching as Natsuo chowed down on it anyway. “Fuyumi—”

“Sorry Touya but Dad did request..” Fuyumi explained, telling him all he needed to know. “More rice?”

Of course Endeavor would have made it where he wouldn't have anything enjoyable to eat. He knew normally Fuyumi would always make special fishless dishes for him and how he'd never mistake his favorite for being ice cold Soba. He was unwanted here and Endeavor wanted to make as much very clear to him.

“Yes please.” Dabi answered, accepting what he could eat. “Thank you Fuyumi.”

“So now that you're free, what do you plan on doing now?” Shoto asked, showing a great deal of interest in his future plans. “Do you have a new career in mind? Something you'd like to pursue?”

“Something other than ruining the family name I hope.” Endeavor commented earning him a glare from the others. “What? I'm trying to be encouraging.”

“You sure have a funny way of showing it.” Dabi responded coldly, avoiding eye contact with them all. “No, I don't have much in mind currently.”

Disappointment was something Dabi was all too familiar with and it didn't come as a surprise when that much is what he got from his family, especially when it came to Endeavor. He was viewed as a failure from the day he was born, why should now be any different.

“These things take time..” Rei explained, taking Dabi by surprise as she stepped in. “Not everyone has their life figured out from day one. Why should Touya be an exception to that rule?”

“Mom's right.” Fuyumi acknowledged, a smile forming on her face. “I'm sure Touya will figure things out in due time and in the meantime he'll be assigned a job like the rest in the program.”

“Doesn't have to be a permanent thing either.” Natsuo pointed out, clearly having done a bit of research as well. “Touya can become whatever he wants and it is encouraged by the program's guidelines to seek career opportunities where he can find them. We should all be offering our support.”

Hearing the words of encouragement his siblings and mother had offered to him regarding the news that he hadn't yet figured out things felt relieving in a way he needed. He just wished everyone could have been as encouraging towards him.

“Well he better figure things out quick.” Endeavor commented, once again creating that unpleasant tension. “He's already wasted enough time with his life and the sooner he's gone from under my roof the better. It's time for him to grow up and be a man.”

It was dinners like these that often made Dabi miss the meals he shared with the league even despite their often disgusting eating habits and lack of proper table manners. He could still recall how they'd always gather around when one of them managed to bring in some food or on the rare occasion one of them successfully managed to cook something. He could still hear Compress bitching in the back of his mind about how he burned the food. Life wasn't perfect in the league but it certainly was better than this. He just wished he could've been with them instead. What he wouldn't give to watch Tomura eat in the weirdest fashion as he tried not to dust away his food. What he wouldn't give to listen to Twice and Toga and their crazy ideas. What he wouldn't give to ignore Spinner's monologuing about Stain or Compress flirting with Kurogiri shamelessly in front of his salad. What he wouldn't give to have Tomura stealing his fries. There was just so much he missed, so much he wished he could go back to.

“Touya?” Rei repeated, quickly pulling Dabi away from his thoughts.”Is everything alright?”

“Hm?” Dabi asked, realizing just how weird he must have looked smiling to himself as the memories replayed in his head. “Yeah, I'm fine.. just thinking.”

“I see..” Rei acknowledged, acknowledging as much. “Touya.. there's been something I've been looking to ask you about the past.”

The past never dies. This was something Dabi had acknowledged years after the fact but even now sometimes he just wished it would, that he would when topics like these seemed to come up, but he knew it couldn't be avoided or at least not forever.

“What is it?” Dabi answered, opening up the floor for these types of questions which his family quickly took opportunity to.

“Where did you go after the fire?” Rei asked, clearly not understanding the extent that fire on Sekoto Peak brought him. “You came back years later, but the time between there and then..”

“Well I did kinda sorta die.” Dabi acknowledged, knowing that wasn't what she had meant. “I was found after the fire. In order to salvage what was left of me I was placed into a medically induced coma while my body was repaired. It wasn't until years later that I became conscious again. I came home after that but what I found.. I'm sure you've heard the rest.”

Dabi decided to conveniently leave out the details about who he was found by exactly knowing that his mother probably couldn't handle the idea of what might have happened to him if he had been in Tomura’s place. It was something of a selfish thought, he knew that, but he's glad what had happened he wasn't a part of or at least not in the same sense. He just wished Tomura wasn't either.

“But what about after that?” Rei continued, “How did you survive on your own? Did you have anyone to turn to?”

