Protecting Him

Chapter 36. Connected

Dabi's eyes were lit up with confusion as he glanced between Hiro and I. I smiled nervously. I facepalmed myself internally. Honestly... I'm beginning to hate holding secrets. One day... one day I'm going to end up saying the truth when I least expect it. Keeping up this façade, these fake identities are ruining my concentration.

"Dabi, it's best if you come inside."

He nodded silently.

We came inside, took off our shoes, offered Dabi something to drink and eat to which he declined, we then headed into the living room. I quickly changed my hair back into it's blue shade with black tips, my eyes gold and took off my hoodie.

"A baby huh. How old are you again? Fifteen." He asked taking a seat in the couch.

I sat beside him giving him a glare, "Eighteen."

He raised both his eyebrows shocked, "Don't look like it."

"Not everything is what it seems to be." I replied somberly.

He nodded.

"You don't look well." I bluntly say, "I doubt you just came by to get healed emotionally. FYI, I am no therapist."

"Ouch. Harsh Dollface, if I wasn't wounded before, I am now. You have a way with words. Are you always this defensive or is it with just me?"

I shrugged, "Wouldn't you like to know."

"I would. A lot of things in fact. Like where's Haya? And why didn't I see your baby last time."

I rolled my eyes, "Do I need to remind you, you were almost dying. As if you had any time to pay attention to small details. And Haya's my brother... he's at a school trip." I lied.

"A baby ain't a small detail."

"Whatever."

"What's his name?" he asked taking me off guard.

I struggled to decide what fake name to use but Hiro beat me to it. I don't understand why this boy trusts Dabi so much? Dabi's a stranger... and yet Hiro acts like he's known him all his life.

"Hiro!" he giggled and baby talked. He even started reaching for Dabi who looked so awkward.

"Hiro, huh? Nice name." Dabi said, his eyes softening as Hiro tried touching him.

~~

After a while of debating and fighting somewhat with Dabi about the last time – cough * cough* where I drugged him, I briefly told him the lie of how I ended up being a single mother.

Unlike everyone else, Dabi didn't shy away from questions, despite seeing my dismay.

"So, where's the dad at?" he bluntly inquired, his eyes half-lidded and his tone was monotonous.

"Why does everyone ask me that?" I rolled my eyes, not wanting to answer.

Dabi sat on the couch, holding baby Hiro in his arms. Apparently Hiro loved the warmth that radiated off him. "There's a thing called curiosity, Dollface. And small talk."

"I didn't peg you for a curious man Dabi."

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me." he smirked.

"And that's why I'm oddly interested in you." I earnestly said.

"You're what?!" he almost coughed, possibly choking on his saliva.

Hiro patted his chest with his small hand, looking at Dabi worriedly.

"Don't die on me." I deadpanned.