bonjour_lobster | 2018 open post

IV Cont. from here.

[ There were so many others milling around, that Komaeda was sure he would have blended in. There were much more worthwhile things and people to talk with, after all. But of course, it was just his luck! But whether it was good or bad... He turns to face the stranger with a placid smile, his left hand placed just behind his back. ]

Oh? Surely you don't mean me, right? [ He points at himself for emphasis with his right hand. ]

Edited 2018-03-06 12:47 (UTC)

Actually, I am talking to you.

[ Terra doesn't blame him for questioning it -- there are so many people in the area that it'd be good to confirm. At least, that's how he takes the question anyway. ]

...There's this quest going on. You need to gain information about a stranger's childhood in order to pass it. Do you mind answering a few questions?

[ He sounds a tad awkward, but that's to be expected, probably. ]

Hahaha, you might want to ask someone else! [ As oddly timed as the laughter is, it sounds completely natural and not forced at all. Moreover, his amusement appears to be directed at himself, punctuated with a somewhat sheepsish grin. ]

There are plenty of other people here, so you shouldn't waste your time on trash like me.

Edited (fight me) 2018-03-06 15:42 (UTC)

[ Terra figures that the other guy just doesn't want to deal with the questionaire at just the first sentence, so he's about to move on until Komaeda adds onto that. It...causes him to frown. ]

What do you mean? Why're you calling yourself trash?

[ He can't help but ask. Is it some kind of weird joke? ]

Because that's exactly what I am, that's all there is to it. [ Just as chipper as before, though he tilts his head downwards and brings his hand to his face. ]

...I seem to have forgotten some things too, so it really wouldn't be a good idea. Ahh, I really am the worst.

[ This is likely about to get stupid because Terra can't leave this alone. It's bothering him too much. ]

It's fine. About not answering the questions for the quest. But, I don't think it's fair to call yourself "trash" or the "worst".

[ Komaeda doesn't seem like such a bad guy. Then again, Terra isn't a very good judge of character. ]

Edited 2018-03-06 18:13 (UTC)

[ ........ ]

Isn't that a foolish thing thing to say? You don't know anything about me.

Oy, so what if I don't --

[ In a perfect world, Terra would've shrugged, smiled, and moved onto the next person. But ... now he just got called a fool (no surprise) and he wasn't going to find it easy to change the topic or walk away even if he wasn't. ]

-- Look, we're in a strange place full of strange people and ... stranger things. I'm sure you're not the most terrible thing that has ever happened in the whole entire universe. So, obviously you can't be the worst.

[ Hah, is this how it's going to be? His luck really hasn't changed at all. A few seconds of uncomfortable silence pass before Komaeda speaks again, with an unusually bright smile on his face. ]

To think I would find such hope here so quickly...ahahaha, no I should have expected it! My name is Komaeda Nagito, it's great to meet you!

[ Terra is almost certain that this is going to turn into an argument or the conversation will end abruptly, but then something unexpected happens instead. He can't cover his brief moment of surprise -- though it shifts into him smiling slightly.

As far as he could tell, looks like he did good. Even if the response was a bit strange, it wasn't bad, right? ]

You know, hope can be like a pleasant surprise, even if it might be expected.

[ Even now, sometimes the cheesiness just comes out before he can contain it. ]

I'm Terra. It's good to meet you too.

[ Did you really do good, Terra? That remains to be seen. ]

Terra...yes, I'll remember you. [ Casually, he offers a wave with his visible hand. ]

Hope will always emerge victorious over despair in the end, no matter how awful things become. The strongest hope is born from the ultimate despair, you know? Ahahaha, even if you don't know, I know...

[ Clearly things can only get better from here.

Though, as the other male continues speaking, Terra's smile falters as he contemplates something. ]

Yeah, you're right. All I know is that I'd never let despair triumph over me, and I'd be glad to prove to people who'd think otherwise, wrong.

[ Terra's thinking of what's happened with him, and as far as he can tell, he's experienced something close to ultimate despair. So, maybe there is something to the whole 'strongest hope being born from ultimate despair', even if it sounds twisted. He does agrees more readily with the idea that hope will beat out despair, but...

He'd never give up. Xehanort learned the hard way. ]

You ... sound like you've gone through some stuff too. Then again, I guess everyone does, right?