“Not at first or at least nothing really stable until Giran offered me an opportunity to join the league.” Dabi shrugged, taking his time with his food. “I mostly relied on myself, petty crime was a good source in order to survive, a few odd jobs then and there. Things were rough for a while.”

There weren't very many people he had to count on and those he had he didn't feel they were worth mentioning. Most seemed to turn on him pretty quickly. Everyone except his family or at least not in the same fashion. Toga trying to stab him and Tomura getting a bit touchy was certainly a lot different than the things he faced before he joined them.

“Why did you follow Giran?” Rei asked, seeming to shift the blame almost immediately. “If he never found you you never would have been a part of all of this.”

“I would have eventually found my way with or without him.” Dabi answered truthfully, knowingly. “Though maybe things wouldn't have exactly come as easy.”

Dabi wasn't exactly sure when or how the conversation shifted but it seemed as if he was being interrogated all over again. His family had questions, questions about his past, about the people he was with. Questions about the people who he made his family.

“What were they like?” Fuyumi asked, taking her own turn to ask questions about his past. “You've often mentioned them in your letters but..”

“They probably weren't the kinda people you'd enjoy, but they were mine.” Dabi answered without a second thought. “The way the media portrays them doesn't even touch the surface of the type of people they really were.”

The representation the media has given them certainly wasn't the best, pushing a sort of motive onto them that none of them had. They each had their own reasons for doing what they did. They each wanted something, but the way they spoke of them made it seem as if it was their own selfish desires that made them into what they became.

Toga was a child treated as an outcast, a monster, because of her quirk. It wasn't exactly uncommon but no one dared to judge her parents for treating her as such for shifting everything that happened onto her as if they weren't part of the reason behind it. She was a child who wanted nothing more than a family, some friends. They were who she found but things could have been different if they would have just given her a chance.

Twice struggled with his own set of issues himself, unsure if he was the real version of himself. It was something he had overcome because of the league, because of Toga. He often blamed himself for being the reason things had turned out the way he did, even up until the very end as Hawks betrayed them. None of this was his fault.

Compress, like him, had a legacy to fulfill. Dabi knew what that was like. A path set for him from the very beginning. The man was certainly a mystery and maybe just maybe if things had been set differently for him he wouldn't have gotten involved.

Spinner, like Toga, was treated as an outcast but unlike her it wasn't his actions that caused this treatment. Being born part lizard certainly wasn't something many took very kindly towards him. Simple discrimination that made him seek better in society. No one could really blame him for it.

“What about the Nomu?” Endeavor questioned, deciding to step into the conversation In the worst way possible. “The one with the warp gate.”

“He has a name.” Dabi responded coldly with a glare. “Kurogiri.”

And then there was Kurogiri, the one that everyone ignored in favor of who he used to be. He was indeed a Nomu but he was unlike any other. He could think and act for himself. Oboro Shirakumo was dead. Kurogiri was born. Many wished it was still the other way around.

It didn't take long for Dabi to get tired of the questions that he was being confronted with, the ideas these people seemed to have about his family. Thankfully Natsuo seemed to take notice and made an effort to step in.

“Maybe we should give Touya a break..” Natsuo suggested, giving Dabi a bit of relief. “..but I do have one more question.”

“What?” Dabi groaned, tiredly.

“What was the deal between you and Shigaraki?” Natsuo asked, showing his own sort of interest. “I know what the media had said but there seemed to be more to it than that..”

“Well as interesting as that question sounds, I need to take a leak.” Dabi suddenly spoke up as he removed himself from the table. “Thanks for dinner.”

That was more than enough questions for one day and if he was being honest he wasn't looking to answer anymore anytime soon. His family was his own business. Tomura was his own business.

Chapter Text

After getting settled Dabi was meant to meet with his probation officer. It would be a few weeks before his living arrangements would be changed so his lawyer encouraged him to just go ahead and meet with him to be set with a job among other things. It would be in his best interest and provide him with a little pocket money for when the program allowances ran out. Dabi couldn't imagine what type of job he would be assigned but as ideas began to pop into his head he quickly realized he was being too hopeful.

“Touya Todoroki.” The officer spoke, flipping through papers. “Endeavor's son, correct? Never liked him much.”

“Can't say the feeling isn't mutual.” Dabi muttered in turn, answering honestly much to the officer's surprise. “I was told you'd have a job for me?”

“Eager I see.. Follow me.” The officer acknowledged, leading him to some sort of warehouse. “You'll be working here moving boxes and loading up the trucks for delivery. Easy enough, hm?”

