#Are you a saint or a sinner? If loves a fight then I shall die

[aprilmayverse]

mwhahaha ehehehe jaundice if they were in wonderland <3

[askprilmayverse]

Hey June , Dys, give me your worst takes on your school - 🐁

DYSNOMIA: i think mr. thorgett and the 9/11 drag queen are the same person.

JUNE: i think kevin and charlie should kiss toxic yaoi style

[thatartiststudios]

Get out your guns, battles begun Are you a saint, or a sinner? If loves a fight, than I shall die With my heart on a trigger They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be I'm an angel with a shotgun Fighting til' the wars won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

Angel With A Shotgun - The Cab/Rayllum

[toytrapstarline360]

Right now, I've written a remix of Angel with a shotgun with Kinger. Cleverly calling it "Kinger With A Shotgun." Any suggestions on what else to change?

(I'm a Kinger with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun

A Kinger with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun)

Get out your guns, battles begun

Are you a saint, or a sinner?

If loves a fight, than I shall die

With my heart on a trigger

They say before you start a war

You better know what you're fighting for

Well baby, you are all that I adore

If love is what you need, a king I will be

I'm a Kinger with a shotgun

Fighting til' the games won

I don't care if the circus won't take me back

I'll throw away my sanity, babe, just to keep you safe

Don't you know your memory is all I have?

And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

Sometimes to win, you've got to sin

Don't mean I'm not a believer

And major bugs, will sing along

Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer

They say before you start a war

You better know what you're fighting for

Well baby, you are all that I adore

If love is what you need, a king I will be

I'm a Kinger with a shotgun

Fighting til' the games won

I don't care if the circus won't take me back

I'll throw away my sanity, babe, just to keep you safe

Don't you know your memory is all I have?

And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa

I'm a Kinger with a shotgun

Fighting til' the games won

I don't care if the circus won't take me back

I'm a Kinger with a shotgun

Fighting til' the games won

I don't care if the circus won't take me back

I'll throw away my sanity, babe, just to keep you safe

Don't you know your memory is all I have?

(I'm a Kinger with a shotgun)

And I, want to live, not just survive, tonight

(Live, not just survive)

And I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my shine tonight

They say before you start a war

You better know what you're fighting for

Well baby, you are all that I adore

If love is what you need, a king I will be

[tenebraevesper]

Sonic Cyber Revolution, Entry 63: Mission Dark

''Get out your guns, battle's begun! Are you a saint, or a sinner? If love's a fight, than I shall die, with my heart on a trigger!''

– Angel With a Shotgun by The Cab

xXxXxXx

Sonic felt waves of agony washing over his body, as if he was being pricked by thousands of tiny needles. He didn't want to even open his eyes, wishing to just fall asleep again and embrace the dark void, but the voices he was hearing in his head kept him awake. At least, he thought those voices were just in his head.

''Sonic? Sonic, wake up?''

''Lu… cas…''

The familiar voice Sonic picked up among the noise caused him to stir, slowly opening his eyes. His vision was blurry, but he had managed to take note that he was lying on a bed and that he was surrounded by people, Lucas being the most prominent one. Sonic blinked tiredly, trying to ignore the pounding in his head and tried to sit up, but was gently pushed down on the pillows by Lucas.

''You're not going anywhere,'' Lucas said in a firm tone, reaching for his hand and giving him a look of concern. ''Do you think you can perform Chaos Surge? It'll help you heal.''

''I… I think so…'' Sonic said, feeling the warm energy that developed between them, quickly absorbing it as he felt another wave of energy, this one soothing as it spread through his body, like a spring breeze. Sonic felt his body relax, focusing on the sense of relief that pushed the pain back. The moment was fleeting, however, as Lucas was forced to cut the supply of the energy to avoid hurting himself. Despite knowing that this was necessary for his partner's safety, his body still demanded more of that soothing energy.

''This should help you.'' Sensing Sonic's pain, Lucas gave him a glass of water and a painkiller pill, hoping that this would be enough for the meantime.

''Thanks,'' Sonic said, returning the glass and trying to breathe normally, only to feel pain in his chest. He winced, noting how how his chest was wrapped in bandages, with a plaster covering the cut on his cheek, as well as bandages also being carefully wrapped around his head and quills, even though he had no idea how he ended up with a head injury. He could see faint bruises underneath his peach and blue fur, but they weren't as visible on the first glance.

''Sonic, are you okay?''

''How do you feel?''

''Does it hurt a lot?''

''We thought you had died!''

Sonic finally turned his attention to the rest of his friends, with Tails, Amy, Silver and Knuckles surrounding him, while Warren, Minami, Makoto, Lily and Touka stood in the back. Touka was turned to the hallway, talking with someone Sonic couldn't see.

''I'm sorry for making you guys worry so much.'' Sonic flashed an assuring smile, his friends feeling relieved to see him being back to his usual self, but they still remained a little concerned. As for Sonic, he felt his heart sink a little when he realized that Shadow was missing. Despite that empty sensation, he still kept a positive attitude. ''This isn't anything that a chili dog can't fix.''

''Unfortunately for you, this isn't fixable with just food. You're lucky Lucas and Touka knew how to patch you up,'' Knuckles told him. Sonic gave both of them a thankful look, with Lucas nodding and Touka just waving back in acknowledgement.

''What had happened to you? We know you've been attacked by Neo Metal Sonic, but how did he end up injuring you so much?'' Tails asked.

''I… I don't really know…'' Sonic admitted, the memories of the battle flashing in the back of his mind. ''I remember him using my, Shadow and Silver's powers, along with some powerful lightning power.''

''Neo Metal Sonic is capable of copying your bio-data, which is how he was able to use all of your powers,'' Minami explained, with Sonic nodding in response.

''What surprises me is how you're still alive,'' Lily said. ''I thought Neo Metal Sonic would end your life for good.''

''That surprised me too. He told me it was an act of mercy,'' Sonic replied.

''He probably wants to fight you again later on,'' Knuckles said, with Sonic agreeing with that sentiment. He gave him a determined smile.

''If that's so, then this time, I will be ready to kick his ass,'' Sonic said.

''However, for now, you're not going anywhere,'' Lucas said. ''I know that the Chaos Surge had probably healed the worst of your injuries, but you'll still have to stay in bed and recover properly.''

