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[fritae]

the missing piece

Chapter 16 / Warmth

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x f. oc, lov

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here (thank you sm to everyone that leaves kudos/comments!)

----

Just as Dabi expected, two men and a woman emerge from the door, reluctant expressions on their faces.

Dabi doesn't even try to hide his cocky smirk.

"I take it we have an agreement?"

The woman grunts.

I spot one of the men staring at me. He's huge, with blond hair and a scar down his face that looks like his skin is split open. When I stare back to get him to back off, he gives me a grin.

I roll my eyes.

"Who's this?"

It's offensive that he would ask Dabi when I am standing right here. But before I can open my mouth, Dabi replies, "Yuki. Temporary hire."

Yuki?

The bigger of the two men chuckles. "Ah, an escort?"

Dabi winks at him.

But before I could get mad, Dabi's thumb digs into the small of my back in warning.

I huff. I'll grill him later.

The staring man holds his hand out, "Muscular."

I try to hold back my laughter. Muscular? That can't be his real name - what a narcissist!

"Nice to meet you," I nod, the laugh stuck in my throat makes my smile appear much bigger than it should be.

"Okay." The women scowls. Not a big fan of small talk, I see. "Your offer, Dabi. We'll take it."

But Dabi shakes his head.

"Ah. But you see, I don't like waiting. My price just went up another 20."

Price for what?

Their eyes widen in anger, and I unconsciously move closer to Dabi.

"Dabi," Muscular warns with a growl.

But Dabi merely smiles. "Tick tock."

I can't believe how confident Dabi is in this situation, considering how much bigger all three of them are compared to us.

But to my surprise, they relent.

"Okay, okay," The third figure grumbles. He pulls out a briefcase and hands it to Dabi. The leather on the outside is all torn, but I doubt these people care much about appearances. "We'll add the 20 when the job is done."

"Ah-ah-ah," Dabi waves his finger. "When I get the 20, you get the body."

I freeze.

Do I...even want to know?

I put up a false smile to feign a lack of interest in whatever was going on. But inside me are a million burning questions.

I gasp when Muscular suddenly reaches out, taking a fistful of Dabi's shirt. "Watch it, rat."

Something flashes in Dabi's eyes, and before I know it, he jerks Muscular's shirt so hard, the man stumbles and falls face first by Dabi's feet.

I grimace.

"And now you're paying double. One more word and the deal's off. You can find someone else to catch heroes for you."

I expect Muscular to attack Dabi for real. To jump up and claw him in the face. Especially with that look he's giving him.

But instead, the other man presses Muscular's face into the ground to keep him from saying another word.

Then he asks Dabi sheepishly:

"Is that double including the 20 or without it?"

---

"An escort? Really?!"

Dabi gestures for me to hold a water bottle out for him on the dark street. I let the water pour out slowly so he could rinse his hands.

The briefcase, with four hundred twenty thousand dollars sits at his feet. Having that much money near me makes me nervous. There were two attempts to steal it already. A lady tried to make a grab for the briefcase as we walked out of the building. Probably thought we wouldn't notice with all the people around. Or that it was so crowded it would be hard to chase after her. But before I could even warn Dabi, I heard her scream.

Without looking, his fingers dug into her wrist, until the pink flesh became exposed.

The second could have ended badly, but I grabbed Dabi's hand and we ran away, him annoyed and me laughing despite the severity of the situation, knowing how silly he must feel, running away from a fight. I kept looking back at him, a teasing grin on my face to make sure he's keeping up with me. Eventually the scowl fell and he caught on to my intentions, running for real, until he was the one pulling me along.

I am still panting when he takes the bottle from my hand, dripping the rest of the water over the bloodstains that remained from where his hand held mine. I am surprised by how gentle his fingers are as he rubs the drying red off of my skin.

"Trust me." He says, eyes focused on my wrist. "Better they think you're an escort than part of the League."

"Who cares if I'm part of the League?"

Dabi gives me a half smile, amused by my words. "The League," He says. "Has enemies. The League gets targeted. But the League can fight back."

Then with a playful sigh he continues, "You can't fight back, you really want to become a target?"

I cross my arms. "What happened to you scaring everyone away? Protecting me?"

Dabi rolls his eyes. "Princess. That's for when we're here like this." He gestures between us.

"I'm not always with you. If anything happens, you have any idea how big a risk that is? For you? Me? The League?"

He pauses, giving me a chance to counter that, but not having any good response, he smiles in victory. "That's what I thought."

"Who would ever target me?" I grumble.

Noting the irritation in my voice, Dabi relaxes his jaw.

"You never know," He replies, tossing the now empty bottle into the trash. "Lots of bad guys out there. With bad intentions."

"Like you?"

Dabi pauses. Uncertain of where this was going. "Sure."

"You got bad intentions?"

The question makes Dabi shrug.

"Can't say I have good ones," He doesn't sound the least bit apologetic about it either.

"But then why are you so...nice to me?"

"I think you see me as a lot nicer than I am."

"You didn't have to hire me, but-"

"That wasn't some charity case. I expected you to make it worth it."

"You don't want me to get hurt-"

Something flashes across Dabi's face. Like he didn't like where this was going.  "I can't have you hurt because I have other uses for you, princess. Don't get it confused."

I am taken aback by his tone. I suppose he does. There is clearly something on Dabi's mind about me that he still hasn't let me in on. But I remember his words from the other day. How uncertain he was about me getting close to the League. His inner conflict about the topic, enough to make him wait all this time before letting me touch anything outside of the Blaze.

"You let me hug you even though it makes you uncomfortable." I continue, staring at my hands. "You let me hold onto you. You invited me to come along tonight, even though you don't like me being around League stuff. But you knew it'd make me happy."

"Don't mistake-"

His eyes narrow in suspicion when I stand up suddenly, and I take advantage of his confusion to wrap my arms around his torso, nuzzling my head against his neck.

"Even though you don't let others get their way with you." I whisper. "Like this."

There's a dangerously low growl hidden in his throat.

I can almost hear him debating with himself, knowing if he pushes me away, I'll feel hurt.

And if he doesn't, he's proving me right.

It's weird too. That I could feel so confident in someone I know so little about.

But it's his eyes.

I've seen them shine with murder-like anger.

And I've seen them shine in other ways. As begrudging as he may be when confronted about it.

Even now, there's a stiffness to him that I'm growing used to.

Nonetheless, he doesn't fight me. He lets me have my moment.

And it makes me feel warm all over. Like I might actually mean something to Dabi. Probably not too much. But enough to make him do things he doesn't like.

I shift in place, but suddenly something sharp scratches against my chin.

I look up at Dabi, rubbing the burning skin. "I keep forgetting about your necklace," I chuckle, trying to ignore the pain in my face.

Dabi makes a quizzical expression, like he doesn't know what I'm talking about.

"Your necklace," I rub my thumb gently along the area on his chest that scratched me. It's a slim and short necklace, from what I can feel.

Understanding dawns on him as he slowly nods his head, but he doesn't comment.

"Rina," He breathes.

"Mhm?" I say softly, fingers caressing the nape of his neck.

A delicious shiver runs down my spine as I feel his breath against my shoulder.

But just as I think he's softening to my touch, his hands on my waist...

Dabi pulls me away from him.

I look up at him in confusion, hurt evident in my eyes.

For a moment, we just stand there, peering into each other.

I try to make sense of his furrowed brows.

Did I do something wrong?

As silly as it may be to trust a feeling...

Then with a sigh, he presses his forehead against mine. "You're getting too close to me."

Oh.

I swallow my embarrassment. "Oh- right. Sorry, I- I'll-"

But suddenly his lips curl.

And I roll my eyes.

The bastard.

"Now where did all that confidence go?"

He has the audacity to smirk.

I hit his chest and turn around immediately, face flushed, but he laughs gripping my wrist and pulling me back to him.

"Sounded so sad too." His voice is laced with amusement.

His hands fall on my waist once again, this time to draw me closer. But I turn my head away, refusing to face him.

"Come on, princess." He chuckles, the sound coming out in smooth, low waves. "Can't let you get the upper hand every time."

I bite the inside of my cheek and shrug, my eyes strained on a far away street light.

"Yes sir."

I know the word bothers him. I can tell by the way his fingers harden around my skin.

"What's wrong?" He asks.

How long should I play this card?

Well, I already started. Might as well see where it goes.

"Nothing sir."

"Hm. You're pissing me off on purpose, huh?"

I swallow.

I feel my breath catch in my throat when I feel his hands move to my hips, pressing me against his body. My heart pounds, suddenly aware of our close proximity.

"S-sir-"

"I can shut you up real quick," Dabi whispers. "You asking me to?"

Where is this Dabi coming from? I don't know where to look. I fear that if I spot the look in his eyes right now, my knees will feel weaker than they already are. The ambiguity in our relationship makes me even more confused, not knowing what would be an appropriate response.

"No-no sir."

"Not what I'm looking for," Dabi warns, his words low and magnetic.

"Dabi- "

"That's more like it."

"What happened to me getting too close to you?" I grumble, touching his straying hands, regardless of how comfortable they feel on me.  By now I know our relationship isn't purely professional.

But I know it isn't exactly platonic either.

I can tell by the smile on Dabi's face. A bad, bad smile.

"You make it too easy, princess. I'm just having fun."

I roll my eyes and push him off of me. "Bastard."

Dabi laughs, following me when I walk towards his car. He parked it a long way from the black market, not wanting anyone to follow us. I'm increasingly glad for wearing sneakers rather than heels.

As I stare at the black Mercedes, my mind fills with my other plans for tonight.

But the thought of him driving me suddenly fills me with anxiety. I can't ask him to drop me off at NNTV.

But I must go today.

While I still have the chance.

"I mean it, by the way," Dabi says once we're both seated, turning the ignition key. I decide not to say anything. If I tell him to drop me anywhere but home at this hour, he'll get suspicious. And I'm not a good liar. Maybe I'll still have time after he drops me off?

"Mean what?" I know Dabi doesn't care about seatbelts but I make sure mine is in place before turning to him.

"About you getting too close to me."

"You want me to put more space between us?" I try to make my voice nonchalant.

"It would be the smart thing to do."

"Okay then." I cross my arms and turn my body away from him.  The sight of Dabi's reflection smiling in the window makes me even more frustrated. I wish his actions would match up with his words sometimes.

"Not literally though," Dabi says, reaching a hand out to angle my knees towards him again.

"Then what do you mean?" I slap his hand away from my knee. "And keep your hands on the steering wheel."

"Stay beside me like this. But whatever or whoever it is you want me to be... get that shit out your head. I'm not-" He pauses. "- who you think I am."

"I don't want anything from you Dabi-"

"Bullshit." He interrupts. "I see it in your eyes."

"Maybe you aren't seeing me right."

"Or maybe you don't want to admit it. But I know. And you know too. So I'm telling you from now- get that image of me out your head, princess."

I'm about to fight him but I realize there's no point. He's right, of course. I do think of all the ways he might change. Of what he is. And what he could be. How I could help him.

"Okay." I whisper, giving up and staring out the window.

I catch sight of Dabi glancing at me several times. I know he doesn't feel bad though. Dabi's not one to shy away from calling out things like that.

"Tell me about yourself," Dabi says to break the silence after a while.

"I don't know," I sigh. "What if you fall in love with me or something?"

He grins again. "I'll take that risk."

And that makes me smile.

"I love the color blue. I'm pretty independent-"

"By choice or?"

"Parents are divorced so kinda had to be, I guess. But it's good, I'd rather not rely on others anyway. I've always been obsessed with excellence too. Outdoing everyone. Being the best."

"Damn you're boring. Ms. Independent."

"I'm serious!" I get defensive. "I guess...that's why I stayed with Mr. Lane for this long despite...despite everything. I thought it was worth the prestige. That pride of working at the best broadcasting company in the industry. I did that by myself."

"I mean your time there wasn't totally worthless. Made you a great secretary," He winks.

"Thanks," I sit up straighter.

"And always wanted someone on the team with your experience."

I nod. Dabi isn't complimenting me, he's just stating facts. I know I'm great at what I do. And I refuse to get lazy or...too comfortable at the Blaze because I need to be excellent. I need to be so good he wouldn't even think of letting me go. I can't have another boss that sees me as nothing more than a servant, to do as he pleases. To use his power over me to threaten me into doing everything he wants.

No, I need Dabi to need me working for him more than I need him.

Otherwise I could get hurt. Otherwise he might treat me like Mr. Lane, holding his favors over my head. Taunting me. Torturing me.

I can't let him do that.

And perhaps that's why at the end of the day, I take on more and more work. Why despite how much he makes my heart flutter or my cheeks flush, I know I cannot like him. Feelings are so unstable.

Dabi is a great friend. But he's also my boss. To like him too...that would be giving him too much power over me.

I can't be stupid.

"Got any siblings?" He interrupts my thoughts.

"No. You?"

Dabi shakes his head.

"What was your childhood like?" I don't know if he'll answer, but I ask anyway.

"I don't remember," He finally answers.

"You're boring."

Dabi chuckles at that.

"Nothing at all?" I unbuckle my seatbelt so I could fully face him, getting a better look at his face. He's got an elbow resting on the open window, and his head leans against his fist, like he's deep in thought.

He is silent for a while. "Just anger."

"Anger?"

"I remember feeling a lot of it."

I nod. "That's okay."

He raises a brow. "Okay?"

"Yeah. Look at you now. You're the head of your own company. You smile." I tell him. "Sometimes."

Dabi rolls his eyes, but his lips twitch in a smile.

"You've got a team that loves you. You've got your whole future ahead of you. It's okay to forget what happened if it left you feeling angry."

Dabi shrugs.

"I get angry sometimes too. But then I remember that I'm away from that now. At the Blaze I- I don't feel that pressure. I'm not here to be the best, I genuinely love going to work. You make me feel-"

Dabi looks at me.

"-seen. Safe."

He takes a breath, returning his attention to the road ahead.  "Least I'm doing one thing right."

I smile at him. "And I'll try to see you for what you are. Who you are. Despite how...new all of this is to me. It's scary sometimes," I admit. "All the blood. The fights. Thinking about what else you do that you don't tell me about."

"Eh, I-"

"But," I interrupt him. "Regardless. This is the happiest I've been in years, Dabi. And I'll do my best to help you achieve whatever it is that wakes you up in the morning. So that the coming years are ones you remember. Ones that make you feel happy when you look back on them."

I catch a small smile on his lips. "Thank you Rina.

"And I know you don't need anyone. And don't like relying on people. But I hope you know by now that you can rely on me."

I blush when he switches his right hand for his left on the steering wheel, so that he could hold mine with his right.

"Don't hold my hand like that," I mutter. "People might get the wrong idea."

"I don't give two fucks about people."

Of course not. I try not to think too much of it. I stop myself from staring at his fingers intertwined with mine. Even as my heart pounds in my chest.

He just sees physical touch differently. Right? Sometimes he'll recoil like I touched him with acid. Other times he's the one pulling my hand into his...

Inconsistent bastard...

I almost jolt in place when my phone buzzes. Dabi looks over curiously, but I try to hide my screen as I read Aliyah's text.

Al: I wanted to wait till you came home to update you but it looks like you're coming late

Al: But good news - they finished maintenance!

Al: Unfortunately, starting tomorrow I won't go home until long after midnight again :((((

Fuck.

That means NNTV won't be empty at night anymore. No maintenance means the Midnight Show team will always be there.

Tonight really is my only shot.

I need to go to NNTV and find the documentary file.

"Everything okay?" Dabi asks.

I swallow. "Yeah, Al's going to bed. She's reminding me to lock the door behind me when I get home."

At the first red light, he looks at me.

"You look nervous."

"Yeah, she's kind of upset about me missing girls night." I lie, forcing a smile on my face. "I'll need to make it up to her."

If Dabi doesn't believe me, he doesn't say anything.

"You live with her." He says, hand lazily on the steering wheel. "Missing one night won't end the world."

I nod, but I feel my fingers shaking. I'll need to go home so Dabi doesn't ask questions. But will I be able to go in and out without her hearing the door?

I need to hurry to NNTV before she wakes up.

It's the middle of the night. The Morning news show starts at 6. That means I need to go in and be out before 5, before any of the crew show up.

Its 3:30 am.

"Am I almost home?" I ask Dabi.

"Yeah. You in a rush?"

"No just curious."

Dabi grunts.

My nerves bring a terrible ache to my stomach. I slowly pull my hand out of Dabi's.

Dabi stops the car.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I say. But my smile isn't enough to mask the uncertainty in my voice.

"Talk."

"Nothing Dabi, let's just-"

"You're not going home if you don't fucking talk."

I sigh and play with my fingers. "Just don't want her to be mad at me." I whisper. I feel terrible for lying to him, but Dabi would lose his mind if I told him the truth.

"Fuck her, why's that your business?"

"Forget it Dabi. I'm just tired - probably overthinking things."

We stay there for a moment in silence as Dabi decides whether or not to push it. But eventually he shakes his head.

"Yeah." He pulls the gear shift. "Probably."

And we start driving again.

We eventually pull up in front of my apartment. I let out a sigh in relief when I see the lights all shut. Al must be sleeping.

I pull my purse over my shoulder and turn to Dabi. He's still watching me suspiciously.

"Thanks for taking me today Dabi," I smile at him. "I'm happy you trusted me with that."

Dabi shrugs. "Sure."

Seeing him not in a mood to talk, I decide not to drag it out. "I'll see you tomorrow," I say as I walk out the car.

I hear the sound of a door slamming behind me.

"What, no hug tonight?"

I stop.

When I turn around, I see Dabi is standing outside the car, his arm resting on the roof.

A small smile appears on my lips. I walk back towards him, and feel warm when he opens his arms.

