Feathers and Flame // Dabi x Reader x Hawks

9: Cupcakes and Murder

The scent of smoke lingered on you long after you stepped into the cool night air. It was almost amusing that a quick drink had devolved into something so chaotic. You'd left behind bodies and a half-burnt bar and came out unscathed. Under different circumstances, it would be impressive.

The brandy stopped burning the more it went down, and you were beginning to understand why Dabi liked it so much. It was sweet and intoxicating and it made you feel weightless.

"Don't be greedy," Dabi wrapped his fingers around the neck of the bottle, prising it from your fingers. You relented.

"This wasn't really how I was expecting this evening to go," you said as he lifted the bottle to his lips, his throat bobbing as he swallowed — a motion you stopped yourself from watching for too long.

"And how did you expect it to go?"

There was a playful edge to his tone, one that you'd grown so used to. It was oddly comforting. You weren't about to start thinking he was taking your mind off things, that wasn't him. He wouldn't ask if you're okay, murder was part of the deal. And that situation was kill or be killed.

What he didn't know was that you cared little for the lives you took, but that you'd taken them for him without a single ounce of hesitation. Not a bad thing if you were actually part of the League. Still, he'd softened the sharp edges of himself, noting how you were acting differently for whatever reason.

"Hmm, I don't know." You tapped your chin. "Maybe a moonlit dinner, some stargazing. But of course we'd pester Hawks for a bit. That's always important."

Dabi laughed, and the rumbling sound made your chest clench for reasons inexplicable to you. You motioned for the bottle, and he passed it back to you. "I don't think stargazing is my thing."

You rolled your eyes. "Really going for the brooding villain, huh? You know you can like cupcakes and murder, the two aren't mutually exclusive."

He cocked a brow. "Is that so?"

You nodded, a grin finding a permanent place on your lips. Maybe it was the brandy — oh, it most definitely was the brandy — but you were beginning to enjoy spending time with him. For whatever strange reason.

"I'm going home," you announced, taking another swig. "I have more of this." You shook the bottle. "And I have music. And I can even find a cupcake. You can go wherever you want."

Dabi took the bottle from you, amused. "And leave you wandering about with a bottle of liquor?"

"Well, currently you have the liquor." He ignored you, pouring more down his throat. "Chivalry doesn't fit you. Just admit you like spending time with me."

His lips quirked into a smirk. "And what if I say that I do?"

Your cheeks flamed immediately, and he laughed again. If you could bottle that sound, you would have.

"What was it you said before? Don't toy with me. I suppose I keep forgetting. There was also something about biting, but I guess that was an empty threat?"

"Don't sound so disappointed," you scowled, ripping the bottle from his fingers. "I also recall saying something about sticking needles in my eyes."

"A lie." Dabi's cerulean gaze floated over you ask you walked, side by side. "Admit that."

You bounced from one foot to the other, cheeks flushed from the alcohol. "I'll admit to enjoying your presence... occasionally. Anything else will require more of this."

You shook the half-empty bottle in front of him, and he took it from you with a grin. "Is that a challenge?"

You shrugged, a saccharine smirk coiling your lips. "Maybe."