Of course it was manual labor. No one in their right mind would contract a villain for anything else. The work would be hard and the pay would be more or less nothing. Dabi hated how he was being spoken down to as if he was on the same level as the rest of the criminals working there, but to the officer he was if not below them.

“It's not much but it's honest work. In a year if you haven't made more of yourself you'll be reassigned to a position in which you'll be permitted to use your quirk.” The officer continued, moving to leave. “You'll start today. Work twelve hours with an hour break for lunch. Make the most of it, Touya.”

As the officer left, Dabi was left alone to work. It wasn't that he wanted to but he knew if he didn't there would be trouble to pay when they found out so he did. As far as most of the boxes went he managed to load them up with no issue. It was only when he reached a larger one that was three times his body weight that he found himself needing assistance. The last thing he wanted to do now was talk to people but then again, what choice did he have?

Walking through the warehouse Dabi didn't find anyone to help him at first or at least not anyone willing. There were many unfamiliar faces there and nearly all of them acted very unkindly towards him if they spared him any attention at all. It wasn't like he could really blame them or say he wouldn't do the same but that's when he spotted someone, someone familiar, Spinner.

For a moment there Dabi really had to question if it was really him. The lizard looked very different from the last he saw him and seemed to have lost his little cosplay costume. It certainly was a change Dabi had to admit he enjoyed but he did with he could have been the one to have destroyed it.

“Hey Lizard!” Dabi yelled, grabbing Spinners attention who undoubtedly didn't recognize him either in such a state.

“Don't call me Lizard!” Spinner yelled angrily, eyes widening when his eyes landed on who the insult had come from. “Dabi? Dabi, is that really you?”

“Who else would it be?” Dabi asked, taking a step towards him. “Do gotta admit you were the last one I was expecting to see.”

“Can't say the feeling isn't the same..” Spinner acknowledged, looking at him skeptical. “You look different.. What the hell happened to you after everything? Can't believe they let you out.”

“Yeah.. Could say the same about you.” Dabi agreed before he began to explain.

That's when he told the lizard everything from the trial, the program, his return home, to his search for the others and his desire to restore the league even if it wasn't for the same reasons it used to be. That's also how he found out Spinner had entered the same program but that certainly wasn't all the lizard had told him.

“Do have to admit it's nice to see a familiar face after all these years.. even if it's as angry as yours.” Dabi jested, unable to hide his smile when Spinner grew upset. “What can you tell me about the others.. I take it you've been out longer than I have.”

“I'm afraid I can't offer up much.” Spinner admitted, shaking his head. “The only one I know the whereabouts of is Toga, but knowing her I'm sure she knows more than I do. She's still locked up in that psych ward waiting to be released.”

Spinner didn't offer him much but he did give him access to someone who he knew would give him so much more. Toga wanted this family just as much as he did. He knew she would stop at nothing to piece them back together again.

“Do you think she knows about Tomura?” Dabi asked with a bit of hesitation. “Don't look at me like that.”

“I don't know.” Spinner answered truthfully, sighing slightly. “Be careful what you go looking for Dabi.. you might not like what you find.”

He needed to find him. He just had too.

“Mind helping me with a few boxes?” Dabi questioned, quickly changing the subjects. “Or have you grown soft after all this time? You are looking a bit squishy.”

“Shut up!” Spinner snapped, making Dabi laugh as he followed him back to where they were loading up. “So many damn boxes. Why do they have to be so heavy?!”

“Stop your bitching and lift with your knees.” Dabi argued, finishing the job. “There.”

It was then that Dabi made a certainly horrifying discovery. Spinner was the driver of these trucks. He was just thankful it was nonliving cargo he was carrying knowing how awful the man was at driving. He certainly knew this job wouldn't be lasting long, not that he knew how Spinner landed the job anyway.

“Seems like a liability to have you driving.” Dabi mentioned, sparking yet another argument between them.

Despite all the yelling and the bickering this was the first time in a while Dabi felt like home. There was no doubt in his mind where he was going next. It was about time he paid Toga a visit but as Spinner finally drove off he couldn't help but wonder about the others. About Tomura.

Chapter Text

After years of being locked away Dabi nearly forgot how tiring a day of hard work could be. As he headed home he wanted nothing but to shower off and get some rest but the moment he walked through the door it became apparent that Endeavor wouldn't be letting that happen anytime soon. Nothing he did was ever good enough for the guy and even though he had spent all day working it was clear he wasn't happy with that much either.