This appeared to be the cue for everyone to leave, with the team wishing Sonic good luck recovering and promising too keep an eye out for Metal Sonic in case he decides to cause more trouble. Sonic was glad to have his friends' support, but that sense of emptiness still lingered in his chest… at least, until he heard someone entering the room. Sonic's eyes grew wide in disbelief.

''Shadow?'' he muttered, still stunned, only to smile, feeling a sense of relief. ''I should've figured that you wouldn't go down so easily.''

Shadow was silent, only to walk up to Sonic with a serious expression, leaving the azure hedgehog slightly puzzled. Shadow's crimson eyes flicked slightly to the side, feeling slightly anxious, and then inhaled sharply, gazing at Sonic. ''I apologize for what had happened with Neo Metal Sonic.''

''What?'' Sonic stared at the dark hedgehog, completely bewildered. ''Shadow, what happened is not-''

Shadow shook his head, his eyes narrowing as he took a more aggressive stance. ''If I had reacted just a little faster, we could've fought Neo Metal Sonic together and you wouldn't have gotten injured like this.'' He lowered his head, his fists clenched tightly, his voice heavy. ''It was… horrible seeing you in such state.''

''Shadow…'' Sonic understood well how Shadow felt, despite doing his best to keep his emotions under control. He had seen him how he acted whenever Touka was in serious danger or back when he thought that she was dead because of him, and considering how he and Shadow were now in a relationship, with Shadow willingly opening his heart to him, it wasn't surprising that his reaction to him getting hurt would be like this. Sonic could see the guilt in his eyes, and knew that the dark hedgehog would continue blaming himself for his boyfriend's condition. Sonic sighed, propping himself on his elbows in a sitting position, leaving Shadow alarmed.

''Hey, you shouldn't be moving in this condition!'' Shadow tried to help him when Sonic suddenly felt a wave of pain in his chest, leaving him wondering whether he ended up with a bruised rib. Still, he managed to lean into the pillows in a sitting position. Shadow shot Sonic a glare when he saw Sonic grinning back cheekily.

''Don't worry, I'll sleep it off,'' Sonic told him, trying to lighten the mood, with Shadow sighing.

''You could've gotten an arm ripped off and you would still call it a scratch,'' Shadow grumbled, causing Sonic to give him a half-lidded, teasing look.

''I'm sure that you would react the same way,'' Sonic told him, only for his expression to change to a more serious one, something Shadow caught on. ''You don't have to be all broody and feel guilty for Neo Metal Sonic catching you off guard. We had no idea that this would happen, and you can bet that next time, I won't let him beat me again.''

Shadow had to admit that there was something inspiring in Sonic's perpetual optimism, confidence and determination, and while he admired his positive attitude, he also had keep reminding himself that whenever the azure hedgehog got carried away, he would end up in trouble.

''I hope that in that case, you have a plan on how to take him down,'' Shadow said, only to see Sonic's expression fall, only for a sheepish smile to creep up.

''Uh, yeah! I totally have a plan,'' he said nervously.

''Let me guess; it's rushing into a battle blindly and hope for the best,'' Shadow responded in a deadpan tone. Sonic kept smiling, despite knowing that he got caught.

''I'm sure I'll come up with something eventually,'' Sonic said, with Shadow just giving him a grumpy look, arms folded across his chest. ''But, hey, I'm glad to see that you're back to your usual self, instead of kicking yourself down for what happened.'' Shadow remained silent, his gaze softening, with Sonic patting the free space on the bed, wanting him to sit down. Shadow did as motioned, with Sonic continuing, ''You know, I also thought I lost you there…''

Shadow's eyes widened and his ears drooped, realizing he completely forgot about how Sonic felt when he saw him getting hit by that lightning blast and thrown off the warship. ''Sonic…''

''It's fine, though,'' Sonic added, flashing a bright smile as he placed his gloved hand over Shadow's and squeezed it lightly. ''You're here now, and that's all that matters. In fact, I'm looking forward to our next race.''

Shadow couldn't help but smile softly. If this was months before, when they weren't as close as they were now, he probably would've been baffled by Sonic's reaction and have a hard time understanding why he acted like this. However, now he simply felt exasperated whenever Sonic made such comments and just went along with it, well aware that this was simply who Sonic was. Shadow then leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss on Sonic's temple, Sonic's ear flicking as he appreciated the sign of affection.

''You better stay and recover,'' Shadow told him, only for Sonic to pout in response.

''I'm sure I'll be fine by tomorrow,'' Sonic said, only to feel a several stings of pain piercing his body when Shadow lightly pressed his hand against his bandaged chest, causing his rival to recoil and grimace due to the aching sensation.

''I sincerely doubt it,'' Shadow said, showing only mild irritation, his voice returning back to the usual matter-of-fact tone. ''Don't do anything stupid.''

''Mmmm, but I feel like doing something stupid,'' Sonic replied, grinning cheekily, while Shadow rolled his eyes. ''Hey, don't give me that look. If I do something stupid now, I probably won't try it later.''

''Then, what do you want to do?'' Shadow asked, figuring that he could indulge a little longer. Suddenly, Sonic leaned towards him, planting a deep kiss on Shadow's lips, with Shadow reciprocating. However, it the kiss didn't last long because Sonic couldn't anymore ignore the pain in his chest and quickly pulled back, slumping back into the pillows, hurt, but satisfied. Shadow just gave him an exasperated look. ''Indeed, this is your brand of stupid.''

''It was worth it,'' Sonic replied, still grinning as he watched Shadow leave the room.

xXx

Lucas was with Touka in the living room, both of them talking about what had transpired, as well as figuring that they should give the two hedgehogs some privacy. Their attention was drawn to Shadow as he approached them.

''How is Sonic doing?'' Lucas asked.

''Good luck on keeping Sonic resting for a longer period of time. He'll bolt the moment he gets an opportunity,'' Shadow told him, with Lucas sighing.

''I'll talk to him,'' he muttered, glancing at the two. ''I suppose using Chaos Surge repeatedly would help in his healing.''

''You'll have to be careful with it and not use it recklessly,'' Touka said, giving Shadow a pointed look, her eyes narrowed. Shadow stubbornly avoided her gaze, feeling a little anxious as he knew what she meant. Lucas felt a little sorry for the dark hedgehog.