Edited 2018-03-10 03:48 (UTC)

...is that so? I look forward to seeing it. [ While that likely deserves an elaboration, it seems Komaeda isn't keen on giving one. His focus remains rigidly on Terra, even more so since the beginning of their conversation. ]

Me? Mmn, I have but that's to be expected—with my luck and all. It may not be a truly worthy talent, but it counts for something I suppose. Though I guess even boring, useless, nobodies experience good and bad luck too.

[ There's a pause, and he just...nods, not sure how he feels about Komaeda looking forward to it. If only because he's frustrated with himself for walking stupidly into a trap that was set up for him in the first place. But, he has his body right now and he's in control, so that's better than before already. ]

Your luck counts for "something" thanks to giving you some bad experiences? [ Hah. ] Were you joking around?

[ He's not exactly sure what to do with the other man's last comment. If only because he was wondering if Komaeda was directing it towards himself like the way he had earlier, or talking about certain people in particular. He'll leave it for now. ]

...Either way, I'm glad to say my own talents don't strictly lie on that end.

Ahah, it's not exactly like that. There's no need to worry about what I said though, it's not important. [ His talent wasn't impressive, but it was enough to distinguish himself from being absolutely worthless. Still wasn't really worth discussing, especially when there's something more interesting they could talk about instead. ]

What kind of talent do you mean?

It gets harder as the days go on to slip out from under her master's watchful eye. Anathema knows it's not without reason, of course. It's probably just on the side of inappropriate for a mere apprentice to go walking the halls of the palace on her own as she does, she knows, and especially as often as she does, earning curious looks from more than a few of the Blood Elves that she passes by on her way through the halls. Khadgar is nothing if not protective, and she knows this, too. But when is the next time she's going to get to spend so much time somewhere as beautiful as Quel'thalas?

More than that, when is the next time she's going to get to spend time with Kael'thas like this, after their business here is finished and she's made to return home? Besides that, she can't very well ignore a summons from the prince himself, could she? Khadgar's discomfort with every message she receives during their stay is so potent that Anathema is pretty much certain he's broadcasting his frustration to her on purpose.

It's both a blessing and frankly dreadful timing that he isn't there with her now, however.

The vision rocks her violently, and Anathema stumbles as she reaches the bottom of the stairs, drops to the ground as if knocked back by an earthquake as the images flash rapidly through her mind, eyes screwing shut. It's not an unfamiliar vision; creatures in the streets of Dalaran, Khadgar and the rest of the council gathered. To channel something powerful, a spell where if one thing goes wrong-

And the the images are gone, and there's only fire and nightmares burned into the back of her eyes, and a warmth that drips from her nose in time with the painful pulse of power in the back of her head.

Someday, surely she'll be able to withstand the force with which the damned things come to her. Someday, surely she'll be able to control them, call on the good and the bad alike when she pleases, when they're needed, instead of living day to day wondering when and what will deign to grace her day with all the subtlety of a warhammer to the face. Anathema grits her teeth against the throbbing as she reaches a shaky hand to wipe away the trickle of sticky warmth running past her lips and down her chin, bright red blood dotting the front of her robes where it dripped and smearing bright red against her fingers.

She can't meet with Prince Kael'thas like this.

She can't go back to Khadgar, either - the vision isn't one they haven't discussed before, but she can't go back looking like this and worry him. And she especially can't go and meet with Kael'thas.

The sound that leaves the young woman's throat is very nearly like a growl as she pushes herself unsteadily back to her feet, using the sleeve of her robes to try and wipe away the rest of the blood on her face.

"I just want less fire and brimstone," she mutters out loud, as she looks down the halls, wracking her mind for which would lead back to the safety of her own room. "Gran saw weddings, and she saw that corrupt arse of a priest's home burn to the ground, why can't I have more visions like those?"

[ Things never really did go according to plan, huh? Derelict, condemned warehouses were pretty decent spots for overly shady meetings, but awful spots for providing actual shelter. Especially in the middle of a blizzard. Not like Dabi really cared though, he could keep himself warm just fine no matter how low the mercury dropped. His conversation partner though? Not so much. It had only taken him a minute or two to decide that the sound of Hawk's teeth chattering was more annoying than finding a new location to talk this out. Sure he could have volunteered the heat of his own flames, but that involved directly helping Hawks out and Dabi wasn't feeling that generous.

