Blue Flames

~28~

Weeks had passed since the incident with Dabi and Hawks. The weather at U.A. started to get colder, and some days snow would fall from the sky. I was in the lounge, studying for an upcoming test with Nejire. She was sipping on some hot chocolate, while I drank a glass of iced coffee. Snow was gently falling from the sky outside. Nejire sighed as she stretched and closed her book.

"Eria!! I think we've had enough studying! Let's go play in the snow!" Nejire whined as she floated over to the couch I was sitting on. I smiled as I put down my pen.

"Okay fine! We'll take a quick break and then study after! Promise?" I asked as I looked at her. She grinned as she nodded her head in excitement.

"I'll grab everything! You stay put!" She shouted as she flew up the stairs and to our rooms. I chuckled as I set our books down neatly on the coffee table. Moments later, Nejire came flying down the stairs with clothes in her hands.

"Eria! Why don't you have a winter coat? I checked your closet and drawers!"

"The cold doesn't affect me much." I said as I took my light jacket from her pile of clothes. She huffed in annoyance.

"Sometimes I wish I had your quirk!" She said. I giggled.

"Yeah yeah all fun and games till you almost freeze to death because of it." I said as I put on my boots. Nejire giggled as she opened the door.

"C'mon Eria! Let's build some snowman!" She said as she flew out to a small pile of snow and started to roll it into the shape of snowman. I giggled as I started to follow her. As I was making the head of the snowman, I felt a buzz in my pocket, signaling someone was calling me.

"Hey! I'll be right back, someone's calling." I said as I took out my phone to look at who was calling me. But, no one was calling on my phone. I sighed as I took out my other phone to see Dabi calling.

"Hello?" I asked as I put the phone up to my ear.

"I need you, now."

"Now?"

"Hawks has everything covered. I need you to meet me at this location as soon as you can. Don't worry about bringing anything." Dabi said sternly.

"Okay, I'm on my way." I said sadly as I hung up. I walked back over to Nejire.

"Everything okay?" She asked as she tilted her head.

"We're gonna have to build the snowman another day. Hawks needs me." I said as I quickly gave her a hug.

"When will you be back?"

"I'm not sure. He just told me to meet him as soon as possible." I said quietly. Nejire hugged me back tightly.

"Please stay safe, Eria." She whispered.

"Always." I said as I pulled away and smiled. I turned around and started to lightly jog towards the address Dabi had texted me. I soon found myself in front of an abandoned bar, similar to the old League's hideout.

"Hello?" I shouted as I looked around the streets. No one was there, only the snow that lightly fell from the sky. Suddenly I felt an arm on my wrist, I quickly turned around, prepared to fire a blast of ice at the stranger. I tensed up, realizing it was Dabi.

"Relax, Eria." He said as he let go of my wrist.

"Can't really do that when you just grab my hand randomly." I said. Dabi smirked.

"Come inside, it's too cold here." He said as he opened a door for me. I entered to see a worn down bar. Dabi followed behind me and pulled out a chair and beckoned for me to sit. I took a seat and folded my hands in my lap.

"Why'd you call me?" I asked sternly. Dabi sighed.

"We have people after us, and we need backup."

"Dabi, I can't always be the one to clean up the League's mess-"

"I need you." He sternly said as he grabbed my hand. I jumped at the sudden contact.

"O-Okay. How long am I gonna be gone?" I asked as I looked at him.

"I dunno, that's why Hawks is gonna cover for you. For however long I need you."

"I can't miss that much class! I have so many assignments-"

"Eria, you work for me," Dabi said. I sighed.

"I know. I just- it's fine. What even are we defending against?" I asked.

"I need you to help me defend against some bad people. That's all, no more questions."

"What! Why?!"

"I said, no more questions." He angrily said, gripping my wrist hard. I tensed up as he pulled my arm.

"C'mon, we gotta go."

"Shouldn't I go pack?"

"Don't have time, we can get ya some clothes later."He said as he dragged me outside towards a sleek black truck.

"Nice ride, how'd you get it?" I asked as I turned suspiciously to Dabi. He grinned as he put a finger to his lips.

"That's a secret." I sighed as I rolled my eyes.

"You want me to drive?"

"Nah, I got it." He said as he opened the passenger door for me. I hopped in. Dabi got in the drivers seat and started the car. I placed my hand on the window and stared out at the snow on the ground. It had stopped falling from the sky. The car started to move forward and Dabi stepped on the gas.

"So where exactly are we going?"

"The Paranormal Liberation Front's base."

"Wait what?" I asked as I turned to look at Dabi wide-eyed. He grinned as he rested his hand on my shoulder.

"Relax, they're decent people. And since I'm the head of one of the units, no one's gonna lay a finger on you but me." He said as he squeezed my shoulder. I let out a shaken breath.

What have I gotten myself into?