''I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for your help,'' Lucas replied, watching the two leave and quickly walking over to Sonic's bedroom, furrowing a brow when he saw Sonic attempts to get up. The moment the hedgehog saw the annoyed teenager, he quickly lied down, acting as if nothing has happened.

''Oh, hey Lucas!'' Sonic gave him an innocent smile, trying not to show how much the movement hurt him. Lucas shot him a glare, but then shook his head.

''I won't be scolding you for trying to get out of bed, but if you don't want to get yourself hurt even more and spend weeks recovering instead of a couple of days, I sincerely recommend you to just stay put,'' Lucas told him in a firm tone, with Sonic understanding that he as still in trouble and that he shouldn't challenge Lucas. He might be The Fastest Thing Alive, but he had a feeling that Lucas would somehow catch him and drag him back to rest.

''Fine, I'll stay in bed,'' Sonic said, realizing that he shouldn't fight this. There were a few things he was curious about. ''How long have I been out?''

''For a few of hours,'' Lucas replied, sitting down on the bed, figuring he should fill Sonic in on what had happened. ''The Chaotix, Rouge, Omega, Cream and Big were fighting with us against Ferra and her army of Badniks inside the Grand Metropolis AR Field, while you and Shadow, from what I understood, were stuck at Final Fortress and confronted by Neo Metal Sonic. Once you were beaten and sent to our location, Shadow had used Chaos Control to immediately warp us to our home, so Touka and I could patch you up.''

''I'm surprised that Shadow had enough energy left for using Chaos Control,'' Sonic said.

''Touka did use Chaos Surge to heal him, but the moment he saw just how bad your condition was, he became quite distraught and channelled all of that energy into Chaos Control, and then collapsed. He was actually resting on the couch in the living room with Rouge and Omega watching over him while Touka and I tended to you,'' Lucas explained. ''To say that Touka was furious at him for using all of his energy to warp everyone to Eas would be an understatement, even if she did agree to use Chaos Control to get you here. Shadow did respond how he only wanted to warp you to somewhere where you could get medical assistance, and the rest of the group just got caught in it, resulting in him depleting almost all of his energy.''

''Heh, and he calls me reckless…'' Sonic smirked.

''The Chaotix, Cream and Cheese, Big, Rouge and Omega left once we made sure that you were fine, so we waited until you woke up and could use Chaos Surge consciously instead of draining my BioEnergy instinctively, because your body did react like that while trying to heal itself from its injuries,'' Lucas added, humming in thought. ''I suppose that, even if you're an Irregular not actively going after BioEnergy, your body still recognizes it and tries to absorb it when placed in a dire situation. Speaking of which, I'm still a little tired, but I'm planning on to use Chaos Surge again to help you heal faster, so don't worry, you'll only be confined to the bed for a day or two.''

''Even that's too long,'' Sonic snarked back, his expression changing to a nervous one, followed by a sweatdrop when he saw Lucas' annoyed expression. ''I promise, this was my last quip. I'll stay put. In fact, I'll go to sleep right now.''

''Okay,'' Lucas said, standing up. ''If you need anything, just call me.''

Sonic nodded, trying to shift into a comfortable position that would help him fall asleep easier despite the aching sensation. It was a bit difficult to find a good position, as he either felt as if he was punched in the ribs or pricked by thousand needles. Even the painkiller could only do so much in numbing his senses, with Sonic deciding to let his mind wander to not think about the pain, landing eventually on the image of Neo Metal Sonic.

I wasn't strong nor fast enough to defeat him, but I'm not going to let him bring me down. That would be the moment I would be truly defeated, and I refuse for that to happen. So, as long as I can get up again, I will continue to fight.

He nuzzled his pillow, the image of Neo Metal Sonic fading away and, as Sonic nuzzled the pillow, the image of black and white fur forming in his mind. Sonic whined into his pillow, having to admit that he wished Shadow was by his side and that they could cuddle. He missed his warmth, the soft scent of lavender mixed with the bitter taste of coffee, the deep, purring voice that made his heart flutter. While he had fun messing around with Shadow whenever he was his aloof and serious self, he also loved his gentle, caring and protective side. He chuckled lightly, noting how anxious he was initially about confronting his own feelings in regards to Shadow, and now he genuinely wanted to spend time with him like this.

But, that will have to wait.

xXx

Rouge smiled contently as she observed the three people she had called to her club. Omega was already working there as the bouncer, while Shadow had recovered quickly despite the events that had happened the day before, mostly thanks to his healing factor and the fact that Touka was keeping a close eye on him to make sure that he'd be fully rested for this, even adding Chaos Surge to speed up his own recovery. After all, there was a reason Rouge and Omega appeared at Solar Stadium when Ferra and Neo Metal Sonic sent out the Badniks, and this distraction cut any conversation they had planned short. Therefore, they decided to resume it the next day at Club Rouge.

''I will cut to the chase, since none of you is interested in long conversations,'' Rouge said. ''I got a call from a client who had asked me to go on a special mission to retrieve a valuable item, and I had figured that I could bring back Team Dark for this mission.''

''Why?'' Shadow asked. ''You claim that you're the world's greatest spy, so why would you ask for help?''

''The same reason you, The Ultimate Lifeform, are willing to work together with others instead of always being on your own,'' Rouge said, smirking slyly when Shadow frowned, avoiding eye-contact with her and not responding. She then turned to Touka and Omega. ''What about you two? Do you want to join?''

''Will there be Eggman robots to destroy?'' Omega asked. Rouge put a finger on her lips as she thought about it.

''I'm not completely sure about it, but it is possible that we might come across a few robots,'' she replied.

''1% chance of encountering Eggman robots is still 1% of me getting the chance to destroy them,'' Omega said, with Rouge knowing that he agreed with the mission.

''Where are going to? What are we even supposed to retrieve?'' Touka asked, giving Rouge a questioning look. ''I need more details.''

''I was just getting to it. My client, who is working for CyExLabs, had told me that someone stole the prototype for a directed-energy generator they were working on. To put it in simple terms, the device was initially supposed to be used as a part of a new secret weapon for ARMS, but after that fiasco, my client started having second thoughts about it. The information then got leaked, and a few days later, it was gone,'' Rouge explained. ''I have spent most of my time trying to track it down, and eventually found a warehouse outside Souto posing as an auction house for so-called high-class clientele. Unfortunately, I couldn't get inside as it appears to be invitation-only and the Irregulars guarding it weren't exactly a jolly bunch. That's when I realized that I would need proper back-up.''