"I'm happy you ditched your friend for me." He mutters.

I hug him, the warmth spreading even more as he holds me tighter against him. It feels almost...affectionate.

"You got me." He whispers in my ear. "Anything you need, I got you."

I bob my head.

"Don't just nod." He chuckles, his chin on top of my head. "I mean that. Don't let stupid shit bother you. Drives me mad."

I try so hard to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. God, how am I supposed to not like him?

How - when his arms always feel like the safest place in the world?

"You should go sleep." He says, peeking at my face. "But if you can't for any reason, I'll be up. Just give me a call, okay?"

"Okay," I reply, a shy smile on my lips at the thought of calling him in the middle of the night. Knowing how much he cares about his time and personal space. "Thank you Dabi."

He nods.

But just before fully letting me go, I feel his lips press against my forehead.

My eyes widen.

I stand there dumbfounded, staring at him even as he pulls away.

"Good night Rina." He says, a gentle expression on his face. He peers into my eyes. Looking for what exactly, I don't know. "I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

I bob my head, trying to hide the thundering in my chest. Since when was he this...gentle?

"Go rest up. It's really late."

He thankfully walks back toward his car and I pretend I'm walking to the apartment as well. But before I can open the door, I turn around and wait for the car to pull out.

I stand there waiting for him to leave, but I grow confused when his brows knit together, as if he's almost....looking past me? Is he looking at the door?

I place my hand on the knob to reassure him that its open, that I will go inside, and quickly gesture for him to go already.

He lifts two fingers to his forehead in salute, that warm smile returning to his face.

I wave at him as he makes a U-turn, my heart beating hopelessly in my chest as he drives off.

When I'm sure he's gone, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, resting my hands on my knees in relief.

He left without me having to go inside! I thank the heavens.

I take a quick glance at the dark windows of my apartment and another at the shrinking Mercedes in the distance.

I should be good now. With a confident puff of my chest, I hurry towards the bus stop.

This is my chance to prove myself to everyone at the Blaze. They took me in, put their faith in me and told me about everything despite being an outsider. They allowed me to stay and told me about the League - something they never told any of the other employees. They made me feel like I am a member. Like I had a place with them.

I'll make sure they won't regret trusting me.

[fritae]

the missing piece (dabi)

chapter 15 - black market

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x f. oc, lov

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here.

Dabi grabs my hand into his as we weave through the crowds.

I feel strange in my new clothes. Dabi made me change out of my work fit and into black jeans and an oversized hoodie. Dressing so casual feels...alien to me. For years, all I've known is how to look perfect and impeccable.

But...

"You'll stick out like a sore thumb," Dabi had warned.

I can't say I'm upset though. My feet are especially relieved. After going week after week in heels, the sneakers are more than welcome.

And they make me look smaller next to Dabi.

I'm excited, though in the back of mind lies the thought of what's to come after this illusive deal. Will I still have time to do what I was planning tonight? If I miss it.... I swallow. I won't get another chance like this again.

Dabi snaps me out of my thoughts. "Lighten up a little," He says without looking back at me. Then with a smile he adds, "I can still replace you with Jin, you know."

I chuckle and hold his hand closer. My heart flutters at this moment I get to enjoy with him, just the two of us like back then. I love the League, of course. But I miss the Dabi that comes out when it's just the two of us.

Like he has a side only I get to see.

Dabi seems much more comfortable with our fingers intertwined than before.

Maybe it's cause he initiated it this time.

But the way he pulls me along with him feels almost...

Protective.

"So how this works is you're safe so long as you're with someone who can make anyone else feel unsafe."

I look up at Dabi and he grins.

"That's me."

"You?"

As we speak, a drunk man pushes into Dabi. Before I have time to process what's happening, Dabi shoves his entire leg deep into the man's gut.

I yelp in surprise.

A resounding squelch is heard as the poor fellow doubles over.

"Watch where you're fucking going," Dabi clucks his tongue nonchalantly before walking away.

I immediately see the crowd make way for him to pass.

"I see," I squeak.

The incident doesn't phase Dabi at all.

We keep sifting through the people, up and down corners and alleys until we reach a particularly loud restaurant. There are skulls strung together with thread at the entrance and a strange smell emanating from its door.

I swallow and look at Dabi in askance.

Of course, that's the place we enter.

"If you're scared you can hold onto me," He says into my ear.

There's a calm smirk on his face, looking way too relaxed for someone in a shop with literal skulls adorning the walls.

Part of me wants to give him a snarky response, but as I see the large, shady individuals that fill the entrance, my hand reaches for his bicep, ensuring people can see that I'm not here alone.

Dabi puts a hand on my lower back as we go down a flight of stairs. Every time someone glances at us, he shoots them a glare that forces their eyes forward.

"Keep your head up," He mutters to me as we make our way downstairs. "No one's gonna touch you, you're with me. Looking at the floor makes you look like a target."

I try to take his advice. I imagine I'm at the Blaze, second in command to Dabi. The thought forces my back straighter, my footsteps firmer in response.

"Atta girl," Dabi holds me tighter.

I can't help feeling we could almost be a couple like this.

A couple?!

Not what I should be thinking about right now.

I hide my cheek against Dabi's arm so he doesn't see me blush.

We continue down the hall, passing various suspect faces, until we reach a wooden, worn down door. There's another drunken old man sitting on the floor outside it, his head bowed down like he was sleeping.

Dabi steps over him and reaches for me. I take his hand, but before I could hop over the man's legs, a long cane comes between me and Dabi.

I blink.

"No newcomers past this point." The man grumbles.

"Why?"

"New rules."

Dabi groans.

I expect him to fight the old man or take me in regardless, but to my surprise, he sighs.

"Can you stay here for a while?"

My brows knit together. "What happened to..."

"I know - my bad. Gotta pick your battles. It's not worth it. Give me a few minutes. Okay?"

I hesitantly look around me, but not wanting him to think I can't stay alone for a few minutes, I nod.

And he disappears behind the door.

I stand awkwardly, shifting my weight from one side to the other as I wait for Dabi to reappear. My legs start to hurt and I almost lean against the wall for support. But seeing the grime that covers it, I think its safer to stay as far from it as possible.

Drunken people walk all around me, and I do my best to ignore them.

After a few minutes with nothing to do, I pull out my phone to make myself look busy.

But in the midst of my scrolling, my blood turns to ice as I feel someone's hand on my ass.

Without thinking, I dig my heel into the foot of whoever stood behind me and hear a resounding 'ooomph!'

Then before they have time to recover, I turn around and slap the figure so hard, the sound of their head slamming into the grimey walls brings people outside out of curiosity.

"Who the fuck gave you permission to touch me?" I spit out.

The man groans in pain.

A wolf whistle behind me makes me turn around.

I look over my shoulder and see Dabi wearing an expression he's never had before.

"That was hot," He claps slowly. I stand up as he walks my way, eyeing the groaning body beneath me. With a chuckle, he kicks the man's legs and grins wider when he hears a scream. "What'd he do?"

I give the man I final dirty glance before stepping away. "Put his hands where he wasn't supposed to."

Dabi leans down beside the man.

"Did you know she was here with me?"

The man sees Dabi and starts sputtering, crawling away from him immediately. "No, no!" He babbles. "I- I swear, if I-"

But Dabi strikes him with his fist, making his head ring against the floor.

"And look where that got you."

Dabi brushes his hands off and gets up.

"Violent one, aren't you?" I ask, looking over his shoulder at the groaning mess.

"Better to be the violent one than stand on the other side of him."

Well, he's not wrong...

Everything was strategic to Dabi.

"Are you done here?"

"Made the deal. They're arguing about it. If they have a single good head in there then..." He grins.

"They should be out shortly."

[fritae]

The Calculus Test - Kuroo

kuroo x reader

My head was swimming with numbers and equations.

Kuroo recited the formulas for the umpteenth time. I felt bad.

Really bad.

He's spent the last 4 hours trying to make sure I pass my calc final tomorrow. He tried explaining with his hands. Using a whiteboard. Watching Youtube lectures together. And even going through all his notes 3 times.

Three!

"I'm hopeless." I tell him with a sigh. "I just wasn't made for math, Kuroo. Go sleep. Or else you'll fail too."

Kuroo rolls his eyes. "I didn't do all this to give up now."

"You're wasting your time!" I throw my hands up. "I never understood equations and I never will. It's time you came to terms with it babe."

My boyfriend runs an anguished hand through his hair. "I'm not passing without you."

I smile, my heart gushing at his thoughtfulness. "Cute. But you won't pass at all if you waste your time with me like this."

The black haired boy raises a brow. "Me? Fail? Impossible."

I hit him, pretending to be annoyed but he can see the grin on my face.

"Come on babe," He says, a soft smile on his face as he wraps his arms around me. "One more time?"

"I don't want to," I whine in his arms. "My brain is fried."

He goes silent.

Confused, I look up at him.

But rather than be disappointed, there's an obvious smirk on his face. "Should we do something about that?" He says, his voice octaves lower.

I get excited about the tone in his voice.

"Like what?" I whisper.

"Like this," Kuroo presses his lips to my forehead.

"Or this," He says as his mouth travels to my neck. I shudder.

"Or this," My eyes shut as I feel his breath against my mouth.

"Yeah," I breathe. "We should."

But suddenly the warmth is gone. I frown when Kuroo pulls away from me.

There's an evil gleam in his eye that I instantly dislike.

"After we go through this one more time. Now, when you take the derivative and-"

"Kuroo!"

"Don't give me that," He points a finger at me. "It's called positive reinforcement. You'll get your reward after-"

"I hate you!" I shout.

But the sound of his laughter is enough to make me sit back down and pretend his efforts aren't going to waste.

[fritae]

kuroo x reader

read on ao3!

--

I dangled my feet off the side of the building, trying to lose myself in the warmth of the sunset. In the soft breeze. Anything to take my mind off the events of this morning.

I stiffen when I hear metal clank, warning of an intruder.

"There you are," A deep voice says. The sound of him makes me relax. Of course he would find me. He always seemed to know exactly what I was thinking. I don't have to face him to know he's smiling - the kind of smile that only he can give. Like I was the only person in the world. That he'd love me through anything. But I am too embarrassed to face him.

His feet click as he makes his way to my end of the roof and I try to quickly blink away the worries on my face. But as soon as I feel his body behind me, I falter.

"Hey.." He says softly. I quickly bury my face into his neck.

Kuroo's eyes widen at the gesture, and within seconds he wraps his arms around me, lifting me up against him. Any desire to hide or wear a mask dissolves in those arms. Big and strong as they are, they always feel like they could hold the world.

"I got you," He breathes against me, his voice as soft as a summer's kiss. "I'm here baby."

"I don't know what happened back there," I confess, the words almost a whisper. If it was anyone else, I'd bury myself alive before showing vulnerability. Allowing myself to be weak.

But this isn't anyone.

This is Kuroo.

Kuroo, who could wave the world away with a wink and a smile. Kuroo, who holds me against him as we watch the clouds, building the world we always wished we could have in our dreams. Kuroo, who sees me in a way no one else can, and evokes feelings inside me no one else has.

"It's okay," He whispers, fingers softly brushing through my hair. "You did your best. You did your best, baby."

"I'm just..." I struggle to find the words. What am I? So much, it seems. But it's all overshadowed by one thing. "...tired, Kuroo. I'm so tired."

"I know," He says understandingly. "And that's okay because we'll always have tomorrow. Right? We'll face it together with all we took from today's experience."

I pull away from him, just enough to look into his golden brown eyes. He brushes his thumb over my cheek, erasing the tears. I soften into his palm, closing my eyes in his hold. When he presses his lips against my forehead, I sigh. It can't be all bad. If I have Kuroo to make it better at the end of the day, surely it can't be all bad.

I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand and open my eyes with new resolution. "Okay," I whisper. I nod in an effort to convince him and myself. It'll be okay. It's done. There's no use in thinking of what can't be changed.

"That's my girl," Kuroo runs his fingers down my back gently and presses a soft kiss on my lips for good measure.

"You tell anyone about this and I'll kill you." I mutter, trying to dismiss the vulnerability I wore moments ago.

Kuroo chest shakes with laughter and a smile pulls at my lips when he presses his forehead against mine.

"Wouldn't dream of it, baby."

[fritae]

The Missing Piece (Ch 14)

Flirt.

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x f. oc, lov

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here.

a/n: I'm sorry for not updating for a bit, I was busy with finals. But hopefully, I should be posting more often from here on out! I hope you're all doing well in the meantime :)

---

As I make my way to the Blaze today, my conversation with Al this morning is all I can think about.

"What time are you coming home tonight?" I asked her as we both got ready to leave the house. It was rare for us to leave at the same time, Al usually sets out hours earlier.

"Probably 11-ish? The Midnight Show's on break today."

"Really? That's weird. That's never happened before."

"Yeah, we're doing maintenance today so the equipment will need to rest overnight. All our stations are clocking out early."

"How about you?" She asked me as I locked the door behind us.

We pause before our apartment for a moment, as I shrug. "Mr. Dabi needs me today. I'll probably come home late again."

Al nods. "I'll see you tonight!" She calls out before walking in the opposite direction.

"Yeah," I wave back. "But don't wait up for me!"

---

I knock on the door once and turn the knob to Dabi's office.

But my grin falls when I find the room empty.

I sigh.

"Looking for someone?"

I turn around immediately.

"Dabi," my face brightens. He's wearing a simple black suit today. My eyes unconsciously glance at his abdomen, looking for any sign of blood. I hug the morning report closer to my chest when I find none.

"Was waiting for you to come in," He registers the look on my face with a smirk. "That smile for me?"

I roll my eyes and hand him the report as he walks to his desk.

He flips through the documents, eyes skimming the pages. His fingers move up and down the paper casually, rather than with purpose as he usually does.

I take that as a sign he's not too concerned with what's in them.

Let's see.

"Is your wound better now, sir?"

Dabi nods.  "Anything urgent on the agenda?"

I shake my head. "At 4pm, you just have-"

"Around midnight, I mean."

I blink.

"Midnight sir?"

He nods, looking up at me. "I've got a deal with a big client today. I'm taking you with me."

Tonight?! My heartrate rises.

"But sir..."

Dabi raises a brow. "What's wrong? Thought you'd be happy."

"Nothing I just..." I try to think of a lie. "Me and Al were planning on having a girl's night."

Dabi closes the folder. "Got it. I'll try and schedule you in advance next time then." He doesn't seem upset at all but I don't let it go.

"No! I mean, it's okay, you come first. I'm sure she'll understand."

"I'm going anyway, Rina. There'll be other opportunities for you to come along. I don't need you there, I just thought you'd wanna be better acquainted with business."

"I am," I insist. "I'll come with you. Al can wait."

Dabi tilts his head. "You say you two are friends but who'd rather hang out with their boss than your friend?"

"We've grown distant a bit since I've left NNTV," I tell him honestly.

Of course, there's more. But there was no way Dabi would stay silent if he found out. The problem is... would I have another chance to do what I was planning on doing tonight?

I bite my lip.

It's okay, I can still make it afterward.

If it takes too long, I'll tell Dabi I need to leave early.

But Dabi is already suspicious.

"Wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity to patch things up then?"

Why's he suddenly asking so many questions.

"Dabi-"

"Are you friends or not?"

"We are. I think. I just haven't been feeling it lately. I don't know, maybe it's because we haven't really spoken with each other in so long."

He stands up and steps closer to me, forcing me to take a step back. "I think there's more to it than that." He eyes me with amusement. "Why do those pretty eyes look scared?"

I blush and my back hits the wall.

Can he not change up on me so fast?

"I think you're keeping things from me, princess."

There's a playful smirk on his lips as he places his hand against the wall, leaning in closer. "What are we gonna do about that?"

"Look who's talking," I cross my arms.

"And here I thought I was making your day."

I feel his breath against my skin and it makes me grow bold.

"You tryna make me happy or something?" I tease gently. 

"If you'll make it worth my while." 

"How so? Big boy couldn't even handle a hug."

A deep chuckle comes out of Dabi's mouth.

"Let's see how much you can handle then, princess."

A fire dances in my stomach at his words. Where is this Dabi coming from? The casual flirting. The mischief in his eyes.

But before I can discover what he means, he pulls away from me, a fake serious expression on his face and adds: "Ah. When you don't have a girls night planned, that is."

There's a playful banter in his voice that I love.

It reminds me of the Dabi I first met.

Suddenly, I hear Atsuhiro behind the door.

"Dabi, we on for tonight?" He calls out.

Dabi's eyes flit from the door to me.

"Would ya look at that? Guess I'm having a boys night."

"No," I immediately frown. "You promised."

Dabi laughs. "Get out of here with that bullshit, I don't make promises."

"Dabi, we out? Or are you taking Jin today?" Atsuhiro knocks again.

"Now you do," I tell him seriously. "You've taken them before, it's my turn."

"Is it though?" He scratches his head. "I thought it was girls night."

Atsuhiro knocks harder. "Dabi, you there?"

"I won't speak to you again." I narrow my eyes. "That's a promise. You can't bring this up and then say no."

"Wait, wait let's get something straight, princess. I brought it up and you said no."

"Dabi!" I groan.

"Rina," He whines, mocking me.

Its strange seeing Dabi like this but it excites me.

More so that he won't let Atsuhiro in.

"You won't regret it," I whisper. "Promise."

He considers my words.

"You sure you want to come?"

"Yes!"

"What are you gonna tell your friend?"

"I'm working late."

"Bad girl." He shakes his head in mock disappointment. "I didn't take you for a liar."

"Guess you should know me better," I tilt my head, my lips curling at the hint in my tone.

"Careful now," His voice gets deeper when my fingers find his tie. "You know what happens when you get too close to fire?"

