15. Beneath the ashes

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Info: Trans AU!!

Dabi slinks into Tomura’s room without knocking, as usual, intent on going over some plans with him. But as he walks in, his eyes fall on an unfamiliar pack sitting near Tomura’s bed. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he steps closer, realizing that they’re pads. He frowns, picking them up, wondering why on earth they’re in Tomura’s room of all places. His first thought is that maybe they belong to Toga, though he can’t figure out why she’d leave them here.

When he hears Tomura coming back down the hallway, Dabi raises an eyebrow, smirking. “Hey, Tomura. Got a girlfriend now or something?”

Tomura’s face pales as he notices what Dabi is holding. He lets out a slow breath, glancing away as if trying to figure out how to respond. But Dabi’s already on him with the questions, his voice filled with a rare hint of genuine curiosity. “Didn’t think you’d be the type to keep these lying around. What’s the deal?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Tomura finally speaks. “They’re mine.”

Dabi’s smirk fades as he studies Tomura’s expression. He knows his friend well enough to recognize when he’s uncomfortable, but he pushes a bit further. “So… you want to explain that?”

Tomura frowns, visibly debating how much to share. “Look… I don’t talk about this stuff,” he mutters, sounding more frustrated with himself than with Dabi. “But I guess it doesn’t hurt for you to know. I’m trans.”

Dabi blinks, absorbing this as he watches Tomura shift his weight, looking anywhere but at him. After a beat, Dabi leans back, letting out a slow breath as he processes what he’s just learned.

“Guess it’s the luck of the draw I didn’t have to deal with… other stuff. Like surgeries.” Tomura’s voice is low, laced with an edge of bitterness. “I never got the chance. All I’ve managed is testosterone.”

Dabi nods slowly, his usual teasing tone gone. “Makes sense. I just didn’t think…” He trails off, then shrugs. “You know, that you’d be in the same boat as some of us with… all that.”

For a second, Tomura almost seems relieved, his shoulders relaxing a little. “It’s not like I wanted it to be some big thing. It’s just how things are.”

Dabi grins, a flicker of warmth in his smirk. “Well, you know me. I’m not one to make a fuss. But hey, nice to know you’re still keeping your secrets interesting.”

Tomura rolls his eyes, but there’s a slight smile on his face. “Just don’t go telling everyone.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Dabi says, holding his hands up in mock innocence. “But it’s good to know.” Then he nods once, a small gesture of support that doesn’t need any further explanation.

And with that, they fall back into the easy silence of two people who’ve known each other long enough to understand—no questions, no judgments, just acceptance.

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