''How do you know that the device wasn't sold to someone by now?'' Shadow asked.

''Do you really think that I don't do my homework thoroughly, especially when I'm being offered a generous reward for completing it?'' Rouge countered, giving him a teasing smile. Shadow huffed, figuring this was less about returning a stolen item to its owner and more about getting paid in gems.

''I apologize for even asking,'' he responded in a deadpan tone. Rouge just kept smiling, well aware that he was just being grumpy, and gave the whole group a confident look.

''So, I take it that Team Dark is back in action?'' she asked. There was a firm nod from all three of her teammates, agreeing to the mission.

xXx

''Hm.'' Rouge tapped on her AR Visor eye-piece, having used the binoculars feature, having been observing the two Irregulars standing at the entrance to the warehouse. It was nighttime, and they were at an area just a bit outside Souto that was filled with various warehouses, some still in use, some abandoned. Not many people came here, and even if they did, they only minded their own business, so it was a perfect place for those with less-than-honorable intentions to do whatever they wanted. ''It seems like there are only two guards, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are more inside it.''

''It shouldn't be too difficult to knock them out without raising any alarm,'' Shadow said, pulling his own AR Visor goggles back on the top of his head. He and Rouge were crouching on top of a different warehouse, hidden from the guards as they observed the situation. As for Touka and Omega, they were on the ground, remaining hidden behind the building and waiting for the two to form their plan.

''I suppose we'll rely on your speed and combat skills for that,'' Rouge said.

''It depends on whether you want them to get knocked out or blown up. If it's the latter, I believe that Omega would be happy to contribute,'' Shadow replied. Rouge giggled at the response, with the two leaping off the building and relying the information they gathered to Touka and Omega.

''We got two guards outside, no patrols,'' Rouge told them. ''Unfortunately, we don't know whether there is anyone inside the warehouse, since no one entered or exited the building, but the light is on.''

''There are probably guards inside,'' Touka said, arms folded across her chest. ''I suppose we'll have to sneak inside. Sorry, Omega.''

''There is still 1% chance for complete destruction. There is always 1% chance for complete destruction,'' Omega replied.

''Nice to see your optimism,'' Rouge commented, placing her hand on her hip. ''I haven't seen a back entrance, but some of the windows are shattered, so we have two ways of getting inside. Touka, you're with me. Shadow and Omega, you'll take the front entrance. Don't use excessive violence unless necessary. We want to keep things clean, boys.''

Both Shadow and Omega gave her an annoyed look, while Rouge and Touka countered with a knowing look. They certainly knew their teammates well enough. After performing Chaos Surge, Rouge motioned Touka to follow her, the latter using her hoverboard to keep up with the bat. Meanwhile, Shadow and Omega were rushing towards the front entrance, keeping a close eye on the two rather burly Irregulars. Neither of them could even react when they got knocked out via a kick to the head by a dark figure who appeared out of nowhere. This was followed by Shadow and Omega dragging their unconscious bodies behind several boxes and covering them in tarp so no one would find them and get suspicious. The two then entered the warehouse.

''I know this is a warehouse, but this…'' Shadow muttered, a bit surprised by what he saw.

''It looks like a hoarder house,'' Omega finished his thought.

The two were met by mounds and mounds of clutter; robot parts, all kinds of scrap, boxes of who-knows-what, items of value like jewelry, broken household appliances, and even what appeared to be a black gun case right at the entrance. Shadow sincerely hoped that it was empty. It was a neat freak's worst nightmare, looking like whatever was brought here was just dumped without any thought, turning the whole warehouse into a maze.

''Let's start searching. If we come across someone, we'll take them down non-lethally,'' Shadow told Omega.

''What if they decide to use lethal force?'' Omega asked.

''I don't think any kind of lethal force will be enough to take the two of us down,'' Shadow told him, with Omega making a sound of disappointment. ''But, I suppose if it comes to that, lethal force is approved.''

This immediately caused Omega to perk up, with the two resuming their mission.

xXx

''Called it,'' Touka muttered when she and Rouge spotted a guard walking between the mounds of clutter. The two had entered through the broken window and landed on the catwalk, with Touka slotting her hoverboard back in the bag she was wearing on her back so it wouldn't get in her way. ''Any idea where we should start? The device could be anywhere.''

''I wouldn't be so sure about it,'' Rouge said, pointing at the mounds. ''It looks chaotic, but that mound is solely scrap metal. I think that, despite the lack of organization, certain items go on certain mounds.''

''Now that you mentioned it, yeah, I agree…'' Touka followed Rouge as they swiftly walked over the catwalk, making sure to keep as low as possible so they wouldn't be seen and making sure they didn't make any noise. The two then stopped when they saw a guard right below them, with Touka pressing a finger on her lips to make it clear to Rouge that they couldn't talk and motioning for her to stand still. Their hearts raced as the guard stopped for a moment, looking around, and then continued to walk, not noticing the two above him. Rouge and Touka quickly made their way over to the other end of the building, keeping an eye on the clutter to see whether the device was anywhere close to them as, fortunately, Rouge's client also provided them with the blueprints of the device so they at least had an idea what it looked like.

''This is like searching for a needle in a haystack,'' Touka whispered to Rouge when they reached the other end.

''Fortunately, you're with the world's greatest treasure hunter,'' Rouge replied.

BOOM!

Both Touka and Rouge recoiled when they heard an explosion from where the entrance was, their eyes wide and glancing at each other in disbelief, with Rouge muttering, ''So much for keeping a low profile…''

''I'm sure they'll be fine. Let's go!'' Touka said, grabbing Rouge's hand, with the two running across another catwalk, being ignored by the guard who rushed towards where Omega and Shadow were, not noticing the two above them.

xXx

Shadow had to admit that he was planning on sticking to the plan of not alerting anyone to their presence, but that was a bit difficult due to a partially rebuilt Badnik suddenly waking up just as they passed by, resulting in battle between the three, with Omega gleefully firing at the Badnik. While they had managed to take it down easily, it seemed that this Badnik alerted another one, which was also partially rebuilt. Shadow decided to let Omega deal with it, while he fought off the guards that came running to their location. Some of them were armed with recycled cannons taken from the Badniks, but Shadow was too fast for them, skating between them and punching them right in the face. He could hear someone shout, followed by a blast of energy, and quickly vanished in a flash of light, appearing above his attacker and knocking him down with a swift kick. He grabbed the guard by his neck, lifting him up.