I remember the Dabi in the car, who pulled back as soon as I touched him, and this Dabi - who teases and pulls me close then pushes me away. I wonder what's different. What makes one come out or the other.

"Maybe I want to see what it'll do."

I don't miss the way Dabi's eyes darken.

But before he could respond, Atsuhiro bangs on the door.

"Hey boss, you-"

Dabi's grin falls.

"I'm not fucking taking you tonight!" Dabi growls at the door. "If I don't answer, I'm doing something, how about you calm the fuck down?" 

There's a pause at the door and then a low "Okay" that makes my heart clench.

Dabi turns back to me. "Now-"

"Wait now I feel bad," I look at the door. "It looks like he really wanted to go, why'd you have to say it like that?" I pout.

Dabi rolls his eyes and decides to pull sway completely. The mischief in his eyes is gone. Instead, there's a bored and slightly irritated expression. He goes and sits on the sofa, spreading himself out.

"Princess, I don't have time for this, are you coming or sh-"

"Yes, yes I'm coming."

"Then don't fucking worry about him."

[fritae]

The Missing Piece - Ch. 13

Anticipation.

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x f. oc, lov

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here.

---

I let out a deep breath as I walk into my apartment, fanning my cheeks to calm myself.

This, I think with a smile, was a crazy day.

"Rina, is that you?" I hear Aliyah call from her bedroom.

I immediately straighten my face, hoping my cheeks still weren't flushed.

"Al, you're still up?" I put my hair in a scrunchie as I walk into her room. She's sitting on her laptop, reading glasses perched atop her nose. "Yeah, you weren't home when I came. Got worried. You usually get here first."

I rub my neck and lean against her door. "Yeah sorry, I got caught up with work tonight."

She folds her laptop and puts it away. "That's weird. I thought that Dabi guy was chill. It's like 3 am. You getting overtime?"

"Oh Dabi wasn't in today. Me and the others were trying to ensure everything was running smoothly when he comes in," I lie, so I don't have to spend time talking about him. Knowing how much Dabi hates outsiders knowing anything about him, even hearing his name outside of the Blaze somehow makes me feel uncomfortable.

Like I might say something I shouldn't.

Especially after tonight, discovering the things I have.

And what happened in his car just now...

Better to avoid talking about him at all.

Al watches me and shrugs. "Be careful. You're the type to overwork yourself. And that stress will affect your performance. Don't want to make the same mistakes you made at NNTV."

I grimace at the sound of "mistakes." I'm not sure if I'm imagining it, but there's something different in Al's voice.

Al's never criticized me before.

Not seriously, at least.

But her voice sounded almost...bitter.

I shake the thought out of my head. It wasn't a mistake. I was working hard and did what I thought was best for the company.

Even when I advised Mr. Lane to cut ties with the Todorokis. Sure, I was foolish to think he would listen to me.

But that wasn't a mistake.

Him not listening was the mistake.

And it'll bite him in the back one day.

"Right," I force a chuckle out. "How about you? Whatcha doing up so late?"

"Working on the programs for this week," Al sighs. "We're loaded. And Mr. Lane's on everyone's back these days. He's watching us personally.

"Oh?" I come in and sit at the edge of her bed. "Why's that?"

"We went down even further in the ratings. Mr. Lane wants something big. Something the whole country will be talking about."

"The Todoroki special?"

My heart is pounding so fast I fear she can hear it.

Aliyah looks up at me. "How do you know about that?"

"Mr. Lane discussed it with me before I left."

Al nods.

Does that mean they'll be broadcasting it this week?!

Al goes on. "And we're trying something new with The Midnight Show, we're bringing in Shoto Todoroki after the premiere."

My ears perk up immediately. Dabi needs to know this!

"That's good," I do my best to sound nonchalant. "That'll help your ratings a lot."

"I know." Al grins. "I just hope it goes well. Since you left, Mr. Lane's had us backing everything up directly to his computer to ensure everything runs smoothly. Has me going crazy."

An idea pops into my head immediately. Seeing the change in my expression, Aliyah tilts her head quizzically. "Rina?"

I nod. "Right, right." I tell her with a smile. "Hopefully he lays off your back after that. Only a week and the doc will be done with, right?"

Al nods. "Word about the case is spreading. This is the perfect time for us to release it. It'll help loads with the Todoroki's public image."

Hearing Al speak about their public image like this, like  it was worth salvaging, like it was right to protect them from answering for their deeds made me sick.

But I merely nod, my mind already thinking up what I had to do next.

I tap my hand against her covers and smile. "Well, rest up Al. You have a long week ahead of you."

"You too," She sighs, leaning back into the sheets. I turn off the lights and close the door behind me.

My phone lights up with a new notification as I head into my room.

1 message from Mr. Dabi -----------------------------------------

Dabi?

He usually doesn't text me this late unless he has urgent instructions for work. I shut the door behind me and climb into bed before opening it.

Dabi: Is this going to be a habit from now on?

Hm.

Me: What is?

I send back.

My phone dings a moment later.

Dabi: You know

Dabi: The hugs

Dabi: The kisses

I blush at that.

Me: Hey

Me: It was just one kiss on the cheek let's calm down

Dabi: I thought you wanted just one hug the other day too and now look at you

Dabi: Can't keep your hands to yourself

I roll my eyes but there's a huge grin on my face.

Me: If it bothers you, I won't do it again, sir.

I giggle when he types back immediately.

Dabi: Who said it bothers me?

Me: Then why ask?

Dabi: At least give a guy a heads up next time

Dabi: Especially if you're gonna run back into your house right after

I bite my lip, typing and erasing - wondering if I should send this next text.

Eventually, I click send.

Me: What else was there to do?

He makes me wait a little longer before replying this time. My heart beats in anticipation. I close my phone, but keep my eye on the screen - waiting for it to light up again.

But he leaves me for a few minutes, until I think he won't reply. Maybe he got busy. Maybe he has nothing else to say. I sigh and put my phone down.

Until another ding has me pulling it back immediately.

But I feel disappointment when I read his reply.

Dabi: Good night, Rina

I think about whether or not I should say good night back. I shake my head and put my phone down again and get under the covers, my mind flooded with thoughts as I stare at the dark screen that sits on my nightstand.

I don't expect it to light up again a minute later but it does.

I reach for it to see what else he sent.

And his reply makes my heart skip a beat.

Dabi: If you stayed you'd have found out.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece (Chapter 12)

Closer.

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x f. oc, lov

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here.

a/n: i really like this chapter heh, hope u enjoy! 😚

The staircase leads all the way to basement. I wondered why they would hide such steep, hidden steps in Dabi's office when they could create (much) shorter, more accessible ones from the first floor.

But I'm guessing that's the point.

This isn't supposed to be easy to reach. And Dabi's office is the one place no one would dare enter.

Aside from us, of course.

The basement is completely dark, forcing me to draw myself even closer to Dabi. I enjoy the weight of his hand in mine. He has a firm, tight grip. But just as the thought warms my cheeks, I shake it out of my head.

Within seconds, Dabi turns on the lights.

My eyes widen, taking in the sight before me.

Blood.

A lot of it.

Though it looks dried, like it's been there for ages.

I spot a wall of different sized knives on one hand. A gun display on the other. A shelf of jars, filled with a murky looking liquid and...I don't even want to know what that is inside.

Dabi watches me.

There's a simple, plastic white table in the center of the floor with a large white board behind it.

The place is much messier and less...classy, than the rest of the Blaze.

But I have the feeling it's because it's not meant for outside eyes.

"You okay?" Dabi asks.

I nod, squeezing his hand to comfort myself.

Before the others reach the bottom, he whispers in my ear, "Whenever you want to leave, let me know. You don't have to be here."

"Okay."

"And," He takes another glance at the stairs as the others begin to appear. "Again, Rina. This place does not exist. Anything we say here does not leave this room. Got it?"

I glance warily at the knives.

"Why are you so worried?" I try to smile so he doesn't pick up on my nervousness. "I don't have anyone outside of you guys anyway. Who would I talk to?"

My comment seems to confuse him. "What about-"

"Welcome to the League!!" Toga jumps off the last few steps and swings into full view.

I shoot Dabi a look. "The League?"

"The League of Villains, of course!" Atsuhiro follows Toga, a dramatic grin on his lips. "Only the baddest group of bad boys in town."

"And girls!" Toga calls out.

"League of Villains?" I cackle. "Who came up with that?"

Tenko scowls.

Oop.

Dabi lets go of my hand and motions for me to take a seat on one of the plastic chairs.

I pick a red chair near the board.

"So what is that you guys really do?"

"I told you," Dabi says. "Special services to people willing to pay up."

Given where we are, that suddenly feels a lot more sinister than it did when he first told me.

I look back at the knives and jars in the background.

"So like, a gang? Where you steal things and hurt people if someone pays you enough? Like the movies?"

"Guess you could put it that way."

"And there's actually people that pay for this stuff?"

Dabi shrugs. "It's a niche market."

Woah.

There's a lot more questions in my head, but now is not the time. Maybe later.

As Dabi moves to take a seat, his abdomen brushes against the edge of the table and he hisses in pain.

It releases blood again.

"Fuck!" He grips the skin.

I move closer to him, gripping his hands again. "It still hurts?" I ask worriedly. "Is there anything we can do?" I look around at the others quickly.

"Yes!" Toga says, a little too eagerly.

"What is it?"

She hops over to knives behind us, and takes a moment deciding which one she wants.

She brandishes a short but sharp blade and lets out an excited squeal, as though she enjoyed this.

"Fire please!" She calls out.

What's she doing?

Dabi groans and pulls a lighter out of his pocket. He tosses it toward her, and she carefully holds it under the edge of the blade, running it up and down for several minutes until it turns red.

She's going to seal the wound so it doesn't get infected.

"Lie down, boss," She says in a sing-song voice.

I clear the few papers were scattered on the table and move so Dabi could spread himself over it.

He lifts the edge of his shirt to his midriff, and my breath catches in my throat when I see his abdomen.

The skin is covered in large swaths of reddish purple.

Like parts of it were burnt off...

I gasp.

"These are old," Dabi looks at me. He's watching me carefully, wanting to see just how I'd react. "Still want to be here?"

I swallow my anxiety as I stare at Dabi's mismatched skin. I won't give him the chance to say 'I told you so.'

This must be why he wouldn't let me dress the wound.

He didn't want me to see this.

No wonder the stab didn't phase him.

What else has his body been through...

"Here I come!" Toga grins.

She was all too eager to take the scorching knife and press it to his stomach.

Dabi clenches his teeth immediately, leaving me to hurriedly stand next to him. I squeeze his hand to soothe him, but he grips mine back so hard I think he might break it.

I brush his hair out of eyes and press my hand to his forehead to calm him.

"It's okay," I tell him softly. "It's over."

The others stare at Dabi's wound uncomfortably, like they've been under Toga's knife before.

I wonder if they have similar wounds.

Dabi releases his harsh grip on my hand and begins to breathe slower.

One things strikes me though.

Despite all the pain he's undoubtedly feeling right now, not a single tear drops from his eyes.

I think it might just be him trying not to appear weak in front of us.

But as I look into his eyes, I'm surprised to find them completely dry.

"Are you superhuman or something?" I joke with him.

He looks at me quizzically.

"All of that and you didn't cry?"

Dabi closes his eyes. "I don't cry." He grits his teeth.

I roll my eyes.

Whatever you say.

The others slowly help him sit up straight. I take the first aid kit from Atsuhiro, picking out the cotton, gauze and antibacterial wipes.

Dabi is less reluctant when I try to wrap the area this time.

"You can hold onto me if you want," I tease as I wrap the gauze around his body.

A small smirk appears on his lips. His arm suddenly snakes around my waist, pulling me close to him.

I blush and the gauze falls out of my hands.

Dabi tilts his head. "What's wrong? Thought you wanted me to hold onto you?"

The guys snicker behind us.

I push him away from me, and he laughs as I take another piece of gauze and try again.

"You guys can talk now," I tell them focused on what I'm doing. "What exactly happened today?

Did Mr. Lane find out about the League? Is that what made you a target?"

Dabi is silent.

His silence puzzles me. I look to the others to see if they knew anything.

"Dabi tried blowing up his car!" Toga volunteers.

I frown.

Could this be just because of how Mr. Lane treated me?

No. There's no reason for it to mean that much to Dabi.

Enough to get angry, sure.

To harm Mr. Lane?

Doubtful.

"Why would you blow up his car?" I ask.

Tenko pulls up a chair. "We did some research on him. He's working with some really shady people. And Dabi told us about the whole Todoroki affair."

I shoot Dabi a look.

"They're trying to trick people into thinking they're heroes. That they should be put on a pedestal and admired. There's people out there telling their kids to be like them. Meanwhile they're going around-"

"Enough," Dabi interrupts Tenko. "Point is, they're fakes. They built up their media empires off that fake image. And we're going to expose them."

"But you guys are also doing...you know," I don't know how to say it in a way that isn't offensive. "I mean, you tried blowing up his car. And I'm guessing you probably have done more...if I'm not reaching."

Their eyes harden.

"We never pretended to be good."

I know I should stay silent, but I keep going.

"Right, but you have a double image too. There's the Blaze, and then there's the League."

They shake their heads.

"The Blaze is to funnel money into the League. Yeah, sure it's a front, but those who need our services know where to find us. We can't have masses of people finding out about the other shit we do, can we?"

"But how did this all start? What are you trying to achieve?"

"We just hate hypocrites. We'll help a bad guy to bring down a worse guy. Those that act like angels in public are our favorite targets. I don't care if we have to steal, blackmail, or kill them," Dabi's eyes shine with evil. "Whatever it takes to beat their egos down. Reveal the private faces they hide. Until they're forced to show their bloody hands before the world. Someone like Enji is using Lane for media coverage. Lane is depending on him for protection and cash. We can take them both down."

"What if you get caught?"

He dismisses the question, like it's not even worth his time. "By who?" He scoffs. "Lane? As soon as we take down Enji, Lane's done for. Since he's your old boss, we can give you leeway with how badly you want us to go after him." Dabi says this like that's what I'm genuinely concerned about right now. "Lane's a scared little prick anyway, as soon as he saw me he bounced out of the car and screamed for protection." He laughs like he can picture Mr. Lane's pathetic position as we speak. "But he'll fall. Just like the rest of them."

"I meant the police, Dabi."

The question puzzles him as if he's never considered it before. But the look in his eyes tells me they're even less of a concern than Mr. Lane.

"Don't worry about that," He says. "That's the least of our problems, to be honest."

I nod.

I let them speak uninterrupted for the rest of the night. They have business to take care of, and if I keep asking questions like this, they'll never get to finish. It's enough that they waited all day for me to leave so they could start. Can't hold them up at night as well.

The Todoroki name was brought up several times, among others. It seems strange now, considering Dabi knows it was Mr. Lane's relations with Enji that led to me leaving the company the way I did. Turns out he knows a lot more about Enji than I do.

I try to keep track of the other names as well, but there's so many and I'm so tired, I can barely keep up.

"Here's where Rina comes in," Dabi continues.

My eyes widen at the mention of my name.

"Enji's using Lane for his image. Rina, you said they were working on a movie or something?"

"A documentary, yes."

"We need to make sure that shit doesn't air."

I bite my lip, trying to remember as much information as I could about the documentary. It was supposed to air already. I remember Mr. Lane saying it would be within the month.

But it hasn't yet.

Which means I need to find out more from Al.

"My roommate still works at NNTV. She's the floor manager so she might have some idea of what's going on. I can ask her."

"You sure you can trust her?" Dabi asks with a frown.

"Well, I'm not gonna tell her any details, she's the one that's gonna need to have trust in me, no?"

Atsuhiro cracks his knuckles and rubs his neck. "I don't know, I don't like the sound of that. We have our own ways of finding stuff out so-"

"It won't hurt to try," I insist, looking at Dabi since he's the one that has final say on these matters. "Having 2 avenues of information is better than 1."

Truth be told, I just want to feel useful. I want to feel like I have a role to play, not just that I'm here to "sit and watch".

I want them to feel good about me being here, not apprehensive about whether this was a good decision.

After some deliberation, Dabi sighs. He looks to the others for input. "Might as well?"

"I mean she's here," Tenko says monotonously. "Might as well use her."

Dabi nods and then turns to me. "Just don't be stupid with it. Lead her into the conversation, don't bring it up out of nowhere. She'll be curious about why you're bringing it up. Don't say anything that'll make her ask questions. The more questions she asks you, the more suspicious she'll be."

"Relax guys, I got this." I smile. "Besides, she's a chatterbox. She'll open up at the slightest nudge and go on forever. She's the one that told me about all the.." I grimace. "..issues with the Todoroki company."

Plus, she's my friend! Of course, I can trust her. We've been roommates for years. If anyone could tell me about Mr. Lane's current plans for the documentary, it'd be her.

"So it's settled!" Toga claps. She takes a marker and goes up to the white board, drawing a flow chart with all that's been discussed today. She adds my part last, circling my name and underlining it several times for emphasis, over a big red INTEL SOURCING.

The sight of that makes me smile, like I have a role to play in all of this. I look around at the others but they're all preoccupied with moving things around and discussing their own parts.

The lack of enthusiasm isn't surprising, I mean this is normal for them.

But all I can think of is how exciting it'll be if I have something to contribute the next time we meet. If they'll call me down, and look at me expectantly. I imagine the looks on their faces with glee and the thought almost makes me giddy.

"Okay, are we done here?" Dabi asks.

A bunch of 'yes'es and 'yup's fill the basement.

"Alright then," Dabi grabs a leather jacket from on the wall and checks to make sure his keys are inside. Then he walks my way and grabs my arm.

