7. Revelations in the Dark

                                    

                                          
Info: slight angst
Dabi stepped out of the shower, steam curling around him like a soft embrace. He ran a hand through his damp hair, the water droplets glistening on his skin as he moved. The quiet of the dorm was only punctuated by the muffled sounds of the outside world, but suddenly, a fragile sound reached his ears-Tomura's voice, hoarse and trembling. 
Curiosity piqued, Dabi grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist, padding softly towards Tomura's room. The door was ajar, a sliver of light spilling into the dimly lit hallway. He pushed it open gently, peering inside. 
Tomura sat curled up on his bed, hunched over with his knees drawn to his chest. His usual bravado seemed to have slipped away, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. Dabi couldn't remember the last time he had seen Tomura like this-clad in just a thin black shirt, his blue hair tousled, and eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Hey," Dabi started, his voice low and soothing as he sauntered into the room. "You okay, Shigs?"
Tomura looked up, surprise flashing across his features before being replaced by an unreadable expression. "What do you want, Dabi?" he asked, though the sharpness in his tone felt more like a defense than genuine irritation.
Dabi shrugged, leaning against the door frame with an easy smile. "I heard crying. Thought it might be something serious. Or are you just practicing your vocals for the next villain concert?"
A flicker of annoyance crossed Tomura's face, but there was also something deeper, almost playful lurking beneath the surface. He rolled his eyes but didn't dismiss Dabi. Instead, he sighed, the weight of his thoughts visible in the droop of his shoulders.
"Just... thinking about some things," he admitted quietly, his gaze dropping to the floor.
"Thinking about your sad past?" Dabi teased, crossing his arms. "Come on, Tomura, everyone has a dark past."
With a reluctant huff, Tomura's lips twitched upwards, the corners of his mouth betraying a hint of amusement. "Yeah? Bet they look way better than my childhood."
Dabi took a bold step forward, his voice softening. "Maybe it does, but that doesn't mean you're alone in all of this." He hesitated, then nodded toward the empty space beside Tomura. "Wanna let me in?"
Tomura considered him for a moment, those piercing eyes of his searching Dabi's face for any trace of mockery. Finding none, he shifted cautiously, adjusting his position to give Dabi space. "Fine, but don't get too comfortable. My childhood is a mess," he muttered.
Dabi made himself at home, sitting beside Tomura, their shoulders touching ever so slightly. It was a small gesture, but it felt monumental in the context of their relationship. "Why don't you take a shot at it? I promise I won't laugh-unless it's really ridiculous. Then I make no guarantees."
Tomura inhaled sharply, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "It's not ridiculous... It's just..." He paused, seemingly gathering the strength to continue. "I spent my life feeling like I didn't matter. My family....."
Dabi's expression softened. "That sucks, man. Having people let you down hurts, especially when you look to them for support." He nudged Tomura playfully. "You know, if I became a therapist, I could give you a discount on counseling sessions."
Tomura couldn't help but smirk at that, shaking his head as he continued. "I just felt like I was always under someone's shadow, trying to live up to expectations that never made sense to me."
"Don't let them get to you," Dabi said firmly, his voice melodic but serious. "Look where we are now. Just because they didn't see your worth doesn't mean you don't have it. You're stronger than you think. Hell, you're practically a legend."
Tomura looked sideways at Dabi, surprise etched on his face. "You think so?"
"Absolutely. You're terrifying, Shigaraki. And in the best possible way," Dabi replied with a wink. "But seriously, you've got grit. Don't forget that."
Something in Tomura's expression shifted-his walls slowly began to crumble, revealing a softer side he rarely showed. "Thanks, Dabi. I guess... I've just been stuck thinking about all the wrongs instead of focusing on what I can control now."
"Let's focus on the now, then," Dabi suggested. "What sounds good to you, hmm? Just think of all the chaos we could create together."
Tomura chuckled, the warmth creeping back into his voice. "You're impossible."
"Yet here I am," Dabi quipped, leaning closer. "And I'm not going anywhere, especially not when you need me."
And in the quiet of the room, two broken souls found comfort in each other's company, teasing and sharing-a moment of gentleness nestled within their chaotic lives.