Friends to Lovers

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The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light over the city, its rays flickering through the open window of the small apartment that Dabi and Hawks shared. It wasn't a fancy place, but it was theirs. It was quiet now, the only sound the soft rustle of feathers as Hawks shifted on the couch, leaning his head back against the cushions.

Dabi was in the kitchen, pretending to be busy with something—anything—when in reality, his mind was entirely preoccupied with the man lounging in the other room. Being best friends with Hawks had always been easy. They had fallen into a rhythm over the years, but lately, Dabi couldn't shake the way his heart raced when Hawks laughed or how his stomach flipped when their hands brushed.

He glanced out of the kitchen, watching Hawks stretch lazily, his wings unfurling slightly as they caught the dying sunlight. It cast a glow around him, like something out of a dream, and Dabi had to tear his eyes away before his thoughts spiralled further.

Hawks, for his part, felt the weight of unsaid things too. It was always there, lingering just beneath the surface of their banter, the teasing, and the shared moments of quiet. He'd never told Dabi how he felt—how his heart ached for more—but the fear of ruining what they had was enough to keep him quiet.

He sighed softly, sinking deeper into the couch, eyes half-lidded as he stared out at the horizon. The last rays of light caught in his eyes, making them glimmer with unspoken emotion.

"Hey," Dabi's rough voice broke the silence as he finally stepped out of the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. "You okay? You're being quiet, and that's... not like you."

Hawks blinked, then smiled lazily, though the corners of his mouth didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just thinking. It's weird, I know."

Dabi smirked, walking over and dropping onto the couch next to him. He slouched down, their shoulders brushing. "Now I'm worried."

The casual contact sent sparks through Hawks, and he cleared his throat, laughing a little too quickly. "Don't be. I'm just, y'know... enjoying the peace. Don't ruin it."

Dabi raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading as he watched Hawks closely. Something was off. He could sense it, the way Hawks' eyes kept darting away, the subtle tension in his posture. He wasn't used to seeing Hawks like this—so quiet, so lost in thought.

"Come on, out with it," Dabi pressed, his voice softer now, almost gentle. He nudged Hawks with his elbow. "What's going on in that bird brain of yours?"

Hawks chuckled, though it was more of a breath than a sound. His eyes fluttered closed for a moment, and when he opened them, he found himself speaking before he could think better of it.

"I... sometimes I wonder if things could be different."

The words were quiet, barely more than a whisper, but Dabi heard them. He sat up straighter, his heart pounding in his chest. "Different how?"

Hawks hesitated, feeling the heat creep up his neck. He didn't know how to explain it without giving everything away. But maybe, just maybe, that's what he wanted.

"Like... maybe we're meant to be more than just friends," Hawks muttered, eyes focused on his hands as he fidgeted with the edge of his sleeve. His voice was uncharacteristically shy, lacking the usual bravado. "But I don't want to screw anything up."

The silence that followed was thick with tension, both of them too afraid to move, to breathe, in case the fragile moment shattered.

Dabi's mind was racing. He had always felt something for Hawks—something deeper than friendship—but he had buried it under layers of sarcasm and indifference. Now, hearing Hawks say the words he had never dared to, it was like the air had been knocked out of him.

"You think we could mess this up?" Dabi asked quietly, his voice softer than Hawks had ever heard it. He reached out, fingers hesitating for just a moment before brushing against Hawks' hand. "I don't think we could. Not when it feels like this."

Hawks' breath hitched, and he finally turned to meet Dabi's eyes. There was something raw there, something he hadn't expected to see. Dabi wasn't teasing, wasn't smirking or hiding behind his usual walls. He was just... there, open, and real.

"I've been scared, you know," Hawks admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Scared that if I said anything, you'd laugh or push me away. I couldn't risk that."

Dabi chuckled, a low, rough sound that sent a shiver down Hawks' spine. "You really think I'd laugh at you?" He shook his head, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smile. "I've felt the same way for a while now. Just didn't think you'd want someone like me."

Hawks' heart skipped a beat, and he squeezed Dabi's hand, their fingers now fully entwined. "You're all I want, Dabi."

For a moment, they just sat there, the weight of their confession settling in the air around them. It wasn't as scary as they had thought it would be. In fact, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Dabi leaned in slowly, his eyes never leaving Hawks', and Hawks didn't pull away. He didn't want to. When their lips finally met, it was soft and tentative, a careful exploration of something new yet familiar. It wasn't rushed, wasn't desperate. It was just... right.

When they pulled back, both of them were breathless, but the tension had melted away, replaced by something warm and light.

"So," Hawks murmured, his forehead resting against Dabi's, "guess we're not just best friends anymore, huh?"

Dabi smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like it, bird brain."

And for the first time in a long while, Hawks felt at peace, knowing that everything was exactly as it should be.

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