Me and the Devil

The Tool

Chise kept her contact limited when it came to her demon under the stairs the next few days. Only bringing him meals and towels for showers. Haru begged to take him dinner. She allowed it a couple of times, waiting at the stairs to make sure Dabi behaved.

Today was cleaning day while Haru was gone to school. She dressed in shorts and a tshirt, her usual messy waves fell over her shoulders. Dabi was currently watching the news, smoking. His blue eyes were narrowed at the screen, where a current press conference with the top hero, Endeavor was being held.

She pulled bottles quietly as she listened. This guy sounds like a pompous ass. She could see a hatred in Dabis blue orbs as he watched quietly. She decided to keep to herself on the matter. He scoffed when the interview went off, "What a loser."

"He's not your favorite either is he," she wiped down the bottles.

"He can burn in hell."

Chise chuckled as she continued her task, "Are you grumpy today?"

"Maybe," he smirked, "you wanna fix that for me?"

"Nice try," she rolled her eyes as she moved to clean the shelves.

"You'll stop playin hard to get eventually."

"You'd find me boring if I did," she looked over her shoulder at him with a smirk, "Keep running your mouth and I'll charge you rent."

He lit another cigarette, rolling his eyes, "I'll be outta your hair in a few days."

"Don't tease me," she reached and took his cigarette, taking a drag, "God these suck."

"You offer them," he took it back, "have you ever thought of making more money?"

"Of course I have," Chise sighed, "but my schedule isn't really flexible between Haru and here."

"What if I knew someone that might be able to help."

"You mean villain work."

"Maybe," he took a long drag, "You don't pick sides though."

"But I do have morals," she looked at him, "Like not kidnapping kids."

"To be fair that wasn't my idea," he watched her, "I warned those dumbasses."

"Why do you work with them then?"

"Because I need them to get what I want."

Chise leaned on the bar, "What do you want Dabi?"

"...to kill Endeavor. To expose him for who he truly is."

"So you're using them."

"I'm not a good person, but I'm not completely feral like they are."

"What makes you think I would work for them," she tilted her head.

"They pay is good. We'd just need information."

She bit her lip for a moment before pushing off of the bar. He smirked, knowing whatever she said now, she was at least mulling it over in her mind.

"I could always sweeten the deal," he grinned.

Chise groaned, "Don't start with me."
_________
"Haru," Chise sighed, "Why aren't you getting to school on time?"

The young boy was quiet for a moment, "I dunno..."

"Yes, you do know..." she sighed, "We make sure you leave in plenty of time. If you keep getting into trouble, they will make us go to court all over again..." She could feel her anger rising, "I fought really hard so we could stay together..."

Haru swallowed and looked away, "What does it matter? I show up."

"Haru that is not good enough."

It was his turn to yell, "Then what is?! I do everything that everyone asks me to! Be here at this time, do this at this time...when is it enough?!"

"Necer," Chise yelled, "It is never enough for them. They will take, and take until there is nothing more to give."

"Then you should have left me there," he spat, "this is exhausting."

"Go," she pointed to his room, "now."

The small boy stormed off to his room, slamming the door. Chise took a breath and grabbed her keys. She locked the upstairs door behind her as she hastily made her way down to the bar. Dabi had been gone for over a week now. She oddly missed his annoying presence sometimes, but, it kept her from harboring a villain.

The humid air made her skin feel almost sticky as she walked down the streets. The sun was setting, making the sky a lovely purple and pink. She needed to clear her thoughts before her anger got the best of her.

She had done everything to keep him happy and comfortable. She opened the bar during the week when he first came to make sure she had enough for his schooling. She emptied her painting studio and made it his bedroom. She bought everything she could for him, and then some. Was she really not enough?

Chise sat down at a park, looking out at the people, watching their lives play out. It made her sick. Humans were wicked, always out for their own selfish desires. The fact they pretended to have these happy, perfect lives. But when the sun went down, we're they so perfect. A deep sigh left her. What was Haru hiding? Was he being bullied? Was he avoiding someone?

The sun was down when she decided to head back. She needed to talk to Haru and see what the real issue was. After all, she made a commitment to him that she would always be there.

The wind was chilly as it hit her bare arms, sending goosebumps up her spine. She kept her eyes forward, pushing to get home. Her green orbs narrowed when she felt eyes on her, making her turn a random corner. If she was being followed, she didn't want to lead them to the bar.

She turned another corner to be met with bright blue eyes. He pulled her against the wall and used his body to block her. The being following her casually made their way down the alley, "Hey freak. You seen a hot bitch walk through?"

Dabi tilted his head, "So what if I did?"

The man with yellow eyes and white hair scoffed, "It ain't your business."

Dabi stepped away, revealing Chise, "It very much is my business."

"Tch, says who?" He pulled out a switch blade, "Just give me the bitch."

"Fuck off, pest."

Blue flames sprouted from him, shooting to the other man. Chise should have been scared. She should have been disgusted watching him burn from the hot flames, his screams faded into the night. Instead, she felt peace. Like she witnessed her own private hell....something she didn't mind. Dabi turned and saw the calmness in her gaze, "You need to leave."

She moved her eyes to him, "Yeah. Thank you." She smiled slightly and turned, heading back to the bar. Dabis blue eyes watched her leave as a smirk settled on his face. He would take care of that wannabe mob boss from his first visit. His men had been trailing her all afternoon. He wasn't protecting her, he told himself. He was protecting a tool for the league.