"Time for you to go home," He says, moving me in front of him.

"But-"

"Now," His eyes narrow. He moves his head in a silent nudge, telling me to turn around and make my way upstairs.

The others watch us curiously, and Toga lets out a snicker at my expense.

"I'm jealous!" She calls after us. "Wish I had someone to drive me home!"

Dabi groans, nudging me to keep moving.

"Bye guys," I wave back at them from halfway up the steps. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

They all wave warmly and I can't help thinking how grateful I am that they trusted me with this.

It feels so weird emerging out of Dabi's office like this, from a secret path that leads deep under the building. But Dabi simply presses another tile in the walls, and the entrance reseals itself, as though it never existed.

We make our way to his car, and I hurry to catch up to him. The height difference certainly doesn't help.

He unlocks the car and slides into the driver's seat. I follow into the passenger's seat and shift awkwardly in my place.

"Where do you live?" He asks as he readjusts his rearview mirror. No sooner had I told him the address, than he revved the engine and sped away from the Blaze.

The ride is quiet for a while. Regrettably so. Dabi hands me a box of disinfectants to wipe the blood off my hands. I wonder how many times he's had to do the same thing before coming into the office.

I fiddle with the hems of my shirts as I try to think of something to talk about. Dabi doesn't seem to be in as big of a rush to speak, his eyes darting from the rearview to the side mirrors periodically as we cruise down the mostly empty highway.

"Dabi?"

"Hm."

"When they said you were gone today, were you really in the basement the whole time?"

Dabi takes a moment to answer. "After I got back, yeah. Couldn't exactly walk through the front doors looking the way I did." He glances at me before switching lanes.

"Were you avoiding me?"

"Partly."

I nod. "Now that I know about the League, do you think you'd avoid me in a case like this again?"

"A case like this won't happen again."

"Okay." I respond quietly. "Cause you know I get worried."

Dabi seems to be deep in thought.

"You worry a lot for someone who's only met me a month ago."

I smile. "Well, of course. We're friends aren't we?"

Dabi spares me a look before switching lanes again. "Right." But he doesn't look like he fully believes me.

"You think you'll be able to handle your friend?" He changes the subject.

"Who, Aliyah? Of course! I told you, we're really good friends and she's the kind of person that loves gossiping anyway. It'll be a piece of cake."

He grunts. "Okay. Because to be honest, that's part of why I wanted you at the Blaze."

I don't know why hearing that makes me feel slightly sad, but it does. "The documentary?"

"Yeah. I mean you work in the media industry. You'd know about that stuff. People like Enji have the industry wrapped around their palms. When you told me he was cozying up to NNTV, I figured you'd be the person to handle all of that for me."

I nod. "So why haven't you asked me before today?" Come to think of it, he even sounded reluctant about agreeing.

"I don't know," He sighs. "Still not sure I want you mixed up with all of this."

I roll my eyes. "I'm not even a member, remember? I'm just getting information for you," I tease. "What's so dangerous about that?"

"That's what worries me," Dabi glances at me, his brows pulled together. "That's all you see it as."

"What am I supposed to see it as?"

"What it is," Dabi gets increasingly agitated, but he tries to keep himself calm. "I'm not sure you're taking this seriously enough, Rina. The closer you get to us, the more at risk you are. The more people that know you work for me, especially what kind of work," He looks dead serious. "The more danger you'll be in."

I roll my eyes. "But no one knows anything about you, Dabi. I've been here for a month and I'm only just finding out about all of this. And I'm sure there's much more I don't know. How would people outside of the League even find out?"

"Same way we find out shit about them. Lane's using his Todoroki connections to supply him with information and protection. They're good at what they do."

My mouth drops. "You mean the Todorokis know about you?"

"Well," Dabi's jaw hardens. "They think they do."

I wait for him to say more, but he leaves it at that. We ride the rest of the distance in silence.

Once we pull up in front of my apartment complex, I try to put a smile on my face.

"Thanks Dabi." I tell him as I unlock the door.

He nods without looking at me. "See you tomorrow."

Those words trigger me immediately and I let go of the handle.

"Don't say that."

Dabi looks confused.

"You said that yesterday and had no intention of seeing me." I cross my arms. "You broke your promise."

"Don't be dramatic, no one says that shit as a promise."

"See you tomorrow means I'll see you tomorrow," I tell him seriously. "Otherwise, just say goodbye or something else."

He leans his head forward against the steering wheel and sighs. "It's just a stupid phrase, you're overthinking it."

I frown.

"See you tomorrow," He gives up. But still, I don't leave.

"I mean it!" He says. "I. Will. See. You. Tomorrow. Good enough?"

I grin. "Mhm, thank you!" I lean over to give him a quick hug before I leave, and he immediately recoils, like my body was made of ice.

"Handsy, aren't you," He mutters, craning his neck to look at me, without getting too close.

I pull away.

"Always have to ruin the moment, don't you," I counter, slightly disappointed. I turn to open the door, and suddenly feel him pull me back in.

"How do you do that?" His voices comes out low and raspy.

I look into his eyes. "Do what?"

There's that frustration in his eyes again.

"Fucking making me feel bad about shit I'd never fucking feel bad about." He growls.

The way he says it makes me blush.

"Cut that shit out."

"Yes sir," I mumble.

He leans his head back.

Then, he hesitantly opens his arms.

I shake my head, pulling my purse over my shoulder again. "Not gonna force you to do something you don't want to do."

I open the door this time, and just as I'm about to step out of his car, he pulls my arm again - harder this time, and I fall back into the bend of his arm.

My heart is pounding faster. I shake my hair from my face to get a better look at Dabi in the dark.

"Why are you so much fucking work," He mutters, his face inches away from mine. I swallow.

He leans forward to hug me closer to his chest. The leather jacket feels surprisingly smooth against my cheek, and my hand finds the back of his seat to balance myself, careful of coming near his wound. He holds me to him for a few long breaths and I smile against his chest, knowing he can't see me right now.

When we pull away, I look at his face once more. But Dabi avoids my gaze.

"You don't have to play along with me," I tell him, a teasing smile on my lips. "I'll only expect more from you next time."

"See you tomorrow," He mumbles, still without facing me. His foot is on the brakes but he's already pulling the gear shift into Drive.

And then, just before I leave for good and with no time to think this through -

I press my lips on his cheek.

Dabi's eyes widen immediately and he looks at me in alarm. "What-"

"Bye Dabi!" I wave with a laugh as I hurry out of his car. I run to the door of my building, grateful for the dark to hide my red cheeks.

Dabi remains in front of the building for a moment, his head still turned my way in shock.

I close the door behind me but hurry to the window, peeking the corner of my head out just in time to catch him shaking his head and rubbing a tired hand across his eyes.

There's no way to describe the relief and warmth in my chest, when he eventually pulls out of his spot.

But just before he can drive off, I swear I feel him smirk at the window.

As if he can hear the adrenaline thrumming in my veins.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece (Chapter 11)

Hard Choices.

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x f. oc, lov

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here.

a/n: hey guys, here’s the next chapter! as always, i hope u enjoy! 😚 

---------

Dabi tells me to go home several times.

I, of course, refuse.

Not until I make sure he's okay.

He eventually stops fighting me.

A knock on the door pulls us away from each other.

Dabi somehow looks more exhausted than before.

Like he was carrying the weight of the world.

The sight breaks my heart and I regret not being able to do anything, even though it was at Dabi's insistence.

"Come in."

Tenko, Jin, Atsuhiro, and Toga file into his office.

"We gonna meet tonight or what, boss?" Jin asks, a huge grin on his face.

Dabi nods.

"I need to go do something," He mutters to me, voice deep and tired. "You sure you want to stay here? It's way past midnight."

I nod.

"I don't know how long we'll take," He warns.

"I'll be fine," I tell him. "Promise."

Dabi sighs in defeat. "Okay. If you get tired, feel free to sleep on the couch. I can drive you home when we're done."

I start to protest, saying I'll be fine going home on my own, but he shoots me a look.

"I don't know if you realized but your shirt and hands are covered in blood." His eyes narrow. "My blood."

Oh.

Right.

I nod and take his seat behind the desk. As soon as I sit in it I can tell this isn't regular leather. I rub my hands along its sides, feeling how smooth it is.

I expect Dabi's expression to change because I'm sitting in his spot. I'd never be able to do something like this at NNTV. But he doesn't look bothered at all.

Like we really are a team.

"She's not coming?" Tenko asks, pointing at me with his thumb.

Dabi glares at him.

I try not to take it to heart and make myself comfortable.

"I mean, she's gonna know where.. " Tenko's voice trails off.

I look up curiously.

Dabi sighs.

"Should I wait outside?" I ask.

Dabi shoves his hands in his pockets, thinking.

"I could wait outside," I assure him. "You don't have to show me anything you don't want to."

I move out of his desk, but Toga says, "It doesn't make a difference, Dabi. She's been with us for a month. She's got your blood on her hands, for god's sake."

He doesn't answer, his head still down in thought. His hair falls over his eyes so I can't see if he's genuinely considering it or is annoyed at the suggestion.

"And she's great at what she does. I feel like we could make better use of her. Imagine if she was the one organizing business? Things would-"

"She doesn't know what kind of business we do." Dabi reminds her with a sudden snarl. "She won't be able to stomach it."

That's unfair, I pout. How would he know if he hasn't even told me yet. And I've picked up enough to figure out there was a side to Dabi beyond the Blaze. "Who said-"

"You started crying because I was bleeding," Dabi interrupts sternly.

My face reddens. "I just, was shocked, you had a red circle on your abdomen what the hell was I supposed to think?"

"Well, it could be a lot worse." He gets more heated. "You could wake up one day and find out one of us is dead. You're okay with that?"

His comment comes with a long silence.

Dead?

But what I find most startling is...though I know this means they're engaging in some high risk work.

The thought of one day losing one of them was a much more sobering thought.

"Well...I'd rather be beside you guys than have you struggle with that alone." I tell him quietly. I mean it, too.

But Dabi in unconvinced.

"It's not a struggle, it's business. And whoever can't do business alone shouldn't be on the team."

I lock eyes with him. His words slowly get more pointed. But I know it is an attempt to scare me away.

"It's not about what we can or can't do alone," I tell him. "It's about how much better we'd all be together."

Toga grins, giving Dabi a nudge.

He lets out a much bigger sigh.

There is obvious hesitation in his face. His fists bulge out of his pockets and his teeth are so clenched, it's a wonder his jaw hasn't snapped already.

But that means he's considering it.

And I know that with Dabi, that's no small thing.

From the beginning, the only barrier he put between us was this.

And whatever it is, I'm sure it's something dangerous.

If it brings him to me with blood soaking his clothes, then it must be dangerous.

But this way, I'll be better able to repay Dabi for all he's done for me.

Even if he doesn't see it as much.

Dabi presses his hand against the open-brick wall behind him.

"Woah!" I step back in wonder when it suddenly slides.

So this is what Tenko was referring to.

Suddenly, Dabi pulls me by the shirt until I am nose to nose with him. His teeth are clenched. "Don't make me regret what I'm about to show you."

But for some reason, I'm not scared. "You won't, Dabi." I whisper.

But his eyes don't let up, peering into mine in full warning. "Rina, I don't think you understand how serious I'm being right now. I will hurt you."

I think I'm slowly starting to better get Dabi.

It's like...the closer I get to him, the more hostile he gets.

As if trying to push me away.

Even though I've seen enough of him to know he cares. Genuinely.

It's like he wants me near him, but he's scared of what'll happen if I get too close.

His threat is clear. But there's an underlying message in that. One I'm not sure Dabi picked up himself.

Dabi doesn't want to tell me because he's so focused on what will happen to me if I betray him.

"I have to break your trust first for you to hurt me," I stick my tongue out at him. "You think I'd do that to you?"

His pupils falter, but only for a moment. I catch sight of the uncertainty pooling within them. But that only makes me more determined.

"I won't Dabi," I reassure him. "No matter what."

His eyes get more intimidating, but he eventually releases me with a low groan. He turns around and descends the hidden stairway without another look at me.

But that just means I have to prove he can trust me.

I grin happily, looking around at the rest of the team, who pass me eager grins and gesture for me to follow him downstairs.

"A new member," Toga squeals. "No one's joined us since we started!"

"She's not a member," Dabi mutters from the secret tunnel. "She's just allowed to watch."

"And organize a little," Toga winks.

Dabi grunts.

As I move to follow him, I feel apprehensive looking down the stairs. They're so steep and seem to go on forever. A single dimming light illuminates the staircase, and that doesn't make going downstairs any easier. Every step we take downward leaves a clobbering sound.

Suddenly, while cautiously following Dabi my foot slips and I yelp.

But rather than fall flat on my face, Dabi's palms immediately find my waist, holding me in place. I let out a sigh of relief, but Dabi only shoots me a glare.

I pout at him, and he rolls his eyes. Then, without warning, he grabs my hand and starts going downstairs again.

"Stay close to me," He mutters, looking carefully into my eyes.

I blush and press myself closer to his back.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece - Ch 10

Worries 🌸

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x f. oc, lov

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here.

I spend hours turning in bed, replaying Dabi's words to me earlier.

He cares about me.

Right?

That's the only way I could interpret what happened. He got angry on my behalf, even though he didn't look it.

My cheeks redden as I recall how warm he was to hold, despite most certainly being the most awkward hugger I've ever met. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to remember what it was like.

It wasn't a short hug...but I wish it was longer.

Snap out of it, I tell myself with a groan.

I'm so touch starved I can't believe a hug from Dabi would make me feel this way.

I jolt in bed when I hear the front door open.

"Aliyah?"

Within moments, my suite mate bursts into my room, jumping onto my bed.

"Who is he?!" She screams with glee. "That's your boss?!"

My heart paced with excitement. "Yeah. Nice, right?"

"Nice?!" She jumps up again. "He's so hot - but something about him -"

She suddenly stops.

"What?" I ask her cautiously.

But after a few moments of consideration, she shrugs. "I don't know, forget it. I feel like I've seen him before."

I shrug. "Might have run into him at a corporate event or something? The company may not be all that but Dabi looks like he's been around."

She nods. "You're right, that's probably it. And oh my god," Her voice picks up, that excitement creeping in again. "Mr. Lane's face! He's so pissed you don't even know, oh my god, he's probably still fuming! He didn't even last for the whole dinner, he called his new secretary and told her to run a background check on Mr. Dabi and the company."

"He's a psycho," I laughed. But then a troubling thought occurred to me. "But he wouldn't do anything to the company, would he?"

Aliyah shrugs. "Beats me. You can never tell with Mr. Lane."

I shake the thought out of my head. Choosing to focus on the good (and the fact that Aliyah is here early for once!), I eagerly share what life has been like for me at the Blaze. I leave out certain details of course, especially those conferencing Dabi and company intel, but I'm overjoyed by Al's interest.

And when we finally say goodnight, hours after we were supposed to, I lay in bed again - already thinking of tomorrow.

- --

"Dabi won't be in today," Tenko tells me in the morning.

I pout.

"Why not?"

He shrugs. "He told me and Jin to put a pause on new intake for the next few days so I don't think there's much to do, either. Honestly, if you want to go home from now, you probably can."

He didn't ask for any updates or give me instructions this morning either. I thought maybe he was waiting for me to come in to let me know what we'd be doing today.

He said he'd see me tomorrow, I remember. I try not to feel disheartened. He's a CEO, after all.

It's just...I was looking forward to seeing him today.

"You gonna go?" Tenko snaps me out of my thoughts.

"Oh," I say apologetically. "Nah, I'm used to being here all day. I'll try to make myself useful somehow."

I leave him and head for Dabi's office and go through his correspondence, rescheduling any meetings he would have had today or tomorrow for later in the week. If he isn't in the office today, he'll likely want to be briefed whenever he comes in. He won't be in the mood for a meeting.

Hours and hours pass as I spend my time overlooking the company employees and making a record of potential clients.

After I finish a few late night phone calls for Dabi and make notes of the most urgent things he should know when he comes in tomirrow, I decide to go find the others.

But when I walk into the lounge, the only ones I find are Atushiro and Toga. They're huddled together on the couch, talking in hushed tones.

It is pretty late at night. Perhaps they went home already.

"Hey guys," I say with a smile, carrying a few sodas with me. Immediately, they sit back and put some distance between them.

"Hey," Toga says. They accept the sodas with a smile.

"What've you been up to?" I ask them. I pop open my can. "It feels like there isn't much to do today."

"Why do you sound upset about that?" Atsuhiro comments with a laugh.

I get flustered at that. "I know, I know. I'm a workaholic. I don't know what to do with my life outside of work."

"Go home!" Toga says with a groan. "You've done more than enough today! Dabi specifically didn't give us work and you're over here doing extra."

I groan. "I don't want to go home though, what would I do?"

They both laugh. "Normal people things! Watch a show, paint your nails, order Chinese - you know, hashtag self care or whatever."

I roll my eyes, stalling for time. I don't know why, I just don't feel like going home just yet.

I put my phone down and lay back on the couch.

"Maybe I'll just stay here."

"Go home!" They shout.

I laugh and put my legs down.

"How come you guys aren't going home?"

The two of them share a look.

"We have things to take care of later tonight." Atsuhiro says.

That makes me sit up. "Ooh what kind of things? For Dabi?"

He nods.

I feel a pang in my chest. Why did he give them something to do and not me?

But they've been here longer, I try to reason with myself. They're friends and partners. He's known them for years. If anything urgent comes up, of course they'd be the ones he reaches out to.

I think quickly. "Is he coming in later or something?"

Toga hits me. "No, he isn't. Are you trying to find an excuse to do more work?"

I shake my head with a laugh, but I secretly feel...disappointed. It's not that I want more work, I just...was hoping to see him. Work just happens to be the only way I can do so.