''Where is the directed-energy generator?'' Shadow growled menacingly, with the guard flailing, looking rather frightened.

''I ain't got any clue man, I was just hired to guard this place! I don't do inventory!'' the guard responded in panic. Realizing that he wasn't going to get any answer from him, Shadow threw him into a mound, the latter getting knocked out due to the impact. He turned to Omega.

''Let's find someone who can give us a proper answer,'' he said, with Omega agreeing. The two then sped through the warehouse, fighting anyone who came across them, only to come across a giant polar bear Badnik. While Shadow decided not to question the presence of Badniks inside the warehouse, he did have to wonder whether Dr. Eggman had something to do with it, but part of him doubted it. As for Omega, he didn't care, pointing his cannon arms at it, firing a missile at it and damaging its chest. Shadow wanted to help him, but he was suddenly grabbed by what appeared to be a mini-mecha, tossing him right across the warehouse. The Irregular inside the mini-mecha leapt across the mounds of clutter, landing right in front of the dark hedgehog.

''Not so tough, are we?!'' The guard grinned maliciously, with Shadow getting on his feet. Chaos Energy crackling between his fingers, he rushed towards the mini-mech, avoiding the blade that popped out of its arm and damaging the leg via a summoned Chaos Spear. His AR Visor suddenly buzzed, a small holographic screen popping next to him.

''Shadow, we secured the device,'' Rouge said. ''We're going to get you and Omega.''

''No. Go get Omega and leave this place. I'll find my own way out,'' Shadow replied in a curt tone, hearing a sigh of exasperation, with the screen closing. He turned back to the mini-mech, avoiding another swing of the blade, and spin-dashing right into the chest of the mini-mech, knocking it down. The mini-mech started to spark, with the alarmed Irregular quickly abandoning it as there was a small explosion that caused permanent damage to it. Shadow then scanned his surroundings, wondering if he could find something that would point him towards an exit, only to see some kind of vehicle partially covered by a tarp. He walked up to it and removed the tarp, his eyes widening in surprise at what he saw.

He then smirked.

xXx

Omega was grappling with the polar bear Badnik, the latter having gotten too close for his long-range attacks to properly work. Fortunately for him, a white and pink explosive got dropped on the Badniks head, alongside a Chaos Spear, causing the Badnik to stumble around and Omega firing another missile to finish it off.

''We need to leave now.'' Rouge flew up to him, holding a bag with the device inside it, followed by Touka on the hoverboard, whose eyes were now glowing orange.

''Where is Shadow?'' Omega inquired, following the two to the front entrance.

''He said he'd find his own way out. Hurry up!'' Rouge replied. They suddenly heard an alarm going off, feeling a chill running down their spine when they saw the steel door slowly pulling down. Touka pressed the accelerator on her hoverboard, grabbing Rouge's arm and speeding up, with Omega being just behind them as he used his twin jets to go faster. They managed to reach the entrance just in time, getting outside the warehouse, with the steel door closing behind them.

''I really hope that Shadow made it out,'' Touka said, worried for her brother.

However, before either of them could even say or do anything, they heard an explosion from the side of the building and ran over to it, noting how part of the wall was broken. Suddenly, they heard a mechanical noise of a growling engine, with a Shadow on a black and red motorcycle leaping out of the smoke and rubble, performing a sliding bike stop as he landed on the ground, sparks flying as the metal came in contact with the asphalt.

Touka and Rouge dropped their jaws, completely baffled by this entrance, while Omega was rather impressed. Shadow, on the other hand, had a self-satisfied smirk on his lips, looking incredibly proud of himself.

''You really couldn't help yourself…'' Touka snarked after snapping out of her stunned state. Shadow revved up the bike.

''If we're done here, we should leave now,'' Shadow said, still smirking. The rest of his team could only agree, following Shadow's lead.

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[lovesongbracket]

Reminder: Vote based on the song, not the artist or specific recording! The tracks referenced are the original artist, aside from a few rare cases where a cover is the most widely known.

Lyrics, videos, info, and notable covers under the cut. (Spotify playlist available in pinned post)

Angel With A Shotgun

Written By: Evan Taubenfeld, Frank Sidoris, Chantry Johnson, Joey Thunder, Alex Marshall & Bohnes

Artist: The Cab

Released: 2012

“Angel With A Shotgun” is a rousing love song by The Cab, about a lover’s promise to his/her significant other. This opening track of the band’s sophomore album, Symphony Soldier sets the mood for the whole album.

[Intro] (Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) (Oh yeah, oh yeah) I'm an angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun (Oh yeah, oh yeah) Angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun [Verse 1] Get out your guns, battle's begun Are you a saint or a sinner? If love's a fight, then I shall die With my heart on a trigger [Pre-Chorus] They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be [Chorus] I'm an angel with a shotgun, fighting 'til the war's won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? And I wanna live, not just survive tonight [Verse 2] Sometimes to win, you've got to sin Don't mean I'm not a believer And Major Tom will sing along Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer [Pre-Chorus] They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be [Chorus] I'm an angel with a shotgun, fighting 'til the war's won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? And I wanna live, not just survive tonight [Bridge] Oh, oh whoa whoa, whoa Oh, (Oh yeah) oh whoa (Oh yeah) whoa, (Oh yeah) whoa (Oh yeah) Oh, (Oh yeah) oh whoa (I'm an angel with a shotgun, shotgun, yeah) (Oh yeah) whoa, (Oh yeah) whoa (Oh yeah) Oh, (Oh yeah) oh whoa (I'm an angel with a shotgun, shotgun) (Oh yeah) whoa, (Oh yeah) whoa (Oh yeah) [Chorus] I'm an angel with a shotgun, fighting 'til the war's won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'm an angel with a shotgun, fighting 'til the war's won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? (I'm an angel with a shotgun) And I want to live, not just survive (Live, not just survive) And I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight [Outro] They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

Dreams

Written By: Noel Hogan & Dolores O'Riordan

Artist: The Cranberries

Released: 1992

“Dreams” was the first single released by The Cranberries after being signed to Island Records. However, the band’s video for “Linger” was picked up by MTV in 1994 while they toured with London Suede and that song reached the top 40 in five countries. So, “Dreams” was then reissued and found chart success. The song was written about “feeling really in love for the first time”.

