Mystery from Another World--MHA

Part 43: Joint Training with Shiketsu-1

"Let go of me before I sock you," Shine said.

"Whatever." Dabi let go so hard she almost tripped into the wall outside.

"You know, it's insane to piss off Shigaraki. Last guy who did that got turned into ash. Are you just cocky, or do you have a death wish?"

"Why was he here, then?" Shine said.

"It's not like you warned me before showing up, dumba---, and I thought you were going to give up on this idea. Whatever it is you're trying to accomplish, it's getting old." Dabi crossed his arms. "Don't you get tired of doing this?"

"I'd rather do this than nothing," Shine said soberly, "Do you know how boring my life is at that School? I can't leave, I can't call anyone, I barely visit my friends. We had to sneak in contraband just to watch a movie. This is, sadly, the most free my time is."

"That is truly pathetic," Dabi said, "but if you want to join the League, I'm sure they'd be happy to use all your intel on UA."

"No," Shine said, "but you're right, I can't keep doing this. I'll have to stop... eventually. This is just wasting time."

"Then why are you even showing up? You know we're not friends, right?" Dabi said, "You're an annoyance, and you're going to end up on the hit list. Don't you have an instinct for self preservation?"

Shine sighed. "Yes."

Silence.

"And?" Dabi said.

"Maybe I feel bad for you," Shine said quietly, "Maybe I think all this is a huge mess and it needs to be cleaned up. Maybe I'm used to these situations, and it just doesn't faze me like it used to."

Wally appeared next to her. "Wouldn't be the only one," he said not missing a beat, "Hi. Dabi, right? I don't know if we've really officially talked."

"And I care why...?" Dabi stepped back. "What did Birdman do to you, anyway? I'm surprised you're not arrested."

"Let's just hope he doesn't find me again," Shine said.

Wally put a hand on her shoulder. "We can take him, babe."

"You two are nauseating." Dabi made a face. "You should give it up. If I don't kill you, the rest of the League will. Depend on it. I'm losing patience anyway."

"Does that talk work on anyone else?" Shine said, "Please, Dabi, give us some credit. I know your type. I know you could try to kill me whenever it becomes more convenient for you to do so than to listen... I know how villains are. But do you know what we are like? We want something a little bigger than safety here. All you pros and villains go on about is safety, security, and all that stuff. It's just a fleeting thing, really. We protect other people, but ourselves? We can't worry about that. You see, Wally and I risk our lives every day on the job anyway, so what does it matter if it's with you, the kids, or out on the street? Don't you get it? This is just where we're choosing to do it, and we all have to die sometime. Might as well be doing something we believed in. I'd think you'd understand that sentiment."

Dabi stared at them. "Well, just so you know what you're in for," he said finally, "Don't expect me to keep covering for your a--. I just did that back there to keep the boss from coming down on me."

"I'm well aware." Shine winked at Wally.

"He's like if the Humanite was a punk," Wally said.

"Translation: Wally likes you too," Shine said, "Take it as a compliment. We don't like many bad guys... You know, you may not like the idea of being friends, but would it really hurt you to have a few outside the League? Having a back up plan is always smart. You can't trust the LOV, can you? Did you know that bit about Stain?"