“So I see you're just now getting home..” Endeavor acknowledged, sitting the paper down that he was reading. “I hope you are actually learning something of value through all this because I won't have you under my room much longer. I know the others may feel differently about you but—”

“I get the picture.” Dabi interrupted tiredly, heading for his room. “I'll be gone soon enough if I could leave sooner I would have already done so.”

“I just don't want people thinking lowly of us by accepting you back this easily.” Endeavor continued, acknowledging the fact that he was really unwanted here. “You may be my son but that doesn't mean you're not a criminal either. We haven't forgotten what you've done.”

“Neither have I.” Dabi lashed, sending a glare back towards Endeavor. “You act all high and mighty refusing to acknowledge that none of this would have ever happened if it wasn't for you. I may be responsible but you're also to blame.”

Silence flooded between them. It was clear both of them had more to say but neither of them was willing to take the first step in order to say it. He may have been a failure in his father's eyes, that much was obvious, but he just wished Endeavor wouldn't acknowledge the fact that he wasn't the only one. He failed him too.

“I'll be in my room.” Dabi sighed, walking away without another word.

Once back at his room Dabi immediately gathered everything he'd need for a nice relaxing shower. It had been a while since he had gotten such an opportunity to truly unwind in such a way. Showers at Tartarus usually consisted of cold water and low grade products. Showers in the league usually weren't all that much better as most places they stayed at didn't have running water and when they did they were held responsible for their own products. Most days he'd just steal some of Tomura's but certainly not without complaint. He certainly was going to enjoy himself this time around.

Dabi wasn't sure why but he found himself staying in the shower longer than he actually needed. The only time he could remember doing that was when Tomura began bitching at him for taking such long showers. He did have to admit that he did enjoy seeing how upset he could make the man. He had practically made his goal during his time in the league or at least until the end of things.

“Tomura..” Dabi muttered to himself, turning off the water at last. “What the hell happened to you?”

Dabi wasn't sure why but as he started to get ready for bed he couldn't help but feel as though something was missing. He had been released two days ago and he still hasn't spent even a moment enjoying the freedom he had been given. As far as Dabi was concerned it was time to change that.

Knowing what would be waiting for him if he tried to head out through the front door Dabi decided to take a different approach by heading out the window for a while. It was something he had plenty of experience with and he knew he could get back in later with ease. With his plan set he quickly took the jump heading out towards the street enjoying his first taste of freedom for the first time in years. All that was left to do now was figure out what to do with it and when he caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection of a window the answer became clear.

Although he was thankful to the program for what they tried to do for him even he had to admit his current look just didn't feel like him. He was fine with the lack of skin grafts and burns but he still thought his appearance needed some work. He missed his piercings and he did have to admit there were a few more he wanted now that he looked less disgusting to touch. He also needed to get rid of the white hair. It had served its purpose and now he was ready to go back to what he was used to.

Getting the piercings came pretty easy as there were plenty of late night tattoo shops open that offered such. He got his nose piercings back along with a few new ones. He was finally starting to look like him again. All was left to do now was to get his hands on the right box of hair dye.

Getting the right brand hair dye and color was something Dabi had learned long ago was more important than he initially gave it credit for being. After botching his hair a number of times and having it dyed the wrong shade a number of times he had learned to be more careful about not grabbing the wrong shit. Last thing he wanted to hear was a repeat of the lines the league used to throw at him, especially Tomura. For a while there it was getting harder and harder to convince them that he had just fried his hair from his quirk but once his hair came out blue instead of black there was no lying to Tomura about it especially as he had to call the man to help him fix it. He was thankful no one else heard his insults and that he kept things under wraps until his secret was revealed.

“There it is..” Dabi muttered to himself, grabbing the black dye off the shelf. “Exactly what I needed.”

Once he had what he came for he quickly paid and left, heading back home to get the job done.

“Always forget how much of a pain this is..” Dabi muttered to himself as the dye got everywhere. “Was so much easier when Tomura used to help.. gonna make the bitch do it for me when I find him.”

Even after everything was said and done, looking at himself in the mirror he could finally say..

“That's me.”

Chapter Text

When Dabi woke up that following morning he could tell right away that he wasn't alone in the room. Rolling onto his side he was quickly met face to face with Shoto staring down at him. If it wasn't for the quirk nullification bracelet there would be no doubt in his mind that his little brother would be burnt to a crisp by now. He hated not using his quirk and he hated the lack of that outcome even more when Shoto opened his mouth.

“You've altered your appearance.” Shoto acknowledged, pointing out the apparent changes he had made to himself that night. “What's with the piercings and dye job?”