Wordlessly he had left the warehouse (though he did cant his head in the universal "follow me" gesture) both hands shoved in his pockets. The natural heat from his body was enough to provide him with a buffer to the cold and some visibility, but the truth of it was that he pretty much had this whole area memorized anyway. Whatever complaints and protests Hawk had were ignored, though Dabi did nothing to hide the wry smile he wore at the other man's expense.

And soon enough they found themselves outside one of the only places that dared to remain open in weather like this. The trademark green and white logo is mostly obscured by snow at this point, but there's little mistaking this chain for anything but the most popular coffee shop in the world. ]

Here's fine. [ And just strolling in like he owns the place. Not like he was one of the most wanted recognizable villains or anything, with one of the popular recognizable heroes in tow. ]

[ Hawks’ first mistake today was not double checking the weather. He would have chosen to wear more layers instead of just his usual outfit, even if it would have hampered his mobility somewhat. At least then he could’ve maintained some illusion of unflappability in this situation.

His second mistake was arriving early and having to wait here for any length of time. It’s too cold to just stand around like that.

As it is, he had to work very hard not to rub his arms or fluff out his wings. Or to not inch closer to Dabi when he showed up. The villain had visible heat waves above his shoulders, the lucky duck. If this act didn’t need Hawks to maintain a certain decorum he would have made his way closer before Dabi even stopped walking.

Talking turns out to be a problem for probably the first time in Hawks’ life when he tries to tell Dabi off for being late. He’s not even done stuttering through that when Dabi turns and walks away. Hawks squawks in surprise before jogging after when he sees the villain nod.

Hawks isn’t ashamed to admit if pressed that he followed closer than he might have on a warmer day, to try and steal some of Dabi’s heat.

They travel for several blocks before Dabi turns into, of all blessed things, a coffee shop. Once the door shuts behind them, Hawks immediately starts shaking out his wings of any snowmelt. The promise of finally being warm loosens any misgivings he might have over being friendly and causes what’s probably his next (hopefully last?) mistake.

He fumbles out his wallet and takes a couple steps towards the service bar before calling over his shoulder at Dabi]

Hey, what do you want? My treat.

[ Silly Hawks, don't you know it's fashionable to arrive late?

It's funny, because in a way Dabi has his own misgivings about being friendly (well his version of it). Talking in a place like this was too flashy even for him, but in a way it's also a test to see how far Hawks is willing to go. He's not sure whether it's a pass or fail that the pro hero is apparently open to being seen in public with him, honestly. It is interesting, at least. A quick sweep of the cafe is enough for him not to care right now either way—they're the only ones in here, and likely will be the only ones in here for the foreseeable future aside from the employee.

That settled, he plops down into one of leather sofa's closest to the window. ]

Guess you really can't miss a chance to be charitable, hero. [ Listen hard enough you might hear some incredibility mingled in with his typical snark and drawl. 'Cause seriously? But just like with the Nomu, there's no real good reason to turn down something free. ]

Hojicha. [ Figure out the rest of the order for yourself Hawks, because it's not like Dabi knows what to make of the weird size names or any of the additional syrups and toppings that can go on drinks. And even if he did, he probably wouldn't be helpful anyway. ]

[The dig at being a hero is old hat at this point, and Hawks is more than willing to poke back. He turns just enough to send a careless half shrug with one wing at Dabi.]

If you want to pass on someone buying you something, feel free. No one's forcing you to spend their money.

[Maybe not strictly true--Hawks would have gotten him something regardless. It makes a better cover if they both have something while they're here. There's also the niggling bit of guilt and gratitude over why they left the warehouse in the first place. It's obvious there was no benefit for Dabi in moving locations, temperature-wise. If anything, it's probably worse here for him. Cameras and the possibility of civilians coming in make this a riskier meeting place.

Which means he left for Hawks' sake.

Maybe it was only so Hawks didn't keel over, but Dabi still did it. The least he can do is get him his hojicha.

He flashes the barista the most charming grin he could pull up]

Can I get a grande hojicha and pumpkin spice latte? Oh, and a couple of those pastries.

[If anyone checked cameras here it would be easy enough to see who has been here, but cash helps mitigate some of the paper trail. Then it only took a small amount of waiting before he carried the drinks and snacks back to the table Dabi was keeping warm. If Dabi had some grievance with this, it'd be more than easy to order again.]