[Refrain] Oh, my life Is changing every day In every possible way And oh, my dreams It's never quite as it seems Never quite as it seems [Chorus 1] I know I've felt like this before But now I'm feeling it even more Because it came from you Then I open up and see The person falling here is me A different way to be [Bridge] Ah La ya La la ya La-ah-ah [Verse] I want more Impossible to ignore Impossible to ignore They'll come true Impossible not to do Impossible not to do [Chorus 2] And now I tell you openly You have my heart so don't hurt me You're what I couldn't find A totally amazing mind So understanding and so kind You're everything to me [Refrain] Oh, my life Is changing every day In every possible way And oh, my dreams It's never quite as it seems 'Cause you're a dream to me, dream to me [Outro] Ah, la-a-la-ah, la la la La-a-la-ah, la-ah ah ah Ah, la-a-la-ah, la la la La-a-la-ah, la-ah ah ah

[luvvampz]

(I'M AN ANGEL WITH A SHOTGUN, SHOTGUN, SHOTGUN. AN ANGEL WITH A SHOTGUN, SHOTGUN, SHOTGUN) GET OUT YOUR GUNS, BATTLES BEGUN.

ARE YOU A SAINT, OR A SINNER? IF LOVES A FIGHT, THAN I SHALL DIE. With My Heart On A Trigger

THEY SAY BEFORE YOU START A WAR. YOU BETTER KNOW WHAT YOU'RE FIGHTING FOR

WELL BABY, YOU ARE ALL THAT I ADORE. IF LOVE IS WHAT YOU NEED, A SOLDIER I WILL BE

I'M AN ANGEL WITH A SHOTGUN. FIGHTING TIL' THE WARS WONI DON'T CARE IF HEAVEN WON'T TAKE ME BACK

I'LL THROW AWAY MY FAITH, BABE, JUST TO KEEP YOU SAFE. DON'T YOU KNOW YOU'RE EVERYTHING I HAVE? AND I, WANNA LIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE, TONIGHT

[imjustheretoseetheprivateblogs]

Shiro, Allura, AND shallura for the lyric ask?

Shiro-And I think it's gonna be a long, long time/'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find/I'm not the man they think I am at home

Allura-Get out your guns, battles begun/Are you a saint, or a sinner?/If loves a fight, than I shall die/With my heart on a trigger

Shallura-I will protect you at all cost/keep you safe here in my arms

🎶 Send me a character and I’ll reply with song lyrics that remind me of them 🎶

[a-jar-of-jelly]

Queerness in Angel with a Shotgun

a rambling.

so today I had some thoughts

Get out your guns, battles begun Are you a saint, or a sinner? If loves a fight, than I shall die With my heart on a trigger

pretty standard 'queerness is a sin' rhetoric, with the singer saying that they're going to fight the system in order to love

They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

willing to start a huge fight/war in order to be with who they love. the question is are they fighting their family? church? community? society as a whole? all of the above? that's up to you I guess

I'm an angel with a shotgun Fighting til' the wars won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

throwing away their whole faith, rejecting their upbringing, a mix of angry and finally free. that feeling of finally becoming your own person, of having your own life that makes you feel happy for what is maybe the first time in your whole life. the deep desire for something of your own, clinging to what makes you feel alive.

Sometimes to win, you've got to sin Don't mean I'm not a believer And major Tom, will sing along Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer

obvious sinning statement again. and according genius lyrics major Tom is a character created by David Bowie sends himself into space with a purpose in mind but eventually loses contact with Earth. which very clearly emulates the feeling of your life plan being turned upside down, being lost and wandering alone through the world because the people that were supposed to guide you can't anymore.

And I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight

needing to hide parts of your true self around certain people

most of the rest of the song is just repeating the same chorus, but the amount of repetition of the throwing away faith for love concept really nails down how vital that is.

[nikashoowo]

(I'm an angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun An angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun)

Get out your guns, battles begun Are you a saint, or a sinner? If loves a fight, than I shall die With my heart on a trigger

They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

I'm an angel with a shotgun Fighting til' the wars won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

Sometimes to win, you've got to sin Don't mean I'm not a believer And major Tom, will sing along Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer

They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

I'm an angel with a shotgun Fighting til' the wars won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa

I'm an angel with a shotgun Fighting til' the wars won I don't care if heaven won't take me back

I'm an angel with a shotgun Fighting til' the wars won I don't care if heaven won't take me back I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe Don't you know you're everything I have? (I'm an angel with a shotgun) And I, want to live, not just survive, tonight (Live, not just survive)

And I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight

They say before you start a war You better know what you're fighting for Well baby, you are all that I adore If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

Too niche?

[gu4rd14n-4ng31]

(I'm an 4ng31 with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun

An 4ng31 with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun)

Get out your guns, battles begun

Are you a saint, or a sinner?

If loves a fight, than I shall die

With my heart on a trigger

They say before you start a war

You better know what you're fighting for

Well baby, you are all that I adore

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

I'm an 4ng31 with a shotgun

Fighting til' the wars won

I don't care if heaven won't take me back

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe

Don't you know you're everything I have?

And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

Sometimes to win, you've got to sin

Don't mean I'm not a believer

And major Tom, will sing along

Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer

They say before you start a war

You better know what you're fighting for

Well baby, you are all that I adore

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

I'm an 4ng31 with a shotgun

Fighting til' the wars won

I don't care if heaven won't take me back

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe

Don't you know you're everything I have?

And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight

Oh, oh whoa whoa oh whoa

I'm an 4ng31 with a shotgun

Fighting til' the wars won

I don't care if heaven won't take me back

I'm an 4ng31 with a shotgun

Fighting til' the wars won

I don't care if heaven won't take me back

I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe

Don't you know you're everything I have?

(I'm an 4ng31 with a shotgun)

And I, want to live, not just survive, tonight

(Live, not just survive)

And I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight

They say before you start a war

You better know what you're fighting for

Well baby, you are all that I adore

If love is what you need, a soldier I will be

WHAT.

[aprilmayverse]

im an angel with a shotgun fightin till the wars won

[music-in-my-veins14]

Get out your guns, battle's begun Are you a saint or a sinner? If love's a fight, then I shall die With my heart on a trigger

[icey0909]

I really like this song, it's really good Song just can't related. But for anyone who had someone to treasure it's a fit song Lyrics.