“It's nothing.” Dabi sighed, brushing the acknowledgement to the side and instead switching the subject. “You know it's pretty creepy to stand over someone while they sleep. Knock on the door next time. Now get out.”

Although Dabi didn't admit it, this was far from the first time he had woken up to someone staring down at him, but usually it wouldn't be Shoto. Tomura had a bad habit of doing that even despite the consequences of him waking up and finding him there. Tomura was a lot different from others though. He never backed down from a challenge even going as far as to bring a spray bottle with him as a form of punishment. That fight nearly destroyed the bar.

“I did, you didn't answer.” Shoto acknowledged awkwardly, continuing to refocus the question. “You didn't answer my question.”

“I'm going back to sleep.” Dabi groaned, rolling back onto his side. “Stay. Don't stay. I don't care.”

“I thought we would spend some time together today.” Shoto asked, pulling some of the letters they had exchanged out of his pocket. “You talked about it in your letters, but I understand if you'd rather spend the day with Dad—”

“Alright alright—” Dabi quickly cut in, sitting up in bed. “Give me an hour and we'll head out.”

This much seemed to satisfy Shoto and though it wasn't the first idea that came to mind on how to spend his day off he'd rather spend it with Shoto over Endeavor any day.

While he got ready Shoto waited downstairs. He could already imagine what Endeavor would say about his new appearance and he certainly wasn't looking forward to dealing with it, but he knew he had to head downstairs eventually. Might as well get it over with.

“I see you're going back to your old ways.” Endeavor acknowledged, shaking his head. “It's shameful how you've chosen to present yourself.”

“I don't think you have room to talk.” Dabi retaliated coldly, stepping towards Shoto. “You never seemed to bat an eye with how you presented yourself to your family. Treating us as nothing more than a stepping stone to reach your goals. Not even my death seemed to change that. I don't think you have the right to say anything to me about what I do because when it comes down to it you aren't any better.”

This seemed to shut Endeavor up enough for them to get out of there, but based on the look on Shoto's face it was clear he had something to say.

“You and Dad seem to be going back and forth pretty frequently, why is that?” Shoto questioned as they walked together, still seeming as clueless as he had ever known him when it came to these things.

“I don't think I can be blamed for that considering everything. It's nothing he doesn't deserve anyway.” Dabi mused, paying a glance towards him. “Not even you can deny that.”

“He's trying.” Shoto pointed out, despite the obvious implications. “We all are.”

“I think we're done with this conversation.” Dabi contended, just wanting to reach the end. “Or at least I am.”

It must have been pretty apparent to Shoto that he wasn't going to get anywhere with him like this so to the relief of Dabi the subject was soon changed and certainly for the better.

“Is there anywhere you want to go?” Shoto questioned, stopping his movements abruptly. “I know it can be difficult to do things alone.”

“I'm fine, Shoto.” Dabi assured, undoubtedly knowing otherwise. “..but there is somewhere I want to go.”

With everything that happened during the war and afterwards there was one thing he had never got the chance to do and with the opportunity here in front of him there was nothing he wanted to do more. He had watched his friend die, but even so he had never got to pay his last respects. It may have been year's but even so it was time to. Dabi brought Shoto to Twices grave for this reason.

“Bubaigawara..” Shoto read aloud from the headstone, “The villain with the doubling quirk right? The one that Hawks killed?”

“Don’t be so disrespectful and don't say his name in my presence.” Dabi lashed, seeming to grow upset pretty quickly. “Yet another hero who failed him like all the rest. Things could have turned out a lot differently for him if it wasn't for them. Everyone failed him and look where it left him. Not even we were enough to save him.”

“You mean not even you.” Shoto corrected, seeming to have picked up on where he was truly coming from. “You were there with him when he died, weren't you?”

To that, Dabi didn't answer. He didn't come here for a therapy session he came here to pay Twice the respect he should've been given a long time ago. It looked as if everyone had already moved on and forgotten about them with the grave being overgrown and long since neglected. It wasn't what he deserved and it angered him to see it had been left that way.

“He should have gotten the chance I got..” Dabi pointed out, doing what he could to shape up the man's grave. “He didn't deserve to die.. He didn't—”

“It wasn't your fault.” Shoto acknowledged, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Look this might not mean much but maybe in a sense you could live for him.. Use this chance not for yourself but for Twice. If he really was everything you said he was then you know he would've wanted the best for you.”

To live for Twice. That was something Dabi could do.

“Didn't you promise to show me how much of a hero you could be?” Dabi asked, standing up slowly. “I don't have all day.”

This seemed to make Shoto happy. It was a start.