Here, help yourself.

[ Dabi waits until Hawks returns with their order to respond, trusting that the radio (Present Mic's mouth was good for something after all) would be lough enough to prevent the barista from hearing. The slightly wider than average smirk on his face will suffice in the meantime. ]

Careful—you're not the first guy to say something like that to me, and I haven't let him forget it. [ The ambiguity is purposeful, both because he's not here to give secrets for free and because his conversations with Shigaraki didn't go quite like this. The part about him wheedling out more Nomus because he was given the one though? That's true, at least. ]

You even went and got me the large size too. Nice. [ Yeah, he has absolutely no problem helping himself, grabbing his drink with his left hand and one of the pastries with his right. The owl cookie does get a few second stare before he bites it in half, however. ] Shame we're missing that welcoming ambiance from the feather sword, though.

Edited (fight me) 2018-09-05 05:43 (UTC)

[Hawks huffs out a silent laugh as he takes the seat on the opposite side. The drinks have already warmed his hands and his mood is rising too.]

Never fully satisfied, huh? That’s not making this relationship sound like it’ll be good for me. Or my wallet. [Two can play at double meanings, Dabi. Although, Hawks has never had illusions he’s going to come out of this double agent act in one piece. Whatever Dabi takes from him, the Hero Committee is just as determined to take too. And he’ll play the game as well as he can, for as long as he can. As long as that far off vision remains a possibility, Hawks will do it.

At least there’s the little pleasures he can pretend are enough for now, like hot lattes and company that’s not the worst he’s ever entertained.

He takes a long drink of his coffee and snags his own cookie to pull closer. The cute owls were a great choice, even if Dabi seems unappreciative.

His wings mantel briefly in a mock threat before settling against his back again as best as possible. Damn chair backs. ]

I’m more than able to bring several feathers out for you, if you really want.

[ And that's exactly what this is, isn't it? Play. Truth be told, Dabi didn't often get the chance to fool around like this. Himiko was insane, Twice was even moreso, Spinner never wanted to talk about anything except Stain, and Shigaraki would rather engage in actual video games. And while Mr. Compress wasn't the worst to talk to, showsmanship not wordplay is the expertise of a magecian. So yeah, this game was worth playing. ]

Might feel bad for you if you hadn't pursued me first. [ The other half of the owl cookie disappears in quick order, though Dabi's attention is undoubtedly focused on the more interesting bird in the room. Especially now with that mock challenge thrown out there. Several seconds tick by (is he mulling over his response or does he just want to rattle the other man a bit? It's both.) before he leans back on the couch, letting his right arm fall lazily on the armrest while he takes a sip of his tea. ]

Show me what you got then, Hero.

[Hah, that's true enough, even if that just reminds Hawks that this wasn't his idea either. But there's a time and a place for dwelling, and a coffee shop with a wanted Villain isn't it. He needs his wits here and now.

A bite of his cookie first to give himself a moment, and then Hawks aims that charming smile he used on the barista towards Dabi.] You don't have to pretend like you haven't been enjoying the attention.

["When in doubt, charm" hasn't failed him too much in life, so maybe it'll work on villains too, especially in such a liminal space as a Starbucks in a blizzard.

If not, at least he's had practice surviving riling up Endeavor recently.

Hawks laughs at the challenge towards his feathers, his smile turning more into a smirk. His wings extend out to create a barrier to either side, a couple medium length feathers on each side quivering independently until they slide off. No need to showcase speed, this is all control. Dabi already knows Hawks is fast. The feathers stay suspended in the air briefly before zipping to form an outline of a sword. The shape preforms some slices in the hidden space provided by his wings, a shiiiink sound accompanying the movements. The shape was clearly poking fun at bringing up the lack of a sword, while reminding that the feathers could be plenty sharp.] How's that for you?

[ An audible, somewhat amused exhale is the only response Dabi's willing to give to the cockiness returned in kind. If that's what you want to call it Hawks sure, and it might just be partially true. The thought lingers a moment before the feather show begins, his bright blue eyes tracking their movements with ease.

