Chapter Text
From there on, the rest of the day went fairly smoothly. There was only one slight delay, which involved Uraraka chasing around Todoroki with looked to be the tea kettle from the china set Haruka had gifted them, yelling something incomprehensible while Shouto threw various objects at her.
One ice-covered chair, half melted doorknob, floating table, and exploded tea kettle later, Izuku managed to get everyone to stop fighting, and Hawks finally saw why Shouto liked him so much. He wasn’t that much of a stand-out kid, but he gave off a distinctive aura of when Hawks’ Mom had been disappointed in him (which was always).
“Kacchan, apologise to Hawks-san and Dabi-san for destroying their tea kettle,” the green-haired boy demanded, and Bakugo snarled. “I’m not apologising for shit! Apologies are for weak losers!”
Izuku put his hands on his hips, raising an unimpressed eyebrow and holding steady emerald eyes. Bakugo huffed, crossing his arms and turning away with hunched shoulders. “I’m sorry your damn tea kettle was too weak to handle my power, or whatever.”
“All good, Sir Lord Nuclear Manslaughter,” Hawks said, trying not to laugh, while Izuku took Eri from Tomura’s arms to coax her into rewinding the kettle. Dabi burst out laughing, shaking his head, while Bakugo stared, looking offended.
The rest went smoothly, and they finished up just before dinner, boxes mostly carried up and opened, if not fully organised or unpacked.
“Who wants to drive us back?” Izuku asked, and a few hands shot up.
“I can do it,” Tomura rasped, pushing forwards. “I need more time to get my license.”
“Are you fucking serious, you shitty walking hand kink? You aren’t even wearing shoes!” Bakugo barked out, sneering, and Izuku made an indignant noise. “Language, Kacchan! Eri is here!”
“It’s okay,” Eri chirped, pensive. “Tomura already taught me how to swear,” she looked up, gaze challenging. “So don’t be a pussy.”
Izuku made a choking noise, then turned on Tomura, who waved her hands defensively. “Dad- Aizawa does it all the goddamn time! It’s not my fault!”
“Damn nerds,” Bakugo growled, shoving past to slip into the driver’s seat while Shouto seemed to be hiding a smirk behind their hand.
Meanwhile, Hawks was still staring at Tomura oddly. “Tomura… why don’t you wear shoes? You didn’t wear them when we were out drinking either.”
Tomura flushed cherry red, glaring. “I dunno! Why don’t you?”
“I… I have bird feet…” Hawks said, staring at her blankly.
Tomura seemed to get even redder, turning away. “Right, of course you do- fuckin’ heteromorphs…”
After a long moment of sulking, she finally responded with something of a genuine answer. “It’s… y’know how when you get all panicked or shit and you feel like nothing is real? Well, I have that. For most people, they can just put their hand against a wall to ground themselves, but I can’t do that for obvious reasons.”
She glanced down at her glossy black toenails, scowling. “So being able to feel the ground is like, my thing or whatever. It keeps my head from getting more fucked up than it already is. So yeah, that’s the item description for my non-existent shoes, can we go now?”
“Of course,” Izuku said, stepping up and offering out a hand, which Tomura let him rest on her arm. “That sounds rough, Mura. I’m sorry.” He bit his lip. “... can I-”
“You can write it in your stupid notebook,” Tomura snapped, rolling her eyes, and Izuku nodded, letting out a relieved sigh and fumbling for a notebook out of his bag. “Thanks, sorry, I just-”
“Do your autistic bullshit, you little green freak,” Tomura interrupted, turning away and slinking into the backseat with crossed arms. Bakugo, who had his license already, ended up driving, forcing Shouto into the trunk so he “didn’t have to look at their ugly face”. Izuku joined them, still scribbling in his journal, and Hawks took the seat next to Tomura, Eri in the middle, and Dabi in the passenger so he didn’t throw up again.
“Uraraka handles her motion sickness better than you, and she’s 17,” Shouto informed him as they got in. “Do better. ”
They then ducked as a empty coffee cup was aimed at their head, missing and instead whacking Tomura in the face. “You stupid glitched out fuckface!” she shrieked, eyes flaring. “I’ll turn you to fucking dust!”
Dabi just flipped her off, sticking his tongue out, while Eri shook her head in exasperation. “Stop fighting, you problem children.”
Midoriya and Hawks both collapsed laughing.
——-
They arrived only a few minutes late at Aizawa’s place, the door opened by a tall man with whispy blue hair, dark skin and mismatched yellow-and-silver eyes that glowed faintly. “Hey, lil’ cloud!” he chirped, holding his arms open for Eri to jump into, scooping her up and twirling her around.
