Maybe We'll fix Each Other

Chapter 44

Dabi sat on the edge of his bed as his leg bounced with irritation. He had his right hand tenderly cradled in his left, jaw clenching as he stared at the new hole he'd punched in his wall.

At least he hadn't lit his fist on fire. Small victories and all that.

He glared out of the corner of his eyes at his phone atop his dresser, which he'd managed to keep himself from smashing to bits.

Ignore it, ignore it, ignore it, he repeated in his head.

But he couldn't help the anger stoking in his stomach. Shame, too, but he was much better at dealing with anger.

He doubted that Aizawa would describe how he dealt with his anger as 'better.'

But damn it, he had been doing pretty well until the old man had come back with another fucking tracking anklet in that box.

Any self control he'd somehow haphazardly thrown together had been torn to shreds.

His eyes flicked down to glare at the anklet. He hated that the weight on his leg felt almost familiar by this point.

Dabi grumbled and moved his attention back to his hand. His knuckles had stopped bleeding, but there would be no hiding the bruises that were blossoming. He got to his feet and opened the door to his room, moving back out into the common area of the apartment.

Knowing exactly where to go, Dabi located the first aid kit and set about cleaning and bandaging his hand. By the time he finished, he thought it looked pretty good. At least the bruises were covered, but the bandages were pretty obvious...

He huffed with irritation and slammed the first aid kit down and shoved the drawer shut.

Maybe he could wear a hoodie and hide his hands in the front pocket. Sure.

Fucking stupid idea, but what other option did he have?

Returning to the comfort of his room–when had the room become his? When did it start feeling so safe for him?--Dabi kicked around the clothes strewn about the floor. He pulled on a dark navy sweatshirt, sighing as he dropped his hands down to his sides.

His eyes slid back across the room to his phone.

He knew he shouldn't look...

He needed to look.

Dabi crossed the floor and grabbed the phone, dropping heavily back onto the edge of his bed.

He took a deep breath to collect himself as he felt anger already simmering under his skin.

He turned it on.

"APPEARANCE OF ELDEST SON OF ENDEAVOR CAUSES PUBLIC UPROAR"

Dabi ground his teeth and clicked into the article.

"Following the announcement last week made by UA against Endeavor and the Hero Commission, the people of Japan are left with more questions than answers. The preliminary court hearing was held just yesterday, in which the hero and former sidekick to All Might Sir Nighteye represented Dabi–revealed to be Touya Todoroki–as well as Pro Hero Hawks–revealed to be Keigo Takami.

"Prior to this lawsuit, Endeavor's family life as well as the inner workings of the Commission had been kept rather private. The claims put forth by the prosecution have caused heated debate amongst the public.

"While some call for Endeavor and the Commission to be held accountable for the allegations put forth by UA, others ask: should society be deprived of the safety they provide due to the accusations of an individual, let alone a villain? After all, Touya has multiple felonies listed on his record.