Wow. He's almost impressed. Not because of the display so much (it hasn't gone unnoticed however, that the display was flashier than it needed to be), but that Hawks actually did follow through on his word. And in a public place at that, which was an actual risk, even with the partial security of his spread wings. Dabi takes a long sip of his Hojicha once the display is over, idly strumming his free hand against the couch once before he speaks. ]

...if you were this cooperative from the start, maybe I would have let you meet the boss by now. Too bad.

Edited (adds more bc what is sleep) 2018-09-06 05:25 (UTC)

[The feathers separate and drift back to their places, his wings seamlessly continuing the motion to return to a resting position. Once they were settled against his shoulders, Hawks raises his latte in a toast before taking a drink. The warmth is nice, and helps ground Hawks' flyaway thoughts.]

I really doubt I would have had the chance to sit here if I had been "this cooperative" when we first met up.

[Nothing screams 'insincerity at being a traitor' like acting so out of character after all. He's too well-known for unpredictability, being cocky and taunting everybody. Meekly following orders or instantly showing everything he could do would have gotten him killed in that first meeting. Wanting to help people and to abolish a twisted system are close to his own truths, more than close enough to pass muster.

He's in it for the long haul after all. The closer to the truth, the easier to maintain.]

[ No denial here, just a wry smile and a slight cant of his head. The affirmation is a given, especially with headlines he had been making lately. Says something that Dabi hasn't bothered to even check the papers or the news to see how his immolation spree has gone over. There was no point— trash deserved to be disposed of and that was that. The reminder of his work does give him some small sense of satisfaction, one that lingers on his lips even as the pro hero tries to get him to toast of all things. Yeah, not gonna happen. ]

So what, do coffee shops just get you in a mood? [ ...somehow, that's said with mostly a straight face. Might just be cause he's actually curious about the answer though— there's really nothing stopping him from turning this second meeting into their last. Mm, 'cept Hawk's mouth and what remains of his Hojicha. ]

Edited 2018-09-07 22:06 (UTC)

Less the coffee shop itself and more the not freezing to death waiting for you to show up anymore. You sure took your sweet time today. [Let it be said Hawks’ mouth occasionally ran away from him, whether that was the best course of action or not to take. He won’t take it back though, it is the truth after all. If Dabi takes offense he can just show up sooner next time.

Just in case, he takes another long drink—if Dabi retaliates in a way that’s not only witty banter Hawks would like to have at least drank half of his latte. He leans forward to subtly free his wings from any obstructing furniture and ostentatiously to place his cup on the table between them. Maybe if he’s lucky Dabi will laugh and Hawks won’t have to cut this coffee date short. Going outside anytime soon is one of the last things on his wishlist. ]

How could I forget that birds fly south for the winter. [ Enough of this, there's work to be done; notably his tone is more sardonic than it was prior. Dabi's not quite done with his drink yet either, but onto the table it goes too. And while he doesn't lean forward like the pro hero has, he commits to an action himself: slowly (and very much deliberately) he opens and closes his left palm once, and then twice, the staples tugging at his skin each time. ]

You're nice and toasty now, so talk. [ You're supposed to be good at that Hawks, so don't let him down. There's no need to press forward with an open threat, the drag on his words and actions are ample enough warning on their own. ]

Edited (shhh) 2018-09-08 20:23 (UTC)

[Well, he's not going to be immediately roasted so that's a step in the right direction. Hawks leaves his coffee on the table and moves his arms to rest on his knees, with his hands left to dangle loosely. Dabi doesn't seem to be fishing for specific information, though in hindsight he would never have entertained such banter and scene changes if he had been. Most of the Pro-Heroes have been doing things independently the last couple weeks, as far as he's seen. Maybe something with UA...? The League is always very centered there...]

You do know I don't teach at UA, right? I'm not even an alumni, so I'm not exactly told a lot of what goes on there.

Didn't ask about UA. [ Now isn't this kind of ironic. An irritating memory comes to mind, but Dabi dismisses it with a scoff. If he asks such an open ended question again, it's likely Hawks will answer with another useless response, like the love life of all the other heroes or something. Pointless. Best to direct, even if he would have preferred to see what Hawks would say on his own. Not enough time or patience, honestly. With a thud he swings both of his legs up on the table next to their still unfinished drinks. ]

We both know they're not the "prestigious" institution they used to be anyway. Let's talk 'bout something-someone who's on the upswing instead. Heard more than enough 'bout you, so... [ There are a couple of people he could ask about here. All of them wouldn't be a terrible choice of intel besides Best Jeanist, cause he surely wasn't seeing action any time soon. And of course there's the tempting choice, the name that threatens to call forth unbidden flames at the mere thought of his names on his lips but—no. Not here, not now. ]

Miruko.

