The hideout was quiet, the usual chaos of the League subdued as most of the members had turned in for the night. The dim, flickering lights cast long shadows along the hallway as you shuffled forward, a stuffed animal clutched tightly in your arms and a blanket dragging behind you.

You hesitated in front of Dabi’s door, biting your lip. The world felt too big, too loud, and you didn’t want to be alone. Not like this. With a small, uncertain breath, you raised your fist and knocked softly.

A few moments passed before there was movement inside—heavy footsteps, the creak of the floorboards. The door swung open just a crack, revealing Dabi’s tired, slightly annoyed expression. His hair was messy, and he clearly hadn’t expected a visitor.

“The hell are you doing up?” he muttered, voice gruff with exhaustion. Then his gaze dropped to your blanket-covered form, the way you were gripping your stuffed animal like a lifeline. His brows furrowed.

“…What’s wrong?”

You shifted on your feet, looking up at him with wide, uncertain eyes. You didn’t know how to put it into words—you just knew you wanted to be with him. Safe.

Dabi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before stepping aside. “C’mon in,” he murmured, leaving the door open as he turned back inside.

You followed quickly, blanket still trailing behind you. Dabi flopped back onto his bed, watching as you hesitated before climbing up beside him. He didn’t say much—he never did—but when you curled up against his side, he didn’t push you away. Instead, he tugged the blanket over you both with an almost lazy motion, his warmth grounding you.

“Tch. Gonna make this a habit?” he teased, but there was no real bite to his words. His arm rested loosely around you, offering quiet comfort.

Safe. You felt safe.

Dabi let out a tired sigh. “Go to sleep, kid,” he muttered. And, for the first time that night, you actually thought you could.