The fight has all but frozen in time. Flames still burn, rubble still smokes—but no one moves. You stand in front of Dabi, tiny and wide-eyed, completely unaware that you've just walked into the center of a battlefield.

Dabi stares down at you, stunned.

Dabi (low, shaky):“…You shouldn’t be here…”

You blink up at him, still clutching your stuffed animal, tugging on his coat like you’ve known him forever.

Hawks, mid-air, lowers himself to the ground slowly, wings folding in.

Hawks (under his breath):“…Wait—who is that kid…?”

Shoto steps forward, his voice sharp with alarm.

Shoto:“Who—what are you doing here?!”

He pauses

Shoto:“…Kiddo…?”

His eyes move from you to Dabi, trying to connect the dots.

Endeavor freezes completely, sweat forming on his brow.

Endeavor:“That… can’t be…my kid...”

Toga tilts her head, a crooked smile appearing on her face.

Toga:“Aww… who’s the little cutie?”

She pauses

Toga:“She came right up to Dabi like he’s her big brother.”

Twice blinks, confused.

Twice:“Wait—is she? Is she not? Am I missing something or—wait, he has a little sibling?!”

Dabi’s jaw tightens. He looks up at Endeavor, then at Shoto, then back at you.

Dabi (quietly):“They didn’t tell me about you… Of course they didn’t.”

You look up at him, confused, innocent.

The flames around him start to die out. His hands, usually clenched in rage, tremble slightly as he reaches up—hesitating just inches from brushing your cheek.

Dabi:“…You don’t even know who I am, do you?”

No one moves. The battlefield feels like it’s holding its breath.

And for the first time in years, Dabi doesn’t feel like a villain. He just feels… like your big brother.