Edited (tries to make an icon is too tired zz good enough) 2018-09-12 04:54 (UTC)

Miruko, huh...? [Hawks tilts his head curiously, appraisingly, before continuing.] Wouldn’t have taken you to be a rabbit kinda guy, honestly. Maybe more of a cat person. [He raises his hand and waves off the thought. Maybe they can save that tangent for later, but it’s rather useless right now.] Miruko was in Hokkaido last I checked. She wanted to make a circuit around a couple towns and do some footwork, keep an ear out for interesting things. Haven’t talked to her in a couple days though, she might have moved on. She said there was a really good mochi place near the main train station, if you’re ever in the area.

[A lot of pretty useless info, honestly. Miruko was almost more flighty than Hawks was about sticking to travel schedules, and that’s saying something considering he’s his own transportation. She could have been in Hokkaido for the three days since they talked or for ten minutes after they hung up. The only reason they had talked at all didn’t even have to do with hero work—Hawks was telling her about a photo-op he was invited to, and how she should come and keep him entertained.]

[ The answer is neither, but judging by Dabi's blank stare he doesn't mind moving on from the topic. ...stronger direct next time, noted. If he had to treat Hawks like he would Twice that's fine, and two can play at this game. Ostensibly he's aware they should stay on topic, but whatever. Not like Hawks had gotten any information out of him. ]

Sure, I'll stop there next time I purge the trash in that area. Maybe you can join me. [ The sarcasm dripping from his voice is so poignant, Hawks might need an umbrella. ]

Would that be before or after I get to meet your boss? Because this game of cat and mouse is getting a bit stale. Variety is the spice of life after all. [Was that bitterness in there? Maybe a bit. Hawks would have thought he'd be farther into the fold after the whole Endeavor Fiasco. As it is, sitting around waiting for meet-up times to be sent to him is boring and there's only so many times he can get away with toeing the line between annoying Dabi and instigating a homicide.

Instead of continuing that thought or making the grave mistake of voicing it, Hawks grabs for his drink again. It's slightly cold at this point, but there's enough flavor for it to still be decent.]

Oh! Unless of course, you want to keep me all to yourself? [Was that a wink? Maybe, maybe not. That was a rather flirty tone though.]

[ One of the perks to having a scarred body held together by staples is that Dabi's seemingly heard it all. Disgust, fear, pity, shock, you name it. Nothing could really surprises him anymore, or so he thought, at least. But the sheer cockiness of the number two hero in front of him? Well, it's not due to his typical brand of stoic and aloofness that Dabi is silent while Hawks runs his mouth.

Slowly, he blinks. And then suddenly, he just laughs. His chest rises quickly before snapping back to rigid, the expression of emotion just as patchwork and harsh as he is. It's not a joyous laugh, that's for sure. And while at least his laughter is short-lived, the sneer that spreads across his face afterwards isn't nice either. ]

Got me. [ His hands come up in mock surrender, brief sparks of blue embers racing across his palms. ] I never was good at sharing, 'specially when toys break so easy. But you're different than gutter trash and those heroes who only care 'bout glory, right? They both burn the same, y'know.

You want a real partnership. But it's gonna take more than pretty little birdsong, Hawks.

[For half a second Hawks' smile falters--he didn't break Dabi did he? That's really not the general reaction he usually gets. The eventual sneer was much more familiar on Dabi's face thankfully, and he schools his expression into something less confused and mildly hurt. If his feathers take a moment longer to settle from their affronted ruffling, there's some hope still that Dabi isn't well versed in every manner of bird body language. ]

Hah, I think you'll find I'm made of sterner stuff than those other half-baked heroes. [Not a lie--like he said at the rankings, if Hawks and all his laziness managed to become number two, the lower ranked heroes must not be trying their best. But for now that's okay, Hawks will do his best to let them have their peaceful lives. Even if his best destroys him in the process.]

Ah, ah, I think you're counting your chickens before they hatch. This bird can only do so much from inside it's cage, no matter how clever as it is. A hand with the latch is appreciated. I can't build all of our partnership myself.