Of course he isn't coming in later, though. It's already 10pm. Most of the company clocked out hours ago. And he undoubtedly has things to do if he hasn't come in.

He didn't even have time to respond to my text.

"Okay," I sigh in defeat. The two high five each other, and I pout as they lead me downstairs.

"I'll be back tomorrow," I tell them quickly as I leave. "If you guys need anything at all, just shoot me a text!"

"We'll be good, don't worry about us!" They wave.

I shove my hands in my pockets and make my way to the bus stop.

They'd text me, right?

But something dawns on me just before I get to the bus.

I freeze, my fingers digging around.

But there's nothing.

I pat all around me and check my purse for good measure.

"Shit, I forgot my phone!

I quickly run back to the Blaze.

---

I enter the marble doors again, only for some reason there's something different in the air.

As I make my way upstairs, I hear a murmur of activity. There's a frown on my face as I try to figure out what is going on.

I head up to the lounge, but this time it is empty and the lights are all off.

The only sounds come from Dabi's office at the end of the hall.

Is something wrong? I wonder with a frown.

I make my way to his office, my heart pounding in place.

With a single knock, I turn the knob. And my heart falls as I lock eyes with Dabi sitting behind his desk.

Dabi immediately sighs, rubbing his eyes in exhaustion. "Shit."

"What's going on here?" I ask.

Standing around him are Tenko, Jin, Toga and Atsuhiro, the last two staring back at me with wide eyes.

No one answers me.

I look from one face to another.

Eventually Dabi looks up at Jin, an unforgiving glare in his eyes. "What the fuck happened to she left?"

Jin shrinks under his gaze. "That's what Toga told me!"

I feel my heart fall. Was he avoiding me?

"Do...you not want me around?" I swallow.

I don't look at him as I ask, afraid of what I might find in his face. So he was. I glance around, hooking my purse on my shoulder and turn around. "Sorry, I just came back because I forgot my phone. I'll- I'll go-"

Dabi pushes his chair back. "Rina, wait-"

But when I look back at him, I gasp.

My hand unconsciously covers my gaping mouth.

"Dabi, you're- you're..."

He's bleeding.

Not a drop or two this time.

But a circle of red adorns his lower left side. He holds a now equally red rag to the area to stop the flow. I look at him in horror but he turns his face away from me.

"Fuck," I hear him mutter through gritted teeth.

"Dabi, what's-" I feel my eyes water.

I immediately run up behind his desk, my hand clutching the one he holds to his wound.

"What's wrong? You're gonna be okay, right? What do I do- we need to take you to a hospital - Toga, help me! You're gonna be okay Dabi, I'm here."

Toga shuffles forward but Dabi glares at her. "I'm not going to a fucking hospital, I'll be fine." I feel bad for the way he yells at her. After all, it was my suggestion. "I just need to stop the bleeding."

I turn back to look at the others, but the lack of shock on their faces stuns me.

"Did you guys know about this?"

Atsuhiro runs his neck and avoids my gaze too. Suddenly the frequent questions about when I'd go home made sense.

"I see." My voice cracking. "Is that why you guys were waiting for me to leave?"

"Well, that NNTV douchebag-"

"Toga!" Dabi growls.

I turn to Dabi, my blood turning to ice. "Does this have something to do with Mr. Lane?"

He ignores me. "Take everyone and leave." He tells Toga. When they don't move immediately, Dabi snaps. "Now."

The team scrambles out the room. If it weren't the circumstance, I'd laugh when Jin stumbled. But as soon as we're alone, I turn back to him and clutch the lapels of his jacket.

"Don't lie to me," I say. "Please Dabi."

The man groans and sits back on his chair, as if there wasn't blood dripping out of his side. I pull up a seat and sit next to him, my hand closing in on his, holding the rag in place.

"We're gonna have issues with Lane," Dabi mutters. "I uh, went to see him today. But...it's like he was expecting me."

"Why would he be expecting you?" My mouth drops. "You mean to tell me Mr. Lane did this to you?"

Dabi sighs.

When he takes to long to reply, I press the rag harder.

"Hey!" He grimaces. "Okay, okay. You know how I told you I have business to take care of on the side?"

"Yes."

"Well. I think he found out a couple things."

I lean in closer. "My friend told me about that! She said he ordered a background check on you, he wanted to know everything."

Dabi shrugs. "Yeah well, if he knows who I am, then he doesn't just have everyday knowledge. He probably deals with shady shit too."

Too?

My heart pounds in fear.

"And who the hell told you to go pay him a visit!" I hit his arm. Dabi immediately groans and I recoil. I cautiously touch his arm. "Sorry."

He shakes his head.

I motion for him to go on as I find a little bowl of water under his desk.

As he talks, I absentmindedly take the rag and rinse it into the bowl. He probably intended to do that himself had I not come in. I squeeze the blood out and just as I am about to press it against his skin, I wince at the sight. The blood was dripping out slowly, meaning the wound wasn't too deep. But that's clearly a stab wound. Dabi got close enough to someone that they were able to pull a knife on him.

What if it had been worse? What if I had lost him today?

"Dabi," I interrupt him. He looks down at me, the blue in his eyes could be green in this light. I softly brush my thumb against the wound. His eyes darken in response, and I feel my heart ache at the way he grabs my hand. "Stop."

"Who told you to go to him, you idiot," I punch his arm again. "What the hell were you thinking."

He grips both my hands now. "I had to send a message."

"What kind of stupid message was worth this?"

"Now he knows not to mess with my people." Dabi replies. My eyes go wide.

I'm part of his people.

The thought brings a blush to my cheeks and I get angry at myself. Look where that got him.

If he is like this after hearing one conversation between me and Mr. Lane...

"Besides..."

I wipe my eyes into my elbow.

"He probably won't be taking any more cars for a while now," Dabi smirks. "If that guy of his didn't pop up out of nowhere.."

He leaves that open ended.

Did Dabi really plan on hurting Mr. Lane?

The thought sends a shudder down my spine.

Just who was Dabi.

What did Mr. Lane find?

"Were you going to..." I whisper. "..you know."

Dabi looks completely nonchalant, as if he had gone to leave Mr. Lane flowers or something.

"I was just gonna scare him." He says, and despite everything, it sounds honest. "Sure, he didn't think I'd go that far. But I miscalculated too. Now I gotta fuck him up before he tries to fuck me up."

I swallow. Is this what Dabi meant by information comes with a cost over here?

"I'm sorry Dabi," I tell him, my tears falling over my now bloody hands. "I didn't want you speaking to Mr. Lane and if I-"

"Relax," Dabi cuts me off. "I'm going to make use of that guy. I'm just trying to find the right moment."

I let go of the rag.

"You can't be possibly planning on seeing him again."

Dabi doesn't respond.

The tears start to fall again. "You promised me I wouldn't need to worry about you," I say, my voice getting shakier and shakier. "You said goodbye and see you tomorrow, knowing you were fucking going to Mr. Lane today!"

Dabi looks at the door in alarm, and his eyes narrow. He grabs the hand I'm waving in his face and I could tell his patience was running thin. "Rina, I'm trying here. If you saw what Mr. Lane looks like now you wouldn't be so worried about me. But I'm gonna need you to lower your voice."

I turn my face away from him and wipe the tears from under my eyes. Dabi suddenly gives me a weird look and I glance at my hands.

Fuck.

I grab a napkin and rub the blood off my face until I can wash it off later.

He watches me cautiously. I don't meet his eyes as I take the rag off to rinse it again.

"Stop moving," I mutter, lightly dabbing his skin with the wet cloth.

Dabi hisses.

"Sorry. Does it hurt?"

Dabi groans. "I can take care of myself, you know."

"Just...shut up. Stop moving so much."

Dabi grows silent.

For the next half hour, I continue my ministrations, avoiding his gaze. I know having me so close to him makes him slightly uncomfortable. But I don't care.

"Take off your shirt," I tell him once the bleeding seems to stop. "I'll try to wrap it up."

"No."

I look at him, my eyes ever more hurt.

"No," He repeats, his voice more stern. "I'll do it myself later."

Without thinking, I lean against him and close my arms around his torso.

"I know you keep saying not to worry but what am I supposed to do when you walk in looking like this?" I whisper against his chest.

He looks up at the ceiling, trying to hold his breath.

"You've gotta stop doing that, princess."

My heart beats faster.

"Or what?" I challenge him, hugging him tighter.

He glances at my lips ever so briefly and looks away.

"You'll fuck me up."

I ignore him and hug him anyway, not caring about the stains that undoubtedly cover my shirt now.

I don't know long we stay that way.

Dabi doesn't hug me back this time...but he doesn't move away either.

I wish I could know what he was thinking. What he means by Mr. Lane knowing who he is, and what uses he may have for him. What he did to him today and how he was able to slip free.

But every day, I discover that more and more secrets exist between us.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece (Chapter 9)

Spark.

characters: dabi x fem. oc, lov

gang! au / ceo! au

status: ongoing

read this story on ao3

--

Dabi starts walking briskly.

My heart starts to pound faster.

"M-Mr. Dabi?" I call out.

He stops so I can catch up to him. Part of me is terrified, I don't exactly know what to tell him now. Perhaps more frightening is - I don't know what Dabi's thinking either.

"I'm so sorry, I- I didn't-"

"I was about to break his neck," Dabi suddenly growls. "You mean to tell me he treated you like this all those years you worked for him?"

I open my mouth and close it again. "He - he treats all his employees like that. I just spent a lot more time around him so I faced it more. Besides, he's...you know, mad that I left."

I don't tell Dabi that the fact that I left NNTV for what he sees as a much more inconsequential company pissed Mr. Lane even more.

The look he gave me before he left proved it.

But I get confused as I watch Dabi stand there, chest heaving like that. He looks different, and I wonder where this Dabi was during the conversation with Mr. Lane. He went from being suave, calm and nonchalant to looking around him, like there's a lot of anger inside him and he doesn't know where to take it out.

And by the electricity that seems to jolt in his eyes, I fear that I'll be the one to feel it.

"You understand you're part of my people now, right?"

"I-" I sigh in relief. "Yes sir."

"Nothing happens to you from here on out without me knowing. If anyone so much as looks at you funny, let me know. I'll take care of it."

I almost tell him I can take care of myself. But the thought of Dabi being worried about me is so surprising that I stay silent.

"I'll figure out a way to get back at that fucker," He says, almost to himself this time. His mind is spinning and I wonder what he might mean by that.

But of course, I don't ask.

As we stand there on that dimly lit street, I move closer to him,

"Dabi, sir?"

He looks up, but there's still that frustration in his eyes.

"Can I ask you something?"

He nods.

"Don't you care a lot about your, you know, space? And want me to stop asking you questions? Why did you hire me knowing I fought Mr. Lane about his decision to support the Todoroki company?"

He leans back against the wall behind him.

"There's a difference between interfering with company business and personal matters. I wasn't lying when I said this is your company too now. I want you to see it as such.

"That's separate from what I do." He goes on. "Other CEO's essentially *are* their company. But the Blaze isn't about me. I own it, sure. But I have other things I run too. I don't have time to be there constantly. If it weren't for you guys - you, Jin, Atsuhiro, Toga and Tenko - it'd fall apart."

"I see," I tell him quietly. "Thank you sir."

For everything, I want to add. For being patient. For standing up for me.

For not leaving me alone with Mr. Lane.

Aliyah would have been there, sure. But just as she didn't say anything now, she'd have said nothing if it was just me there.

And it's not her fault.

Mr. Lane made it clear he doesn't tolerate interferences of the sort.

"There's no need to thank me, I didn't do anything I didn't want to do." Dabi tells me. His blue eyes peer into mine, as if there was more he wanted to say.

I wait expectantly but with the slightest shake of his head, it seems he decides against it.

"You gonna be okay?" He says, his voice gentle for the first time today.

"Yes sir."

"I could drop you off, if you'd like."

I shake my head immediately. He spent enough time today with me, he needs to go home. Or to whatever else he may have going on. I don't doubt that Dabi did have other appointments.

It's unlikely he'd have expected dinner to last this long.

"I'll be good, sir." I assure him. "I promise."

"Okay," Dabi turns out. "I'll see you tomorrow Rina. Thank you for dinner."

He's about to leave, but I suddenly pull his arm.

He glances back in surprise.

"Dabi, I'm sorry," I tell him quietly.

He turns around. "For what?"

"For asking. For being in your business. I was just really worried. Since we met, my life's turned around a lot. I finally wake up happy to start my day. I love going to work. And even though we don't have much time together, I'm happy knowing you'll be around. That's why," my voice cracks. "when I see you hurt, I get worried."

I hate myself for letting my voice crack before him. But before I know it, Dabi comes closer to me. He pauses for a moment, but then brushes my hair away from my face. "Hey, it's okay. I'm just...not used to it. It doesn't change anything."

"But I don't want you not to trust me anymore."

Dabi sighs and looks up at the night, as if conflicted about something. But within moments, he shakes his head. "Listen, I told you. This changes nothing. I'm just-"

He lets out an anguished breath. "Glad you're not with that bastard anymore."

I nod and wipe my eyes, suddenly realizing how heavy those days have been on me. Of how pathetic I was, to waste all those years of my life on a boss who didn't even honor that enough to let me move on in peace.

No, he had to try and ruin it.

But the sight of my tears only makes Dabi look even more unsure. "Hey come on," He prods. "Stop that. You've got my personal ear, what more could you want?"

I smile at that and nod, swiping at my eyes again.

He finally grins and digs his hand into his pocket. "Cigarette?"

I shake my head. I don't need a cigarette. I just need to process all of this. I need to move past it. Forget it. And be at peace with what happened. I need to accept that that's just who Mr. Lane is.

But I'm not with him anymore.

I have Dabi, Toga, Atsuhiro, Tenko and Jin.

Mr. Lane is just a part of my past.

"Can I get a hug instead?" I ask Dabi.

But Dabi's face contorts.

"A hug?"

I immediately regret it.

"Sorry, nevermind-"

"No it's okay, I just - yeah sure, a hug."

I'm confused by how uncertain Dabi looks in that moment. He shifts in place. "Do I just-" He opens his arms, but they hang in the air awkwardly.

For some reason, the sight makes me laugh.

Who knew the CEO of the Blaze would look so flustered by a hug?

"You've never given a hug before?" I raise a brow.

"It's not that, it's just-" Dabi's voice suddenly gets lower. "...been a while."

I smile. "Then it could be a hug for both of us."

Dabi nods, but there is suspicion in his eyes.

Not of me.

It's like he's suspicious of the hug itself.

Slowly, I fit myself into Dabi's arms.

He feels so unexpectedly stiff that I expect him to pull away soon.

But he doesn't.

With a sniff, I carefully place my head against his chest.

But I suddenly feel something hard and sharp scratch against my temple. I pull my head back back immediately.

Dabi looks at me in surprise. "Oh. Sorry."

Must be a necklace or something.

I shake my head and try again, this time deciding on his shoulder. Dabi takes a deep breath.

He feels unexpectedly warm. He's so close, I breathe in the scent of his cologne, strong as it was and almost sigh. I can feel the muscles under his dress shirt pressed against me. Dabi shifts and slowly closes his arms around me. His arms feel so...strong. Like they could protect me from anything.

"Are you uncomfortable?" I ask him quietly.

There is a moment of silence.

"No." He finally answers.

I smile and give him a little squeeze when he relaxes in my hold.

"You sure you prefer this to a cigarette?" He asks me.

I pull back to look at his eyes. There's something amusing about them - like he doesn't understand what's happening. And I don't know how to explain it.

All I can do is hug him again, hoping he feels it too.

The warmth, the peace. The tension dissipating.

Like the day was finally over.

And there was no more anxiety.

Just safety.

"I do." I whisper as I release him. "I don't know why, but I do."

He looks into my eyes, and I am suddenly aware of just how close we are. I swallow, slowly moving back. But suddenly, I feel Dabi's hands on my lower back once again.

Holding me still.

"You sure that was enough?" He asks, a playful smile appearing on his lips.

I blush and nod. "Thank you sir."

"It's after hours," Dabi admonishes. "What happened to being here as friends, not business partners?"

I laugh. "Okay, okay."

"You know how to get home?" He asks with concern, glancing around. It's not like we're too far from the company, so seeing him like this makes me smile wider.

"Yeah, it shouldn't take long."

Dabi lets me go and I immediately miss the warmth of his touch.

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow, Rina."

I give him one last smile before we part ways.

"See you, Dabi."

[fritae]

The Missing Piece (Chapter 8)

Anxiety.

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x female oc, lov, other original characters

status: ongoing

read on ao3 here.

I'm sure Mr. Lane has seen me.

With a groan, I take Dabi aside.

"You can go ahead, sir." I tell him quickly, glancing behind me to see if they're watching me.

Dabi looks over my shoulder.

"Is that what's-his-face?"

I shoot Dabi a look and gesture toward Aliyah. We may be friends but I didn't tell her the real reason I left NNTV. She thinks work became too stressful and I needed a break.

She doesn't know about the argument me and Mr. Lane had after I discovered his support of the Todorokis. Or about his cutting my salary and threatening to fire me.

Besides, bad mouthing a former employer is horrible professionalism.

"It's Mr. Lane. Go, go," I try shoo-ing him away. "I'll see you tomorrow sir."

But Dabi doesn't budge.

His eyes are trained on mine.

"I don't like that look on your face."

I groan. "What look? Sir it's just-"

"Like you're uncomfortable."

The comment catches me off guard and I quickly avert my gaze.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about," I say quietly. "These are my friends."

But that only seems to make him more determined. Dabi turns to face me completely, his feet firmly planted in the ground and his hands tucked coolly in the pockets of his pants. He doesn't look interested in listening right now.

