Burning love |Dabi ff

Chapter 7

The next morning, Dabi and I went out again. This time, it wasn't for training or a mission. We were just exploring the city, something I hadn't done much since joining the League. It felt weird being out in public, knowing I wasn't the same person anymore. Katsumi Bakugo was dead—or at least, that's what the world thought. Now, I was Katsu, living a new life.

As we walked through the busy streets, I noticed how easily Dabi fit in. He moved with this cool, careless attitude, like nothing around him mattered. It was impressive in a way. Meanwhile, I kept my hood up, trying not to get noticed. Even with my red hair, I worried that someone might recognize me.

"Relax," Dabi muttered, glancing at me. "You're acting like you've got something to hide." I sighed. "I'm just being careful. What if someone recognizes me?" He smirked, clearly amused by how nervous I was. "No one's looking for you, Katsu. You're dead, remember?" I frowned, knowing he was right but still feeling uneasy. "Yeah, I know. It's just... strange." "Get used to it," he said, his tone calm but serious. "This is your life now. The sooner you stop looking over your shoulder, the better."

I nodded, trying to relax. Dabi had a point. I needed to accept this new life if I wanted to survive. After a while, we ended up at a small park on the edge of the city. It wasn't much—just a few benches and some trees—but it was quiet. Dabi sat down on one of the benches, lighting a cigarette. I stood nearby, looking around. "Why'd you bring me here?" I asked after a moment.

Dabi blew out smoke, his eyes watching the people passing by. "You've been tense. Thought you could use a break." I blinked, surprised by his answer. It wasn't like Dabi to show concern—at least, not openly. I sat down next to him, glancing at his relaxed posture. He made it look so easy to let go of everything. "You don't seem like the type to care about stuff like that," I said, half-joking. Dabi chuckled, the sound low and dry. "I don't. But if you're too stressed, you'll get yourself killed. Can't have that, can we?"

I smiled a little, appreciating his strange way of looking out for me. Even if he didn't admit it, Dabi cared in his own rough way. We sat quietly for a while, just watching the world go by. It was nice, not having to talk or think about missions or training. Just... being. After a while, I suggested, "Oh, I have an idea! I still need to get food and stuff for Ash. Let's go get him something, please?" He stood up, stretching lazily before turning to me. "Alright, let's go. But I'm not spending all day on this." His tone was indifferent, but I could tell he didn't mind too much.

I followed him, feeling a bit lighter now that we weren't talking about my worries. We walked to a nearby pet store, the kind of place I hadn't been to in a long time. It felt strange but nice to be picking out cat food, toys, and a soft bed for Ash. Dabi followed behind me, hands in his pockets, looking bored but not complaining. On our way back to the hideout, I suddenly felt someone walking too close to me. I glanced over and saw a guy, staring at me in a way that made me uncomfortable.

"Hey, pretty," the guy said with a grin. "How about ditching your grumpy boyfriend and hanging out with someone who knows how to have fun?" Before I could respond, Dabi was already in front of me, blocking the guy's path. His cold blue eyes glared at the man, and I could see small flames flickering around his fingers. "You've got about three seconds to walk away," Dabi said, his voice low and threatening. "Or I'll make sure you can't walk again."

The guy's grin disappeared immediately, and he quickly turned and walked away without saying another word. I watched him go, my heart still racing from the sudden confrontation. Dabi turned back to me, the flames gone, his expression calm again. "Creep," he muttered, as if it was nothing. I looked at him, feeling both surprised and grateful. "Thanks," I said softly.

Dabi shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "Don't mention it. Idiots like that annoy me." But there was something in the way he had protected me. I realized how much Dabi really cared, even if he didn't show it often.

As we kept walking, I found myself glancing at Dabi more than once, trying to figure him out. He always seemed so calm, so in control. I wondered how he stayed like that when our lives were so chaotic. "You're staring," he said suddenly, not even looking at me. I quickly looked away, embarrassed. "Sorry, I was just... thinking." He gave me a sideways glance. "About what?"

"About you," I admitted quietly. "How you're always so... together. Doesn't anything ever get to you?" Dabi didn't answer right away. For a moment, I thought he would ignore the question, like he usually did when things got personal. But then, to my surprise, he answered. "Plenty of things get to me," he said, his voice low. "But I learned a long time ago that showing it doesn't help. It just makes things worse."

I thought about what he said, realizing it was probably the most honest thing he'd ever told me. It gave me a glimpse of the real Dabi—the one who had been through a lot but never let it show. "I guess that makes sense," I murmured. "I'm still trying to figure out how to do that."

"You'll get there," he said, almost like he was sure of it. "You're tougher than you think." His words warmed me in a way I hadn't expected. Coming from Dabi, they meant more than he probably realized. I wasn't just another person in the League—I was Katsu, and somehow, I was starting to belong here. When we got back to the hideout, I set up the stuff I'd bought for Ash. The little black cat wandered over, sniffing curiously before curling up in his new bed. Dabi stood in the doorway, arms crossed. "You really like that cat, huh?"

I smiled, petting Ash. "Yeah. He's... a little piece of normal in all this craziness." "Whatever makes you happy, I guess." As I stood up, I glanced at him, feeling thankful. "Thanks for coming with me today. You didn't have to, but... I'm glad you did."

Dabi shrugged, smirking. "Don't read too much into it. I was just bored." "Sure," I said, laughing softly. "Whatever you say."But I knew there was more to it than that. Dabi didn't show it often, but he was looking out for me in his own way. Maybe that's just how things worked here—everyone had their own rough way of caring, but it was there if you knew where to look.

As the day ended, I sat by the window, watching the sun set over the city. Ash purred softly beside me, curled up in his bed. For the first time in a long while, I felt a little bit of peace. This life, as strange and dangerous as it was, was starting to feel like home.