[He can't exactly afford to be flashy and attack a building to gain the League's attention, anyway. Regardless of if the thought of people hurt in something like that wouldn't tear up his insides, anyway. He can't maliciously hurt someone like that, he can't.]

[ The urge to test out Hawk's theory flickers through him briefly, his eyes unnaturally bright and predatory. Mn, it's better to wait. Might make it more worthwhile in the end too. Almost lazily he leans back into the couch, dropping the sneer into a too causal smirk. It might seem like he's been defused, but that gleam never leaves his eyes. ]

Don't know what to make of what you've sang for me already. Besides that I can't trust you to fly free on your own. [ A beat. ] Means your second song has to be better than your first. [...which means yeah, you'll get another chance outside of your cage Hawks. Even if the leash is short and the birdpuns are unending. ]

[That look does little to ease Hawks’ misgivings, really— Dabi looks like the cat that got the canary. How is Hawks supposed to have delusions of safety if Dabi looks like that? Maybe he can somehow keep an even sharper eye on everything, as though that isn’t already what he’s been doing.

In contrast to Dabi he leans forward, gesturing with the cold latte he still held.] Who’s to say the second song won’t turn into a third, or even a fourth?

[Being let out of a gilded cage, just to be put into an endless cycle of useless tweeting? No thanks, even yet another short leash would be better than that. ]

[ That might be the whole point, honestly. Every way Dabi presented himself, from his words, to his appearance, to his insufferable smirks spoke to who he was. Like Hawks, he shared a similar brand of personal notoriety. ]

Do I look like the kind of guy to string someone along? [ Might be best not to answer what kind of guy he looks like, but then again it might work in Hawk's favor too. ]

Actions speak louder than words, hero—we both know that. Yours haven't held up to your chirping. [ His eyes dart to the cold latte in the winged hero's hand and—there's a bright flash of blue and now one very blackened latte cup. The liquid inside is piping hot now, naturally. The "You're Welcome" goes unsaid.] See?

[Hawks ticks an eyebrow up, a smirk completing his cocky look. As long as he gets through this first, he can worry about thinking through consequences afterwards.] You look like a lot of things, though whether you have the patience to string me along any more than you have already have isn't something I can guess.

[So many meetings and still not a hint of the other League members counts, Dabi. ~~C'mon, let him meet your familyyyy.~~

The sudden fire nearly startles Hawks into dropping the cup--as it is, he tightens his grip instead and has to work to smooth out his expression. Not immediately dropping the now rather burning hot cup is just as hard and makes him wish he still had his soaked-through gloves on. At least then he'd have more of a barrier. Hawks tries to paste on his best charming smile to cover his slip.] Thanks, your warm personality and concern really came through there. [He lets out a slightly frustrated huff of air,] I don't know what else you want me to do, Dabi. I can't exactly go out and give you that dramatic declaration you're looking for. I'm worth more to you when I'm not fired, after all.

Edited (html o9) 2018-09-21 03:30 (UTC)

[ Patience, young swallow. For all of Hawk's complaining, the fact that he managed not to drop the cup is pretty impressive. The pasted on smile isn't a bad look either, and it's one Dabi eagerly meets with a smug smile of his own. ]

Glad to hear it. [ He takes the time while Hawks is bemoaning his situation to grab his drink and heat it up with another bright flash of blue. This hasn't been the worst coffee date, but he can't stick around here forever. Like before, he takes his sweet time (in this instance finishing the rest of this tea) in responding. ]

That I don't consider you complete trash should be more than enough. [ Was that a compliment? Maybe. ] What I want is proof that you consider the League your first priority. Do it however you want, but you're not meeting the boss if I don't trust you.

[ Going out at night like this had almost become routine. After the third or fourth time, Dabi had honestly lost count of how many "recruiting" sessions he'd completed. They all tended to blur together after a while, and they all ended the same way. Not to say he was getting tired of it, though. By the time he's done with this round, it's inaccurate to call it night anymore. The sun is steadily rising in the sky and the birds have begun to chirp in concert with one another. Yeah, it was time to head back—absentmindedly he kicks a piece of charred someone out of the way as he strolls out of the now deserted alleyway. There shouldn't be anyone in the streets just yet, aside from possibly an overly enthusiastic jogger.