"What are you worried about?" He asks. "Is it him?"

I run an anguished hand through my hair. "Sir please. Please. What happened to not asking about our private matters?"

I don't want Dabi and Mr. Lane meeting. Especially considering how our last conversation went. I didn't tell Mr. Lane I was working for the Blaze, and considering how salty he was that I left after all these years, facing him once again fills me with anxiety.

"Alright I won't ask you," Dabi ignores me. "I'll find out from him."

My eyes widen and I pull him back before he could make his way toward Mr. Lane. Aliyah went to bring Mr. Lane to say hi. I feel my chest get tighter when I see him getting closer.

"See? I don't like that." Dabi eyes me with concern. He tsks and pulls a box from his back pocket. He tries to hand me a cigarette but I shake my head quickly.

Mr. Lane doesn't know I smoke.

And with the amount of anxiety pooling in my gut, it wouldn't even help.

Dabi shrugs, no longer facing me.

"I'm here," He says. The ice in his voice from earlier is gone. I look at him once more before Mr. Lane gets within earshot.

He gives me a small nod and reaches for me, his hand brushing against the small of my back in a way that sends electricity up my spine. "He's not your boss anymore. He has no power over you."

I nod and plaster a fake smile on my face as the short man approaches us.

I hope it's enough to hide my thundering heart.

"Ms. Aoki," His voice sounds as insufferable as ever. "Fancy meeting you here."

I nod my head in respect. "Mr. Lane. It's nice to see you so soon."

As if!

But already, his attention is off of me. Instead, he eyes Dabi up and down.

"Is this your partner?" He asks.

My face heats up immediately. "Oh - no sir. This is my, um - my new boss. Mr. Dabi?"

Just as I expected, Mr. Lane's expression darkens immediately.

I expect Dabi to extend a hand out for formalities. But his hands remains in his pockets. He merely gives him a nod in acknowledgement.

"So you've found a new company after all." Mr. Lane comments coldly.

"Yes. Yes sir."

"What's the name of your company, Mr. Dabi?"

"The Blaze." Dabi says. "I do luxury trading. Rina told me she previously worked for a broadcasting company - what was it called again?"

Mr. Lane's face hardens. "NNTV. We're a leading force in the industry-"

"Right, right. That company that always underperforms?" He asks apologetically.

Me and Aliyah gasp, glancing cautiously at Mr. Lane.

"I have a friend that works at CBS, you see."

There's a smile on Dabi's face.

"I haven't even heard of your company," Mr. Lane quickly counters, evil in his eyes. "When Ms. Aoki abandoned us in such a manner, I assumed she'd join a better known business."

"I'm not surprised you haven't heard of us," Dabi sighs, that same mocking tone in his voice. "You see, we cater to a highly exclusive audience."

Aliyah mouth drops behind Mr. Lane, looking extremely amused. I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes the subject of tomorrow's lunchtime gossip.

"I see," Mr. Lane smiles at Dabi but it is anything but friendly. "Anyway. Careful with this one." He tells Dabi. "She's loyal to the - " He rubs his fingers to his thumb to indicate money. "It doesn't matter how well you treat her, if she finds a better offer she'll run off on you. Looking at you now," Mr. Lane sizes him up. "it probably won't take long."

I didn't leave because of money you piece of shit! If you actually saw me as a person, you'd know that!

I feel Aliyah's eyes on me in surprise.

Great.

Now she thinks I'm making more money and keeping things from her.

I don't face her.

"Hm," Dabi says. "What do you define as a better offer? Because we certainly don't pay-"

Don't say that! I think frantically.

I clear my throat.

Dabi looks at me quizzically. But he understands soon enough.

"...her what she's worth. With how well she's driven up sales this past month, she certainly deserves every penny."

"With all due respect," Mr. Lane smiles apologetically, venom lacing his words. "A secretary who intervenes in your business, gives unsolicited advice, and tries to control decision making is not worth her price. There are many other qualified secretaries who will drive up sales, and do it better than she can."

I feel my heart fall.

Of course he would say that.

Mr. Lane thinks of me as disloyal now. Leaving NNTV so suddenly after all these years, I knew it would matter more to him than he let on during our last meeting.

He doesn't exactly tolerate betrayal. And being his secretary for so long, I've seen how he treats former employees enough to know how vicious he can be.

That's why I didn't want him and Dabi to meet.

My face reddens immensely at the mention of my frequent "interventions" and "unsolicited advice". Because Mr. Lane doesn't believe in teams, he believes in workers who do as they're told. That's it.

But considering how much Dabi cares about his space, the comment fills me with anxiety.

Especially given the conversation we had today.

Will he think this is a pattern now? Will it drive him further away from me - cause his lack of trust in me to balloon even more?

There's an uncomfortable feeling in my gut as my mind questions all these possibilities. I wish Aliyah hadn't seen me.

No.

I wish I just told Dabi I was busy when he asked me for dinner. I hesitantly glance at him, searching for any indication of how he's receiving this.

There's embarrassment written all over my face.

However, Dabi's expression doesn't change. He remains aloof.

Although on closer inspection, I think I see his jaw clench.

I feel my eyes water. Is he angry with me?

He should be.

Perhaps I am too talkative and opinionated for a secretary.

But Dabi's response makes me furrow my brows in confusion.

"She was a member of your team. Of course she would advise you. And intervene as necessary."

My eyes widen.

"It's as much her company as it is mine, so I do hope she does more of that for us in the future."

I look at Dabi in surprise, trying to figure him out. Doesn't he hate it when people intervene in his business though? Is he just saying this in front of Mr. Lane?

That's gotta be it.

Regardless, I'm grateful that he hasn't thrown me under the bus, using me as conversation material. Anyone else would happily listen and even share their own criticism of me to keep the conversation going. Especially considering Mr. Lane is realistically the more powerful CEO of the two. Anyone would say anything to get on his good side.

And part of me feels like Mr. Lane used me in order to shift to Dabi's good side too. After all, what manager doesn't love critiquing his employees?

Only Dabi didn't take the bait.

"I suppose I should thank you actually," Dabi continues, the height difference only further emphasizing the power imbalance in the conversation. Mr. Lane looks small for the first time ever, as he stands there looking up at Dabi. "If you hadn't let her go, our company wouldn't be in the place it is today. She's extremely capable, as you know. And such an agreeable team player, as well."

But instead of responding, Mr. Lane focuses on me with those murderous eyes.

As if it's my fault he was humiliated tonight.

How dare I go on to build up someone else's company. How dare I not cry and beg him to take me back, that I was sorry and have learned from my mistake. That I would never challenge his decisions again and be the loyal, silent employee he expects me to be.

I shrink under his stare, and before I know it, Dabi's hand is once again on my back.

He has no power over you.

I take a deep breath. "Unfortunately, Mr. Dabi has a prior engagement and we don't want to be late." I tell Mr. Lane. "But thank you for coming over personally to say hello. Hopefully, an opportunity for us to meet again arises in the future."

Mr. Lane nods coldly and walks away. He didn't even shake our hands before he left. Aliyah smiles at us apologetically and comes to hug me once again.

"He's a good man," She whispers in my ear. When she pulls away, she gives me a sly wink and my face reddens. She shakes Dabi's hand before she hurries behind Mr. Lane to the outdoor seating area where the rest of NNTV's administration and senior employees lounge.

And Dabi and I are alone once again.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece (Chapter 7)

Boundaries 💫

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x female oc, lov

status: ongoing

read this story on ao3

---

Dabi decides on an open-air Italian restaurant.

Before we could take our seats, I excuse myself.

His brows furrow. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," I assure him. "I just need to use the bathroom."

Dabi nods.

But as soon as he's out of sight, I call for the waitress from near the entrance. The woman pleasantly smiles as she comes over.

"Hi, how can I help you today?"

"One second please," I say as I dig through my wallet. "I'm from table 6. Could you charge my card when we're done?"

She makes note of that and puts the pen in her apron. "Of course, miss."

I smile as my fingers find the blue Visa card.

But just as I'm about to hand it to her, I feel someone grab my arm.

My eyes widen.

"What do you think you're doing?" Dabi's eyes narrow.

"What?" I say. "I'm just giving her my card."

"I know. Who said you could do that?"

I pull my arm from his grip. "I don't need permission."

Dabi frowns and stands between us. "I'm the one that asked you for dinner."

I avert his gaze, feeling small under his eyes. "Okay, and? I want to pay."

"Rina-"

"Come on, don't argue with me on this. You bought coffee last time. It's my turn. Besides," I say with a small smile. "I just got my first paycheck. I want to celebrate."

Not to mention that it's thanks to him that I still have a paycheck!

Dabi sighs. "That's why we're at dinner. Who spends their first paycheck on their boss?"

"I'm not spending it on my boss," I correct. "I'm spending it on my friend."

Dabi's eyes widen for a moment, but the look on his face is gone just as fast.

He puts his hands in his pockets and rolls his eyes. "You sure you wanna spend your first paycheck on me?"

A grin spreads across my face. I reach over him and hand the waitress my card.

"Absolutely positive."

---

"How'd you even know where I went?" I ask him as we make our way back to the table.

"You looked like you were up to something."

I smile.

Of course.

Dabi's worked with hundreds of people over the years. He told me he was good at reading people before, but I didn't know how good.

Or maybe I've never gotten close enough to anyone to feel so seen.

He rolls up his sleeves when the food arrives. My heart warms as he puts the appetizers in front of me.

"Hey," I tease him. "Just because I'm paying doesn't mean you should eat less."

Dabi scoffs. "Who said I'm eating less? I'm going to make you regret paying," There's a devilish grin on his face as he says it. "I have pretty expensive taste."

I laugh.

We both know the money he sent me will be more than enough for a simple dinner.

Even if it was at a three-star Michelin restaurant.

---

The evening is spent in laughs and the type of conversation I was beginning to think only Dabi was capable of. Which feels weird, because I remember Toga telling me Dabi wasn't the type to talk often. Or smile, for that matter.

But every time I tell myself maybe I'm mistaken about who he is...

He reminds me of why I was drawn to him in the first place.

"How's work going so far," He asks me in between bites. "Any problems?"

"No, everything's great." I tell him truthfully. "It's such a fun experience, and I love hanging out with everyone when I'm done. And you don't ask for as much as I thought you would, to be honest. Having so much free time makes me feel like you're still doing a lot yourself."

Dabi shrugs. "There's a lot I gotta take care of personally. Although to be honest, you're just really efficient. You finish everything so quickly. I was worried this would be too much for you but looks like it's manageable."

"Yeah, yeah definitely." I steal a shrimp from his plate. "What I'm trying to say is you could give me more. I can handle it."

Dabi nods but doesn't comment.

"Also," I begin. Should I bring it up? I should, right? Especially with how well the evening's going. Maybe he'll trust me.

He motions for me to go on.

"There's something I actually wanted to talk to you about.." I lower my voice so no one could accidentally hear anything.

Dabi takes a sip from his coke. "You keeping things from me?"

"It's not that, I just," I sigh. "I don't know if it's my place." He looks up at me, but I notice a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

"I just-" I start to get nervous.

"Talk."

"Dabi, I'm talking to you as a friend right now. Not an employee. But I'm worried about you."

Confusion floods his face yet again. "Me? Why would you?"

Is he being serious?

"You know," I look down to his hands, as if that should explain everything. He follows my gaze. Cautiously, I touch them. When he doesn't flinch, I hold them more confidently. "The blood, Dabi. The times you behave...differently."

I don't know how to describe it to him. I don't even know if he's aware of himself when he arrives angry or irritated. Not that I know much about it either, of course. He always appears with a scowl and disregards everyone but the person or two that disappear with him into his office.

And he doesn't come out.

"That's nothing." Dabi replies. But his voice is colder than before. "Don't worry."

It sounds more like a command than an assurance.

"You promise there's nothing for me to worry about?"

There's the slightest bit of hesitation.

But his resolve immediately turns to steel.

"We agreed." He says instead. "Rina, this has nothing to do with you."

I suppose I should be thankful. He could have said it in a worse way.

"I know," I let go of his hands. I swallow, taking small bites from my plate to ease the sudden tension in the air. "I'm sorry sir. It's none of my business. I just wanted to be sure you were okay."

"I'm okay." His face is unreadable. "Not exactly someone you should be worrying about, Rina."

I don't know what he means by that. Does he mean it's not my place? Is it because I work for him now?

I shake the thoughts out of my head. It's not like he would have told me if I wasn't his secretary.

Maybe he means it really isn't anything to worry about.

But the amount of scenarios I can think up to explain the blood...

"Yes sir."

I hear the clink of glass as Dabi starts eating again. "You regret treating me tonight yet?"

"No sir," I give him a soft smile. "That's not related to this at all."

He smiles too.

But I regret the wall I suddenly put between us.

---

"Thank you for the excellent service," I wave at the waitress. She seems baffled. "No, thank you for the tip, I don't even know what to say! Please come again!"

I feel warm as I leave the restaurant.

It may have been a big tip, but knowing it made her day makes me smile.

After all, the opportunity to work at the Blaze came unexpectedly. Least I could do is pass on some of my happiness to others.

"That was a lot," Dabi comments, watching the waitress' reaction through the glass. She was talking to some of the other employees and pointed our way, a huge smile on her face. "Even for a Michelin restaurant."

"Yeah but look at her," I smile. "She looks so happy."

Dabi shrugs and keeps walking.

I walk beside him, unsure of what to say. He's been much more quiet since I brought up the blood. The thought of him possibly treating me the way he treats the other workers fills my gut with more worry. Dabi's treated me so well till now because of our prior connection. And all he asked of me in response was to give him space and keep my lips sealed.

He's probably thinking about how he couldn't even trust me with that.

But before I can ask, I hear someone shout, "Rina!"

Dabi and I stop.

I turn around just in time to see a familiar someone throw their arms around me.

"Aliyah!" My eyes widen.

We've barely seen each other since I left NNTV. Occasionally, we'll get to have breakfast together before work. But she spends so much time in the NNTV studio, and I've increasingly been staying late at the Blaze, so even that was becoming a rarity.

"What are you doing here!" I ask her incredulously.

"We had a company dinner!" She exclaims. "You want to come say hi? Everyone will be so happy to see you!"

But I get a bad feeling in my stomach.

And as I look behind her, I find Mr. Lane watching me with narrowed eyes.

Uh oh.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece: Ch 6

Subtlety.

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x female oc, lov

status: ongoing

read this story on ao3

-----

Dabi comes more frequently after that.

I am relieved when I see he looks better - there's a smile on his face and he converses with the team more openly. Dabi even sends someone to grab us coffee and hands them out to us personally.

Jin swings his arms around Dabi's neck and the two banter back and forth for a while. As I watch the chemistry between the team, the original team, I feel a light pang in my heart. This must be what it's like to have real friends. I wish I had found them sooner. Instead of sticking around a man like Mr. Lane.

It was strange at first, hearing Dabi refer to us that way.

Mr. Lane only called us employees. Team sounds much friendlier. More warm.

Even though Dabi isn't always that way.

"You're in a good mood." I comment. I sit back against his desk. Dabi pushes his chair away to give me more space, looking pleased. But that only makes me more curious. "Am I allowed to know why?"

He motions for me to come closer. I give him my ear and he whispers, "I cut a really good deal."

My smile widens. As I pull back to look at him, his eyes shine with pride. "The son of a bitch wouldn't budge for weeks."

"That's good," I giggle. "I suppose that's why you've been able to spend more time with us recently."

The man contemplates that for a moment and shrugs. "You could say that, yeah."

Since he doesn't elaborate, I don't ask more questions. I'm careful about overstepping my bounds. Instead, we talk about current stock trends and various operations within the company.

"Say," Dabi begins later that evening. "Are you free tonight?"

"Me?" I ask as I put away his files. "Yeah of course. Is there something else you'd like me to do?"

"No, not like that." Dabi leans against the wall. His arms are crossed over his chest. "You've been here about a month now and all I've done is run you on errands."

There's an apologetic smile on the man's face.

I take a seat across from him. "It doesn't feel that way at all. Besides, you've been busy yourself, sir."

"Again with the sir?" He teases.

"Stop," I get flustered. It does feel a little weird calling Dabi sir given our conversations before I was his secretary. Not to mention the fact that we're the same age. But I get nervous calling him just Dabi as well, now that I work for him. I don't want to do anything that might jeopardize my relationship with him, or get me fired. "I told you I'm still trying to get NNTV out my system."

"Well Ms. Aoki," Dabi says, suddenly extremely formal. I roll my eyes at his act, knowing its in response to my own formality. "Would you care to have dinner tonight?"

The thought brings a playful smile to my face. "Ah, so you finally have time for me?"

It's his turn to get flustered.

"You're my secretary, you know how busy I am!"

But I don't know what you're busy doing... I want to say back.

The distance between me and Dabi seemed more evident once I started working here. I suppose meeting a stranger and connecting with him instantly gives you a certain impression about what your relationship would be like in the future.

But Dabi, who once felt like he could be my friend, now feels increasingly...untouchable. Like he has his own world outside of the company that I knew nothing about.

Part of me is happy for him. Watching Mr. Lane do nothing but think of NNTV all these years made me feel like a CEO was a miserable position. But with Dabi, it doesn't feel that way. He doesn't look as overwhelmed with the company as someone else in his shoes might be.

Which brings me to the other point.

There's something weird about Dabi. There's been several instances where he'd come to the company deep into the night, with bits of blood on his shirt. Occasionally, there will be a strong smell of smoke - and I know it's not from the cigarettes.

There are times when he angrily walks in, ignoring everyone - and calls for Tenko or Atsuhiro to follow him to his office.

