Chirp Little Bird

4: Excepted

Hawks pov:

As dabi leans in closer. I push him away.

Haw:"Personal space."

Dabi:"Lighten up. I'm only teasing. Besides, today is a great day. The boss has excepted you into our ranks."

Dabi steps aside and I see twice holding a cake.

Twic:"Congratulations Hawks!" " Took you long enough." " Happy birthday!" " No, you idiot."

I couldn't help bit smile.

"Thanks everyone. I won't let you down."

I bow to them before twice pulls me into a hug. As we walk to get some cake. I glance back to see Dabi's eyes locked on me."

"What's up with dabi? He keeps staring at me."

Twic:"Roomor is that he has a crush on you, but I think he's just not trusting of heroes." "He totally likes you man!"

I look back again and see dabi walking away from everyone else after what twice just blurted out.

^So he likes me huh? That could be useful.^"I'll be right back. You take the first slice."

I run off after dabi. That's when I see him light up a cigarette.

Dabi:"Need something?"

"It's a bit noisy. So I came out here to get away."

Dabi:"Don't you like the attention? You are a pro hero after all."

I squat down to pick up some pebbles to throw in the nearby pond.

"I didn't become a hero for fame or wealth. I did it to help others. To create a safer world. It's only when I became one. That I saw the darkness hidden behind the glimmer and fame. My hands are stained with blood, and there's nothing I can do to stop another from dying."

Dabi:"You never know. One day, all that blood might set you free."

Dabi picks up a pebble and skips it across the water. Then I skip one that goes just a bit further. So he tries again. Leading us to a competition. By the time all of the pebbles are gone. We look into each other's eyes for only a second before I look away and blush.

:"We.... we'd better get back inside before more roomors start."

Dabi:"After you."

He opens the door for me. So I look down and speed walk in. After a few drinks and some cake. The party ends. I go back home to see enji holding a paper.

"What's that?"

Enji:"It's another fan art for you."

I look at it and see a bird without legs perched on a branch.

Enji:"while you were gone. It came for you with a poem."

I take the letter and read it.

<Light is the key that will set you free. Things lost with be found. As the truth lies in plane sight.>

I set the papers with the others on my desk.

Enji:"I'm gonna take a look around the neighborhood. Stay here, and don't let your guard down."

Before I could stop him. Enji left. So I sat at my desk and looked closer at the letters.

"There's nothing here."

With a heavy sigh. I throw the papers and some land on my lamp. That's when I see something begin to show up.

"Light sensitive ink?"

I then begin to read each one.

Letter 1:<I heard you are the one who gets justice for those who can't fight. Please help. There's a hero who has hurt many. Yet no one tries to stop him. His name is endeavour.>

"What the hell? This is a joke. He would never hurt anyone. "

I ball up the letter and throw it away. Then I scoop the others into the trash.

When enji returns. I embrace him.

"I love you."

He pats my head and I nuzzle him.

Enji:"What brought the love bird out of you? It's not usually how you greet me."

"Cuddles."

Enji picks me up and we make out all the way to the bedroom. Once in the bedroom. We go for round two.

By the next day. Both of us head back to work. When I get into my office. I see multiple drawings and other people's requests. So I start investigating each case. Throwing away every bird drawing I come across. At the bottom of the pile is a drawing of a child holding a bird. Above it is a name.

<Touya>

^Why is that name familiar?^

So I look it up with news articles. That's when I come across enji's oldest son in the obituary.

<touya todoroki, ago 14. Death caused by spontaneous combustion due to quirk backfire.>

I then look deeper and discover soon after that rai had burned their youngest child and was put in a mental treatment center. I then look at her records and see that enji isn't allowed to visit her.

"What happened?"

I make some time to head over to his family home while he's at work. That way I can get to know the family better.

When I arrive at the door. There's yelling coming from inside. Just as I was about to knock. Natsuo opens the door and fuyumi walks behind him.

Fuyu:"I know you don't like dad, but at least he's trying to be better."

Natsu:"Where was this attitude when touya was alive!? The only reason why he's changing is because he got his wish. The perfect child and the number one hero title. If it wasn't for that. He'd be training shoto till death!"

I step aside to let him pass.

Fuyu:"Sorry you had to witness that. What brings you here hawks?"

Natsu:"Dad isn't home. So fuck off fan boy!"

Fuyu:"Come on in. I'll make some tea."

"No, it's fine. It looks like I made a mistake by coming here."

Fuyu:"You came to ask about the past?"

"How did you-"

Fuyu:"Why else would you be here. I'll tell you everything I remember."

I enter the house with a scense of guilt for not asking him first.

^ if natsuo is right. He might not tell me everything.^