...or so he thought, at least. Though honestly, he wasn't that far off. Dabi could easily avoid the young boy with the spiky hair (who was apparently training outside at 5am in the goddamn morning), but why bother? Way too casually he approaches the League of Villain's former hostage, his right hand in his pocket. ]

Long time no see, brat.

[ No one could ever say Bakugou wasn't determined—he could match Deku's stubbornness with an ease that no one else could, just by virtue of being himself. Not to mention, it helped he had great faith in his abilities. But, after that whole kidnapping stint went the way it did, things changed even more than they had before—not just for everyone and on the outside, but on inside for him too. He was convinced that he needed to work harder in order to be stronger, and nothing could change that.

Even though things had somewhat settled down from a certain confrontation he'd had.

And now he was here training to make it happen until some asshole from the League spoke up out of nowhere. ]

...What the hell do you want?

[ Bakugou was already on guard, his hands at his sides, and sparks ready to fly at a moment's notice because fuck this noise. He's not letting himself get kidnapped again. ]

Edited 2018-09-18 04:17 (UTC)

[ Lazily, Dabi comes to a stop several yards from Bakugou. His posture is a stark contrast to the young hero's— there's not an ounce of tension in his body, and the only further action he makes is to cant his head to the side. Bakugou's observant enough to notice though, that his blue eyes closely trace the movement of the boy's hands. ]

Don't know yet. [ For what little it's worth, it is the truth. There were a few options here, and Dabi wasn't sure which one was the most enticing yet. Either way he seems amused by this chance encounter, the corners of his mouth tugging slightly upward into a haunting grin. ]

Would ask you the same thing, 'cept it's obvious you're bein' an idiot again.

[ Oh, the blond sure does notice. But with the way his face practically seems to explode into rage at the black-haired man's words would definitely mask that he's actually giving this any deep thought at all. ]

What'd you just say, you fucking stupid scarface?!

[ His eye is twitching at this point, while wondering if this was some kind of trap, and if he was actually by his lonesome. If that damn warp gate was here... ]

I won't ask again. What the hell's your business out here?

Idiot. [ Somehow, that singular word is dragged out even more than normal. It's infuriating (a bonus), but it serves another point. A glance left and right tells Dabi that they're alone for now, but they likely won't be for too long.

Hm. He makes up his mind in an instant, spreading his arms wide—bright blue fire billowing forth from his palms. The flames spread and rise at unnatural speed, effectively entrapping both villain and wannabe hero in a circle. The display is showy, but it stops just there—Dabi doesn't intend on actually attacking Bakugou. At least right now. ]

Was cleaning up the neighborhood. There's a lot of trash on the streets and all. [ The timbre of his voice hasn't changed any, but the resting grin on his lips sure has widened. ]

Edited 2018-09-19 03:25 (UTC)

Fuck you!

[ That is the proper response to being called an idiot and suddenly boxed in surrounding blue flame. He actually wasn't scared of that at all, it was more the what-ifs that had him more cautious than anything.

For a moment, there's a show of some sparks. Attacking him seemed like a great idea right now. But also, if something appeared out of nowhere and warped him, he was going to be so utterly pissed. Still, there's a smirk of his own now, because he thought of something clever (no he didn't.)]

Is that why you smell so bad? Oh wait, maybe that's because you're so full of shit.

[ As in he doesn't believe him but honestly in reality you can't have it both ways. One can ask why he would bother asking in that case, but honestly no one would want to receive that answer. ]

Edited 2018-09-20 00:43 (UTC)

[ Too easy. The grin on his face splits wider—are you really calling him out on this, Bakugou? The temptation to show off his work flickers through him, and the flames surge in response before abating to a somewhat reasonable keel. ]

The boss really wasted his time on you. USJ too, 'less they're so desolate that they can't even afford chaperones now. [ Both true and untrue. Someone like Bakugou was too stubbornly set in his beliefs to change (Dabi knew this personally), but it was worth it to rip another hole in hero society. There was that bit about Bakugou's quirk being useful for Shigaraki too. No point in elaborating on all of this though, far more easier to just press the fledgling hero where it hurt the most: his ego. ]

Edited 2018-09-21 23:01 (UTC)

2018 open post

Awash TDM overflow

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KICKS KAEL'S DOOR DOWN

my love for starbucks prompts is real

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