Other times, I hear he is in the building, but he's nowhere to be seen.

Whatever it is - there's more to Dabi than the Blaze.

That much I figured out.

But as worried as I get, as long as he comes around sometimes with more than an aloof expression on his face and silence on his tongue, then that's what matters to me.

I become even more grateful that he would choose to spend the little time he has free with me.

"Let's go Dabi," I smile, gaining the courage to drop the sir for now and link my arm with his. "Before you get busy on me again." I explain quickly.

Dabi is surprised by the gesture, glancing between me and our linked arms quizzically.

But he smirks when I pretend it's nothing.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece - Chapter 5

Concern

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x female oc, lov

status: ongoing

It's been two weeks since I started working at The Blaze and I've barely seen Dabi.

I'll often get a text from him and proceed to reply with a status report, notify him of new materials in our possession, process legal documents or whatever else he needs of me at the time.

I felt a little disappointed. After all, he was my first friend here. But now, I don't exactly know the line between joking as friends and being mindful of the fact that he's my superior, and that I depend on him for a livelihood.

But perhaps that's just me projecting my fears onto him. He gave me no indication that he would ever treat me the way Mr. Lane did. On the contrary, he treats us all pretty well (although I discovered he's usually not the friendliest person).

It was confusing at first, corresponding with him so little. From what I heard, he has things to take care of outside of the office. But that's as far as the conversation usually goes. No one questions it and no one volunteers any other information.

But over time (and thanks to Toga and Atsuhiro's constant instruction) I got used to how this place runs.

More importantly, it's so much more fun working here than at NNTV. I didn't realize how exciting it would be to work at such an unpredictable company - but every day, someone announces something crazy - like how we acquired a new million dollar pearl or the original letters of Winston Churchill and my mouth drops in awe.

"As much as I love the outfit, don't you want to wear something a little more exciting?" Atsuhiro asks.

I laugh, running my hands down my pencil skirt. "I know, I know. But I'm not used to coming to work in anything else."

Although I have taken some liberties with how I wear my hair. Mr. Lane would always yell if I had it in anything other than a tight bun. But being able to put it in a ponytail, let it down, or however else I feel like wearing it has felt so...liberating. "Maybe one day." I promise him.

We spend the day going through inventory and meeting potential clients.

As part of Dabi's personal staff - Toga, Atsuhiro, Tenko, Jin and I have a lot more privileges than the regular employees. Aside from the lax hours, the lack of formality and uniform, and of course, the pay - Dabi lets us have our say in how things are run. We have our own offices, but we usually end up chilling together in the executive lounge.

The more hands-on and relaxed nature of the job makes time pass quickly. I'll often stay long after I'm done with Dabi's orders for the day.

8pm, and I sit on the lounge's reception desk, holding a yogurt cup and laughing with the rest of the team as Jin told us about his college escapades.

Suddenly, I catch someone moving in the corner of my eye. I look toward the lounge's window and spot a dark-haired figure walking across the hall.

"Is that...Mr. Dabi?" I ask.

Atsuhiro looks back and grins. "Finally shows up."

I get off the desk and toss the cup into the trash.

"I better go. He probably has something for me." I say. "I'll see you guys later."

They wave me off as I follow Dabi into his office.

---

I give the door a knock before entering.

"Come in," Dabi calls out.

I enter, holding the documents I've filed for him in the past 2 weeks.

Dabi looks through his drawers. His brows are knit together and there's a frown on his face.

"Sir?"

He looks up, a small smile appearing on his lips when he sees me. "Rina."

"Welcome back boss." I grin. Seeing his frown disappear encourages me to lighten the mood a little so I make my way to his desk. "What're you looking for?"

He scratches the back of his head. "The papers from the deal we made last week, I n-"

Immediately, I pull the file from the stack in my arms and place it in front of him.

He sighs in relief.

"Where have you been all my life?"

I laugh. "I'm surprised you didn't have a secretary before me. You're always losing things."

He leans back in his chair. "Wasn't always like this. But as the company grew, I've gotten busier. More to keep track of."

"I know," I say softly, looking down. "You're so busy I haven't seen you since we signed the contract."

Dabi nods and lets out another sigh. I can't help noticing he looks tired compared to the last time I saw him. There are dark bags under his eyes and his gaze seem less...here. As if he's thinking of something else.

But as I share with him all the new developments the company's had in the last few weeks, he tries to comment more than one word replies and lets me know he's pleased with our progress.

But as I replace one of the copies I'm showing him, I suddenly spot a red patch on the hem of his sleeve.

"Sir," My eyes widen. "You're bleeding."

His brows raise in surprise as he looks at his wrist.

"Oh," He says, his eyes lingering on the spot for a moment before putting his hands in his pockets. "Don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?" I ask hesitantly. "Should I go grab a first aid kit? I could get you a new shirt, too."

Dabi shakes his head. "No need, finish what you were saying."

I bite my lip. As I watch him, the bags under his eyes seem darker than they were a moment ago.

"Sir," I whisper. "Are you sure you're okay?"

I hope he understands from my tone that I mean more than the blood on his shirt. He's been away for two weeks.

I want to ask more, but I remember the condition he gave me earlier.

Stay out of his private business.

But Dabi merely nods in response and opens another folder.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece: Chapter 4

The Deal

gang! au / ceo! au

characters: dabi x female oc, lov

status: ongoing

"What is the meaning of this, Ms. Aoki?"

I took a deep breath and forced a smile on my face. "I quit sir."

My letter of resignation sat unopened on his desk.

He blinked. "And may I ask why?"

"This isn't really what I imagined it to be. I just feel like it's time."

"Ah. I take it you got a better offer somewhere else then?"

Well, that isn't really the truth. Dabi didn't say it was a better offer. My pay won't be this high. But remembering the way Mr. Lane held my salary over my head, knowing I wouldn't find a better package elsewhere...

The devil tempts me.

"Yes sir."

"May I ask what company?"

I swallow. I can't tell him. What if he knows Dabi? What if he figures out its a much smaller business?

Oh Satan.

"I've received multiple offers and haven't decided which one I want to commit to yet."

"I see."

Adrenaline runs down my spine. I hold my head up a little higher, even though most of what I'm saying is an extreme...let's call it exaggeration.

"How much are they offering? I'll match it."

Pfffffft. Now? After he cut my salary?

"I'm sorry sir, I already-"

"I'll double your salary."

Double?!

No.

Shut up, Rina.

You chose this.

He'll only put you through more hell.

Plus - hello?! Are you forgetting his silence about the Todoroki company?!

"Sir." I say slowly, remembering my conversation with Dabi at Du Monde that night. Money isn't everything. "It's not just about the money. I want to explore other work environments."

Mr. Lane grunts. He takes his glasses off his ugly scrunched up face and sets them on the desk. "Okay. Very well then."

I smile.

"I haven't given my two weeks notice so if you'd like-"

"No that won't be necessary. You can go from now." I don't miss the bitterness in his voice - but who cares? Certainly not me.

"Thank you sir."

I shake his hand one final time before walking out the room with newfound excitement.

I'm free - free!

I hurry out the building, waving to people I once called my friends.

Although friends isn't really accurate.

It's more like friendly professionalism.

The only friend I have here is Aliyah, but we're roommates so it's not like I won't see her again. Of course, by the time we both get home we're too tired to talk or do much else but knock out. There'll be no more lunch breaks or late night crashing, watching the crazy guests of The Midnight Show.

But that's the price of freedom.

I strut out onto the New York CIty streets with my sunglasses on and an iced latte in my hand. My smile feels bigger than its ever been before. The click of my heels doesn't sound as annoying as it did over the glass floors of NNTV.

I feel giddy.

I treat myself and hail a cab to my next destination. I can worry about public transportation tomorrow or something. For now, let me live the moment.

"Where ya goin?" The man asks gruffly.

I grin. "178 West Halle's St."

With a heavy groan from the engine, we rode towards a new beginning.

---

The address Dabi gave me wasn't too far away. About a 20 min cab ride.

The chiseled white stone that decorated the building's exterior already stood in stark contrast to the glass and steel modern make-up of the NNTV building.

But it struck me that there was no logo or brand markers on the outside of the building. I pulled out his card again to make sure the address was right.

Yup.

178.

The Blaze.

I shrug.

Maybe they're a smaller company than I thought.

"Woah!" I hear a scream as I enter the lobby.

I turn around to find a blonde-haired girl with an eccentric grin stare back at me. "Are you the new recruit?"

I blink and look from her to the other employees that slowly fill into the lobby. They all eye me curiously.

"I think so? My name is Rina Aoki. I'm here for Mr....Dabi?"

"Yes, yes Dabi told us about you! My name is Toga - welcome! Oh we had no idea you'd get all dressed up!" My eyes widen as she takes me in for a huge hug.

"Thank you," I tell her graciously when we pull away.

Dressed up? I think. I'm wearing standard businesswear - a white blouse with a navy blue blazer and pencil skirt.

But as I look around, I suddenly realize what she means.

Toga herself is dressed in what looks like a school girl's uniform. The others in the back wear regular slacks and simple shirts. The only people wearing businesswear are the ones who remain at their desks, as if I'm not even here.

The rest of the employees follow suit and welcome me to my position. At the sight of their faces, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. The smiles, the hugs! I remember my first day at NNTV - all I got where courteous handshakes from my colleagues.

I'm enjoying this already.

"When will I see Mr. Dabi?"

They all laugh at that. "You don't have to call him Mr! His ego's big enough as is."

I laugh along nervously - unsure of whether they're joking or not.

"He's taking care of some things and should be here soon. I think he'll be discussing the contract before you begin. In the meantime, let's show you around."

I nod.

They take me throughout the building. It's a lot more modest than NNTV (and much quieter) but I can't say I'm upset about that. The decor feels more like an 18th century manor than a NYC building, with mahogany desks and big, cozy chairs. The walls are dressed in homey colors - beige, burgundy and white rather than NNTV's sleek and simple black and white.

The people behind the desks smile so warmly at me that their eyes seem to shine.

"It's so beautiful," I say dreamily as she takes me through the hallways. My mouth drops when I see a gorgeous Roman bust on a plinth.

"Is that real?!"

Toga seems confused by the question. "Of course. Did Dabi not tell you what we work with here?"

I close my mouth. "He mentioned it but I had no idea he was referring to historical pieces like this!"

Toga quickly shakes her head. "Oh no, we don't just do antiques. Our collections are very broad in scope. That's why our customers pay top dollar for our service."

I nod in amazement. So this is a luxury trading company then?

I'm lowkey shocked at how Toga, who seems to enjoy a high position among Dabi's staff, could wear a simple, flowy skirt and a student's top while the regular employees dress in company uniform.

But Dabi did say this wasn't a regular company.

"Oh, speak of the devil!" Toga suddenly says. "Look who it is!"

I look up to see Dabi enter the room.

He's dressed in an elegant bespoke suit, with a matching tie around his neck. His eyes are as intense ever, but his lips are pulled in an aloof line. Those behind the desks suddenly stand up as he enters. But Dabi ignores them, making his way toward me and Toga.

He wears a much more serious expression than our previous meetings. But then again, I've never seen him at work before.

"Toga," Dabi nods.

Then, his eyes meet mine. I quickly reach my hand out to him.

"It's nice to see you again."

My heart beats faster. Am I nervous? I was never nervous around him before.

Yeah, you idiot. I tell myself. It's because you didn't realize the guy had so much...power. From the way he walks to the way he commands respect when he enters a room - he suddenly has a much different air now than he did before.

"Rina," The ghost of a smile reaches his lips as he shakes my hand. "Glad you made it. Come, let's discuss your contract."

I look to Toga - which feels weird. Dabi's my contact person here, not Toga! Why am I anxious?

But Toga gives me a huge smile and flashes me a thumbs up as Dabi leads me to his office.

---

"How do you like the place so far?" Dabi asks, his voice even as he sits behind his desk.

I stand by the door, holding the knob. "Do you want me to keep it open or-"

"You can close it."

I shut the door behind us and take a seat across from him. "Yeah, it's great. Everyone's so friendly, too - I'm really excited to start."

Dabi nods and leans forward. "Good...okay, uh, let's see."

His eyes rake over the desk, as if looking for something.

I tilt my head. "Sir?"

"Right. Yeah - so I could have sworn I put your contract here earlier," As his brows knit together in confusion, I get a flash of the Dabi I met at Du Monde. "But now..." He mutters. "I'm not so sure."

And that makes me smile.

"Ah. I can see why you needed a secretary."

He glances up at me. His eyes are serious for a moment.

But then that turquoise shines with mischief. "Careful, Rina. We haven't gotten to your salary negotiation yet."

"Right sir," I nod, but slowly feeling more at ease. "I'll save my comments for after the salary negotiation then."

His lips curl as he flips through the files.

I glance between him and the papers the whole time. And suddenly, in the midst of his looking, I spot something.

I reach out and pull a document from the midst of one of the folders.

"Is this it, sir?"

He looks up, eyes scanning the paper quickly before raising a brow in surprise. "I might just take this into account when we discuss your salary, Ms. Aoki," Dabi says as he takes the paper from me. I grin as he writes a few things in the corner of the paper, raising my chin just a little higher when he sets the pen down and gives me his attention.

"Now, before we begin," He says, his eyes serious again. "As you know, I've never had a secretary before. I imagine we'll be spending a lot of time together from now on. As my secretary, you'll have access to parts of me that the rest of the company doesn't have access to. Conversations with my associates, personal files and private meetings. Restricted data. I'm going to put a lot of trust in you and expect you to fully prove yourself deserving of that trust."

I nod in understanding.

"That means all company operations, any conversations we have, all data from stocks, clientele, item intake - even what I had for breakfast - is not to be shared with anyone without direct instructions from me. Including other employees here."

I think to the people I met outside. "All of them? I saw Toga and a few others seemed to be-"

Dabi waves his hand. "Toga and the rest of my team are a bit of a different case. You won't have to worry about them. But for now, as a rule of thumb, nothing about me or this company leaves this building. And nothing I share with you is to be shared with any third parties without prior approval. Ever. Okay?"

I nod.

But Dabi's eyes don't leave mine. The intensity in them almost intimidates me.

"Just so we're clear." His voice lowers. "I take my team's trust very seriously. Nothing happens in this company without my knowledge, so when people think they could get away with sharing private information, there are consequences."

The way he says consequences sends a chill down my spine.

"Yes sir."

"Good," He relaxes. "Now that that's out of the way. As a member of my personal team, you really don't have to dress so formally. Up to you, of course. But the option is there.

"Also - hours. Your hours will be a lot more lax than at NNTV, I'm guessing. My schedule's a little unpredictable so I don't know how much I'll need you. But it will vary from day to day. Sometimes I'll be taking care of personal business and may not need you to come in. Other times, I could ask you to stay a little late or come in a little early. Is that fine with you?"

"I think so? If I have a hard time catching up though..." My voice trails, hoping he'll get the hint.

Dabi nods. "I want you at your best, so tell me if that happens. I like honesty so don't act like everything's fine if you find yourself struggling."

I smile. "Thank you."

"And now for your salary - how much did you make under Lane?"

"Around 90-110,000 a year, sir."

"So as I mentioned, I can't match that right now because we're significantly smaller than NNTV."

"Right."

"However," He goes on. "I'm thinking we can start with 80k, with room for further negotiation in the future. Does that sound fair?"

My eyes widen. 80k is a lot more than I expected. To be honest, my salary was extremely extravagant in comparison to other secretarial posts. When he said he wouldn't be able to match my salary, I thought he'd pay me around 50-65k. But 80k!

That's not bad at all.

"Yes oh my god - thank you!" My words jumble into each other. I playfully point my finger at him. "I'll hold you to that!"

Dabi grins. "By all means."

As he passes me the forms, I quickly go through them, signing by the X's.

In a much more casual manner, the man leans forward and rests his chin on his hands.

"By the way."

"Yes sir?"

He smirks. "No one on my team here really calls me sir."

"So I've heard," So I lean forward as well, trailing my fingers on his desk. "But rumor has it that it really helps your ego."

At that, Dabi laughs for the first time today.

"Is it too late to readjust your salary?"

"Already signed," I stick my tongue out.

He shakes his head, chuckling as he fixes his blazer.

"Now that that's taken care of - I'm really busy, so I have to run. I wanted you here today so you could get used to everything for now. Toga will help you in the meantime. I have some other matters to attend to, but I'll let you know when I need you."

"Yes sir."

We shake hands again.

Just as he's about to leave, I quickly call out, "Dabi!"

He stops and turns to look at me over his shoulder.

"Thank you," I tell him quietly. "You didn't have to do all of this."

Dabi blinks and turns back around.

"What can I say?" He opens the door. "You bought me a really good cup of coffee."

[fritae]

The Missing Piece: Chapter 3

The Offer

Gang! AU / Corporate! AU

Characters: Dabi x female OC

Status: ongoing

The man gingerly hands me a coffee and I sigh.

"You okay now?" He raises a brow.

We're deep in a random alley, sandwiched between two old, gray buildings. The smell of trash is inescapable, so much so that opening my mouth feels wrong. I pinch my nose to spare myself the suffering.

He digs into his pocket and pulls out a Marlboro box. "Here," He says, handing me a cigarette. "Might help a bit."

We both smoke in silence for a bit. It doesn't completely overpower the smell, but at least it's distracting.

I remember to breathe.

"Wanna talk about it?" He asks.

"Yeah," And I really do. Part of me wishes Aliyah was around. But at the same time, I don't want to drag her into my problems at work. Especially considering she actually enjoys her job. Maybe talking to him is different because I know he's far removed from all of this chaos. "But at least tell me a bit about yourself first. Can't be pouring my soul out with a stranger now, can I?"