"Angel With A Shotgun"

(I'm an angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun, An angel with a shotgun, shotgun, shotgun..)

Get out your guns, battle's begun, are you a saint, or a sinner? If love's a fight, then I shall die, with my heart on a trigger.

They say before you start a war, you better know what you're fighting for. Well baby, you are all that I adore, if love is what you need, a soldier I will be.

I'm an angel with a shotgun, fighting 'til the war's won, I don't care if heaven won't take me back. I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe. Don't you know you're everything I have? ..and I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight.

Sometimes to win, you've got to sin, don't mean I'm not a believer. ..and major Tom, will sing along. Yeah, they still say I'm a dreamer.

They say before you start a war, you better know what you're fighting for. Well baby, you are all that I adore, if love is what you need, a soldier I will be.

I'm an angel with a shotgun, fighting 'til the war's won, I don't care if heaven won't take me back. I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe. Don't you know you're everything I have? ..and I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight.

I'm an angel with a shotgun.. fighting 'til the war's won.. I don't care if heaven won't take me back..

I'm an angel with a shotgun, fighting til' the war's won, I don't care if heaven won't take me back. I'll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe. Don't you know you're everything I have? (I'm an angel with a shotgun) ..and I, want to live, not just survive, tonight. (Live, not just survive)

..and I'm gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight.

They say before you start a war, you better know what you're fighting for. Well baby, you are all that I adore, if love is what you need, a soldier I will be.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DcvaIgq5j2Q8&ved=2ahUKEwiIqYX5l6eHAxVg4zQHHbMlBhUQz40FegQIGRAJ&usg=AOvVaw1Qj79eo344r0CKhWqHZ8KM

[tekutiger]

Get out your guns, battle's begun, are you a saint, or a sinner? If love's a fight, then I shall die, with my heart on a trigger. They say before you start a war, you better know what you're fighting for. Well baby, you are all that I adore, if love is what you need, a soldier I will be.

[proherostories]

Lying on my back, watching stars (watching stars collide)

Ao3 Linkaroo

Dabi/Takami Keigo | Hawks

Dabi (My Hero Academia)

Takami Keigo | Hawks

Implied/Referenced Self-Harm

Self-Hatred

Implied/Referenced Child Abuse

Past Child Abuse

Dabi is Todoroki Touya

Dabi is Bad at Feelings (My Hero Academia)

Soft Dabi (My Hero Academia)

POV Dabi (My Hero Academia)

Rated M for Swearing, because Dabi has a potty mouth.

X

Stars danced and he inhaled at how lovely they were, hissing at the pain in his chest and he winced. There was a shooting star, but what would he wish for? What could he wish for that hadn’t come true before? Why waste his time on something so trivial and stupid and useless?

‘Someone to take the pain away...yeah, that seems reasonable enough…’ he mused in spite of himself, then cursed his own weakness.

Turquoise blues opened because the light from the sun had shifted into the broken window during its travel through the blue sky above. His eyes stung and it hurt to breathe. Yet everything was hazy. He could only blink slow, lids heavy. A bird flew by, far away, too far to tell what kind it even was. Fingers twitched, but he couldn’t move. 

A shadow appeared and there was a flash of what he thought were red feathers, but he was already closing his eyes.

X

When turquoise blues opened again, there was no sun outside, but the sky was still clear. Stars danced and he inhaled at how lovely they were, hissing at the pain in his chest and he winced. There was a shooting star, but what would he wish for? What  could  he wish for that hadn’t come true before? Why waste his time on something so trivial and stupid and  useless ?

‘Someone to take the pain away...yeah, that seems reasonable enough…’  he mused in spite of himself, then cursed his own weakness.

Fuck, now was the time to question why everything hurt so  fucking bad . What had happened? Last thing he remembered before waking up in this dingy warehouse was...oh. Blue fire. His. 

Crap.

His hand moved, ignoring the pain that shot through his body at the movement, and  was  going to run lanky fingers through black locks. Only his hand was stopped. A gentle grasp of a gloved hand around his wrist, surprisingly mindful of the staples there. Blinking and narrowing his eyes, he caught sight of...  Hawks .

Of all people.

“What are you doing here, birdy?” Dabi rasped and coughed, gritting his teeth at the rattle in his chest.

“I had to make sure you didn’t die of smoke inhalation, you fucker.” Hawks retorted and Dabi froze as the bird tilted his head and...rest it over his sternum. “Breathe for me.” It was a command, but it was quiet. It took a moment, but Dabi couldn’t stay stock still even if he wanted to. Reluctantly, he breathed in as deep as he possibly could, and let it out only to cough again. Grumbling, Hawks pulled back and golden slitted orbs looked down at him. He still hadn’t let go of his wrist. “It still sucks, but it doesn’t sound like you need me to get the breathing machine again. I’d hope not, I used it a lot the first few hours. Your lungs must normally be like that and it’s going to take a while to recover. You sure did a number on yourself, Dabs. I can get you an inhaler and give it to you later, if you have asthma.”

Asthma? What a stupid notion… he refused to admit that may even be the case. Hawks was annoying him, but he didn’t have the energy to bitch at him. “How did we even wind up here? Shouldn’t you be out Hero-ing or some shit?”

“I got a report this morning at the ass-crack of dawn, right after I even got to work, that a building was on fire. Blue flames that no one could put out, and they sent me in to see if anyone was trapped inside.” Hawks’ hand squeezed his wrist and Dabi hated how tender he was putting it on his chest. “I found you inside. I guess you were squatting there? There was a ring around you, like your own fire wasn’t touching you. It was difficult, but I managed to get you out. Endeavor ended up taming the flames, and I left him to it while bringing you here. I had to steal a breathing machine from the ambulance, are you proud of me?” he gave a lopsided smile.

Damn him, trying to be funny. Dabi snorted and kicked himself mentally for even smirking. It was dumb. “You coulda let me die.”

“I couldn’t do that!” Hawks’ gasp was incredulous, exaggerated, but Dabi narrowed his eyes at the flash of real concern in those stupid gold eyes. “Who else would I go to to tell it to me straight, huh? No one’s as brutally honest as you are, Dabs, and I appreciate it.”

