Dabi x Tomura stories

14. Frost and flames

On a frigid winter night, the winds howled through the cracks of the dilapidated house that served as a base for the league of villains. The old structure, adorned with peeling paint and creaky floors, was far from the cozy hideout they had fantasized about. It leaked heat like a sieve, leaving its inhabitants at the mercy of winter's chill.

In the dimly lit kitchen, Toga, wrapped in layers of sweaters, shuffled downstairs like a sleepy ghost. Her blonde hair framed her face, slightly tousled and wild from sleep. She rifled through the pantry, her fingers dancing over the sparse collection of food and drinks. With a soft sigh, she poured herself a glass of something sugary, her usual craving for sweetness igniting as she leaned against the counter, warmed by the thought of a new day, despite the cold.

Upstairs, in a room cluttered with debris and remnants of past skirmishes, Tomura paced restlessly. His breath came out in cold puffs, visible in the frosty air that hung around him. He hated everything about winter-the biting cold, the scraping winds, the darkness that seemed to suffocate the world outside. Rage simmered within, bubbling to the surface as he launched a tattered pillow across his room. "Damn winter!" he shouted into the void; no reply came.

Meanwhile, Dabi lay sprawled on a rickety bed, one leg hanging off the edge. He was partially covered by a thin blanket worn from years of use. His skin bore the chill that gnawed at the others, yet his fire quirk cast a gentle warmth around him, a flickering shield against winter's grasp. As he listened to the muffled sounds of frustration filtering in from Tomura's room, a wry smile curled on his lips. "That man needs to chill," he mused, humorously aware of the irony.

With a sigh, he stood and pushed the door open. The moment he stepped into his room, he felt the wave of iciness creep around his ankles. "Hey, Shiggy," he called, intentionally teasing, "you want some heat? My flames could warm this whole place up."

Tomura halted, tangible annoyance etched on his face as he turned to Dabi, his hands clenched tight. "Shut it! You think I want your disgusting flames in here?"

"Disgusting, huh?" Dabi smirked, leaning casually against the wall. "At least I'm not stuck shivering like a little mouse."

"Shut up!" Tomura snapped back, but a flicker of amusement danced in his tired eyes. Their bickering was familiar territory-a routine that sparked something deeper, an unspoken connection in the chaos of their lives.

As the night wore on, Spinner, Compress, and Twice freezed in Spinners room, trying to insulate themselves with whatever meager blankets they could find. Their quiet shivers echoed against the walls, a symphony of discomfort. "I swear, if we survive this," Compress whispered, his breath visible, "I'm never stepping foot in another abandoned building again."

"Same!" Twice agreed, his double struggling to contain his own shuddering form.

Dabi strolled down to the room, curious at the sound of muffled chatter. As he opened the door, the sight of his shivering comrades met him. "You guys look like you're auditioning for a horror flick or something," he teased, hands resting comfortably in his pockets.

"Very funny, Dabi," Spinner replied, shaking his head. "Why don't you heat us up if you're so confident?"

"Not my job to save you losers," Dabi shot back, but his expression softened as he took in their plight.

Suddenly, a small idea flickered to life within him. He stepped forward, concentration etched on his features, and released a controlled wave of heat that flooded the cramped room. The warmth began to envelop them, melting away the sharp edges of winter's bite.

"Whoa! Thanks, man!" Twice exclaimed, relief flooding his voice.

"Don't get used to it," Dabi replied, though his smirk hinted at the pleasure he found in their gratitude.

But his gaze flickered back to Tomura standing in his room, who remained distant, brooding. "What's got you all moody this time? You know you could always come join us."

Tomura shot him a glare but couldn't suppress the flicker of curiosity. "Why would I want to?"

Dabi shrugged, that confident smirk still adorning his features. "Because I can make this space warmer than you'll ever be on your own."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Tomura grumbled under his breath, but he couldn't deny the pull towards Dabi's warmth, both literal and metaphorical. He hesitated before finally moving towards the others, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"See? Not so bad. Just needed a little... warmth," Dabi said, his tone teasing but sincere, the banter laced with tenderness.

Tomura glared but didn't rebut. Instead, he let the warmth seep into him, unwinding some of the icy coils that had long settled in his chest. "Don't think this will change anything," he muttered, but Dabi knew better.

Outside, the wind continued to howl, but inside their small sanctuary, laughter and warmth began to thaw the bitter chill.

As the night drew on, Toga joined them too, dragging her blankets and laughter, reminding everyone why they were together. In that haphazard, motley crew of villains bound by their conflicting desires and misfit charms, a sense of belonging began to bloom amidst the frost.

They were the outcasts of society, trapped in a cold world that refused to understand them. But in the heart of winter, with fire and camaraderie, they kindled their defiance against the night, shaping their own brand of warmth in the most unexpected places.