Glancing between their similar blue hair and wide eyes, Hawks wondered if this was her father. Tomura smiled, walking up to hug him from the side. “How’s my favourite kiddo doin’?” he asked, looking down.
“Spite-filled and hungry,” Tomura rasped. The man ruffled her hair, laughing. “Are these the boys? Ah, Dabi! Nice to see you again! The white hair suits you better than that dye,” the man winked. “And doesn’t make such a mess of the sink, I’m hoping?”
Dabi blinked, furrowing his brow. “Do I know you?”
Tomura rolled her eyes. “Giri’, stop being cryptic. Dabi, this is Shirakumo, also known as Kurogiri to all you villainous fucks.”
Hawks stared, gaping. “Holy shit. Dude, you’re hot under the fog.”
Tomura smacked him upside the head. “Don’t you fucking hit on my caretaker!”
Kurogiri - Shirakumo? - just laughed again. “It’s nice to see you again, Hawks. Are you and Dabi finally dating, now that the war is over?”
Dabi sputtered, and Hawks felt his face flush. “We aren’t- we didn’t-” he started, and Kurogiri smiled sympathetically. “Sorry, I had assumed you both were aware that I knew of your crushes.”
“God, even fuckin’ Spinner noticed it, and that guy was dumb as a brick when it came to romance,” Tomura complained.
Hawks hid his face in his wings, remembering some of the embarassing things he’d thought about Dabi, and imagining Dabi thinking the same things about him.
“Stop being pathetic and just get inside the damn house! I’m hungry!” Bakugo roared, ruining the moment (for the best, probably, as Dabi didn’t look like he was breathing anymore.)
Inside, the place was dark, emptier than Hawks had expected for a dinner party. He assumed the rest of the group was in the back yard, as Shirakumo led them through.
They passed a large corkboard, which Hawks glanced at, surprised to see a collection of drawings. A surprisingly good markered-in drawing of a girl from an anime Hawks didn’t recognise, cross necklace over a gothy black dress, long blonde hair pulled up into accentorypigtails. Hitoshi was written in the corner, and Hawks made a mental note to ask Shinsou about it.
Beside it was a more sloppily done coloring page of a cat, Eri’s name scribbled in the corner. It was endearing all the same, especially when paired with the third drawing - an edgy, frantic drawing in black ink, a roughly scribbled figure with their mouth open in a scream. In their fists was clutched a shaky sketch of a human heart, held away from black vines - hands? - that clawed to rip it from their grasp. It wasn’t signed, but Hawks could easily guess at the artist.
Dabi tugged on his wrist, pulling him back along with a flustered apology. “Sorry- just lookin’-”
“You’re like a hummingbird, y’know?” Dabi said, sighing. “Always moving so fast, latching onto things before leaving for the next.”
“I’m a hawk,” Hawks observed.
“And I’m a disappointment,” Dabi said, rolling his eyes. “Are we done pointing out the obvious?”
“You aren’t a-” Hawks started, before jumping nearly a foot in the air as they walked into the living room and were promptly greeted by a scream of Surprise! And lights flaring up. Grabbing Dabi and pushing him behind, he flared his wings, reaching back and ripping out one of his primaries on instinct to hold as a sword, forgetting they no longer functioned that way. Letting out a yelp, he fell on one knee, as Dabi crouched beside him in worry. “Keigo! Are you alright? Fuck- you’re not bleeding, don’t worry, it was a pretty clean rip, but-”
There was a snort of laughter, and then Rumi was helping him up, grinning her sunny smile. “Hey, idiot.”
And Hawks looked around, adrenaline settling down as he took in the crowd. Aizawa and Hizashi were there, obviously - and Hitoshi, who was standing with Tokoyami- wait, Tokoyami! That was his boy! And Dark Shadow too! Hawks let out a happy chirp of excitement at seeing his former intern. Even Ogawa and Haruka had come.
Natsuo, Fuyumi, and Rei all ran up to hug a flustered looking Touya, congratulating and fussing over him. Aizawa strode up to Hawks, a soft smirk tugging at his lips. “Sorry about that. We wanted to throw you a celebration, since you’re out of the hospital. I didn’t think the surprise aspect was rational, but I’m not usually the one left in charge of the whole party-planning business,” he nodded back to Mic, who was excitedly talking to a grinning Eri from within Kurogiri’s arms. “That’s his area.”
Hawks laughed, while Rumi punched his arm. “Hey, you better be at our wedding next week, got it? And if I don’t see Touya in a ‘war criminal’ T-shirt, I’m going to riot.”
Hawks groaned, closing his eyes. “Don’t encourage him. Rumi, he’ll actually do it.”
“I fucking hope so,” his best friend threatened, letting out a cackling laugh.