“So you like it when I hurt your pretty birdy feelings?” Dabi sassed, rolling his eyes, “You’re such a freak.”

“See? That’s the spirit.” 

“I hate you.”

“You love me.”

Fuck him for sing-songing that, like some sort of songbird instead of a predator. 

Fuck him...for being right. Dabi scoffed and looked away, back out the broken window. “I want to go back to fucking sleep, birdy. Clearly I’m not dead yet, so you can just leave me here. I’ll wobble out of here in the morning.”

“I’m not leaving you. Not tonight.”

“Aren’t there people wondering where you went off to so suddenly after something like that? Dear ol’ Endeavor knows who those blue flames belong to.”

“Geez, sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me. Did I strike a nerve?” Hawks tilted his head at him. 

How dare he.

How  fucking  dare he...be so  fucking cute  when he did that.

“You’re insufferable. What do you want, Hawks? Some goddamn reward for saving my stupid ass pathetic life?” Dabi sat up so suddenly that it startled Hawks and knocked him on his ass. Good. Dabi felt the burn through his body but he had his hands planted on the concrete below him...wait no. That was? Hawks’...jacket. His fingers brushed against the suede interior and the fuzzy tufts of the lining. It was the first time he noticed Hawks...indeed had bare arms and he could see the design on his flight suit unhindered. Fascinating.

“What was your nightmare?”

Now it was his turn to be startled, this time by the question. Hawks’ previously wide eyes from his surge were watching him. Curiosity, concern,  knowing ...all of it drove Dabi up the wall. He wanted to strangle the bird. “If I tell you, will you fucking leave me alone?”

“No promises.” 

Wow, he was such a shit. Dabi scoffed. “It was about the abuse from my  dear ol’ dad. There, ya happy? Now get the fuck out of here and go back to being a Hero. I don’t  need you .”

Dabi’s tongue felt like ash as he watched Hawks’ expressive face shut down right before his very eyes. There was that weird thing birds’ eyes do, going big and small a few times, and blood red feathers ruffled, but there was no other indication that his words did anything to him.

No, his chest shouldn’t hurt like this. He shouldn’t want to take the words back. He was a goddamn  villain  and Hawks shouldn’t  be here. If he had a bad enough nightmare he set the building he was in on  fire, then he should’ve died in that fire like he should’ve died years ago. 

So he locked his jaw as he watched Hawks shuffle so he could get to his feet, fists clenching so tight the rough nails of his fingers bit into his palms. He wouldn’t take it back.

“You’ve made your point.” Hawks’ voice wasn’t cold, but Dabi’s stomach still felt like ice at the tone of it and the sigh that followed. What the fire user wasn’t expecting was for Hawks to just...walk on by. 

“Don’t you want your stupid jacket?” Dabi moved, refusing to hiss at the action, and tried to get off of it, tugging it from under his ass and rolled to get onto his knees so he could also stand up.

“I got more where that came from.” Hawks didn’t stop walking towards the door.

Dabi finally looked up, hand on his knee to support himself as he grunted to get to his feet. Immediately he sucked a breath in. There were...there were scars all over Hawks’ back, concentrated around his shoulder blades where the wings protruded. Eyes wide and no breath in his lungs, he clutched the jacket and reached out without thinking, “Hawks, what…? What are those scars?”

“Nothing for you to be concerned about. Not that you even care to begin with, yeah?” Hawks shrugged, not turning around and not stopping.

“Wait, damn it,” Dabi all but growled. It hurt, it hurt so much, but he managed to cross the room as Hawks’ hand landed on the doorknob, his hand landing on Hawks’ shoulder and yanking him back. Heaving, lungs protesting, his hand tightened. “Who did that to you?”

“I did.” 

The deadpan of it, without missing a beat and not looking back, Dabi was floored. It was like he had been struck with a lightning bolt. Everything tingled, and he reflexively let go of Hawks as if he had been electrocuted. “Hawks…” 

Why did it feel like everything shifted in that moment? 

Snapping out of his daze as the squeak of the door reached his ears, Dabi placed his hand on Hawks’ back, right over the scars and between the wings...only to shout as he was thrown back halfway across the room when he was smacked full force with one of them. Flight or fight came in, and Dabi didn’t even feel the pain or burn in his chest as he hopped back onto his feet, teeth bared, but Hawks was starting to head out the door, “Hawks!” He was across the room in no time flat, throwing the jacket which gave him time.

Just  enough time, a couple seconds, for Hawks to reach back and smack it away, but it was all a distraction. Dabi’s hand found its way in Hawks’ windswept stupidly soft hair, yanking him back into the room and he whipped him around. Shoving him against the wall, kicking the door shut, Dabi didn’t know what else to do to get him to  stay …

So he kissed him.

Something snapped.

It was hot and rough and full of angry teeth, but Hawks was gripping his scarred arms, pressing into him as much as Dabi was giving it. Considering Dabi couldn’t breathe too well, he broke the kiss sooner than he wanted to and panted harder than he normally would, “Hawks, I’m…”

“Keigo.”

Dabi stared at him, blinking slowly. “Excuse me?"

“You don’t have to force yourself to apologize to me, Dabi. Call me Keigo. That’s my name.” He rubbed his hands up Dabi’s arms and cupped his face, putting their foreheads together, “I was abused, too. I never wanted to be a Hero. Did I have a choice? No. I tried to cut out my own wings, hoping that would work, but they simply grew back. There, that’s the short of my story. You don’t have to tell me yours, I get it. Now...do you still not need me?”

Now Dabi hated the barest hint of hope, desperation, hurt and need in Hawks’...Keigo’s voice. He swallowed hard. “I might’ve been lying about that.” Fingers smoothing tenderly over  Keigo’s  hair, soothing where he’d pulled earlier. “You might’ve also been right.”

Keigo arched a stupid feathery brow at him, “Right about  what, Dabs?”

“I don’t hate you. Maybe. Only sometimes. You’re still insufferable.”

Dabi...didn’t hate how warm his chest felt when he was given the brightest, most honest smile from Keigo. “You love me.” It wasn’t said jokingly this time, and Dabi arched his brow at the most  interesting  birdlike coo at the tail end of that.

“Like I said. Maybe."

The echoing laugh from Keigo made Dabi suddenly think of that goddamn shooting star.

For a moment, he didn’t feel any pain.