Me and the Devil

Neutral Ground

The week flew by as the cool air settled in. Leaves that once brought the trees to life, now lay on the ground at their rooted feet. Her green eyes studied them carefully, watching their shape and make. She felt eyes on her and turned her head, "If he knew you were here..."

Hawks sauntered out of the shadows, a smirk on his face, "I'm keeping a promise. Even he can respect that."

"You killed him," she frowned, "why are you here?"

"Chise there's a lot more to it than that," he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "It's not like I wanted to..."

She could see the stress in his handsome features, the burn scar on his face. Then she noticed, his once massive wings were reduced to almost nothing. She tilted her head, "You must have made him angry."

"I did," he let out a long breath, "but, it was necessary."

"You didn't answer my question," she pulled the sweater around her body, holding her sketchbook to her chest, "It's late."

He opened his mouth to respond but snapped it shut when a smoky voice came from behind him, "He longs to be a thorn in my side."

Chise swallowed as fierce blue eyes stepped from the shadows. Hawks took a breath of courage and looked over his shoulder, "I wanted a mutual ground. I knew you'd behave here."

Dabi scoffed, "I'll burn this whole town."

"Not her," he nodded towards a confused Chise, shoving his hands in his jacket.

"I should've worked a little harder on you," his eyes looked over the hero before he smirked.

"Are you two going to make out or can I go inside," her patience was wearing thin.

"She's cranky today," Hawks sighed handed him an envelope, "Here's what you asked for."

Dabi handed him a different one, "I'm assuming they're almost finished?" Hakes nodded, making him roll his eyes, "Of course they are."

"The city is in chaos though, so you have plenty of time."

He eyed Hawks for a moment before moving around him towards Chise, "Am I supposed to believe that?"

"No," he shrugged, "but, I don't have anything to lie about." He shoved the envelope in his jacket, "I'll be in touch."

"What was that?" Her green eye narrowed.

"That, was business," he looked down at her, "you've been out here too long, you're cheeks are flushed." He placed a single kiss on her temple, "You should go back inside."

Warmth radiated off of him, but she reluctantly nodded, stepping away, "Be careful."

His blue eyes watched her as she made her way inside. Much like a predator watching his prey. Once he felt it was safe, he turned and made his way down the dark alleyways.
_________
Things were getting worse. Constant villain activity, a UA student was now labeled a vigilante, and the heroes had lost the public's faith. Chise hated watching the news now. It was nothing but chaos. No positive stories anymore, happy children on the screen, nothing. Nothing but crumbled buildings and protests.

It had been a cold winter. Chise stayed at the apartment, as she had before. Dabi would pop in on rare occasion, but he never stayed, only getting his information and leaving. Hawks was rarely seen, keeping his distance, leaving her to feel utterly alone.

AFO was still on the hunt for her. Dabi had expressed his concerns in his obsession with her quirk, making her realize why exactly she was here. Part of her wanted to confront him, tired of hiding. The other part, wasn't sure she was ready for reality.

She knew he was there before looking up from her paper, "Yes?"

Dabi looked her over briefly, "Dress warm, we need to move."

Her green eyes blinked, "What?"

"Get up," he huffed and strode into the bedroom, "It's time you made an appearance."

Chise studied him, something was off. She walked up to him, "If you're going to send someone, make a better copy."

The Dabi in front of her smirked, "What gave me away?"

"It doesn't matter. I'm not going anywhere."

"I have to say I disagree," she spun around to see All for One himself in the hallway, "I've been looking for you, Chise."

Her mouth went dry as she swallowed, "What do you want? I have nothing-"

"You have a lot of give, Chise," he corrected, "I came all the way here to collect you myself."

"Where is he?"

"He's working, as he should be."

A deep sigh left her as she slowly stood, "Give me a moment to grab my jacket and boots."

"Such a wonderful girl," he turned, heading down the hall, "Five minutes."

The Dabi copy morphed back into its original villain, a tall skinny, pale man, and followed him down the hallway. Chise turned the page on her sketch pad and wrote a note before arranging it on the bed. Hopefully hot head would get it. She pulled on a thick black coat and laced up her boots quietly. She couldn't cause a scene here, too many civilians. But, once they were clear, she was going to make a ruckus.
_______
Compress paced as he waited for Dabi to return. AFO wanted him to come with to collect Chise, but he refused, saying he was on a different assignment. Part of him wish he had went with, just to make sure she was going to be okay.

His eyes landed on the pyro, "Dabi, we have a problem..."

"What now," he tiredly sighed.

"Chise..."

Rage filled his brilliant eyes, "How?"

"I'm not sure, but, he's went to collect her for the next act I assume."

"See what you can find out," he spun on his heels, "I'll be back." He needed to check the apartment, to see if this was rumor or real. He opened his phone and typed a text, sending it to his counterpart. While he hated heroes, if Chise was set off by AFO, they all needed to be aware.