Hitoshi walked up to Tomura, holding out a squirming Kaiju, as Hawks weaved back over to join his boyfriend and his family. “Thought you’d want this,” he said drily, and Tomura snatched the dog away, burying her face in his fur . “Kai! Look at the beast! Ah, yes, I know. My comrade, I missed you too, huh?” She peppered the dogs small black nose and fluffy face with kisses, and Natsuo let out a longing sigh. “God, I wish that was me.”
Touya gagged. “Please never say anything like that around me ever again.”
The house livened up significantly after that- Fuyumi had baked a cake in celebration, and Shotou ended up roasting marshmallows for Eri and the other teens with their left side.
Tokoyami and Hawks made a game of seeing how high they could carry people with their wings - and Dabi could only melt with pride as Hawks managed to fly ten feet into the air with Eri clutched to his chest. Dark Shadow and Eri seemed to have formed an unlikely friendship, with a flustered Tokoyami accepting a black and light blue friendship bracelet made for the beaked familiar.
They even started up a Karaoke contest, which Present Mic mostly took over, though Rumi, Haruka Uraraka, Shouto and Tomura made notable appearances.
Touya tramped over to the side, covering his ears in distaste as Tomura took the mic for the second time, belting out a rock ballad from the 2000s in her off-key caterwhaul. “Has anyone ever informed you that your roommate is a fucking awful singer?”
Natsuo laughed, looking over to where Tomura was still belting her heart out in scratchy, cracking tones. “Yep. Many times. She doesn’t give up, though,” he paused, frowning slightly. “Also, she’s not my roommate. She’s my girlfriend.”
Dabi scowled, sitting down and crossing his arms. “What do you even see in her?”
Natsuo blinked, surprised, stealing a glance at his brother. “Muraki? Well…” he rubbed the back of his neck, taking a sip of his drink. “A lot of it I can’t really put into words. I just… look at her and feel it intensely.” He bit his lip, before continuing. “But from what I can put into words… she’s beautiful. Especially now that she’s starting to actually get a normal amount of food and taking care of herself. More than that… she’s really, really passionate. She doesn’t have the time for everyone, but the people she does care about, she takes care of. And she’s really grounded. She doesn’t romanticise things, or use flowery words. When she says something to me, I know she means it. We grew up with so many people lying to us, it’s just so nice to have someone I know will tell it how it is, no syrupy sugar-coating.”
Touya stared for a long moment, taking it all in.
Then begrudgingly, he sighed. “I… I still don’t like it.”
“I’m not looking for your approval,” Natsuo said evenly, deep grey eyes devoid of humour.
“I know, I know,” Touya said, putting up his hands. “I just wanted to say that… I accept it. Even if I don’t like it, I know you love her. And… she seems to treat you alright, from what I’ve seen. So… you have my blessing, even if it doesn’t mean anything.”
Natsuo snorted softly. “Thanks for your love and support, Touya-nii.”
“Anytime, gremlin brother,” Touya huffed, crossing his arms.
Natsuo let out a sigh, taking Touya’s hand and squeezing it once before dropping it again. “I’m just… I’m so happy you’re alive. And here. With us. I…” he reached up, wiping at his eyes quickly. “A year ago, I thought it would never get better. I mean, my girlriend had just broken up with me because our family drama was too much, I barely had even started talking to Shouto, Fuyumi spent every second we talked apologising for Dad, and I thought… I thought you were dead. Now I’m living with the most beautiful girl on earth, Fuyumi is getting married, with Dad completely out of the picture, Mom and Sho and I see each other all the time, and my big brother is alive and gonna be there for all of it.”
He grinned, cheeks wet and eyes shining. “God, I’m so happy, Touya.”
Touya pulled him into a tight hug, laughing despite his own tears. “I’m happy too. I’ve got a family- and- and I feel okay, and I have Keigo- fuck, I’m dating the number one hero, and I think that fact just actually hit me- and I’m going to start school this fall. Natsu, I’m gonna have a future.”
“I know,” Natsuo sobbed, lifting his brother up and squeezing him tight. “I’m so fucking happy for you. You deserve this. We both deserve this.”
“Hey!” a slurred voice interrupted them, and Touya looked up to see Miruko, Tomura, Fuyumi and Hawks walking up. “There you are, you cute idiot- You’re comin’ with me,” Tomura announced, grabbing Natsuo’s arm and dragging him away. “We’re singing.“
Natsuo shrugged helplessly at the others, before stumbling after his girlfriend with a laugh. Fuyumi took Natsuo’s place, hugging Touya, before stepping back to take Miruko’s side. “We’re doing sparklers, do you wanna join in?”