I expect him to question it. He's the one helping me now, do I really have the right to ask?

But instead he nods.

"Fair," He says. "What do you want to know?"

"Let's start with the basics. Name, age, what you do for a living? Those kinda things."

"I go by Dabi. I'm 24." He thinks for a moment. "And I run a business."

Straight to the point. I look him up and down. He did mention he was some kind of boss during our last meeting. But compared to the freshly tailored suit he wore last time, he now looks underdressed. The black leather jacket he wears complements his shoulders, but makes him look slightly mischevious as well.

"Just Dabi? What's your full name?"

"Just Dabi."

"Ah," I mumble. "What kinda business do you run?"

"I deal with services you won't typically find on the market. I have a very specific clientele."

"I see."

What does that mean? He could be trading anything from luxury cheeses to drugs. Should I ask?

No. If he wanted to, he'd have been more specific, I tell myself. We are still strangers, after all.

"And you?" He interrupts me from my thoughts.

"Rina, also 24, and I work in the broadcasting industry."

"Rina...?" His voice trails off expectantly.

"Just Rina," I cross my arms.

He rolls his eyes but there's a soft smile on his face. "Okay, just Rina. It's nice to see you again." He holds out his hand to me.

And there it is. The same ease in my chest that I felt during our first conversation. Like we could be old friends.

It feels a little silly, but I shake his hand with a smile.

"Ready to talk now?"

I sigh at the memory of today, a shaky breath leaving my chest.

"My boss just sucks. Well," I ponder over that for a moment. "Technically my whole industry sucks." I tell him as I sit down on the cement. He nods for me to go on.

"All he does is shout orders, it's like we're his dogs or something. And everything's about profit. Profit, ratings, numbers. I joined this industry thinking it was about the human connection - sharing stories and exploring the best parts of humanity, you know? But..." I laugh bitterly. "Misleading the public and covering up for evil rich people is fine, as long as it gets the ratings up apparently."

"Is this everything piling up or did something specific happen today?" He looks at me.

"Well," I rub my neck, unsure of how much to say. "I found out one of the companies we're working with was just...disgusting. They have this image, you know, that they're always giving back and care a lot about people, and then you find out their projects are doing a lot of harm. But my boss doesn't care." I chuckle bitterly. "He called it 'an alternate image.' Everything's about creating an image. It doesn't matter if this figure people trust isn't deserving of their trust. Kids are being abused under his company and he-"

Something flashes in Dabi's eyes that worries me.

I stop.

"What?"

He shakes his head, putting the cigarette back in his mouth. "Nothing. Go on."

"You know who I'm talking about don't you." I ask quietly.

Dabi clears his throat. "I heard a couple stories. Not sure if..." He studies my face for confirmation. "...we're talking about the same person though."

"Let's not talk about this then, I'm not supposed to-"

"Enji Todoroki?"

My eyes widen.

"How'd you know that?" I hiss, looking around us to make sure no one was listening. "My friend told me it wasn't public knowledge."

He takes a casual puff of his cigarette. "It's the Todorokis. All the executives in this area have high stakes in the company. I'm surprised it's reached you though." He raises a brow. "Is your friend a shareholder or something?"

My blood turns to ice. I can't tell him she picks up this kinda thing from gossip!

"Uh, she-" I swallow. "She had, you know- there was-"

Dabi looks at me. At the sight of my flustered face, a small smile appears on his lips. "Guess it traveled past the shareholders."

I sigh. Could he be...? No. Right? No shareholder would be wasting time like this with a random person they met. And besides, I remember. What shareholder would forget their wallet before going to a cafe?

But I ask just in case.

"You...aren't a shareholder, are you?"

"No."

I sigh in relief. I shouldn't be spreading something like this anyway, but if I had been talking about it to a shareholder in the company... I shake my head. Thank God. That would have been embarrassing. Not to mention potentially dangerous.

Then another thought occurs to me.

"But if you're not a shareholder then how-"

"Know a couple shareholders."

I play with my fingers to calm myself down. "Right."

Dabi puts out his cigarette.

"Who'd you say your boss was again?"

"I didn't." I say quickly.

He gives me a look.

"What?" I feel small under his gaze. "I can't talk shit about him and say his name too. That's too much."

"Mr. Lane, isn't it?"

My mouth drops in shock. "There is no way you could have guessed-"

Dabi laughs, and the the image is a welcome sight compared to the Dabi that stood before me a moment ago.

"Are you forgetting you announced his name to all of New York an hour ago?"

I feel my cheeks grow hot. I lightly tap at them to hide the redness. "What is wrong with me today..."

"It's fine, he treats you like shit. You can curse him out."

I rub my arm. "He's still my boss, you know. It feels wrong."

Dabi scoffs.

I stay quiet.

Watching the change in my expression, he sighs and puts his hands in his pockets. "You still remember what you said to me last time?"

I try to think back. "What?"

"You done taking orders from people?"

I look to my hands, my chest feeling heavier all of a sudden. "That was just me dreaming. He...my boss cut my salary today. As a lesson. I wish I could..." I sigh. "I don't know, take a proper stand or something. But if I so much as walk in a minute late tomorrow, he'll fire me. He made the threat loud and clear."

Dabi's eyes narrow and he sits down beside me. "I don't give a shit what he says he'll do. I want to know what you want to do."

I look at him. Dabi's eyes peer into mine, the blue looking almost like fire. He's a man, I tell myself. His own boss. He can afford to not care about anyone else's opinion. Do I have that luxury?

"Yeah," I whisper. "I'm getting...tired of all of this."

He nods. "When you say you're in the broadcasting industry, what exactly do you do?"

"I'm a secretary. I manage my boss's schedule, figure out how to make the company look good- optimize our operations considering what the competition is doing, make sure nothing goes wrong. Stuff like that."

Dabi looks like he's deep in thought.

"Dabi...?"

He leans in closer all of a sudden, as if sharing a secret. "You want to work for me?"

My eyes widen. "For you? I-I don't even know what you do exactly, how do you know I'll-"

"I don't have a secretary. Could use one, to be honest. Operations are growing and I don't have the mind to stay on top of it all. I could use someone with your experience."

I think.

"To be fair, I won't pay you what he's paying you." He says frankly. But then, with a devilish grin on his face - "But you could say the business environment makes up for it."

"You're being serious right now?"

"Yes," He says exasperated. "Are you trying to convince me otherwise?"

"No, no!" I say quickly. "It's just, I'm so surprised I-"

"Oh but one more thing before you agree," Dabi raises a finger. Something shifts in his expression. "Everyone having more freedom at my enterprise also means more privacy. I won't question what you do outside of your tasks, there'll be no yelling or micromanaging you or any of that."

"Are you kidding? That's- that's great!"

"It also means I expect you to stay out of my business."

"Oh," My expression falls. What exactly does that mean? With Mr. Lane I didn't really question him much. But my job did significant involve managing his business as well as personal day to day affairs. But this is better for me, right? Less work and more space between me and my boss. That's exactly what I wanted.

"Yeah, of course. I understand."

Dabi keeps going. "You'll find we aren't exactly a traditional company. We're pretty small compared to what you're used to. There's a lot of room for individuality. But the nature of the business is you're part of the team, you do your work - however you complete it, I don't care - but the most important thing is what needs to get done, gets done without questions. Okay?"

"Yes sir," I nod.

He grins.

[fritae]

The Missing Piece:

Chapter 2 - Frustration

Gang leader! AU / Corporate! AU

Characters: Dabi x F/OC

Status: Ongoing

a/n: hey guys! so I'm playing with this idea and I'm not sure if I'm conveying it properly, but I hope you enjoy regardless! this story's really fun to write and I'm excited for what's to come! I'd really appreciate any feedback 🖤 thanks!

---

"Call Mr. Tobiro, tell him we're airing a new program next month" Mr. Lane tells me as we hurry through the halls.

I get confused. Didn't we resolve all this new program talk last week? I know the ratings still bother Mr. Lane, but enough to go against the board?"

"Sir, is this-"

"No. I'm not replacing any of the current shows. It'll be during the special programming slot on Saturday," He scowls. "A 2 hour special documentary about the Todoroki corp's amazing work these past few years. You know how popular the company is."

Something about this makes me uneasy. Why would he decide this out of nowhere?

His commands jolt me back to reality. "Make sure he adjusts the schedule and starts airing commercials. I want huge ratings, Ms. Aiko. We don't spend all this money to have another company show us up."

An intern quickly hands me Mr. Lane's morning coffee. I mouth a thank you and follow him to his office.

I place the coffee on his desk as he shouts on. I spot another employee carrying files for Mr. Lane. Her hands shake, as if she's trying to decide whether or not to drop them off now. We lock eyes through the glass and I decide for her.

Not now, I shake my head from behind Mr. Lane. Her eyes widen and she nods before quickly hurrying off.

"Are you listening to me, Ms. Aoki?

"Yes sir. I'll call Mr. Tobiro right away."

I keep a straight face as he shouts for the delay. As soon as I find an opening, I go out to call our corporate lawyer.

---

During lunch break, I head down to the cafeteria. I smile when I spot Aliyah and the crew. We tried to sync our lunch breaks to ensure we had some time together during the day (though we at times have to work through our breaks). It makes work feel less lonely.

"Rina!" She exclaims when I grab the seat beside her.

"We finally have some time together," I laugh before hugging her.

"Those bastards work you like a dog," She grumbles.

"You too," I pick at my salad. "Your hours are worse than mine."

"Yeah but I don't have the boss barking orders at me every second of the day. Rina's the real champ here, guys." She tells the table. The others clap at that, and we all share a laugh through mouths full of food.

As a couple executives make their way past our table, we stand up and smile at them in respect. But watching our smiles fall as soon as they walked away made me feel bitter.

"I hate how they treat us like trash and we still have to smile and kiss up to them." I whisper.

Al nods immediately. "But it's whatever. The more you kiss up, the better they'll pay you."

I don't respond to that.

Instead, I think back to the stranger I met last night.

Then what you want isn't money. You want more. He told me.

But the amount they pay us should be enough that we take whatever they throw at us.

Right? I mean, this is why everyone dreams of working here.

"Oh, by the way did you guys hear?" Aliyah suddenly whispers. "You know that multibillion dollar company uptown? Todoroki Inc.?"

"The one with all those charity projects?"

Todoroki Inc. was a big name in the industry. Their extreme success is known worldwide - but they're really known for their philanthropic branch: including building orphanages for the poor, handing out 6 figure donations, and the famous Boku no Hero Academia - where they train leaders in every industry to become tomorrow's changemakers, or as they call it "heroes."

Aliyah voice gets lower, a mischievous smile on her face.

"Except turns out Mr. Todoroki has been caught up in major lawsuits these past few months."

I frown. "For what?"

"Apparently there's been several child abuse cases at the orphanages he sponsors."

All around the table, our mouths drops. Usually lunchtime gossip involves the newest couples or breakups of the day. But this...

This has severe implications.

I'm not surprised that Al knows this. She interacts most directly with our guests and stars meaning she's in on a lot of industry gossip. But still...a major lawsuit like this?

"Is this real or is it one of your rumors?" Someone asks her suspiciously.

"It's as real as you or me! I saw videos . Trust me. There's plenty of people with beef against the company. Big boss Todoroki spent heavy money to keep it all hush-hush. But word travels quickly." She leans back in her seat with a smug look on her face. "We'll see how much power Enji really has by how quietly this unfolds."

"That's disgusting." I push my salad away, my appetite gone. "He can't get away with something like that. Where's the accountability?"

"There is no accountability, sweetheart. That's the way it works. You got money and power, you can get yourself out of anything. Besides, Enji has a reputation. He's got supporters everywhere, people see him as a hero because of all these charity projects."

"But they don't know what's happening in those projects!"

Suddenly, I remember something.

The special program!

I have to tell Mr. Lane. If this is really what's happening, we can't air something like this. It'll give people a false image of what the company stands for. Charity projects that have no proper supervision and that serve as places of abuse should never be celebrated.

"I- I have to go. I'll see you later Al, good luck with your schedule today!"

"But-"

"Sorry, I just remembered something I have to do."

I can't let her know about the program just yet. If I'm lucky, it hasn't been formalized into our official programming. I need to get to Mr. Lane before it does...

---

"Mr. Lane!" I barge into his office.

My boss looks up from his desk, slightly concerned at the look on my face. I slow down to catch my breath.

"Sir, about the Todoroki programming you want to set up. We need to cancel it sir, there's- there's a huge lawsuit going on. The orphanages - the kids are being mistreated sir, please-"

Mr. Lane leans back in his seat.

"Ms. Aoki, relax. That's not your concern. The deal is done."

"Sir...this will give a false image of Mr. Todoroki and his company."

"It's not a false image, it's an alternate image. That's what this whole industry is about. Mr. Todoroki is not responsible for what his managers do. And unless you're speaking with legal authority, I suggest you end this conversation now, Ms. Aoki."

"But sir! A program like this will give people cause to celebrate Todoroki Inc., rather than properly probe into these issues. What about the kids? The victims? Sir, please- this is about more than just-"

"This conversation is over, Ms. Aoki."

I try to think of another argument quickly. What else, what else. What could this nimrod possibly care about.

"But sir!" I say quickly. "If this blows up and becomes public knowledge, what will the people say about our company? It'll be bad for our name, we'll lose the respect we have in the industry, don't you think?"

Mr. Lane lets out a deep sigh. "Ms. Aoki, I know you're smarter than this. If the lawsuits go public..." I get worried by the excitement thrumming behind his eyes. "More people will tune in to watch the program. Everyone will be eager to see the other side. If we play our cards right the ratings will be-"

I scoff.

Mr. Lane stops speaking. The sudden ice in his eyes makes my bones go cold, but for once, I can't back down.

"The ratings?" I almost laugh. "Sir, I'm telling you there's kids being abused due to this man's lack of accountability, and you want to use that for profit? What about the truth? What about justice!"

"To hell with truth and to hell with justice!" He slams his fist. Mr. Lane gets up to tower over me. "I make the decisions here, Ms. Aoki. Your job isn't to advise me or to babble on about bullshit like the truth. This is a broadcasting company, and your job is to maximize profits - that's it! Got it?"

I feel my face grow hot.

"You've been running on thin ice for a while now, Ms. Aoki," His voice gets dangerously low.

I bite my tongue.

"I can assure you that no other company would give you the benefits package we've given you. It seems we've spoiled you, haven't we? That's why you're comfortable running your mouth like this."

"Sir, I-"

"I'll see to it that your salary is adjusted appropriately until you learn your lesson. And I warn you," He says through clenched teeth. "I see any of this behavior again, you'll be asking for much more than a salary reduction, Ms. Aoki. Got it?"

-----

Emotions I didn't know I could feel bubble within me. Hatred and rage boil deep in my core. But what can I do? What can I do.

I look from left to right. Trying to find something, anything to throw. Anything to take my anger out on. But when I find nothing, I hurry to the edge of Du Monde's roof. My chest heaves with the weight of my anger.

And as I overlook all of Midtown, and the entire city seems to be under me, I scream.

I scream and then I scream again.

I let out every trapped word that's been aching to escape.

All the swear words stuck to the back of my throat for years.

I release it all into the sky, knowing the wind will carry it for miles.

"Fuck you Mr. Lane!" I screech. "You no good fucking bald-headed, stout faced little piece of-"

"Woah!" I hear someone say.

Suddenly, a pair of arms pulls me back by the waist, as if to restrain me.

Of course, this does nothing but infuriate me more.

"Who the fuck- let me go! Let me go before I fucking rip every single finger off your hands and shove them-"

"Easy!" The voice says again, before releasing me on the ground. "Don't stand so close to the edge, idiot. You could fall."

"If I fucking fall, I want everyone to know it's Mr. Lane's fault! Fucking sue NNTV and put the Court verdict over my fucking grave so I know-"

"Hey! Look at me." The headless voice says. "No one's fucking fall-" He lets out an exasperated sigh. "Listen. I need you to calm down."

I scoff. Calm down? Is he telling me to calm down? With clenched teeth, I turn around. Ready to throw all my fury at this intruder. "Who the hell do you think you are? Don't you dare tell me to calm-"

My mouth drops when I lock eyes with the slightly concerned stranger.

With those electrifying blue orbs.

No.

This isn't a stranger.

Not a total stranger at least.

The man I bought coffee for last week at Du Monde stares back at me.

"...down."

A smile plays on his lips. "Hey. So you remember me."

"What..." I let out an annoyed breath, though it's not as angry as it was a moment ago. "...are you doing here?"

A toothpick sticks out of the corner of his mouth. He pulls it out as he ponders over my question. "Well, I was doing business. And then you decided to let all of New York know you were crazy."

I scoff. "You haven't seen crazy." I mumble.

"You got quite the mouth on ya," He smirks. "A little loud..." He tilts his head, as if considering again. "But you're honest."

I cross my arms and look toward the skyline, ignoring the people cautiously watching us from the other side of the glass. They can whisper to themselves about how crazy I am. This is New York. No one will remember this by tomorrow.

"Thanks. Now if you don't mind, I have other crazy things to do. And don't you have a business to run? People to be an ass to?"

The man tilts his head, as though slightly disappointed. But his lips remain curled. "Now come on. I've been hoping to run into you and you want to leave so soon?"

I frown. "Why would you want to run into me? You aren't a creep, are you?" I ask suspiciously.

"Creep?" He shoots me a pointed look. "There you go making a guy regret being nice," He tsks. "I was hoping to pay you back for the coffee."

He still remembers that?

"You know what," I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Normally I'd say no need. But considering I'm probably gonna be jobless soon, I might just take you up on that."

"Well then," He stands up and offers me a hand. "I don't know how much crazy you still got left in ya so let's go somewhere a little closer to the ground."