Flufftober

Underwear

Hawks stood in front of the mirror, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow over the room. He had just woken up, still a bit bleary-eyed, but the reflection staring back at him was anything but comforting. The boxers he wore hung loosely on his frame, and he couldn't help but scrutinize the way his body looked—too skinny, not muscular enough, just... not what he wanted.

As he traced his fingers along the lines of his sides, a wave of insecurity washed over him. The memories of the past week's missions played back in his mind, reminding him of the injuries that had left him feeling less than his best.

Dabi, who had been quietly observing from the bed, sensed Hawks' discomfort. He had learned to read the subtle signs—how Hawks' shoulders slumped just slightly, or how his expression shifted when he was lost in thought. Without a second thought, he got up and moved towards his boyfriend.

"Hey, birdbrain," Dabi murmured playfully, wrapping his arms around Hawks from behind, pulling him into a warm embrace. Hawks stiffened for a moment, surprised by the sudden affection, but then relaxed against Dabi's chest, the familiar heat calming him.

"What's got you looking all gloomy?" Dabi asked, resting his chin atop Hawks' shoulder and looking into the mirror with him. "You're too pretty to be moping around like this."

Hawks chuckled softly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just... thinking about how I look. You know, not exactly what you'd call 'heroic'," he replied, gesturing vaguely at his reflection.

Dabi tightened his grip, his voice becoming more serious. "Okay, let's break it down. What don't you like about yourself?"

Hawks hesitated, glancing away from their reflection. "Well, I mean... I guess I just don't feel strong enough. I see other heroes with these incredible physiques, and I just..." He trailed off, his insecurities creeping back in.

"Stop right there," Dabi interrupted, turning Hawks slightly so he could look him in the eye. "You're not those other heroes. You're you, and that's more than enough. Tell me what you see."

With a sigh, Hawks glanced back at the mirror. "I just see... someone who could be better. Someone who doesn't have the muscles or the scars that show he's fought and won."

"Muscles don't make the hero, babe," Dabi said softly. "Your heart does. You put yourself on the line every single day, and that takes way more guts than looking like a statue. You think I care about how you look? I care about you—your heart, your kindness, and how you always try to make everyone else feel better."

Hawks blinked, his heart fluttering at Dabi's words. "But..."

"No buts. Just you," Dabi insisted. "Now, what else?" He prompted, nudging Hawks gently to continue.

Taking a deep breath, Hawks pointed to his sides. "I don't like how skinny I am. I feel like I look weak."

Dabi's brows furrowed slightly. "Skinny? Seriously? You're not weak. Look at you! You fly circles around everyone. You've got speed and grace. You can take me on in a fight any day, and I'll tell you I'd lose," he added, smirking playfully.

Hawks couldn't help but smile a little. "You might lose, but I still don't look like a hero."

"Okay, then what about this?" Dabi said, spinning Hawks around to face him directly. "You've got that perfect smile, those amazing wings, and you know what? You're soft, and I love that about you. I love holding you close, feeling your warmth against me. You don't have to be rough around the edges to be a hero."

Hawks felt a warmth spreading through his chest at Dabi's honesty. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely," Dabi replied, leaning down slightly to capture Hawks' gaze. "And you're beautiful just the way you are. If you want to build muscle, I'll be right here cheering you on, but don't ever think that who you are isn't enough."

A silence fell between them, filled only with the quiet sound of their breathing. Dabi's hands were still wrapped around Hawks' waist, their foreheads gently touching. In that moment, Hawks felt the weight of his insecurities lift a little, replaced by the warmth of Dabi's love.

"Thanks, Dabi," Hawks murmured, feeling a blush creep onto his cheeks. "You always know what to say."

"That's my job, isn't it?" Dabi grinned, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Now, how about we get some breakfast? I'll even make you your favourite."

"You? Cooking? Now that's a scary thought," Hawks teased, playfully nudging Dabi away.

"Hey! I can cook! Just watch," Dabi shot back, the playful banter easing the tension even more.

As they left the room, Hawks felt lighter, wrapped in Dabi's unwavering support and affection. With each step, he was reminded that it was okay to feel vulnerable, especially with someone who loved him just as he was. And for the first time in a while, he felt like he could truly be himself.