Hawks watched as his love’s blue eyes lit up, excitement filling his face. “Fuck, yes!” He turned to Hawks, who grabbed his hands, leaning up to kiss him on the nose. “Shouto’s lighting them with Bakugo. Oh, and Bakugo brought fireworks, but I think Midoriya hid them, so that might be a bust.”
Miruko laughed, shaking her head. “That kid’s a riot. I’m officially adopting him. He’s my son, no one can stop it.”
“Aw!” Uraraka was in front of them, pouting, Izuku and Shouto with her, holding unlit sparklers. “I want to be adopted by Miruko!”
“Done!” Miruko shouted, pulling Uraraka into a hug and patting her head. “You’re all my babies! Izuku, you too!” The green boy jumped, eyes wide with confusion and mild terror. “W-what? Why?! What’d I do!”
Fuyumi was giggling, then paused, looking around. “Actually, I should probably take this chance to say…” She glanced back to Rumi, who had stopped to give her a questioning look. Fuyumi nodded, and Rumi walked over to her fiancee, holding up a sparkler like a torch. “Hey, everyone! Stop whatever you’re doing! We have an announcement!”
Eyes turned to them, a hush slowly falling over the crowd at Rumi’s shouting. Mic sent out a quirk-boosted snap at the few who hadn’t gotten the message, until all eyes were fixed on Fuyumi and Rumi.
Fuyumi smiled, flushed under the light, and gently set a hand on her stomach. “Rumi and I are having a baby. I’m pregnant.”
Hawks and Dabi already knew, so their reaction was mostly a few congratulations and claps. Across the yard, there was a shriek, and then Rei was running over, tears running down her cheeks. “Fuyumi! Oh my god! Are you serious? I’m gonna be a grandma? Oh, honey, baby, I’m so proud of you, you’re gonna be the most amazing mother ever. Sweetheart, I love you so much.”
Fuyumi hugged her mom, grinning like the sun. Natsuo let out a low whistle, eyes wide. “Holy shit. I… congratulations, Yumi. I’m really proud of you.”
Rumi sniffed, trying to hide her wet eyes as she held her future wife’s hand tight. “We’ve only known for a few days. But… I swear to God I’m gonna take good care of your daughter, Todoroki-san. And our lil’ bunny.”
“Just call me Rei. And I know you will,” Rei said, wrapping Rumi in her warm embrace.
The rest of the family gathered to congratulate Rumi and Fuyumi, and Hawks and Dabi turned back to each other, looking to escape.
Shouto handed Hawks and Dabi sparklers as they shied to the edge of the crowd. “Keep them away from your wings. These can set fires. Bakugo tried,” they cautioned, as Hawks picked one up, then reached up, touching the tip with a lit finger.
The black coating exploded in a sparkspray, and Hawks held it aloft, letting out a surprised bark of laughter. “Holy-hell-yeah! Dabs, you seeing this?”
“Sure am, sugartits,” Dabi drawled, watching as his own began to spark and fray from Shouto’s touch.
Hawks glanced over, caught as he took in Tobi’s frame.
The sparks lit his face, the angles cast in shadows as the planes glowed a soft gold. His hair was panelled in shafts of yellow and ice blue, eyes shining, and Hawks wanted to scream and dance and fly into the sky all at once with how goddamn beautiful his boyfriend was.
Dabi let out a breath, his eyes watching not the sparks, but Hawks himself. “God, you’re so fucking beautiful, ” he said, and Hawks laughed. “Would you believe me if I said I was just thinking the same thing about you?”
“Not really,” Dabi admitted, taking Hawks’ hand and pulling him away from the group. “But it does sound like something you’d say, you hopeless simp.”
“Only for you,” Hawks murmured, bringing Dabi in and kissing him on the lips, holding his slowly dimming sparkler aloft. Dabi pressed into him, mouth opening to pull him in deeper, hand cupping Hawks’ neck. Hawks sighed heavily into the kiss- then broke away, hissing as a sudden burning sensation fell on his skin.
Dabi looked down, blinkinng. “What’s wrong?”
“One of the sparks fell on my arm,” Hawks complained, blinking. Dabi looked down, rubbing a thumb over the spot, and the specks of ash left behind. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Hawks thought, watching quietly as their fingers laced together, hands interlocked in the space between their beating hearts.
In this moment, forehead pressed against the chin of the person he loved more than anything, Hawks wasn’t a hawk.
In this moment, he was a phoenix, burning to ash time and time again, and rising from the sparks. If Dabi had been the fire that destroyed him the first time, All for One the second, then Tobi was the gentle spark that pulled him back to life.
And they were one and the same.
Dabi- Touya- Tobi was both his destroyer and inventor. He was Hawks’ end and beginning.
And right now, Hawks thought, as he held his wildfire lover close, fireworks popping and bursting above them, he wanted him to be his forever as well.
THE END