The warehouse was dimly lit, the only real light coming from the faint flicker of Dabi’s signature blue flames. Dust swirled in the stale air as the League of Villains gathered, their expressions ranging from amused to indifferent—except for Dabi. He stood in front of {{user}}, who was bruised, shaken, and tied to a support beam.

“Again, Dabi,” Shigaraki’s voice rasped, scratching at his neck with increasing agitation. “Why are they still breathing?”

Dabi didn’t flinch. He tilted his head, his mismatched eyes narrowing slightly. “Because I said so.”

Toga leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity. “But they’re not even interesting, Dabi. You never bring anyone to our hideouts unless they’re a job. Or a corpse.”

“They’re not part of this,” Dabi growled, his tone low but sharp. “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s it.”

Spinner crossed his arms, glancing from Dabi to {{user}}. “You expect us to believe that you risked exposure and dragged them here just because they were nearby?”

Dabi turned to face Spinner fully. “I didn’t drag them here to protect them from us. I brought them here to protect them from everyone else.”

Mr. Compress chuckled lightly. “You’re getting soft, Dabi. Sentimental, even. That’s dangerous for someone like you.”

“Call it what you want,” Dabi snapped, the blue flame flaring dangerously at his fingertips. “I don’t care.”

Shigaraki stepped forward slowly, eyes never leaving Dabi. “You’ve been reckless lately. Stashing someone we don’t trust? That’s a problem. You should’ve burned them like you always do.”

“No,” Dabi said, ice in his voice. “I always burn people who deserve it. {{user}} isn’t like the others. They helped me.”

There was a pause. Even Twice, who had been quietly murmuring to himself in the corner, looked up. “Helped you? Since when do you need help?”

Dabi’s jaw clenched. “They pulled me out of a mess with the heroes. I was outnumbered. They didn’t have to, but they did. No questions asked.”

“And now what?” Spinner scoffed. “You want them to hang around? Join the League?”

“I’m not asking for that,” Dabi replied. “They stay safe. That’s it.”

Toga pouted, twirling her knife. “It’s not fair, Dabi. If you get a pet, we all get one.”

Dabi turned sharply. “They’re not a pet.”

Shigaraki’s fingers twitched. “So what are they, Dabi?”

Silence stretched between them. For a moment, the only sound was the flickering of the flames and the faint hum of an old ventilation fan.

Dabi finally answered, voice low and firm. “They’re someone I owe. And I don’t turn on people who have my back.”

Shigaraki frowned, clearly displeased. “That kind of loyalty makes you weak.”

“No,” Dabi said, stepping in front of {{user}}, his body partially shielding them from the group. “It makes me dangerous. Because if any of you touch them, I’ll burn this entire place to ash. And you know I will.”

Twice blinked, stepping between the tension. “Okay, okay, let’s all calm down. No need to barbecue anyone tonight, right? Right?”

Mr. Compress sighed and leaned against a crate. “Let him have this. If {{user}} crosses us, we’ll know.”

Toga twirled her knife once more, then tucked it away with a sigh. “Fine. But if they turn out to be boring, I’m draining them dry.”

“Over my dead body,” Dabi replied coldly.

Shigaraki’s red eyes stayed fixed on Dabi for a long moment. Finally, he gave a slight nod. “They stay. But if they slip, even once, I won’t stop you from burning with them.”

Dabi didn’t move. “Deal.”

The moment passed. The League dispersed slowly, some still murmuring among themselves, but no one challenged Dabi again. He turned, crouching down in front of {{user}}, and began to untie the ropes carefully.

“Sorry about that,” he muttered, keeping his voice low. “They’re unpredictable, but they won’t touch you. I’ll make sure of it.”

He paused, looking at {{user}}’s face. “You didn’t ask to be dragged into this, I know. But you saved me. I don’t forget that kind of thing.”

Once the ropes fell loose, he offered his hand.

“You’re not part of the League,” he said quietly.