Maybe We'll fix Each Other

Chapter 14

Dabi was sitting on a couch, feeling awkward as shit and nervously bouncing his leg up and down.

When he had failed to show up for the meal, he had been hoping for some alone time. That had been a no go, since right before he was able to fall into a nap there was a sharp knock at the door.

Dabi had opened his eyes to see a serious but determined Aizawa standing in the doorframe. The man had cast a glance around the room, expression unreadable. His eyes had lingered on the floor, causing Dabi to flick his own gaze downwards. There was nothing there aside from some of Eri's old drawings, a dusting of sand, and some sweats thrown haphazardly on the floor.

Apparently what Aizawa had seen in his inspection was enough. He had lifted hardened eyes to meet Dabi's and had said, "Follow me." And honestly Dabi was so thrown by the strange behavior that he had quietly–but suspiciously, he made sure his suspicion was evident–followed along.

His suspicion only grew when Aizawa had brought him to one of the administration buildings on the UA campus. He had kept his mouth shut and stayed in line, following behind Aizawa closely since the hero had also brought Eri along. The second they had stepped outside, the instinctive urge to run was almost overwhelming, but Dabi didn't want to cause any trouble with Eri at his side.

Because despite how shit everything was for him, her life was better here with Eraser. He could give her an actual life. Not the ramshackle shithole Dabi had tried giving to her. And that realization stung.

Aizawa had escorted the pair into a room, and told them to wait before sliding back into the hall and shutting the door behind him.

Dabi scowled at the closed door, frustrated because he couldn't tell what kind of fucking test this was supposed to be. Were the doors alarmed? Were they expecting him to run? Were they expecting him to say something to Eri? He had no fucking idea, and Aizawa hadn't said anything before leaving them there.

And so there he was, sat on a couch and irritated as hell.

Eri sat on the floor at his feet, playing with some stacking toys. Dabi didn't know if he was imagining it or not, but it seemed like she was trying to avoid looking him in the eye.

He forced himself to lean back and cross his arms, wincing as the motion aggravated his rib cage. What is Eri worried about? She had been fine before she had eaten with Aizawa, he thought carefully. But without any idea if he was being watched, he could do nothing but stew.

Why did Eraser have to pull confusing shit like this?

His eyes flicked towards the door.

Technically all Aizawa said to do was 'wait here.' He didn't specify for how long.

Dabi smirked. He'd waited at least an entire minute. Surely taking a peek around wouldn't hurt.

-------------------------------------------

Aizawa closed the door behind him, leaving Dabi and Eri in the conference room. He had to take a moment to collect himself, prying his fingers from the doorknob and clenching his fists.

While his anger at Hawks had felt justified at the time, it paled in comparison to the pure rage filling him right now.

He wrenched his eyes open and focused on the door across the hall, collecting himself before crossing over and pulling it open.

Before leaving the apartment with Dabi and Eri in tow, he had sent Nedzu an urgent message. He hoped the man had complied with his request.

And walking in, he saw that he had. His eyes zeroed in on his target.