Flufftober

Future

Dabi lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, lost in a swirl of thoughts that kept tightening around his chest like a vice. His mind drifted to the future—something he'd never allowed himself to think about before Hawks. The idea of things ever going fine, of a life beyond what he'd known, felt foreign and almost impossible. Would they really be okay? Could someone like him deserve a future with someone like Hawks?

He frowned, his eyes narrowing as the weight of uncertainty pressed down on him. He felt cold, despite the heat that naturally radiated from his body.

Suddenly, a feather-light touch brushed against his arm, pulling him from his thoughts. Dabi blinked and looked down to find Hawks, his golden hair tousled from sleep, staring up at him with those bright, piercing eyes.

"You're thinking too much again," Hawks murmured, his voice soft but knowing.

Dabi shifted, a sigh escaping his lips. "How can I not?" he grumbled, his voice rougher than usual. "The future, Hawks... it's not exactly guaranteed for people like us."

Hawks raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking up into a small smile. "You're right. But nothing's ever guaranteed, is it? That doesn't mean we stop trying."

With a lazy stretch, Hawks maneuverer himself closer to Dabi, snuggling up against him. Dabi was so much taller and broader that Hawks could barely manage to be the big spoon even if he tried. It didn't stop him from attempting, though. He threw an arm over Dabi's side, resting his chin against Dabi's shoulder.

Dabi couldn't help the soft snort that escaped him. "What do you think you're doing, birdbrain? You know you're too small for that."

Hawks chuckled, not the least bit deterred. "Trying to comfort you, obviously." He nuzzled his face into Dabi's neck, his warm breath tickling the sensitive skin there. "Even if I'm the smaller one, I can still take care of you, y'know."

Dabi felt his chest tighten for a different reason now. Hawks had this way of breaking through all the walls he'd built, reminding him that he wasn't alone. It was both terrifying and comforting, all at once.

"Yeah?" Dabi muttered, though the sharpness in his tone had softened considerably. "And who's gonna take care of you if you're too busy worrying about me?"

"I don't need anyone to take care of me." Hawks paused, and then added with a mischievous glint in his eye, "But it's nice when you do." He shifted slightly, letting himself settle back into his usual position, his head tucked beneath Dabi's chin, his smaller frame easily nestled against Dabi's.

Dabi wrapped an arm around Hawks, pulling him closer, feeling the warmth of his body press against his own. It was almost funny how someone like him—a villain covered in scars—could find solace in moments like this. Moments where Hawks, as delicate as he seemed in comparison, made everything feel a little less overwhelming.

"Things might not always go how we plan," Hawks whispered after a moment, his hand lightly tracing circles on Dabi's chest. "But I'll be here, no matter what. We'll figure it out. Together."

Dabi swallowed, the lump in his throat making it hard to speak. He wasn't good with words like Hawks, not when it came to things like this. But he let his actions speak for him, tightening his hold on the hero, his lips brushing the top of Hawks' head in a rare, tender gesture.

"Yeah," Dabi finally whispered, his voice barely audible. "Together."

Hawks hummed contently, his body relaxing fully against Dabi's, as if the weight of his own words had reassured him too. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Dabi's thoughts quieted, replaced by the steady rhythm of Hawks' breathing and the soft warmth of their embrace.

The future was uncertain, yes. But in that moment, with Hawks wrapped around him, Dabi felt like maybe, just maybe, it would be okay.