A Tenko x Dabi Beauty and the Beast

Something There

Dabi found after his talk with Sako he no longer wanted this self imposed distance with Tenko any longer.

Now it was late in the evening and Tenko was probably asleep so he would have to wait for the morning to see Tenko again. He was only growing more and more melancholic and lonely until he took note the door to the library was left ajar and he could faintly see firelight. Curious he decided to investigate. Maybe Tenko had forgotten to extinguish a candle and not wanting a fire to break out in the castle.

He opened the door to the library and took note of the fire in the fireplace still going and several candles scattered about the room. He began blowing out candles about the room. Until he approached the fireplace ready to extinguish the fire. Till he came upon the sofa in front of the fire. Their fast asleep lay Tenko his hair sprawled across a pillow, a book laying flat on his chest from when he had been reading. One of his hands was hanging from the sofa above where Mon-chan the ottoman dog was snoozing. On the table near the sofa sat a pile of books and several scribbled on papers. Obviously he had been busy at his research judging by the notes and the books piled about Tenko.

Dabi smiled a bit to himself remembering how Tenko had taken it upon himself to find a cure to the curse. He hadn't the heart to tell him the only cure was for someone to fall in love with him. He worried how Tenko would react to that so he chose to say nothing.

He looked at Tenko and felt a sense of adoration inside of himself as he watched him sleep. He thought he looked more beautiful then the first time he had seen him. He decided to take Tenko to his bed as the couch might not be as comfortable and he might be cold as well. But he worried he might wake him if he moved him. He debated his options for a bit and with his mind made up he decided to carry him to bed.

He began blowing out the remainder candles and lifted the book from Tenko's chest closing it and placing it on the pile on the table. Then with one arm behind his upper back and one beneath his knees he gently lifted Tenko from the couch into his arms hoping not to wake him. Tenko made a small sound and stirred in his arms a bit nuzzling closer to Dabi to seek his warmth. Dabi froze looking down in surprise taking note of a small content smile on Tenko's face. This was the first real physical affection he had had in years and was taken aback but recovered quickly enough. He took note of how light Tenko was and wondered if he had been eating enough. He would have to check with Toga as she was the head cook.

Dabi then exited the library. Carrying his lightweight burden in a princess carry through the halls and up the stairs. As he walked along he kept a look out wanting to avoid seeing his servants at the moment and saying silent prayers when he saw none about.

He made it to Tenko's bedchamber undetected. Gently maneuvering him in his arms and opening the door. He walked across the room to the bed. Pulling the blankets back and then gently laying Tenko on the bed. He pulled his shoes off setting them on the floor before pulling the covers back over Tenko tucking him in. Dabi looked at him sleeping and felt a warmth in his chest that wasn't only his inner fire once.

He reached a tentative clawed paw out to Tenko and gently ran it across his forehead brushing his hair back. His breath hitched when Tenko leaned his cheek into his palm. Dabi then withdrew his hand and made his way to the bedroom door. Taking care to close it quietly so as not to wake Tenko.

Dabi turned around about to continue his rounds. When he came face to face with all of his servants all assembled with knowing smiles on their faces. Dabi groaned and cursed to himself.

"Yes, what do you all want? Don't you have a castle to clean?" Dabi said drily.

"Dabi-kun what were you up to just now in Tenko's room?" Toga asked with a mischievous smile.