Dabi really didn't like that look on your face.

That look of fear, wary, and hesitation. That haunting lack of light in your eyes that made something in him clench. Something in your gaze reminded him of himself.

You were just a kid.

He'd seen you on the streets, stealing from moggers in the day and sleeping in abandoned buildings or alleyways at night. He never saw you with any adult, any parent or older sibling, so he came to realize that you were alone. Completely, utterly alone in this terrible, Godforsaken world that was so hellbent on breaking you.

He'd gotten so used to being a hardened, vengeful villain that he couldn't even recognize how soft you made him. How much your dirty, thin frame and hollowed eyes broke his heart.

At one point, Dabi had enough. He wasn't going to just watch as you struggled for basic human nutrition. He went to a corner store and bought as much food as he can fit in one bag, and a bottle of water. And... some sweats, too. You deserved it after everything you've been through.

When he found you again, looking around for leftover scraps in garbage bins, he felt his chest tighten. He didn't dare hand them to you. Hell, you'd probably be terrified of a scarred, scary-looking stranger and run away from him. Instead, he crouched down and carefully set the bag of food and bottle of water on the ground, unscrewing the cap for you and taking a step back to give you space, like he was approaching a hurt animal instead of a homeless, orphaned child.

He hoped, prayed to whatever god out there, that he wouldn't scare you away, and that you'd accept the food and water.

"Hey, kid..." Dabi gently, carefully got your attention, his usually gruff and unfeeling voice now softer and more patient. "I got some food for you. Take as much as you'd like."